IN Bethel Park by IN Community Magazines

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FALL 2010

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Education for all Ages Bethel Park Celebrates Community NEW! Older Adults in Bethel Park

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FALL 2010 Welcome to the fall issue of Bethel Park! As summer winds down, I hope that you and your family had some time to get away and enjoy yourselves — even if it was for the day at some local hidden treasure spot. Those are the places we love to highlight in these pages. I met one of our readers while I was finishing up some business with one of the municipalities we serve. He was sitting at a picnic table near a veterans' monument under a pristine blue sky on a quiet and hot July day. The man recognized my photo from the magazine and said his dad used to enjoy reading about local things. He explained that his father had passed away several years ago. He pointed to the monument and said his father never spoke about the war, but always talked about some close friends he served with that didn't come home. “I come by here about once a week or so to enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the birds,” he said. “We miss him, but here, I know that he's catching up with some old friends.” To say that I was touched would be an understatement, but you can see how this one little area can mean so much to someone. Tell us about places that are special to you — places with history and a story behind them. Send your story to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com or mail them to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

Wayne Dollard Publisher In this fall edition of Bethel Park, you’ll find interesting topics related to education. We thought it was appropriate to address this issue as all of us can somehow relate to the “back to school” idea. The notion of continually learning something new, whether in middle school or as an older adult in the Bethel Park community, is not a new concept, just one we should consider as the seasons change. A new feature we have begun in this edition is entitled “Older Adults in Bethel Park.” We address the subject of scams and how older adults can learn to protect themselves. I heard of a couple who was scammed on the phone not too long ago, and I was so disturbed by the fact that there are dishonest people who can find personal information about your family via the social networking sites and use it to your take your identity, money and other possessions. Please be careful when speaking to anyone by phone who calls you. Even if you think you know them, verify the information before disclosing anything! I hope you enjoy this new feature, and I am looking for other interesting topics that are important to older adults. If you would kindly e-mail your suggestions to me at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com I would so grateful!

Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor

IN Bethel Park is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the McKeesport Area School District 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. PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard AS S I STA N T TO T H E P U B L I S H E R

Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue Sandy Trozzo Josh Wetmore

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Amante D’Albora Susie Doak Pati Ingold

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Garyyonphotography.com Schoolhouse Photography

A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

Nicholas Buzzell David Mitchell Brian Daley Linda Mitchell Gina D’Alicandro Tamara Myers Liz Dodson Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Annette Petrone Rose Estes Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Jessie Jones Michael Silvert Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

www.incommunitymagazines.com Winter Content Deadline: 11/1/2010 2

Bethel Park

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Contents Bethel Park | FALL 2010 |

Publisher’s Message COMMUNITY INTEREST

Bethel Park Community

St. Thomas More Catholic School Student Wins | 44 Mr. Buetzow’s Opus | 46 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 21 FEATURES

Education Update Moms returning to School Face Uphill, But Not Impossible Battle | 4 Alternatives to College | 8 Schools Don’t Just Teach, They Sell | 32

Older Adults in Bethel Park

The Garden Club of Allegheny County INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Meadowcrest

Dance Workshop by Shari Dr. Rairigh

Ameriprise

ProCare Chiropractic |

ON THE COVER

Beinhauer Family Services Calhoun Repair

Goddard School

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Kara Wentz and Angela Vorko enjoying Bethel Park Community Days

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Heather Ellwanger, Michele Pilotta, Cathy Muscato

Jack & Lily Browning

Dylan Schanck, Bryan Frank

Alex, Katie, Jenny Anderson

Celebrating our Community Bethel Park's Community Day celebration was held on Saturday, September 11. Festivities began with the Community Day Parade from the Municipal Building to the High School Campus. Families, friends and neighbors enjoyed lots of delicious food, activities, games, and live performances throughout the day. Austin Jameyson, Dan Yost, Nick Konyk

Kelsi Baxter, Brittany Gregg

The Kozak Family

Anna, Patrick & Edward Counihan with Willie

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Josh Kandules, Nicholas Walker, Tim Owen, Patrick Moran

Judy & Cassidy DeLeo

Carrie, Brian & Hayden Martin

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By Pamela Palongue

MOMS

RETURNING TO SCHOOL

FACE UPHILL,

BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE, BATTLE With the high rate of unemployment, it will not come as a shock that many mothers are returning to school for more education in order to be more employable and to be able to provide better benefits for their families. What might surprise you is that more than ever, universities, trade and specialty schools are offering extremely flexible schedules and payment plans for the special challenges that moms face in furthering their education. One of the major drawbacks to attending college is the loss of income while in school. Although night classes have been available at most universities for years now, Saturday classes are now becoming more common, and many of the schedules include meeting every other weekend. This gives working moms the ability to hold down a day job for 40 hours during the week, while still retaining the all-important health insurance benefits for their family while attending college on the weekends. More classes than ever are being offered on Saturdays. And, of course, night classes offer greater flexibility for employed mothers as well. Another challenge for moms attempting to advance their education is finding care for their

child while they are in school. The high cost of daycare can be prohibitive for those already on a tight budget. Many mothers have the advantage of family members close by to pitch in with child-care duties, but this may not be practical for some mothers whose parents or in-laws live hours away. One great way to resolve this issue is to trade babysitting time. When mothers coordinate their class schedules, they can attend classes at opposite times so the other mother can babysit both mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children. Another great way to overcome the high cost of daycare is to trade services. An individual may be willing to provide child-care in exchange for house cleaning or having errands performed. Retired individuals who have the most flexible hours are a great solution in this arrangement. For some, completing a four-year college may not be practical either for time considerations or financial reasons. There are many careers available with educational programs that are less than two years. Education and the medical field consistently rank highest for career fields experiencing the most growth. For individuals who already have a four-year degree, universities offer a teaching

program that can be completed in one year. Although a bachelor of science in nursing is a four-year degree program, some local hospitals offer two-year nursing programs sans the degree. Some of these facilities offer free education in exchange for two years of devoted service at their facility. For even shorter programs in the medical field, medical assistants and emergency medical technicians offer alternatives. Local EMT programs last approximately four months and the tuition is under $200. In addition to the above-mentioned career fields, information technology, massage therapists, barbers, cosmetologists and medical insurance billing all offer programs with shorter duration for busy moms and most offer payment options so that upfront payment of full tuition is not required. Each womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path to educational advancement is different, but perseverance is the common denominator. With dedication and hard work, every woman can accomplish her goals. And now more than ever, there are many avenues to achieving your dream.

