FALL 2012
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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Stacey Pape Moves Her Business to a New 16,000 Square Foot Design Center
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Welcome to the fall issue of Bethel Park magazine. As I write this, we are having one of the hottest summers on record, and it doesn’t look like the record-breaking temperatures will end just because the leaves will be changing colors soon. So while this is the fall issue, I want to reiterate some summer tips from the health department to help you stay safe in the heat. The last two points are probab ly the most critical because they deal with children and the elderly. • Stay cool indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. Fans don’t help much when temperatures are in the 90s. A cool bath or shower is a more effective way to cool off, if you don’t have air conditioning. Better yet, visit someplace that does, such as a senior center, theater, mall or neighbor’s house. • Drink plenty of flui ds, at least eight cups a day, but avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks which actually cause you to lose more fluids. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, which add heat to your body. • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed hat provides shade and helps keep the head cool. Sunscreen can prevent sunburn, which can affect your body’s ability to cool itself and also cause a loss of body fluids. • Avoid strenuous physical activity, particularly during the hotter part of the day. • Never leave a child, or a pet, in a vehicle alone on a hot day. A child may become disoriented in just five minutes, unconscious in 10 and brain-damaged in 20. • Use the buddy system and check on the elderly and the infirm who do not have air conditioning and are less able to take care of themselve s. For senior citizens, local governments also establish cooling centers to help people to beat the heat. Contact your local municipality for the one nearest you before the temperatures top 90 again. As always, enjoy your fall, IN Bethel Park!
Wayne Dollard, Publisher
WE WANT TO KNOW: How did you meet your spouse?
Some of the best stories we hear are how two people happened to get together. Some met in bars, some in supermarkets, while others met in more unique circumstances. Send us your story of how you met your spouse. We’ll run the best ones in the next issue. Also include a photo of you and your spouse, how many years you’ve been married and when your anniversary is. Send your story to mark@incommunitymagazines.com or mail them to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. You can also fax us at 724.942.0968.
Winter content deadline: 10/4/12
INSIDE
MUNITY COM
INE MAGAZ
IN Bethel Park is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Bethel Park area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
2012 FALL
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s Move Pape a Stacey siness touare Her Bu16,000 Sq nter New Design Ce Foot
IN Bethel Park | FALL 2012 |
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Northwest Savings Lending a Hand ......................................... | 11 The Bill Flinn Agency College Bound? Beware Dorm Room Thieves ........................................... | 43 ON THE COVER
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The Goddard School
Stacey Pape, Owner/President and Veronica Sutyak, General Manager of SP Floors and Design Center
Focusing on Reading Readiness for Children ............................................... | 44
Ameriprise Financial
UPMC TODAY
Living Arrangements for Elderly Parents ...... | 48
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Pediatric Alliance
Get Ready for Fall
Bullying and What Every Parent Should Know to Help Protect Their Children ............ | 51
Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
What’s Inside 2
Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level
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Give Your Back a Break
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A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
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Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
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Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship
Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
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Advanced Dental Solutions Sedation Dentistry ..................................... | 52 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
FEATURES
SP Floors & Design Center ............. | 9
Bethel Park Race Walker Competes for Olympic Gold .........................................................................
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Bethel Library Wall Wrap .....................................................
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Chyten Tutors and Test Preparation .......................................... | 38 Brookside Lumber ............................. | 45
Bethel Park Police Officer Has Dedicated His Career to Young People .........................................................
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Jennings Chiropractic ...................... | 49
Car Buffs Abound in the Region .......................................
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Supercuts ............................................. | 56
VFW Serving Bethel Park to Host Open House ..........
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Washington Elementary Running Club Teaches Healthy Habits and Trains Students for the Kids Marathon ..... |
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Back to School ........................................................................
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Bethel Park Library Children’s Red Carpet Night ........
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2nd Annual Bowl-A-Thon .....................................................
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Community Service Awards Nomination Form ...........
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UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ............
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
safetydriven learn more on page 7
t’s fairly safe to assume that all of the participating athletes in the 2012 London Olympics have had to overcome a certain amount of adversity to be in their position and 19-year-old race walking prodigy Trevor Barron of Bethel Park could very well be leading the pack in that regard. Barron cemented his position at the Olympic Games and his place in race walking history in June, placing first and breaking the American men’s 20,000-meter race walk record previously held by his coach Tim Seaman at a U.S. track trial in Eugene, Ore. Seaman, a two-time Olympian, finished second in the race and celebrated demonstratively on the track as he watched his protégé cross the finish line 1,000 meters ahead of him on the jumbotron. “I can’t remember if there were tears in my eyes or not but I wouldn’t doubt it at all,” Seaman said. “With how hard Trevor’s worked and how much adversity he’s had to overcome, I was so proud of him.” Barron underwent brain surgery at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in 2006 to repress the epileptic seizures that had plagued him since he was eight and kept him out of the pool as a competitive swimmer. The surgery was successful, as he’s lived seizure-free ever since, but would permanently separate the Bethel Park teenager from his first love and true passion of competitive swimming. “It’s had a major impact on the way I approach athletics and my entire life, really,” Barron said. “I had to give up what I loved the most but it’s also opened the door to a whole other world of opportunities and experiences.”
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The first-time Olympian took up track and field in 2001 in hopes of competing in the USATF Junior Olympics with his older sister Tricia who had qualified for three events. After experimenting with several events, Barron found his niche in race walking, utilizing the endurance and swiveling hip motions he learned as a swimmer, and quickly gained momentum in the rarefied sport. He finished second in the race walking national championships the following year and would earn the gold medal each of the next four years. In 2008, Barron earned a spot on the U.S. national team at age 15 to compete in the 2008 World Race Walking Cup in Cheboksary, Russia, where he placed 42nd out of 63 racers as the youngest participant. Shortly after returning from Russia, Barron grew weary of the continual jeers and harassment he received from people unfamiliar with the aberrant motions of the unique discipline during his workouts at a local park. The contemptuous attention led him to hang up the racing shoes for six months. “I was much more sensitive to the ridicule at that age,” Barron said. “When people didn’t understand it, I didn’t want to deal with the criticism. Now, I show it off much more easily. I just say, ‘I can walk a mile faster than you can run it.’” With Barron’s walking mile time coming in at about six minutes, one might be hard-pressed to find anyone in Bethel Park for whom that isn’t true and that justification was a major driving force in Barron’s return to the sport in 2008. The race walking prodigy began homeschooling and moved to
San Diego, Calif., that year to intensify his training with Seaman as his coach. The new dedication quickly paid off as Barron broke the U.S. junior race walking records for the five- and 20kilometer races. “I don’t think I would have made it very far without the guidance from Tim,” Barron said. “He’s always pushing the envelope and doing everything he can to see me succeed. He’s made some mistakes through trial and error and teaches me how to avoid them so I don’t have to go through it.” In 2009, Barron placed fourth in a World Youth Championships 10-kilometer race in Bressanone, Italy. His 42:22:79 finishing time was the best finish for a U.S. junior race walker in a world race walking event in history. Standing at 6’2”, 160 pounds, Barron lowered his five-, 10and 20-kilometer record times in 2010 and broke the U.S. high school record for a one-mile walk with a 6:03:48 time. The Bethel Park race walker also beat Scandinavia’s top junior race walkers at the Nordic Championships in Finland—an accomplishment that helped earn him a USA Track and Field Youth Athlete of the Year award. Barron’s June victory at the U.S. track trial in Oregon has earned him the privilege of competing with thousands upon thousands of the world’s greatest athletes in the London Olympics. The race walker said he isn’t sure what to expect at the Olympics and anticipates there will be moments that prove to be overwhelming. “I’m trying not to get too anxious or overexcited,” he said. “I have no idea what to expect and I imagine it’ll be a lot to take in. I just want to do my personal best and I know I’ll be happy.” Barron finished 26th out of 56 in Olympic competition, crossing the finish line just four minutes after China’s gold medalist, Ding Chen. While competing in the Olympics at age 19 is seen as a dream come true for many young athletes and can be seen as the pinnacle of a blossoming career, Barron is looking beyond the Olympics and even his place in the world of race walking. The young man is currently involved in Google Summer of Code, a global program that allows students the opportunity to write online code for open source projects. A computer science and mathematics double major at Colorado College, Barron is working for a software developer through the program by writing code that converts text into speech for mathematical equations. The program is designed to help those with mental disabilities. “I wanted to use my knowledge and programming skills as a vehicle to help people and improve the world we live in,” Barron said. “I don’t know how much longer I want to compete athletically. No matter what I accomplish in that realm, I’d need to see a greater purpose. I want to do more.”
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
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he Bethel Park Public Library staff has made an outstanding addition to the courtyard at the entrance of the building. With the old, grey concrete walls that surround the beautiful Martha Lowry garden, something had to be done to make the area more welcoming. When Christine McIntosh, the director of the Bethel Park Library, was introduced to a new wallpaper technique, she knew it was just what the cour tyard needed. “The walls around the patio were just in really poor shape,” McIntosh said. “You could see the seams and texture to where it was unpleasant to look at it. It was just so ugly and dark that something needed to be done.” Because simply painting the walls would lead to easy chipping, Darijo Bacinski, owner of D&P Custom Graphix, insisted they use a new wall wrap by using vinyl and heat. “The best way to describe it is like wallpaper for concrete,” McIntosh said. “It’s printed out in large, sticky sheets. They apply it to a clean wall and then seal it with a heat gun. The great thing about it is that it’s very durable and resistant to water, heat and cold and is supposed to last from 7-10 years without any problems.” The newly decorated walls have images plastered on them to match the rest of patio. With both walls being outdoor garden scenes, one has a field of daisies with puffy white clouds, while the other has a lake with very bright and natural colors. Thanks to the “Library Improvement Fund,” the process of the wallpaper project was very affordable. The fund is the library’s money that is set aside to do projects like this. Part of the money was a memorial fund for Martha Lowry, who was one of the founding members of the library back in the ‘50s. That money was saved for a garden to represent Martha. After the garden was revamped last year with some of the money in the fund, they chose to use the rest for the wall wrap. McIntosh said she is very happy with the results. Since the project has been finished, she also said that local residents and library members are happy with the changes. “When you leave the library you can’t help but see it. I’ve had people call and ask if they can have it done to their homes because they love it so much. And I love it as well because it makes you feel good and relaxed. I can imagine even in the winter getting a little lift because it’s so bright and welcoming.”
