Fox Chapel Area

FOX CHAPEL AREA

Hartwood for the Holidays î ‡ Fox Chapel Area School District News Page 9

Special Section: Health & Wellness Page 39

WINTER 2013 icmags.com

FAST Action Can Save Your Brain

Every year, nearly 800,000 Americans — young and old — suffer a stroke. When a stroke occurs, fast action is critical to protect the brain.

an individualized treatment plan is developed. “The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset,” says Dr. Nicholas.

“People often ignore stroke symptoms, thinking they can sleep it off,” says Bobbi-Jo Skurko, BSN, stroke coordinator at UPMC St. Margaret. “The faster you get to a hospital that offers highly specialized stroke care, the better your chances for survival and a full recovery.”

What you can do

The UPMC St. Margaret Stroke Program has an acute care stroke team available 24 hours, seven days a week. The team includes physicians, nurses, and other staff who are experienced in diagnosing and treating strokes.

Think FAST

The center has received certification from The Joint Commission for its commitment to providing the highest level of care for its stroke patients.

“The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.” James Nicholas, MD A true medical emergency “Strokes can happen to anyone, at any time,” says James Nicholas, MD, medical director, Emergency Department (ED) at UPMC St. Margaret. When a stroke does occur, it’s urgent to seek emergency care immediately because every minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death.

At UPMC St. Margaret, a protocol is followed as soon as a stroke patient arrives in the ED. Following a physical exam and diagnostic tests to learn the cause and the extent of the stroke,

“It’s far better to treat a stroke immediately than to deal with the consequences,” adds Dr. Nicholas. “That’s why it is so important for everyone to be aware of stroke symptoms and know that they can get critical expert care here in their community.”

Use this simple acronym to help determine whether you’re witnessing a stroke:

Face: Can the person smile, or does one side of the face droop?

Arms: Can the person raise both arms, or does one drift down?

Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?

Time: Call 911 immediately if someone exhibits any of these signs!

Act FAST Every minute of delay in treating a stroke is said to cost a patient 1.9 million brain cells. Strokes require immediate medical attention, so knowing the warning signs is crucial. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of: • Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body • Problems with balance or walking • Vision problems • Slurred speech • Sudden onset of confusion • Problems speaking or understanding others • Severe headache To learn more about the UPMC St. Margaret Stroke Program, visit UPMCStMargaret.com/Stroke, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

The face of integrity at

NORTHWOOD Meet Linda Pelkofer. Linda has been a real estate agent for over 27 years, and been listed as a Five Star agent for the last four years. Happily married for over 42 years, Linda raised two children and now enjoys being a grandmother of three. Linda, a recent recipient of the REALTOR® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Community Service award, is an active member of the Northwood Charitable Foundation. Come meet the New Face of Northwood.

- Linda J. Pelkofer Office • 412.487.3200 x1215 Cell • 412.427.7403 lpelkofer@northwood.com

w w w. n o r t h w o o d . c o m

Time for our area VolunTeers

to Shine!

Seeking nominationS for 2014

Community awardS for ServiCe exCellenCe (C.a.S.e.)

What makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort in order to help others. At IN Community Magazines, we would like to honor these special people who have made a positive impact in their community and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for us all.

2013 Master of Ceremony

Andrew Stockey WTAE Channel 4

IN Community Magazines' second annual C.A.S.E. Awards will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 35 magazines.

Awardees will be selected in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger) Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more)

SponSored by

Awardees will be honored at an awards dinner in Spring 2014.

PlEAsE fIll ouT foRM bEloW AND sEND IN youR NoMINATIoN

Name of Nominee_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________ Category (check one)

❍ Volunteer of the Year ❍ Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger ) ❍ Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) ❍ Large Nonprofit of the Year ( staff of 11 or more) Which community is this nomination for?___________________________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? Please submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words.

Send nomination form and statement to: Wayne Dollard, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Mountain at 724.942.0940.

Deadline for nominations is February 1, 2014.

CONTENTS winter

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features 38 Special Section: Health & Wellness Howto live a healthier, happier, longer life.

56 A Little Bit of Bavaria The famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which was later used as a basis for Disney’s Cinderella Castle, served as inspiration for Bayernhof.

58 Saddle Up Our area is filled with horseback riding opportunities.

62 Little Tower, Big History Fox Chapel’s “La Tourelle” was the distinctive home of the Kaufmann Family.

67 O Christmas Tree Choosing a live evergreen in Fox Chapel.

on the cover

36

Holiday Mansion Candlelight Tours take place on December 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 13, and 14. Candlelight tours begin at 5 p.m; the last tour starts at 8 p.m. Every room in the Mansion is decorated in keeping with the season! Advance reservations required.

departments 4 From the Publisher 9 Fox Chapel Area School News 30 IN the Loop sponsored

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32 IN Person 34 IN Events 72 INCognito

content

Business Spotlights

Industry Insights

48 At the Wall Pilates 52 Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care

38 Your Finances : BPU Investments 42 Your Hearing : Eartique

45 Prosthdontic Insight : Prosthodontic

Dentistry 47 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Insight : Fox Chapel Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

51 Your Health : Health Pyramid 60 Funeral Services : Perman Funeral

Home

68 Special Needs Trusts : Family Legal

Center

IN Community is a publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Fox Chapel 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.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 3

FROM THE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Send Us Your Story Ideas!

To Advertise

We’d love 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.

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 sales@icmags.com.

If you have suggestions, email us at editors@icmags.com.

4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

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 m.miller@icmags.com DESIGNERS Cassie Brkich Jim Paladino Melissa St. Giles Anna Buzzelli Tamara Tylenda Sharon Cobb Jan McEvoy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jonathan Barnes Leigh Lyons Jennifer Brozak Joanne Naser Earl Bugaile Melanie Paulick Tracy Fedkoe Melissa Rayworth Brenda Haines-Cosola Marilyn Wempa Elvira Hoff Mandie Zoller Heather Holtschlag CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ginni Klein Kathleen Rudolph Evan Sanders Jennifer Steenson 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 Connie McDaniel Matt Amoroso Gabriel Negri Pamela Arder Aimee Nicolia Jennifer Dahlem Vince Sabatini Julie Graff Mike Silvert Robin Guest RJ Vighetti ICM PRINTING SALES MANAGER Tom Poljak ©2013 by IN Community Magazines.

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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.

MM &

AUTO SERVICE

44 Kittanning Pike M&M Auto Service isPA a family owned and Pittsburgh, 15215 operated business established in 1966.

We now operate with our second generation management team.

Our technicians are well trained and are seasoned veterans.

Our goal is to provide our customers with outstanding service and peace of mind.

We strive to provide repairs done right the first time at a fair price and work completed on time.

We provide pick up and delivery service.

We justify service recommendations based on fact not opinion.

We are in your neighborhood and want to serve you.

LITTLE’S SUPER SHOE STORE Come visit Pittsburgh’s largest full service family shoe store. We are conveniently located on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill and have a fabulous selection of Men’s, Women’s and Children’s shoes. We are proud to be Pittsburgh’s ONLY UGG® shop in shop, so stop in and find for your favorite Winter UGG® Gear! Our Featured Brands are UGG®, ecco®, MERRELL®, and Munro®. We also carry a great selection of Cole Haan®, dansko®, NAOT®, and HUNTER® among other great designers.

You can find anything for any occasion and have a great time shopping for your perfect footwear.

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LittlesShoes.com | 412.521.3530 5850 Forbes Ave. | Squirrel Hill Monday–Saturday | 9:30am–9pm Sunday | Noon–5pm

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 5

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FOX CHAPEL AREA School News

Fox Chapel Area School District 9

A Message from the Superintendent

19 Pat Clark Part of the DMS Team Since 2002

10 Creativity and Literacy Program Grand Opening

12 Ninth Grader Wins First Place in National Science Competition

20 Fox Chapel Area High School Homecoming

13 26 Seniors Recognized in National Merit Program

22 Educator and Fitness Expert Pens First Book

23 Middle School Invitational Allows Young Runners to Shine

Kerr Elementary Students and Staff Honor Veterans

14 High School National Honor Society Induction 16 Sports Hall of Fame Preserves the Past, Invigorates the Future 18 Jonathan Nauhaus Named Principal at Dorseyville Middle School

Assistant Principal Makes Transition from O’Hara to DMS

Aaron Rea Appointed Assistant Principal at O’Hara Elementary School

24 Fall Athletic Highlights 25 Notices to Parents of Children Who Reside in the Fox Chapel Area School District 28 Fox Chapel Area School District Directory

The winter issue of IN Fox Chapel Area Community Magazine highlights the outstanding accomplishments of our students and staff throughout the Fox Chapel Area School District. You will read about the amazing scientific accomplishments of Mihir Garimella, our eight National Merit Semifinalists, and many athletic achievements in this edition of the magazine.

I am very proud to present the new Creativity and Literacy Program at Kerr Elementary School. This innovative center is a state-of-the-art learning facility that will focus on the development of preschool students, while also being available to students working on projects at other grade levels. Several evening sessions for parents and students will also be held during the school year at Volunteers of America’s All of Us Care location in Sharpsburg.

This will be my final letter to the residents of the Fox Chapel Area School District due to my plans to retire from education in December 2013. I have enjoyed my eight years in the district and I am proud of the many accomplishments of our staff and students as we raised the bar continuously at each grade level. The Board of School Directors is currently in the process of working with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) to complete a national search for the next superintendent. Their goal is to find the right person who will keep this amazing school district focused on providing a superior education for each child by maximizing student learning, achievement, and development.

Following are two quotes that I keep on my desk as reminders of who I try to be as an educator and as a person:

“Unless a man believes in himself and makes a total commitment to his career and puts everything he has into it – his mind, his body, and his heart – what is life worth to him? If I were a salesman, I would make this commitment to my company, to the product, and most of all, to myself.”

Vince Lombardi & Vince Lombardi Jr. “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout the years.

Sincerely, Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D. Superintendent

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Dear Residents of the Fox Chapel Area School District,

Fox Chapel Area

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

CREATIVITY AND LITERACY PROGRAM GRAND OPENING Former Family Literacy Center now located at Kerr Elementary School & All of Us Care in Sharpsburg

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reschoolers moved about the brand new Creativity and Literacy Program classroom, becoming engaged in each of the activities – creating, making, and playing. The former Family Literacy Center for district residents with preschool-age children has been expanded to include an emphasis on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) and 21st century skills, integrated with literacy through creativity, exploration, design, and play.

Teacher and program facilitator Alison Francis explained how to weave fabric around a hula hoop. The hula hoop weaving teaches fine motor skills, collaboration, pattern, color, and counting.

Teacher and program facilitator Alison Francis spent several months researching and planning before the program, sponsored by the Fox Chapel Area School District, was rolled out in November. Preschoolers and their families had the opportunity to explore and participate in different learning centers in the classroom at Kerr Elementary School during the two-day open house event.

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Joe Zgurzynski, who attended the open house with his five-year-old son Nico, said, “I’m a big fan of science.” He believes the more science the better and added, “I like seeing the connection to literacy.”

Four-year-old Brice, who will attend kindergarten next year, could not say which of the learning activities was his favorite. “I liked all of them best.” He explained the kinetics activity in which he was engaged. “I was trying to build something that blows in the air.”

A volunteer demonstrated how the drawbot (drawing robot) moves across paper to make a picture. The children had the opportunity to create their own pictures using the drawbots and different colored markers.

“This is an amazing space for the kids to learn and explore,” said Brice’s mother, Janene Kay, who also brought along three-year-old Asher. She pointed out how Brice built his structure and tested it with the fan and then continued to work with the box of materials to explore and learn. “The activity provided interest, and then he continued to build with the materials on his own.” She added, “This is science integrated in the literacy. My boys are just loving it.”

Technology is an important component of the program with computers, iPads, and a SMART Board available for students, but reading and books will remain an integral part of each lesson. Additionally, families will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the many books that are part of the program’s library and there will be take-home activities to extend the learning opportunities beyond the program hours. Mrs. Francis said that the program’s location at Kerr will offer the added bonus of all of the resources that the school has to offer. Additionally, she anticipates that concepts used in the Creativity and Literacy Program will be developed for use by the school district’s elementary-age children as well.

Reading is a part of every session. Children and families took the opportunity to explore books in the Creativity and Literacy Program’s library during the November open house.

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Mrs. Francis says that in addition to the learning sessions for preschoolers and their families, the Creativity and Literacy Program will provide literacy development and parent education. Additionally, she will continue to work with local preschools to ensure that children make a smooth transition to the district’s elementary school program. The Creativity and Literacy Program is sponsored by the school district, and partial funding was provided by a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) grant offered through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and funded by the Benedum and Grable foundations.

A five-year-old boy pressed an orange connected to a computer to capture his various facial expressions in the photo booth center.

Megan Amster, mother of three-year-old Levi, said of the Creativity and Literacy Program, “Exposure to different types of different educational activities is just beneficial for their overall growth – socially, academically, and emotionally.” She added, “It’s amazing to have something like this right in your own backyard.”

For more information about the Fox Chapel Area School District Creativity and Literacy Program, please contact Mrs. Francis at 412/696-1400, or at clp@fcasd.edu.

A popular learning activity, children created different paths with pipes to make the ping pong ball travel from the top of the wall to the bottom of the wall.

A mother observed as her preschoolers and their toddler sibling explored the shapes on the light table.

Fox Chapel Area

The Creativity and Literacy Program has three sessions scheduled for this school year that run for six weeks and families can choose from six one-hour class times each week.

One class session per week is scheduled during the evening at Volunteers of America’s All of Us Care in Sharpsburg. The first session began on December 3. In the first classes children and their caregivers have been exploring textures in depth, according to Mrs. Francis.

Each class includes creative exploration and play. The second and third sessions will run from February 4-March 13, and March 25-May 8. Classes are free, but registration is required.

Children discovered that if they held the alligator clip, they could touch different fruits to create sounds on the computer.

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NINTH GRADER WINS FIRST PLACE IN NATIONAL SCIENCE COMPETITION

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project that earned Mihir Garimella a first place in the 74th Annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair while he was a student at Dorseyville Middle School led to a first place award in the Broadcom MASTERS National Science Fair. Mihir was named the first place winner in engineering at the competition and was awarded a new iPad and a $3,500 scholarship to attend a STEM summer camp. Additionally, he joins the ranks of such greats as Albert Einstein and Neil Armstrong with a minor planet named after him – a pretty cool prize for the current high school ninth grader!

As one of 30 national finalists selected to compete in the Broadcom MASTERS, Mihir packed up his project, “ScentIt: Digitally Recreating Smells,” and traveled to Washington, D.C., at the end of September to attend the five-day event. Each of the finalists presented their projects, interacting with hundreds of people who attended. But that was only a small part of the In his project, “ScentIt: Digitally Recreating Smells,” Mihir studied the competition. The finalists were placed on teams and then sense of smell and embedded scents from inexpensive air fresheners asked to work on science and technology challenges, into movie clips played on a computer. The smells he included were lemon, apple, and cinnamon. including building a model roller coaster, deciphering Mayan numerals, studying reverse engineering of the brain in an effort to discover how it works, and determining how much Alka Seltzer® and water it would take to launch a rocket to Mars. These he Broadcom MASTERS challenges made up a major portion of each participant’s final placement in the competition. is a program of the Top national scientists and engineers were also on hand at the Broadcom MASTERS competition to share their expertise with the participants. Among them was Eben Upton, the creator of the Raspberry Pi, an inexpensive open single-board computer the size of a credit card. Meeting Mr. Upton was especially interesting for Mihir because of his affinity for computer science.

Another highlight of the competition was a visit to the Oval Office at the White House conducted by surprise tour guide – President Barack Obama. “The President took us inside the Oval Office, showed us patents and some artwork, and his desk.”

Mihir also said a White House photographer took photos of the 30 finalists with the President. “It was a really special experience and exciting.”

Following the tour, the group met John Holdren, Ph.D., the chief scientific and technology advisor to the President. Dr. Holdren talked with each of the students about their projects.