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PLANNING Surgery? Let the experts at Meadowcrest Nursing Center help! When planning your surgery, discuss with your physician the potential need for rehabilitation before returning to your home. Meadowcrest Nursing Center offers free education to help inform potential patients about hip and knee replacement surgery. Many patients go into surgery expecting to go home after their stay, but there are times when a patient is unable to return home because they require additional rehab. It is important that they have a better understanding of what to expect if this happens. “education and preparation are key in a good recovery, which is why we created the ‘By Reservation Only’ Program,” Mary Stevens, Administrator of Meadowcrest Nursing Center, explains. “We want to educate people about what to expect and how to prepare.” The By Reservation Only program is an experience that involves pampering and relaxation while getting patients back on their feet. By making a reservation, the patients feel they are prepared, knowing Meadowcrest will have a room reserved for them after their surgery. During their stay at Meadowcrest, patients work with a professional team of therapists. The therapists will follow the physician’s protocols to get the patient back to doing all of their activities of daily living and, of course, all the activities that they enjoy. So far, Meadowcrest Nursing Center has received positive feedback from those individuals who have come to tour and made a “reservation” for their stay after their upcoming surgery. “The process is complicated and can happen so fast that people really appreciate getting their questions answered beforehand,” explains Stevens.

For more information regarding the By Reservation Only Program at Meadowcrest Nursing Center, please call 412.854.5500 and ask for the Admissions Department. Meadowcrest Nursing Center, a 50-bed, skilled-nursing facility, offers complete rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for those needing short-term stays prior to going back home or to a lower level of care. The team is skilled in helping residents and patients achieve their goals and regain their independence. Meadowcrest Nursing Center’s parent company is Extendicare Health Services Inc. located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Extendicare prides itself on helping people live better by providing quality, cost-effective health care and rehabilitation primarily to seniors in a resident-directed environment. They endeavor to do this by providing remarkable services through highly engaged and motivated members of their team. Founded in 1968, Extendicare has a long history of providing quality health care services to residents throughout the United States and Canada. Kristen Sinneway is the Referral Manager for Meadowcrest Nursing Center. She has worked in this position for four years. Kristen has 10 years experience as a sales professional in the healthcare industry. Lisa Buczynski is the Facility Rehab Coordinator and has worked at Meadowcrest for 5 1/2 years. Lisa is a Duquesne University graduate and has been an Occupational Therapist for 7 years.

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Alternatives to

By Jonathan Ba

rnes

orking as a fraud investigator for Mellon Bank, Ann Flasck was following the career path she had chosen when she had decided years before to study Criminology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. But Flasck, of Peters, through no fault of her own, lost her job and was given severance pay several years ago. The change opened her eyes to other potential opportunities. Flasck used her time on severance pay to take a welding class. “I wanted to learn how to weld to make furniture and artwork,” she said. “Then I found out about the trade unions and in 2005 I took the steamfitters’ [apprenticeship] test.” Flasck, 44, a South Park High School graduate, has had steady work with the union ever since she joined the group. The pay is high—$30 per hour—and a Steamfitters union member can get as much work as she wants, Flasck said, noting that she has become certified as a welder and obtained other skills to increase her ability to be hired for jobs. As many in Western Pennsylvania are learning through the hardships of the recent recession, work in the trades can be a high-paying career bereft of work stoppages. Trade work provides steady employment that is fulfilling to people who don’t enjoy work in an office setting. College is not for everyone and the cost of such an education is becoming more and more difficult for many families to bear. Newspapers and magazines are full of stories of students who took on the burdensome college debt that they are struggling to pay off. But for those with a strong work ethic, some mechanical aptitude and a desire to be a part of building something, becoming a member of a union could be an ideal career choice. Fortunately for those in the Pittsburgh area, the chance

Only about 5 “percent of college graduates make more money than people in the building trades.

”

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to work with the insulators, electricians, laborers, carpenters or other unions is greater than ever, due to the state-of-the-art training programs these and other local unions provide. “It’s neat to build things—to see something you’ve worked on turn into something,” Flasck said. The time commitment to becoming a full member of a union might not be for everyone, though. Steamfitters Local #499 takes in anywhere from 12 to 30 new members each year, a group that is winnowed from about 300 who take the initial test and interview for a slot with the union, said Ken Broadbent, business manager for Steamfitters Local #449, located along Woodruff Street in the South Hills. Unlike some jobs, there is no age discrimination in the union apprentice selection process— twenty-somethings and older folks starting a second career have an equal shot at union membership. The Steamfitters apprenticeship program requires 1,000 hours of schooling at night for each apprentice, as well as 2,000 hours per year of guaranteed employment over the fiveyear apprenticeship. Those man-hours are paid, along with full benefits. Apprentices start at $12 per hour and eventually make $30 per hour as steamfitters, but you have to be fit. “You have to be physically able to perform the work because there’s lifting and climbing, and working in the cold and in the heat,” Broadbent said. “For every hour a journeyman works, we take 50 cents out of his pay to put towards the training program.” The average age of an apprentice is actually 27 years old, said Jason Fincke, executive director of the Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania, a labor/management organization that includes both contractors and unions. Apprentices earn between $10 and $15 per hour their first year, receiving average yearly raises of $3.50 annually during their training. The average building trades worker earns $45,000 per year, Fincke noted. Western Pennsylvania has 17 union apprenticeship schools and all are tuition-free, he said.

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a myth “outThere’s there that to be

successful you have to go to college… Building trade work can provide a very good living.

”

Studies have shown that a college education might actually be a waste of money for many of those who attend, Fincke said, and so union membership is an increasingly smart career choice. “Only about 5 percent of college graduates make more money than people in the building trades,” he said. While work in construction is hard and physically demanding, the industry isn’t affected in the same way by economic conditions as other industries are impacted, Fincke added. “You can’t outsource construction,” he said. With union workers averaging wages of $25 to $35 per hour, unions are many smart workers’ choice for gainful employment, Fincke said. “There’s a myth out there that to be successful you have to go to college… Building trade work can provide a very good living and a very good wage,” he said. For more information on apprenticeships in the trades in the Pittsburgh area, visit the Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania’s website, at www.buildersguild.org.

Have a story idea? Charity Event? Public Service Announcement? Send your suggestions to: marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com

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Urbanowicz Jewelers Your Full Service Jewelers

Custom Design Expert Jewelry and Watch Repair GIA Certified Diamonds Graduate Gemologist Certified Appraisals Gold Evaluation and Buying

Peters Township

Caste Village

115 A East McMurray Road

Baptist & Grove Roads

724-942-9885

412-881-5611

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JRMC Diagnostic Services is pleased to announce our newest location in Bethel Park at 1010 Higbee Drive. As the area’s premier provider of diagnostic testing, we offer services such as: High Field MRI, MRA, CT, Breast MRI, EKG, Ultrasound and Digital Mammography. For the convenience of our patients, we also offer walk-in lab and walk-in X-Ray services. Patients benefit from free parking, evening and weekend appointments, 24 hour turnaround reporting and same day/next day scheduling. The area’s top physicians value our professionalism and expertise and we value their trust in our ability to serve their patients. JRMC Diagnostic Services’ mission is to set a new standard in patient care and advanced imaging. With our on-site Board-Certified radiologists and ARRT-Certified technicians, patients are ensured the highest quality of care, comfort and accuracy when it matters most. We offer multiple locations including: Bethel Park, Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, Clairton and Homestead at the Waterfront. Please call 412-854-7100 or visit our website at www.jrmcpittsburgh.com for more information on our services, locations, hours of operation and what to expect before your test. At JRMC Diagnostic Services, it’s more than a test…it’s an ANSWER.