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
By Matthew J. Fascetti
fficer Jim Modrak is a man dedicated to his career and to young people in particular. So recently when the 50year-old Officer Modrak retired after 25 years in the municipal department, it was no shock that he didn’t move to an island somewhere to sip umbrella drinks. Instead Officer Modrak became a full time Bethel Park School District police officer, where he worked the beat the last 10 years. As a police officer for the Bethel Park Police Department, Officer Modrak was assigned to Bethel Park High School and Independence Middle School in 2002 after being a patrol officer for fifteen years. These new positions were funded in part by a federal grant with the agreement that the municipality and the school district would come up with the money to cover the rest of the cost. When the school district found out that Officer Modrak was set to retire as a municipal officer, they approached him about a full time position with the high school and were thrilled when Officer Modrak enthusiastically accepted the offer. This was a role that Officer Modrak was eager to accept because working with young people is something he had done in the past and was anxious to do again. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Officer Modrak took his first job as a police officer at
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South Hills High School in Mt. Washington. He loved working with the kids, parents and administrators. Even after leaving to become a patrol officer with the Bethel Park Police Department he knew he wanted to one day return working with young people. “I love not only working with kids, but leading them and guiding them. There are so many rewards to
Bethel Park
this job. I also work with young people outside of work through church and as a baseball coach,“ Officer Modrak said. As a youngster growing up in Carrick, Officer Modrak said he was influenced greatly by a few teachers and a city police officer from his neighborhood. These individuals showed an interest in him, and helped guide him in the right direction. This is what Officer Modrak is doing at the high school. He presents educational programs in the classroom in addition to dealing with day to day issues of high school life. Typical issues include drugs, alcohol, bullying, truancy and domestic issues. Most of his work is more preventative, whereas much of regular police work is reactive. All students and parents have Officer Modrak’s email address and phone number and they know he is always there to help. “All the kids have access to me; my door is always open. Same is true for the parents and staff,” he added. Bethel Park is a beautiful suburb that you would not think would need an on-site police officer. But this is not an uncommon thing; Mt. Lebanon and Keystone Oaks both have one and Officer Modrak indicated that on-site police officers are commonplace in many parts of the country. Besides, Bethel Park is not immune to society’s problems. In 2002, the Bethel Park police chief announced an epidemic of heroin overdoses at Bethel Park High School. This led to Officer Modrak patrolling the campus in the first place. “We buried some kids over the years, unfortunately,” said Officer Modrak. District employees are now taking a much more aggressive approach. Of course drugs are still there, but great progress has been made toward eliminating the most dangerous ones. Certainly one man can’t save the world, but Officer Modrak is doing his best to save each and every student at Bethel Park High School. If anyone has any pertinent school issues to discuss, Officer Modrak can be reached at 412.854.8730 or modrak.jim@bpsd.org.
or some, the smell of car wax, the heat of the summertime sunshine and the strains of Fifties music take them back to their younger days. In their minds, they go back to a time when having good weather and a great car for the afternoon, and the free time to enjoy it, were all that you needed for some fun. Nostalgia lovers, dust off the Turtle Wax car polish and break out the buffer. Thankfully, it’s again the time of year when you can lower the convertible roof on the car and go cruising, allowing the wind to blow through your hair, smelling the summer flowers and watching the gawkers staring at you as you roll past them in your classic car. After all, what’s the sense of having an antique car or a classic muscle car if you can’t show it off and allow others to enjoy it? Sharing the love of design, beauty and mechanics of a classic car or muscle car is part of the joy of collecting such vehicles. It also can be a quick cure for any lingering winter blues. The weather has warmed up—prematurely, in the eyes of some weather observers—but not too early for the many car buffs in
By
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Western Pennsylvania who have been waiting for the Car Cruise season to begin. Car cruises are an American tradition in which owners of classic and high-performance cars meet together in parking lots and other wide-open spaces, to show off their vehicles and to enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun with other car lovers. Often these events include music or entertainment and food, and sometimes, they even have races. Western Pennsylvania is home to many of these events, thanks to the many gearheads who live in the region. Here is a sampling of some of the many popular car cruises in the Pittsburgh area: Mineral Beach (in Finleyville) – This popular event happens every Friday night starting the first Friday in May, and often includes motorcycles as well as cars. This larger cruise usually includes several hundred cars. Wendy’s (in Peters Township, along Rt. 19) – This cruise is every Monday night beginning April 16th, and is a smaller cruise that usually has about 50 to 100 cars. McDonald’s (Meadowlands - Racetrack Road) – This event is held every other Saturday, beginning May 5. It is a medium-sized cruise is sponsored by The Washington Cruisers Car Club (www.washingtoncruisers.com). Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise (Wexford) – Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is held every Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m., starting May 25, through Labor Day. This is one of the largest weekly cruises in the region, and usually has more than 1,000 cars attending each week. The Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is free and is hosted and presented by North Way Christian Community (www.starlitecarcruise.com). Ultimate Car Cruise (Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills) – Every Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m., May 16 through October. This cruise and many others can be found listed at the website www.carcruises.com. Flashlight Drags (Waynesburg) – Features a car show, a car cruise, a vendor’s midway, music, food and more. The idea behind this
event sprang from the need for local hot rodders to have a place to legally and safely race each other. The essence of the event is providing a safe environment in which to enjoy the excitement of street racing, with an equal measure of nostalgia—which is where the antique and classic cars displayed at the event make their greatest impact. www.flashlightdrags.com. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix International Car Show (Schenley Park, Pittsburgh) – Held every July and touted by international media including National Geographic magazine, the Vintage Grand Prix once hosted competitive races between racers in vintage cars around the park’s winding roads, but for years the entire event has been for show, and as always, still benefits charity. More than 2,000 cars, many of them very high-end, will be displayed at the event, in which all makes of car are welcome. Held annually since 1983, the Vintage Grand Prix has raised more than $2.75 million to benefit autistic and developmentally disabled people. All local car cruises are weather-dependent. Check the web sites for each cruise regularly to determine if a cruise will be held when foul weather could be imminent. While each car cruise is unique in its location and the makeup of vehicles, owners, and attractions, every car buff comes to the hobby by his or her own path. It could have started with a secret childhood yearning for a hot rod, or by catching a glimpse of something extraordinary in a shop window, seen totally by happenstance. Like a lover retelling the story of his romance, each classic car owner has a tale to tell about how he and his car were united.
‘56 Ford
Truck, R
By Bra dy
odger W
Ashe
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t was on a routine walk in 1977 down Bethel Park’s Route 88 that Rodger Wagner would spot the antique pickup truck that changed his automobile life and personal identity forever. Wagner, now a 52-year-old Bethel Park resident, would walk the road to his girlfriend’s house every day after school until he caught a glimpse of a flame red 1956 Ford F-100 pickup truck for sale on a mini farm. He bought the truck on the spot for $150 and drove it straight off the farm’s driveway next to where the old Columbia Gas building stood. He never took Route 88 by foot again. “It looked like a pile of rust but it definitely had potential,” Wagner said. “It was one of those things where I couldn’t pass it up.” The truck was in need of a full restoration and the Bethel Park High School student spent several months in 1977 working in his garage to whip the F-100 into driving shape. When he finally did, Wagner would cruise the truck all over town, flaunting it to as many friends and community members as he could. “It kind of become part of my identity,” he said. “People began to know me by my ’56 pickup.” Wagner rolled around in the old Ford for ten years before he restored it yet again, this time focusing more on the truck’s 167-horsepower V8 engine and less time working on its curvaceous body kit. Wagner, who works as a master plumber, met his wife Sandy shortly after. In 1989, they got married and moved to Baldwin for a brief period before returning to Bethel Park where the motor enthusiast began his third and most intensive restoration of the Ford in 1992. Ten years later, the 52-year-old father of two is on the fringe of completing that restoration having already replaced the truck’s engine, suspension, doors, hood, gas cap and bed kit. The antique pickup will be road-friendly once again when the wiring is fully redone and it’s given new plates. “It’s definitely a learning experience,” Wagner said of independently restoring an antique vehicle. “It’s a love of labor type thing. You really have to put your heart and mind into it because it’s not something anyone can do. It’s almost an art.” The master plumber is looking forward to cashing in on his hard work at the conclusion of the restoration when he can register in several car shows throughout the South Hills and turn some heads once again. “You see a lot of classic and antique cars at these shows but not a lot of trucks so it’s pretty unique,” he said. “I bought it never expecting it to be so popular. We get a lot of compliments on it and that makes all the hard work worth it.” Wagner has also restored a 1970 Pontiac GTO which he sold to a relative over 20 years ago. Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Muscle Car Is Family Legacy
