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Special Section: Education Top five classroom trends Page 21

School & Township News Page 37

Fall 2013 icmags.com

Contents fall

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features 16 Legacy of Stone Canonsburg’s William DePaoli’s artistry is on display in plain sight.

21 Special Section: Education Top five classroom trends; jobs of the future; choosing the right college; paying for college.

28 Helping Kids in Crisis Two Canonsburg men find new calling in Washington County CASA Program..

16 on the cover Fall is here, and like it or not, it’s time for kids to get back to school.

So, in keeping with that theme, we put together an education section on page 21 that will get you thinking about your child’s future as you’re waiting for him or her at the bus stop..

departments 4 6 16

From the Publisher IN the Loop IN Person

38 44 56

School News

56

Township News INCognito

sponsored content Business Spotlights 11 Heartland Homes 13 Beinhauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

20 Consulate Health Care of North Strabane 32 Benjamin Marcus Homes 35 Conservation Consultants, Inc.

Industry Insights 14 Your Health : Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists 18 Physical Therapy : The Physical Therapy Institute

36 Weight Loss : Wano Chiropractic

IN Community is a publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Canon-Mac 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.

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

My wife, Lisa, and me with our three sons (l to r): Jordan, Brenden and Tyler, on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

In a few months, we will celebrate IN Community Magazines’ 10th anniversary! Our first magazine—IN Monroeville—premiered in 2004, and we’ve since grown to more than 35 publications, serving communities north, east, south and west of Pittsburgh, as well as our quarterly Designing Home Lifestyles magazine. Earlier this year, we added a new magazine to our publishing family—Faith Pittsburgh—that has received tremendous response from readers.

As we enter our next decade in publishing, we thought it fitting to give IN Community Magazines a new look (see far right) to reflect our mission to become a top source of information in your community.

Back to School!

This issue, we welcome editorial director Julie Talerico, who has been in publishing for nearly 30 years, including the past 10 years as editor-in-chief of Pittsburgh Magazine. We are excited to have her lead us through our next growth stage, producing and developing high-quality publications.

Over the years, our school and township partners have been a vital part of IN Community, and we thank you for your support. We also thank our advertisers, many of whom have been with us from the beginning.

As we head into fall and our kids and teenagers start back to school and college, we hope you’ll take time to read this publication. We welcome your feedback!

SUMMER 2013

2013

Case

AwArds

Special Section: Education Top five classroom trends Page 21

REAL ESTATE

School & Township News

IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS

Page 37

Fall 2013 icmags.com

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Tell Us What You Think!

We’d like to hear from you if you know someone in your community who is making a difference or has done something extraordinary. We’re also looking for interesting story ideas (little-known facts, history or other news) within your community. If you have suggestions, please contact Pamela Palongue (p.palongue@icmags.com) if you are in the north and east communities or Mark Berton (m.berton@icmags.com) if you are in the south and west communities. Please include your name, phone number and community magazine for which you are submitting the idea.

Thanks in advance for your contributions!

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To Advertise

As the largest magazine publisher in Western Pennsylvania, IN Community Magazines are direct mailed to more than 518,000 households, reaching 1.15 million readers. If you'd like to partner with us, please contact our General Sales Manager, Tamara Myers, at: 412.860.8972 or t.myers@icmags.com.

Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@icmags.com OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti l.vighetti@icmags.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Debbie Mountain d.mountain@icmags.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Michael Miller DESIGNERS Cassie Brkich Jim Paladino Anna Buzzelli Melissa St. Giles Sharon Cobb Tamara Tylenda Contributing Writers Jonathan Barnes Heather Holtschlag Jennifer Brozak Leigh Lyons Earl Bugaile Joanne Naser Matt Fascetti Melanie Paulick Tracy Fedkoe Judith Schardt Brenda Haines-Cosola Marilyn Wempa Elvira Hoff Contributing Photographers Ben Chronister Kathleen Rudolph Ginni Klein Jennifer Steenson Len Pancoast Gary Yon Primetime Shots Gary Zak GENERAL SALES MANAGER Tamara Myers t.myers@icmags.com SALES MANAGER Brian McKee b.mckee@icmags.com ADVERTISING SALES Sophia Alfaras Aimee Nicolia Pamela Arder Connie McDaniel Nikki Capezio-Watson Gabriel Negri Dan DeCesare Vincent Sabatini Julie Graff Michael Silvert Holly Hicks-Opperman RJ Vighetti Laurie Holding ICM Printing Sales Manager Tom Poljak ©2013 by IN Community Magazines.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of any part of this publication is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

Direct all inquiries, letters to the editor and press releases to:

IN Community Magazines 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 724/942-0940; Fax: 724/942-0968 icmags.com Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

in the

Loop What’s news in Canon-Mac

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION OF CANON-McMILLAN TO HOLD NINTH ANNUAL JACK-O-LANTERN JOG

The Ninth Annual Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K Race/1-Mile Stroll will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Central Van & Storage Warehouse, 595 Meadowlands Blvd., Meadowlands.

The 5K Race is professionally scored and special awards will be given in the following categories: the top three overall men and women, and top two men and top two women in the Masters Division (age 40 and over). Medals will be presented to the top

Ride for the Wreaths and Roar for the Military

five finishers in 14 age categories, and in the category of heavyweight men (190 lb. and over). Teams of five or more individuals are invited to compete in the 5K Race. The five fastest finishing team members will be scored for team awards in the categories of first, second, and third place overall.

The One-Mile Stroll is a fun and crazy event with surprises along the course. You can walk! You can run! You can be any age!

The Stroll is a fun family event and is not timed or scored for awards.

All pre-registered participants are guaranteed a T-shirt, Goodie Bag and Raffle Tickets for the Chinese Auction and the Grand Prize Drawing. Chinese Auction prizes will be drawn promptly at 9 a.m. and

6 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

the Grand Prize Drawing will be held at the end of the race. Winners must be present to claim all prizes. Participants and spectators can purchase additional tickets for the Chinese Raffle.

The Jack-O-Lantern Jog benefits The Community Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan Dollars for Scholars. All proceeds will be awarded as scholarships to deserving graduating students of the Canon-McMillan School District who are continuing with post-secondary education.

Pre-registration for the race is $18 and day-of registration is $21. Participants may register online at www.active.com.

Please visit www.eteamz.com/ jackolanternjog for more information.

The Bible Chapel hosted a motorcycle ride to benefit Wreaths Across America and The Wounded Warrior Project.

On Saturday, June 8, nearly 80 riders departed from Steel City Harley in Washington, Pa., for a 45-mile ride that included a stop for a short ceremony at The Cemetery of the Alleghenies before returning to The Bible Chapel in McMurray for a lunch cookout and entertainment.

Donations of $20 per biker, or $25 per pair, were the cost to join this ride, which benefited Wreaths Across America, wreathsacrossamerica.org, and The Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org, raising $2,000 with this event.

The Bible Chapel is a non-denominational Bible church with over 1,600 members. Its five campuses are located in the Pittsburgh area: in McMurray, Robinson, Washington, Wilkinsburg and online, and serve nearly 4,000 people each weekend. Senior Pastor Ron Moore is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Theology and doctorate degrees.

Since August 2000, Ron has been heard teaching each weekday on “The Journey Ministry” and is currently broadcast via radio in major cities across the country.

The church holds several major events each year including concerts, conferences and web simulcasts. For more information on The Bible Chapel and current events, visit biblechapel.org.

Mary Lyn Drewitz

2013 Washington County ATHENA Award Recipient Announced

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce announced Mary Lyn Drewitz, partner of Goldfarb, Posner, Beck, DeHaven & Drewitz, as the 2013 Washington County ATHENA Award Recipient. The 2013 ATHENA Award was presented during a lunch presentation at the Hilton Garden Inn, Pittsburgh/Southpointe. The 2013 Finalists included: · Nancy Bedwell Co-Owner, Beverage Distribution, Inc. · Karen A. Bray Vice President of Patient Care Services,

Washington Health System · David Geidel Owner / Franchisee, Arthur Murray

Dance Studios · Rachel Lozosky Associate, Peacock Keller The ATHENA Award is an internationally recognized award that honors women’s leadership within the business and civic communities.

“The award promotes leadership by honoring exceptional individuals in the community who contribute in significant ways to the achievements of women and women’s leadership issues,” said Jeff Kotula, president of the chamber. “As Mary Lyn and the four finalists demonstrate, we are very fortunate that Washington County’s businesswomen have taken leadership roles in both our civic and business communities.

Also, a man or a woman may be recognized for the ATHENA Award, as was proven this year with our first male finalist, David Geidel.”

Continued on page 8 Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 7

in the

Loop Continued

ATHENA Award recipient and finalists are selected by a panel of accomplished Washington County businesswomen, who determine the candidates by the following criteria: have achieved the highest level of professional excellence; contribute time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.

Celebrating its 11th year in Washington County, the annual ATHENA Award Presentation is sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank and hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

The event attracts approximately 300 people to recognize the role of women in Washington County’s economic, social and civic development.

Canon-McMillan Student Devotes His Summer to Military Service

Jeremy Soyring, a Cadet Senior Airman with Civil Air Patrol’s Washington Squadron 601, spent the summer before his senior year a bit differently than his fellow Canon McMillan High School students. He went to Fort Jackson, NC, for 10 weeks of basic training as a Private 1st Class with the U.S. Army Reserves as part of its early enlistment program.

“I have always had an interest in the military…it is a great way to serve my country and grow more. On my 17th birthday, the first day I was eligible, I signed up for the U.S. Army Reserve early enlistment program,” said PVT 1st Class Soyring. He also said that volunteering with Civil Air Patrol (CAP) helped to prepare him for military service. “My Civil Air Patrol training, especially basic encampment, not only furthered my interest in serving but also better prepared me for basic training.”

Since January of 2012, Soyring has been a member of the Washington County unit of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), an all-volunteer 8 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, an experience which has given him a chance to learn more about both community and military service. Nationwide, CAP has more than 61,000 members who train and participate in search and rescue, emergency services, aerospace education and the organization’s youth programs.

Captain Edward Silassy of Canonsburg and Commander of Washington Squadron 601 said that Cadet Soyring’s participation in CAP will help him face challenges ahead.

“PVT 1st Class Soyring is an outstanding cadet. I have no doubt, given his dedication to CAP and its missions, that he will be a very successful and valuable part of our

in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for 71 years. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans.

Canon-McMillan Football Players Score National Attention

Football players from Canon-McMillan went to New York for a scrimmage match against a New Jersey team, and got a chance to represent the ‘Burgh on “Good Morning America” with Josh Elliot and Kelly Frey. The students then made the local news circuit during noon and 6 p.m. broadcasts. Their coach came to Pittsburgh from New Jersey, and his local connections allowed them to set up the scrimmage match.

