IN Bethel Park by IN Community Magazines

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN

SUMMER 2011

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

. Bethel Park Marching Band Marches to Disney!

community-driven                                                

                                                   

y o u r e n e r g y p a rt n e r

SUMMER 2011

Welcome to the summer issue of Bethel Park magazine. Summer is the time for home improvement projects, and this issue contains information about house maintenance, landscaping and real estate. Our annual advertising section on real estate in Washington and Allegheny Counties reminds us of the beautiful, affordable homes – both old and new – that our available in our region. If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, we hope you will find this issue to be helpful. For those you who plan to stay in your home but want to fix up the outside, this issue contains plenty of tips from professional landscapers and gardeners. 2011 marks an important year for Bethel Park: its 125th birthday. The celebration committee has been busy planning a variety of events and activities that will take place durin g the summer and into the fall, and we hope you will get a chance to celebrate this important milestone with your neighbors. A listing of scheduled events and activities can be found on page 26. Finally, this issue has updates on recent student achievements and awards, profiles on Bethel Park residents and businesses, and wrap-ups of activities throughout the municipality. Have a great summer!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

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. PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com R E G I O N A L E D I TO R

Christina Clinton Evans c.evans@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com STA F F P H OTO G R A P H E R

Jack Megaw j.megaw@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

After what seems like a colder and wetter-than-normal spring, hopefully a warm, dry summer is in store for all of us western Pennsylvanians. Summer in this part of the world is a special time and there are plenty of yearly events and activities that can quickly become a tradition for your family. There are the obvious ones – such as a school or community picnic day at Kennywood (June 10 is Bethel Par k Day) – but there are some less-obvious ones that your family can adopt as traditions and begin to create summer memories that will last a lifetime. A visit to a local farmers market is a great way to spend time with your kids while teaching them that fruits, vegetables and other commodities can come from places other than a mega grocery store. The Bethel Park farmers market is held on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. on the playground at the Community Center. Another summer tradition that my family looks forward to every year are the church fairs, community days and benefit walks held throughout the region every summer. Bethel Park’s annual Community Day will be held on September 10 and other festivities marking the municipality’s 125th birthday will be held throughout the summer. Spend some time chec king out the church carnivals and festivals – there are a ton in the area. Finally, take some time to do some exploring around your own town. This issue of Bethel Park magazine includes a feature about the George Marshall Home, located in the Oakhurst section of the municipality. When you’re out riding around some evening, take a few minutes to check out this piece of Bethel Park history. Have a great summer full of family traditions and memories, and IN Bethel Park magazine will see you in the fall!

Christina Clinton Evans Editor

Cassie Brkich Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

Derek Bayer Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes John Gartley Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Rita Lengvarsky Connie McDaniel Brian McKee

David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki CapezioWatson

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Fall content deadline: 7/27 www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

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Contents Bethel Park | Summer 2011 |

SUMMER 2011

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

What’s Inside

11 26 Publisher’s Message

COMMUNITY INTEREST

page 2

A Woman’s Heart Is Special

29 page 3

The Good News About Heart Disease Six Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

page 4

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death What Parents Need to Know

Exercise: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful

page 5

The Downside of Falls

page 6

Choosing the Right Doctor for You

page 7

Welcoming New Physicians

| Advice for Great Grilling | | 37

Real Estate in Bethel Park

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Surviving the Sandwich Generation | By Dan Martin | 58 Why Should I Have My Hearing Tested? By Debra Swift, B.C.-H.I.S. | 62

SPOTLIGHTS

The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts

ON THE COVER

The Bethel Park High School Marching Band plays at Walt Disney World in Florida. The marching band, along with several other BPHS musical groups, took several top awards at the annual Festivals of Music held in Orlando this spring. See story and additional pictures on page 11.

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Bethel Park Resident Profile:

Elizabeth Metzler, Girl Scout Gold Award Winner Perhaps it was all of the campfires or hikes through the woods with her Girl Scout troop but somewhere along the way, Bethel Park resident Elizabeth Metzler developed a love for the outdoors and has decided to dedicate her life to protecting and preserving it. As she was learning through the Girl Scouts to love and respect the environment, the organization also taught her another important lesson: to lov e and care for others. The Bethel Park High School senior was recently honored with the Girl Scout Gold Award – the highest and most prestigious award in the Girl Scout organization – for her community involvement. Metzler's involvement in the community goes beyond the Bethel Park border, however. It took her all the way to Kenya, Africa. During a church service last year, Metzler heard a talk from Kate Fletcher, a South Hills resident who founded Hekima Place, a home for 60 girls who were left orphaned by AIDS, a leading killer in many African nations. “I was quite moved by the stories she told about the lives of the girls in the orphanage. I wanted to do something more than make a financial contribution and wanted to make it part of my

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(Girl Scout) gold project,” she said. “When I asked how I could he lp, I expected her to suggest a shoe collection or some other collection project. Instead, she challenged me to create a curriculum with an emphasis on choosing behavior that eliminates the possibility of developing AIDS.” Metzler met this challenge and developed a 20-hour, age-appropriate curriculum that included hands-on activities with an emphasis on making positive life choices. “Each lesson introduc ed a topic, color theme, and an interactive activity such as role play, a skit or puppet show, a craft, and a game that was tied to an important message about choice and consequences,” she said. “The final session included creating a tie-dyed shirt reflecting the colors of the lessons, a campfire reflection, and a pledge for each girl to love herself enough to wait.” When she presented the curriculum to Fletcher, Metzler was again surprised when she was invited to Kenya to implement her lessons firsthand. Like other aspects of her life, Metzler quickly embraced the idea. Her father gave her his frequent flier miles and between working a part-time job and soliciting donations from friends, her church and the community, she was able to raise enough money

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I came to truly understand the meaning of the words “it is in giving that you receive. I learned so much from the girls who had such positive attitudes in the face of enormous challenges. I came back with a new appreciation for the human spirit, the value of education, the gift of family, and the blessings I so often take for granted.

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for her and her mother to visit Hekima Place in Kenya for two weeks. While her mother helped with the younger girls, Metzler lived with the middle and high school girls and implemented her lessons. “I came to truly understand the meaning of the words “it is in giving that you receive,” she said. “I learned so much from the girls who had such positive attitudes in the face of enormous challenges. I came ba ck with a new appreciation for the human spirit, the value of education, the gift of family, and the blessings I so often take for granted.” Her trip to Kenya wasn't the only time Metzler left Bethel Park to give back to the worldwide community. She spent a month

in Denali National Park in Alaska along with the Student Conservation Association building bog bridges and helping to preserve the natural beauty of the area. After graduation on June 4, Metzler said she plans to work a summer job to make some money for the fall when she will enter the prestigious Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. A week before school starts, she'll spend a week hiking and kayaking throughout Vermont with other freshman as a way to get to know them and the environment they will be st udying. The outdoors girl wouldn't have it any other way.

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

A Miracle Coming to the South Hills      And it’s that mission that’s the driving force behind an effort to start a Miracle League Field in the South Hills. Miracle League Fields are specially-designed ball fields and programs that allow children with special needs to play “America’s game.” The drive to open the South Hills’ only Miracle League Field is being led by Casey’s Clubhouse, a nonprofit group founded by former major league ball player and Upper St. Clair native, Sean Casey, and his wife, Mandi. “The game of baseball has given our family so many gifts, memories and important lessons,” the Casey’s have posted on their website, www.caseysclubhouse.org. “We are committed to making sure every child has the opportunity to experience the thrill of playing the game we love.” Casey said there are over 90,000 children in southwestern Pennsylvania with special needs and while there is a Miracle League Field in Cranberry, it only serves a portion of the children from southwestern Pennsylvania. The 240 Miracle League Fields across the United States have a cushioned, rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, have wheelchair and handicapped-accessible dugouts, and have flat surfaces that allow wheelchair-bound and visually-impaired children to round the bases without any obstructions. “Having a Miracle League Field in the South Hills is perfect for those families who don’t have the ability to go to Cranberry with their children to play ball,” he said. “Even though the field will technically be in Upper St. Clair, kids and their families from all over the South Hills 8

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and the Pittsburgh area can take advantage of it.” Dave Hall, of Upper St. Clair, and his family agree that such as venue is needed in the South Hills and they have become big supporters of Casey’s Clubhouse. Hall’s 9-year-old son, Buddy, is a special needs child with Down’s Syndrome and the family has been traveling to the Cranberry field for the last couple of years so that Buddy could play baseball. “When we go to Cranberry to play ball, it’s almost like it’s a special event and Buddy’s activity has always been segregated from his sisters’ activities which are all concentrated in the South Hills,” Hall said. “Having a Miracle League Field here will bring a sense of normalcy not only into his life but into his sisters’ lives as well.” Buddy’s extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins also will find in more convenient to stay in the South Hills and can attend more of his games, Hall said. He believes in the project so much that he now serves as treasurer on the Casey’s Clubhouse Board of Directors. Ground will be broken for the ball field in June at the the USC Recreation Center at the corner of Boyce and Mayview Roads, and Casey said they should be ready to “play ball” by spring of 2012. Almost three-quarters of the $1 million dollars needed for the field has been raised. Casey was involved with building Miracle League Fields in Cincinnati and Detroit during his ball-playing days, and said watching the children play ball is an amazing experience. He said he hopes that South Hills’ residents will come to some of the games to see how happy

Bethel Park

and excited the kids are while they are playing. “It is so awesome for the kids and for their parents sitting in the stands,” he said. “And the volunteers love it as well.” One of the more successful fundraisers was held at St. Clair Country Club in March when $250,000 was raised in a single evening. In addition to playing casino games, attendees were able to bid on 140 items in the silent auction, which included special ice time with current Penguin players and an all-inclusive vacation for two. The rules for each Miracle League Field are easy to follow: • • •

•

Every player bats once each inning. All players are safe on the bases. Every player scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run). Community children and volunteers serve as “buddies” to assist the players. Each team and each player wins every game.

Buddy Hall left and his first hit, above.

CASEY’S CLUBHOUSE CASINO NIGHT  

Sarah Luther, Karen and Erin Williams

Mandi and Sean Casey

Halie and Nathan Snyder & Carrie and Ernie Yonkie

Casey is a 1992 graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and attended the University of Richmond. The three-time All-Star played first base for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox prior to retiring in 2009. When he’s not busy running after his four children – ages one through nine – he is volunteering his time with a charity or working as a studio analyst for the MLB Network. In addition to his Casey’s Clubhouse, Casey is involved with Make-A-Wish Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Nicknamed the “mayor” because of his propensity to talk to every opposing player who reached first base, Sean’s fellow MLB players named him the “friendliest player in baseball,” in 2007, and he was a two-time nominee for the Sporting News’ “Good Guys” Award.