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or Erik Barr’s fourteenth birthday, his father gave him a lumpy birthday card. The young man opened it, and two keys to a 1970 Chevelle fell out of the envelope. “We have a surprise for you outside,” his father, Joe Barr, said. They walked out and Erik got his first eyeful of the car he would restore with his father and brother and be driving by his sixteenth birthday. “Here’s your start, let’s make a project of it,” Joe said, knowing that the Chevelle was his son’s favorite car model. “It was completely rusted out,” recalled Erik, now 32. The beat-looking, silver colored car had been bought for $800 and still was being driven with 180,000 miles on it when he got it as a present, but it appeared to need to be completely rebuilt. Still, from that rusty hunk, Joe, Erik and his older brother Brandon created what Erik calls his dream car. “It was a great family bonding experience,” Erik said. That isn’t to say that it was an easy task. Back in 1993 and 1994 when the family did the restoration of the car (with a completion date of Erik’s sixteenth birthday in mind); the Internet wasn’t as ever-present as it now is. Finding parts for old muscle cars was much more difficult than it is today. You had to do some driving to find what you needed. “Back then, it was a matter of going to swap meets and car cruises, and asking other car owners for help in finding parts. And we also did a lot of going to old junkyards looking for parts,” Erik said. “People don’t go to swap meets any more, they just list the parts online. There’s a message board for every type of car. The Internet has made it much easier to find rare parts.” A lot of parts were needed in Erik’s Chevelle restoration, all of which
By Jonathan Barnes
was done in the family’s two-car garage. The rusty car needed new floor panels, and a roof skin (which was replaced with the roof skin of a 1972 Chevelle). It needed a great deal of body work done, as well as a new engine and a lot of other mechanical work. The family team replaced the old engine with a small block 350 engine with an automatic transmission, since the car would be Erik’s first and his father didn’t want the vehicle to be too fast. (Years later, Erik changed the engine to a 454 big block, then later switched that one out with a 454 four-speed.) Finally, the crew painted the Chevelle a Cranberry Red color. That might sound like a lot of work, and of course it is. But really, the job was a labor of love. “I was all about doing every stitch of it ourselves,” Erik said of rebuilding the car that was manufactured nearly a decade before he was born. Talking about muscle cars, Erik’s gearhead nature and knowledge come out. Muscle cars were made from 1964 to about 1972, with the peak of the era happening in 1969-1970, he explained. “By definition a muscle car is a car with a mid-sized body with a full-size engine… For me as a kid, that type of car was the car to have. I’d always coveted Chevelles,” he said. Having a restored Chevelle at just 16 was exceptional, he said. “But it was about the work of restoring it,” he said. These days, he keeps the Chevelle in the garage most of the time. He has antique license plates on it, and it is insured under collector’s insurance, which limits the amount of miles he can drive on it. Erik does
1932 Chevrolet Street Rod, Ed Felicetti Former Bethel Park Police Chief is Hot Rod Fan By Jonathan Barnes
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hen it comes to lovers of antique and classic cars, taste accounts for almost everything. One classic car owner might sink thousands of dollars into refurbishing a car that another might view as a hunk of rust that won’t hold that value, simply because he likes the old vehicle—maybe it reminds him of wanting such a car as a teenager. Another auto buff might look very far to find just the right make and model car, because no other model will do. For Ed Felicetti, a former Bethel Park police chief who retired in 1999, locating just the right street rod took some time, and some travel. Wanting to have a neat street rod to tool around in during his retirement, several years ago he began looking for a restored Ford Coupe from the 1930s. Visiting car after car, he drove as far away as Michigan looking at street rods, trying to find the right one. While his persistence ultimately did pay off, it took Felicetti about a year to find the car he wanted. Despite all of the road trips, he finally spotted his vehicular match on the Web. “This one just popped up on the Internet,” Felicetti said of his fully restored 1932 Chevy hot rod, which he found in 2006. “The guy who owned it was out towards Columbus. The day after I saw it online, I went to Ohio, saw the car, and made a deal with the owner.” He bought the car for $32,000, and soon made some improvements to it. He had the interior upholstery changed from a gray cloth to a tan leather, and had some detail painting done on the car. The former police chief also had the words “Deuces Wild” and four 14
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playing cards painted on the car’s dashboard—a nod to the car’s vintage. “They called ’32 Fords and Chevys ‘Deuces,’” Felicetti said. The car, which is painted a Torch Red color, is now valued at $40,000. Even so, Felicetti plans to have power steering installed in it soon. That way his wife Pat will be able to drive it, too. Simply having the car is the fulfillment of a boyhood dream. Growing up in Castle Shannon, Felicetti, now 70, had always loved hot rods. “Deuces” were some of the coolest of those buggies that he admired. The one that he now owns, while being fairly rare in and of
1970 Che
velle
occasionally visit the Caste Village car cruise, as well as the Starlite Cruise, in Wexford. Erik’s early experiences with classic cars, and the love and appreciation of them that he learned through his family, have influenced his adulthood. These days, the Bethel Park resident sells advertising for cars.com. “The car life and car business are just ingrained in me,” Erik said. He might someday leave the muscle car to his young son but even before that, he hopes to create some great auto-related memories with his boy. Erik and his wife, Carrie, have a 13-month-old son, Levi, whom Erik hopes to restore a car with some day. “I’m already talking to my wife about the type of car I want to restore with him,” he said, adding that he planned on giving his son a little time to figure it out which type of car that would be. “We’ll wait till he’s four or five—if he’s anything like me, by that time he’ll be able to pick what car he wants… I’m a Chevy guy, so it’ll definitely be a Chevy.”
itself because of its year and make, is much rarer because it has the original steel of which it was made. Many other collector models are reproductions, without all of the old steel. “It’s very unusual. I’ve seen maybe three other 1931-1932-1933 Chevys at all the shows I’ve gone to,” Felicetti said. Much of the enjoyment of having the classic car is in sharing it with others, its owner said. “It’s fun to drive. You get a lot of attention,” Felicetti said. “We go to Mineral Beach (car cruises) in Finleyville. My wife and I went on a recent Friday, and 450 cars were there.” When the weather is nice, Felicetti takes the classic car out for a drive two or three times a week. He and his wife are considering going to a very large Columbus, OH car show in July, where thousands of classic cars will be displayed. While the Pittsburgh region has its share of hot rod fans, it doesn’t really compare to other parts of the nation, the former chief said. “There isn’t a real big car culture
in Western Pennsylvania. There are really a lot of street rods coming out of Ohio. I know of numerous people who bought their cars out of Ohio,” Felicetti said. His classic street rod is powered by a 400 small block engine. Because the car is fully restored, Felicetti has never experienced any breakdowns or mechanical problems with it. He has had a lot of good times with it, and made some new friends, too. “Pat and I have met a lot of people by going to car cruises. They are all nice people who like cars… We just have fun. It’s enjoyable in our senior years,” Felicetti said. “When I get power steering, Pat is going to drive it, too.” Perhaps because he and Pat are still having a lot of fun with the car, Felicetti hasn’t decided who will inherit the beautiful automobile—one of his three adult children, or a grandchild. “I think my eldest granddaughter—Kendra, who’s 12 years old—might get it,” he said.
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
1969 Cadillac Deville is Part of Scott Ward’s Family
By Jonathan Barnes
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bout ten years back Scott Ward and his workout buddy, John Jackson, were lifting weights and talking about cars, as they often did during workouts. Jackson mentioned he had at one time worked for Cadillac, reminding Ward of the 1969 Cadillac his family had kept in storage for many years. He told his friend about the dark green two-door convertible that his father had bought for his mother in April, 1969, a nd how he remembered his dad buying it. “Why don’t you drive it?” Jackson asked. “I don’t think it’s road-worthy,” Ward said, explaining that the car had been sitting in storage for 15 years. Jackson suggested Ward put some new gas in the car to freshen up the gas that had been sitting in the tank for all those years, and also put a new battery in the car. If he did, the vehicle would definitely start up, Jackson said. Soon Ward was gassing up the old car and installing a new battery in it, with Jackson encouraging him. After Ward gassed it up and installed the battery, the car started right up, as his friend said it would. Upon further inspection, the men found that while the car might be road-worthy, it wasn’t exactly safe. Part of the car’s frame had rusted out, and it needed a new frame. With his friend’s encouragement, Ward dove into the task of replacing the frame. He found an old frame from another 1969 Cadillac, which was located in Arizona, and bought the frame. He and Jackson switched up the frames on the car, and Ward also had the 2-door convertible repainted its original dark green color. “If it wasn’t a family car, I’d never have done it,” said Ward, a Bethel Park resident. “And I
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could never have done it myself.” The odyssey that brought the old family car out of storage and back into regular use by Ward was a long one. It started when his father, Louis Ward, bought the car new for his wife, Scott’s mother, Corrine Ward. Now 56, the younger Ward remembers the day his family picked the car up from the dealership—he was 13 years old and impressed by the beauty of the vehicle, which had a dark hue that set off its Ostrich leather seats. A few years later, he was learning to drive in the car. For many years, the car was used by members of the family here in Pittsburgh. In the 1970s, Ward’s father moved the car down to the family’s home in Florida, for use there. By the early 1980s, Louis Ward was thinking about getting rid of the old car. When Scott Ward heard about the plan, he convinced his father to let him
Bethel Park
take the vehicle off his hands. But he had to go to Florida to pick up the Cadillac and take it back to Pittsburgh. From there, the car sat in storage for many years, as Scott had planned to put it back into use, but never quite got around to it. And he never did find time for the job, until he and Jackson had that first conversation about the classic vehicle a decade ago. “Out of sight, out of mind—it had sat there 15 years,” Ward said. These days, the car sees the light of day quite regularly, since Ward drives it a fair amount, though he does not drive it in winter. He uses the convertible, which still has its original vanity plates, only for short local trips. “I drive it as a normal car,” he said. The 43-year-old Cadillac has just 96,000 road miles driven on it and it is still running with its original transmission intact. The car has been around so long, and now carries so many memories, that it is nearly as familiar to Ward as the faces of his family members. Indeed, the vehicle feels like part of the clan. “For whatever reason, the car just never left the family,” Ward said. Nowadays, part of the fun of cruising in the lovingly restored family car on a sunny day is how the car feels to drive. “When the top’s down, it’s just nice to have a convertible,” Ward said. Which kinsman will next have the pleasure of driving the old classic after Scott Ward is through with it has not yet been determined. He does know of one family member who could be a contender for the car, though. “I threatened my nephew with it,” Ward said, laughing.