Capt. Edward Silassy, Commander, CAP Washington County Squadron 601 (left), PVT 1st Class, U.S. Army Reserves and Canon-McMillan senior Jeremy Soyring (center), and his father, Senior Member Sam Soyring, Washington County Squadron 601 (right).

country’s military. It has been a privilege to watch him grow into the impressive young man he is today.”

During Basic Training, Soyring worked as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic.

The Washington County unit of CAP meets every Wednesday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Washington, next to the Washington County Airport. For more information, visit Squadron 601’s website at sites.google.com/ site/pasquadron601,or on facebook at CAP Washington Composite Squadron 601.

CAP, as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. In its Air Force auxiliary role, CAP performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 26,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. CAP received the World Peace Prize

Washington City Mission Receives $200,000 Donation from CardConnect

Homeless shelter’s largest single donation in a decade comes from rapidly growing payment processor with roots in Pittsburgh CardConnect, a fast-growing payment processing company that helps more than 50,000 U.S. businesses process transactions each year, today announced it has donated $200,000 to the Washington City Mission (City Mission), a homeless rehabilitation center that provides food, clothing, shelter and recovery services to homeless men, women and children in western Pennsylvania.

The donation will be used to expand City Mission’s shelters, food pantries, medical and legal services, and recovery programs for its residents, as well as aid in the future development of new shelters for homeless men, women, children and veterans.

“As a Pittsburgh native, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that the Washington City Mission has had on the community,” said Brian Shanahan, CEO and chairman at CardConnect. “CardConnect has roots in western Pennsylvania, and it’s our hope that Continued on page 10

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other businesses will follow us by investing in causes that help our neighbors get back on their feet.”

Last year, City Mission provided more than 107,700 meals and 30,000 nights of shelter to more than 900 people. It also assisted more than 1,000 individuals in the community through its Samaritan Care program, which offers a food pantry, clothing and furniture – as well as other household items – to the public.

“We are incredibly grateful…for this generous donation, one of the largest donations our shelter has ever received,” said Dean Gartland, president & CEO at Washington City Mission. “These funds will be used to enhance our capacity to serve our

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residents, including homeless veterans.”

A check for $200,000 was presented to City Mission on June 25.

The City Mission, established in 1941, is the largest private not-for-profit homeless shelter in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Its mission is to serve the homeless and impoverished by providing the essentials of food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance and rehabilitation programming. In 2012, the City Mission provided over 30,000 nights of shelter for men, women and children, served over 107,700 meals and assisted 1,000+ individuals in the community through its Samaritan Care program.

Local Grad Serving in Okinawa

Cameron E. King, grandson of Ed and Rhonda Rusciolelli, has come a long way since graduating from Canon-McMillan High School in 2007. Shortly after

Cameron E. King

graduating, Cameron joined the Navy and served in Afghanistan. He and his wife now currently reside in Okinawa, Japan.

His rank in the picture is E5 which is Petty Officer Second Class (PO2).

Sponsored Content

Business Spotlight

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Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 11

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Business Spotlight

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Beinhauer —

Celebrating and Honoring Life The Beinhauer name is steeped in service and value – two qualities that have defined Beinhauer Family Funeral Service and Crematory since 1860.

Beginning in 1921, building the area’s first crematory, we have always provided the choice between traditional burial and cremation services. Regardless of your choice, many families choose to provide an opportunity to gather with family and friends prior to the funeral or cremation service. Beinhauer’s experienced staff can explain the various options upon a family’s request, and can advise you on the choices regarding service style and content.

Regardless of your family’s service wishes, Beinhauer is there for you. “We help the family celebrate and honor the life that was lived,” said Scott Beinhauer. Cremation services are becoming more and more acceptable to today’s families, and Beinhauer Crematory has been pioneering the way since installing their onsite crematory. Beinhauer’s can ensure your family’s peace of mind, by knowing that your loved one never leaves our care, which is why our on-site crematory is so important. Only Beinhauer’s licensed professional staff receives and identifies your loved one.

“Today’s families are evolving and changing,” said Kelly Keddie, Beinhauer’s Licensed Funeral Director and Certified Funeral Celebrant.

“Cremation service choices provide the family many affordable options and it is our responsibility to educate a family about their choices in planning a ceremony that is both meaningful to them and the community.”

Beinhauer’s counsels more families on cremation services than any area funeral home.

Beinhauer’s Extended Services The Beinhauer family serves five communities in the South Hills—Peters Township, Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Dormont/ Mt. Lebanon, and Canonsburg. Their locations are family-friendly, providing children’s rooms, cafés where food and beverages can be served, and a community room where dinners and luncheons can be scheduled.

They also own and operate Woodruff Memorial Park, a cemetery, located on Route 19 in North Strabane Township. Within the cemetery Woodruff’s Community Mausoleum offers entombment in a magnificent setting. The

We help the family celebrate and honor the life that was lived.

mausoleum also provides an extensive choice of cremation niches in bronze and beveled glass and a beautiful indoor chapel.

Nearby, Peaceful Pastures provides a final resting place for your pet companions, including burial and our on-site pet crematory and funeral home.

For more information on Beinhauer’s extended services, and their cemetery and cremation options, call 724/969-0200 or visit them online at beinhauer.com.

Celebrate Life Through the use of a password protected website, we can give those with physical considerations or travel limitations the ability to attend a loved one’s funeral service over the Internet. We also create photo collages that share a loved one’s life. Many families bring in personal items that represent hobbies or activities their loved one enjoyed with family and friends.

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 13

InDUStRY InSIGHt

Your Health

SPonSoReD Content

PINK IS ALWAYS “IN” AT

JEFFERSON HILLS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS The month of October is an exciting month that celebrates the advances made in the treatment of breast cancer. Cure rates for early stage breast cancer are over 90 percent. Pink ribbons, hats, shoes and more are a daily reminder that there is much support for this cancer which affects one in eight women over the course of their lifetime. Despite all the positives, when a woman is faced with the reality of a breast cancer diagnosis, her thoughts often turn fearful: How am I going to get through all of this? Where can I turn? Am I going to live or die?

Fortunately, having a comprehensive breast program close to home can help ease that anxiety tremendously. Led by Dr. Mark Gannon of Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, the breast program provides a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, well-coordinated approach for the care of breast health and breast cancer patients. The emphasis is on moving women (and sometimes men) through their diagnostic imaging, biopsy, surgery and further treatments as efficiently as possible.

“Our program prides itself on how quickly we can have patients seen in our office for surgical consultation, sometimes even the same day,” said Dr. Gannon. “We are in constant communication with specialists in the program including diagnostic imaging, medical oncology, radiation oncology and plastic surgery. Every effort is made

to streamline the care and appointments needed.”

Drawing on his 22 years of extensive breast surgery experience, Dr. Gannon is also the lead breast surgeon for the program utilizing the latest surgical techniques for sentinel node biopsy, breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. At the time of the initial surgical consultation, women are given a thorough explanation of their options and surgical recommendations by Dr. Gannon who allows plenty of time for questions to be answered. For most patients, the surgery is scheduled as quickly as possible, usually within one to two weeks.

A key part of the efficiency of the comprehensive breast program is the nurse navigator, Brenda Cline, RN, MSN. Brenda is nationally certified as a breast patient navigator. She meets patients at the time of biopsy and then provides constant support and education as they go through their diagnosis and treatment, following them for a year or more. Brenda sees the patient with the surgeon at the initial consultation, on the day of surgery and at follow-up visits. She also expedites testing and appointments, assesses barriers to treatment such as insurance issues, and is in close communication with all the specialists involved in the patient’s care.

“Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is never easy,” said Brenda. “But if we can simplify this complicated process, most patients are very pleased and grateful.”

To inquire about the Comprehensive Breast Program, contact Brenda Cline, RN, MSN at 412-469-5989. For a surgical consultation at Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, please call 412-469-7110.

This Industry Insight highlights one specialty area of Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists.

Brenda Cline, RN, MSN, CBPN-IC

Mark P. Gannon, MD

Certified Breast Patient Navigator for Imaging and Cancer Care; Member, Oncology Nursing Society; Professional Member, National Consortium of Breast Centers

Medical Director, Comprehensive Breast Program; Fellow, American College of Surgeons; Member, American Society of Breast Surgeons

Main Office 1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 170 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025

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charlerOi 1200 McKean Avenue, Suite 107 Charleroi, PA 15022

BrentwOOd 3720 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15227

SPeerS 17 Arentzen Boulevard, Suite 102 Charleroi, PA 15022

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 15

inPerson

Legacy of Stone

Canonsburg’s William DePaoli’s artistry is on display in plain sight.

Story by Melanie O. Paulick

There is a real satisfaction in being able to take a step back and observe what was accomplished with your own hands.

I

n Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth, Tom Builder roams the southern England countryside in search of work. He is a master builder, a stonemason. He eventually is commissioned to build a new cathedral in the 12th-century fictional town of Kingsbridge, where he spends the rest of his life working on its completion. The theme of cathedral-building is one of many in Follett’s novel, but it is key, for it is the stonemasons who built and re-built the medieval cities throughout all of their tumultuous, heart-wrenching history.

The Tom Builders of the world don’t just exist in fiction. Lifelong Canonsburg resident William Bernard DePaoli is a stonemason who built many of the buildings in the borough and throughout

16 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

western Pennsylvania. His own grandfather was born and lived in Feltre, Italy, and eventually moved north to Germany to build one of the many cathedrals. His father, William Bernard Sr., was born in Saarbruchen, Germany, and William was born in Greensburg, Pa., in 1933. The family moved from Greensburg to Canonsburg in 1938 and has lived there ever since. The skills of masonry were passed down from generation to generation, with William’s grandfather teaching his father and uncle, and his own father then teaching him.

In fact, as soon as William was old enough to carry and lift the mortar and stones, his father made him learn how to lay brick. William

remembers not always wanting to get up early and work all day throughout the long, hot summer months. “There were a lot of times when I wished I could just go out and play like all of the other kids,” he recalls. Yet, it was during those years of being under his father’s watchful eye that William learned the skills of masonry.

When Mr. DePaoli was young, Canonsburg was a booming industrial town and remained so until the 1970s. His own father had moved to Canonsburg to find work. There were wire mills and transformer mills in the borough. There were pottery factories. It was a town with a great variety of industry, most of which was family-owned.

William remembers that it was actually a pretty

noisy place: “…there was always a lot of machinery operating. There were trains…steam locomotives going through.” When he wasn’t laying brick with his father or in school, William spent a lot of time with his friends in the area that is now Southpointe. At that time, Southpointe was “part pasture, part woods,” says Mr. DePaoli. “In the summertime we made swimming holes. In the fall we trapped [game] and in the winter we hunted.”

After graduating from high school in 1953, Mr. DePaoli was drafted into the Army and served in Korea for 15 months. Following his time of service, he returned home to Canonsburg and began work as an apprentice brick layer with the Pittsburgh Local Union. Typically, this period of indenture lasts for four years. It took William three years to complete his apprenticeship; at the end of three years, there was nothing more that the elders could teach him, and Mr. DePaoli became a journeyman. There is no doubt that the summers he spent working for his father provided nearly all of his career education and experience.