Mike and Ashley Porreca

Laura Lund

      

David Williams, Rene Platek, Dr. Kelly Williams and Todd Williams

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

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Marching Band

Musicians Win Awards in Orlando

The Bethel Park High School Music Department had a successful spring music trip to the Festivals of Music at Disney World in Orlando. Groups and individuals brought home the following awards: • Top 21 – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award and Best Overall (Gold Award) • Jazz Choir – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award and Best Overall (Gold Award) • Concert Band – Excellent Rating and Best Overall Percussion Section Award • Symphonic Band – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award and Best Overall (Gold Award) • Percussion Ensemble – Superior Rating and Best Overall Percussion Section Award • Symphonic Orchestra – Excellent Rating, Best in Class Award • Jazz Band – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award and Best Overall (Gold) Award • Marching Band – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award, Best Overall (Bronze) Award, Outstanding Auxiliary Award and Outstanding Percussion Award • Bethettes – Superior Rating and Best Overall (Bronze) Award • Drum Line – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award, Best Overall (Gold Award) and Best Overall Percussion Section Award • Majorettes – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award, Best Overall (Gold Award) and Outstanding Head Majorette Award • Kevin Harvey – Outstanding Jazz Solo Special Award • Mark Debski – Outstanding Concert Band Solo Special Award

Symphonic Orchestra

Top 21 Jazz Choir

Top 21 Chamber Choir Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

  

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rom virtually anywhere in South Fayette, progress on the Newbury Development can be seen. Whether you’re on Route 50, Thom’s Run, or I-79, the project has moved far beyond the earthmoving phase and has opened up Phase 2 for sales. Brett Malky, the President of EQA Landmark Communities and managing partner of Newbury Development Associates, said that the commitment to quality development in the heart of the South Hills is paying oﬀ in spades.

“We have had spectacular sales results at Newbury,” Malky said. “Our dedication to building excellence and a new kind of community demonstrate that people want projects like Newbury and not the same old subdivision. They want thoughtful design, attention to detail and a home that’s unique.” So far, 45 homes in Phase One have sold, ranging in prices from $280,000 to $1.2 million, and 10 people have already moved in and 12 more homes are under construction. In Phase Two, six of 15 homes have sold within the couple weeks of release, making

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Newbury the best-selling community in the South Hills, and one of the best in the entire Pittsburgh MSA. Newbury can oﬀer all of those aspects to homebuyers. The 325-acre, $450 million dollar, mixed-use development, underwent more than 18 months of conceptualization before work began on the site. Tennesseebased architectural firm Shapiro & Company Architects came to the South Hills to document thousands of homes, noting their architecture, design and placement on their lots. The information was distilled into a

Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0

“I love the whole concept - the way the plans were configured and the style of the houses. There are so many plans out there that have brick fronts with vinyl siding wrapped around. There’s none of that at Newbury. And when the business district is built, it will truly offer residents the whole live, work, play concept. I can’t say enough about it, really. It’s going to be a special thing. It’s going to be a real gem for the South Hills.” Dave Pirain, Newbury resident of 1 month

design for Newbury that would combine the best aspects of the architecture of the South Hills, looking like a neighborhood that’s always been there – new, yet already familiar within the surrounding municipalities. What’s more, consideration was given to South Fayette’s needs as well. Newbury not only is changing the face of South Fayette, it’s also improving on it. The main entrance to the commercial area will be oﬀ of Route 50, through the existing 84 Lumber store. Work on 84 Lumber’s new home at Newbury is nearing completion and they will be moving into their new home in the coming months. “This will have a true Main Street component complete with small shops, mom and pop retailers, restaurants and the like,” Malky said. “There will be a fountain for the kids to play in, a cotton candy kiosk and a booth playing calliope music. It’s going to have a small town feel. It will be a place to be proud of to live, work, play, dine and shop.” Newbury’s commercial district will also

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have a hotel, banks and every service imaginable with space for the national retailers, the local barber, chain vendors, and oﬃce buildings. Newbury Market is finalizing agreements of sale and leases for all the space within Phase One of the retail/commercial center. Restaurants, banks, shops, a hotel,

oﬃces, big-box and mid-box retailers will soon be announced. “We can tell you that we will have oﬃces, a hotel, banks, a grocery store, apparel and shoe stores as well as goods retailers…and as many as 5 restaurants in the first phase of Newbury continued on page 15

Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0 Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

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Unparalleled

Every home in the United States is built to the minimum standards of a building code. That code addresses standards for safety, livability, and energy efficiency. The developer of Newbury has developed its own home performance standards to ensure that every home within its communities achieves the highest level of quality in the region, making these homes measurably better than typical code-compliant homes. Rather than default to the minimum industry standards, Newbury is committed to offering homeowners the opportunity to own a high performance home, using proven technologies and best practice construction techniques to deliver a better home. The home performance standards for Newbury were created in partnership with IBACOS (Integrated Building and Construction Solutions), a leading national research and development firm for the housing industry, and a strategic partner with EQA Landmark Communities for more than 13 years. The Newbury Home Performance Standards address the following criteria for construction quality and performance: 1. Energy – Improve the energy efficiency of the home to at least 30% better than energy code in order to reduce utility bills and ensure optimum occupant comfort. 2. Indoor Environmental Quality – Provide homeowners with better indoor air quality and a more comfortable living environment through the use of fresh air ventilation systems, high efficiency air filtration and less toxic building materials. 3. Building Durability – Build the home to last longer while minimizing the need for routine maintenance by using best practices in home construction to control the movement of water, moisture vapor and air through the home. 4. Materials & Resources – Reduce the environmental impact of the home by using sustainable building materials and efficient construction techniques. By building homes to these quality standards, Newbury is offering homeowners the benefits of improved comfort, healthier living environments, and the peace of mind of knowing that their new home at Newbury is the best home in the region. In addition, every home is built to an architectural standard and guideline at Newbury overseen by the founding architect and town architect, Brad Shapiro with Shapiro & Company Architects, Inc. Brad assures that every home in Newbury beautifully integrates with the surrounding homes to enhance the unique sense of place established by Newbury’s pedestrian-friendly master plan, community amenities, and neighborhood streetscape with sidewalks, street trees, street lights and generous front porches. And finally, a fundamental part of assuring the highest quality homes is partnering with industry leaders to assure that the best products are used in the construction of homes at Newbury. Every home at Newbury will have a high efficient, custom designed window from Andersen Windows. All exterior cladding materials will be long-lasting, durable products such as the factory finished James Hardie fiber cement siding with Colorplus Technology, natural stone or Cultured Stone®, or quality brick materials – there will be no vinyl siding at Newbury. And in addition to 10 foot ceiling as standard in every home at Newbury, all homes will benefit from two of the best product manufacturers in the industry who will be providing the appliances and plumbing fixtures for every home, namely Whirlpool Corporation and Kohler.

at Newbury

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Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0

continued from page 13 Market. We have more retailers interested in Newbury than we have space to accommodate, so we are building strong momentum with our current sales and leasing eﬀorts,” Malky said. “We also are encouraging our retailers to build in a more sustainable manner, and with ‘green’ buildings,” Malky said. “And, as with the residential component on top, everything will be tied together with sidewalks and be com pletely pedestrian-friendly.” In addition to all of the eﬀort prior to breaking ground, Newbury has some of the top names in the nation working on the home construction on site. Deklewa Home, Heartland Homes, S & A Homes and Stambrosky Homes all are part of the home-building team at Newbury. S& A’s Carriage homes will be completed soon, with a model opening in weeks, and Heartland townhomes will be com pleted this summer. What’s more, Newbury will be featuring one of the top zeroenergy homebuilders in the country to create homes on the site that will not only produce their own energy for running the household, but can actually sell power back to the electric company when the household’s power loads are at a minimum. “We’ll have our zero-energy model open this summer,” Malky said.

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“And with that, homeo wners will be getting a true, solar home, producing power through solar energy. They’ll still be connected to the grid, so if the power needs of the home rise, those needs will always be met, but the home will produce energy and, homeowners may be a net producer of energy.” Creating options like the zero-energy models have been a lynchpin of Newbury’s strategy from the start, not only because the develop ers believe in progressive designs, but because variety has appeal among homebuyers. Comfort, indoor air quality and energy performance are assured by Newbury’s strategic partnership with Carrier Corporation. Hearth & Home assure the best performing fireplaces in the marketplace as energy performance and beauty. “Buying a home is a big decision, and a lot of people have decided that Newbury is going to be the place where they want to spend the next phase of their lives,” Malky said. “Our job is to ensure that that home serves them for decades to come, and even generations to come. We’re looking to create neighborhoods and community. Over time, these homes will be neighborhood landmarks – the house where little Jimmy Smith grew up, or the house where the Smiths have the Fourth of July block party. It take s great people to make that happen, and Newbury is attracting those people.”

Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0 Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

M t n u e s d i c u i t a S n s k r a P ht el

hen members of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) take the stage in Italy this summer as part of its international tour, there will be plenty of representation from South Hills student musicians.

Mark Debsi

Almost one-quarter of the orchestra's 102 members come from South Hills school district

Spencer Kun

music programs such as Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, and Upper St. Clair. Craig Johnson, executive director of PYSO, said students must undergo a rigorous audition prior to being selected to play with the orchestra, commit to weekly rehearsals throughout the school year, and perform in three concerts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of these students also are involved in sports, debate clubs, science clubs and other extra-curricular activities in addition to their classroom studies so playing with the PYSO is a major time commitment,â&#x20AC;? he said. The PYSO is one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1946, said the group cultivates discipline, fine musicianship and an overall appreciation for excellence among it members.

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Perform in Italy “Through their impressive performances, dedication and commitment, the group also serves as role-models for aspiring younger musicians and students,” he said. Every three years, the student musicians have the opportunity to travel overseas and perform for an international audience. The summer 2011 International Tour will be in Italy and the orchestra will perform four concerts in several venues as part of the prestigious Florence Youth Festival. “Preparation for a tour of this size is an enormous commitment of time, effort and resources,” Johnson said. “Every member must pay their own way in order to participate and we also rely on fund-raising and other donations throughout the year to help defray costs.” Other countries that prior orchestras have visited include Austria, Scotland, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, and China. The two students from Bethel Park High School participating in the PYSO this year are: • •

Mark Debski, Oboe, sophomore Spencer Kun, Oboe, senior

For more information about the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, including upcoming programs, performance schedules, auditions, and providing support, visit www.pittsburghyouthsymphony.org or call the office at 412.392.4872.