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
VFW Serving Bethel Park to Host Open I
n a welcoming act of commemoration, the McMurray Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 will celebrate an open house dedication Friday, Aug. 25, to the newly installed gallery recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The dedicatory wall, which was organized and installed by the Upper St. Clair-based Norman Gallery, features nine original pieces of art that capture the troops’ experiences in southwest Asia. It’s exhibited as a timeline of the 11-year conflict, beginning with a landscape photograph of the twin towers and drawn to a close with a portrait of “Operation Northern Delay,” a strategic deployment of paratroopers that led to the seize of Baghdad. VFW Post 764 commander Scott Huenefeld said the tribute is a gesture of gratitude and symbol of support for the returning veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. “When we came back from Vietnam, we felt ousted and unwelcome,” he said. “We want to make sure these kids know we appreciate what they do and they always have our support. The VFW isn’t just a place to grab a beer and hang out. There’s a strong sense of brotherhood amongst us veterans.” The commemorative wall stands
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Bethel Park
opposite Post 764’s backroom Korean War tribute and adjacent to its wall honoring Vietnam veterans. The Iraq and Afghanistan tribute is unique to its neighboring walls because of the original art exhibited. Protruding from the display is “Faces of Courage,” an original painting by Bob Wilson, which bears a collage of servicewomen performing their respective duties in uniform. About 280,000 women, almost 12 percent of the troops deployed, have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 which is an aspect unique to the 21st century conflict. Hanging next to “Faces of Courage” is Leonardo Ruggieri’s original painting depicting a U.S. Marine in combat fatigues honoring his deceased comrade with a military salute to their headstone. “Saluting the Fallen” hangs as a memorial to all the American troops who lost their lives fighting in the Middle East. Huenefeld hopes the southwest Asia tribute will resonate with the returning veterans in Peters Township, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair and Mount Lebanon and that they take advantage of the support offered in the membership of VFW Post 764. “It’s hard to come back from serving over there and begin a new life,” the
House
Story and photos by Brady Ashe
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
Vietnam veteran said. “We’ve all been through it here and it’s not easy but we can help them get through it. We can relate to it and help them out. They need us and we need them.” Nicholas Demichelli of Bethel Park is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom who accepted the support of fellow South Hills veterans when he joined Post 764 in 2007. The 27-year-old served in Iraq’s Saladin Province north of Baghdad in 2005 with the Army’s 463rd Engineers Battalion, manning a .50 caliber machine gun on security detail for vehicle convoys. The 2002 Bethel Park High School
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graduate said it’s gratifying for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to be recognized for their service and that the tribute serves as an important educational tool for future generations. “We’re the youngest generation of veterans,” Demichelli said. “Even though we’ve been received well and appreciated for the most part, it almost feels like people are numb to what’s going on there. The guys at the VFW wanted to make sure our service wasn’t overlooked or forgotten among our peers or our children. The wall helps people remember how it all got started and what it meant to serve over there.” The Iraq veteran recently took his VFW membership a step further when he joined his father, a Vietnam veteran, on the post’s Honor Guard. The group serves the VFW in uniform at ceremonial events including parades, dedications and burials. Demichelli joined the Honor Guard in appreciation of the VFW’s services and the brotherhood he’s found therein. “All wars and conflicts are different,” he said. “But all veterans share a bond that the average person who hasn’t served can’t relate to. War is a terrible thing and it’s important to have people to talk to who have shared similar experiences and understand what you’ve been through.” Demichelli, a University of Pittsburgh graduate, currently serves as a field representative for Congressman Tim Murphy where he’s able to interact with other veterans on a daily basis. Bethel Park High School graduate Brandon Danser, 44, is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Bethel Park
Having served in the Army’s 24th Infantry Division from 1987 to 2008, the light wheel mechanic and motor sergeant joined the McMurray VFW in 1991 for the camaraderie found amongst fellow veterans. “It’s important to have people like that to relate to,” Danser said. “Everyone has a different story but we all share a common bond. It’s nice to have a place where we can stick together and learn from each other.” The newly installed tribute to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan was reassuring for the Washington resident and prompted him to join the Demichellis on the post’s Honor Guard. For Danser, who didn’t anticipate his service in Iraq over two wars would be widely recognized, the wall is another gesture from the VFW that demonstrates its compassion and appreciation for the nation’s veterans. “It really means a lot when you have veterans of different conflicts coming together and making a concerted effort to keep your tradition alive,” he said. “I think sometimes the stuff that goes on over there gets overlooked and it means a lot that they’d recognize that.”
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
This six-week-old was available for adoption from the Puppy Connection Rescue
Hearts and Paws By Tracy Fedkoe
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Joe Maringo, Director of the Shades of Gray Sanctuary with three of his 16 dogs
Kittens available from Animal Advocates
Dawn Martine of the Parrot Education and Adoption Center
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Bethel Park
n June 23rd passersby on Highland Road or Oxford Drive in Bethel Park may have heard the sounds of barking, mewing, neighing, chirping, and above all, laughing. Not a typical Saturday at Christ United Methodist Church, but that day the church grounds were host to the ninth annual Hearts and Paws Pet Adoption and Care Fair. Hearts and Paws is a non-profit ministry of the church so admission to the Pet Fair was free for attendees as well as rescue groups exhibiting at the event. There were 52 exhibitors in all, with 34 of them being shelters or rescue groups. Other vendors included local companies offering products and services for pet owners, A handsome parrot crafters, and food providers as well as “Ask the Vet” and pet portrait greets guests at the Butler Parrots booth services. They all shared the same goal—to help animals in need. It was estimated that over 1,000 people stopped by during the five-hour fair with animal lovers of all ages coming to learn about pet care, adoption, and the many available resources in the area. Growing every year, the Hearts and Paws Pet Fair is now the second largest in this area and offers more rescue groups in attendance over the larger, more commercial expos. The Hearts and Paws Ministry was started over nine years ago a s an outreach of Christ United Methodist Church. Following the belief that we have a moral and social obligation to care for the animals with whom we share the earth, the group was called to provide assistance with care and placement of pets for individuals in times of crisis, grief support to people who have lost pets, and information regarding the proper treatment and care of animals. Now the ministr y has grown far beyond the congregation and provides multicommunity support to animal organizations and serves people through their pets. They provide therapy dogs to nursing homes, assistance to those who are financially unable to feed their pets, low cost vaccinations, foster care for pets in times of crisis, and services such as the Blessing of the Pets and Pet Memorial Services at the church. Al l of these events are run by dedicated volunteers, including Joe Hirsch, of Scott Township, who has been the chairperson since inception and his wife Carol, a retired Mt. Lebanon teacher. “We recognize the importance of the bond between people and their pets and do what we can to help both,” said Hirsch. This year’s Pet Adoption and Care Fair was a huge success, but not measured in terms of money raise d, but in animals saved, connections made, and awareness spread. “It is estimated that there were over 60 adoptions as a result of the Pet Fair,” said Hirsch. The adoptions weren’t allowed on-site, but most vendors prefer that because they want to check out potential owners first. “Sometimes it hinders us, but it helps people to decide what they want and avoid impulse decisions,” said Laura Lawrence o f Best Furry Friends. Rescue groups on-site ranged from the larger organizations such as the Humane Societies of Green and Washington Counties, Animal Friends, and Animal Advocates. Smaller, more pet-specific rescues and shelters included Forever Home Beagle Rescue, Homeless Cat Management Team, Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue, Save a Yorkie Rescue, and With a Golden Spirit. An Ask the Vet booth was pro vided by Joanna Rubin, VMD, and pet portraits by Agnes Cline.
Pet Fair Bonnie Evans-Magdalene of Animal Care and Welfare with a cuddly kitten
Rescue greyhounds from Hurry Home Hounds
Kittens available for adoption from Greene County Humane Society A mini pinscher available from the Doberman Pinscher Rescue of Western PA
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
IN Community Magazines (ICM) is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E.). We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help. IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines.
Awardees will be selected in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit of the Year (staff of 10 or less); Large non-profit of the Year (staff of 11 or more). Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.
Name of nominee: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit (staff of 10 or less); Large non-profit (staff of 11 or more) Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for? ___________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination: _____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or non-profit organization? (Please, submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words) Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 If you have any questions, please, contact Monica Haynes at 412.254.8704 or monicahaynes2012@gmail.com. Deadline for nominations is 09/21/2012. 24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |
Bethel Park
UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Get Ready for Fall Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
What’s Inside 2
Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level
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Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
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A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
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Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
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Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship
Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level Robotic surgery is transforming the treatment of gynecologic cancers with minimally invasive techniques that offer greater precision and promote faster healing.
For women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial (uterine), and early ovarian cancer, the use of minimally invasive robotic surgery is offering impressive results. “The robotic surgical system is truly revolutionizing the way we operate on certain cancers,” says Alexander Olawaiye, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and director of robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy. Also certified to perform robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy is gynecologic oncologist Wayne Christopherson, MD.
Enhanced clarity and precision With robotic surgery, surgeons also get a magnified, threedimensional view of the inside of the body — up to 12 times what the human eye can see. “That enhanced vision allows us to navigate with far greater precision around delicate internal organs, nerves, and large blood vessels,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “We’re able to see and dissect tissue and lymph nodes more thoroughly, which allows us to do a better job of removing any cancerous growths.” While surgeons applaud the robot’s surgical applications, patients appreciate the benefits it offers after surgery. “Because the incisions are small, there is less bleeding, less pain, and less risk of infection,” explains Dr. Olawaiye. “Most patients go home the day after surgery and return to their regular activities in a week or two.” The most advanced surgical care for all types of cancers is available to patients at the UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC Mercy. To learn more about all the cancer services and treatments offered at UPMC Mercy, visit UPMCMercy.com and click Our Services.
How robotic surgery works
Traditionally, women with gynecologic cancers faced a 12to 14-inch open incision that often involved weeks of recovery. Laparoscopic surgery offered patients a less invasive option, but its stick-like instrument often limited a surgeon’s range of motion. With today’s robotically assisted surgery, the robot becomes an extension of the surgeon’s hands, offering flexibility and a 360-degree range of motion that’s virtually impossible for humans to achieve. “We’re able to manipulate the tips of the surgical instrument at highly unusual angles,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “That gives us critical access to very compact and limited areas of the body.”
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Once you are put to sleep, your surgeon generally makes a series of small incisions (“ports”) in your abdomen. The number and size will vary based on your condition. A surgical cart is then attached to the ports, and specialized instruments are inserted into your body. Your surgeon controls the movements of these instruments from a nearby consol, using controls to guide the surgery. Your surgeon is always in charge — the robot moves only as directed.
Typical benefits of robotic surgery for select gynecologic cancers đ Smaller incisions đ Minimal scarring đ Reduced blood loss
đ Less pain đ Shorter hospital stays đ Faster recovery
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Give Your Back a Break
“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds. To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following: Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier.