As a result of Mihir’s national first-place efforts, Dorseyville Middle School teacher and academic science coach Peter Pinko also had a planet named after him. “Having a minor planet named after me is amazing. My granddaughter thinks I am a hero.

I have Mihir to thank for that,” Mr. Pinko stated. “My name is among a list of greats like Albert Einstein, Neil Armstrong, and the Beatles – but most impressive is that my name is listed with Mihir Garimella.”

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Society for Science & the Public (SSP).

MASTERS stands for Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars. The program is the national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) competition for U.S. sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and prizes were awarded in each of the STEM disciplines.

Mihir was among 1,695 students from across the nation invited to apply to enter based on results of regional science and technology competitions. He, along with one of his classmates, Suvir Mirchandani, were named among 300 semifinalists this past summer, and Mihir was then selected as one of the 30 finalists and invited for an all-expensespaid trip to Washington, D.C.

PHOTO COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

The Fox Chapel Area High School 2014 National Merit Semifinalists.

Additionally, 18 high school seniors were named Commended Students. They are: Marisa Acevedo, Aditya Acharya, Emily Bach, Elizabeth Bianchini, Jackson Brooke, Danielle Burton, Roman Cano, Dante Cordaro, Connor Duquette, Taha El-Magbri, Montgomery Faucher, Nora Fisher, John Hartsock, Jacob Norman, Yonatan Quemado, David Reis, Daniel Tabas, and McKenna Trimble.

This year’s National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students were selected based on their 2012 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores. Each year college-bound 11th grade students complete the PSAT/NMSQT. All the students who take this test are automatically enrolled in the National Merit Scholarship Program and approximately 16,000 advance to become Semifinalists and about 34,000 are Commended.

KERR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND STAFF HONOR VETERANS

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he members of the Kerr Elementary School Building Committee believe that everyone should recognize and honor the sacrifices made by American military personnel. It’s for that reason that the Kerr students and staff not only organized a drive for veterans, but created a beautiful patriotic display near the entryway of the school.

For the second year, Kerr students and staff members were invited to submit a photo of someone they know who has served or is currently serving in the military. The display included information about the person, his/her branch of service, and his/her connection to a member of the Kerr School family.

According to Dr. Paul Noro, Ed.D., “It’s deeply important that we show respect for our veterans. We want to commemorate those who have given their lives and honor those who are currently in the armed forces and to thank them for their service.”

Art teacher MaryAlice Hart concurs, stating, “We want the boys and girls to understand how many people, some even from their own families, have fought for the freedoms we often take for granted in America today.”

During the weeks prior to Veterans Day, the Kerr Elementary School Student Council helped to collect seven large boxes filled with toiletries and personal items to be sent to the Veterans Hospital on Delafield Avenue located in the school district.

Additionally, in honor of Veterans Day, two wreaths were placed in the main hallway next to the display and a special commemoration ceremony for all students was conducted at the school flagpole.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 13

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ight Fox Chapel Area High School seniors have been designated as National Merit Semifinalists in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The Semifinalists from Fox Chapel Area High School are: Andrew Brady, Natalie Campbell, Patrick Campbell, Ian Christie, Max Jahnke, Martin Kennedy, Andrew Ogren, and Masako Toyoda. The Semifinalists represent less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors and now have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and compete for about 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million to be offered in the spring of 2014.

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26 SENIORS RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL MERIT PROGRAM

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total of 129 Fox Chapel Area High School students were inducted into membership of the National Honor Society (NHS) in a ceremony held at the school September 26, 2013. Students inducted into the National Honor Society are selected for their scholarship, service, leadership, and character. This year’s inductees included: seniors Amanda Bubas, Brendan Courson, Caroline Cullinan, Davis Diethrich, Allyson Dunn, Robert Graham, Ronald Gross, Irene Lee, Faba Malik, Dominic Nickel, Mary Kate Noonan, Thadeus Pawlikowski, Jonathan Stebbins, and Catherine Stevenson. Juniors inducted included: Greta Altmeyer, Emma Amorose, Zoe Aridor, Alison Arnone, Sonia Appasamy, Brian Bartels, Vanessa Blazer, Aaron Bliss, Sara Botos, Sophia Brooks, Sam Burke, Anna Burns, Stephanie Buzzatto, Noah Cagley, Jacob Chajson, Madison Chajson, Nicole Chajson, Gerry Chen, Christina Cho, Samuel The 2013-2014 Fox Chapel Area High School National Columbus, Jason Crites, Patrick Cullinan, Frances Dean, Honor Society officers.

Justin Dembowski, Alexandra Drzewinski, Joshua Dunlap, Claire Durr, Emily Eames, Leah Eckman, Sydney Edelstein, Melissa Eschman, Margaux Everingham, Nicole Fallert, Jacob Froehlich, Caroline Gackenbach, Rama Godse, Andrew Golio, Christopher Good, Jessica Gorgas, Elias Graca, Jacob Halasowski, Samantha Hanna, Lily Hartsock, Eliza Horvat, Anna Huwar, Nikola Istvanic, Natalie Jaffe, Brad Jamiolkowski, Genna Kasian, Jordan Kerr, Zachary Kiehn, John Kilmer, Faith Kim, Minsoo Kim, Leigh Ann Kirk, Will Kolbrener, Mackenzie Kost, Kendal Krivinko, Gabrielle Kyle, Iza Lantgios, Frank Lou, Meghan Lucas, Jack Lundy, Ifra Malik, Megan Markovitz, Megan Martin, Tara McLaughlin, Margaret Mertz, Elena Meth, Ella Meyler, Rishi Mirchandani, Treavor Moore, Samuel Morrison, Bridget Morrissey, Jennifer Mountz, Kristina Mountz, Caitlin Murray, Anandhini Narayanan, Katarina Nestel, Abigail Owens, Elianna Paljug, Simran Parwani, Sophia Peterson, Jaagrit Randhawa, Allison Redfern, Sophie Roe, Cole Ryan, Deepika Sarma, Kanika Sarma, Elizabeth Savin, Sarah Schachner, Emma Schwartzman, Christopher Selwood, Elizabeth Shneider, Haley Simon, Miranda Simon, Margaret Slevin, Benjamin Smith, Rachel Stein, Rachel Szabo, Shahwar Tariq, Emily Thomas, Andrew Tublin, Brendan Valley, Daniel Vargo, Madeline Volosky, Anna Wang, Samuel Waxman, Matthew Werner, Andrew Wissinger, Gordon Wissinger, Jeremy Witchel, Elise Zaidi, Eleanor Zinn, and John Zottola.

The students of the Fox Chapel Area High School National Honor Society do many things to improve their community. Through the Friendly Foxes program National Honor Society members dedicate time during the school day to work with students in the life skills classroom. “One of the most wonderful aspects of this program is that those who chose to participate shared with me that it was as much of a growing experience for them as it was for the students with whom they worked,” states Fox Chapel Area High School’s chapter advisor and gifted support teacher Lisa Giguere. Another program of the National Honor Society is the Interdisciplinary Tutoring Program that was initiated and launched by a group of dedicated Fox Chapel Area students two years ago. This program involves helping middle school students (both struggling students and those already excelling) with mathematics. The Homework Helpers and volunteer tutors have also made a positive contribution to elementary and middle school students.

According to Ms. Giguere, “Through hard work and a true commitment to excellence, our students really do excel in so many areas. The contributions made through volunteer work, involvement in positive extracurricular activities, and dedication to service above self makes each of them a valued role model and leader in our school district.”

The newly inducted National Honor Society students enjoyed a reception following the ceremony.

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Students in their sophomore year who have an unweighted Quality Point Average (QPA) of 3.5 or better are invited to apply for membership in the National Honor Society.

Applicants must also have a minimum of two service activities and be involved in at least two additional clubs/groups. They must exhibit leadership qualities and provide character references. Once they are inducted as members, they must maintain their QPA and continue their community service work through National Honor Society-sponsored projects and other organizations.

PHOTOS COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION

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The Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2013, back row, from left to right, Andrew Tsai (2000 – soccer & basketball), Ben Fortun (1996 – soccer, basketball & baseball), and Lori Barry Smith (1984 – soccer) and front row, left to right, Julie Seifried Dillenburg (1959, Aspinwall – rifle), Jim Marelli (former football coach), and Emily Shoplik Stipanovich (2001 – golf).

SPORTS HALL OF FAME PRESERVES THE PAST, INVIGORATES THE FUTURE

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he hallways near the gymnasium at Fox Chapel Area High School are filled with trophies, medals, and plaques that commemorate the triumphs of some of the school’s most successful sports participants.

But an alcove across from the athletic department includes a special display case set aside for the best of the best – the elite athletes, squads, coaches, officials, and administrators who made high school and collegiate history, and in some cases, moved on to the professional level. This is the exclusive showcase reserved for members of the Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame.

Since its inception in 1996, 111 individuals and four teams have been honored for their contributions to Fox Chapel Area athletics. Alumni, families, and friends travel from as far away as California to participate in the annual induction ceremony and to reconnect with former teachers, coaches, and teammates. “There are dozens of outstanding former Fox Chapel Area student athletes who never have been considered for induction,” says Hall of Fame President Ron Frank, one of its founding members and also the high school’s longtime wrestling coach. “We get asked all the time ‘why hasn’t so-

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and-so been inducted,’ and the simple answer is: Nobody nominated them!”

(See sidebar for more information about eligibility requirements and how to submit a nomination.)

Jeff Sigal, the newest Hall of Fame committee member, is a 2003 graduate of Fox Chapel Area High School and former member of the golf and soccer teams.

“All of the inductees talk about the lasting impact that their coaches and teammates have had throughout their lives,” he recalls. “Sports teach invaluable lessons about teamwork, dedication, and commitment that have value in many different areas of life. It’s not a surprise to see an entire team show up at one player’s induction ceremony – a clear indication of what these experiences have meant to so many.”

One misconception is that the Hall of Fame is all about the past. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Michael O’Brien, director of athletics for the Fox Chapel Area School District and a member of the Hall of Fame committee says, “It gives us a wonderful opportunity to appreciate outstanding previous athletic

accomplishments and allows us to see how far we’ve come.” He adds, “Preserving the past is exceptionally important, but so too is meeting the needs of the current student body. The Hall of Fame works diligently to do just that.”

Coach Frank further explains, “Our goals include raising and awarding scholarship money for current athletes and providing funds to supplement the costs of diverse projects involving district athletic facilities.”

To date, the nonprofit organization has channeled more than $150,000 in scholarship money to Fox Chapel Area student athletes attending college.

The family of Ed Boyle established one such scholarship with seed money raised by faculty, friends, family, and even former players. An All-American soccer player and beloved physical education teacher, Coach Boyle served as the boys’ high school soccer coach for nine years. His passion for soccer was a driving force in the development of the Fox Chapel Area High School boys’ soccer program. The $1,000 annual award goes to a graduating male soccer player in good academic standing who exemplifies the spirit and talent of Coach Boyle. The Frank Fuhrer Family Athletic Scholarship

It takes money to give money away The annual Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, dinner, and silent auction are open to the public and help raise funds for future needs. It is always preceded by a popular summer golf outing that same weekend. Plus, anyone who has enjoyed watching an athletic event at the James M. Burk Athletic Facility has probably

These events and fundraising opportunities are all organized and run by the dedicated Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame Committee, which includes some very accomplished individuals, many of whom are inductees themselves: John Broderick, Dave Damico, Gil Damico, Bryan Elder, Marian Flowers, Ron Frank, Harry Jenkins, Chuck Lodge, Harry Lodge, Charlie Mesiano, Mike O’Brien, Jim Perry, Dave Progar, Jeff Sigal, Dan Ware, and Deb Welty.

“I’ve been most impressed by the continued dedication of so many former coaches and players who no longer have any direct ties to the athletic programs,” says Mr. Sigal. “Coaches who retired years ago continue to support the Hall of Fame and I think it’s great to see that level of commitment, even after their coaching or playing careers have ended.”

More information about the history of the Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame, its activities, membership, donation opportunities, and scholarship programs can be found at fcsportshalloffame.com.

2013 graduates Amanda Todd and Joshua Tublin were awarded 2013 Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame Scholarships. Amanda received the Frank Fuhrer Family Athletic Scholarship and Joshua received the Ed Boyle Memorial Scholarship.

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

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he Hall of Fame is seeking nominations from the community for athletes, coaches, or other individuals deserving of Hall of Fame recognition. Nominations may be submitted to any Hall of Fame committee member by January 2, 2014.

Nominees for Hall of Fame consideration must meet the following criteria: • graduated a minimum of 10 years from year of nomination; • for athletes – section, WPIAL, PIAA, and/or national awards for excellence in high school athletics AND actively played for a varsity collegiate team; and • for administrators and coaches – must have contributed significantly to the athletic program of the Fox Chapel Area School District, or prior to the Fox Chapel Area School District merger, Aspinwall or Sharpsburg high schools.

Nominations are kept on file for 10 years and, if not selected the first time, may be reviewed again at a future date. Credentials of nominated candidates are carefully reviewed keeping in mind athletic accomplishments divided among the various sports, geographic areas represented, and candidates from each of the decades pre- and postmerger. Individuals receiving at least 75 percent of votes are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

For more information about nominating a candidate, visit the Hall of Fame website at fcsportshalloffame.com.

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The other integral purpose of the Hall of Fame – funding projects that benefit district athletic projects and facilities – led to purchases such as sports equipment for the middle school, new therapeutic equipment for the high school training room, girls’ team lockers, and trophy cases. The Hall of Fame was also one of the supplemental donors that made it possible to add extra features to the high school turf baseball, softball, and practice fields.

stepped on the “Walk of Fame,” a series of brick pavers that commemorate donor families, athletes, and supportive individuals from the community. New additions ($50 each) have increased its size to well over 300 bricks. Finally, anyone can become a “Friend of the Hall” for $25 for a three-year membership, and $100 for a lifetime.

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offers another opportunity for senior athletes. The Fuhrer family is well known for their philanthropy as well as their own local, state, and national athletic achievements that span several generations. This scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who has excelled in athletics, maintained high academic standards, and demonstrates financial need. The selected senior athlete is awarded a $2,500 college scholarship, renewable for the next three consecutive years provided academic excellence is maintained. The value of the scholarship can total up to $10,000.

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orseyville Middle School principal Jonathan Nauhaus says the diversity of the student and family population offers a unique opportunity to interact and associate with people from all walks of life. It is also one of the main reasons he was first interested in the Fox Chapel Area School District.

“As someone who grew up in the city of Pittsburgh and who spent many years working in school systems, both public and private, inner city and suburban, Fox Chapel Area offered me the opportunity to put all of my experiences to use within one district.”

St. Clair School District. He joined the DMS staff as an assistant principal in 2007.

“I’m proud to be a member of the administrative team responsible for Dorseyville Middle School. It is an amazing place where students have unlimited opportunities to experience, learn, and grow as a result of the hardest working, most professional collection of individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside.”

Mr. Nauhaus says that one of his goals is to increase the sense of community associated with Dorseyville Middle School. “By this, I mean community within the walls of our school between our students, faculty, and parents; the community outside the walls of our school as a connection to our elementary schools and high school; and the community within the district itself as a means of bringing the various boroughs and municipalities together.”

Mr. Nauhaus graduated from the American University with a Bachelor of Arts in law and society. He received master’s degrees from the University

of Pittsburgh in elementary education, K-12 administration, and curriculum and instruction. He recently completed coursework for the superintendent letter of eligibility and is currently a candidate in the educational doctorate program at Pitt.

He and his wife enjoy spending time with their two children, ages seven and five, who are both involved in ice hockey programs. Mr. Nauhaus also enjoys running, playing basketball, and walking the family dog (whom he refers to as his “K-9 child”).