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FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS OR A CHILD ON THE WAY MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS The Allegheny County Health Department urges working families with modest incomes and young children under the age of five or a child on the way to consider participating in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program. WIC isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for families on public assistance. The income limits allow many working families to qualify for benefits. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $40,793 is eligible for the program. Benefits are provided to pregnant women, postpartum mothers, breastfeeding mothers and children under age five. WIC offers participants free nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and vouchers redeemable at grocery stores for foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juices, whole grains, soy milk, tofu, jarred baby foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eligibility for WIC is based on both income and medical or nutritional risk. The income limit starts at $20,036 for a family of one and increases with family size. For more information about WIC and how to apply for benefits, please call the Allegheny County Health Department WIC Program at 412.350.5801 or visit its website at www.achd.net/wic.

High School Reunion? Are you planning a high school reunion? Let us know! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll post your contact information so that your classmates can get in touch!

Contact Marybeth Jeffries, Managing Editor at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com

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Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation

Older Adults inBethel Park A by Josh Wetmore

survey conducted by the Investor Protection Trust in May 2010 revealed that over 7.3 million senior citizens in the U.S. have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.” That equates to about one in five senior citizens who have been scammed. Mary Bach, a member of AARP’s Pennsylvania executive counsel, said that fraud against senior citizens can come in just about any form. Some of the more popular scams include lottery scams, sweepstake scams, e-mail scams, charity scams, and even jury duty scams. “Caution and moving slowly are paramount in any of these situations” said Bach. And not allowing yourself to be pressured into giving either personal information or any amount of money without doing your own personal due diligence or homework on the issue.” Here are some other tips Bach gives to help senior citizens better avoid scams and fraud: Don’t give money to a charity over the

•

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phone. Ask them to mail you something. This gives time to research the charity. Chances are, if the charity is just a scam they won’t send you anything anyway.

•

a red flag that you didn’t see.

•

Sign up for both the state and national Do Not Call lists. These will weed out most legitimate solicitors, so if a soliciting call gets through, there is already a warning sign.

When dealing with a financial planner or retirement advisor, make sure that both they and what they are selling are Remember the adage “If it sounds too registered with the state of Pennsylvania. good to be true, it probably is.” To check on the registration and history of a salesperson, financial plan, or product call either the Pennsylvania Insurance Commission at 1.877.881.6388 or the Pennsylvania Securities Commission at 1.800.600.0007.

•

Always be wary of any letter, e-mail, or phone call that requires an immediate or quick response. If there isn’t enough time to carefully consider a proposition before committing to it, there is probably a reason.

•

Discuss what you are thinking of doing with a trusted friend or family member before making any final decisions. Two heads are better than one, and someone might recognize

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Retirement:

it’s a stage of life

that many people look forward to. It’s a chance to relax, and finally accomplish lifelong goals. It can also be an opportunity to make up for lost time with family and friends. For many, however, retirement can mean having so much time with so little to do, and often no longer having a job can lead to no longer have a sense of accomplishment or self worth. There is a solution to the problem though. Volunteering can not only give retired senior citizens a new sense of purpose but it can also help the community, the economy, and the future of the country. “There is just talk about, as the economy continues to be on a bit of a downslide, how important volunteers are,” said Mary Bach, a member of AARP’s Pennsylvania executive counsel. “Lots of older consumers have really wonderful skills and backgrounds that can be of benefit.” Volunteer opportunities for senior citizens in the Pittsburgh area can range from helping deliver mail at a hospital to working with high school students in a classroom environment through the University of Pittsburgh’s “Generations Together” program. “Volunteering makes people feel good, but it not only is self serving to that degree that you’re happy about doing something

that you enjoy personally, but the beneficiaries of that volunteerism gain so much,” said Bach, a senior citizen herself. Some other ways for senior citizens to get involved are through senior citizen organizations such as AARP and The Senior Source. Many local libraries also offer volunteer positions. AARP’s “Create the Good” program is focused on helping senior citizens find volunteer opportunities that will fit their schedule, meet their personal interests, and help their community. To get involved with “Create the Good,” go to www.createthegood.org or call 1.800.556.0242.

Senior Agencies Bethel Park Senior Community Center 5151 Park Avenue Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.831.7111

ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984 ACCESS is door-to-door, advance reservation, shared-ride transportation provided throughout Port Transportation For Authority's service area. It serves primarily senior Older Adults There are several agencies citizens and persons with disabilities. There are no that offer free or reduced rate transportation services restrictions on the purpose or number of trips which to individuals who qualify. may be taken by riders, except that riders are Medical Assistance required to share their Transportation Program vehicle with others traveling (MATP) in the same direction and at 1.888.547.6287 the same time. Provides non-emergency medical transportation to Older Persons residents of Allegheny Transportation County who have a valid Transportation for medical Pennsylvania Department appointments, grocery of Public Welfare Medical shopping, senior center Assistance Card. activities and other needs throughout Allegheny County is available to

Free Bus Pass for Senior Citizens The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtain identification cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you.

adults 60 years of age and older who live in Allegheny County. Call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460. Are you a nonprofit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Please contact Marybeth@incommunity magazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.

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BuSINeSS SPOTLIgHT

CALHOUN REPAIR Heating and Cooling That's Right for Your Home

It's the first chilly day of October, and you're ready to kick on that dormant furnace for the first time. What many people don't know is that that your furnace needs to be serviced annually, and, what's more, it may even be the wrong size to work efficiently for your home. That's when it's time to call Calhoun Repair. Bryan Calhoun is a North American Technician Excellence—certified heating, air conditioning and ventilation expert who's been in the business for more than 15 years,

“When it comes to air conditioning, most people think that bigger is better, and the opposite is true.” serving the South Hills of Pittsburgh. He also is a certified carbon monoxide expert with the National Comfort Institute and installs low-level carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can accumulate in homes and is toxic to humans. Elderly homeowners, people with respiratory problems, and infants are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. Calhoun provides whole-house carbon monoxide safety checks. According to Calhoun, both heating and air-conditioning units need to be serviced annually so that they maintain peak performance. Each should be serviced prior to the season they're meant to run - spring for airconditioning units and fall for furnaces. Calhoun Repair also installs new equipment for homes where the existing units have failed; servicing and maintaining existing equipment can be a more economical option for many homeowners. What's unique about Calhoun Repair, however, is that you can rest assured that any unit you purchase will be appropriately sized for your home, by Bryan himself. His operation, while small, guarantees that you' re dealing directly with someone who cares about your comfort, He makes you feel like a true client and not just a service call. "Every time I install a new system, I do a heat study, which is a measurement of the house and what size the equipment needs to be for efficient heating and air conditioning," Calhoun said. "Most of the time, the equipment sold to homeowners is oversized and overkill for their homes." Calhoun said that any number of factors can determine how much heating and cooling a home needs, including number and type of windows, available shade, home alignment in regards to the sun, and insulation. "When it comes to air conditioning, most people think that bigger is better, and the opposite is true," Calhoun said. "The units are designed to run 100 percent of the time on the hottest day of the year. Of course, it will cycle off when the temperature gets cooler outside, but generally, the longer it runs, the more it reduces humidity, which makes you feel 16

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This year, the federal and state governments are offering rebate money to homeowners who replace their existing inefficient units with approved high-efficiency models. To schedule your annual check-up, carbon monoxide safety check, or consultation on a new air conditioner or furnace, call Calhoun Repair at 412.655.1529 today. cooler. With furnaces and air conditioners, inefficiency and discomfort can result from poor ductwork, faulty equipment, bad thermostat location and airflow issues. Each furnace is different and may present its own unique set of problems.