Tips that can help you avoid back pain.
Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles.
Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away.
Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either.
Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.
Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.
Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load. Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt. Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if: đ You have pain after a fall or injury. đ You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. đ The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. đ The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss. Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today. Source: National Institutes of Health
It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including: • Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.
What is PRP therapy? PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
Is PRP therapy covered by insurance? Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.”
Who should use PRP therapy? “PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.
1-800-533-UPMC
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A Partnership of Hope and Transformation Every year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.
Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cuttingedge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).
A network like no other UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC Mercy — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients. “One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”
Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts “Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.
UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.
“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter. “From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”
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“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”
Pillar I: Clinical Care From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include: đ Conventional chemotherapy đƫStem cell transplants đƫBiological therapy
đƫTargeted therapies đƫHormone therapy đƫPerfusion therapy
Pillar III: Research UPCI physicians and scientists are recognized leaders in molecular and medical oncology research. Their primary goal is to discover new ways to prevent, treat, and cure all types of cancer, particularly those with the lowest survival rates. Working hand-in-hand with UPMC CancerCenter, UPCI’s investigators strive to translate their research into actual treatment. More than 300 clinical trials now underway at UPCI give patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they are broadly available. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 12th most-funded cancer research institution, UPCI received more than $174 million in support in 2011. UPCI is also western Pennsylvania’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Mark Sosinski, MD, a nationally recognized lung cancer specialist who joined the UPMC CancerCenter and UPCI team in 2011, says “This was a good fit for me and my research, but the strong leadership really stood out.”
The UPMC CancerCenter radiation oncology network includes 16 community-based radiation oncology centers and 10 dual radiation and medical oncology centers. Many of these sites offer innovative, advanced technology that allows for more precise tumor imaging and radiation treatment. The surgical oncology network specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including many rare and difficult tumors. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians has attracted national attention for work in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery; specialized procedures, such as the pancreatic Whipple; and regional perfusion therapy, which directs high concentrations of chemotherapy to the tumor site.
Pillar II: Specialized Care For patients with challenging or late-stage cancers, UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center is a beacon of hope and innovation. It is home to internationally regarded surgical, medical, and radiation oncology specialists who perform treatments and procedures unavailable elsewhere in the region. Hillman also has the area’s most advanced imaging technologies to detect cancer and monitor treatment. Nationally ranked Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features dedicated and comprehensive women’s cancer care, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. For patients with hard-to-treat cancers, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter offer disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics called Specialty Care Centers (SCC) designed to provide quick access to leading specialists. Many SCC reviews are done over the Internet, eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer is provided at the highly-ranked Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
Hillman Cancer Center Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary When the Hillman Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002, it was hailed as an architectural gem — its spectacular, glass-block walled atrium serving as a symbolic link between research and patient care. Today, Hillman Cancer Center is the treatment and research flagship of the growing UPMC CancerCenter network. A 350,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center, Hillman is home to UPMC CancerCenter’s pre-eminent clinical care for patients and UPCI’s internationally recognized academic and research programs. Here, patients and their families have access to specialized cancer diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment, including multidisciplinary outpatient stem cell transplant services.
Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under construction at Hillman Cancer Center.
Opening in January 2013, the new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans, and long-term follow-up services to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood malignancies. For more information, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests New state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.
It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care. That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.
“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”
Emphasizing patient and family-centered care Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television. “Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”
The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.
“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.” Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent. “Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.
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Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact. “We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.” Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee. The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing.
Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship
Someone to watch over you
Whether you have a minor concern or a more serious medical issue, your primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense in getting well and staying well. If you don’t already have a PCP, it’s best to find the right one before you get sick.
Since early detection can minimize the impact of many illnesses, your PCP will recommend screenings, including annual physicals, Pap tests, breast examinations and mammograms; prostate screenings, and colonoscopies. “Without a PCP, you might ignore important health maintenance issues,” he says.
A trusted partner in your good health “It’s important to have a relationship with a PCP you trust and are comfortable with, even when you feel great,” says Jorge Lindenbaum, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and medical director of the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic. By getting to know you and your health history, your PCP can provide you with the best care possible.
Research indicates that people who have an ongoing relationship with a PCP are healthier than those without one. “Personalized care leads to patient trust, and that is vitally important in the doctor-patient relationship,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Patients who trust their doctors are shown to have improved outcomes, such as better control of their diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. If you need advanced care, your PCP is the most effective and efficient link to medical specialists, or advanced services or treatments. “For patients and their families, having a PCP to coordinate their care with specialists and other providers is a huge relief,” adds Dr. Lindenbaum.
Finding Dr. Right A PCP can be a family medicine physician, internal medicine specialist, pediatrician, or obstetrician/gynecologist. With so many types of PCPs, how do you choose? For many adults, internal medicine specialists or family practitioners are their PCP of choice. These physicians are equipped to deal with all kinds of health problems, whether simple or complex. “The benefit of having access to highquality, comprehensive care at one convenient location is something patients really appreciate,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Two new physicians recently joined Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and are accepting new patients. Kelly Chaney, DO, an internal medicine specialist, earned her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisberg, W.Va., and completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. John Wohar, DO, also completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaney, Dr. Wohar, or any UPMC physician, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Did You Know? Back-to-school and sports physicals as well as vaccinations for children of all ages are available at the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic, located at 2000 Mary St. Appointments aren’t needed, and parking is free and plentiful. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 412-488-5705.
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
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The name you trust in women’s health is right here at Mercy. UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services are growing to provide comprehensive women’s services by bringing you the same experts who practice at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. In addition to community-based physicians and midwifery, these expanding services for women are consistent with Mercy’s rich tradition of care. UPMC’s complete range of specialty services for women covers obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, women’s cancer, and much more. From checkups and preventive care to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatments, the superb doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercy and Magee are with you every step of the way on the path to good health. We work closely with your primary care physician to provide seamless care. And every service is backed by UPMC’s world-class care, providing peace of mind when you need it most. To learn more about UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMCMercy.com.
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
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Washington Elementary Running Club Teaches Healthy Habits and Trains Story and photos Students for the Kids Marathon by Tracy Fedkoe
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hose who are avid runners say that the motivation of others in contagious. That’s what happened when a few teachers and parents started a running club at Washington Elementary School last spring. Second grade teacher Theresa Vescovi is a marathon runner and began encouraging her students to participate in th e Kids Marathon in 2009 when the race came back to Pittsburgh after a five-year hiatus. Vescovi wanted to expand the program to include the whole school but wasn’t sure how the logistics would work with more students. Fellow teacher and runner Tammy Williams teamed up with Laura Hoffman, PTO Co-president and also a runner, and they decided to go for it and open up the opportunity to the 330 students in th e school. When they sent out the first notice to gauge how many students were interested, they got an unbelievable number of replies. After registration was complete, the Washington Elementary WE Run Club had a total of 212 members. “The response was overwhelming,” said Vescovi. Students of all ages joined the club and the second grade had 100% participation. The Kids Marathon has evolved over the years and teamed up with Giant Eagle in 2012 for the Kids of Steel Program where children in grades K through 6 learn healthy habits through exercise and good nutrition. The Kids of Steel program challenges participants to run 25.2 miles over the course of 18 weeks, logging their miles
each week and completing the final mile at the Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon on May 5. The structure of WE Run was based on s tudents reaching their 25.2 mile goal by the day of the Kids Marathon. In order to make it easy for everyone to participate, the club would meet on Wednesdays during recess and would include a combination of 20 minutes of running and other physical activity in the gym, or outside on the playground or field, weather permitting. Different stations introduced proper techniques for running such as stretching, breathing, and the importance of pacing. Each weekly session counted as one mile on the students’ logs and many of the teachers and staff as well as noon-time aides jumped in to give up their lunch hour and help with the weekly activities. Some of the children didn’t think of themselves as athletes, much less runners, but the motivation of others helped them. “We didn’t realize what we were instilling i n them,” said Williams. “It’s a trickle- down effect.” Many of the students also ran or walked additional miles on their own and encouraged family members to join in. Newsletters were sent out from the organizers encouraging participation and reminding parents of the registration requirements and dates for participation in the Kids Marathon. To get ready for the actual Kids Marathon
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one mile fun run, the W E Run Club organizers planned a practice run on the Montour Trail behind the school on April 25. They also sought sponsorship from local businesses and were thrilled that many businesses and families were willing to support their efforts. They received $1,200 in sponsorship funds which was supposed to be for t-shirts for the kids. However, The North Face donated shirts for every club member as well as pare nt/teacher coordinators and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Bethel Park had them printed with the club’s new logo. The sponsorship money then went towards a sign for the Montour Trail and supplies for the Trail Run. The Kids of Steel Program also had a health foods component where students were given a list and were asked to try 60 nutritious fruits and vegetables from a list of about 100. After the students com pleted the Trail Run in April, they were provided with healthy foods to eat as well as water and Gatorade. “The Trail Run was the height of our season,” said Vescovi. Not only did they have the children in the WE Run Club and their families attend, they made it a community event and recruited high school athletes from cross country, football, soccer, and cheerleading to help encourage the kids in their mi le and hand out drinks on the sidelines just like the real Marathon. The elementary and middle school bands were even there to add to the community feel found at many
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3 1-Second-graders Isabella Zallo and Willow Hernishin getting ready to run 2-WE Run Club Organizers Laura Hoffman, Tammy Williams and Theresa Vescovi 3-Students try healthy snacks after the practice run 4-Runners get started led by Laura Hoffman and Tammy Williams 5-Third-graders Kellie Fedkoe and Elise Turka at the starting line 6-Megan and Katie McClary earned their medals at the Kids Marathon
5K races held throughout the area. Washington’s life skills students also participated in the Trail Run as well as some younger siblings and parents. On Kids Marathon day, Washington Elementary had over 100 participants and was the second largest school attending the event. They were also the largest of any school participating for the first time, according to Katie Pavlich, Special Events Director for the Pi ttsburgh Marathon. “The way they did it was the way we encourage all schools— with strong support from the school staff, parents, and community,” said Pavlich. The Kids Marathon has grown from about 1,000 kids in 2010 to 2,100 in 2012, 1,700 of which were Kids of Steel participants. They had 30 schools participating as groups in 2012, which doubled from the previous year. The Kids of Steel schools get t o line up first and starting times are staggered about every five minutes. With official numbers pinned to their shirts, the Washington Elementary students joined with other Bethel Park participants and lined up second on the Boulevard of the Allies, the finish line of the Official Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon the following day. The onemile course took them to Wood Street, then 6th Avenu e, and back to the finish where parents were eagerly waiting. With a great feeling of accomplishment and smiles a mile wide, the children raced across the finish line cheering on their classmates along the way. Each received an official medal from the Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, definitely a keepsake for years to come. The best part for some was crossing the finish line, for others it was reachi ng their goal, or perhaps doing it with friends, but the one common factor was that they all wanted to participate again next year. Theresa Vescovi, Tammy Williams, and Laura Hoffman all plan to continue the WE Run Club at Washington Elementary because it teaches that lifelong healthy habits are important to everyone—students, teachers, parents, and the community—and by doing it together, it can be a blast.