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MAKES TRANSITION FROM O’HARA TO DMS PHOTO COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

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Mr. Nauhaus began his teaching career at an elementary school in Washington, D.C., as a member of the Teach for America teaching corps and he worked for the District of Columbia Public Schools for nine years. Originally from Squirrel Hill and Point Breeze, Mr. Nauhaus returned to Pittsburgh in 2003 and spent time teaching math at the Falk Laboratory School and fourth graders in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and he served as an administrative intern at Boyce Middle School in the Upper

PHOTO COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

JONATHAN NAUHAUS NAMED PRINCIPAL AT DORSEYVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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ncoming Dorseyville Middle School sixth graders, who have grown accustomed to seeing assistant principal James “JP” Prager since first grade at O’Hara

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Elementary School, were greeted by that same familiar face on opening day this fall. Mr. Prager “graduated” from O’Hara Elementary School and made the transition to Dorseyville Middle School as a new assistant principal.

Mr. Prager says he has seen his former elementary students flourish from first graders to young adults as they entered the doors of DMS this fall, and he is enjoying being a part of the administrative team at Dorseyville.

“Working with middle school students, one is able to witness the dramatic change, both academically and socially, throughout their duration here at DMS. I enjoy seeing them enter as elementary students and watching them grow into high school students.”

Mr. Prager graduated from Duquesne University and also completed a master’s degree in education from Duquesne.

He has completed his coursework for his doctorate degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to working at O’Hara Elementary, he was the grant coordinator and enrichment/ remediation math specialist for the Pine-Richland School District. He also worked in the North Allegheny School District.

Mr. Prager is pleased to be a part of the administrative team at Dorseyville. “The strong commitment that the Fox Chapel Area School District has to academics is evident throughout all grade levels in the district.” He adds, “ I enjoy being part of a community that prides itself on providing such wonderful opportunities for all students in this technological age.”

A native of the North Hills area of Pittsburgh, Mr. Prager enjoys biking and running.

PHOTO COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

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orseyville Middle School Assistant Principal Patricia Clark has a real connection with middle school students. “They are full of energy and enthusiasm, and they are changing and developing in so many ways all at once.

They are trying to figure life out. They want to be independent, but also need their families.” She says every day with

Ms. Clark has played a major role in Dorseyville Middle School’s success – she was a part of the leadership team when DMS was first recognized in the Middle Schools to Watch program in 2010, and again when Dorseyville was redesignated in 2013. The program recognizes middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and strong organizational structures. “It really affirms the commitment that DMS has had for many years – to provide a learning experience that addresses the unique needs of middle level-learners,” she comments.

Ms. Clark says that the collaborative spirit she first observed when she came to Dorseyville in 2002 is still present today. “You can see it as students work together in our classrooms and during extracurricular activities. Teachers work with each other in both their home

schools and with colleagues in other buildings.” She continues, “As principals, we have enjoyed great working relationships with the principals at the high school and elementary schools, as well as with our central office staff.

People seek out the advice and input of others when decisions need to be made.

Everyone works together to support each other and provide the best educational opportunities for our students.”

Originally from the Philadelphia area, Ms. Clark moved to western Pennsylvania in 1979 and considers Pittsburgh her home. Before becoming a part of the administrative team at Dorseyville, she was a middle school/ high school special education teacher in the West Greene School District.

She completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in special education at California University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Clark enjoys spending time with her family. She has three grown children and three grandchildren.

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ew O’Hara Elementary School Assistant Principal Aaron Rea has only been with the district since midSeptember, but it didn’t take long for him to experience the positive learning culture at O’Hara.

“Immediately, I felt an overwhelming level of support and togetherness amongst the students, staff, administration, and our community,” he notes.

Prior to coming to O’Hara, Mr. Rea worked for 10 years with the Highlands School District. He started as a fifth grade classroom teacher, but quickly moved to Highlands Middle School where he served as a sixth grade math teacher.

Math is Mr. Rea’s specialty. He is particularly proud of the after-school math tutoring program that he started at

PHOTO COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

AARON REA APPOINTED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT O’HARA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Highlands Middle School. The program, for students “academically at risk,” was led by high school National Honor Society students.

Aside from mathematics, Mr. Rea also has an interest in schoolwide positive behavior support. “I would like to see O’Hara Elementary further celebrate those students who regularly and consistently meet and exceed our classroom and buildingwide expectations in regard to behavior and citizenship.”

After graduating from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Mr. Rea relocated to Virginia where he taught sixth grade.

After he returned to the Pittsburgh area in 2003, he completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and earned his principal’s certification from Gannon University.

Mr. Rea particularly enjoys athleticrelated hobbies. In addition to being a season ticket holder for Pitt basketball, he enjoys traveling to different ballparks across the country, “although PNC Park remains my favorite.” He also enjoys mountain-biking and kayaking.

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Dorseyville students is different. “They are excited about the possibilities of what every day, and the future, holds for them!”

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PAT CLARK PART OF THE DMS TEAM SINCE 2002

FOX CHAPEL AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING October 4, 2013

The homecoming king and queen

PHOTOS COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

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Pony rides were part of the Fox Chapel Area Community Carnival which was held prior to the football game.

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The Foxes prepare to take the field while greeting fans.

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The theme of this year’s homecoming was “Decades” and the class of 2016 represented the 1960s.

Two young ladies take shelter under their umbrellas during a rain shower.

The juniors performed the winning skit, representing the 90s.

Principal Michael Hower takes his turn in the dunking booth.

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EDUCATOR AND FITNESS EXPERT PENS FIRST BOOK Book goes straight to number one in two free best-seller categories on Amazon

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ometime in between teaching physical education at Kerr Elementary School, coaching the Fox Chapel Area High School girls’ and boys’ tennis teams, training athletes, and serving as an expert consultant for the International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA), Alex Slezak found time to write his first book, “The Physical Education Revolution.”

Geared toward physical education teachers, parents who serve as coaches in the community, and anyone who works with youth sports and fitness, Mr. Slezak sees an epic opportunity to influence the lifestyles of future generations, beginning with kindergarten and continuing through high school. Upon release in October, the book went straight to number one in two free best-seller categories, physical education and exercise and fitness.

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“Physical education, or ‘gym class,’ has been slowly deprioritized and devalued in many schools across the world, and it is time to stand up and speak out to the value and positive impact it can have for our youth,” Mr. Slezak contends.

His call for action is timely, considering the alarming increases of diabetes in children, and the fact that 35-40 percent of young people are considered overweight, 20-25 percent of which fall into the obese category. The book takes an in-depth look at how to teach youth fitness and approach training at the

elementary, middle, and high school levels. Mr. Slezak even includes suggestions for lesson plans, age-appropriate goals, and tried-andtrue activities he’s used to lay a strong foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

Most of all, he emphasizes that the transformation must begin with the physical education teacher at the earliest levels when they should “…make children feel safe, encourage their effort to try new things, persist when they fail, congratulate them when they succeed, and create tons of opportunities for physical play.”

“The Physical Education Revolution” was published in conjunction with the International Youth Conditioning Association, a leader in youth fitness and athletic development education. The book was released in mid-October on Amazon and is accompanied by a special 40-minute bonus video in which Mr. Slezak brings life to his concepts through demonstrations of various techniques.

Mr. Slezak has taught physical education at Kerr Elementary School since 2005.

“My life’s work is teaching and I certainly hope that my students learn about fitness.

However, I also hope my teaching has a positive impact in their lives beyond just fitness.”

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were plenty of opportunities for older athletes, but none, to his knowledge, that were devoted exclusively to those of middle school age.

In 1998, Coach Shiner’s first middle school invitational drew roughly 500 runners from 20 area schools. Since then, he estimates 13,000 runners have taken part in the 1.65-mile race that’s held each September at the Hartwood Acres cross country course.

Although it doesn’t get headlinegrabbing attention, the Fox Chapel Northern Invitational has become the biggest race of the year solely for area middle school cross country runners.

The 2013 event – the most successful one to date – attracted 1,100 seventh and eighth graders from 48 schools and more than 1,000 spectators. Just about every school district in the North Hills area sent representatives, and this fall, runners came from as far away as Somerset, Pennsylvania.

One attractive aspect of the invitational is the format, which features four separate races, one for each grade level and gender.

“It is the only meet our kids attend that has separate seventh and eighth grade races,” offers Dave Sheets, a middle school cross country coach for the Hampton Township School District.

“Pete also gives out 30 quality medals per race, which exceeds the number awarded at any other invitational.

This allows kids who do not earn any

recognition all season the opportunity to have a moment of glory.” Coach Sheets continues, “I walk away each year, amazed how every year seems better than the previous one.”

“The unique format allows the seventh graders a chance to shine in their own event instead of being overshadowed by the faster and more developed eighth graders,” explains Coach Shiner, whose 21 years as a teacher at Dorseyville Middle School has provided insight about the psyche and motivation of teenagers.

The popular event is a labor of love for Coach Shiner and his assistant coach and fellow DMS teacher Matt LaPatka, but it also has evolved into a logistical and organizational challenge.

“It’s become a year-long thing to plan,” says Coach Shiner. “Matt and I work with about 30 parent volunteers, many of whom no longer have kids on the team but come back because they enjoyed the experience. Plus, the entire high school team of almost 70 kids comes too. They help out with concessions, T-shirt sales, and helping at the finish line. Sometimes 200 runners pass the finish line in a span of two minutes. It would be impossible without their help.”

“Our kids love this event because it is a great course to run a big meet,” says Jason Winschel, North Allegheny School District’s middle school cross country coach. “It is a huge event that goes off

seemingly without a hitch every year. As a coach who hosts his own invitational, I can say I marvel at the efficiency with which Pete runs this one. He and Matt are two fine coaches, and they put together a group of parents who simply do wonders.”

Although grateful and appreciative of the recognition, Coach Shiner and Coach LaPatka put personal accolades aside to focus on their ultimate goal.

“We want to help the kids develop a love and joy of running, both as individuals and as a team effort,” says Coach Shiner.

“There aren’t too many sports where you can cultivate a lifelong love for being healthy, but running is one of them.”

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orseyville Middle School cross country coach Pete Shiner probably had no idea of what he was getting himself into when, 15 years ago, he inherited the Fox Chapel Northern Invitational, an annual cross country event that was held for middle and high school students. His vision was to turn it into an experience dedicated solely to middle school runners. He knew there

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MIDDLE SCHOOL INVITATIONAL ALLOWS YOUNG RUNNERS TO SHINE

FALL ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS It was an exciting and successful fall for Fox Chapel Area High School sports with five teams winning section championships.

Among the seven teams advancing to the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs, three finished as WPIAL runners-up. Additionally, the school was well represented at the PIAA (state) championships by cross country, boys’ golf, and the girls’ doubles tennis team.

Girls’ Tennis Girls’ tennis team members sophomores Lacey Cohen and Laurel Shymansky were named the WPIAL Class AAA Doubles Champions, the WPIAL Class AAA Section 3 Doubles Champions, and earned the gold medal as the new 2013 PIAA Doubles Champions! Additionally, the girls’ tennis team, as a whole, qualified for the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

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Boys’ Golf

Cross Country The hard-working and focused boys’ cross country team won its second consecutive WPIAL Class AAA Section 4 championship with a perfect 8-0 record. The team had an outstanding showing at the WPIAL Class AAA championships where they placed second. Senior Colin Martin became the new WPIAL Class AAA champ, with twin brother Ethan Martin right behind in second place. In addition to Colin and Ethan, juniors Aaron Bliss, Christopher Good, Elias Graca, and Jacob Halasowski; sophomore Brendon Urso; and freshman Alec Eckman also qualified for the PIAA championship meet. From the girls’ team, sophomore Mary Humphrey also qualified for states. At the PIAA meet, Colin was the top finisher for the WPIAL with a seventh place finish and Ethan placed 17th.

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The boys’ golf team played to perfection this season. They finished16-0 and won two invitational tournaments. The team also earned their second consecutive WPIAL Class AAA Section 4 championship. The team now takes its place as only the third boys’ golf team in school history to go undefeated during the regular season. The Foxes were also runnersup at the WPIAL Class AAA team finals.

Individually, Fox Chapel Area had three golfers advance to the finals at the WPIAL Class AAA championship – seniors Patrick Sheerer, Jorden Alfery, and DJ Diethrich.

Additionally, Patrick won the PIAA Western Regional Championship with a 1 under par 71. He advanced to the PIAA Class AAA state championships where he finished in an impressive 10th place.

Girls’ Soccer The Lady Foxes’ undefeated section record of 11-0-1 earned them the WPIAL Class AAA Section 3 team championship for the first time since 2009. It also marked the first time in 14 years that the team had gone undefeated in section play. Their defensive power was evident through 13 shutouts and by allowing only 10 goals all season. The team went on to compete in the WPIAL playoffs.

Boys’ Soccer The boys’ varsity soccer team recently shared the WPIAL Class AAA Section 3 title and qualified for the WPIAL playoffs.

Additionally, boys’ soccer coach Erik Ingram earned his 100th career coaching victory this season.

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NOTICES TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO RESIDE IN THE FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Programs, Services for Gifted Students, and Services for Protected Handicapped Students IDEA – Chapter 14

In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the Fox Chapel Area School District that it conducts ongoing identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related services. Child Find refers to activities undertaken by public education agencies to identify, locate, and evaluate children residing in the state, including children attending private schools, who are suspected of having disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability, and determine the child’s need for special education and related services. The purpose is to locate these children so that a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) can be made available.

Identification Activities are performed to find a child who is suspected as having a disability that would interfere with his or her learning unless special education programs and services are made available.

These activities are sometimes called screening activities.

The activities include: review of group data, conducting hearing and vision screening, assessment of a student’s Continued Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 25

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Fielding a roster of only two returning starters from last year’s WPIAL championship team meant the field hockey team needed to see big things from young players – and they did.

The team had 12 shutouts and only let up six points all season.

As a result, the team won the WPIAL Class AAA Section 2 championship and were the WPIAL runners-up.

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Field Hockey

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academic functioning, observation of the student displaying difficulty in behavior, and determining the student’s response to attempted remediation. Input from parents is also an information source of identification. If your child is identified by the district as possibly in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures. Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions: autism/pervasive development disorder, blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, deaf blindness, orthopedic impairment, developmental delay, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, emotional disturbance, specific learning disability, and/or speech or language impairment. We offer a continuum of services for students with disabilities that begins with full inclusion in the child’s home school and class to separate programs within other schools in which peers without disabilities would not participate.

Section 504 – Chapter 15

If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services and related programs, or your child (ages three to school age) may be in need of early intervention, screening and evaluation processes designed to assess the need of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening and evaluation at anytime, whether or not your child is enrolled in the district’s public school program. Requests for school-age evaluations and screenings are to made be in writing to: Special Education Department, Fox Chapel Area School District, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Requests for children ages three to school age should be made in writing to: Project DART, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120.

In compliance with state law, services designed to meet the unique needs of gifted students are provided. Students are identified individually based on state law and district policy, and those students who possess superior intelligence scores or meet multiple criteria indicating gifted ability may receive services.

If you believe that your school-age child may be eligible for gifted services, screening and evaluation processes designed to assess his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the district’s public school program. Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to: Pupil Services Department, Fox Chapel Area School District, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Potential Signs of Developmental Delays and Other Risk Factors that Could Indicate a Need for Special Education Services

Confidentiality

Some indications that your child may be a child with a disability who is in need of special education are: • Exhibition of an emotional disturbance over a long period of time which affects your child’s ability to learn; • Consistent problems in getting along with others; • Difficulty communicating; • Lack of interest or ability in age-appropriate activities; • Resistance to change; • Difficulty seeing or hearing that interferes with the ability to communicate; • Health problems that affect educational performance including attention problems; • Difficulty performing tasks that require reading, writing, or mathematics; and • When, a child who is at least three years of age but before he or she has started school as a beginner, scores on a developmental assessment device, on an assessment instrument which yields a score in months, which score indicates that the child is delayed by 25 percent of the child’s chronological age in one or more developmental areas, or if the child is delayed in one or more of the developmental areas, as documented by tests performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on standardized tests.

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In compliance with state and federal law, the school district will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities without discrimination. A protected handicapped student must be school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. You may request screening and evaluation of Chapter 15 services at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the district’s public school program.

Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to: Pupil Services Department, Fox Chapel Area School District, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Gifted Education – Chapter 16

All information gathered about your child is subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in federal and state law.