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

Robert Friedlander, MD, left, and Michael Horowitz, MD, discuss treatment options with a patient who has an unruptured aneurysm.

On the

ROAD By Mark Berton

Ashly Hunt

UPMC neurosurgery patient making strides after suffering a near fatal brain hemorrhage.

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Bethel Park

When you think of someone who has suffered a stroke, common images arise: paralysis on one side of the body and difficulty with speech and coordination. While stroke can occur at any age, most people associate strokes with older people. So if you’re an athletic 24-year-old with no history of brain injury, on the beach at Ocean City, Maryland during the Fourth of July holiday with stroke-like symptoms, denial is a natural response. And for Ashly Hunt, she denied her symptoms until the moment she was loaded into a helicopter. “I remember thinking I wanted water. I am a huge runner. I ran before this and thought I was dehydrated,” she said. “It literally took the life-flight to believe that I wasn’t dehydrated. When it’s happening to you you’re not thinking the worst.” Within a matter of hours, what she thought was a simple headache evolved and robbed her of her sight and ability to speak. She also had trouble moving her arms and hands. Emergency responders decided to life-flight her to the nearest hospital in Baltimore, where she was diagnosed with a brain stem hemorrhage. Blood from the hemorrhage was pooling in an area that connects her brain to her spinal cord, causing her to lose movement on her right side, and creating a major dilemma for the neurosurgeons because they believed the site was too risky to treat with surgery. Soon after the diagnosis, Ashly entered a rehabilitation program in her hometown of Johnstown, Pa., to help her regain movement of the extremities that were affected by the hemorrhage. However, after several weeks in rehabilitation and slight improvements in her vision and speech, Ashly’s overall condition began to worsen. Ashly still maintained her hearing, but what she heard going on around her, she didn’t like. Until she met Robert Friedlander, MD, at UPMC.

“I’m pretty close to 100 percent now. My hand and foot are the last things I’m waiting for to come back. I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am. I’m going to be 100 percent.” Ashly Hunt

From left to right, Brian Jankowitz, MD, Paul Gardner, MD, Daniel Wecht, MD, and L. Dade Lunsford, MD, discuss a complex neurovascular case.

Dr. Friedlander was called after Ashly’s family doctor consulted with a neurosurgeon at The Johns Hopkins University, who recommended that Dr. Friedlander manage this complex situation. Within four hours of the initial consultation, Ashly was in an ambulance headed for Pittsburgh where, she said, she met the doctor who made all the difference. “I couldn’t speak and had a hard time seeing, but my brain was processing everything. All of the other doctors were talking above me and not looking at me, not doing anything with me even though I understood them all,” she said. “Until I went to Dr. Friedlander and he worked with me through my condition to give him the answers he needed. He never came off as pompous. He’s the most caring person I’ve dealt with to this day.” Ashly’s hemorrhage was caused by an underlying condition called a cavernous malformation, which is an abnormal, berry-like patch of blood vessels located inside her brain stem. Because the brain stem is deeply situated within the base of the brain and controls important functions such as movement, sensation, breathing, and instructing the heart to beat, surgery to remove the malformation was extremely risky. However, if left untreated, the malformed vessels could again bleed and result in additional critical neurologic damage or even death. Dr. Friedlander and the neurosurgeons at UPMC faced the challenging task of removing the malformation without causing further complications. Using advanced brain imaging technology known as High Definition Fiber Tracking, pioneered at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Friedlander was able to view the detailed wiring of Ashly’s brain fibers to determine the best way to execute the surgery with as little damage to her brain as possible. In order to obtain appropriate access to the brain stem, Dr. Friedlander turned to Dr. Barry Hirsch, a skull base ENT surgeon at UPMC. Using a special microscope and image guidance device, Dr. Friedlander approached the brain stem and was able to completely remove the cavernous malformation.

After surgery, Ashly’s vision and speech began to improve. She also could move her right hand, which had been paralyzed. She improved daily, making strides with her balance, speech, movements, and other functions, and credits her improvement to her strict discipline in following her doctors’ recommendations and her physical therapy program. “If I could say one thing to inspire anyone going through this it’s that you can’t just sit there. It becomes your job,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of people who have had strokes. You can’t just sit down and think you’ll get better. You have to follow the therapy and give your body time.” While she’s been living with her parents in Johnstown during her recovery, Ashly is looking forward to getting back to her life in Baltimore. “I’m pretty close to 100 percent now. My hand and foot are the last things I’m waiting for to come back,” she said. “I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am. I’m going to be 100 percent.” Her road to recovery has been long. Approaching the anniversary of her ordeal, she and her family are thankful to Dr. Friedlander and everyone on the UPMC staff who helped her through this challenging time. She maintains a blog at ashlystatus.com, where family and friends post updates on her condition. “I’ll never forget, Dr. Friedlander said to me, ‘We’re a team. I’ll do my part as long as you do yours,’” she said. “That’s big in my mind. That made an impact.” For more information, please call the UPMC Department of Neurological Surgery at 1-866-979-1336 or visit UPMC.com/nv. This patient’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

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Bethel Park

Photos by Debbie Mountain

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Hillcrest Christian Academy hosted their 6th dinner auction, Top Hat and Tails, an evening under the big top, Friday, April 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe. Guests of the circus themed event could try their luck at winning any of more than 400 baskets and prizes in the Chinese auction. Top Hat and Tails also included dinner, a live auction and testimonies from parent chairs. All proceeds from the event will benefit the school’s planned expansion project. Since 1926, Hillcrest Christian Academy has been true to its mission which is to provide an excellent academic program centered around a strong commitment to the truth of God’s word and Christian values at all grade levels.

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  Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

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 The following Bethel Park High School students were presented with awards and scholarship during the annual Awards and Recognition Program held at the end of the school year: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Nathaniel Braman – Congressman Tim Murphy’s Leaders of Tomorrow Award Andrew Bruce – John Deans Memorial Scholarship Jeff Bright – Bethel Park Kiwanis Scholarship Michael Sanctis – Frank L.P. Edwards Scholarship Max Bair and Kimberly Barszcz – Bethel Park Volunteer Scholarship Elizabeth Metzler and Margaux Krahe – Rotary Club of Bethel Park Scholarship Veronica Urbanik – Bethel Park Woman’s Club Scholarship Nicholas Holden – Upper St. Clair Woman’s Club Scholarship Jeff Bright – Bethel Park Lion’s Club Scholarship Alex Mace, Jess Placke, Jacob Michalski and Megan Habovick – U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Awards Amanda Slowey – William Penn Elementary/Rosemary Gainar Scholarship Kevin Cheberenchick and Tessa Salicce – Franklin PTO Scholarship Julie Kolodziej, Alex Pantages and Alex Mace – Marissa Boyan Foundation Scholarship Joe Brucker, Renato Ruzzini and Jimmy Szewczyk – Bethel Park Scholarship

H i g h S c h o o l Te a m B r i n g s H o m e S a f e D r i v i n g A w a r d The high school’s driving team won first place and a prize of $500 in the second annual Allegheny County Health Department’s Teen Safety Driving competition. The $500 prize will be used for school safety initiatives. Other competing schools included: Chartiers Valley, Keystone Oaks, McKeesport, Moon, North Allegheny, Northgate, Pittsburgh Obama 6-11, Plum, Steel Valley, and Sto-Rox. Student Thomas Bailey also earned a gold medal and a $1,000 cash prize. “This event provides an opportunity for young drivers to not only demonstrate their driving skills in a controlled environment, but also learn the do’s and don’ts of safe driving from highly experienced professionals,” said Bruce W. Dixon, MD, Allegheny County Health Department director. The competition started with talks by professional drivers on young driver issues such as aggressive driving, distracted driving and crash trauma. Following the presentations, three students from each school were tested on driving skills, perceptual skills and knowledge of traffic safety. The winners will participate in the Pennsylvania Motor Trucking Association’s annual statewide Safe Driving Competition in Camp Hill in May and compete for $9,000 in scholarships and a chance to be recognized as the best young drivers in Pennsylvania. The County Health Department’s Traffic Safety Education Project is a federally funded program contracted through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. In addition to the Health Department, the event was sponsored this year by the Allegheny County Teen Safety Driving Committee – AAA East Central, Allegheny County Police, Allegheny County Pretrial Services, Beaver Run Motorsports Complex, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, PA DUI Association, Pennsylvania Trucking Association, Pennsylvania State Police, PA TIPP, PennDOT District 11 and Pittsburgh Technical Institute.

The Allegheny County Health Department’s Teen Safety Driving competition winning team from Bethel Park High School included (l to r): Jason Stewart, Thomas Bailey and Mary Jo Bailey.

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Elizabeth Metzler – Giant Oaks Garden Club Scholarship Alexis Holzer – Eat’N Park Hospitality Group Scholarship Maria Touloumes – Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship Adam Conroy – Sgt. Charles Bonczek Bethel Park Police Association Scholarship Nick Krakoff and Tori Snyder – Bethel Park Golf Boosters Scholarship Natalie Streiner and Kaitlin Vavrek – Bethel Park Federation of Teacher Scholarship Jillian Lindberg and Natalie Streiner – Bethel Park Cheerleading Awards Veronica Urbanik – Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park Rotary Club “Service Above Self” Award Kevin Cheberenchick and Maria Touloumes – National Honor Society Scholarships Jacob Michalski, Justin Fleischmann and Alexander Mace – National Merit Special Scholarships Justin Fleischmann – National Merit Scholarship Finalist Nathaniel Braman, Deanna Kovell, Spencer Kun, Jacob Michalski and Manasa Ravi – National Merit Scholarship Commended Students Jessica Walker – Brown University Book Award Jennifer Ihrig, Claire LoPresti and Kyle Martin – Lois Johnson Learning/Child Care Scholarship Elizabeth Metzler – PA American Water Company Scholarship Elizabeth Metzler – Beulah Frey Audubon Society Scholarship Margaux Krahe – Wendy’s High School Heisman Finalist Robert Heuler – WPIAL Scholar Athlete Award Maria Touloumes – WPIAL Scholar Athlete Certificate Award Ashley Gerst, Ana Jimenez and Veronica Urbanik – Principals Advisory Council for Students Scholarship Andrew Kutrufis – South Hills Area School Districts Association Award Jacob Michalski and Jinjing Lee – Salutatorians Justin Fleischmann – Valedictorian

June 22 – 25

       Opens at 6 p.m. Nightly St Thomas More Church 126 Ft. Couch Rd., Pittsburgh 15241 Across from South Hills Village