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F A L L

2 0 1 0

Back to School Jokes Adopt a Pet: T-Bone Q: What's the worst thing you're likely to find in the school cafeteria? A: The food! Q: Why did nose not want to go to school? A: He was tired of getting picked on! Q: How do you get straight A's? A: By using a ruler! Q: What did the pen say to the pencil? A: "So, what's your point?" Q: What did you learn in school today? A: "Not enough, I have to go back tomorrow!"

When you meet T-Bone, he will offer you a Beagle smile and shyly, by surely, try to climb into your lap. This gentle fellow is brimming with affection and simply needs someone to give it to. A couple months ago, T-Bone probably felt like the luckiest, most beloved dog in the world. But then, sadly, his owner passed away. T-Bone came to Animal Friends, 10 years old and hoping to find a second chance and a fresh start. T-Bone is calm, lovable, and simply wants to share your company. He is curious and friendly around other dogs and

enjoys peaceful rides in the car. He is crate trained and always polite. But most of all, T-Bone is lovable. He adores people and constantly wants to cuddle. While it’s obvious that he loves all women, we’ve noticed that he is particularly drawn to men. Perhaps they remind him of his dad, who he misses so much. If you are looking for a companion who’s more interested in cuddling and relaxing than playing, T-Bone could be the one for you. T-Bone is currently in foster care. If you can help a loving and deserving dog, call Animal Friends at 412.847.7002.

on the go...

find these things hiding in this picture.

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R G R O U N D Rules for Being Home Alone L So E S

Some families put up a list of rules where everyone can see them, like on the refrigerator door. Other families write out a contract and have each member sign it, saying they agree to the rules. Or a family might just go over the rules out loud.

you and your mom or dad have decided you're mature enough to take care of yourself after school. Every weekday, you'll come home, let yourself in, and then what? Good question! This is why you'll need to set up some rules—before you're home alone.

J Should you call Mom or Dad as soon as you get home?

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J Are you allowed to watch TV, DVDs, videos, or play computer games? If so, which ones and for how long? J Should homework be done first, even before chores? J Can friends come over? If so, how many? J What can you eat if you want a snack? J Can you go outside, and if so, where? J Which appliances can be used? (microwave, computer, etc.) J Which chores need to be done and by when? J Should your parent call home just before leaving work each day? For example, would it help to have a heads-up in time to finish any lastminute chores before they arrive?

Bethel Park

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FALL_BETHEL_48PG.qxd:09McKeesport_winter 11/15/10 1:49 PM Page 19

Help kids eat healthy by letting them help you in the kitchen

t’s never too early to start teaching children about cooking. Involving kids in meal preparation encourages healthy eating habits and intro duces them to the value and importance of nutritious, balanced meals. Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., heads Produce for Better Health Founda tion, the nonprofit entity behind the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters national public health initiative. Pivonka says the kitchen can be a great place to stir up some fun while teaching healthy eating habits. As a working mother of two, Pivonka understands that getting kids to eat healthy fruits and vege tables can sometimes be a challenge. “Involving children in cooking is an important step in getting kids interested in fruits and vegetables and getting them more excited about eating them,” she says. “Kids can help by measuring, mixing or gathering ingredients while you cook. If kids help with the cooking, they are more inclined to eat what’s on the table. At my house, we make meal planning and preparation a family activity.” Let toddlers help you “cook” by using toy food, pots, pans, bowls and spoons to copy what you’re doing.

Preschoolers can help by measuring ingredients and stirring. Grade school kids can make simple, no-bake recipes or use the microwave with proper supervision. Remember to use child-size tools and, if the counter is too high, use a sturdy step stool or have children sit at the kitchen table while they help. Pivonka says taking a little extra time at the grocery store to interact with kids and single out fruits and vegetables as important is another way to persuade kids to give them another try. “Kids like to have fun with their food, so one way to get them to eat some thing is to offer it with a dip,” Pivonka says. “Once children turn about two years old, they can really get into dipping and might try things they wouldn’t otherwise if they’re served with some kind of dip.” She offers some dipping suggestions like low-fat ranch dressing, mild salsa, guacamole, or hummus for dipping vegetables, or any flavor of low-fat yogurt Preparation Time: 15 minutes or peanut butter for dipping fruit. Pear Serves 6 Kabobs with Strawberry Dipping Sauce and Pear Party Salsa are two fun recipes 1 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt that let children dip their food. 4 tablespoons strawberry “Make sure their snacks are just as preserves nutritious as their meals. If you’re looking 2 Anjou USA Pears, cored and for a 100-calorie snack, don’t reach for a cut into 1-inch cubes prepackaged processed item. One 2 bananas cut into 1-inch medium-sized fresh pear is a portable, slices single serv ing that tops out at 100 calories 1 8-ounce can pineapple with no fat, sodium or cholesterol. Fresh chunks, drained pears, tomatoes, and other fruits and 2 cups strawberries, stems veggies are now available all year round. removed Their versatility and nutritional value 6 wooden skewers make them very popular with people of all In small bowl, combine yogurt and strawberry ages. They’re budget friendly and good preserves. Set aside. Thread fruits by alternating for your health.” pears, bananas, pineapple and strawberries onto Parents interested in delicious recipe skewers. Serve fruit skewers with a dollop of the ideas and tips for getting kids to eat fruits strawberry sauce on the side. and vegetables are encouraged to visit the Nutrition Information per Serving: calories: 162; Fruits & Veggies-More Matters website, total fat: <1g; saturated fat: <1g; protein: 2.6g; www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. carbohydrates: 39g; cholesterol: 2mg; dietary The website also features some materials fiber: 4g; sodium: 24mg to make taking your child food shopping an educational experience. The Take Your Child to the Supermarket materials are For more information about pears, including familyavailable to everyone online, free of friendly recipes, tips for kids, and even online games charge. Just print them out and plan featuring fresh USA Pears grown in Oregon and Washington, a trip to the store.

Pear Kabobs with Strawberry Dipping Sauce

visit www.usapears.org.

Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

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Row 1: Brian Hertnecky, Kyle Martin, Sean Walsh Row 2: Sean O’Mara, Hirsh Singhal, Justin Bright, Andrew Glaid

On July 18, 2010, seven young men from Boy Scout Troop 215 were presented with their Eagle Scout awards. The Eagle Scout award is the highest rank attainable by the Boy Scouts of America. The award is presented after completion of an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Congratulations Andrew Glaid, Sean O’Mara, Kyle Martin, Brian Hertnecky, Justin Bright, Sean Walsh and Hirsh Singhal.

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Bethel Park

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Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

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THE GARDEN CLUB OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Creating Beauty and Preserving it for Future Generations A Garden in Every School

he Garden Club of Allegheny County has been helping to create beautiful outdoor surroundings and educating all ages about the importance of conserving our natural spaces since 1914. Some of their projects in the recent past include supporting the program that will connect the Montour Trail with the Three Rivers Heritage Trail via the County Sports Legacies Project. This will enable people of the South Hills to commute to work by bicycle or on foot without having to deal with vehicular traffic. The group also contributed funds to help repair the Montour Trail following Hurricane Ivan in 2005. Approximately 10 miles of the trail were impassable following the torrential rains, but the trail was reopened

30 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Bethel Park

less than a year later, thanks in part to funding from the Garden Club of Allegheny County. Conservation is a core objective for the club, and they have supported many local projects in an effort to educate our youth about preserving our natural environment. One program in which they have been actively involved is “A Garden in Every School.” This initiative helps schools to create vegetable gardens on campus where the children can learn about growing their own produce, which is then served in the school cafeteria. The Garden Club of Allegheny County was also instrumental in marketing for PASA, (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) and is supportive of their initiatives. In addition to the wonderful local projects, the Garden Club of Allegheny County has been able to contribute to vital research that is effecting positive global change. Longtime club members Paula Sculley and Susan Clancy launched a program in 1995 called “Botany in Action.” The program was in direct response to the concern for our vanishing rainforests and the loss of indigenous plant species. Many of these plant species are indispensable in the treatment of certain diseases. The Botany in Action program sponsors graduate students who are working in endangered hotspots, such as the South American rainforests, to aid them in continuing their education and the groundbreaking research that they are conducting. Some of this research has led to the discovery of using plants for medicinal purposes such as saw palmetto to treat enlarged prostate and a plant commonly known as dragon’s blood to promote faster healing. Although the Garden Club turned the Botany in Action program over to Phipps Conservatory in 2000, they still actively contribute to its funding. Without fundraising, the Garden Club of Allegheny County would not have been able to support so many meaningful projects. Surprisingly, the club holds only one major fundraiser a year called Pizzazz. Sculley and Clancy were also the catalysts in launching this event in 1995. Sculley explains that her daughter was weaving beautiful shawls at the time and Clancy’s daughter was crafting monogrammed duffel bags. The two women got together and decided to hold a trunk show selling the hand-crafted wares to benefit the Garden Club. When other club members learned of the idea, they quickly contacted other vendors to participate. The first Pizzazz event was held at Clancy’s house, and according to Clancy, was a rainy, stormy, horrible day. “It was terrible weather for

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FREE SMOKE ALARMS FOR ALLEGHENY COUNTY RESIDENTS

getting outside, but wonderful weather for shopping.” In just a few hours they had made $17,000 to sponsor their projects! “There were so many people we had to have them come in and shop in shifts,” says Sculley. This one-day trunk show has evolved into a three-day boutique shopping event. Pizzazz 2010 will be held at the Fox Chapel Golf Club, from October 20-22. Admission to the event is just $10 for daytime shopping. A buffet luncheon is included for a $25 admission price. This will be a unique opportunity to shop for exclusive items and Christmas gifts from 34 vendors from various parts of the U.S. Proceeds this year will help benefit local projects and the rooftop garden of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes Building at Phipps Conservatory. This rooftop garden will be beautifully landscaped and contain an edible vegetable garden. Several different green building methods will be used to generate energy onsite and to treat and re-use all water used in the building in an attempt to conserve our natural resources. Sculley adds, “A lot of people think of the outdoors as a dangerous place. But in fact it’s very healing and stress-relieving. Nature gives us a different perspective on human life.” If you are interested in attending the event or would like more information on the activities of the Garden Club of Allegheny County, visit their website at www. gcacpgh.org.

The Allegheny County Health Department has a free smoke alarm program for residents who have no smoke alarms or ones too old to be reliable. “Smoke alarms are proven life-savers but only when they are in good working order,” said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon. Nearly half of all smoke alarms don’t work because they have missing, disconnected or dead batteries or are more than 10 years old and no longer reliable. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire by 50%, yet most residential fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or defective alarms. The program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, provides and installs a maximum of two battery-operated smoke alarms per home. To schedule an installation, please call the Health Department at 412-247-7800. Visit our web site at: www.achd.net

Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

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REAL ESTATE IN Bethel Park

SchoolS Don’t JuSt teach, they Sell

by Josh Wetmore

724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Bethel Park

Where your child goes to school involves a lot more than whether their QPA can get them into the right college. It also is a huge factor when people are shopping for an existing home or looking to build a new home altogether. Jeff Costa of Costa Home Builders said his clients look for top-performing school districts to build in. “With new home construction in some of the top school districts, they don’t have a lot of land to build houses. People would love to build a home there, however the land is usually not in the best shape or there’s already a house on it,” he said. “Coming down the list a little bit, where people are building homes is in the best school district where there are nice lots available. It definitely plays a role in where people want to build.” Costa said that it’s not uncommon for someone to buy a lot, tear down the existing house and build a new house where the old one stood. Mary Lou Hagman, a Peters Township based Realtor, said a lot of people whose children are out of school downsize their home and are willing to move into a district where the school’s reputation or success may be less prestigious. “It’s the number one priority for those with children,” she said. “Then, what’s happening in the better school districts, is the people who have raised their children and are looking to downsize are moving to the areas where the schools don’t matter.“ So you have both ends: you have people looking for them, and you have people

looking to get out of the better school districts once their children are off to college and gone. A great, non-biased tool for potential homeowners to access information on school districts is Standard and Poor’s www.SchoolMatters.com, where any schools can be compared based on a variety of factors.

“The school district is the driving force of the real estate market.” It’s a comparison that could give you the edge in property value when it’s time to buy or sell. “There are a ton of places that have lots available, where their school districts are not as successful with test scores and different reputations, so the lots sell for a lot less money,” Costa said. “The school district, I believe, is the driving force of the real estate market. I get calls all the time where people don’t have to be in the number one or the number three school district, but they do want to be in the top 20. If you’re looking at the hundred school districts in the Pittsburgh Business Times, the top 20 is probably where you’re going to see the people building houses.