After all, the art of laying brick was a family tradition.

Mr. DePaoli helped build much of Canonsburg and the surrounding area. In 1963, he was the foreman on the Canonsburg borough building. In 1999, he helped build the Perry Como plaza. He built the Italian-American stage in Town Park. Mr. DePaoli worked on the Burgettstown, Avella and Trinity high schools. He worked on Washington Hospital and was the foreman for the Kane Regional Care Center in Ross Township. He built Amerifit gym in Pittsburgh. Mr. DePaoli constructed a part of St. Barnabas Health System in Gibsonia. he also helped build several churches in the Pittsburgh area, including: St. Pamphilus in Beechview, St. Ferdinand in Cranberry and St. John the Baptist in Canonsburg. During the colder weather, William constructed coke ovens out of fire brick in steel mills.

As if that weren’t impressive enough, William also built dozens of single-family homes throughout Canonsburg, getting the jobs mostly through good reputation and word of mouth. In 1960, he purchased property to build his own house and finished constructing it three years later in 1963. In this matter William again followed in the footsteps of his father, who built their family home in Canonsburg years before.

When asked what the most rewarding and the most challenging parts of his job were, Mr. DePaoli unhesitatingly responds that “getting up early” was the most difficult part of each day. The most gratifying aspect, however, was looking at a completed job. “There is a real satisfaction in [being able to] take a step back and observe what was accomplished [with your own hands].” If that is true, then Mr. DePaoli must be gratified every time he drives through town. Nowadays, things just aren’t made the same, he says. “[In my time], everything was made here [in the United States]. Now, everything is imported – everything is made overseas. No one cares as much and the quality suffers.”

In September of 2011, Mr. DePaoli traveled to Italy to “visit the fatherland.” He began his journey in Rome then went north to Florence and still further north to his family’s hometown of Feltre, in the foothills of the Dolomite mountains. While in Italy he visited numerous museums and cathedrals and never tired of taking in all of the incredible architecture. He remembers being continually amazed because he couldn’t believe how people could build those incredible, intricate and complex structures without the machinery or tools that we have today. “There were churches up on hills…I don’t know how they got that stuff up there…everything was carved…it was just – amazing,” he recalls.

Everyone will agree that western Pennsylvania was shaped by the labor of blue-collar men and women who worked tirelessly and ceaselessly in the factories, mines and mills. It was the stonemasons, however, who created the landscape. They are the ones who built the towns. Among these men is William Bernard DePaoli: a modern-day Tom Builder, craftsman and artist. ■ Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 17

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

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Service with Hearts and Hands

I

n the heart of Peters Township is a community within a community, dedicated to providing the best service and care available for area seniors.

Consulate Health Care of North Strabane and Retirement Village offers residents an entire campus where they can enjoy their golden years maintaining their independence without feeling isolated from the greater community.

“We’ve been in operation since 2000, and we were designed to be a health care facility from the start,” said Rich Valentic, executive director.

“We offer our residents skilled nursing and rehabilitative services, personal care services and we also offer a secured dementia unit for clients with a dementia diagnosis.”

The skilled nursing and rehabilitation sector of Consulate offers a short-term stay for patients recovering from surgery or illness.

Consulate offers private and semi-private accommodations with 24-hour nursing professionals under the supervision of Medical Director Dr. Edward Dainesi. Consulate’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation program boasts a 40 percent return to home rate and a 70 percent rate of return to prior level of function.

“Therapy services are what we are known and recognized for. We strive to get people back into their homes or back on their feet,” Valentic said. “And our people are our biggest asset here. No matter which department of the facility you visit, you’re going to find caring, dedicated people, many of whom have been here since day one.”

“I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and compassion of the personnel and rehab program at Consulate,” said resident Ron Sarrick. “The therapists and the nursing team work with both professionalism and compassion. I was quick to learn that, with the proper equipment and superb therapists, I was back on my feet, walking faster than expected, after a motorcycle accident that occurred on July 26, 2013. My rehab experience at Consulate has been quite an awesome experience.”

The personal care home or Retirement Village at Consulate is a 90-bed facility, offering residents private and semi-private rooms. Apartments here are equipped with kitchenettes that include refrigerators and

20 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

microwaves. Residents here are assisted with daily needs such as bathing and personal hygiene, as well as other normal, everyday activities. Meals are provided by a full complement of professional chefs, and residents also benefit from a fully-staffed event and activities department that provides numerous outings to local and regional attractions. Entertainment also is provided on the campus itself, and exercise and pet therapy are a key part of Consulate’s dedication to its residents.

“It’s like the Italian Riviera with the most beautiful people in Washington County,” said resident Lois Carnell. “Gourmet food, good care, excellent supervisors and staff. I would highly recommend Consulate to anyone.”

Consulate’s secured dementia unit serves clients diagnosed with dementia. The 20-bed unit, licensed under Pennsylvania Care Home regulations, is a safe and accommodating facility for residents who need extra care and assistance due to the nature of their diagnosis.

Staff members in the unit are trained to learn

about each resident, their past and their hobbies, and their family dynamics so that they can uniquely care for that resident.

Just like the other facets of Consulate’s offerings, those in the dementia unit also are included in events and outings, and benefit from the many activities and functions provided on campus.

Consulate is affiliated and served by Washington, Canonsburg and St. Clair hospitals, as well as those located in the City of Pittsburgh, where resident choices in acute care services/ procedures are available. Consulate accepts all major insurances, including Medicare and most managed care product offerings.

For more information on Consulate Retirement Village, including a complete listing of all the programs and services, go to www.consulatehc.com or call 724.743.9000.

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EDUCATION CANON-MAC

fall

20 13

W

hen it comes to education, too much is never enough. And in a world where job competition is fierce, parents believe the more educated their children are, the better their chances of getting that rewarding, high-salaried position that will allow them to grow as a professional, support a family and pad their 401(k). But ask any high school juniors what they plan on majoring in, and you’re almost guaranteed to be met with a blank stare.

Traditional college is a smart choice, but for today’s students, other options are available that do not require a degree. The job market indicates an increasing demand for skilled trades, non-degreed and service professionals which is quickly outpacing those who can deliver it.

In this special section, we take a look at college preparation — from choosing the right preschool to prepping for SATs, as well as some alternatives to college that promise a bright future without the need for a four-year degree.

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 21

5

CANON-MAC

Top Education Trends O

ne thing is for sure: school is not what it used to be. No longer are college students expected to sit for long periods of time in one classroom, listening to one professor while feverishly taking notes. Today, students have a wide array of schooling options, study tools and reference materials that make it easier to get the grade. Among these latest trends are:

1|

Social Media: Social media has given students access to a whole new way of communicating and learning. In today’s classrooms, professors are blogging, maintaining Twitter and Facebook accounts and even communicating with students through these mediums. Students also have access to YouTube and may even be required to produce and post videos as a part of their learning curriculum.

Students may find it helpful to use social media techniques to find employment since many sites, such as LinkedIn, give job seekers the venue to create resumes and profiles that are searchable by potential employers. Graduates can also begin networking with professionals in their desired field.

22 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

2|

Online Learning: No longer is traveling to a school building and sitting at a desk beside 25 other students part of school requirements. Students who want to pursue chosen fields of study can learn from home and study at their own pace laptop style. In fact, according to the Bacon Survey Research Group, the number of students enrolled in at least one online course increased for the ninth straight year. The study reports that the number of students taking online courses has surpassed six million and nearly one-third of all students in higher education are taking at least one online course. Some universities, such as the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, Johns Hopkins University and Stanford, even offer free online

courses, a trend that is expected to continue in coming years.

3|

Massive Open Online Course: Massive open online course, or MOOC, is a relatively new way for students to learn. MOOC is a course that is offered exclusively online to provide large interactive participation and open access through the Internet.

MOOCs offer all of the traditional types of course materials, but also provide interactive user forums that help build communities among students and teachers and teaching assistants. These free courses only require the use of a computer and an Internet connection. As an extra incentive, there is some discussion about awarding official college credits to students who take these

CANON-MAC

courses, which continue to grow in popularity around the globe, as they are offered in nearly 200 countries in 44 different languages and have more than 4,500 testing centers.

4|

Better Job Market: Students graduating now may enter a better job market than students from previous years. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies expect to hire 9 percent more 2012 graduates than in 2011. And, students who have studied in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) have even greater odds of landing a job.

5|

Game-Based Learning: While still a new concept for both students and teachers alike, game-based learning, or GBL, is a method of learning that is growing in popularity and has proven to be

an effective method of teaching.

These games are designed exclusively to provide educational value to students in any type of educational environment. They are designed to teach students about certain subjects, reinforce growth and development, encourage the development of new skills, or understand an event that took place in history. GBL methods include boards, cards and video games and incorporate methods like learning simulations with both serious

games and video games into the classroom. In addition, this method offers both gameplay and subject matter so that students can easily remember what they have learned and get ready to apply it in the real world. Although this method is still in its infancy, it is expected to expand in growth in the coming years.

The way we learn is changing and it is broadening our horizons, our skills and our possibilities.

The number of students taking online courses has surpassed

six million

and nearly one-third of all students in higher education are taking at least one online course.

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 23

CANON-MAC

Jobs

W

of the

Future

hile a college degree does garner some credibility and an advantage in finding a well-paying job, there has been an increase in demand for people who have the right skills, and not necessarily a degree, in certain industries.

According to a recent story featured in Forbes magazine, jobs of the future are comparably “lowskilled,� meaning they still require a lot of all-around intelligence to succeed, but not a degree.

For example, carpentry has experienced a 56 percent growth, and medical secretaries have seen an increase of 41 percent in recent years.

Other top jobs include web developer, which has a median salary of more than $75,000 a year and has risen in popularity among those who are self-taught or who have only a minimal amount of college training. In fact, the demand for people in this field is so great that

companies do not view it as a disadvantage if the person does not have a college degree, particularly the smaller start-up companies.

Plumbers can make more than $46,000, in a profession that is expected to grow 26 percent in the next few years. Paralegal assistants, electricians and industrial machine repairers are also professions that can expect an annual salary of more than $46,000. Administrative executive assistants could see a salary of more than $34,000. Bookkeepers and pest control specialists can earn more than $30,000, while receptionists and skin care specialists may be paid more than $25,000.

A possible reason for this recent upward trend in jobs that do not require a college degree may be that there is a heavier demand for people who offer actual services and specific skill sets.

Caring for an aging population is one of the reasons that jobs like home health aide and personal care aide

Some in-demand professions that don’t require a four-year degree.

24 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

CANON-MAC

Carpentry has experienced a growth of

are at the top of the fastest growing jobs list compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, as reported

by CareerCast.com. But right below these two occupations are biomedical engineers, which anticipates a 61 percent growth by 2020.