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
The Fall is not just a time of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s a time when the dormant diesel engines of the school buses fire up, SAT applications and college inquiry letters are sent, and students return to college campuses across the nation. In the United States, education is a $900 billion a year business, and that investment, either by the federal and state government, parents and students themselves via student loans, is a testament as to how important learning is to making a name for yourself in the world. Fortunately, for individuals and the economy as a whole, everyone is different and educational opportunities abound for people no matter what their interests or aptitudes. College: College remains one of the most traditional avenues for graduated high school students to pursue. Colleges can be public or private and offer two-year or four-year degrees. While post-secondary education is not a requirement for securing work, those who obtain a college degree can expect estimated lifetime earnings of $2.1 million, according to the US Census Bureau. A master’s degree boosts that to $2.5 million, a professional degree averages $4.4 million, and a doctoral degree $3.4 million. High school graduates are estimated to earn just $1.2 million over the course of their lifetime, according to the same report. Trade Schools and Vocational Careers: While vocational training can start in high school, thanks to regional vocational/technical centers that serve school districts, post-high school programs can take graduates from apprentices to masters of their field. What’s more, vocational programs aren’t like they used to be in the latter half of the 20th Century. Today’s
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vocational schools still cover trades such as carpentry, plumbing and stonemasonry, but they also excel in specialty fields such as computer networking, HVAC, and robotics. Online Learning: Online learning is a relatively new form of degree program using the power of the Internet to bring students and schools together. Also known as E-learning or distance education, online programs have brought some big names into the fold as Harvard and MIT recently joined forces, offering a variety of free, online courses. Online education typically costs less than bricks and mortar schools. Financing Education: No matter where you end up after high school, chances are you’re going to need to take out a few loans to make your goals attainable. Student loans come in a variety of forms ranging from federal to private. Scholarships often are attainable for eligible students, and are nice to have, but realistic students shouldn’t expect to garner enough scholarship money to cover their entire academic career. Programs such as the Federal Stafford Loan can offset up to $23,000 of tuition, which can be increased to $46,000 if parents do not qualify for the Parent PLUS program. The downside to student loans is that you will be graduating with substantial debt to pay down. The upside, however, is that student loan interest rates are generally low, tax deductible and the loans themselves can be deferred until you are in a position to make payments on them, such as the time necessary for you to find a job.
Benefits of tutoring services: One of the keys to acquiring scholarships is good grades. While that’s totally on the student to achieve, there are many services available that can help that student put in the extra effort to make the grade. From SAT preparation centers to study
Our Back to School centers that cover a broader range of curricula, these investments are well worth the cost if the result is several thousand dollars coming off your tuition bill because you got a 4.0 versus a 3.8 GPA. Private Schools: Private schools are a popular option for parents when it comes to picking an education for their child. A study found that students who attend private school tend to score higher on standardized tests, and sends more graduates to college than public schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools also tend to have a lower number of students, leading to a more effective student-teacher relationship. If a student tends to seek more attention or one-on-one help from teachers, private schools might weigh in more benefits. Private schools also create their own funding, including tuition, grants, and fundraising. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of private school tuition tends to be around $17,441. Benefits of Preschools: When it comes to early cognitive development, researchers have found that that children who attend preschool tend to show higher intelligence quotients than those who do not, according to Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Although sending your child to preschool can help them academically, it also improves their early social skills. Preschool is the time when children become aware of sharing and learning how to interact with one another. The classroom gives the young students a friendly, safe environment that allows them to grow and prepare for the later education in kindergarten and Grade School. Children who attend preschool are usually between 3-5 years old. No matter what your path in life may be, being prepared academically for that path is the key to future success.
PARTNERS Chyten is your family’s all-inclusive home for premier tutoring, test preparation and academic services. Chyten provides students with premium-level services over their complete academic life cycle. For benchmark tests such as SAT, ACT, AP, Subject Tests, GRE, GMAT and LSAT, Chyten’s reputation for achieving superior Chyten Premier Tutoring results is built on a solid track record of dramatic test-score improvements over & Test Preparation nearly three decades and with tens of 412.833.6060 thousands of students. chyten.com C.S. Kim Karate was established in 1974 in Pittsburgh by Master C.S. Kim. The authentic Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do has helped thousands of students. This training increases a person’s coordination, concentration, flexibility and more importantly their focus, confidence, discipline and self respect. In this age of anti-bullying just saying “No” is C.S. Kim Karate not enough. Parents and students start this school year with an edge both mentally and 412.854.1616 www.cskimkarate.com physically with C.S. Kim Karate.
The Goddard School 724.941.6464
The Goddard School® is a high-quality preschool servicing families with children aged 6 weeks old to Kindergarten. In addition to adhering to the rigorous internal franchise standards, The Goddard School is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE) and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Goddard’s renowned curriculum, certified faculty, state-of-the-art facility, and commitment to excellence have made it the fastest growing preschool in the United States.
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
business spotlight
ack-to-school time raises a laundry list of new classes, schedules and goals. But it’s also a time when many high school students put college readiness front and center. While every aspect of a student’s high school life seemingly becomes a brush stroke in the picture for a college admissions committee, perhaps no other aspect of the college admissions process gets more attention than ACT and SAT test preparation. For better or worse, these tests have become a rite of passage to adulthood. Last year became the first year when more numbers of students across the country took ACT over SAT. Since we live in ‘SAT land,’ confusion and misconceptions regarding ACT prevail. Most college bound students prepare for the SAT. The ACT simply becomes an afterthought. It really boils down to the fact that there is a real opportunity for a student to laser in on one test, a test that is more suitable to a student’s skill set and that test does not always have to be SAT. Chyten Tutors and Test Preparation offers a very unique and powerful tool in the form of ACT vs. SAT Comparison Test that allows students to answer this very question – which test is best for them? With the results of this test, you can take the guess work out and focus on preparing for the test. Students are recommended to take this test before they begin any test preparation work.
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We recommend giving yourself at least three months to prepare. It’s also a good idea to consider a second – sometimes even third – testing so that colleges can view the best combination of scores. Beyond that, law of diminishing returns and test fatigue kicks in. Chyten recommends that students should plan on taking two iterations of these tests before the first half of their junior year, when the school work is ‘relatively light,’ and they can focus much better on the test preparation. This approach also leaves time for the third
iteration in spring, if needed. Imagine getting into the summer of ‘rising senior’ year, where you can completely focus on finalizing your college choices without having to worry about the test scores – that is what this time line affords you to do! Scoring well on SAT or ACT requires strong foundational understanding of the underlying concepts, time management and strategic techniques that boost student confidence. At Chyten, our focus is strategic and comprehensive preparation for the test through a curriculum that has been developed and refined over the years working with thousands of kids and hiring the best and most educationally qualified tutors to work with the students, while keeping in mind and adapting to individual strengths and weaknesses. Check out our schedule at www.chyten.com or call at 412.833.6060.
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
Kelsy Rodger, Kaitlyn von Ehrenkrook, Hannah Crawford, Claudia Huber, Samantha Stinson, Matt Stinson and Kaitlyn Jurick
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Bethel Park Library
Sarah Gilliam, Rowan Belt, Grace Bair, Riley Evans, Ruth Rebican, Cullen Stewert Sarah Long, Jenna Chernicky, Kaitlyn von Ehrenkrook and Alyssa Sholder
Bethel Park Library celebrated a Red Carpet Event for all of its Children’s Choice Awards participants and their families. The Children's Choice Award is an initiative with the Allegheny County Library Association that empowers kids to choose the best book published in a given year. Voting took place in mid-April and the winner was announced at the Red Carpet Event. The books were narrowed down to eight titles by librarians throughout the county. Kids were asked to read at least four of the titles and attend at least two of the library meetings. It's a wonderful opportunity to get kids reading and talking about books! The opinions and critiques the students gave in regards to the selected books was most impressive. So not only are they reading, they're forming opinions and discussing them with peers, speaking in front of a group and exploring different genres. These are important skills that will benefit them as they grow and mature into adulthood.
Photos by www.garyyonphotography.com
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412.833.7700 • Rt. 19 South Join our real estate team at Prudential Preferred Realty. Call Mona Colicchie at 412-833-7700. Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
Annual Summer Broadway Revue Featuring music from show favorites! Tickets: $5 per person “The Sound of Music” by Rodgers and Hammerstein October 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. October 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $12 for Adults $9 for Students and Seniors
All performances at the Bethel Park Community Center 5151 Park Avenue, Bethel Park New this fall: Musical theater, dance, and acting classes! For more information visit www.heritageplayers.org or contact us at heritageplayers@yahoo.com
Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 2 p.m. Frank's Bar 2317 New England Road, West Mifflin, PA Come out and help support Cali-Lilly Animal Rescue. Get a chance to see available fosters, 50/50 raffle, and a free buffet! Bring donations of dog/cat supplies such as food, carriers, toys, litter, and treats.
Wednesday, September 12th at 12 noon at the Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Rd., Mt. Lebanon. Please join us for a delicious lunch including apples and honey, and honey cake. High holiday music and entertainment. Suggested donation $5. Wheelchair accessible. RSVP to barb@chabadsh.com or call 412.278.2658.