The district has policies and procedures in effect governing the collection, maintenance, destruction, and disclosure to third parties of this information. For information about this, as well as the rights of confidentiality and access to educational records, you may contact, in writing: Pupil Services Department, Fox Chapel Area School District, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Public Notice – Student Records

As a parent of a student in the Fox Chapel Area School District, you have certain rights in regard to your child’s school records. These rights are guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 1974, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education Regulations. These rights apply whether your child is exceptional or nonexceptional.

The district protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding exceptional and protected handicapped students in accordance with state and federal law and the district’s student records policy.

According to the FERPA, 1974, various nonconfidential information can be released to outside agencies without your consent. This directory information consists of student’s name; address; telephone number; e-mail address; photograph; date and place of birth; major field of study; dates of attendance; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors, and awards received; the most recent educational agency or institution attended; and other similar information.

If you do not want directory information about your child released, please notify the Fox Chapel Area School District Assistant Superintendent, in writing, at the beginning of each school year at 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Pennsylvania School Performance Profile

Under the Pennsylvania Educator Effectiveness System (Act 82 of 2012), the Pennsylvania Department of Education has released the Pennsylvania School Performance Profile. This public site provides an academic performance score for public schools in the state. The School Performance Profiles for the member schools of the Fox Chapel Area School District are available online at http://paschoolperformance.org.

Military Recruiters

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Section 9528 requires each school district that gets assistance under the Title I program to give military recruiters access to secondary students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings. However, according to NCLB 9528(b), parents can request that the school district must get prior written consent before releasing their child’s contact information to military or college recruiters. Parents who want to give prior written consent before releasing their child’s contact information should call the high school counseling office at 412/967-2438 prior to the beginning of each school year.

In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the EPA requires the district to perform reinspections of asbestos materials every three years. In August 2013, accredited asbestos inspectors performed these reinspections and a certified asbestos management planner reviewed the results. The results of the reinspections are on file in the school district administration office as part of the asbestos management plan. The management plan is available for viewing by the public during regular school hours (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Media Notification

Our students, educational programs, school events, and community-oriented activities are sometimes made the subject of recording by video, audio, photography, and the like for use as instructional and informational tools. Since the schools are public buildings, students are frequently the subject of video and audio recording, interviewing, and/or photographing. In addition, our students’ work is sometimes published in print and/or the electronic media.

The district will allow students to be recorded, interviewed, and/ or photographed and students’ work to be published for legitimate public purposes.

Throughout the school year, students may be recorded, interviewed, and/or photographed by representatives from newspapers, television stations, and radio stations, as well as district communications office personnel or their designees and these items may be publicly displayed. Students and their work and photographs may also appear in print media and/ or electronically on places such as the district’s websites and through broadcasts.

If parents/guardians object to such publication, a written objection must be filed. The district will not deliberately publish a child if a written objection has been filed. The district will also make a reasonable effort to avoid publication by any third party. It is understood that the district certainly has no control of the news media or others outside of the school organization.

Student participation in school activities, especially athletics and other competitive events, increases the likelihood of publication of stories and images of those students.

Written objections must be filed at the beginning of each school year with the Coordinator of Communications, Fox Chapel Area School District, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. If a written objection has been filed in the past, a new letter of objection must still be filed each year. If parents/ guardians do not file a written objection, their silence will serve as implied consent.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 27

FOX C HAP E L ARE A SC HOOL N E WS

If a child transfers to another school system, records will be forwarded after notification of enrollment is received from the new school.

Asbestos Reinspections

Fox Chapel Area

You have the right to review, inspect, or obtain a copy of your child’s records. Records are also open to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in a child. You may make a written request for copies of your child’s records at a fee not to exceed duplicating costs. If you believe that any information is inaccurate or misleading, you may challenge the contents of the records. You have the right to refuse individual consent where such permission is needed for releasing certain student information. Should you feel the district is not providing these rights, you may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT District Administration 611 Field Club Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-9600 www.fcasd.edu Superintendent: Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D. Assistant Superintendent: David P. McCommons, Ed.D. Administrative Assistant for Business Affairs: L. Douglas McCausland District Resource Staff Coordinator of Instruction, Staff Development and Secondary Curriculum: Matthew J. Harris Coordinator of Elementary Education and Instruction: Tammy S. Wolicki, Ed.D. Coordinator of Special Education and Pupil Services: Lonnie Carey, Ed.D. Coordinator of Federal Programs and Student Achievement: Alicia Gismondi Coordinator of Educational Technology: Scott W. Hand Coordinator of Ancillary Services: Daniel Breitkreutz Director of Athletics & Activities: Michael O’Brien Coordinator of Communications: Bonnie Berzonski

FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOLS Fairview Elementary School 738 Dorseyville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-9315 Principal: Rebecca A. Stephan Hartwood Elementary School 3730 Saxonburg Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/767-5396 Principal: Rachel K. Fischbaugh Kerr Elementary School 341 Kittanning Pike Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412/781-4105 Principal: Paul S. Noro, Ed.D. O’Hara Elementary School 115 Cabin Lane Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-0333 Principal: Michael E. Rowe, Ed.D. Assistant Principal: Aaron C. Rea

FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL BOARD PHOTO COURTESY TOWN AND COUNTRY STUDIO

FOX CH APE L AR EA SC H OO L NE WS

ox Chapel Area

For the latest information on school activities and weather-related delays and cancellations, call the Fox Chapel Area School District 24-Hour Information Line at 412/967-2500 or visit the website at www.fcasd.edu.

The athletic events calendar can be found on the Fox Chapel Area School District website at www.fcasd.edu or visit www.highschoolsports.net.

Dorseyville Middle School 3732 Saxonburg Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/767-5343 Principal: Jonathan T. Nauhaus Assistant Principal: Patricia A. Clark Assistant Principal: James Phillip Prager Jr. Fox Chapel Area High School 611 Field Club Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/967-2430 Senior/Lead Principal: Michael H. Hower Program Principal: Daniel E. Lentz Assistant Principal – Senior Program: John J. McGee Assistant Principal – Intermediate Program: Rebecca J. Cunningham, Ed.D.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT The Fox Chapel Area School District is an equal rights and opportunity school district. The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or handicap/disability. The district shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.

Additional information pertaining to civil rights, school district policies, and grievance procedures can be obtained by contacting the compliance officers listed below between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. This notice is available from the compliance officers in large print, on audiotape, and in Braille.

Title IX: David P. McCommons, Ed.D. (412/967-2456) Section 504 & ADA: Lonnie Carey, Ed.D. (412/967-2435) Address: Fox Chapel Area School District

611 Field Club Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Front Row (left to right): Sandra M. Garbisch (2015 - Region II); Joel R. Weinstein (2017 - Region III); Nancy B. Foster (2015 - Region III); and Robert Mauro (2017 - Region II).

Row 2 (left to right): Eric C. Schmidt (2015 - Region I); Charles R. Burke (2017 - Region III); Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D., Superintendent; Terry L. Wirginis (2015 - Region II); Robin F. Baum (2015 - Region I); and Sherman M. Snyder (2017 - Region I).

Row 3 (left to right): David P. McCommons, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent; Paul J. Giuffre, Esq., Solicitor; and L. Douglas McCausland, Board Secretary.

28 Fox Chapel Area

Region I covers all of Sharpsburg Borough and Wards 2, 3, and 4 of O’Hara Township; Region II covers Districts 2, 4, and 5 of Fox Chapel Borough and all of Indiana Township; and Region III covers all of Aspinwall Borough, Blawnox Borough, Wards 1 and 5 of O’Hara Township, and Districts 1 and 3 of Fox Chapel Borough.

School Board regular business meetings are usually scheduled for the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. and are held at the high school. The public is invited to attend.

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Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 29

in the

LOOP What’s news in Fox Chapel Area

BECOME A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER IN 2014

O’Hara Township Parkview Volunteer Fire Dept.

Call 412.781.9728.

ParkviewVFD.org Sharpsburg Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Dept.

Call 412.781.1116 or email SharpsburgVFD@yahoo.com.

SharpsburgVFD.Webs.com Calendar of Events: Below is a list of the events scheduled for the Fox Chapel Fire Department. If you have any questions about the following schedule, please contact: info@foxchapelvfd.com.

No matter where you live, it’s for sure there is a local fire department near you that needs your help. Volunteering is a popular thing to do these days, but firefighting has seen a steady decline in numbers. It’s ironic, because firefighters are probably the oldest group of community volunteers.

Over the years, they have included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Adams.

Every day firefighters answer the call to help members of the community.

Not all volunteer jobs at the fire department involve running into burning buildings.

Fundraising, cleaning the station, washing the trucks, renting fire halls for events and driving the fire truck are all examples of serving your community through the fire service. If you would like more information on volunteering please contact one of the departments below. It is a great way to help people and some of them may even be people you know.

Monthly Business Meeting*: WHEN: First Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Fox Chapel Borough Building Work / Drill Night*: WHEN: All other Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Fox Chapel Borough Building 50th Anniversary Celebration: 50th Anniversary Celebration was enjoyed by all. Visit the FCVFD web site for photos of this spectacular event. *If you are interested in learning more about the FCVFD, please stop by on any Tuesday night to see what we are about.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Dept.

Call 412.781.0447, or write: Chief-Aspinwall VFD, 217 Commercial Ave., Aspinwall, PA 15215 AspinwallVFD.org.

Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company Call 412.828.6380 or email info@blawnoxvfc.com.

BlawnoxVFC.com Fox Chapel Fire Dept.

Call 412.963.1100, or attend any Tues. night meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Fox Chapel Borough Bldg.

FoxChapelVFC.com Indiana Township Dorseyville Volunteer Fire Dept.

Call 412.767.4343.

IndianaTownship.com/emergency.asp

30 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

Mother Teresa said, “Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty” of all.

Poverty is a heavy burden to bear at any time of year, but none more so than the holidays.

Those in need can feel as though they have been forgotten by society, particularly the elderly who have few or no relatives, and parents who are unable to provide gifts for their children and must explain why there are no presents and no special meal for the holiday. This gray situation is often in

inFoxChapelAd-1-6-November2013_Layout 1 11/6/13

stark contrast to many families whose gifts overflow the Christmas tree.

Founded in 1987, The Spirit of Christmas is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to helping families and the elderly in need at Christmas by providing toys, clothes and food that are far beyond the reach of their limited finances.

Bob’s Garage Restaurant and Lounge in Fox Chapel on Freeport Road holds events each year during which tips are donated to help purchase Christmas gifts and food for those in need. Special entertainers and local celebrities donate their time by appearing and there is no cover charge to attend.

Yahtzee games and 50/50 raffles are held, and grab bags are also sold to help raise funds for The Spirit of Christmas.

The events began on Dec. 2 and will continue through Dec. 22. Some of the entertainers include The Biker Boys, Jon Cevario, and Mike and John’s Acoustic Jam. For a complete listing of events, please visit the website Spirit-of-Christmas.org. You may also contribute directly to the organization by sending a check to:

Teen Programs After Hours Art Club Ender’Game Party Poetry Picnic Make-It for Mom Children’s Programs Toddler Story Times Preschool Story Times Baby Lap-sit Fireplace Tales Movies for Families Various Crafts and Reading Activities *Please note – Pre-registration is required for some activities and may be accomplished by calling the library at 412.828.9520. For a complete detailed listing of activities, visit the library website at CooperSiegelRef@einetwork.net.

Save The Date!

Love the Library 2013 is set for Saturday, April 20 at the Pittsburgh Field Club. All proceeds benefit the Cooper-Siegel Library.

GIRL SCOUTS PRESENTS AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Prudential Preferred Realty Welcomes Prudential Preferred Realty’s Fox Chapel Office is pleased to announce that Maureen Farino - Levicoff has joined their award-winning team.

Maureen brings 18 years of experience in customer service and sales leadership.

Maureen grew up in Highland Park and has lived in Fox Chapel with her family for 13 years. She has been very active in the Fox Chapel Area School district, as the PTO co-president for several years at Fairview Elementary along with serving on committees for district fundraising events.

Maureen can be reached at 412-782-3700 x223, on her cell at 412-370-1756 or by email at MFarino@PrudentialPreferred.com.

Preferred Realty

Spirit of Christmas, Inc. Attention: Bob Paganico, Pres.

932 Jefferson Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235

COOPER-SIEGEL COMMUNITY LIBRARY IS A HAPPENING PLACE! There are programs for every age at the Cooper-Siegel Library. Here is just a small listing of all the many engaging programs offered right here in your neighborhood.

Adult Programs Annual Tartan Day Senior Speaker Series Library Speaker Series Keeping Up with Technology at the Library Computer instruction for Beginners, Ebay, Microsoft Word and More.

College Admissions 101 Columnist Doug Oster’s Annual Lecture on Gardening Ikebana Classes Classes for Pet Owners Local Author Book Signings Free Film Screenings Foreign Language Classes Knitting Group Book Discussion Groups Line Dancing Class Library Delivery to Homebound Residents

Fox Chapel resident and businesswoman, Lani Lazzari is being honored by Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania (GSWPA).

GSWPA will present awards for outstanding service and leadership to the Pittsburgh community at its annual Awards of Distinction luncheon on May 16, 2014, at the Omni William Penn in downtown Pittsburgh.

Lazzari is being honored as an Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner for developing her company, Simple Sugars. What began as a small business has grown to employ 15 people locally, with a distribution center in New Stanton. Lazzari was featured on the TV show Shark Tank in the spring and landed a deal with popular investor, Mark Cuban. She also made a return appearance in September which detailed the success of her company since the show aired. ■ Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 31

INPERSON

Patient Ambassador

Darlene Miloser of Fox Chapel pens her story about breast cancer in an effort to help others.

BY JENNIFER BROZAK

Before my diagnosis, I was just obsessed with turning 50.

Afterward, I just wanted to stay alive.

S

hortly before her 50th birthday, Fox Chapel resident Darlene Miloser received the heart-breaking news that she had breast cancer. That was in 2008. Five years later, Miloser is in full remission, and is on a mission to share her emotional story.

Working with Tate Publishing & Enterprises, Miloser has published her first book, Diary of a Breast Cancer Survivor, as a way of reaching out to other women who are facing the life-threatening disease.

“Hearing that diagnosis turns your whole world upside down,” says Miloser, whose boys were only 11 and 15 at the time. She

32 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

turned to her faith to help her through the treatment.

“Before my diagnosis, I was just obsessed with turning 50. Afterward, I just wanted to stay alive,” she says. “I dropped to my knees and prayed to God to please let me stay here and raise my children, to be with my husband. I promised that if he let me live, that I would do anything I could to help as many other women as I could get through this.”

Having no history of breast cancer in her family, Miloser learned she had the disease after discovering a lump during a self-examination – just three weeks after

she had undergone a routine mammogram, which, other than finding evidence of known breast calcifications, had indicated nothing suspicious.

Further testing revealed a cancerous tumor and a precancerous mass in one breast, and a precancerous mass in the other.

She began chemotherapy and despite the fact that it shrunk the tumors and eliminated any other signs of cancer in her body, she opted for a bilateral mastectomy with subsequent reconstruction.

“I didn’t want to take any chances,” she explains. “I didn’t want to go through this again.”

Throughout her treatment, Miloser kept a journal of the process, which was obviously a harrowing experience. “One night, I couldn’t sleep, and just walked over to the computer and started writing. I wrote for four hours that first night about how I felt about everything,” she says.

Then, in 2011, after three, years of surgeries, biopsies, tests and treatments, she was on her way home from a doctor’s appointment. Sitting in her car at a stoplight, she noticed the license plate of the car in front of her that said, “I Owe God.” Remembering her pledge to reach out to other women, Miloser decided to submit her journal to several Christian publishers.

Two, including Tate Publishing, responded and wanted to move forward. However, she hesitated, and decided she wasn’t ready to go through with sharing such a personal story. About a year later, she called Tate Publishing back, and asked if the company was still interested in publishing her book.

It was.

“Something inside of me just clicked.

It said, ‘You need to do this.’ At 54, I no longer argue with that voice inside my head,” she says, laughing.

She told herself that if her book could help just one person then it would be worth it. She never expected that one person to be a member of her own family.