Jobs such as brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons and tile and marble setters, expect to grow at least 60 percent by 2020. Veterinary technicians and technologists are expected to grow in demand by 52 percent. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers will increase by nearly 47 percent, physical therapy assistants by 46 percent, pipelayers and steamfitters by 45 percent, meeting and event planners by 44 percent and diagnostic medical sonographers by 43 percent.

These fields all rank near the top of the list in popularity and expected job growth.

56 percent

Biomedical engineering anticipates growth of

According to Forbes, many of these types of jobs do not require a college education because a person could potentially learn more about them with on-the-job training as opposed to sitting in a college classroom.

Many people who enter "non-degreed" professions are self-taught and begin freelancing with a few clients.

Through word-of-mouth, they are able to grow enough to launch their own business.

For the most part, the trend remains that college graduates still stand to earn more in their lifetimes than nongraduates, as companies will continue to look for the bachelor’s degree on a resume. However, there is a bright future for non-graduates with much potential if they have the desire and motivation to be successful.

61 percent

Physical therapy assistant jobs will increase by

46 percent

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 25

CANON-MAC

EDUCATIONDIRECTORY

Finding the Right Preschool Our school program provides comprehensive special education and therapy services individually designed to meet the needs of children ages 3-8 with special needs. Community locations (North Hills, Strip District, Baldwin and Murrysville) offer small class sizes and low staff-to-student ratio. Full-day program provided with on-site therapy staff and Assistive Technology services. Disability awareness and inclusion education is provided through preschool integration opportunities.

Easter Seals Western and Central Pennsylvania Linda Lanham Zeszutek School 412.281.7244 X 269 • www.eastersealswcpenna.org

Choosing the Right College You made it. You got through grade school, succeeded in high school, and now the search begins…for the perfect college. You may already have your eye on a school, or you may be keeping your options open. Whatever your situation, there are some pointers to keep in mind when making your decision.

To start, make a list of the colleges in which you are most interested. Divide the list into three categories: top choices, acceptable choices and sure-things. You also may want to add the reasons they interest you and the factors that make them unique.

Seek out advice from those you trust – high school teachers, guidance counselors, friends and family members or school alumni – and ask why they favor a particular school. Also consider your educational goals and the field of study you would like to pursue. If one of your top choices does not offer that particular major, it may be safe to scratch it off your list.

Another important component to consider is the social atmosphere and the type of housing accommodations the school has to offer. Do you want to attend a school where the students never sleep, or would you prefer to live in a quiet, non-party environment? Make sure the school that you choose will make you feel comfortable so you can succeed academically.

Seek out printed information about the school. Directories, websites, maps and newsletters will help you navigate the campus and enable you to decide if this is where you want to spend the next four, or more, years.

Lastly, talk to college representatives and staff on campus. Interview them about their likes and dislikes about the school, the academic and non-academic programs that the school offers and the types of financial aid that are available.

Most importantly, make sure the school will meet your needs and help you to excel in whatever path you choose.

26 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

Deciding on a preschool for your child is an important decision requiring a lot of thought and research. You want your child’s first experience in school to be a positive one filled with happy memories.

There are several factors to keep in mind as you make your decision.

Among the first should be the location of the school. Do you want something that is close to home or close to work? How far are you willing to drive?

Another consideration is the school’s reputation. Do you have any friends who send their children to the school or who know any of the staff? Talk to them while doing your research and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions.

The Child Care Aware hotline, 1.800.424.2246, can give you the number of a local childcare referral agency, which can provide you with the names of preschools in the area.

Before calling the school, make a list of all of the questions that are important to you, such as teacher-to-student ratio, the staff’s credentials, what types of activities the kids engage in and what is the level of progression from year to year. Also, be sure to ask if the school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a sign that the school is trustworthy and reliable.

If you are allowed to visit the school, take a tour and perhaps observe the class your child would be attending. During this visit, observe how the teachers interact with the kids, their demeanor toward each other and their overall personality.

Finally, observe the children themselves. If they are happy in their surroundings and you feel comfortable, it just may be the perfect school for your child!

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 27

Helping Kids in Crisis

By Earl Bugaile

Two Canonsburg men find new calling in Washington County CASA Program.

E

d Holmes spent the majority of his professional career working for the National Weather Service in Buffalo, NY. Kevin Kuhn was a high school and elementary principal in the Chartiers Valley School District.

While each followed a different career path prior to retirement, these two Canonsburg men have chosen a new life course that touches the lives of children in crisis, by serving as their mentor, counselor and representative in the county courts system. It’s a job that neither of them takes lightly.

Holmes and Kuhn are among a dedicated group of 36 active volunteers in the Washington County CASA for Kids program, an acronym, for Court Appointed Special Advocates. They are part of a nationwide CASA program that provides a voice in the courtroom for abused or neglected children. In all, there are more than 950 CASA programs operating nationwide.

Pennsylvania alone has 20 CASA jurisdictions, with more than 800 volunteers. They have provided a voice for more than 8,700 children across the state through more than 80,000 service hours.

The Washington County CASA office was created in 2002, and since that time, has advocated for more than 487 children through some 132 volunteer advocates. Currently, the volunteers are working for 97 children, while at least 14 more are on a waiting list. It means that every volunteer advocate has an active caseload; it also means that more volunteers are needed to keep up with the demand.

“It’s always concerning when we have a wait list,” said Vivian Osowski, CASA executive director. “If the court gives us a case, it’s because the judge wants an extra set of eyes and ears on that case or for those children. We recently had two cases close, and those two volunteers were ready and willing to take another case.”

Ed Holmes

“I don’t think there is any kind of volunteer work that can directly affect a child as profoundly as this.”

28 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

By Earl Bugaile

Holmes has been a CASA volunteer advocate for 1 ½ years, deciding to again work with children after his retirement. “I had worked with Allegheny County CASA off and on over the years in school, and I was familiar with the program. I felt I could really fill a niche, because it’s a great way to work with kids.”

Holmes took on the case of a seven-year-old boy living in a split family situation. In November he took on the boy’s four-year-old step-sister. Both children are now living in foster homes. He said he uses his skills learned in his professional career to help him communicate with the children and to be their spokesperson in the courtroom.

“They are always refreshing to deal with,” he says. “One thing is that they are completely honest most of the time.

When you talk to kids that age, you get a fairly straight scoop from their eyes. You can put a picture together.”

Kuhn has been a CASA volunteer advocate since 2008.

The father of four children of his own, Kuhn has had three cases involving seven children. Most of them have been teenagers, a group that is sometimes seen as difficult.

“I think we’ve been successful with the kids so far,” he said. “I taught religious education for almost 30 years, and I always had good luck with 13-17 year olds. I was able to get them to accept things that they couldn’t accept before. My wife told me that the kids in my class seemed happier than they were in any other class. It kind of told me that I was effective with that age group.”

Kevin Kuhn

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 29

Kuhn goes over files with CASA program director Lynn Sylvis.

After their 52 hours of training, which is spread over a five-week period, CASA volunteers are prepared to deal with any number of issues common to abused or neglected children and those from broken homes. The volunteer advocates work with schools, medical professionals, attorneys and Children and Youth Services to insure the child’s needs are met. After meeting with all parties and the

30 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

child, the volunteer advocate compiles a written report and a recommendation to the judge and to the court.

“The training is challenging and the work is challenging,” Osowski says. “They learn so much about so many things, but I don’t think there is any kind of volunteer work that can directly affect a child as profoundly as this.”

Holmes and Kuhn rely on support and guidance from Osowski and Lynn Sylvis, the CASA program director. Both staff members work closely with all of the volunteer advocates.

“I find the work to be so rewarding,” says Kuhn. “You’re not dealing with families that are middle income, where the kids dress nicely for school. You have to know that you’re getting into something where people have struggled and they’re trying to make their lives better. Hopefully I make a little piece of the world better.”

“There are valleys and peaks in doing work like this,” Holmes said. “The valleys get you down, and that’s where the office staff helps. But there are times when everything is done, and you can say: ‘Hey, I made a difference in a child’s life.’ That’s when it’s worth it.”

“The ultimate goal of an advocate is to have a child in the right forever home,” Osowski said. “Whether it is back with their parents, or in an adoptive home, the whole goal is permanence.

And when a child has a safe and stable home, he/she is are going to have a good future.”

Information about the programs is available at the CASA office at 724.228.0414 or at www.casawashingtoncounty.org. ■

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 31

Sponsored Content

Business Spotlight

Sponsored Content

Benjamin Marcus Homes

W

hen Mark Hoskins went into the construction business in 1979 under the name Hoskins Construction, his primary goal was to bring his personal philosophy to the land he developed. Today, more than 34 years later, and with over a dozen landmark communities under his belt, Hoskins is still building as Benjamin Marcus Homes, and is still creating communities that homeowners love and take pride in.

“All of our design work starts in-house,” Hoskins said. “It’s a family business, but with some big names under its belt. We created Windermere and the Hamlet of Springdale. We have built in Nevillewood, Springfield, Stonehenge, Old Trails, Cider Lands and Country Brook to name a few. These are all local developments that people know and love.”

One of two developments currently underway with Benjamin Marcus Homes is the Hamlet of Springdale.

The Hamlet of Springdale, Phase III, currently is taking lot reservations, with Phases I and II selling out two years ahead of schedule. While the entire development is broken into five phases, you’re not going to see crowded lots with every square inch maximized for profit. Hoskins’ approach is to develop land naturally, saving as many trees as possible, and giving each lot room to breathe.

“All of our lot sizes start at .5 acre and go up to 1.8 acres or more,” Hoskins said.

“We’re only looking at 70 lots total because our lots are wider than the average lot. The big thing with me is to work with the land so the developments don’t look like strip mines when you’re done with them. We always do a nice, wide, stone entrance, and we utilize 50-foot setbacks, so that you can appreciate the unique exterior of the homes from the road, without feeling like they’re all right on

32 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

top of you. If I have a piece of land where I can put in 50 lots, I’ll usually put in only 40. Homeowners want that extra space and the privacy and aesthetic that it gives the neighborhood.”

The Hamlet of Springdale’s location also is a plus for homeowners looking to set up roots in Peters Township. It’s tucked away from all the high-traffic and congested areas, yet still convenient to all of the township’s amenities, like the recreation center, shopping areas and nearby highway access points. Benjamin Marcus Homes also plans for the details within the development itself, such as natural trafficcalming techniques, a minimum of two street trees on every lot, and homeowners’ associations run by qualified management companies so neighbors can focus on being neighbors rather than policing maintenance issues for each other.

While Hoskins does most of the design work himself, Benjamin Marcus homes are completely customizable to what the homeowner desires within the “feel” of the overall development.

“We’ll get the homeowners’ ideas and satisfy their needs all while keeping a certain feel to the entire neighborhood,” Hoskins said. “Our motto is: ‘Your home will never be your neighbors’ home,’ and we stand by that – the homes won’t look the same because they’re custom, but they also won’t look like they’re from two entirely different developments either. There are a lot of combinations of brick and stonework that allow you to vary the designs of the materials.”