Wednesday, Irish Night: Shovlin Irish Dancers and Corned Beef & Curry Thursday: Uptown Rhythm & Brass Friday: Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers Saturday, Polish Night: 5 pm Polka Mass; Henny & the Versa J’s and Ray Jay & the Carousels

In addition, at the Gene Kelly Awards this past weekend, senior Kelly Ganley was one of eight high school students to receive the Constance T. Rockwell Scholarship, which is awarded to students who plan to pursue a career in the performing arts. Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

BETHEL PARK JUNIOR FOOTBALL GIVES BACK

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Bethel Park Junior Football loves to give back to the community. This non-profit recreational organization donates to residents in need, like a student who was diagnosed with cancer or to a local family whose fathers passed away. In October, BPJF raised over $800 for the Susan G. Komen Research Fund by donating 50/50 profits and having players wear pink ribbon decals on their helmets, pink socks and gloves. So, when there was a fire at the home of one of their 8 year old football players and the family lost everything, BPJF was there to help. Lead by President, Brian Neal and Secretary, Heather Fontana, BPJF partnered with other local recreational organizations, Bethel Baseball Association (BBA) and Bethel Park Junior Wrestling (BPJW), and held two donation nights at the Bethel Park Community Center to raise money for this family in need. BPJF took it one step further and started receiving donations of clothing, food, toys and even furniture. Heather and Brian made daily trips to the family to drop off items. Bethel Park volunteers made dinners and some got together to donate Christmas gifts. In the end, the organizations raised over $10,000 to help this family rebuild. Bethel Park is a wonderful community and Bethel Park Junior Football is doing their part to make Bethel Park even better!

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

    Kristen Normile, chairperson of the 20-person celebration committee and author of the Image of America series book, Bethel Park, said that although the birthday will be celebrated through the end of the year, the big celebration week, is June 7 through June 10 with activities including:

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 Banners with the 125th birthday logo will be put up throughout the municipality. The logo was designed by Diana DelRosso, a Bethel Park High School sophomore, and by Bethel Park resident Shawn O’Mara.  Cupcake Wars, co-sponsored by Giant Eagle Market District, will search for the best cupcake in Bethel Park. Judging will be held at the Village Square store on June 7 and the two finalists will compete for the top prize at the Black and Orange Ball scheduled for late August.  A time capsule featuring artifacts from 2011 will be dedicated and buried at the Community Center at 7 p.m., and won’t be opened again for 50 years. In case of rain, the dedication ceremony will be held in the gymnasium inside the center.  Businesses and schools throughout the municipality will celebrate the special birthday with balloons, parties, and special discounts. Some highlights include: birthday treats for patrons at Bethel Bakery, special orange and black ice cream at Bruster’s, and a “shout-out” at Bethel Park Day on June 10 at Kennywood.

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The “Bethel Business Bash” will be held on Tuesday, June 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fort Couch Rd. Cocktails will be at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The event is part of Bethel’s Birthday Celebration and will include dinner, entertainment and recognitions and awards for local businesses. It will also be a great way to network, so bring your business cards! For more information, contact Connie Ruhl at 412.306.8090 or via email at connie@shchamber.org.

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Bethel Historical Society and Bethel Presbyterian Church will offer special 125th anniversary cemetery tours, which will feature individuals acting as founding Bethel Park citizens and soldiers. Tours will run every hour from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact Bethel Presbyterian Church at 412.835.0405 to reserve your space.

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The Black and Orange Ball will be held on Saturday, August 27. This will be a grand “orange carpet” event so get out your dancing shoes and dress to the nines in your best Black and Orange for an evening of great fun with dinner, dancing, desserts, Bethel Honors Bethel Awards, and the Cupcake War showdown. A highlight of the evening will be a special art exhibit by The Bethel Park Artists Guild and South Arts. Venue, sponsorships and ticket information will be posted on the municipality’s website, www.bethelpark.net, and the 125th birthday Facebook Page once it is finalized.

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Bethel Park celebrates its 125th birthday during 2011 and the summer and fall are full of events and activities to mark the occasion. 26

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Community Day will start with the traditional parade and this year’s grand marshall is WQED producer and Bethel's-own Rick Sebak. All parade participants are encouraged to create a Bethel Park themed float and prizes will be awarded for best floats. In addition, Bethel Bakery will hold a cupcake eating contest, the police department and fire department will hold a softball game at Purkey Field, and many other great Community Day events are planned.

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Finally, the celebration committee is looking for professional and amateur photographers of all ages to participate in a special “Day in the Life of Bethel Park” photo journaling project. If you’re interested in participating, contact the committee at bethelpark125@gmail.com or 412.559.7039.

     Residential and Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning Experienced with servicing all brands of furnaces and boilers • NATE Quality Circle Contractor (North American Technician Excellence)

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Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

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Bethel Park

SUMMER 2011

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

What’s Inside page 2

A Woman’s Heart Is Special

page 3

The Good News About Heart Disease Six Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

page 4

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death What Parents Need to Know Exercise: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful

page 5

The Downside of Falls

page 6

Choosing the Right Doctor for You

page 7

Welcoming New Physicians

A Woman’s Heart Is Special It’s important to recognize you’re not immune to the dangers of heart disease Have you ever heard the adage, “Know your enemy?” Heart disease is pandemic in the United States — but many women remain unaware that it’s an “equal opportunity” disease. The symptoms of heart disease can differ between men and women, but if you have a heart, you can get heart disease.

Take action for your heart health

“Every woman, regardless of age, should know her risk factors and work with her doctor to develop a plan for good heart health,” says John R. Ward, MD, a cardiologist and specialist in women’s heart issues at UPMC Mercy, which is part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. “Taking action could save your life or the life of someone you love.”

The first step in becoming “heart smart” is to meet with your doctor or primary care physician. An honest conversation with your doctor will help ensure that you get the best possible care. Here are a few questions to ask:

Know your risks An astonishing 80 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 60 have one or more risk factors for heart disease. “Having just one risk factor doubles your chance for heart disease,” adds Dr. Ward. Having multiple risk factors significantly increases your potential for heart problems. Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and family history are risk factors that men and women share. Additional risk factors specific to women’s heart health include: • Metabolic syndrome, a combination of excessive fat around the abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high triglycerides that increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. • Mental stress and depression, both of which make it difficult to follow a healthy lifestyle. • Low levels of estrogen after menopause, which pose serious risks of heart disease developing in a woman’s smaller blood vessels. “You can’t do anything about your genes and family history, but lifestyle changes can certainly help reduce your risk of heart disease,” says Dr. Ward.

www.UPMC.com/Today

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over the age of 65. And over the last 20 years, the rate of heart attacks in women between the ages of 35 and 54 has been on the rise. Given these statistics, every woman should pay close attention to her heart health.

• What are my risk factors for heart disease? • What should I know about the effects of menopause on my heart health? • What is my blood pressure? Is that healthy for my age? • What is my cholesterol and how could it affect my health? • Based on my history and risk factors, what can I do to lower my risk? Take action for your family, too The staggering increase in obesity and diabetes in children in the United States puts them at significant risk of heart disease. “We’ve learned that plaque can begin to build up in arteries in children as young as two years old,” says Dr. Ward. “Moms are role models for their children. By making healthy changes for yourself, you can help improve the heart health of the entire family.” To learn more about cardiac services at UPMC Mercy, visit www.UPMCMercy.com and click on Our Services. To schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

The Good News About Heart Disease Take charge of your heart through health screenings and heart-healthy lifestyle changes Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death for both men and women. Every 25 seconds, someone experiences a coronary event; every minute, heart disease claims a life. The good news? You can take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease through routine screenings and lifestyle changes — even if you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke.

If needed, you also can take advantage of the region’s only low radiation electron beam CT scan at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. It looks specifically for calcium in the coronary arteries as a marker of the cholesterol accumulation that can cause sudden heart attacks. Dr. Fallert recommends regular health screenings that tell you your numbers and whether you need to take action. For example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels, but you wouldn’t know you have these conditions without testing for them.

“Heart disease is a disease we can do something about. In most instances, it is preventable,” says Daniel Edmundowicz, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and director The more risk factors you have, the greater of preventive cardiology at the UPMC your chance of developing heart disease, Heart and Vascular Institute. says Dr. Fallert. While you can’t control “Screening absolutely saves lives. We genetics, you can take steps to control can help people change the outcome many other risk factors by eating a once we know the risk-factor levels,” healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, Dr. Edmundowicz says. and maintaining a healthy body weight. Some changes — like quitting smoking — Heart-Healthy Resources at can have an immediate impact. UPMC Mercy

Six Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious diseases. Follow these recommendations from Dr. Fallert to take charge of this “silent killer”: • Increase physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day (most days) of brisk walking, bike riding, or other aerobic activity. • Monitor your sodium. Limit your sodium intake to less than two grams (2,000 mg) a day. Beware of “hidden” sodium in processed foods, including canned soup, lunch meats, frozen dinners, and crackers. • Eat healthy. Follow a lower-fat diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods. • Control your stress. Take 15 minutes each day to decompress and focus on yourself. Listen to music, read, pray, or meditate. • Don’t smoke! Nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster, which raises your blood pressure.

Michael A. Fallert, MD, chief of cardiology at UPMC Mercy, says doctors use tools such as EKGs, stress testing, ultrasound, and CT scans to look for signs of atherosclerosis in the heart, neck, legs, and arms — especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease.

“The bottom line is: If you know your numbers and know your risk, you can do something about it,” Dr. Fallert says.

Risk factors that can’t be chaged

Know your numbers

Become heart smart

Aim for these vital numbers to keep your ticker in good working condition:

Take time to educate yourself about heart disease and the treatments available. The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute website is a one-stop source of information about cardiac conditions, as well as UPMC’s full spectrum of cardiovascular services from routine screenings to advanced cardiac care.

• Family history of heart disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral artery disease • Age (65 and older) • Gender (men have a greater risk of heart attack)

Risk factors that can be changed • • • • •

Smoking High blood pressure High cholesterol levels Obesity Physical inactivity

Monitor

Target Levels

Cholesterol

less than 200 mg/dL

Blood Pressure

below 120/80

BMI (body mass index) 18.5–24.9

Ask your doctor

• Take your medicine. If medicine is needed to control your blood pressure, make sure you take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Be sure to check it out at www.UPMC.com/HeartandVascular.

If you have questions or concerns about your heart health, call your physician to schedule an appointment.