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Congratulations to nine-year-old Madison Miller of Bethel Park, who had the opportunity to represent the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet and dance with Garielle Whittle of the New York City Ballet, to dance the children's parts in Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream in the NYCB's summer home in Saratoga Springs. Their teacher at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet is Jean Gedeon. Unsure of what they were getting into, the five girls left for Saratoga Springs on June 20 for three weeks. The girls included Tia Watts, 11, from Upper St. Clair; Madison Miller, 10, from Bethel Park; Brooke Marynak, 11, from Venetia; and Erin Leach, 9, and Grace Millett, 8, both from Mt. Lebanon. Starting June 21, the girls practiced with Garielle Whittle and Dena Abergel for 4-6 hours a day, including the Fourth of July. In total, 29 children appeared in the showâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;24 from New York and five from PYB.

Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

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Harmony Singers Launch New Season

The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh, a South Hills choral group, will launch their 2010-2011 season at 7:30 p.m., September 7, with an ice cream social for members and prospective members. The event will take place at the Brightwood Christian Church, 5044 West Library Road, Bethel Park. Weekly rehearsals are held at the church during the concert year. The Harmony Singers perform a wide variety of music-Broadway show tunes, swing, blues, rock ‘n’ roll and comedy.

The group is available to perform for civic, social, church, or business organizations. All ages and voices are welcome to join the Harmony Singers. Performance experience and the ability to read music are preferred but are not required. The Harmony Singers will participate in Macy’s “Shop for the Cause” culminating in a performance in Macy’s at South Hills Village on October 16.

For information about the group or to reserve them for an event, call Judy Quashnock at 724-941-0768 or visit www.harmonysingers.org.

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Bethel Park

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BETHEL PARK’S

GOLDEN GIRLS.

Congratulations to the Bethel Park Recreation girls' relay team, which took gold in the 200-yard freestyle relay at the Mini Championship.

Madison Becker | Meredith Reese | Harley Vincler | Brooke Christian

Wesley spectrum's tour of Homes Sunday, October 10, from noon to 5 p.m. in the South Hills Exquisite homes from Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon will be included on the South Hills Tour of Homes. Attending the tour provides homeowners with great ideas for building, renovating, decorating, designing, furnishing and landscaping. This year’s homes include; a white brick colonial on Larchmont Dr. in Virginia Manor of Mt. Lebanon; a patio home in the retirement community of Providence Point of Mt. Lebanon; a traditional brick home with a contemporary ambiance in the new plan of Forest Estates in Upper St. Clair; a stunning soft brick colonial in the cul-de-sac of Hunter’s Path Lane; and a beautiful Tuscan-style home in the Fox Chase Plan of Upper St. Clair. All proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of Wesley Spectrum Services.Wesley Spectrum provides a diverse range of education, mental health, and social services to individuals and families in western Pennsylvania. The organization currently serves more than 4,000 children and 6,000 family members.

Tickets are 25 dollars for the South Hills Tour of Homes and can be purchased by calling Wesley Spectrum at 412-347-3219. Visit www.wesleyspectrum.org for ticket outlets and further details.

Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

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HeALTH DePArTMeNT urgeS eVeryONe TO KeeP VACCINATIONS uP TO DATe

Not Vaccinating Puts At Risk Not Only the Individual but Their Loved Ones Too The Allegheny County Health Department is joining with the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition to remind everyone that vaccinations keep infants, children, teens, adults and senior citizens healthy across the lifespan. Diseases that once killed and disabled millions of Americans can be prevented, but only if everyone is up to date with the vaccinations needed to keep themselves, their loved ones and our entire community healthy and protected,â&#x20AC;? said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon. While most vaccines are given in the first six years of life, a number of others are strongly recommended for adolescents, adults and the elderly but unlike younger children these groups are much less likely to keep their vaccinations up to date. Less than 6% of adults nationally have been vaccinated against pertussis or whooping cough and such a low vaccination rate not only puts them at risk but also endangers infants too young to be immunized who might catch the disease from them. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years old and older but very few in that age group have received the immunization since it became available in 2006. The HPV vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus that is the main cause of cervical cancer, is recommended for females from 9 to 26 years of age but very few of them have been immunized since the vaccine was licensed in 2006. Longer-established adult vaccines that still remain well below 100% coverage provide protection against several other diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria. Health oďŹ&#x192;cials also remind parents to make sure their children are caught up with the vaccines required for students in grades K-12 and have proof of vaccination for the upcoming school year. Please check with your health care provider or contact the Health Department at 412.687.ACHD or achd.net to keep yourself up to date with your vaccinations.

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Bethel Park

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Self Storage HEATED 10 X 17 UNITS MASONRY BUILDING BETHEL PARK BETHEL PARK 412-831-2091

Sponsor a

SOLDIER or MARINE

CHRISTMAS for

This year we are trying to send Christmas stockings to as many U.S. troops as we can. We are going to purchase food, snacks, and supplies and stuff the stockings full for our troops. Being away from home for the holidays is very difficult for a soldier or Marine and we hope that the stockings will be a great morale booster. If you would like to sponsor a soldier or Marine, please send $10.00 to Military Connections Corporation. Your 10 dollars will cover the cost and contents of the stockings. You can also include a note or picture, and we will put it in the stocking. In order to make sure that the stockings reach the troops by Christmas, we have to mail them by December 5. All donations are tax-deductible. If you have any questions, you can call us at the number below. Thank you for your support. MILITARY CONNECTIONS ADDRESS: 312 Auburn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 • Phone: 412.496.8941 E-mail: militaryconnections@hotmail.com Website: www.militaryconnections.org

ITEMS NEEDED for STOCKINGS • GRANOLA BARS • CANDY CANES • MINTS AND GUM • POP-TARTS • LOLLIPOPS • SKITTLES • STARBURST • SMALL TRINKETS • POWER BARS • SMALL TOYS • BEEF JERKY • BATTERIES AA OR AAA • INDIVIDUAL BAGS OF SNACKS, PRETZELS, CHIPS • AT&T CALLING CARDS • WHITE ATHLETIC SOCKS • INDIVIDUAL BOXES OF CEREAL • SMALL CANNED GOODS WITH POP-TOP LIDS • PLAYING CARDS • SLIM JIMS • SINGLE SERVE KOOL-AID SINGLES • SINGLE SERVE POWDERED GATORADE • INDIVIDUAL BAGS OF COOKIES • INDIVIDUAL BAGS OF CRACKERS Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

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Outstanding!

Congratulations to Award Winner Jeanne Farnan, a student at St. Thomas More School in Bethel Park for her project titled "Fish Kills and Golden Algae." The Allegheny County Health Department honored Jeanne with an award for her outstanding project at the 71st annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair held in late March at the Carnegie Science Center.