Her 40-year-old niece was recently diagnosed with breast cancer as well.

“I’ve been sharing my experiences with her, and supporting her as much as I can. We need to find a cure,” she adds.

Despite the fact that it can be hard for her to read what she wrote, Miloser is

proud of the impact the book is having on women who share her experience.

“It made me feel good to know that I’m helping women who are going through the same thing I did. It helps them to know they’re not alone in this.”

During her treatment, Miloser also became a patient ambassador through the company Genentech, which produces Herceptin, a breast cancer treatment drug.

With the program, she traveled to different states, sharing her story with hundreds of women who are battling the same disease.

“I made a promise that I would help as many people as I could, and I’m trying to do that,” says Miloser.

Diary of a Breast Cancer Survivor will be available in bookstores Dec. 31. It is also available directly from the publisher’s website at TatePublishing.com. ■

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Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 33

INEVENTS

THE COUNCIL OF THREE RIVERS 35TH ANNUAL POW WOW: Pow wow, a word of Algonquin origin, is a gathering of people for the purpose of a celebration or important event. That’s just what happened at The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center’s 35th Annual Pow Wow at the Singing Winds site in Dorseyville in late September.

The celebration honored the traditions of singing, dancing and drumming as people of several different Native American nations participated. The beautiful regalia, ornamented with fringe, elk’s teeth and beading, moved in time to the steady drum beat which mimics the beating of a human heart.

Authentic Native American jewelry, crafts and clothing were sold by vendors, and events for kids gave children a chance to visit with tribal members.

Russell Sims, who has planned and executed the event for 35 years with the help of his son, Mike Sims, says, “What is wonderful about the pow wow is that there are so many Native Americans represented here. It is great to be able to all come together and share a true perspective of the Native American culture with the public.”

To learn more about The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, please visit the website at cotraic.org.

34 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 35

INEVENTS

HARTWOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS Hartwood Acres Mansion opened its doors for the annual candlelight tours of the beautiful, English manor-style home.

Each of its 31 rooms were decorated by dedicated volunteers in holiday splendor.

The mansion, which sits on a 400-acre tract of land, is the site of many annual events tailored for all age groups and is also available for weddings and private parties. For more information on Hartwood Acres, please visit the website AlleghenyCounty.us/parks/hwfac.aspx.

36 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 37

IndUStrY InSIGHt

Your Finances

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Keep Your Focus on Your Financial Planning recently, my colleague robert Standish, Jd, cfP®, Managing director of bPu’s financial Planning, provided our clients with some insight to what he coined “political brinkmanship and insurmountable debt” in light of last october’s government shutdown and looming default of our Government’s debt. that said, his thoughts continue to be relevant, especially for those of you who read and react to the headlines every day.

among the most significant comments he made, and i believe we should all remember is what follows: • conditions in private and public sectors have improved over the past few years. the leverage of the companies included in the S&P 500 is at the lowest rate we have seen in 25 years. and despite the incessant rhetoric, the government budget deficit has fallen from almost 10% in 2010 to an estimated 3.9% for 2013.

• Work with your advisor to monitor the markets and evaluate whether your circumstances require a need to reduce risk exposure in your portfolios. as you collaborate with your financial advisor, please keep in mind that search for higher yield or alternative sources of income can represent other uncontemplated risks not normally associated with traditional, investment grade bonds.

nadav baum Executive Vice President Mr. baum can be contacted at nbaum@bpuinvestments.com

• as long-term investors, we simply do not believe it is prudent to let fear arising from our response to political theatrics to drive our investment decisions. Short-term phenomena will continue to frustrate us as investors, but we should not let these erractic events impact our long-term perspective.

no doubt the news cycle will continue to bring us drama, but it is up to us to consider and think through what is actually fact and what serves to keep us glued to our computers, tVs and mobile devices. My advice – when the media gets all in a twist, that is your cue to unwind. don’t sit and fume, contact your financial advisor to bring you back to your world and your reality. note: to read the full article by mr. standish go to: http://www.bpuinvestments.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/debtceilingLetter.pdf

one oxford centre 301 Grant St. | Suite 3300 | PittSburGh, Pa 15219 | 412-288-9150 BPU Investment Management, Inc. | A registered investment advisor | Member FINRA/SIPC

www.bpuinvestments.com SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY BPU INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. member FINRA and SIPC, a registered investment advisor. Please be advised that the accuracy and completeness of this information are not guaranteed.

The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of BPU Investment Management, Inc. or its affiliates. The material is distributed solely for informational purposes and is not a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice. Though our firm provides planning services, we do not render specific legal, accounting or tax advice. Always consult an appropriate professional before implementing any planning decisions.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S. © 2013 BPU Investment Management, Inc.

38 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

nb111113

Great Ways to Live a Healthier, Happier, Longer Life in Fox Chapel Area

Fox Chapel Area HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION

BY MICHELE THOMPSON

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

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

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 39

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Fox Chapel Area

HEALTH & FITNESS EXERCISE TO LIVE LONGER. Fox Chapel Area has many walking and biking trails to help you stay fit. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and reduces the risks of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Not to mention you will look and feel better!

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

COMMIT TO DAILY FITNESS. Getting out there and staying active translates into better health and well-being — both physically and mentally.

FOCUS ON TOTAL FITNESS. ACE recommends aerobics and muscular conditioning along with exercises to stretch your body and promote good posture.

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

JOIN A HEALTH CLUB. Be social and get fit. This one’s worth its weight in sheer motivation points.

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

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

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

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

PUT A SET OF DUMBBELLS BY YOUR TELEVISION SET — and use them!

STOP SMOKING. Nuff said.

PUMP IT UP. Margaret Richardson, author of Body Electric, says one pound of fat burns three calories a day while one pound of muscle burns 30-plus.

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

CHALLENGE YOURSELF. To counteract age-related muscle loss, do exercises with progressively challenging resistance.

“WE HAVE A NICE, NEW FACILITY THAT IS A GREAT SPOT FOR EXERCISE PROGRAMS,” SAID ANN ANDREWS, COOPER-SIEGEL COMMUNITY LIBRARY DEPARTMENT HEAD. “THE PROGRAMS ARE AFFORDABLE AND CONVENIENT FOR PEOPLE TO ENJOY.”

40 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Fox Chapel Area

COGNITIVE BOOSTERS MUSIC THERAPY. Music can regulate mood, decrease aggression and depression, improve sleep, and, because old songs are stored in memory, even create new brain cells.

BRAIN FOOD. Keep your mind sharp by eating salmon, nuts, olive oil, soy, meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, beans, oatmeal and dark skinned fruits.

P

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN Working a daily crossword, Sudoku puzzle or another brain teasing game can help improve your mental fitness.

ORAL HEALTH & HEARING BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH. According to research, chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

TURN IT DOWN. According to the House Ear Institute, noiseinduced hearing loss is a leading cause of permanent hearing loss that can be prevented by turning down the volume on your TV, radio, or headsets to a level that you can comfortably hear.

P PRACTICE HEALTHY SLEEPING HABITS. Not getting enough nightly rest puts you at risk for accidents, depression and other illnesses, and it decreases your quality of life.

POSTURE AVOID SITTING CROSS-LEGGED. Pain management specialists at New York Chiropractic warn that crossing your legs puts excessive stress on your knees, hips and lower back.

SIT UP STRAIGHT. When you slouch or strain to look at the screen, these patterns stick and posture learns these positions.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. See a chiropractor, physical therapist or post-rehabilitation specialist for postural exercises to reduce pain and risk of injury.

STRETCH. Stretching your neck and chest can prevent short and tightened muscles that can lead to injury. A simple stretch involves bending your head to your shoulder, holding it there and slowly bringing it back to the mid line and then switch sides.

BELLY BUTTON TO SPINE. Not only will this exercise help you stand taller, it will take five pounds off your waistline!

HEAD UP. Instead of scrunching your head to your shoulder to hold the phone, get a headset and avoid injury to your neck and shoulders.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 41

IndUStrY InSIGHt

Your Hearing

ACCESSORIES OR GADGETS?

O

ne of the most common complaints about hearing aids or hearing loss is difficulty hearing in noisy or large group situations. Most hearing aids today, if programmed properly, will provide separation between speech and background noise. The more sophisticated the hearing aids, the more effective this system will be. Nothing will beat a direct connection to the speaker or sound source. Accessories for hearing aids can provide this direct connection. Our patients often ask, “Why do I need an accessory or gadget if I’ve already spent money on a good set of hearing aids?”

Accessories can transform your hearing aids into personal wireless headsets. These “gadgets” can help you experience better connections in your life – with people, information, and entertainment. By using accessories, you can get more out of your hearing aids with the ease and comfort you are looking for.

One accessory enables you to be directly connected to your telephone – landline or cellphone – wirelessly, with the sound coming directly into both ears via your hearing aids.

Another accessory enables you to stream sound directly from your TV into both hearing aids. This enables you to adjust the TV for your comfort and clarity without affecting anyone else in the room.

There is yet another accessory that is a mini microphone that can be worn on the lapel of the person that you would like to hear best – the lecturer or your spouse – or just placed directly in the front of the sound source you want to hear. This brings sounds and voices directly into your hearing aids – so you just relax and enjoy. With a mini mic, you don’t have to worry about the noise around you or think about where sounds are coming from.

Last, but not least, most hearing aids have the option of a remote control. This enables the hearing aid wearer to increase or decrease volume or change programs on their hearing aids, as well as connect to other accessories. Some remote controls have visual displays which give you a clear overview of the current volume and program settings of your hearing aids.

There has been a lot of talk about “Looping” in the news in the past year. An Induction Loop system can magnetically transmit sounds to hearing aids through the telecoil circuit in those aids. More and more public places have been installing these induction loop systems. If you do not have a hearing aid with a telecoil, you may be able to purchase an accessory that makes your hearing aids telecoil compatible.

Ask the Audiologists at Eartique about a FREE TRIAL with any or all of these accessories. Chances are that these can be retrofit to your current hearing aids. Call us at 412.422.8006 to find out.

42 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

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This Industry Insight was written by Debra L. Greenberger, owner of Eartique. She received her master’s degree in audiology (hearing science) from Washington University in St.Louis, Missouri, and she is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. Debra has been diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids for over 25 years.

Allison L. Chase, Au.D., CCC-A earned her Master of Arts degree in audiology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 2004. She completed her clinical doctorate in audiology from Salus University in 2008. Allison is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has been practicing in the field for seven years.12:13 AM Page 1 InFoxChap Turn UL_Eartique 11/14/13

TURN UP LIFE, not the volume.

Debra L. Greenberger, M.S., CCC-A Serving the Pittsburgh area for over 25 years

The last stop you’ll make in successful hearing aid use

Call to schedule a demonstration today!

Squirrel Hill ~ 2703 Murray Ave. ~ 412.422.8006

D

reading dental appointments has become a thing of the past at the Fox Chapel office of McNeil Dental. Dr. Cynthia McNeil offers patients general dentistry made simpler by the use of advanced technology, and cosmetic dentistry made interesting by the addition of various remedies for fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. McNeil’s latest investment, a digital Panorex/X-ray/ Radiograph machine, allows precise diagnosis without the awkwardness of biting and holding in strange positions or gagging on cumbersome plastic sensors. Data is collected from front teeth to back molars with imaging that can diagnose problems long before symptoms arise. With fully computerized patient data and monitors in each exam room, dental visits are seamless for both patient and doctor. “It is so much easier to put my patients at ease when I can point to an issue on the screen and explain exactly how I plan to rectify the problem,” says Dr. McNeil.

Dr. McNeil, who took over the past practices of Drs. Hilger and Kunkel, is an expert in dental issues presented at every age. Her family-friendly practice welcomes children and offers convenient weekend and evening hours. Call her office today to make an appointment: 412.963.8630. www.mcneildental.com.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 43

IndUStrY InSIGHt

ESTHETICS

Prosthodontic Insight

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A set of principles concerned with beAuty

E

sthetics by definition is “a set of principles concerned with beauty.” So esthetics is concerned with beauty and there is a set of principles relating to esthetics and conversely with beauty.

Therefore if we understand these “principles” we can understand beauty and possibly influence or create beauty.

“The BEST form of communication is a beautiful smile.” Dentists work with teeth and teeth are 80% of a smile. Prosthodontists are the only specialists in dentistry who have extensive training in creating beautiful smiles. Regardless of the extent of the dental procedure, from a minor restoration to a complete mouth reconstruction, we can enhance the beauty of the smile. The key is to understand and employ the “principles of esthetics.”

Imagine you are carving that Halloween pumpkin. To make a happy face you create a pumpkin smile with the corners of the mouth turned up – you have a happy face. If we want a sad pumpkin we reverse the curvature and the corners of the mouth turn down – you have created an unhappy face. The lips create the smile line and the contour of the upper teeth mimic, follow or are similar to the smile line created by the lips. Observe the model pictured on this page. The teeth follow the gentle curvature created by the lower lip. This is symmetrical and symmetry is beauty.

If the teeth do not correspond to this lip curvature then the appearance is less esthetically pleasing. Patients come to our office having just had extensive dental work and explain they don’t like the overall look. The teeth themselves look OK but the overall appearance is not what they expected. On examination, when smiling, the contour of the upper teeth

Prosthodontic Dentistry • Complete Crown Restorations • Veneer Crown Restorations • Fixed Bridges • Full Mouth Rehabilitation • Partial Removable Dentures • Complete Dentures

Implant Supported Prosthodontics • Crowns • Bridges Dr. Barry McKnight

• Complete Arch • Over Restorations Dentures

Two Full Time Laboratory Technicians

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: OAKLAND Suite 201 3520 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.681.3636

SOUTH HILLS 2867 Washington Road P.O. Box 1278 McMurray, PA 15317 724.941.7799

FOX CHAPEL #2 Fox Chapel Place 1326 Freeport Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.963.1661

does not follow the symmetrical curvature of the lower lip and therefore the result is less pleasing to the eye.

Imagine we are fabricating a complete denture for a patient who has lost all of their teeth. How do we know where to place the teeth? For the upper teeth we go back to these esthetic principles. When a patient’s mouth is at rest, not smiling, the upper two front teeth are approximately 2 millimeters longer than the upper lip. They are somewhat longer for younger adults and slightly shorter for more senior patients. The lateral incisors, or the second teeth from the front, are slightly shorter than the central incisors. The cuspid teeth, or the eye teeth, are about the same length as the central incisors. As the esthetic principles prescribe, the back teeth then follow the gentle curve created by the lower lip. Using these simple principles of esthetics we have created tooth position, tooth length and an occlusal plane that allows the creation of a beautiful smile. This results in visibility of the front teeth when at rest or talking and the gentle curvature of the upper teeth corresponding to the curvature of the lower lip, necessary for a beautiful appearance. When I restore an entire mouth with complete crowns and veneer restorations, I follow these principles of esthetics to provide an appealing and symmetrical appearance.

In many cases, dentists work very hard to restore a single fractured front tooth without first stepping back and evaluating the entire appearance of the smile. Before working on the one damaged tooth, evaluate the entire smile, tooth length, contour and occlusal plane of the adjacent teeth. Minor recontouring and adjusting can create a more harmonious environment and welcome home for the new dental restoration.

Nature sometimes is not kind to the aging dentition. The model on this page is in her mid-20s. Even with this beautiful smile, when we fastforward 30-plus years her smile may not be as symmetrical. Symmetry again is beauty. As we age, teeth wear at uneven rates. One tooth may become shorter than its corresponding member on the opposite side.

The effects of the aging dentition must be considered and overcome when providing restorations of any scope for the compromised dental environment.

The oral environment is a complex system with a variety of dynamic forces, natural and unnatural, working at all times. Knowledge and understanding of the ideal natural forces are essential. We must recognize when ideal begins to break down and what can be done to restore what nature requires.

With the esthetic principles I have discussed in mind, be observant of the people you come in contact with throughout your day. See if you can see the curvature of the upper teeth in harmony with the lower lip. Try to identify what is wrong with a not-so-ideal smile. You may be able to help a friend or neighbor with your knowledge of dental esthetics.