1-800-533-UPMC

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death

What Parents Need to Know Is your child among the three to five million young people in the United States who play organized sports each year? If so, you know that a pre-participation physical examination can help identify young athletes who may be at risk for an injury or illness that could require additional medical evaluation. Recently, identifying young athletes who may be at risk of sudden cardiac death has become a hot topic among sports medicine professionals, focusing the attention of parents on the need for better cardiovascular screening of young athletes. “Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes is extremely rare,” says Vivekanand Allada, MD, clinical director of pediatric cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and professor of pediatrics. “In fact, it’s a one in a million risk.” According to Dr. Allada, sudden death in young athletes is most often due to heart problems, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an abnormal thickening of the heart). Other causes include congenital coronary anomalies, arrhythmia (which can be caused by a blow to the chest), and Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can weaken the aorta and lead to a tear or rupture. “Unfortunately, there’s no perfect test to find a needle in a haystack,” says Dr. Allada. However, parents can take steps to uncover risk factors that may require more testing or a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist. The American Heart Association recommends that young athletes undergo a screening medical history to check specifically for: • Chest pain, palpitations, or fainting during exercise (red flags that require immediate attention) • A history of a heart murmur or hypertension • Family history of coronary disease, sudden death, or Marfan syndrome Children with any of these risk factors or an abnormal physical exam should see a pediatric cardiologist, who is specially trained to look for cardiac problems in children and teens, Dr. Allada says. Further testing might include an EKG, echocardiogram, and stress test. He offers these tips to parents: • Don’t let your child play through chest pain. Pain can be a warning sign. • Teach your child to avoid energy drinks that have high levels of caffeine. Such drinks can make the heart race and cause cardiac arrhythmias. They are particularly dangerous for athletes with undiagnosed cardiac problems. To learn more about caring for your child’s heart, visit www.chp.edu, then click on Child Health A-Z. To schedule an appointment with a Children’s-affiliated physician, call 412-692-PEDS (7337).

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Exercise:

Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful Regular exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy life. Many of us, however, still struggle to fit even a moderate amount of exercise into our schedules. But there are plenty of people who are getting too much exercise. If some exercise is good, they think more will be better. Not true. In fact, excessive exercise can lead to a host of physical issues, including injuries, the loss of lean muscle mass, a weakened immune system, sleep problems, irritability, and depression. A study in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that too much vigorous exercise also can increase the risk of heart problems.

Are you exercising too much? Experts say that if your workouts suddenly seem more difficult than usual and you aren’t making progress, you may be overexercising. Other trouble signs include: • Insomnia • Aches or pain in muscles and/or joints • Fatigue • Feeling unmotivated and lacking energy • Increased susceptibility to colds, sore throats, and other illnesses If you’re experiencing any of these signs, see your doctor to find out if something else is causing the problem.

Just starting an exercise program? Congratulations on taking an important step to improve your health. Here are a few tips to help your body adjust to a new routine: • Create a reasonable exercise program based on attainable goals. • Exercise in moderation. • Begin slowly and build up gradually to avoid injuries. • Cut back the volume and intensity of your workouts at the first sign of injury. • Listen to your body. When it needs a rest, give it a rest. Sources: American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association

UPMC Spotlight

The Downside of Falls Preventing tripping, falling can be key to maintaining independence Falls may be funny on comedy shows, but they can be traumatic for older adults. Simply tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change an older person’s life in an instant — posing serious threats to his or her health and independence. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three people over 65 experience at least one fall each year, and more than two-thirds of them are likely to fall again within six months. Falls also are the leading cause of accidental death in seniors. And, as many as 30 percent of those who fall end up with debilitating hip, pelvic, or spine fractures that make it harder to get around and adversely affect self-confidence. Even those who don’t suffer serious injury can become fearful. “The most obvious concern when an older adult falls or trips is injury,” says Stephanie Studenski, MD, MPH, director of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at the University of Pittsburgh and associate director of research at the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh. “But the fear of falling can cause people to restrict their activity and sacrifice their independence. In some cases, it can lead to social isolation,” she says. Everyone is at risk for falls, but that risk increases with the changes that come with aging, plus other medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts and glaucoma, and balance problems. “Fortunately, there’s a lot people can do to prevent most risk factors,” says Dr. Studenski. “Taking care of your overall health, staying active, socializing with friends, and taking a few common-sense precautions can help you avoid falls and broken bones.” To learn more about the Falls Clinic, located at UPMC Senior Care-Benedum Geriatric Center in Oakland, call 412-692-4200.

Three things you can do to prevent falls Exercise! Exercises such as tai chi or other relaxation exercises that improve balance and coordination can help lower your chances of falling and make you feel stronger. See your doctor regularly. Annual physical and eye examinations can uncover underlying medical problems that can lead to falls. See your doctor if you feel unstable or dizzy, possibly due to medications. Tell your doctor if you fall; a medical evaluation can help. Make your home safer. Seventy-five percent of all falls occur at home. To help make your home fall-proof: • Improve lighting. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Use night lights in your bedroom, hall, and bathroom. • Remove small throw rugs. Tack down all carpets and area rugs so they are firmly fastened to the floor. • Remove things you can trip over. Clear books, clothes, and shoes from stairs and places you walk. Keep cords and wires near walls. • Use handrails. Install grab bars near toilets, and both inside and outside your tub and shower. Always use the handrail when using the stairs. • Store items within easy reach. Don’t store things too high or too low. Avoid using stepladders or step stools. Most of all, think before you reach. • Wear shoes with non-skid, non-friction soles. Avoid going barefoot or wearing only socks or loose-fitting slippers.

Leading the Work in Falls Prevention Dr. Stephanie Studenski received the 2010 National Award for Falls Prevention Research and will be honored as the grand champion at the third annual Celebrating Senior Champions benefit dinner and auction Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. For more information about the event, sponsored by UPMC Senior Services, the Aging Institute, and the Division of Geriatric Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh, call Peggy VanHorn, benevolent care advocate, at 412-622-9239.

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Choosing the Right Doctor for You Taking the time to find “Dr. Right” is one of the most important investments you can make. We’ve all heard about the importance of the doctor/patient relationship, often described as the cornerstone of quality medical care. “In fact, the stronger that relationship, the better your chances of receiving the right care at the right time in the right way,” says Tami Minnier, vice president of UPMC’s Donald J. Wolff, Jr. Center for Quality Improvement and Innovation. “At UPMC, our goal is to help you develop a long-term partnership in which your doctor is your number one health care champion.” According to a 2010 survey by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, most of us are very satisfied with our physicians. It usually takes something major — like moving to a new area, changing medical insurance, or being diagnosed with a serious condition — to prompt us to look for a new doctor. “If you’re in the process of changing doctors, there are some exciting new options to consider,” says Ms. Minnier. “For example, UPMC’s Health Plan is working with a growing number of primary care physicians to implement patient-centered medical homes in their practices.” In this medical model, your family doctor becomes the hub for all your care by linking you to a collaborative team of medical professionals — from physician assistants to specialists. Medical homes are designed to ensure that you receive appropriate and comprehensive care over your entire lifetime, including preventive health care, treatment for acute or chronic illness, and assistance with end-of-life care. Studies show that medical homes are resulting in improved care, access, and communication between patients and their “medical team” — as well as improved quality, safety, and cost of care.

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When searching for “Dr. Right,” here are five helpful tips to locate the best match:

Determine what’s important to you “Finding the ‘right’ doctor often involves personal preferences apart from a physician’s skills or qualifications,” says Ms. Minnier. “For example, are you more comfortable with a doctor of your gender? Is a primary care physician right for you, or do you have a medical condition that requires treatment by a specialist? And if easy access is a concern, do you need a doctor located close to your home or workplace?”

Get the opinion of people you trust “Begin your search by asking your circle of family, friends, and co-workers about the positive experiences they’ve had,” she advises. “If you’re moving, or seeking a specialist, your current doctor also can be an excellent referral source.”

Do some homework “There are a number of credible online resources, including UPMC’s Find a Doctor (www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor), with information on more than 5,000 physicians, that allow you to confirm a physician’s medical credentials, board certifications, and specialties,” says Ms. Minnier. You also can check with the state medical board at docboard.org. In general, avoid “doctor ranking” sites, which are unregulated and difficult to verify for accuracy.

At UPMC, a variety of tools are used to assess physician quality, including patient satisfaction surveys. “We literally review thousands of surveys monthly, which provide us with invaluable insights and feedback,” says Ms. Minnier.

Verify your doctor’s insurance plans and hospital affiliations “Most practices accept a variety of insurance plans, but be sure yours is among them,” advises Ms. Minnier. “And should you ever require hospitalization or special tests, it’s important that your doctor be affiliated with a hospital you know and trust.”

Call for an appointment “Bring a written set of questions covering your concerns and expectations. When your visit is over, evaluate the experience,” suggests Ms. Minnier. “Was it easy to get an appointment? Were you treated with respect by both the doctor and the staff? If your answers are positive, you’re on the right path to a doctor/patient relationship characterized by quality care, compassion, and open communication.” For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Welcoming New Physicians to UPMC Mercy To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Anesthesiology

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UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational 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.

REAL ESTATE Bethel Park

Real Estate a comprehensive look at the Bethel Park market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information about creating beautiful spaces to live in, interesting facts about an historical home in the community and help trading up (or down) on your current home.