Benjamin Marcus Homes has received numerous awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), has earned the Residential Development of the Year Award twice and has been recognized three times for a best-in-class award for home building and design.

For more information, find them on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/benjaminmarcushomes where you can find information documenting all of the features of the Hamlet of Springdale. Or, you can call them at 724.255.0861.

Scan Code to View Hamlet of Springdale Video

Tree Service & Land Clearing Servicing the Greater South Hills & Washington County • Tree & Stump Removal •Tree Pruning & Shaping • Emergency Service Fully Licensed & Insured Superior Work at Value Pricing

1-724-554-TREE Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 33

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Sponsored Content

Business Spotlight

Sponsored Content

Is Your Home in the 85%?

A

recent study of 100,000 homes found that 85% have critical problems adversely impacting the quality of life of their occupants in the areas of health, safety, comfort, or affordability. How do you know if your home is in the 85%? Unlike your car which came with an owner’s manual to help you understand maintenance requirements, your home is a complex set of systems for which there is no guide to help you maintain those systems or identify issues. Some symptoms are easy to identify such as cold floors or window condensation while other problems such as a malfunctioning furnace require specialized equipment and training.

The professionals at Conservation Consultants, Inc. (CCI) can identify and help you understand all of these issues through an inspection called a Home Energy & Safety Audit.

Who is CCI?

Founded in 1978 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CCI’s mission is to promote responsible energy and resource use in homes and buildings. CCI achieves its mission through education and the identification of efficiency improvements that helps its customers to: • Improve personal comfort, health and safety • Save money by reducing utility bills • Support American energy independence through energy efficiency

Knowledge and Experience The most important considerations when choosing an auditor are their training, certification and experience. The most highly qualified auditors are trained and certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI).

CCI’s auditors are BPI certified and are some of the most experienced auditors in the greater Pittsburgh area having completed thousands of home energy and safety audits.

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What is a Home Energy & Safety Audit?

The audit is a comprehensive top to bottom review of your home and its systems performed by a certified professional who determines how well those systems are operating and their effect on your safety, health, comfort and utility use.

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.

After completing the improvements, your auditor can come back for a quality and safety inspection of the work performed.

Why choose CCI?

The Whole-House Approach When was the last time a heating contractor told you that by adding insulation in the attic he could install a smaller, less expensive furnace?

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.

Affordability CCI manages or participates in all local utility-sponsored efficiency programs that can save you money on home energy audits and efficiency upgrades.

Learn More Join us for an informative presentation and discussion at the Frank Sarris Public Library on November 5th at 6:30 p.m. For more information email Michele Bittner at mbittner@franksarrislibrary.org.

Contact CCI

For more information or to schedule a whole-house energy & safety audit, call 412. 773.7163 or visit CCI’s website using this easy-to-type URL: http://bit.ly/14nokBe Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 35

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Weight Loss

Sponsored Content

weight?

Feel celebrity,

Are You Ready to

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like a CALL TODAY!

ver the last 20-plus years our clinic has helped thousands of patients lose thousands of pounds. During that time we have seen many fad diet approaches come and go. Everything from high carbohydrate, fat free, low-carb, high protein, diet pills, shots, and lipolasers. The question is: What really works? Our extensive clinical experience and expertise tell us moderation – not deprivation – gets the job done.

Our approach consists of three equally important phases: weight loss, stabilization and maintenance.

During the weight loss phase of the program, we determine a realistic goal weight and timeframe to achieve their goal. This initial phase focuses on two critical components. First, we establish ground rules for a patient’s eating habits and, second, we teach nutrition. We don’t have the patient counting calories, using confusing exchanges, or points to lose the weight. We have found that approach to be a short term solution to a long term problem. With our system, the patient undergoes laboratory

evaluation, body composition testing and extensive medical and diet histories and that data is used to design a comprehensive customized plan which enables patients to lose 3-5 pounds per BEFORE week without feeling hungry. All the food selections are storebought and restaurant foods. We have formulated a custom Vitapack that has all the vitamins and minerals that are needed to complete RDAs as well as all the vital nutrients that promote weight loss. We use a bariatric protein supplement that protects the patient’s muscle and enhances the patient’s weight loss.

AFTER During the stabilization phase of the program, we slowly reintroduce all the restricted foods back into their day. By the end of the stabilization process the patients are able to choose from any food available.

They learn how their bodies react to certain foods and which foods should be limited.

The final and most important phase is the maintenance portion of the program. We address obesity or being overweight like any other chronic disease process. Keeping the weight off requires long term management.

If you are a diabetic and take insulin to correct your sugar levels to an acceptable level, it does not mean you’re no longer a diabetic. It means you are managing your disease. If you stop taking insulin, your sugar levels go back up. Losing weight is very similar. Just because you lose weight doesn’t mean you no longer have a weight problem. It just means you’re managing your obesity. If you return to old eating habits, you will gain all the weight back plus more. For that reason we use a computer application on maintenance that helps you keep track of your eating so you can be proactive with your corrections, as compared to reactive, when the excess pounds show up on the scale.

Our clinic offers more than just a plan. We provide a complete wellness package. We have a full-service fitness center staffed by certified trainers to reshape your body as you lose the weight. We have the availability of vitamin B-12 injections and appetite suppressants, if needed.

As you can see, losing the weight and keeping it off requires a multifaceted approach with experienced professionals. After 23 years and thousands of satisfied patients, we are sure we can help you finally lose & try one of our comprehensive weight! packages that will give you everything you need to achieve life-changing success!

Live like a star

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Tony Wano DC, CCSP, FACACN, President /CEO of Wano Chiropractic Weight Loss & Nutrition Centers Inc. 193 W Beau Street, Washington, PA 15330 Tel: 724.222.8322 Website: www.WanoWellness.com 36 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

CANON-MAC School & Township News

Canon-Mac School District

North Strabane Township

38

New Administrators Join C-M School District

44

Message from the North Strabane Township Supervisors

39

Speaker Engages in “First Five Minutes”

44

2013 Planning and Development News

39

Summer Reading Club and Bowling Club

44

2013 Road Projects

45

40

CMS Principal to be Honored at PAESSP

North Strabane Township Building Department 100% Certified by the ICC

40

CMHS Students Excel in AP Exams

45

News from the Tax Collector

41

Mini-Grants for Teachers’ New Projects

46

North Strabane Emergency Services

42

A Warm Welcome to the New C-M Faculty

48

Curbside Leaf Collection Program and Schedule

48

Trash & Recycling collecton Requirements

48

Snow Removal

48

Website Notice

49

Parks & Recreation 2014 Calendar of Events

50

North Strabane Municipal Park

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 37

New Administrators Join C-M School District

A

new principal and a new assistant principal are finding their commute to work much shorter since both live in the Canon-McMillan School District.

MRS. SHANNON BALCH

anon-Mac

C ANO N- MAC SC HO OL D IS TR IC T News

Mrs. Shannon Balch is the new principal at First Street Elementary School while Mr. Heath Bailey is a new assistant principal at Canon-McMillan High School.

Mrs. Balch is replacing Mr. Robert Kleinhans who is now the principal at Cecil Intermediate School.

Also changing position is Mrs. Tula Dziak who has become principal at Cecil Elementary School. She previously served as an assistant principal at the High School.

Mrs. Balch grew up in Churchill and graduated from Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. She holds a B.S. in elementary education with certifications in elementary and special education from Slippery Rock University. She received her M.Ed., specializing in reading, and her principal’s certification from the University of Pittsburgh.

She taught sixth grade and a language support class (grades 1-3) in the Butler Area School District, and was a learning support teacher, IST (Instructional Support Team) teacher and reading specialist in the Mt. Lebanon School District. Most recently she was assistant principal of the elementary center in the Burgettstown Area School District.

She has 15 years of educational experience that she brings to the Canon-McMillan School District.

Her husband, George, is the director of insurance for CentiMark Corp., an industrial roofing and flooring company whose corporate office is at Southpointe. They are the parents of Olivia, a fourth-grader, and Tommy, a kindergartner, both at South Central Elementary School. They have lived in the district for a decade.

Mrs. Balch is a firm believer in health and fitness. “We work out at the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center and do a lot of swimming and bicycling. My other hobby is quilting and I have made quilts for both of my children and many family members,” she said.

Mrs. Balch’s goal is to provide child-centered education to the students at First Street Elementary.

“One of the new programs that is being instituted this year at First Street is Blessings in a Backpack,” said Mrs. Balch, who is spearheading the pilot project assisted by Mrs. Tacy Ross, First Street Elementary’s secretary. The backpacks will be filled with nutritious food and distributed for children to take home and eat throughout the weekend. Eligibility requirements for the program are similar to those for free and reduced lunches. “This will be a nice program for our students and we are glad we will have a way to provide it to them,” she said. She also shared that the district will be implementing a new math curriculum and that they are continuing the implementation of Common Core Standards in the elementary schools.

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“As I begin my first year as the principal of First Street Elementary School, I will work diligently with teachers and families to promote learning in a positive school community that is characterized by child-centered decisions and instruction, academic excellence, and respectful communication,” says Mrs. Balch. “I am committed to working with our teachers to help the children develop into successful students and citizens.”

MR. HEATH BAILEY

Mr. Heath Bailey comes to CMHS as an assistant principal after two years as high school principal in the Sto-Rox School District.

He grew up in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, graduating from TaylorAllderdice High School, now known as Pittsburgh Allderdice.

He received a B.S. in business management and an M.S. in business education, both from Robert Morris College (now University). He earned his principal’s certification from Point Park University.

Playing basketball in high school led to a basketball scholarship to Robert Morris, an NCAA Division I school.

Mr. Bailey had a varied career before his two years at StoRox including: • Penn State - New Kensington – assistant director of student affairs and head basketball coach, • Slippery Rock University – assistant director of minority affairs and assistant basketball coach, • Wilkinsburg High School – dean of students, then assistant principal, • Pittsburgh Public School – high school principal at Brashear, Allderdice, Arlington, and Westinghouse.

A resident of the Canon-McMillan School District for the past eight years, Mr. Bailey says when he is not working he loves to read, especially about U.S. and world history. Travel is also important to him, when he has time. Two years ago, he and his wife, Kaiyauna, supervisor of social workers in Baldwin, Pa., drove up the California coast from San Diego to Santa Barbara.

Nineteen-year-old son Cameron, a freshman at Penn StateGreater Allegheny campus, rounds out the family.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the team of faculty, staff, and administrators of the Canon-McMillan School District. As a resident, I have always been enamored with the rapid growth and progress of the district,” says Mr. Bailey.

“My immediate plans are to get to know everyone, as well as position myself as a learner. I value positive relationships and strongly believe in the ‘team’ concept. I would like to seamlessly mesh with the school community and provide as much help and support in as many areas as needed.