Award Winner: Jeanne Farnan St. Thomas More School / Bethel Park, Pa. Project Title: Fish Kills and Golden Algae 38 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Bethel Park

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Rotary Clubs Join Fight Against Cancer

Three local Rotary Clubs recently joined together to form a team for the American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relay for Life of the South Hills. The Rotary Clubs of Upper St ClairBethel Park (Breakfast), Bethel-St Clair and Bethel Park raised over $6000 through pledges from friends and family, a pinball game, a bean-bag toss and a raffle. Pictured above is team captain Brian Schill with Amy Burrows, winner of the Wii System and Wii Fit Plus donated by Best Buy of Bethel Park. If you would like information about joining Rotary, please check out our website at www.rotary-usc-bp.org, or contact Brian at 412.833.6229.

Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

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Helping our neighbors Bethel Park High School sophmore Ansley Virgin and her sister, Marissa, a sophmore at Duquense University, along with 28 other members from Bethel Park Presbyterian church, travelled to Galveston, Texas, this summer to attend a diďŹ&#x20AC;erent kind of summer camp. Reach Workcamps, www.reachwc.org, is a Christian-based group out Galeton, Colorado. While there, crews of about five, with people from various

40 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Bethel Park

states, were placed at diďŹ&#x20AC;erent homes in the Glaveston area. Once with their crews, members met their "neighbor," who owned the house that the crew worked on. Each crew hung drywall, put down floors, installed plumbing, painted and did carpentry Damage from years of hurricanes has left the area in need of many repairs. The construction aim of the workcamp is to provide neighbors with a warmer,

dryer and safer home. The workcamp also helps to restore lost pride and hope in the neighbors. In many cases, the repair work helps to reduce utility costs. It is a priority of each Reach Workcamp to establish positive relationships between the neighbors and workcampers. For more information about the Reach Workcamp program, visit www.reachwc.org.

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Bethel Park | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

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THE

THE REcEssion and THE EffEcTs on familiEs This INdustry INsight was written by Dan Martin, Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors). Contact his office in Bethel Park at 412.831.6240 ext. 208 or by e-mail: daniel.e.martin@ampf.com.

I stopped by the AAA Office recently and ran into an old friend. I was surprised to see she was working there. She conveyed to me that with two kids in college and her husband’s company on shaky ground that she felt getting another income was a good idea. As I was driving away I thought, “Good for her! Why sit around waiting for something to happen? Best to take action!” I started composing this article. The recession is taking an economic toll on families, especially those that rely on one paycheck. New pressures on the family budget—whether through the loss of a spouse’s job, a hit to investment funds, or just general anxiety about making ends meet—has some stay-at-home parents wondering if the right time to rejoin the workforce is now. If you’re deliberating a return to work after a lengthy absence, here are a few financial considerations to bear in mind. Assess industry opportunities. The job market is undergoing a major overhaul. Failures in the banking, housing and automobile industries have pummeled entire employment sectors and job categories. You’ll need to do your homework to determine whether your industry is still viable and what job opportunities are available. You many need to broaden your thinking about where your skills fit in the marketplace. Estimate a realistic income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average weekly wages for private-sector workers have taken a dip

Weigh the value of retraining. If the recession has affected demand for your skill set, you may need additional training or education to make yourself more attractive to employers. Use the Internet or talk to individuals employed in your desired field to determine the classes or training you need to increase your marketability. The cost of retraining may slow your reentry to the working world or might mean you need to take a lower-paying job in the short term until you can bring your skills up to par. Consult a financial advisor. A financial advisor can help you review your financial circumstances and identify next steps that will help you meet your financial goals and objectives. An honest appraisal of your situation, your skills and current job prospects will help you assess the risks and rewards of staying at home versus returning to the workforce and arrive at a decision that’s right for your family.

The recession is taking an economic toll on families, especially those that rely on one paycheck. and may not rise for some time. Prospective employers expect applicants to be flexible and understand that hard times have hit the corporate coffers as well, affecting everyone’s pay rate. Unless you’re in a growing field with a shortage of qualified applicants, be prepared to adjust your salary expectations before you hit the pavement. Factor in child-care costs. If you opted out of the workforce to care for your children, child-care will be a cost consideration when you resume employment. Explore your options for safe and affordable child-care in your community. Your school-age children may be eligible for structured before- and after-school child-care programs at more affordable rates than private arrangements. Depending on your earning potential, the cost of caring for several small children during the workday may delay your decision to go back to work. Weigh other costs of being a working adult. Don’t overlook other costs associated with employment that will affect your monthly budget. Estimate your expenses for an updated wardrobe, more frequent visits to the beauty parlor, extra wear and tear on the family car, more frequent trips to the gas station, dining out and other expenditures that may diminish your net income. This column is for informational purposes only. The information may not be suitable for every situation and should not be relied on without the advice of your tax, legal and/or financial advisors. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its financial advisors provide tax or legal advice. Consult with qualified tax and legal advisors about your tax and legal situation. This column was prepared by Ameriprise Financial. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. ©2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN BELONG

ATTENTION MILITARY FAMILIES Do you know of someone from the Bethel Park area who is serving in the armed forces? We would love to highlight their commitment to our country!

Send along a photo, their name and where they serve to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.

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St. Thomas More Catholic School Student Wins Award 2010 Carnegie Museum of Natural History Award Congratulations to Grace P. Smoker, a seventh grade student at St. Thomas More Catholic School, the 2010 recipient of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Award for her project, "The Eﬀects of Earth Worms and Red Worms on Soil Composition." The Carnegie Award supports Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s goals to make science a relevant and important part of people’s everyday lives, to help people identify themselves as users of scientific principles, and to encourage our communities to actively steward the Earth and its resources. Smoker developed an experiment to test which species is better at enhancing soil—the common Earthworm, Lumbricus terresteris or red worms, Eisenia fetida—as red worms are often touted by composting experts as the best at improving soil. Smoker’s project was chosen from among the top zoology entries from seventh and eighth grade students representing 81 schools throughout the Region. Grace is the daughter of Lynne and John Smoker of Bethel Park. Ms. Catherine Borecky, who teaches science at St. Thomas More Catholic School, was Grace’s sponsor.

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Do you know someone who is doing something good for the community?

ur Mom â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Maybe it's yo eer with a nt lu does she vo nization? ga or le charitab lunteered vo Has your child here? We mew their time so d w about it an no k to t wan t! en commitm honor their

Are you h aving a fund rais ing event ? We love p arties!

rmation Send us the info best to r and we'll do ou tion za get your organi ed some well-deserv recognition. Email marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com