McKeesport Symphony Pops is having a Wine. Art. Music. fundraiser, Saturday, September 8, 2012 6 – 8 p.m. at The Historic Schoolhouse, 2600 South Park Rd., Bethel Park, 15102. Enjoy wine & finger food while viewing the work of local artists & listening to music performed by members of the orchestra. Tickets available at the door - $20 for one; $30 for two. For more information, call 412.664.2854 or visit the MSO website at www.mckeesportsymphony.org/
The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh, a South Hills choral group, will launch its 2012-2013 season at 7:30 p.m., September 4, 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. The Harmony Singers are selling Macy’s “Shop for the Cause” discount tickets. Adults 18 years and older are welcome to join the Harmony Singers. All voices are needed. Performance experience and the ability to read music are preferred but not required. For information about the group or to reserve them for an event, call Bernie Komoroski at 412.381.7175 or visit www.harmonysingers.org. 42
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Focusing on Reading Readiness for Children any parents look forward to announcing that their child can read, but the truth is children are reading long before they can interpret the pages of the book. As with most things in life, reading requires the proper building blocks before it can begin. Reading begins with language and how it relates to your child’s world. Creating a language-rich environment will help your child’s vocabulary grow. Language develops with every interaction you have with your child – infants begin by reading their parents’ facial expressions while older children develop their vocabulary by listening and eventually repeating what their parents say. Verbalize your child’s world and he or she will begin to repeat sounds and syllables – be sure to pause, speak and alter conversation style. Remember, it takes many interactions with the alphabet and phonemic awareness for reading skills to develop. The following are easy-to-follow steps for your child when it comes to reading:
M
Infant to One Year
r 1MBZ BQQSPQSJBUF NVTJD JU MFBET UP BDVUF sound discrimination used later in letter sound discrimination. r 3FBE TJNQMF CPBSE CPPLT XJUI POF QJDUVSF per page, contrasting colors or simple pictures, and point to the items on each page. r 8IJMF SFBEJOH UP ZPVS DIJME NBLF
faces – it’s fun and your child will notice subtle differences. r "MMPX ZPVS DIJME UP QPJOU BOE UVSO CPPL pages. r %FTDSJCF FWFSZUIJOH OBNF DPMPST TIBQFT and sizes. r 7FSCBMJ[F BOE EFTDSJCF ZPVS DIJME T BDUJPOT (e.g., “That’s the blue ball. Uh-oh, it rolled away. I’ll roll it back to you. You caught it.�)
First Steps (12-18 months)
r 3FBE MPOHFS TUPSJFT UP ZPVS DIJME BOE BMMPX him or her to interact with the book – pointing, turning pages or even turning the book upsidedown. r /BNF PCKFDUT BT ZPVS DIJME QPJOUT r 4JOH BOE HJWF DIBSBDUFST PG CPPLT GVOOZ voices. r 0ĎFS PQQPSUVOJUJFT GPS EJTDSJNJOBUJPO r 5BML BCPVU UIF TUPQ MJHIU F H SFE DJSDMFT mean ‘stop,’ green circles mean ‘go’). r 1MBZ XJUI PCKFDUT UIBU BSF TJNJMBS BOE QPJOU out the differences (e.g., cow versus horse). r 4QFBL UP ZPVS DIJME JO B OPSNBM UPOF UP demonstrate accurate sound recognition. r &OVODJBUF XPSET PG JOUFSFTU MJLF . . .PNNZ r "T TZMMBCMFT TUBSU UP SFQSFTFOU XPSET TVDI BT iKVJDFu BOE iNPSF u FYQBOE VQPO UIFN F H iBQQMF KVJDF u i8PVME ZPV MJLF NPSF BQQMF KVJDF u
for each item and then write a story with these words. r 4IPX ZPVS DIJME TQFFDI JO UIF XSJĨFO form. Ask your child what he or she would like to buy at the grocery store and add it to your grocery list together.
Pre-Kindergarten (48 months +)
r 3FBE XJUI ZPVS DIJME 5BLF UVSOT SFBEJOH pages, modeling intonation and punctuation cues. r 1MBZ i(PJOH PO B )JLF u 4UBSU CZ QJDLJOH B letter and saying. “I’m going on a hike and in my CBDLQBDL * IBWF B wu 5BLF UVSOT SFQFBUJOH UIF sentence, naming the previously listed words and adding a new word that starts with the chosen letter each time. r "TL ZPVS DIJME UP HFU TPNFUIJOH JO UIF pantry that he or she would not recognize by TJHIU QSPWJEF UIF CFHJOOJOH MFĨFS TPVOE PG the item and ask him or her to search for it by reading the letters. r 8IJMF ESJWJOH BTL ZPVS DIJME UP IFMQ ZPV find a particular street sign.
'JOEJOH B QSFTDIPPM FBSMZ DIJMEIPPE DFOUFS that runs their program year round can be very beneficial for reading readiness and other developmental areas as well. The very best early childhood centers include developmental guidelines for each classroom and age level that include specific goals related to reading emergence as well as other developmental goals. Toddler & Get Set (18-36 months) 4PNF DFOUFST BSF BMTP BCMF UP EP MBZFSFE MFBSOJOH r 3FBE FWFSZUIJOH m TJHOT MBCFMT UPZT BOE within each classroom to support individualized your child’s name. r 5BLF DVFT GSPN ZPVS DIJME m JOUFSFTUFE OPU MFBSOJOH %PO U CF GPPMFE CZ B HMJU[Z TBMFT JOUFSFTUFE SFBE PS KVTU MPPL BU UIF QJDUVSFT SFBE QJUDI UIF TUBÄŽ NVTU CF FEVDBUFE JO XSJUJOH and implementing lesson plans to support NPSF PS TUPQ CFGPSF UIF FOE PG UIF TUPSZ r 'JOE BOE QPJOU PVU TIBQFT BOE TZNCPMT JO layered learning. The most ingenious preschool programs your home or community. are integrating specialty enrichment resource r 3FDJUF SIZNFT BOE BMMJUFSBUJPOT QBVTF UP programs, such as a second language, sign allow your child to fill in the last word or phrase. language, math, science, fitness, and music, into r 1MBZ HBNFT TVDI BT $BOEZMBOEÂĄ XIFSF their curriculum. symbols lead to action. This seamless assimilation Preschool (36 months +) provides r 3FBE XPSET BOE QPJOU UP FBDI POF BT ZPV read it, moving your finger from left to right, top optimum learning to bottom. r 8IJMF HSPDFSZ TIPQQJOH BTL ZPVS DIJME UP opportunities for children in find an item that starts with a certain letter or find a particular cereal. Have these items on your a convenient ‘all-in-one’ grocery list for comparison. package. r 8IJMF JO UIF QBSL BTL ZPVS DIJME UP CSJOH ZPV OBUVSF JUFNT POF BU B UJNF 8SJUF UIF XPSE This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo. Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard SchoolÂŽ, located at 825 East McMurray Rd. in Peters Township. Goddard offers both full- and part-time Infant/ Preschool/K programs. For more information, visit www.goddardschools.com or call 724.941.6464.
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Ph www.garyyon
hotos by nphotography.com
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am hanging out at DeLallo’s Restaurant talking with Tom Moakler. (Yes, his son Steve is the up and coming singer/songwriter who recently performed at the South Park Amphitheatre.) Tom is telling me about his mother-in-law and the out of pocket expenses that he is incurring due to her health problems. I pause to think of how many of our parents are losing their independent living abilities. I am thinking also of how much it costs when they lose their independence. As parents age, it often becomes more difficult for them to live independently and manage their own affairs without outside help. The thought of mom or dad leaving the comfort of the family home can be a painful and challenging proposition for everyone involved, but if it’s no longer safe or practical for them to live alone, adult children often need to intervene and help find an alternative living arrangement. At that point, the question becomes whether you should invite Mom or Dad to live with you in your home or help facilitate a move to a nursing home or other senior living facility. Consider the following when deciding how to address an elderly parent’s living situation.
For the parent, there most likely will be a degree of sadness and, in some cases, anger. Understandably, parents will mourn their status as independent adults, which may be co mpounded by grief over a lost spouse, failing health or the prospect of dying. Be patient and respectful of one another and avoid rushing the decision-making process as best you can.
It helps to realize you’re entering a very e motional territory – for you and your parents – when you broach the subject of a move. Adult children typically experience feelings of worry, guilt and sadness. You may also be frustrated by a parent’s lack of cooperation or combativeness.
It’s safe to assume your parent would prefer to remain close to the old neighborhood and existing support systems such as friends, place to worship, healthcare providers and so forth. If moving in with you means moving across town (or across the country), the transition may become all the more difficult for your parent.
Before you ask Mom or Dad to move in with you, think about the realities of this scenario. Does your home have the necessary space and amenities? You may need to remodel to accommodate special needs, su ch as a ramp for wheelchair access, safety bars in the bathrooms and so on. Many senior living communities are designed with these needs in mind.
How well you get along with your parent can also help you decide whether living together again (after all these years) is a smart move. If your relationship was contentious, it probably won’t get better in close quarters. Then again, if your parent is opposed to living in senior housing su ch as a nursing home, living together may be the only option to keep
the peace. But wait – you also need to consider others living in your home. Before you settle on a decision, be sure to have an open and frank discussion with the other members of your household about the implications of having Mom or Dad move in. Be honest with yourself about how much care you can give on your own. If your parent moves in with you, will you be able to provide the appropriate level of supervision, assistance with daily cares and doses of medication, rides to the doctors’ office and more? Are you ready to make and serve three meals a day, manage the additional burden on your laundry and tolerate the invasion of your privacy? You may have the time, energy and willingness to joyfully take on these responsib ilities. Or you may not. Avoid taking on more than you can handle and seek the help of professionals if you are able to do so. Whether you open your home to a parent or help find a suitable alternative, there will be costs involved. If your parent needs to rely on you for financial assistance, a financial advisor can help you sort out the ramifications to your budget of havi ng another boarder under your roof or contributing to the cost of nursing home care. If you are paying for more than half of a parent’s living expenses or paying for medical expenses, you may be eligible for a tax break. Talk to your tax preparer to see if you qualify for deductions. No one can tell you what to do when the time comes to decide on new living ar rangements for an elderly parent. Rally extended family members and wise family friends to explore your options and decide what may be the best route, given the circumstances. Enlist the insights of your financial advisor and tax preparer to determine how expenses will be managed and potentially shared by you and the parent involved. Keep a positive attitude and take advantage of the opportunity to help ma ke things easier for your parent at this stage of life. By giving the situation proper care and thought, you can find a solution that works for your family.