“I am so fortunate to join such a progressive district that is committed to the vision of helping students to develop the skills needed in the 21st century. I must say that I am very excited!”

S

amuel R. Hazo was the guest speaker at the 2013-2014 Opening Day Inservice at Canon-McMillan School District. His topic was “The First Five Minutes of Class,” in which he explained the importance of engaging students at the beginning of each class session. Faculty, administration and staff heard his demonstrations of how to do just that in classes on any subject and every level. Mr. Hazo, who was a teacher for 20 years, is now a composer and speaker. Locally he composed a commissioned work, “Seconds Out,” for the Canonsburg Middle School Symphonic Band.

He stressed that students need to find lessons relevant to their lives and teachers can accomplish that easily, but it must begin at the very outset of the class.

“It makes a difference whether they feel they are working.

Learning should not feel like work,” said Mr. Hazo.

He mentioned that learning • must have an obvious relevance to the student’s life.

• must be completely engaging to feel it is worth remembering.

• must inspire the students to work for the answer – the teacher is not needed. “Motivating” needs a teacher, but motivating is not necessary.

• must have an understanding at the end of the class that relates to the first five minutes of class.

• should make students feel that they can’t wait to tell their parents at dinner what they learned that day.

Mr. Hazo has composed for the professional, university and public school levels in addition to writing original scores for television, radio and the stage. In 2004, Mr. Hazo’s compositions were listed in a published national survey of the “Top Twenty Compositions of All Time” for wind band.

He has been a music teacher at every educational grade level from kindergarten through college, including tenure as a high school and university director.

The Newtown High School wind ensemble, orchestra, and choruses performed the world premiere of Mr. Hazo’s “Glorificare” in May at a special memorial for those who lost their lives in the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary

Summer Reading Club and Bowling Club First Street Elementary School piloted a program this summer in which the school’s Title 1 students participated in a Reading/Bowling Club. Students attended on Tuesdays for an hour, where they read to either Mrs. Dian Yost or Mrs. Lynette Stewart and then bowled a game, courtesy of West Pike Bowl.

The students received new books weekly and then discussed the story when they came on Tuesdays. Several students participated each week. First Street’s new principal, Mrs. Shannon Balch, often joined in the fun and got to know the students. Parent support and help was greatly appreciated. On the last day, the students read, bowled and enjoyed pizza together. This pilot program was deemed a success!

Pictured are Zach Sekura, above, and Jenna McCullough

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C AN ON - MAC SC HOOL DI STRI C T News

Pictured from left are: Canon-McMillan School District Director of Business and Finance Joni Mansmann, CMSD School Board Director Manuel Pihakis, CMSD Assistant Superintendent Scott Chambers, CMSD School Board President Darla Bowman-Monaco, guest speaker Samuel R. Hazo, and CMSD Superintendent Michael Daniels

School.

In 2003, Mr. Hazo became the first composer in history to win both composition contests sponsored by the National Band Association.

His original symphonic compositions include performances with actors Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, David Conrad and Richard Kiley.

He also has written symphonic arrangements for threetime Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. Mr. Hazo’s compositions have been performed and recorded world-wide, including performances by the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra (national tour), the Birmingham Symphonic Winds (UK) and the Klavier Wind Project’s recordings with Eugene Migliaro Corporon. Additionally, his music is included in the series “Teaching Music Through Performance in Band.”

Mr. Hazo’s works have been premiered and performed at the Music Educators’ National Conference, Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Convention, National Honor Band of America, National Band Association/TBA Convention, College Band Directors’ National Association Convention and also aired in full-length programs on National Public Radio.

He has served as composer-in-residence at Craig Kirchhoff’s University of Minnesota Conducting Symposium and has also lectured on music and music education at universities and high schools internationally.

Mr. Hazo was twice named “Teacher of Distinction” by the southwestern Pennsylvania Teachers’ Excellence Foundation.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Duquesne University where he served on the Board of Governors and was named Duquesne’s Outstanding Graduate in Music Education. Mr. Hazo serves as a guest conductor and is a clinician for Hal Leonard Corporation. He is also sponsored

by Sibelius Music Software.

Recordings of his compositions appear on Klavier Records and Mark Records.

Canon-Mac

Speaker Engages in “First Five Minutes”

CMS Principal to be Honored at PAESSP

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r. Gregory A. Taranto, principal of Canonsburg Middle School in the Canon-McMillan School District, will be honored with the 2013 Frank S. Manchester Excellence in Journalism Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary

School Principals. The presentation will take place at the PAESSP conference at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College in October.

The award is presented to an individual who has been published in the Pennsylvania Administrator magazine and it recognizes authors who demonstrate the commitment to quality informational services to PAESSP members and who reflect the standards established by Dr. Frank S. Manchester during his tenure as executive director of PAESSP. Dr. Taranto has been a school administrator for a decade, with eight years as CMS principal.

He has received several recognitions during his tenure at CMS, including: • Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Outstanding Young Educator Award finalist in 2011; • Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Research and Publication Award in 2012, based on his

research on the development of a new teacher induction model; • Named PAESSP 2012 Middle Level Principal of the Year.

Canonsburg Middle School was named the 2011 Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn and National Schools To Watch Middle School in 2011.

Dr. Taranto is also an adjunct faculty member of California University of Pennsylvania’s Administrator Program for Principals, working with aspiring principals.

He earned a bachelor of science degree from Slippery Rock University, a master of science degree from East Stroudsburg University and a master of education degree from California University of Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D. in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University.

He has published more than 20 articles and has served as a member of the PAESSP Editorial Review Board since 2012.

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C ANO N- MAC SC HO OL D IS TR IC T News

CMHS Students Excel in AP Exams

Some of Canon-McMillan High School’s 2013 AP Scholars pictured with Assistant Principal Lorien Moyer are, from left, Christopher Siksa, Abby Severyn, Vittorio Migliuolo, AP Scholar with Honor Designee Mukunda Aithal, Ashutosh Sharma, and Hunter Lawrence.

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anon-McMillan High School had 24 students who earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for

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successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.9 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.

The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.

At Canon-McMillan High School: Six students qualified for the AP

Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are 2013 graduates Jacob Brown, Michael Burchesky, Kevin Freeman, Austin Jones, Chad Lani and Benjamin Macioszek.

Five students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

These students are 2013 graduates Daniel Buker, Emily McPeake, Charles Smith, Isabela Tetino and senior Mukunda Aithal.

Thirteen students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are 2013 graduates Adam Burgh, Sarah Chelli, Chao Fang, Jeffrey Mack, Elizabeth Mansfield, Hailey Mark, Benjamin Moran, and Matthew Tilley; along with seniors Hunter Lawrence, Abby Severyn, Christopher Siksa, and juniors Vittorio Migliuolo and Ashutosh Sharma.

anon-McMillan School District annually awards mini-grants of up to $800 each to teachers for implementation of their new projects. Each awardee receives funding for use in operating the projects. The 2013-2014 awardees and their projects are:

“Fluent in First: Mastering First Grade Common Core Standards” Beth Bowen, first grade, Borland Manor Elementary It will utilize innovative materials and state-of-the-art differentiated curriculum to enable each first-grade student to master key standards in math and reading fluency.

“LEGO Education StoryStarter” Melissa Gough and Michelle Schrader, second grade, Hills-Hendersonville Elementary This project is designed for grades 2-5, targeting the English/Language Arts curriculum using the Common Core Standards. It will develop and enhance skills in speaking and listening, reading comprehension, language, writing, and areas of technology and digital learning. Students will develop skills in creative and critical thinking as they work with hands-on storyboarding, scene creation, dialogue creation, exciting action and suspense storylines. The learning scenarios—which can be set according to the educational levels of the students—embrace diversity and encourage students to collaborate and share ideas, concepts, and experiences.

“Video Production” Cyndy Carroll, technology education, Cecil and North Strabane intermediate schools This grant will provide both intermediate schools with new video equipment. The students will run the equipment that develops technical knowledge, real-work application skills, communication techniques and confidence.

“A Creative Approach to the Common Core Curriculum” Rebecca Wolf, seventh grade, Canonsburg Middle School Handheld camcorders will be used to incorporate student-created media into the Language Arts curriculum on

a regular basis, allowing for additional innovative and creative assessment choices across all genres of text. For example, students can create product commercials to address persuasive techniques or conduct an interview when completing research during a nonfiction unit. The student-created media will be available as both teaching and learning resources. Also, the grant will support RAY (Read All Year) by expanding book report project choices and then sharing the final product with other students. Students will have the option to create projects such as book trailers, which will be used to promote reading throughout the school.

“CIS Winter Reading Olympics” Courtney Laskowski and Lisa Stimpson, fi fth-grade Language Arts, Cecil Intermediate School Upcoming Winter Olympic Games will be a perfect opportunity to tie academic objectives to an exciting, interesting world event. They hope to create an experience that promotes independent reading, peer motivation, and a sense of accomplishment in the classroom.

“Amazing Adaptations” The Knights Team, Canonsburg Middle School Amazing Adaptations is offered as an outreach program through the National Aviary. Students will discover the unique characteristics of species with the most amazing feet, feathers and beaks. This presentation corresponds with our Hoot/Endangered Species cross-curricular studies in research skills, adaptations, environment, geography, data displays, independent literary analysis and group literature discussion. The Knights Team, which includes Randy Clonan, Kelly Domske, Julie Gaetano, Stephanie Kubik, and Robert Stone, submitted this grant request on behalf of the entire seventh grade. All three teams will benefit and participate in this program.

From left: Cyndy Carroll, Rebecca Wolf, Melissa Gough, Michelle Schrader, Beth Bowen.

Lisa Stimpson, left, and Courtney Laskowski

The Knights Team, from left: Robert Stone, Randy Clonan, Julie Gaetano, Kelly Domske, Stephanie Kubik.

Keep up-to-date on news about Canon-McMillan School District!

Go online to: www.cmsd.k12.pa.us Click on: District Click on: CM News Click on: Highlights You’ll find more stories and photos about the work going on in CMSD.

Check it often!

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C AN ON - MAC SC HOOL DI STRI C T News

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Mini-Grants for Teachers’ New Projects

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C ANO N- MAC SC HO OL D IS TR IC T News

A warm welcome to

MRS. LARA ANTIS

MISS RACHEL BERTEOTTI

ASSIGNMENT Health & Phys. Ed., High School DEGREE B.S., Health & Phys.

Ed., Slippery Rock CERTIFICATION Health & Phys. Ed.

MR. TYLER CRONE ASSIGNMENT Computer Science, High School DEGREE B.S., Mathematics Ed., Lock Haven CERTIFICATION Math

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MISS CHLOE BUTLER

MISS KELSEY CATALDO

ASSIGNMENT English, High School DEGREE B.A., English, W&J CERTIFICATION English

ASSIGNMENT 4th Grade, First Street DEGREE B.S., Elem. Ed., Penn State CERTIFICATION Elem. Ed.