This Industry Insight was written by Barry D. McKnight, B.S., D.M.D., M.D.S. Dr. McKnight received his undergraduate degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Specialty in Prosthodontics and his Master of Dental Sciences degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. McKnight combines 40 years of private practice experience with 30 years of teaching experience at the Pitt Dental School’s PostDoctoral Prosthodontic Department to provide a unique and rewarding service for his patients. Dr. McKnight’s practice is further unique by adding the services of two full-time dental laboratory technicians to his professional team. Chairside observation and consultation, immediate emergency services and greatly reduced treatment time are important benefits to his patients. His practice philosophy is to provide ideal professional care in a warm, friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 45

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Fox Chapel Area

EAT HEALTHY EAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET. Holistic

EAT AND DRINK COCONUT. The type of saturated fat in

guru Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and minimal processed foods to reduce inflammation in your body.

coconuts does not contribute to heart disease and it is rich in lauric acid, which boosts your immune system.

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

EAT MANY SMALL MEALS. Eat something every three hours to keep your metabolism high and your blood sugar and insulin levels steady.

DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST. The easiest meal to skip but the most important. Eat something small, even if you aren’t hungry.

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

EAT LESS AND LIVE LONGER. Maoshing Ni, author of Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100, suggests the “three-quarters rule,” essentially not eating any more after you feel three-quarters full.

DRINK TEA. Ni recommends daily tea because tea is a proven

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

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

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

LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE TO ONE OR TWO DRINKS PER DAY. According to the Centers for Disease Control, too much alcohol can increase your risk for developing various diseases and physiological and social problems.

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

SIDELINE THE SODA. The phosphoric acid in carbonated beverages, particularly colas, can put you at risk for osteoporosis.

SLIM DOWN WITH SOUP. People who eat soup before a meal reduce the total number of calories they consume.

DRINK RED WINE. Red wine is

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

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

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

46 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

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

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

IndUStrY InSIGHt

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Insight

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Dental Implants Are They Right for You? Do you suffer from the discomfort of a missing tooth or have difficulty speaking or eating because your dentures slip?

Before

Many times, a missing tooth in the esthetic area can impact a person’s confidence when speaking or smiling.

It could also cause adjacent teeth to drift or shift position. For others, the irritation and pain of dentures is more than annoying. Enjoying their favorite foods is no longer a reality.

Solution:

After

Now people can put an end to these problems by choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth or provide support for dentures. Dental implants provide excellent alternatives to conventional dentures, bridges and missing teeth.

For over 40 years, dental implants have been used successfully in millions of people worldwide as a treatment option for missing teeth. These implant treatments are backed by extensive clinical data and documentation. Dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth and enable you once again to eat, speak, smile with confidence, and enjoy life.

Take the first step. Get the facts about dental implants. Contact Dr. James N. Edmonds, Jr. D.M.D., M.P.H. who can determine if dental implants are right for you - 412-967-9200.

Industry Insight written by James N. Edmonds, Jr. D.M.D., M.P.H., Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

After graduating from Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Dr. Edmonds obtained a Masters of Public Health degree at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Subsequently, he received his degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Allegheny General Hospital.

Dr. Edmonds is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Edmonds is also on the staff of a number of area hospitals including Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC-St. Margaret and Ellwood City Hospital.

Dr. Edmonds lives in Fox Chapel with his wife Harriet and has two children, Jamie and Harry.

Benefits: l Maintain anatomy: Missing teeth cause bone to shrink over time. This can make your jaw bone recede and change your facial structure. Implants help prevent this deterioration. l Keep your teeth healthy: Implants eliminate the need to grind down healthy teeth to make bridges. l Security: Implants do not slip or move. This eliminates problems like denture slippage, causing pain and irritation. The dentures are more comfortable and reliable.

The Treatment Procedure Usually Follows Several Steps: l Initially, a thorough oral exam is followed by x-rays to evaluate the condition of your bone tissue. l A discussion between your dentist and implant surgeon regarding the types and number of implants. l Models of your mouth are made to plan a surgical guide to be used at the time of surgery. l In some circumstances Three Dimensional CT Scans are completed to better evaluate the structures and allow for computer guided surgery. l Depending on your tissue situation, implants are placed utilizing one or two stages. In a one-stage procedure, the implant is inserted and a temporary abutment is attached. Possibly a crown can be placed the same day. In a two-stage procedure, the dental implant is inserted, covered by the gum tissue and allowed to heal. l After several months, the implant has fully integrated with your bone tissue and construction and placement of the restoration is completed. l Proper maintenance with careful oral hygiene and normal regular visits to your dentist.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 47

SPonSored ConTenT

Business Spotlight

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At the Wall Pilates A Little Bit of the Big Apple in Aspinwall

Y

PiLAtes is good for everyone!

State of the art facility with Peak Pilates certified instructors Fully equipped studio with Peak Pilates classical apparatus Positive, friendly environment Bright & open with 20 foot ceilings and over 1,500 sq feet

ou don’t need to be a dancer to take Pilates, but it sure helps to have a professional as your instructor! A natural transition from dancing to Pilates is what drew Melissa Fagan of At the Wall Pilates to begin her practice in NYC years ago and eventually open her new studio in Aspinwall this past June.

A former Radio City Rockette and Broadway dancer for 10 years, Fagan moved to Pittsburgh five years ago and has been teaching area students how to do classical Pilates and to keep their bodies fit ever since.

Pilates is a non-impact movement system that focuses on total body conditioning. There is a deep inward focus initiating all movement from the powerhouse (core). Some of the many benefits include but are not limited to improved posture, muscular balance and control, concentration, heightened energy levels, efficient breathing, decreased stress, injury prevention, lengthened and strengthened muscles, and

appointment-based, starting as early as 5 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m. and anywhere in between.”

Fagan wanted to bring a bit of the Big Apple flair and her Broadway experience to her new, fully-equipped studio with its 20-foot ceilings, bright interior, clean lines and exposed-steel beam industrial feel.

It was in New York, Fagan said, where she learned the importance of Pilates in keeping the body strong, and aligned, as well as its benefits on posture and moving from the center. She soon realized it can be the perfect exercise for literally anyone.

“We teach anyone – any age, any size, shape or ability. We can teach people with injuries, strength issues or physical weaknesses, we can accommodate everyone,” Fagan said. “We’re trying to spread the word that Classical Pilates can be fun, diverse, and beneficial.”

Fagan was recently accepted into the Peak Pilates Master Instructor Program, which is the highest level of certification one can achieve at Peak Pilates. Once completed, she will be able to certify others to become Pilates Instructors

increased self confidence.

Joseph Pilates first conceived of his method of exercises during World War I to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. He dedicated the rest of his life perfecting what has become one of the world’s most efficient forms of exercise.

At the Wall Pilates strives to teach its students the traditional Pilates method as Joseph originally intended. There are three classically trained Pilates Instructors, Fagan included, sharing the same mindset.

“We’re really focusing on keeping the integrity of Classical Pilates instruction alive,” Fagan said.

“For the benefit of our students, we have mostly private instruction and keep our classes small – mainly duets, trios and quartets. Classes are

as well as continue to master her own teaching skills.

“You have to practice what you preach to be a good teacher and we all take weekly lessons to keep up our own personal practice and for the benefit of our students,” Fagan said. At The Wall Pilates is a fun and inviting studio so bring a friend for their introductory special: a 2 for 1 lesson or call to Inquire about our different packages.

For more information on At the Wall Pilates, call 412.657.9747, or go to their website – atthewallpilates.com. You can find them on Facebook or email them at info@atthewallpilates. com for more information as well. They’re located at 501 Freeport Road, Aspinwall, 15215.

Client lounge with complimentary coffee, tea and water Complimentary cardio for private clients- treadmill and Precor freemotion AMT Private, semi private and small group instruction

atthewallpilates.com 48 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Fox Chapel Area

STRESS CONTROL SMILE. Smiling lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol.

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

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

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

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

SEE A THERAPIST. Mental health professionals can help you deal with stress.

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

P HUMOR YOUR STRESS Laughing improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, releases tension, and improves your immune system.

Reprinted with the permission from SeniorsForLife.com

LET NATURE TAKE YOUR STRESS AWAY.

GET FIT IN FOX CHAPEL AREA Here are just some of the fitness classes available:

Cooper-Siegel Community Library

Beechwood Farms

403 Fox Chapel Rd., Pittsburgh, Pa; 412.828.9520, ext. 214 coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org

614 Dorseyville Rd., Pittsburgh; 412.963.6100 aswp.org

“Instructor Elena will lead a 5-week exercise class for a total body workout which incorporates strengthening exercises, free weights, Pilates and yoga.” The classes are around $6 each and registration is required. Call or visit the website for more information.

Enjoy a free, naturalist-led Birds and More walk every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Call or visit the website for registration information and other details.

Boyd Community Center

Fox Chapel Area Adult Education at Fox Chapel Area Schools

1220 Powers Run Rd., Pittsburgh; 412.828.8566 boydcommunitycenter.org A one-stop shop for fitness including Pilates, yoga, Zumba and many more affordable programs offered right at your neighborhood community center! Visit the website for registration information and other details.

611 Field Club Rd., Pittsburgh; 412.696.1410 fcaae.org Affordable winter/spring adult fitness programs usually starting in mid-February to mid-April. Classes may include Pilates, swimming, yoga, Zumba and more! Check the website for details.

Hartwood Acres Park

Yoga Flow

200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh; 412.767.9200 alleghenycounty.us

345 Freeport Rd., Aspinwall; 412.781.4140 yogaflowpittsburgh.com

Dust off your cross-country skis or snow shoes and enjoy over 29 miles of beautiful trails with breathtaking views at Hartwood Acres. For more information, including map of the trails, visit the website.

“Yoga Flow offers a variety of vinyasa-based classes in a heated room.” For more details on a $14 drop-in class, visit the website.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 49

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Fox Chapel Area

Fighting

Childhood Obesity One Child at a Time

By Heather Holtschlag

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

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

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

Fit-Trix Fit Kidz also encourages small lifestyle changes that may provide immediate health benefits for children, such as lower blood cholesterol levels, increased independence and productivity and reduced demands for health care services. And, staff members are committed to disseminating these healthy lifestyle messages to children of 50 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

all ages, regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

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

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

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

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

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

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

IndUStrY InSIGHt

Your Health

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Winter Wellness Have you ever wondered?

• What intelligent design instructs the cells to grow specific tissue in the womb?

• What energy heals a cut on a child’s knee?

• Why only some people will get the flu?

• How your child’s body can grow new cells from a PB&J sandwich?

Many will say that it is all in the DNA. Yet if that were true then we’d have to wonder what leaves the body at death? The DNA structures are still present; the body weighs exactly the same. So what is that essence, that energy that animates life and is so quietly absent at death?

Acknowledging that there is something magical inside of us, a force we do not yet completely understand but see in action all around us can be profoundly empowering. It hands us the reins to engage with that energy in a supportive way.

If this energy is perfect at all times and in all ways, then our only job is to remove any interference to the expression of this energy.

Interference can come from: • Physical blockage of our nervous • Poor food choices system • Inadequate hygiene • Negative emotional thought • Inadequate hydration patterns and relationships Your nervous system must be able to communicate with every cell in your body. Your muscles, joints and skeleton must have full range of motion to keep you vital. The necessary nutrients must be present for energy, balanced emotions and tissue repair. Your thoughts must be congruent with your desires and your actions to maintain emotional happiness. tHere are also many sImple tHIngs we can do to support our HealIng energy: 1. Conscious breathing melts away anxiety. Feel the breath slowly expanding your lungs and your belly. This will ground and relax your own internal energy.

2. Find some quiet time to tune out the stress of the day.

Access a free meditation audio here: drkathleenhartford. com/opt-in.

3. Sip on warm water throughout the day; to enhance cleansing and digestion add fresh ginger, sliced lemon or apple cider vinegar. You can even bathe in 2 cups of apple cider vinegar for additional relaxation and cleansing.

4. Move your body! Movement will enhance your mood, boost your immunity and relieve tension!

5. Choose anti-inflammatory foods to enhance your health and stop accelerated aging! Access here: drkathleenhartford.com/opt-in.

6. Take high quality, physician only supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps from your diet.

Vitamin D3 with K2 helps greatly to boost the immune system and fight seasonal affective disorder!

7. Finally, acknowledge the amazing power within you that can take these 6 simple steps and create a healthier, more relaxed, more energized you!

Yours in Health, Dr. Kathleen Hartford This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Kathleen Hartford.

Dr. Kathleen Hartford has treated thousands of patients through her integrated wellness practice.

A University of Pittsburgh graduate and local business leader, she maintains deep ties to the community. She is the author of Fit, Fun and Fabulous at Any Age, a program that reverses the biomarkers of aging. She is also the founder of Health Pyramid Longevity and Vitality Center and the philanthropic Sister Support Organization.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 51

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Business Spotlight

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Dental Work Runs in the Family

for Fox Chapel Dentist

I

f there were a gene that presupposes someone to become a dentist, then one might say that dentistry is in the DNA of Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz.

Dr. Kevin grew up watching his dad practice dentistry and also has two brothers who followed in their father’s footsteps. “My dad was a great example of how to treat people and was an excellent dentist,” explains Dr. Kevin.

He has tried to bring that same level of care to his own practice with treatment options that are cutting edge. “My whole office is technology-driven,” says Dr. Kevin. “We have equipment in our office that less than a handful of dentists in the world have.”

This progressive approach to dentistry is better for patients and better for the environment. “We use a digital x-ray system which minimizes radiation exposure for the patient and requires no harmful chemicals which are required to develop traditional x-ray films. We also use three dimensional x-ray technology for implant surgeries which allows me to see the depth of the bone and teeth structures.”

In the interest of keeping a green environment, his office is also paperless and he has taken the extraordinary step of installing a special wastewater filtration system that removes harmful mercury from the water that it is used in treatment. “We don’t do any amalgam [silver] fillings at our office which contain mercury. However, we sometimes have to remove fillings that patients have had done elsewhere and I don’t want the residue from those fillings contaminating our 52 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

water system,” says Dr. Kevin. According to a study done by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2003, 50% of all mercury pollution originates with dental office wastewater.

One of the many unique procedures that Dr. Kevin offers are one-day crowns, which are bonded directly to the tooth’s surface.

This fascinating process requires less of the tooth to be shaved off, as is the case with traditional crowns. “I start with a block of ceramic material which is much more durable and more closely duplicates the properties of a real tooth. I then use computer-assisted design in affixing and shaping the crown directly to the tooth for a perfect fit,” explains Dr. Kevin. Less than 10% of dentists are using this state-of-the-art technique.

Cosmetic dentistry is one of Dr. Kevin’s specialties. Veneers, minimally-invasive braces and bleaching are frequent procedures that he helps patients with on a regular basis. He sees at least a couple of patients per week for cosmetic procedures in the quest for a perfect smile.

The Butler County native decided to open his practice in Fox Chapel five years ago. “I really liked the area, there are good schools here and everyone is so friendly,” notes Dr. Kevin. He is quick to credit his staff for the success of his practice. “Everyone asks me, ‘Where do you find such great people?’

Tracy, my hygienist has 20 years experience and is a consummate professional. Shannon is invaluable behind the scenes, taking care of all of our lab work. Shelby is very knowledgeable when helping patients with insurance questions and she is also my dental assistant. And Joanna, who has a degree in health information management, is an aspiring dentist and will soon be attending dental school.”

Even Dr. Kevin’s wife Lori is involved in the practice, handling all of his accounts, and her father was also a dentist.

“Dentistry is my life,” states Dr. Kevin simply. And his concern for helping people doesn’t stop at his own practice. For the past two years he has traveled to the Dominican Republic with other area dentists on mission trips to treat individuals who do not have access to dental care.

“We see on average about 100 people in just a couple of days. Their teeth are in great shape, but unfortunately they have poor

dental hygiene and no access to professional dental cleaning.” The organization that Dr. Kevin is involved with has built a medical clinic and are actively involved in fund raising to build more facilities to provide better care.

“If anyone is interested in volunteering or donating to the fund, they can contact me at my office,” he adds.