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by Pamela Palongue specially made to dye your lawn, giving it a lush, canopies and flowering plants. Keep in mind If you’re looking for ways to increase your that wooden patio furniture can also be painted verdant look. The dye is permanent and will last property value, attract buyers or just improve until you mow the lawn. to further carry out the theme. your way of life, you may find the answer is in Although fencing may be one of the more Trees, bushes, plants and flowers can breathe your yard. expensive improvements to your landscaping Figures in the last two years suggest that the new life into a barren space. Trees increase in project, it is also one of the most attractive and landscaping of your home is worth somewhere value over time as they grow. Bushes and efficient. A fence defines property lines, and hedges can be used to add beauty and also to between 5% and 15% of the total home value. add security. Thorny rosebushes or holly bushes adds privacy and security. A lattice fence is a We’re all familiar with the term “curb appeal,” less-expensive option and lends a cottage flair to with their pointy leaves can be strategically which basically means that buyers must be most yards. It may be purchased in sections for attracted to the outside of the house before they planted in front of ground floor windows to fairly quick installation. Chain link fencing is a discourage would-be intruders. Lavender will ever see the inside. If your yard is sturdier but more expensive option. Fencing is unappealing, it may kill the sale of your home in bushes generally grow fairly quickly and will generally available in brown, green or black to add a wonderful scent to your outdoor area. the first few seconds. And the new outdoor They are also a good deterrent for spiders since blend in more easily with natural surroundings. room is increasingly appearing on the list of Split rail fencing adds a rustic feeling and may they avoid the lavender scent. “must-have” features for new homebuyers. When choosing plants and flowers, keep in be lined with chicken wire to keep small pets Today, landscaping is more than just plants and bushes. Some of the features you may want mind that most people prefer low maintenance secure. Water features are extremely popular and if you are planning on selling your home. Some to consider in making your space more offer the greatest opportunity for creative attractive are lighting, color, foliage, fencing and good low-maintenance flowers for our area, expression in your landscape design. They can Zone 6, are Shasta daisies, irises, coneflowers water features. and peonies. These perennials come in a variety be as complex as a custom-designed waterfall Lighting goes a long way in defining an and as simple as a birdbath. Keep in mind that outdoor space for nighttime enjoyment, but it’s of colors to highlight your yard and your color still water breeds mosquitoes. If your water scheme. also a wise investment for security. Motion Don’t forget the lawn. It’s the foundation for feature is not going to be aerated with a detector lights can illuminate pathways and your landscape. Be sure to replace all the “bald” circulation pump, it will need to be flushed out deter crime. They are inexpensive, and and cleaned weekly or you can add fish which spots with new sod to cover these worn areas. solar-powered models are available that are will eat the mosquito larvae. Many wireless. For more subtle lighting, wall sconces Consider using paving stones for heavy traffic areas. If your grass is brown in spots and you are solar-powered pumps are available for use with can create ambience in heavily-used areas. For water fountains which eliminate the need for having a party or open-house showing, dining spaces, outdoor chandeliers come in a electricity or cords. Most come with a back-up consider using a green lawn spray that is variety of styles from old world to battery for cloudy days and nighttime use. contemporary. An outdoor space is a great place for the Next, try adding some color. Pick a shade entire family to spend time and enjoy nature that will coordinate with the color and hue of while adding to the value to your property. your home, but add some contrast. The color theme can be achieved through the use of chair cushions, throw pillows, table umbrellas,

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REAL

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When you live in the Pittsburgh area, George Washington may not have slept at your house, but he may well have traveled across your property lines. The man credited as The Father of Our Country figured prominently in the local area and did indeed spend the night at Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing, a tiny island in the Allegheny River when his raft capsized in 1753. Pittsburgh has been the site of many historical events over the years, including French and Indian War battles, the Whiskey Rebellion, the site of the first World Series and the development of the polio vaccine. But have you ever wondered if your home may have played a small part in history too? There are many advantages that come with being awarded the distinction of a National Historic Place. There are tax credits and eligibility for federally assisted projects and historic preservation. Since many older homes require a great deal of maintenance and may need extensive renovations, federal grant money to acquire the materials or assist with the cost of labor is a welcome resource. The most obvious benefit is that it is very prestigious to live in an historic dwelling. Many people fear however, that having a home nationally registered means relinquishing your control as a homeowner

and living in a museum. This is not the case. There is no requirement that your home be open to the public. Many nationally registered homes are private dwellings. You also may paint your home any color you wish or make renovations as needed, although qualifying consideration for the designation is partially based on the structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s similarity to its original condition. An individual may also leave his historic home to his heirs as any other homeowner would do under normal circumstances. If you suspect that you live in a home of historic significance, a good place to begin your research is at your local library or by consulting the historic preservation board or society in your borough. One example that would make your home historically significant is if a prominent person once lived, visited or performed there. For example, Gene Kelly once taught dance lessons there. A home may be considered for designation if a historically important event happened there such as a civil war battle or the signing of an important document. Other sites may be considered if they contain outstanding architectural elements such as Fallingwater, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

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In general, the home should be at least 50 years old to be considered and as close to its original condition as possible. If you decide to proceed with the historic designation process, you must start with the State Historic Preservation Oﬃce. In Pennsylvania this is part of the PA Historical and Museum Commission. There are forms listed to begin the process at their website, www.portal.state.pa.us/. Once the forms have been completed and submitted it is usually a minimum of 90 days to receive notification if the property has been recommended to the national level. Once the application has been submitted to the National Register of Historic Places, a determination will be made within 45 days. For more information on the national criteria for designation and frequently asked questions, you may visit their website at www. nps.gov/nr/faq.htm. Interestingly, once the designation has been made, the homeowner is actually responsible for acquiring a plaque for the property. In fact, the National Register does not require that the property have any plaque of designation. You just never know what secrets your own, unique home may hold. Whether historical in nature, architecturally interesting, or being registered on the National Register of Historic Places there still truly is, no place like home.

 Full-time professional REALTOR specializing in first-time buyers, estates, condos/townhomes, buyer agency, relocation Designations: Associate Broker - Graduate CLAUDIA WAGNER HARRINGTON Realtors Institute (GRI)Northwood Realty Residential Marketing Services Master (RMM) OFFICE 412.885.8530 x171 Seniors Real Estate CELL 412.303.3315 EMAIL cwagner@northwood.com Specialist (SRES) Northwood Realty ‘President’s Circle of Excellence’ and ‘Top Ten’

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George Marshall Home A

lthough there’s no definitive proof, Linda Daum of Bethel Park believes her home may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad in the days leading up to the Civil War. “When we first bought the home in 1970, some of the older neighbors said they heard stories from their parents,” she said. “And the original owner, Reverend George Marshall, was a strict abolitionist who was very vocal in his criticism of the practice, so it’s very possible.” 42

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The Daum home, or as some call it, the George Marshall Home, still sits at 3000 Oakhurst Road and was built in 1838, long before Bethel Park was incorporated as a municipality. The home served as the parsonage for Marshall and his family. Marshall served as the third pastor of the Bethel Presbyterian Church and was a nephew of John Quincy

Bethel Park

Adams, the sixth President of the United States. But like the rumor about the Underground Railroad, there’s no proof that Adams ever slept there. During his life, Marshall accumulated the land around his home and eventually turned his property into a farm of 113 acres. His son, Hugh, inherited the house and the farm and eventually sold it to the Edward Hicks Family in

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of the National Registry of Historic Places.” The Daum Family purchased the home from one of the Hicks’ daughters in 1970. Daum said she was immediately attracted to the house because she “likes old things.” While the Hicks also made renovations to the interior of the home, Daum said some of the original features of the house remain intact, such as fireplaces, mantelpieces, and some of the doors and partitions. The bricks also were made right on the property. The Daums’ raised three children in the home and plan on staying there for the foreseeable future. It’s part of their – and Bethel Park’s – history.

Photos by Gary Yon 1928. It is said that Hicks took all of his money out the stock market to buy the home and, as a result, was able to avoid the 1929 crash that left the country in the Great Depression. “When the Hicks’ family bought the home, it was really in great disrepair,” Daum said. “The roof was so badly worn that you could see the blue sky through it and the grand staircase was gone.” The Hicks spent the next several decades making renovations to the home including adding a front porch, sun porch, new kitchen, and the Grecian columns that are on the front of the house. “Mrs. Hicks wanted the home to look like a Southern palatial mansion,” Daum said. “Because they made those exterior changes, however, the house isn’t eligible to be part Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

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by Pamela Palongue Once upon a time, young people bought a house and lived there happily ever after. End of story. Now an individual or couple may buy four or five different houses in a lifetime and even more if they are working in an industry where transfers happen frequently. In today’s real estate market, is it smart to buy and sell so many times? Or is it safer to buy a dream home and remain there for life? According to Dan Haeck, real estate agent for Coldwell Banker “people in general have continued to move into homes that better suit their needs throughout the market downturn. Of course, we all know people who this downturn has hit harder than others,but for the most part, its business as 2,200 sq. ft. usual. If anything, the home prices may have 1,500 sq. ft. slipped a bit

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but even that seems to be creeping back” Decades ago, people stayed in the same job for their entire lives. Now people may switch companies or relocate across the country for job opportunities. Corporate executives may be transferred within their company 10 or more times in a 25-year period. People are also basing their housing choices on their immediate needs, rather than long-term requirements. People begin their home-buying adventure in a starter home, which may have only two bedrooms and one bath. Then when they start a family and are more stable in their careers, they will advance to a mid-range home to accommodate the growing number of children. Eventually they may upgrade to an even larger, more luxurious home if income allows. Haeck says that buyers are more interested in 4 or 5 bedroom homes that feature level driveways, 2 or 3 car garages, open floor plans, bigger kitchens, big finished gamerooms, and closet space which was lacking in older homes. People are also becoming more energy conscious and looking for more energy efficient homes. There are a few key considerations to look at when buying a home and upgrading it as an investment. Most importantly, when selecting a neighborhood in which to live, take special notice of the school district. Because parents want their children to be able to attend the very best schools, the school district is key to the area retaining its value over the long haul. Choosing an area that is safe, low-crime and likely to remain that way, is also important. People tend to gravitate toward areas with shopping malls, groceries and entertainment nearby as well. These elements will help ensure that your home retains its value when you are ready to sell it in a few years. Another important consideration is to make sure that you are not over-improving for your particular neighborhood if you hope to get a good return on your investment. Check comparable home prices in your area before making remodeling choices. Pittsburgh’s growing elderly population has created a need for housing that is sensitive to the mobility problems of this age group. Retirees are empty-nesters that don’t need as much space as a growing family. Lori Bost of Howard Hanna Real Estate states “the market for baby boomers wanting to downsize is growing! Most move because they don’t need a big home anymore. Some are moving to save on taxes.” They also don’t need stairs. A type of dwelling called a “flat” has become popular. A typical flat has no basement, and the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom are all located on the ground floor. The upstairs may include one or two bedrooms and a bath for their adult children when they are visiting or residing in the home while taking care of their aging parents. Most older Pittsburgh homes do not fit this description. There were new flats being built in recent years, until 2008 when the economic recession halted new construction. In the future, with the greater numbers of elderly, this type of housing could be in short supply. Haeck is optimistic about the future of Pittsburgh real estate. “We are actually in a very stable market.” If you have a home to sell, now is the time. Our inventory of homes to sell is extremely low. The market has appreciated nicely and if the home is priced correctly, will sell easily.

Dare to Dream...

C Timeless

Beauty

osta Homebuilders is a fourth generation, family-owned construction company based in Pittsburgh, PA. At Costa Homebuilders, our goal is simple: Provide our customers with the most positive experience possible throughout the building process. We are one of the area’s leading building companies, and our clients receive the finest product at the greatest value possible.

Visit our website and take our Costa HomeBuilders New Life™ Questionnaire

Positive feedback and customer referrals have helped Costa Homebuilders achieve its solid reputation. We have built our reputation by making the process as worry-free as possible, and by using only the finest quality materials and craftsmanship.