ASSIGNMENT 2nd Grade, Wylandville DEGREE B.S., Elem. Ed., Penn State CERTIFICATION Elem. Ed. & MidLevel Math

MRS. SAMANTHA JACOBS

MISS LAUREN KOTZ

MRS. STEPHANIE LAWRENCE

MRS. LAURA LOSI

ASSIGNMENT 6th-Grade Reading, NSIS DEGREE B.S., Elem. Ed., Calif. Univ. of PA CERTIFICATION Elem. Ed.

ASSIGNMENT 5th-Grade Math/ Science, Cecil Intermediate DEGREES B.S., Multi-Disciplinary Studies, & M.S., Elem. Ed., Minor - Sp. Ed., all from WVU CERTIFICATION Elem. Ed.

ASSIGNMENT Autistic Support, South Central DEGREE B.S., Elem. & Sp. Ed., Bethany College CERTIFICATION Elem. Ed. & Sp. Ed.

ASSIGNMENT Learning Support, High School DEGREE B.S., Elem. Ed. & Sp. Ed., Calif.

Univ. of PA CERTIFICATION Elem. Ed. & Special Ed.

MR. BRANDON CHARRIERE ASSIGNMENT Social Studies, High School DEGREES B.S., Business Administration, WVU; M.A.T., Social Studies, Calif. Univ. of PA CERTIFICATION Social Studies & Business, Computer & Information Technology

ASSIGNMENT Tech. Ed., High School DEGREES Associate’s Degree, Architectural Drafting/Design, Triangle Tech; B.S., Tech. Ed., Calif. Univ. of PA CERTIFICATION Tech. Ed.

MS. CARA SENGER

ASSIGNMENT Math, Middle School DEGREES B.S. Math, Pitt; B.S. Secondary Math Ed., Point Park CERTIFICATION Math

MS. EMILY MARIER

MRS. DANA McGRATH

MISS PAMELA MONIODES

MISS OLIVIA RILE

ASSIGNMENT Autistic Support, NSIS DEGREE B.S., Elem. & Sp. Ed., Calif. Univ. of PA CERTIFICATION Elem Ed. & Special Ed.

ASSIGNMENT Chemistry, High School DEGREE B.S., Chemistry, Pitt CERTIFICATION Chemistry & General Science

ASSIGNMENT Special Ed., Middle School DEGREES B.S., Earth & Space Science Ed., PittJohnstown; M.S., Sp. Ed., Waynesburg Univ.

CERTIFICATION Earth & Space Science, Sp. Ed., General Science

ASSIGNMENT 1st Grade, Wylandville DEGREE B.S., Early Childhood Ed., Duquesne CERTIFICATION Pre-Kindergarten -4

MISS SARAH SHUE

MR. JACK SMARSLAK

MISS ASHLEY VAN AUKEN

ASSIGNMENT Therapeutic Emotional Support, Muse DEGREES B.S., Kinesiology, James Madison Univ.; M.A.T., Elem./Sp. Ed., Chatham Univ.

CERTIFICATION Elem Ed. & Sp. Ed.

ASSIGNMENT Business Ed., High School DEGREE B.S., Business Administration, WVU CERTIFICATION Business, Computer & Information Technology; MidLevel Math

ASSIGNMENT Art, High School DEGREE B.A., Art Ed., Carlow Univ.

CERTIFICATION Art Ed.

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C AN ON - MAC SC HOOL DI STRI C T News

MR. ZACHARY MAISNER

Canon-Mac

the new c-m faculty

Message From The

North Strabane Township Supervisors We are pleased to partner with IN Community Magazine and Media to provide residents and readers with a summary of noteworthy events and activities in North Strabane Township. The Township strives to provide residents with quality services with professional and courteous customer assistance and satisfaction. Please visit us in person or on website at: www.northstrabanetwp.com.

NORTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS Seated L-R: Jeff Stanley – Vice Chairman, Steve Motzer – Chairman Standing L-R: Brian Spicer, Sonia Stopperich, William Brooks

2013 Planning and Development News

N orth Strabane Township News

or th Strabane

2013 has seen a resurgence in new development in North Strabane Township.

Whether it is the low taxes, the casino, the natural gas industry, or all of the above, it has been a very busy and exciting time.

RESIDENTIAL – NEW APPROVALS 1. Ashford Place – 37 rental apartments on Morganza Road.

2. Bridgeview Townhouses– 37 multi-family units on Chesnic Drive 3. Foxridge – 73 single-family homes on Willow Street.

4. Highcroft Preserve – 32 single-family homes on Route 519 across from Wylandville School.

5. Park Place 2 – 206 rental apartments on Route 19 6. Sunset Pointe – 52 single-family homes and 4 duplex units on McDowell Lane.

RESIDENTIAL – UNDER CONSTRUCTION – formerly approved 1. Majestic Hills – 170 single-family homes off Walker Road and Linden Vue Drive.

2. Sandy Brae Meadows - 72 multi-family units off Boone Avenue and HillChurch Houston Road.

3. Summerbrooke – 173 total residential units off Galley Road and Poplar Street.

4. Waterdam Farms - 274 total residential units off Waterdam Road.

5. Weavertown Woodlands – 244 multi-family units off Route 19 and Weavertown Rd. COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL 1. Park Place At Meadowlands– planned shopping center (mixed use of office and retail) Route 19 and Burkett Lane.

2. The Street At The Meadows– planned shopping center (mixed use of retail, office and rental apartments at the corner of Racetrack Road and Entrance to the Meadows.

3. Studio 6 Hotel – 86-room motel on Houston Square Drive off of Houston HillChurch Rd. 44 Canon-Mac

2013 ROAD PROJECTS The Township’s annual road construction and maintenance program was completed this summer at a total cost of one million dollars.

Construction projects included: installation of storm sewers, widening and paving of Chubbic and Lindley Roads, resurfacing of Galley Road, Chambers Lane, Old Pike Street, School Street, Hook Street, Poplar Street, Locust Street and Sleepy Hollow Road. Line painting and striping of all newly paved roads were also addressed.

Maintenance projects, inclusive of surface treatment, sealing and shoulder stabilization, were addressed on Willow Street, Sugar Alley, Kidder Alley and all alleys in Strabane. The Township continues to minimize the amount of surface treatment projects with a greater commitment and increased funding devoted to paving and resurfacing.

Tentative projects planned for 2014 include: paving and widening of Christy Road, Ross Road, Centennial Drive, Pioneer Trail Drive, Morgan Circle, Colonial Court, Gilkeson Road, Long Drive, DeMar Boulevard, Smith Street and Timber Lane.

N orth Strabane Township News

Nor th Strabane

The North Strabane Township Building Department has been 100% Certified by the International Code Council The ICC certification program is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious credentialing program for construction code administration and enforcement professionals in the United States. Through rigorous testing and certification requirements, the NST Building Code staff has demonstrated competency in the requirements of the International Codes®, earning the 100 percent designation through the “Get Everyone Certified Challenge” presented

by ICC and Target, which is committed to building strong, safe communities and promoting education.

Currently, six municipalities have received ICC Certification in PA, which is the only method accepted by the Commonwealth of PA to demonstrate a professional commitment to public safety, diverse knowledge of construction safety codes, and a high level of self-initiative.

Being professionally certified by the Code Council provides a nationally recognized credential that will only enhance the services provided to NST.

Common Building Code / Permits questions and answers: What are building codes?

Building codes are a complete set of comprehensive and coordinated standards used in most U.S. communities and many global markets for the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Building codes provide a minimum standard for construction. In short, “Building Codes ensure it’s Built Right”.

Why do I need a building permit?

A single family house is regulated by the building code, plumbing code, electrical code, mechanical code, energy conservation, and several other state and local laws and ordinances, depending on the type and location of your property.

These codes change on a regular basis to keep up with technology and to correct deficiencies missed in the previous addition. Properly permitted work inspected by a state certified inspector is peace of mind and can make huge a

difference in future refinancing and/or sale of a property.

When do I need a building permit?

If it is structural, ie; holds something up, creates or eliminates an exit, adds to or extends the footprint of a structure, or has potential to cause harm, a permit is required. Things like replacing siding or shingles do not require a permit. When in doubt, check it out and call the building department.

The NST Building Department is committed to promoting the health, safety and welfare of residents, and strives to provide the best service possible through continuing education and professional certification.

Feel free to stop in, or call if you have any questions. Also, visit the Township website for permit information, instructional guides, and other helpful tips and hints.

NEWS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR Residents are reminded that earned income taxes for 2011 and prior years are still being collected by the Township’s former earned income tax collector, Donald Progar. Inquiries for refunds and payment arrangements for years 2011 and prior years can be made by calling724.745.5497.

There will be no changes in the billing and collection of real estate and local service taxes. The County Treasurer will bill and collect county real estate taxes. Donald Progar will

continue to bill and collect real estate taxes for the CanonMcMillan School District and North Strabane Township. The local service tax of $52.00 will continue to be billed and collected by Mr. Progar’s office, located at the Municipal Building, 1929 Route 519, Canonsburg, PA 15317. All questions regarding real estate and local service taxes should be directed to the Tax Office at 724.745.5497.

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N orth Strabane Township News

or th Strabane

North Strabane Emergency Services As a taxpayer, emergency services are rarely thought about until needed. But at the administrative level, making sure that the Police, Fire and EMT services are coordinated and cutting edge is something that’s thought about every single day.

In fact, North Strabane is such a regional leader in emergency preparedness that it is frequently enlisted for mutual aid requests, both locally, and even for the City of Pittsburgh.

Part of that tapestry of safety that’s been woven is due to the fact the heads of the individual departments know that the key to minimizing the effects of disaster, whether it be as minor as vandalism, or as serious as an armed standoff, is preparation.

“What I have done over the past seven months regarding emergency management is to take a whole new approach, which for lack of a better term could be regarded as an outreach initiative,” said Paul Shiring, emergency management coordinator for the township. “My goal is to be visible to the public, make it easier for them to get questions answered, and to put faces with each name.”

Shiring helped coordinate two significant trainings since his hiring to educate public and elected officials in emergency management situations.

“One scenario was a large-scale, weather-related emergency in which each department was put through the steps of responding, mitigating and recovering from the disaster,” he said. “The second was held with not only North Strabane, but Peters, Canonsburg, South Strabane, Washington County Public Safety and Nottingham. During this training session, a large discussion was held on how each of us can help each other when the disaster was limited to an individual community.”

When will these trainings come into play? Well, the July flooding in Peters Township was a good example. North and South Strabane both offered assistance to the community in its 46 Canon-Mac

time of need and was prepared to help in any way necessary to ensure that lives were not lost.

These mutual aid agreements are also the reason why, many times, residents of North Strabane will see a Peters Township emergency vehicle show up first in a crisis. The cooperation eliminates the boundaries of geography and government in the common goal of saving lives.