It’s easy to see why Dr. Kevin was voted one of Pittsburgh’s Top Dentists by his peers for the past five years in Pittsburgh Magazine.

Although his forward-thinking approach to dentistry has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences around the world, the heart of his devotion lies a little closer to home with his patients in Fox Chapel. “Helping people have the best dental care possible is my passion,” he concludes.

For more information on Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz, please visit the website at www.FoxChapelDentistry.com.

1144 Old Freeport Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.781.3030

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

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

To make this discovery, Shi and colleagues used three groups of six- to eight-week-old mice, which consisted of a control group, a group exposed to broadband noise at 120 decibels for three hours a day for two days, and a third group given single-dose injections of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) prior to noise exposure. PEDF is a protein found in vertebrates that is currently being researched for the treatment of diseases like heart disease and cancer. The cells that secrete PEDF in control animals showed a characteristic branched morphology, with the cells arranging in a self-avoidance pattern which provided good coverage of the capillary wall. The morphology of the same cells in the animals exposed to wide-band noise, however, showed clear differences - noise exposure caused changes in melanocytes located in the inner ear.

“Hearing loss over time robs people of their quality of life,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal. “It’s easy to say that we should avoid loud noises, but in reality, this is not always possible. Frontline soldiers or first responders do not have time to worry about the long-term effects of loud noise when they are giving their all.

If, however, a drug could be developed to minimize the negative effects of loud noises, it would benefit one and all.”

SOURCE: MEDICAL NEWS TODAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

symptoms of a concussion Difficulty concentrating Difficulty completing tasks Changes in behavior Worsening headache Persistent double vision Excessive drowsiness Stroke-like symptoms

neurocognitive test before their first contact football practice, within the first week of cheerleading or before the first game for other sports.

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

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

SOURCE: UCF PEGASUS HEALTH/UCF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 53

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SURGERY OF THE FUTURE IS NOW

The Skin Center 1.800.429.1151 Theskincentermd.com

Dr. Kathleen Hartford, Health Pyramid 724.295.2100 drkathleenhartford.com

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

Dr. Kathleen Hartford of Health Pyramid Longevity & Vitality Center has been serving the greater Pittsburgh community for 22 years. She specializes in Integrated Wellness Care; providing the best of Nutrition, Chinese Medicine, Gentle Chiropractic and Massage therapy. Our goal is always the same, to provide the highest level of health and vitality possible for you today!

McNeil Dental LLC 412.963.8630 mcneildental.com

Presbyterian SeniorCare 412.828.5600 SrCare.org

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. McNeil is an expert in dental issues presented at every age. Her family-friendly practice welcomes children and offers convenient weekend and evening hours. In addition to general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. McNeil offers the safest injectable remedies for fine lines and wrinkles.

Her Panorex/X-ray/Radiograph machine eliminates discomfort and gagging while providing full front-toback imaging.

Presbyterian SeniorCare is a not-for-profit that’s been focused on just one thing for more than 85 years – helping seniors live positively. What drives us is our mission, and a commitment to excellence. We are privileged to serve more than 6,500 older adults through a continuum of services and living options, which includes 56 communities at 44 locations across 10 Western Pennsylvania counties. Visit www.SrCare.org or call 412.828.5600.

Barry D. McKnight, D.M.D. 412.963.1661

Eartique 412.422.8006 eartique.com

Dr. McKnight combines forty years of private practice experience in Prosthodontics with thirty years of teaching experience at the Pitt Dental School’s Post-Doctoral Prosthodontic Department. His private practice provides his patients the highest quality in crowns, bridges, implant prosthodontics and removable prostheses enhanced by the services of an in-office dental laboratory and three convenient locations. For appointments call Oakland 412.681.3636, Fox Chapel 412.963.1661 and McMurray 724.941.9696.

At the Wall Pilates Melissa Fagan former Radio City Rockette and Broadway performer moved to Pittsburgh in 2007. She has her Comprehensive Peak Pilates Certification and is currently working to become a Master Instructor for Peak. She has been teaching pilates in the area since 2008 at such places as Pittsburgh Ballet Theater among others. Melissa recently opened her own studio At The Wall Pilates in Aspinwall Pa, where she teaches all levels, ages, and disciplines.

Since 1998, Eartique has provided exceptional audiology services in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. We offer state-of-the-art hearing aids and assistive listening devices, including digital, open fit, and receiver-in-the-ear. As your complete source for hearing aid sales and service, Eartique combines the latest technology with a caring, professional approach.

A relatively new approach to gynecological surgery is revolutionizing the standard of care in obstetrics and gynecology. daVinci is a technology that enhances a surgeon’s capabilities while offering patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, such as less surgical trauma, smaller incisions and a faster recovery time. “daVinci is like an extension of the surgeon’s hands,” said Shannon McGranahan, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at St. Clair. “It can mimic the natural movements of my hand while causing less bleeding, less pain and fewer complications than traditional surgery.”

Gynecological procedures being performed with daVinci include hysterectomies, which is the most common utilization; complicated hysterectomies; pelvic pain present with endometriosis; and myomectomies, or removal of fibroids. daVinci also is being used across many other disciplines as well, including urology, colorectal surgery and thoracic surgery.

“In the past, surgery such as hysterectomy would require an extended recovery period of several weeks or more, which is a large reason why many women procrastinated with their care.

The long recovery interfered with their daily responsibilities,” Dr. McGranahan said. “Surgery performed with daVinci, however, usually requires only one overnight stay in the hospital, and the woman can return to work in about one to two weeks.”

A common patient misconception, however, is that daVinci is a programmed robot that will be performing the surgery. “That’s simply not true,” Dr. McGranahan noted. “Board-certified surgeons are still managing and performing the operation. daVinci is there to enhance their capabilities.”

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 55

A Little Bit of Bavaria

The famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which was later used as a basis for Disney’s Cinderella Castle, served as inspiration for Bayernhof.

BY PAMELA PALONGUE

W

hat do a mad king, a temperamental fortune teller and a Victrola have in common? They all combine in a whimsical bit of Bavaria in O’Hara Township, known as the Bayernhof Museum.

To say that the Bayernhof is a museum of musical instruments would be accurate, but far too simplistic.

The brainchild of Charles B. Brown, III, is fascinating on many different levels.

Brown, who was enthralled with the life of “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria, apparently mirrored his creative obsession to a degree.

Ludwig, who was driven by a quest for fantasy, built Linderhof Palace and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which was later used as a basis for Disney’s Cinderella Castle. These architectural masterpieces served as inspiration for Bayernhof.

Construction of the 19,000-square-foot mansion began in 1976 and was finally completed in 1982 and served as Brown’s home. The beamed ceilings and rich, carved wood interiors appear both European and ancient, despite its rather recent construction.

Brown launched Gas-Lite Manufacturing in 1965, a company which afforded him the

56 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

capital for financing his eccentric ideas to create a wonderland of whimsy. There are three secret passageways within the house and one of the most interesting is referred to as “the cave.” A wandering labyrinth of hallways flanked by wood carvings which resemble a forest, the cave is punctuated by an occasional water feature, where it finally opens up into a large pool with a 10’ waterfall!

The top floor of the mansion has an observatory, equipped with a high-powered telescope and a rotating-dome roof. The two main floors are loaded with interesting objects and a plethora of music-making machines. Keeping them all running and up to par is Tony Marsico, who has 40 years’ experience working on mechanical instruments and 10 years at the museum.

“We have around 50 machines, including music boxes, band organs from merry-gorounds, Victrolas, player banjos, player violins and reproducing pianos,” says Marsico. Similar to a player-piano, he explains that the reproducing pianos can duplicate the playing style of composers long dead, such as Gershwin and Rachmaninoff.

The piano “remembers” the timing and even

the volume that the pianist used and reproduces the sound quite accurately.

An interesting fixture at the museum is that of Mlle. Zita, the antique fortune-telling machine manufactured by the Roovers Bros.

For a penny, visitors can receive a small scroll imprinted with their fortunes. Though Ms. Zita is not musical, she does blow a kiss to those patrons who leave their pennies. Marsico comments wryly, “She doesn’t work all the time. I guess she just got tired of working for pennies.”

Visitors from as far away as Asia and Australia have visited the museum and tourists from England and Germany are fairly common.

One gentleman from Taipei was extremely excited to see the collection. He was the owner of five companies in his native Taiwan and was starting his own rare music collection.

Marsico notes, “Many people who have visited here say it’s the best museum they’re ever been to.”

Brown remained single all his life and left a will in which he detailed his wishes to create the music museum, with special instructions for the artifacts to be displayed in his home, rather than the cold impersonal atmosphere of a warehouse-type setting. A foundation was created to maintain the museum for perpetuity. A debt of gratitude is owed to Brown, who created his dream and then resolved to share it with the world.

The Bayernhof Museum is open year-round, seven days a week, by appointment only. The tour is approximately 2.5 hours, so comfortable shoes are a must. For more information, visit the website at BayernhofMuseum.com or call 412.782.4231. ■

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 57

SADDLE UP Our area is filled with horseback riding opportunities.

BY MELISSA RAYWORTH

58 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

I

t’s a scene Norman Rockwell would appreciate – a family slowly riding on majestic horses through snow-covered woods on a winter afternoon, silently enjoying the crisp air and natural beauty all around them. Sound lovely?

In many communities around the country, an afternoon spent on horseback is the stuff of dreams rather than reality.

But here in Pittsburgh’s North Hills, horseback riding opportunities are all around us throughout every season. A growing number of families are taking advantage of this fabulous local resource.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY At Babcock Stables, owner Stacey Meckler sees many families discovering the fun and beauty of riding horses. Babcock Stables specializes in beginner lessons, getting the kids out trail riding and teaching them to handle basic trail obstacles, Meckler says.

She works with children as young as age seven or eight (depending on their level of coordination), and says some area barns that have small ponies will work with even younger kids.

Horseback riding is a unique opportunity for families. With soccer or baseball, kids play while parents can coach or watch from the sidelines. With riding, parents and kids can learn together, bonding over the shared experience. And for kids who are struggling with behavioral challenges, including autism, horseback riding can be a wonderfully calming experience.

WHERE TO GO Cedar Run Farms in Allison Park offers lessons, riding clinics and summer camps for all ages and skill levels of riders.

Hartwood Equestrian Center in Glenshaw is another great facility for the novice to seasoned rider.

Babcock Stables is located at the edge of North Park, so students there get to enjoy the park’s trails.

Willow Brook Stables is located on Old Route 8 in Valencia. Lessons at this 23-acre horse farm cost $45 for one hour.

And there are many other opportunities for recreational riding and lessons throughout our region.

Costs vary from barn to barn, generally ranging from about $30 per hour for beginning training to upwards of $45 per hour for more advanced lessons, says Meckler. Other expenses include riding clothes and riding gear – horseback riding isn’t an inexpensive hobby, but it can be a deeply rewarding one.

WHO CAN RIDE? Although sports experience is certainly helpful, kids don’t have to be athletically adept to succeed at horseback riding. “Any kid could probably give it a try,” Meckler says, “especially if already comfortable riding a bicycle and turning right or left with some ease.”

It’s also helpful if the child has a reasonably good attention span, but that’s not a requirement. In fact, horseback riding can be a great hobby for kids who are trying to improve their attention and focus.

“Kids are usually crazy about animals, so you already have their attention typically, just because they’re around animals,” Meckler says. “The animals bring the shy kids out of their shells, too.”

Learning to ride horses can also be therapeutic for special needs kids.

“There are [autistic] kids who do really well with the horses,” Meckler explains. “I have an autistic client and he just lights up.

Typically he’s quiet and withdrawn, but when he works with the horse he’s much more expressive.”

TAKING IT FURTHER For some families, a love of basic trail riding can lead to the pursuit of higher-level training in dressage and show competition.

Larger barns like Hodels in Hampton and Misty Hills in Renfrew, Pa., can train riders for high-stakes competition.

Other families pursue horseback riding in an effort to help others through an organization called Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania (rhwpa.org). You can learn to care for and walk horses, then volunteer to help disabled people enjoy the fun of horseback riding.

They can teach you to groom and help saddle the horses. It’s an enriching experience and a chance to give back to the community. ■

Local Trails

Want to know more about horseback riding trails in our area and how you can make them more beautiful? Check out the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group (ptagtrails.org) to learn more about protecting and encouraging access to our area’s shared-use trails.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 59

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Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 61

Little Tower, Big History Fox Chapel’s “La Tourelle” was the distinctive home of the Kaufmann Family.

BY JENNIFER BROZAK

62 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

W

hen it comes to local historical landmarks, Pittsburgh department store magnate Edgar Kaufmann is most often associated with Fallingwater, the architectural masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed in 1934. However, nestled in the hills of Fox Chapel is an equally impressive, albeit lesserknown Kaufmann estate, La Tourelle.

An 18-room Norman manor built in 1924, La Tourelle, which translates to “little tower” in French, was the home of Kaufmann, his wife Liliane and son Edgar Jr. from 1924 through 1940. It was designed by renowned Pittsburgh architect Benno Janssen. Janssen also designed Kaufmann’s department store, as well as a slew of other prominent landmark buildings, including the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, William Penn Hotel and the Mellon Institute.

Despite all of Janssen’s success in designing corporate buildings, he considered the domestic La Tourelle his greatest accomplishment. In fact, the home graces the cover of The Architecture of Benno Janssen, a coffee table book by Post-Gazette art and architecture critic Donald Miller.

Over the years, La Tourelle transitioned through several owners, including the University of Pittsburgh, which used it as the chancellor’s living quarters. Since May of 1989, La Tourelle has been the home of Dennis Kelleher, CEO and president of Triangle Fastener Corporation. Kelleher, now 68, was the CEO and owner of Cassady Pierce Company, a building materials supply company that he sold to Beacon Roofing Supply in May of 2012.

Continued Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 63

At the time of purchase, Kelleher says, he was completely unaware of the rich history the home possessed. “I didn’t know that it was famous when I was buying it,” he explains. “I just bought it because I liked it.”

Prior to ownership, Kelleher’s only experience with the home had been during his teenage years. At the time, the owner of La Tourelle lived in the home only during the summer months. While the home was left unoccupied, Kelleher, who lived in Highland Park and had friends from Fox Chapel, would picnic with his friends in the backyard of the home.

After he purchased the home, however, his phone started ringing – and it hasn’t stopped since.

“When people first started calling me, I wasn’t quite sure why they were calling,” says Kelleher. “I quickly learned that it was the house that it is.”

These days, “the home has become a mecca for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation,” notes Kelleher, pointing to the fact that Wright spent time living at the home while he designed Fallingwater. In fact, the original sketches for Fallingwater were drafted in La Tourelle’s living room.

Wright would draw the sketches, and show them to Kaufmann, tossing the ones that 64 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

were rejected on the floor. Edgar Jr., an artist in his own right, collected the papers – 68 of them in all – and later donated them to the foundation.

Shortly after Kelleher bought the house, Edgar Jr. visited the home, showing him secret doorways that the new homeowner didn’t know existed, and sharing stories of extended visits from Wright and even Albert Einstein, who became a guest of the Kaufmann family at Fallingwater in 1934.

“Edgar Jr. told me that when Einstein or Frank Lloyd Wright visited, that he would have to give up his bedroom to them. He thought it was a real pain when he was a kid,” laughs Kelleher. Edgar Jr. died of leukemia in July of 1989.

When Kelleher purchased the home, it was in bad shape.

Since the former owner spent winters in a warmer climate, she never worried about the cost of heating. “I purchased the home in May of 1989, and when I got my first heating bill that winter, it was $5,000. In January, it was $6,000, and in February, it was $7,000.” It was so cold and drafty that at one point,

he lit a cigar and the breeze from a draft literally blew it out.

He took it upon himself to replace all 72 windows and 21 French doors in the home – an improvement that he’s undertaken twice since purchasing the home.

He replaced the heating system to make it more efficient. He stripped the floors, installed a brand-new kitchen and replaced three of the home’s four chimney caps made of sandstone, which failed to do the job.