“Creating a home with the lifestyles of the clients in mind gives home buyers not just a house, but a vacation, making every turn into the driveway a peaceful retreat from the world” – Jeff Costa

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The New Life™ Custom Home Five Star Builders Program makes buying your dream home… easy as 1-2-3. With our New Life™ Custom Home Five Star Builders Program we show you:  How to get more house for your investment  How to save time and money  How to choose a lender that fits your needs  How to understand pricing step by step  How to reduce stress and help you save time and money

Step 1

Evaluate

The first step in the process is doing the evaluation and initial contact! Our process will include:  Filling out the New Life™ Questionnaire  Phone Consultation with our expert which will include: • Home building finance options • Budget • Full review of wants and needs.  Evaluating price range  Deciding area - Washington, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette or Westmoreland  Helping you locate a lot to build on and reserve it if possible.

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Step 2

Step 2 involves a two hour Personal Home Building Workshop, customized for you and your family. During this workshop we will:  Study your lifestyle and provide insight into your true needs and desires  Show you how to use 100% of your floor plan daily  Enlighten you about your custom options  Finalize the budget  Review specifications  Educate you on the “most wanted” home trends in the industry  Explore the standard features at our 3,500 square foot showroom

Step 3

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Educate

Re giste r e d • Insur ed

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PA#031496

Excite

In the Five Star Proprietary Process you will enjoy watching your dream come alive. The design experts at Costa HomeBuilders will cover:  Deposit  Small scale drawings will be developed until the layout is enthusiastically agreed upon and the budget is met.  Sign Contracts  Laying out your new home on the lot  The step by step process to building your home  Timelines and expectations  Selections guided by our professionals in multiple categories  Move in

Legendary Quality

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For Jeff Costa, operating manager of Costa Homebuilders, building a custom home is more than picking countertops and crossing items off a punch list. It’s as unique as the clients he builds for.

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                             

“We get to know our clients as individuals and study their lifestyles,” Costa said. “This provides unique insight into a client’s true needs and desires.” Costa provides small-scale drawings and works with clients until the layout of the home is enthusiastically agreed upon and that their budgetary plan is met. “Every step is significant, and our clients tell us that our process is enjoyable because of its organization,” Costa said.

Personal Design

Our Mission Our mission, supported by a commitment to excellence, is to operate a total quality building system. We are a construction team full of people who take pride in what we do and put forth our greatest effort to accomplish team goals. Our construction team is made up of in-house departments, subcontractors, and vendors that demonstrate a high standard of quality that our customers depend on. We are determined to provide superior service, quality workmanship, pleasing job appearance, and a safe working environment. The end result will be nothing less than a quality product. 48

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A Quality Home

a Great Neighborhood

Atlas Clay & Metal Products d

Phone: 412.384.8170 Fax: 412.405.9513 Showroom: 600 Hayden Boulevard (Rt. 51), Elizabeth, PA 15037 www.CostaHomebuilders.com

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REAL

E S TAT E

BETHEL

PA R K

Real Estate Options for the Retired By Pamela Palongue

Retired persons are commonly advised to sell their homes to avoid the cost of repairs and maintenance. Well-meaning friends and relatives often point out that they won’t be able to mow the lawn forever. Is selling your house always the best choice? According to Kathy McKenna, a real estate broker with over 20 years of experience in Pittsburgh, it’s a decision that needs to be weighed carefully with knowledgeable people you can trust. There are many reasons a home may not be practical to maintain in retirement years. McKenna explains, “Some older homes may not be well insulated and this can lead to high gas or electric bills.” There are the major expenses like replacing a roof as well as the ongoing costs of lawn maintenance, snow removal and real estate taxes. Also on an emotional level, some individuals may not be prepared to live alone and would prefer more sociable surroundings. Some retired persons opt for condominium living which quells many of the anxieties of home ownership. As McKenna points out, the maintenance is usually taken care of in the association fees and will generally include lawn maintenance, roof repairs and replacement, and siding. Some condos may include exterior painting as part of their upkeep agreement. The downside is that association fees can be raised over time. However, most associations manage their money wisely and the increases are usually infrequent. McKenna also adds, “Do your homework. Attend the association meetings and see how the money is being spent and if they are managing it well.” Another thing to consider is that condo associations occasionally may assess their members a one-time fee to pay for a major renovation or repair.

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This is not common and generally the tenants have months to years of prior notice before such an assessment is made. An alternative to home ownership that may be even more attractive to seniors is apartment living. Apartments that have utilities included ensure that high utility bills will not be a problem in cold winter months and there are no repair bills or real estate taxes with which to contend. However, if utilities are granted a rate hike or real estate taxes are raised, those additional costs will likely be passed on to the tenants in the form of a higher rent amount. A recent trend called the reverse mortgage is a loan where the homeowner, who must be at least 62 years of age, uses the home’s equity as collateral. The bank or mortgage company in turn pays the homeowner a set amount each month. Homeowners are allowed to remain in their homes until death. The payments are based on the seller’s age; basically, the younger the homeowner at the time of procuring the mortgage, the smaller the monthly payment. McKenna adds, “This allows the homeowner to pull the equity out of his house while still living there.” The disadvantage is that the homeowner is still responsible for any repairs and maintenance for the home. Although not an attractive alternative for some, those who are living on a fixed income and need more money to meet their monthly bills may opt for this arrangement. While some people savor their privacy, others crave social interaction. One of the most popular trends in recent years has been the retirement village. These villages allow people to have the privacy of their own home while joining other residents for entertainment, activities and communal dining. Each one oﬀers diﬀerent financial plans and must be studied carefully for the best option. McKenna advises, “Before you sell your home, be sure to list it with someone who is reputable that you can trust and talk to about your particular situation.”

Farmers Market

The Bethel Park Farmers Market is held every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. through October 18 on the playground at the Bethel Park Community Center. Shoppers can purchase produce from local growers, fresh bread and bakery items, and homemade items such as wine and sauces.

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 51

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                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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                                                         

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          

          

       

     

     



   

   

   

   





            

  

       



     

     

     



  

  

  



         

         

    



                       







   







 





   



      

  

 

Must present Giant Eagle Advantage Card® with coupon. Excludes purchases of prescriptions, gasoline, milk, tobacco, cigarettes and other items prohibited by law. Limit one coupon per employee. Not valid with any other offer. Not subject to doubling. Copies and facsimiles not accepted. Coupon has no cash value.

    Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 53

J.V.

                                                              

Dominique Cozza, Susie Greorge, Maegan Gill, Lauren Hensler, Grace Smoker, Dominika Troutman and Victoria Dague

Judges Judy Bradley and Tracy Howe

Brianna Wright, Lauren Vuono and Miranda Wright

Anna Chelli, Julia Evans and Meghan Fanelli

Varsity

The 11th Annual Diocesan Cheerleading Championship was hosted recently by St. Teresa of Avila Cheerleaders at North Hills High School. Almost 20 area Catholic schools competed including St. Louise de Marillac and St. Thomas More. The students showed that cheerleading is a competitive sport as they excelled in tumbling, jumps, stunting, cheers and dance. St. Louise de Marillac won first place in the Large Varsity Mount and St. Thomas More won first place in the J.V. Non-Mount. Congratulations to the Trojans and Tigers! 54

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J.V.

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J.V.

Bethel Park

ST. THOMAS MORE CHEERLEADERS

ST. LOUISE DE MARILLAC CHEERLEADERS

J.V. CHEERLEADERS

ALYSSA BRADLEY BRIANNA WRIGHT LAUREN DAGUE EMMA HARRIS KATIE HARRIS ISABELLE KOWENHOVEN ERIN MCKOY SARAH MARTINO JULIA O’ROURKE AUDREY SABO LAUREN VUONO MIRANDA WRIGHT

SAMANTHA BAYER KELLY BRORING ANNALISE BUTLER PAYTON FANELLI CLARE KOVACS KALIE KUSS CAROLINE LESTITIAN MEGAN MANION CORA MARCHAND MEGAN NAGY SYDNEY PERETIN BRIA SMITH EMMA STUEBGEN RACHEL SULLIVAN BELLA TALERICO KELLY WERNER RIANNA PIACQUADIO

VARSITY CHEERLEADERS DOMINIQUE COZZA SUSIE GEORGE MAEGAN GILL LAUREN HENSLER GRACE SMOKER DOMINIKA TROUTMAN VICTORIA DAGUE

VARSITY CHEERLEADERS ANNA CHELLI JULIA EVANS MEGHAN FANELLI ALLISON HELFER MACKENZIE KLUTCH ANGELA KRAK ALEXA MARCHISOTTO SAVANNAH MCCANN MONICA O’NEILL MADISON START ERIN SULLIVAN LINDSEY THELK MADDIE WEIMER MORGAN WEIMER ANNIE BOROFSKI MAGGIE BRORING MADDIE KLUTCH ABIGAIL MORROW NATALIE OLIVIO REILLY WELSH

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Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 55

Enjoy Summer in Bethel Whatever your interests, you’re bound to find something to do in Bethel Park this summer. Here’s a rundown of some of the activities and events that will heat up (or cool down) the summer of 2011!

Farmers Market

Music

Tuesdays, 3 to 7 p.m. through October 18 Community Center Playground

Free Concerts sponsored by the Bethel Park Community Foundation Sundays, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Bethel Park Community Center

Items for sale include plants, local cheeses and milk, take-home meals, fudge and other goodies, local beef, jellies, bread, wine, and the fresh produce.

July 17 – Big Band Memories July 24 – Syria Shrine Band July 31 – Allegheny Brass Band August 7 – Keystone Barbershop Chorus August 14 – Pittsburgh Banjo Club

Community Day

4th of July Celebration Fireworks Monday, July 4, 9:40 p.m. Fireworks are launched from the Port Authority's South Hills Trolly Station

724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Bethel Park

Swimming

Saturday, September 10 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bethel Park High School campus Parade begins at 9 a.m.

Community Swim Days June 27-August 4 Monday through Thursday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. High School pool

Activities include pony rides, petty zoo, children's train rid, soccer, football, food, music, dancing and much more as Bethel Park celebrates its 125 birthday.

Rates: $35 – $50 – $80 – $90 –

Bingo

Daily rate: $5

Every Saturday 7 p.m. Brightwood Road Fire Station

Rates available for nonresidents as well.