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Opus Mr. Buetzow’s

By Jonathan Barnes

Called to the high school in an unlikely emergency on a Sunday afternoon at the end the last school year, Bethel Park Band Director David Buetzow wasn’t really in the mood for the disruption. With his kids in town for the weekend, he wanted some much-needed rest from his duties at the school, and a bit of the family time that makes such relaxing even better. When he arrived at the school for the “emergency,” Buetzow was given a special performance by his high school band of an original piece they created just for him. Call it Mr. Buetzow’s Opus, if you will. The work was created to honor the career of a man who has been a central figure in the district’s music department for 35 years. He started with the district in 1975 as the high school assistant marching band director and middle school band director and orchestra teacher at Bethel Park’s Neil Armstrong Middle School. He moved on to the high school in 1984, taking over the responsibilities of the marching band and the school’s concert band, symphonic band, stage band, wind ensemble and brass ensemble. For his first 15 years at the high school, he also was the orchestra director. Clearly Buetzow, now 58, a Bellevue native, found a home with the district. The longtime band director for the school district recently retired from Bethel Park School District. Getting into music as a trumpet player in sixth grade, Buetzow played in the Bellevue High School Band and there he met Dean Streeter, a band director who Butetzow later followed to Bethel Park. After high

school, he earned a BFA in Music at Carnegie Mellon University, and then earned an MFA there in 1976. In addition to his regular duties at the high school, Buetzow served as the music department

Mr. Buetzow and senior Dan Salera in Chicago this spring before the Marching Band Competition at the Festivals of Music

facilitator, spring musical director, pit orchestra director and stage crew sponsor. He also founded the Bethel Park Music Advocacy Coalition. No doubt the man’s activity was a manifestation of his love of music. During college, the future band director ushered performances at Heinz Hall for pay. Before such performances, Buetzow sometimes would bring his trumpet and practice while sitting on the stage of Heinz Hall, dreaming of the future. He is not disappointed that he never became a famous musician. “I was happy to be a band director, because I always wanted to do that,” Buetzow said. “Teaching and performance are both the same—to be a teacher you also have to be able to perform.” Buetzow’ school district duties have been taken

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Mr. Buetzow on stage before the Symphonic Band performs at the Festivals of Music

by three other employees. He will continue to work at Hollis & Germann Music Store in Castle Shannon, where he does instrument repairs. He also will continue to tutor the 15 Bethel Park high school musicians he currently teaches. Buetzow and his wife, Debbie, live in North Strabane Township. They have two adult daughters. “We want to travel and see our daughters and our granddaughter,” Buetzow said. The former band director’s accomplishments are many, and he is greatly missed by the Bethel Park community, Bethel Park School District spokeswoman Vicki Flotta said. “David has worked tirelessly to foster partnerships for his students with professional musicians, partnering with organizations such as the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Boston Brass, to give his students the valued experience of not only playing with professional musicians, but also having the opportunity to be critiqued by them,” Flotta said. Buetzow considers his long career in the same place to be a lucky thing.

“...the man’s activity was a manifestation of his love of music” “I’ve been very, very blessed to work in Bethel Park. I never thought of going anywhere else,” Buetzow said. “I’d like to say thank you to everyone. I’m honored by the outpouring of love from students, parents and the school board… I’ve received so many calls, e-mails and letters.”

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Stuck In a Weight Loss Rut? Here is the skinny on fat loss.

Obesity is a huge problem in this country (no pun intended). Statistics show that approximately 35 percent of the population is morbidly obese and over 80 percent are what one would consider overweight. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem but rather a problem that runs deep into the causes of many chronic degenerative diseases that the population faces on a daily basis. These problems include type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (which happens to be the number one killer in the United States), all of the inflammatory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and especially cancer. Obesity is and has been an ever-increasing epidemic in the United States since the 1990s. In 1990, only one of the states had an obesity rate over 15 percent. In the year 2000, however, every state except one had an obesity rate over 15 percent, with most exceeding 20 percent. Being overweight is causing our country a hundred and $117 billion per year in lost work hours, lost wages and medical bills.

Is there an answer? You can see that obesity is not just a health issue but an enormous economic issue as well. What can we do to reverse this problem? Do we have any solutions? The short answer is a resounding "yes"; we do finally have a true answer. I myself can empathize with those who struggle to lose those unwanted pounds. I have struggled for years and have failed over and over again. But my struggle with weight loss began at age 38. Prior to this I never had trouble losing weight, but it seems as though after I hit the age of 38 someone or something pushed a button and turned off my ability to lose weight. Maybe you can relate to my story. If you feel like someone has turned off your weight loss button, rest assured that you are not alone. If you have been struggling to lose weight for years but have been unsuccessful or maybe have had success, only to put the weight back on and possibly even more, the following information will prove to be extremely valuable.

The Secret If you have ever questioned the secret to losing weight and keeping it off, here is your answer: Get ready, get set, detoxify! That’s right, detoxify. Toxicity of the body is a very serious issue. We go through life without considering the fact that, year by year, we are exposed to more and more toxins. Where do we come into contact with these toxins? Environmental toxins are literally everywhere. Worse than the actual exposure to these toxins is that as we age, our bodies accumulate these toxins in the main storage areas. These include the liver and get this, your fat cells. Therefore, the more fat cells you have, the more potential toxins you are harboring in your body.

Cleansing Chemistry 101 Don’t despair, because the secret solution is to detoxify the body, or, to cleanse, as we like to call it. There are various supplements that can be used to internally cleanse and strengthen the body. Pharmaceutical grade organic whey protein and antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E, Selenium, and flavanoid, Coenzyme Q10, green tea, milk thistle, grape seed extract, and pomegranate, just to name a few. Digestive enzymes are also extremely important. They assist in breaking down of proteins, carbohydrates and fats into smaller units that the body is able to use as fuel and building blocks to form new tissue. Aloe Vera juice from the heart of the Aloe Vera plant is very soothing to the digestive tract and also important in internal cleansing. Cleansing herbs such as suma, peppermint, and fennel seed are used for supporting and aiding digestion. Adaptagens are plant substances that help the body to adapt to imbalances that stress the body, either externally or internally. Minerals are the key to enzyme activation in the digestive tract. When the proper minerals are present, our intestines allow for ultimate absorption of 48

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vitamins and essential nutrients. This is imperative for replenishing the body. Lipotropic nutrients are vital in removing fat from the liver. When the liver is functioning normally, the body can process all the essential nutrients coming into the body. It also allows the thyroid to function normally. Probiotics, the friendly bacteria found in the intestinal tract, protect the body from harmful bacteria such as bacterial endotoxins. These probiotics are also important in internal cleansing. Furthermore, increased fiber intake and consumption of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are essential for overall good health. Apple cider vinegar provides potassium for the body, and has antibacterial properties. It is also a great antioxidant.

Upcoming Workshops If you would like to learn more about detoxifying your body and losing weight, you can attend one of our upcoming workshops with Dr. Joseph Porreca as the guest speaker. The dates will be September 25, October 5 and October 12 at 7:00 p.m. Call our office at 412.854.6900 to reserve your spot as seating is limited. This INdustry INsight was written by Dr. Joseph P. Piasecki. Dr. Joseph P. Piasecki, Doctor of Chiropractic. ProCare Chiropractic Center • 5250 Library Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102. 412.854.6900 www.procare-chiro.com email: info@procare-chiro.com Facebook: ProCare Chiropractic Center • Twitter: DrJoePiasecki “Dr. Piasecki prides himself in having a 5-Star, Award winning office for excellence in patient care and in giving back to the community, as evidenced by his work with several local charities.”

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