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 extension 208 or by email: daniel.e.martin@ampf.com. Dan is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of PA, OH, WV, FL, IL, NJ, NY, SC, TX, and VA. 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. Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney. ©2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Bullying and what every parent should know to help protect their children B
y some estimates over 13 million children this year will be bullied in the United States. It is a pervasive public health problem. As our children head back to school in the next few weeks, this topic is even more relevant. Over the past decade, media coverage has increased, bringing with it a spotlight on this very serious issue. From a seventh grader in Minnesota Rachel Ehmke who took her own life after being repeatedly bullied to Jamey Rodemeyer from western New York who committed suicide after bullying from his classmates who made a YouTube video prior to his death. Whether at school or on the playground, at a park or even in your own home, children sometimes find themselves the target of bullies. Social media which has been quite promising at bringing old classmates together, people sharing similar interests, some would even say helpful in the uprising of common people against dictatorships in the middle East dubbed “the Arab Spring” has also brought with it vicious attacks and tauntings between our own children. Bullying no longer is a “school issue” but now much more of a “community issue.” As a pediatrician I care for children fairly frequently who have complaints from headaches and abdominal pain to anxiety caused by bullying. I see children who instead of attending school are home schooled, or do on-line schooling because of social issues caused by bullying. The purpose of this article is to define bullying, and determine some steps that we can do as parents, and family members, to help our children avoid bullying, but if being bullied, steps that can help rectify this event. We need to understand bullying is different than fighting. Bullies have power over other children. They intimidate children, which turns our children into victims. Bullying often happens when other children are present and watching. This is an important point. We are all in this together and if we teach our own children to stick up for others (even when they are not the victim or target) it sets a standard that should they unfortunately become the target, others are more likely to stick up for them.
5. Teach your child to speak firmly and loudly, looking the bully in the eye, to have them stand tall and stay calm. 6. Teach your child it is okay to walk away from a situation that may turn violent. 7. Teach your child to speak up for others who may be too fearful to speak for themselves. 8. Encourage your child to make friends with others; support their activities and interests. By participating in team sports and social clubs, your child can develop new abilities and social skills. When children feel confident in themselves and how they relate to others, they are less likely to be picked on. A child who has loyal friends is less likely to be singled out by a bully, and also have allies to help them in a difficult situation. This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Damian Ternullo. Dr. Ternullo attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh. While a medical student, he was awarded a military scholarship and completed his pediatric training at the San Antonio Military Pediatric Center. As an active duty pediatrician, he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served as a Battalion Surgeon for soldiers of 3-7 Infantry. Upon completion of his active duty tour, he moved back to Pittsburgh where he joined Pediatric Alliance St. Clair. Dr. Ternullo is also a Pediatric Hospitalist at St. Clair Hospital. His medical interests include ADHD, concussions and adolescent care.
There are 3 types of bullying • Physical (hitting, kicking, pushing, choking, punching) • Verbal (threatening, taunting, teasing, hate speech) • Social (excluding victims from activities or starting rumors) Key points to help our children • Communicate with your child. • How are things at school? What do you think of other kids in your class? Is anyone getting picked on or bullied? Develop a plan for your children to respond 1. First, they need to tell a teacher, school administrator, bus driver as well as you. Many children are embarrassed and it is important to let them know it isn’t their fault. 2. Call the school, speak with the counselor, and ask what the school is doing to help. School systems now have dedicated plans to help deal with this issue. One of them, called Olweus (pronounced Olvayus), has numerous published articles in regards to its effectiveness. 3. It is important to find out what the school’s policy is on internet/ social network bullying. 4. It is perfectly okay to have students speak up and stick up for themselves. No child has the right to injure or intimidate another child. Practice this with them, e.g., “Stop now!” “I’ll talk to you but I won’t fight!”
Bethel Park | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 51
ften times a trip to the dentist can be overwhelming and lead to avoidance of routine care. Approximately 30% of dental patients avoid dental care due to fear. Unfortunately, this can lead to a small problem growing into a larger problem, requiring even more treatment. So what is the fearful patient to do? It is best to avoid desperation being the driving force for finally receiving care. Fortunately there is a great option for patients who have put off dental care due to fear. Sedation Dentistry is a safe treatment method that allows many patients to receive the dental care they have been avoiding. Sedation Dentistry is a type of treatment where sedatives are given to the patient to induce relaxation so dental work can be comfortably completed. There are various types of dental sedation ranging from very light sedation to deep sedation (general anesthesia). These can be achieved using oral sedatives, muscular injection, inhalation, and intravenously (IV). 80% of patients can be comfortably and safely treated with mild
sedation. This is not true “sleep dentistry,” which is typically done in a hospital. For severely phobic patients, “sleep dentistry” may be the only option. With mild sedation, patients may be so relaxed that they drift to sleep during the dental treatment, but they are not being “put to sleep.” Even with mild sedation, it is important that the dental office monitor sedated patients throughout the entire procedure with state of the art equipment to ensure the safest possible treatment. This mild sedation can often be done with a combinational of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedative medication. With this technique, the majority of patients are so relaxed that they can comfortably undergo most dental procedures. The patient simply takes a pill the night before and another pill an hour prior to treatment while relaxing comfortably in the dental chair listening to music or watching television. Most patients are thrilled with how well the treatment goes and would gladly go through the procedure again.
Benefits: • very safe • fearful patients can get the care they need • elective cosmetic procedures can be comfortably done • more work can be completed in fewer visits • little to no memory of the procedure Often patients who have been neglecting treatment feel overwhelmed with where to start. The most important thing is to move toward a healthier smile. The first step is to schedule a consult with the sedation dentist to address your concerns and review your medical history and current medications. After this review, the dentist will recommend the necessary X-rays and do a complete examination to develop a treatment plan to prioritize and phase the treatment to suit the patient’s individual needs and achieve their desired result. Finally, the dentist will determine the level of sedation you will require to have the treatment comfortably completed. Sedation Dentistry can be a great and safe option for patients to achieve the beautiful and healthy smiles they deserve. By taking the process one step at a time the fears can be overcome and patients can finally reach optimum oral health.
Industry Insight
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to benefit Neil Armstrong Middle School by Melanie O. Paulick
On Friday, April 27th, members of Neil Armstrong Middle School participated in the 2nd Annual Bowl-A-Thon at Legacy Lanes on Curry Road. This event helped to raise money for the NAMS Parent-Teacher Organization. In addition to offering the students a discounted price to bowl for the evening, Legacy Lanes gave a percentage of every $1 spent both to the school as well as to the individual student. Parent organizers also held a Chinese auction to help raise funds for the school. The 5th and 6th graders formed their own teams at the time of registration, and had a great time competing both in bowling and in school spirit. To those ends, the students of each of the 12 teams cheered one another on loudly and demonstrated their team pride by wearing creatively designed outfits and accessories. Winners received prizes such as coupons for free popcorn or tokens for arcade games (also donated by Legacy Lanes). The atmosphere of the evening was jovial, fun and light-hearted. Event planner Joanne Evans remarked that it is always nice to see the kids having a good time and Legacy Lanes is such a family-friendly environment. Mrs. Evans commented that this kind of event was a great way to have the teachers and students interact outside of the classroom setting. Way to go, Neil Armstrong bowlers!
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B USINESS D IRECTORY
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business spotlight
SERVING YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY C
utting hair isn’t just a business for Supercuts stylists, it’s also a way to give back to the customers they love and the community they call home. Guests know that they can always count on superb service and a welcome smile when they visit the Bethel Park Supercuts. Our expertly trained stylists offer a multitude of services including haircuts, waxing, blow-outs, color and more. As the owner of the S upercuts franchise in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Laurel Breuner has not only added over 350 jobs to the region through her stores, but she and her employees have also been supporting local schools, sports teams, civil services and charities in those communities for more than 20 years. “We support the communities we serve,” Breuner said. “Giving back is important to us because the communities have given us so much.” Supercuts also invests in its employees through extensive training programs and prides itself on hiring aspiring stylists graduating from local trade schools. “Pittsburgh is filled with talented people and we are thrilled to be able to hire vibrant employees, many of whom have recently graduated and are entering the work force for the first time,” Breuner said. Supercuts hires only licensed stylists and mandates extensive education with two weeks of in-store training before stylists are sent to Supercuts’ own Hair Stylist Academy. Stylists attend an advanced
training course conducted by the Supercuts Certified Trainer/Artistic Director. New stylists must pass the five-day, 40-hour course before they are able to actively work on the floor of the salon. After mastering this level, stylist s will continue to undergo regular training to enable them to keep up with the latest styles and trends. “We take what they’ve learned at school, provide additional and ongoing education, and look to retain these employees for many years,” Breuner said. This strategy is apparently working because Supercuts was just rated one of the top places to work in 2012 by a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette survey. “It’s an honor to be recognized as a great place to work,” Breuner said. “Our employees are happy and that attitude is passed on to our guests. We not only offer a superior salon experience at an affordable price, but our locations are full of people who love and take pride in what they do and the community they serve.” If you haven’t already experienced the full services Supercuts offers, please visit us soon. Supercuts has 30 Pittsburgh area locations; the nearest one in Bethel Park is located at 2398 Oxford Drive, and is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on all of Supercuts locations and services visit www.supercuts.com, or to call ahead for faster service, call 412.833.9834. Walk-ins are always welcome!
Back row left to right: Melissa, Jennifer, Jean, Jessica, Jennifer, Alexis, Jill, Sarah Front left to right: Manager Donna, Leanne, Stephanie, Kim, Stephanie 56
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