Youth under 18 Adult over 18 Family with one child Family with two or more children

Park Flea Market Third Saturday of the month 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Port Authority parking lot, Lytle and Brightwood Roads June 18 July 16 August 20 September 17

P irate Baseball Games Bethel Park Community Days at PNC Park Friday, July 22 vs. St. Louis Cardinals Friday, August 19 vs. Cincinnati Reds Infield grandstand seats Tickets: $14 for adults $10 for kids 14 and under For more information or to order tickets, contact Brittany Ryce at 412.325.4494 or Brittany.Ryce@Pirates.com

Art Paint & Snap exhibit Collection of artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; oils, watercolors, pastels, and photography will be on exhibit June 24 through August 6 Schoolhouse Arts Center Arts, Crafts and Antiques Festival Saturday, September 17 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schoolhouse Arts Center

Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 57

Surviving the Sandwich Generation It is lunch time at DeLallo’s Restaurant and a chance to clear my mind. My first appointment this morning was with clients who have two in college and a daughter out of college who cannot find a job – lots of emotions and expenses. My second appointment was with clients who are struggling with an aging mother. Nursing home? How to handle costs? What are the right decisions? POAs? – lots of expenses and emotions. How to survive the squeeze of the sandwich generation, I wonder? At last, my Virginia Spots arrive. Mmmmm!!!! Once again, Chef Reggie saves the day. As if saving for retirement isn’t challenging enough, add to it the financial and emotional responsibility of helping your kids and attending to the needs of elderly parents, and you’re officially a member of the Sandwich Generation. Buzz aboutthe Sandwich Generation emerged several years back as the bulk of Baby Boomers reached age 50. While at the peak of their careers, many Boomers met this milestone with big financial obligations looming – funding their retirement, paying for their kids’ college, and caring for aging parents. Now, as more settle into their 60s, members of this demographic set face a new array of challenges.

Changing needs of aging parents Watching your parents’ health deteriorate with age is something most of us anticipate having to cope with as we approach middle age. Adding to the pain for many Baby Boomers is the bad economy’s impact on their parents’ finances. In many families, the nest egg Mom and Dad relied on to fund their late-in-life needs has been eroded by declining investments and a sunken housing market. Depending on the extent of their losses, the situation may require that their adult children step in and help. While their parents may have once thought they would live independently for their remaining years, that may no longer be a reality. What’s more, medical advancements have

allowed people to live longer than ever before, putting extra strain on their retirement savings and their Sandwich Generation children.

Boomerang kids stay dependent longer On the other side of the sandwich are young adult children who aren’t able to reach financial independence. Graduating from college once meant getting a ‘real’ job and living on your own. With today’s soft job market, many recent graduates are realizing they can’t live independently and are finding shelter under mom and dad’s roof once again – thus being dubbed boomerang kids. Finding a solution While the Sandwich Generation faces some issues foreign to past generations, there are ways to help lower your stress level and ease your financial burden if you are feeling the squeeze. Consider these suggestions: • Update your financial goals regularly. As your family situation evolves, you may need to reassess your target retirement date and the amount of savings you are planning to amass for retirement. Dependent parents and children may translate into financial obligations for you, and the sooner you plan for them, the better. • Maintain control of debt. Saying that you’ll eliminate debt from your life may not be a realistic goal. A more achievable bogie may be to steer clear of new debt. With uncertainty approaching, you may want to avoid the lure of your dream home in lieu of a more secure future for your family. Consider what you really need rather than what you want when making major buying decisions requiring long-term financial commitments. • Discuss care options with your parents. It may be difficult to approach your parents with this topic, but planning early can pay off both financially and emotionally. If you explore possibilities while your parents are still healthy, more options may be available – plus, your

parents can help you work toward mutually desired goals. • Protect your assets with insurance. Revisit your disability and life insurance coverage to make sure your family is protected in case you are no longer able to work or suffer an untimely death. Long-term care insurance for you or your parents may also be an option to help offset the asset-draining cost of nursing home or home health care. • Put yourself first. As you count down to the end of your career, make sure your retirement plan remains a high priority among your financial obligations. While you can finance many things in life, it’s hard to put retirement on a credit card. Don’t be a Sandwich Generation martyr by putting your own needs after those of your adult children or aging parents. You’ll be a much more valuable parent and child with your own financial house in order.

As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I believe success should be measured not just by your financial well-being, but by how confident you feel about your future. My mission is to help you reach your financial goals through a personal relationship based on personalized, knowledgeable advice. This focus is designed to help you reach your goals, giving you greater confidence. I am licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of PA, OH, WV, FL, IL, NJ, SC, TX, and VA. This  was written by Dan Martin, Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors). Contact his office in Bethel Park at 412.831.6240 ext. 208 or by e-mail: daniel.e.martin@ampf.com. Be sure to ask your sales representative about the insurance policy’s features, benefits and fees, and whether the insurance is appropriate for you, based upon your financial situation and objectives. 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. © 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved The S&P 500 is an index containing the stocks of 500 large-cap corporations, most of which are American. The index is the most notable of the many indices owned and maintained by Standard & Poor's, a division of McGraw-Hill. Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets index, an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index, is compiled from a composite of securities markets of 26 emerging market countries. International investing involves increased risk and volatility due to potential political and economic instability, currency fluctuations, and diﬀerences in financial reporting and accounting standards and oversight. Risks are particularly significant in emerging markets. Diversification helps you spread risk throughout your portfolio, so investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relatively better. Diversification does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, and New Jersey. 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. Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets, mscibarra.com

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The Prudential Advantage Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” by J.D. Power and Associates

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The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts A New Facility to Grow Dancers

he purchase and re-construction of the warehouse at 111 Washington Ave. in Bridgeville fulfills a dream of Linda Thomas Spencer and her daughter Jessica. The 7,500 sq. ft. facility allows for spacious classrooms that are 34’ by 50’ with twelve foot ceilings. This give dancers plenty of space to tumble, twirl and grow! During the purchase and rehab process the US Small Business Administration awarded Linda the Family Owned Business Award in recognition of the outstanding performance as a family owned business and the family also received and Energy Efficiency Grant from the Dept. of Environmental Protection for the energy efficient features added to the update the facility.

Open House ~ Come Visit Tuesday, June 28 ~ 2-7 p.m.

“Hot” Summer Classes at the “Cool” Studio Parents…. Thinking back upon summer vacations past, how many times do you recall hearing the words “I’m bored” uttered by kids? We have the solution for you! Bring them to The Thomas Studio for summer dance classes. During the summer months, classes at The Thomas Studio are offered in abbreviated sessions to accommodate family vacations and other summer activities. Summer is a fantastic time to introduce new students to dance as the stresses of school and homework are eliminated. Dancers can concentrate on exploring their creativity and gaining a greater appreciation for the arts. Young dancers will enjoy themed dance camps designed around popular children’s movies and music. Your dancer will be introduced, age appropriately, to ballet, tap, gymnastics, jazz and hip-hop. Older elementary, middle school students and teens can use a class-card system that provides for complete flexibility. Dancers purchase a class-card for the estimated number of classes they would like to attend and come to those classes whenever their schedules allow! Summer is the perfect time for any dancer, whether beginner, advanced or college prep, to prepare for the upcoming yean and receive the individual attention they need. It is also an ideal time for teens to brush up on their dance and gymnastics skills for the upcoming cheerleading of dance team auditions. Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 61

Why Should I Have My Hearing Tested?

dults can be screened for hearing loss using simple methods and there are effective treatments for many forms of hearing loss. Hearing loss affects as many as 31 million Americans of all ages, yet only 12% of patients are routinely screened for it. At Swift Audiology, we encourage everyone to get their hearing screened annually, establishing a baseline and monitoring changes and needs, throughout the patient’s life. Most hearing loss occurs slowly over time and goes un-noticed until it is causing frustration and emotional turmoil, for ourselves, our family, friends and co-workers. Eventually this can even lead to isolation and depression if the hearing loss is not treated.

If the eyes are the window to the soul, then surely the Ears are the doorway to the heart! “When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.” People with hearing loss are not the only ones who suffer. A number of studies have shown that the partner or family member experiences frustration, stress and anger at having to deal with their loved one s hearing problems. If you have been reluctant to seek help, then this year, do it for the ones you love.

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Did you know that we hear with our brain and not with our ears? The ears are the pathway, or transducer to get the information to the brain. Missing information in speech, such as high frequency consonant sounds (S – T – TH – B – F, etc…), over time, causes us to misinterpret, misunderstand conversations and slows our cognitive processing. It even impacts our memory. If we don’t hear something well enough to comprehend it, how do we remember it? This can slow us down socially, impact our relationships, our mental alertness and change our lifestyle tremendously. This is a TRUE quality of life issue! The most common type of hearing loss is Sensorineural (Nerve Loss). It is indeed a myth that nothing can be done for NERVE loss. This is a permanent hearing loss within the cochlea and can not be cured medically or surgically. (unless it’s a severe to profound loss and hearing aids will no longer help; then a cochlear implant may be recommended, but this is not common among older adults). Aging, noise exposure, trauma, some medications and treatments for cancer, viruses and hereditary factors, can all contribute to nerve loss. There are very effective hearing aids for nerve loss, utilizing today’s digital technology. (most people wearing hearing aids have nerve loss). These hearing instruments come in every size, style and color with features to meet lifestyle needs and each budget. These are microelectronics and are in a variety of technology levels like all computers and electronics. The price is dependent on the technology, which accounts for the price differences you see advertised. Recent styles have been developed to leave the ear canal more open, without feeling plugged up and allowing a more natural sound quality and clarity. Prove it to yourself; get a hearing test! If you need hearing help, Swift Audiology offers a complimentary “No Risk” hearing screening, performed by one of our professional clinical audiologists. If hearing aids are the appropriate course of treatment, we offer a trial period and also a 45-day “NO RISK” return. For more information Visit www.swiftaudiology.com Or Call 724-942-4700 Peters Twp. Office

& HEARING AID SERVICE

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Toll Free: 1-877-459-4413 62

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Leslie Dunst MS.-CCCA Senior Audiologist

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Joyce Deems and Sue Prex (co-chairs of the event)

Photos by Debbie Mountain

Shannon and MariLou McFeaters

The South Hills Women’s Club held their annual Spring Blossom Dinner and Card Party at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South on Monday, April 18.

Guests enjoyed dinner, raffles and card games with friends. Money raised at the event will benefit the House of Bread, an all -volunteer organization that provides food and clothing for those in need of assistance.

Judy Hoffman, Rosemary Kasper and Lorraine Popovich (South Hills Womens Club members) Alice Tempert, Cindy Ogden, Shahn Karamahos and Cindy Wancheck

Arbell Drost, Kathy Veason, Jacki Kushner and Gerry Aubel

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PA026656 Bethel Park | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 63

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