“We had to tear each of the chimneys down to the roof and rebuild them,” he says.

“We had masons working on our roof for nearly a full year.” The new chimneys are reinforced with lead-coated stainless steel.

All of the improvements have been done with the utmost care to preserve and protect the home’s authenticity and charm, including the massive amount of original ironwork created by master blacksmith Samuel Yellin.

Outside, Kelleher has restored a fountain and all of the gardens and grounds surrounding the home and added parking spaces.

“At 8,500 square feet, taking care of it is a never-ending challenge. There’s always something to do,” Kelleher says, adding that his experience in the building products field has certainly helped with his restoration efforts.

All of Kelleher’s work has certainly paid off. In 2003, the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation designated the home as an historical landmark. Moreover, Kelleher and his wife Amy have hosted 100-guest gatherings for local organizations in his home and they periodically open La Tourelle to local charitable foundations and tourists from all over the world.

“Although the home is ours, we’re sort of just its caretakers,” says Kelleher.

“Architecturally, the home is absolutely beautiful. It’s spectacular here. Seeing it takes your breath away.” ■

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Pittsburgh’s premier guide to stylish living, sophisticated design and the best resources in Pittsburgh and surrounding regions. l aunc hi ng fir s t i s s ue De c e mbe r 2013 To advertise contact Leo Vighetti at 724.942.0940 or sales@icmags.com

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Inpatient Rehabilitation: One Step at a Time After months of illness, hospitalization, and extensive chemotherapy treatments for lymphoma, Mary Reese could barely move.

She relied on nurses and aides to care for her daily needs.

Terrified of falling, she agreed to start an inpatient rehabilitation program at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC St. Margaret.

Her goal: to regain strength and function so she could return home to her teenage daughter.

“I wanted my life back,” says Mary, 60, the mother of five. “I’ve made great progress thanks to the therapy I received at UPMC St. Margaret.”

Specialized treatment plans Leonard Cabacungan, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at UPMC St. Margaret, says the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute provides individualized treatment plans focused on restoring strength, function, and independence so patients can return home. The 26-bed facility at UPMC St. Margaret — one of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s seven locations — features private rooms and a wide variety of specialized therapy programs.

“It’s crucial to get patients up and moving as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Cabacungan. “The longer they stay in bed, the weaker they get. Once they are medically stable, we do what needs to be done so they can successfully function at home.”

Our multidisciplinary team works together to develop individual treatment plans for patients recovering from a variety of conditions caused by illness and injury. They include strokes, hip fractures, joint replacements, neurological disorders, cancer, and congestive heart failure. Physical therapists focus on mobility and strength, while occupational therapists work on everyday tasks, and speech therapists work on communication and swallowing.

Hard work pays off When Mary first began therapy, she couldn’t sit up in bed or get out of a chair without help. It took two people to get her up on her feet. “After being bedridden for so long, my muscles were gone,” says the Zelienople resident.

For four hours a day, seven days a week, Mary’s treatment included exercises to improve strength, restore movement, and improve her daily self-care. Within days, she was able to bathe herself and go to the bathroom with help. She soon began going up and down steps and getting in and out of a car.

Consistently recognized for providing advanced rehabilitation for conditions that include stroke, brain, and spinal cord injury, the experts at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute combine extensive clinical experience with advanced technology and research to offer patients cutting-edge treatments.

“I’m getting stronger every day. I’m able to walk and stand for long periods of time. I’m even doing laundry,” Mary says. “Most importantly, I can now dress and clean myself.”

Mary says she’s been motivated by the “can do” attitude of the doctors and staff at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC St. Margaret. She also has been inspired by the progress made by other patients.

“It hasn’t been easy. They make you work hard,” she adds. “But, I’m so grateful for the therapy I received at UPMC St. Margaret.

This place has done wonders for me.”

For more information about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC St. Margaret, visit UPMC.com/RehabInstitute, or call 1-877-AT-REHAB (28-73422).

This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

O Christmas Tree

Choosing a live evergreen tree in Fox Chapel

BY MATTHEW J. FASCETTI

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and choosing a real Christmas tree is a season highlight for many families. Whether you make the trek to a tree farm to cut down your own, or head to your neighborhood tree lot, the smell of fresh pine in your home signals the beginning of the holiday season.

Your tree selection is often the result of personal preference and budget, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Perhaps the most popular type of tree is the Fraser Fir. It has one-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch.

Because there is space between the branches, the Fraser is easier to decorate and the firm branches hold heavier ornaments.

Also very popular is the Noble Fir, with a deep green color, soft needles and well-shaped, sturdy branches.

Other varieties include the Colorado Blue Spruce, known for its blue foliage and pyramidal shape with strong limbs that can hold heavy ornaments. The Grand Fir has glossy dark green foliage and is soft to the touch, however it may not hold heavier ornaments. The Balsam Fir is a wonderful dark-green color with airy, flexible branches and a pleasant fragrance. The branches are not as sturdy so it’s not the best choice for heavy decorating.

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The White Fir has a pleasing natural shape and aroma and good needle retention. The Eastern White Pine is known for making garlands, wreaths and centerpieces due to its long, feathery-soft needles. Though it’s a beautiful tree, the branches can be a bit too flexible to use as a Christmas tree. Finally, the Douglas Fir makes a visually appealing tree with soft, shiny green needles and wonderful aroma.

If you purchase your tree at a lot, keep in mind some pre-cut Christmas trees may have been cut weeks earlier. Try to buy your tree early to extend its freshness. Check the tree for brown needles and perform a “drop test.” Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and then firmly place the tree trunk on the ground. If green needles drop, it could indicate the tree may have been cut for some time.

Once you take your tree home, make a straight cut at the bottom of the trunk, removing about one inch. This will improve the tree’s ability to absorb water. Place the tree in a container that holds at least one gallon of water and add more as needed.

The base of the trunk should always be in water which will help sustain the beauty of the tree for as long as possible.

e Overbeck Nursery and Landscaping 214 Freeport Rd.

e The Home Depot 540 Alpha Dr.

e Emmerling Ice Cream 932 Rt. 910

e Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse 1005 Village Center Dr.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 67

IndUStrY InSIGHt

Special Needs Trusts

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A WAY TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR DISABLED CHILD

A

By Laura Cohen, esquire

ccording to Congressional Research Service, some 43 million Americans have one or more physical or mental disabilities.

As such, special needs trusts and special needs planning is a growing area of law.

Many persons with disabilities are receiving or are eligible for meanstested public benefits such as SSI, Medicaid, Section 8 housing and other benefits under state or federal programs. These disabled individuals can only receive these benefits if their income and assets do not exceed certain limits. Special needs trusts enable disabled persons to receive inheritances, equitable distribution, alimony, child support, and personal injury settlements while still remaining eligible for their means-tested benefits.

There are three basic types of special needs trusts: third party trusts, self-settled trusts and pooled trusts. The main difference between the third party trust and the self-settled special needs trust is the source of the funds. If the assets funding the trust are not the assets of the beneficiary but belong to a third party (Mom wants to put some of her money away for the disabled child) then the trust is a third party trust. If the assets funding the special needs trust are assets of the disabled beneficiary, then the trust is a self-settled trust.

THIRD PARTY FUNDED TRUSTS The Third Party Funded Trusts are created and funded by a third party, someone other than the individual with disabilities, the individual’s spouse, a legal guardian or a court. These trusts are often created and

funded by relatives whether in their wills or while they are alive. The trust must be written to give the trustee discretion to spend or retain the funds except the trustee is directed not to spend funds in a manner that reduces government benefits. The trustee will supplement but not supplant government benefits. The person establishing the trust, called the settlor, can direct who will receive any assets that remain at the beneficiary’s death.

It is very important to remember that this trust cannot be self-funded by the disabled beneficiary. A Third Party Funded Trust is an effective tool but requires advance planning.

SELF-SETTLED TRUSTS A self-settled special needs trust is established with the assets of the person with the disability. It is for the benefit of an individual who is disabled and under 65 years of age.

• The trust can only be established by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court.

• At the beneficiary’s death, any remaining funds in the trust are first used to pay back the state for medical assistance received.

This trust can be self-funded but not self-created. It can be self-funded since funds that would otherwise make the individual ineligible for SSI or Medical Assistance (such as inheritance, life insurance, etc.) can be placed in this trust and are no longer considered assets. The trust must be irrevocable and only the individual with disabilities can be a beneficiary.

The trustee can be a family member, a for-profit corporate fiduciary or a nonprofit corporate fiduciary.

At the beneficiary’s death, the commonwealth must be repaid for medical assistance paid by the state for the individual. If there are funds remaining after the state has been repaid the remaining funds can be distributed as the trust dictates.

POOLED TRUSTS Since this trust is established by statute, the trust must meet the following criteria: • The trust is established and maintained by a nonprofit association.

• Assets are pooled for investment but accounted for separately.

• The account is for the benefit of an individual with a disability as defined by statute.

• A parent, grandparent, guardian or the individual establishes the account.

• At the beneficiary’s death, to the extent that the funds are not retained by the trust, remaining funds are first used to pay back the commonwealth for the medical assistance received by the beneficiary.

This trust can be self-created and self-funded. The individual can transfer assets that would make him ineligible into an account at the pooled trust. Once the assets are in the pooled trust, the assets are no longer considered assets. The trust funds can be used throughout the individual’s life to supplement government benefits.

The account must be pooled which requires a nonprofit organization’s involvement but is intended to reduce costs for beneficiaries.

This Industry Insight was written by Laura Cohen, Esq. Laura Cohen, Esq. is the owner of Family Legal Center, LLC in Monroeville, where she concentrates her practice in the areas of Estate Planning and Administration.

68 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

sharing the harvest If you’re a hunter but your freezer’s full, please consider donating your deer to Hunters Sharing the Harvest, a program that’s been helping to feed Pennsylvania’s hungry for more than 22 years.

The program is simple and rewarding – you go hunting, you arrange with your nearest participating processor to donate the deer (or elk, moose and caribou where applicable), and you make a tax-deductible $15 donation to help cover the cost of processing. All donations, whether monetary or deer meat, are recognized by a letter for your taxes and a window decal to let people know that your hunt helped feed the hungry.

From the processing plant, your deer meat will be butchered and distributed to area food banks and charities throughout the state. Your average-sized deer can provide up to 200 meals to help those in need. As a hunter, you probably already know that deer meat is an extremely healthy food source that’s low in cholesterol and saturated fat. It has more protein and fewer calories than other processed meats, and is on par with other meats for nutritional content such as vitamins and minerals. For more information, call 866.474.2141 or email info@sharedeer.org.

County: Allegheny Kip's Deer Processing Padgelek, Paula 3 Saint John's Drive Carnegie, PA 15106 412.279.6527

Romes Meat & Deli Rome Sr., Ronald 312 Bonniebrook Road Butler , PA 16002 724.285.1236

Scott's Custom Deer Processing Mills, Scott 212 S. Main Street Albion, PA 16401 814.449.5335

TA Giger Deer Processing Giger, Tim 121 Kyle Road Valencia , PA 16059 724.898.2244

County: Butler Bims Boloney Slater, Bim 145 Morris Road Petrolia , PA 16050 724.894.2569

County: Erie McDonald Meats, Inc. McDonald, Neeli 10445 Ridge Road Girard, PA 16417 814.774.3507

County: Washington Bobeck's Deer Processing Bobeck, Mary 139 Craig Road Monongahela , PA 15063 724.258.2298

McKruit's Custom Meat Cutting McKruit, Tracy 1011 Bear Creek Road Cabot, PA 16023 724.352.2988

Pacileo's Great Lakes Deer Processing Pacileo, John 8890 Wattsburg Road Erie , PA 16509 814.825.3759

The meat processors serving the region for 2013 are:

County: Westmoreland Custom Deer Processing Monteparte, Samuel J. 131 Flowers Road New Alexandria, PA 15670 724.668.8950 Espey's Meat Market Espey Jr., Joe 319 Espey Meat Market Lane Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.3226

Lenik Deer Processing Lenik, Ron 204 Railroad Street Finleyville , PA 15332 724.348.7019

G. Karas Packing Karas, Sharon 606 Story Road Export , PA 15632 724.468.5811

Shuba's Processing Shuba, Steve 1116 Allison Hollow Rd-Shop Washington, PA 15301 724.255.4861

Hoffer's Ligonier Valley Packing Zimmerman, Denise 582 Darlington Road Ligonier , PA 15658 724.238.7112

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 69

Celebrate the Center!

O

n Oct. 19, friends and neighbors gathered to Celebrate the Center, an event to express gratitude for all the great programs and activities the Boyd Community Center has to offer, while looking forward to the new 30,000-square-foot facility that will enhance the lives of local residents

even more.

The nostalgic look back at Boyd Community Center included memorabilia from the past 31 years of providing learning and enrichment. The center currently offers over 300 courses with a diverse curriculum of art, technology and sports.

The new center will be named the Lauri Ann West Community Center in honor of the 4th grade Boyd Elementary School student who died in 1968. It will house a cafe, an indoor track, a dance studio and many other amenities.

For more information on the the new center or to contribute to the building of the new facility, please visit the website LauriAnnWestCommunityCenter.org. â–

70 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

Business Directory

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Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 71

INCOGNITO DID YOU KNOW?

O’Hara Township’s Founder Was Pittsburgh Captain of Industry?

BY JENNIFER BROZAK

H

ave you ever wondered for whom O’Hara Township was named? It was named for an innovator, a U.S. Army Quartermaster General, a prominent businessman, a bank president and the mayor of Pittsburgh. Who were all these amazing people? Actually, it was just one amazing man – James O’Hara.

Born in Ireland around 1752, O’Hara was educated at the Jesuit College of Saint-Sulpice, a seminary in Paris, France. His father and grandfather were both military officers in the Irish brigade and both were political exiles. After a short period of time in the military himself, James O’Hara chose to focus on business, and migrated to America landing in Philadelphia. At the age of 19, he found work as an Indian trader at Fort Pitt, where he worked with pioneer landowners and fur traders Devereux Smith and Ephraim Douglas.

It is widely believed that as early as 1773 (just a year after his arrival), O’Hara began buying large tracts of property in what are now the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

Although the records are sketchy, over the course of his lifetime, O’Hara was said to have purchased more than 160 town lots and more than 2,411 acres of farmland in the Pittsburgh region alone, all of which would eventually become valuable urban property. Records indicate that he purchased the land that would become O’Hara Township in 1794.

At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775, O’Hara enlisted as a regular soldier. However, O’Hara’s business acumen, coupled with his knowledge of both the French and Indian dialects, made him invaluable to the colonial government. He was quickly appointed as a captain and then, in 1780, was appointed the “commissary” of the hospital in Carlisle, PA. Following this position, he became assistant quartermaster, and was responsible for distributing supplies and provisions to battle-weary soldiers. In 1792, George Washington himself appointed O’Hara Quartermaster General of the United States Army, where he facilitated the salt trade by engineering a series of transportation improvements between New York and Pittsburgh.

Did You Know? We are looking for little-known facts, history or other interesting stories about your community.

Please send your ideas to editors@icmags.com.

72 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area

Along with his deputy quartermaster general, Major Isaac Craig, O’Hara founded Pittsburgh Glass Works in 1797. The factory produced dark green and black porter glass – which supplied O’Hara’s other business, the highly successful Pittsburgh Point Brewery, as well as window glass, bowls, jars and bottles and flasks.

Throughout his life, O’Hara was known for both his industriousness and generosity. He provided jobs to those who were willing to work hard and gave food to the poor. In 1803, O’Hara was appointed Pittsburgh’s chief burgess or mayor, further cementing his role as one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent citizens. He remained an integral voice in the area until his death in 1819.

O’Hara’s obituary celebrates his contributions as a founder of Pittsburgh, noting that he is said to have “almost created a city by himself.” After he retired from public service, O’Hara dedicated his life to the “aggrandizement and advancement of his adopted town,” according to the obituary.

One can only guess that O’Hara would be proud of the friendly, present-day township for which he is named. ■

Cited Reference: Obituary: http://digital.library.pitt.edu/u/ulsmanuscripts/pdf/31735051658221.pdf

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