This cooperation also results in savings for all communities involved. Mark Grimm, North Strabane fire chief, said that coordination among local fire departments means that municipalities can order more specialized equipment in an effort to help their own residents as well as those of their neighbors. The cost savings not only translates to equipment, but in time spent in training as well.

“Right now, for example, we’re working with Peters Township on a $30,000 feasibility study going deeper into ways our departments can cooperate for shared services and savings,” Grimm said.

North Strabane Police Chief Dan Strimel said advances in technology and training have resulted in North Strabane emerging as a regional asset.

“We have some great leadership and resources in place,” Strimel said. “Our [patrol car computer] program allows us to accurately draw crime scenes on location. Our Safe Parks program utilizes a network of cameras that can scan license plates entering and exiting our facilities, so we not only know if a known predator is in the area, but we know who was in the park if there were a vandalism

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N orth Strabane Township News

incident. We can also use the system to scan plates for stolen vehicles and use that data to synchronize with the Pittsburgh Auto Theft Task Force.”

North Strabane Police Department also is working with the Canon-McMillan School District to get a full-time school resource and security officer in place in the district.

It’s just one area where the police are ensuring that CanonMcMillan kids are safe in school.

This August, Shiring and the other department heads focused on the district to demonstrate that teamwork can pay off in the end.

“For the past nine months, I have closely worked with Assistant Superintendent Scott Chambers on an initiative to make our schools safer by not only being visible within the schools, but to work closely with employees and administration to prepare for the worst,” Shiring said. “On

August 14 and 15, Police, Fire, EMS, County, SWAT and school admin trained close to 300 employees of the school district in fire safety, first aid/CPR, and safety within the schools related to police matters. Our target crowds this year are cafeteria staff, maintenance, assistants, bus drivers and mechanics, and we hope to expand next year.”

The training not only teaches life-saving techniques, but also ensures that school employees are following modern security precautions, and are familiar with and know how to operate fire extinguishing equipment.

For Township Manager Frank Siffrinn, seeing a return on taxpayer money of this magnitude is worth every penny of the investment.

“Emergency services occupy most of our operating budget of $5.5 million,” he said. “That’s $3.5 million of taxpayer money supporting these endeavors, and it’s worth every penny to keep our residents safe and secure.”

For Shiring, Strimel and Grimm, their eyes are on the horizon, looking for new ways to help more people more efficiently and continuing to give the residents of North Strabane the best return on their investment.

“We’re always looking for ways to educate more people and keep more people safe,” Shiring said. “And with what we’re already doing, you’re not going to see anything happening anywhere at this level.”

Nor th Strabane

“My goal is to be visible to the public, make it easier for them to get questions answered, and to put faces with each name.”

CURBSIDE LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE The Township’s annual curbside leaf collection program will be offered starting October 21st . Residents are reminded to rake or deposit all leaves at the curb or edge of property where collection will take place by Township personnel.

Under no circumstances are leaves to be raked or deposited

on the street. Township ordinance strictly prohibits the burning of leaves. Questions regarding collection can be directed to the Public Works Department at 724-745-1404.

REMINDER: Waste Management does not collect leaves.

N orth Strabane Township News

or th Strabane

LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY Acme Road Anderson Drive Concord Green Area Ash Street Borland Manor Area Foxchase Bennington Ave. Chambers Lane Fulton Road Boone Ave. ** Clare Drive

Glencannon Area Bruce Drive Giffin Drive Morgan Point Area Carol Drive Greenwood Drive

Morganza Road** Cherry Street Highland Drive Van Eman Area Chesnic Drive Hook Street

Walker Road Elm Street Joan Court White Manor Area

Garden Street Louise Court Willow Street

Jones Street Mary Lane

Winfield Street Kidder Lane

McClelland Farms Area

Woodridge Area Locust Avenue McClelland Highlands Area W. McMurray Road** Maple Street McClelland Road** Sedeca Drive McDowell Lane

Smith Place Old Pike Street

Strabane Area Pearl Drive Thomas Ave. School Street

Vance Drive Strabane Street

Victoria Ct.

Weavertown Road**

Weavertown Woodlands

This schedule will be repeated until November 29, 2013 as needed.

** State Routes

Trash & Recycling Collecton Requirements

New residents are reminded that mandatory trash and recycling collection services are provided under municipal contract by Waste Management.

Homeowners are required to register with Waste Management and pick up a recycling container at the Municipal Building, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Information will be provided regarding collection schedules and program requirements. Recycling is required of all Township residents under Act 101 and Township ordinance.

Reminder to our senior citizens who are 62 years or older that there is a senior citizen discount of 10%. Residents must be 62 years of age or older by January 1, 2014. Proof of age is required. A copy of a birth certificate or valid driver’s license will be accepted to validate age.

Please get this information to the township office by December 1, 2013.

Recycling bins are the property of North Strabane Township and should be returned to the Township when moving away. If a resident should move to another location within the Township, the container should accompany the resident to the new location; however, please notify the office as soon as possible, so that records may be kept current. Also, if a recycling container/lid should become damaged, please return it to the township office. It will be replaced free of charge.

48 Canon-Mac

THURSDAY FRIDAY Blue Jay Drive Brehm Road Canterbury Area Christy Road Cheslock Road Chubbic Road Fair Meadows Drive Conklin Road Fifeshire Area

Johnson Road** Galley Road Kirkwood Drive Gilkeson Road Lindley Road Green Valley Road Linnwood Road Linden Creek Road** Mansfield Road Linden Road** Mapleview Drive Linden Vue Area McBride Road Long Drive Meadow Brook Area Majestic Hills Area Meadow Lake Area Munntown Road Meadowlands Blvd.

Ross Road Mosier Road Springdale Road Munce Road Spring Valley Quail Acres Stonegate Drive Reedville Area Summerbrooke Area Thome Road Sundust Road Timber Lane Surrey Estates Trotwood Area Snow Drift Road SR 136** Thomas Road SR 519** Thomas-84 Road** Zeman Drive Vista Hill Road Waterdam Road** Waterdam Farms

SNOW REMOVAL The Public Works Department maintains a fleet of 10 trucks equipped with plows and salt spreaders. Normal response time to apply salt to all streets maintained by the Township is 2-3 hours. The normal response time needed to plow all streets and roads is at least 4 hours.

During winter snowstorms, residents are not permitted to plow or shovel snow into streets and roadways. Please do not park on Township streets or roads during winter storms so the salt and plow trucks can clear the areas more effectively.

WEBSITE NEWS North Strabane Township invites you to visit our website at www.northstrabanetwp.com for the latest events happening in the Township. E-mails may be sent to nst@northstrabanetwp.com.

HALLOWEEN THURSDAY-OCTOBER 31st TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT 6:00-8:00 PM

N orth Strabane Township News

Nor th Strabane

NORTH STRABANE township Parks and Recreation

Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 49

Est. 2012

LEGEND

N orth Strabane Township News

or th Strabane

LEGEND

50 Canon-Mac

1

Concession Building

14

McDowell – Large

2

Basketball Courts

15

McClelland/Kitchen – Large

3

Basketball Courts

16

Becks Run Mill

4

Baseball/Softball Field

17

Quail Acres – Large

5

Baseball Field

18

Froman’s Mill – Medium

6

Baseball/Softball Field

19

Playground #1

7

Baseball Field

20

Playground #2

8

Synthetic Field

21

Playground #3

9

Multi-purpose

22

Restrooms/Storage #1

10

Gazebo

23

Restrooms/Storage #2

11

Kitchen

24

Restrooms/Storage #3

12

Alexander Pavilion – Medium

25

Township Building

13

Borland Pavilion – Medium

26

Township Public Works Facility

Borland, Alexander, & Froman’s Mill Pavilions

Seating Capacity: 40 Hose Bib Electric Cost: $60.00 Security Deposit: $100.00

McClelland Pavilion

Seating Capacity: 175-225 Full Stainless Kitchen (Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, Sink, & Counter Tops) Electric Cost: $225.00 Security Deposit: $100.00 Alcohol Deposit: $100.00

McDowell Pavilion

Seating Capacity: 175-200 Stainless Steel Counter Service Bar Refrigerator Double Sink Electric Cost: $175.00 Security Deposit: $100.00 Alcohol Deposit: $100.00

Quail Acres Pavilion

Seating Capacity: 175-200 Stainless Steel Counter Service Bar Refrigerator Double Sink Electric Cost: $175.00 Security Deposit: $100.00 Alcohol Deposit: $100.00 Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 51

N orth Strabane Township News

Rental Reservations will be accepted for North Strabane Residents starting Saturday February 1, 2014 @ 8:00 am (Full Payment is required at time of reservation).

Rental Reservations will be accepted for Non-Residents starting Saturday March 1, 2014 @ 8:00 am (Full Payment is required at time of reservation).

New for 2014: 6’ Grill Rental for the day, includes 2 propane tanks: $50.00; 156 quart cooler full of ice: $40.00.

Nor th Strabane

Pavilion Rentals

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School!

tion Special Section: Educa Top five classroom trends Page 21

School & Township News Page 37

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parks and recreation Butch Truitt, South Fayette's new manager Ryan Eggleston director (right), with township

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Canon-Mac | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 55

inCOGNITO

Did you know?

The father of “Battlefield Medicine” hails from Canonsburg

By Judith Schardt

56 724.942.0940 to advertise | Canon-Mac

D

uring the Civil War, more than 620,000 young men fell to their deaths because of ghastly wounds, disease, exposure to the elements, or poor nutrition.

George Worthington Adams (author and historian for Southern Illinois University) stated: “The Civil War was fought in the very last years of the medical middle ages.”

Chloroform, ether and whiskey were the main forms of anesthetic. Soldiers understood that the know-how of warfare was miles ahead of the technology of health care.

But surprisingly, many did survive their injuries, primarily due to dedicated, selfless doctors and nurses.

Jonathan Letterman (1824 – 1872) from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, was one such surgeon. He was the designer of modern medical techniques for armies and was known as the “Father of Battlefield Medicine.” His methods saved thousands of wounded men during the war. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1849 and became the assistant surgeon for the Army Medical Department.

In 1861, Letterman got assigned to the Army of the Potomac and became the medical director of the entire Army in 1862. He received permission from General McClellan to do anything necessary to revamp the medical services for the wounded. Unless carried off the field by comrades, the injured would lie for days: bleeding, exposed and dehydrated. Letterman started the first Ambulance Corps, training men to be stretcher bearers. He introduced the concept of a triage and arranged for a medical supply delivery system.

The Ambulance Corps worked well at the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg with thousands and thousands of casualties—all wounded were removed in 24 to 36 hours, a job that used to take a week. The quick removal saved thousands of soldiers’ lives. In March 1864, by an act of Congress, the system was officially adopted for the U.S. Army. Upon his death, Letterman was buried in Arlington National Cemetery where his gravestone honors him as the man “who brought order and efficiency to the Medical Service of Armies.” ■

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