IN Bethel Park by IN Community Magazines

SUMMER 2012

Bethel Park Police Pals Play the Steelers for Charity

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Pat Arnold 412-496-7683

Eric Graziano 412-523-9234

Diane Miller 412-759-0137

Therese Hoetzlein 412-606-4702

Dennis Moorcroft 412-302-7022

Karen Auffenberg 412-303-0046

Jeff Earley 412-225-4553

Janet Caputo 412-980-6025

Dorina Manolache 412-254-3674

Darlene Kruth 412-874-0415 Marlene McNaughton & Bonnie Detwiler 412-537-7333 412-298-6646

Judi Scheidler 412-654-8195

Emily Schwartz 412-512-3161

Dan Gillette 412-403-7071

Bill Matyger 412-951-1005

Marilyn Mielnicki 412-377-3422

Patricia Sharpe 412-576-1251 Dorothy Shelbaugh 412-491-9948

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SUMMER

2012

INSIDE

COM MUN ITY MAG AZIN E

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.

Bethel Police Park Pals Play th e Steeler Charity s for

IN Bethel Park | SUMMER 2012 |

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Pressley Ridge - Helping Your Autistic Child to Reach Full Potential at School ........................... | 8 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ................................... | 25 ON THE COVER

BP Police Pals shoot hoops with the Steelers during their annual charity basketball game. Proceeds benefit the Bethel Park Police Association/Sgt. Charles Bonczek College Scholarship Fund, the Police Pals Program and the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program. Cover photo by Gary Yon.

Special Value Coupons .................... | 56 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Dr. Daniel Rairigh

UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Straighter Teeth in Six Months .................... | 37

Here Comes the Sun It’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

Kimberly M. Pezzone, M.D. Marking an “ImPACT” on Concussions ....... | 44

What’s Inside 2 3 4

Dan Martin

Bringing Mother and Child Together Exhausted and Sleepy? Pamper the Skin You’re In Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 6 7

Costs Continue to Rise – Are You Prepared?

Your Health Care Goes Mobile Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss

| 48

When Wounds Won’t Heal

The Bill Flinn Agency Think Like a Thief ....................................... | 51

FEATURES

Treasure Hunt Approaches Golden Anniversary ..........

Bethel Park Police Pals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Footballers Basketball Team ...............................................

A Very Special Event ............................................................

For the Love of the Game – Bethel Park Junior Football Celebrates 50 Years ..............................................

BP Student News .................................................................

Boutiques Provide for Complete Woman ......................

Real Estate in Bethel Park ..................................................

2012 Bethel Park Baseball and Their Path to the Playoffs ........................................................................

The Circulatory Centers .................. | 47

DINING OUT

Dragon Fire Steakhouse ......................................................

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Welcome to the summer issue of Bethel Park magazine. This year, it seems summer started in early March. However, the warm days have given people a reason to get outside early and often. Bulbs are blooming earlier and joggers are out in force. So I hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and take advantage of the early summer, and while you’re at it, let us know what you’re up to. We try to feature as much local content as we can in each issue and hope that you enjoy that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for your stories in each issue. These features don’t have to be about you or someone you know doing something extraordinary like climbing Mt. Everest or swimming the English Channel. We want to know what makes our readers tick. It could be that you’ve always wanted a classic Thunderbird and have been restoring one for the past few years. We’d like to see it, and I’m sure others would too. So let’s start off with that, since we’re coming into car cruise season: If you or someone you know has a pretty interesting restoration project going on in their garage, let us know! Email our editor, Mark Berton, at mark@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at 724.942.0940. We’ll be happy to hear your story and may even send one of our photographers out to capture your work for the next issue. Keep in mind, the project doesn’t necessarily need to be current – if you’ve been cruising in your restoration project for some time now, that’s okay, too. But we’d like to know what you did at the nuts and bolts level to get your baby roadworthy. If you’re just not sure one way or the other if you think you have a good story, call Mark and he’ll be happy to help you out! Looking forward to seeing some whitewalls and chrome in the fall issue! Have a great summer! Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Do you have a classic car that you’ve restored? If so, we’d like to hear about it. Email your name and contact information to mark@incommunitymagazines.com.

Fall content deadline: 7/13/2012

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earing its 50th year in business is Treasure Hunt, one of our region’s most reputable buyers and sellers of gold, silver, and rare coins. With gold prices near all-time highs, people are realizing that there has never been a better time to sell their unwanted or outdated jewelry. The modus operandi of its founder was, and continues through his son to be, honesty, integrity, and exceptional customer service. It is this philosophy that has steered Treasure Hunt to its leadership role in the gold buying industry. Treasure Hunt has always been a family business. With the help of his wife, Barbara Rotheram Meredith, John Robert Meredith founded Coins Inc. in 1963 as a dealer in rare coins and precious metals. It all started with one leased department in Gimbels Department Store, which then grew into six. When Gimbels closed in 1986, Mr. Meredith moved the business to Kaufmann’s Department Store with great success. Following John Robert Meredith’s passing in 1995, his son John Rotheram Meredith purchased the company and moved the base of operations to suburban Mount Lebanon under the name Treasure Hunt. With the assistance of his sister, vice president Jeannette Meredith Dodd, Meredith expanded from the South Hills into Cranberry, Monroeville, Irwin, Allison Park, Latrobe, Belle Vernon, Indiana, and most recently McKnight Road in Ross Township. Each branch is staffed and managed by family and close friends. In 2002, an ounce of gold was worth less than $300. Now, ten years later, that same

Treasure Hunt Approaches Golden Anniversary By Rob Benhart & Elisa Merrell Kobistek

ounce of gold is worth over $1,600. It is a very opportune time to liquidate your precious metals, but sellers should beware of companies that offer coupons, or other gimmicks to get you in the door. Treasure Hunt is in the practice of offering the highest possible amount right from the start, no need to negotiate. John Meredith says, “Our happiest customers are the people who have shopped around, then come to Treasure Hunt. Our high payouts are oftentimes shocking next to the offers of our competitors. It is our slogan because we truly do hear it every day: ‘You really do pay the most!’” By now many people are aware of Treasure Hunt's reputation for paying the highest prices for gold and silver, but the retail side of the business is nothing to overlook! True to its roots, Treasure Hunt devotes an entire section to its vast offerings of rare United States coins and currency. The South Hills location also offers an extensive jewelry selection composed by gemologist Debbie DeChicchis, featuring a beautiful array of gold, silver, and platinum studded with diamonds and other gemstones. The jewelry boasts some of the most beautiful pieces of estate jewelry you have ever seen, as well as gorgeous new and designer pieces. All of the estate jewelry has been professionally cleaned, polished, and inspected by a master bench jeweler, and their special order process is a simple one. Their knowledgeable and patient staff recognizes that jewelry purchases are often a very big decision, especially when it comes to bridal and engagement rings, and they will take the time to help find that perfect piece at an incredible price! This truly is a unique shopping experience - unparalleled by any other! Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Bethel Park Police Pals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Footballers Basketball Team

The Bethel Park Police Pals and the Steelers played their annual charity basketball game on Friday, March 16, with the Steelers winning 83-61. The Pittsburgh Steelers who participated this year were Charlie Batch, Ryan Mundy, Ray Jackson, Morty Ivy, Ramon Foster and Louis Lipps. The proceeds from the event fund Police Pals Programs and the Bethel Park Police Association/ Sgt. Charles Bonczek Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is annually awarded to a Bethel Park School District Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program senior student who intends to pursue a law enforcement related degree. 6

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Photos by Gary Yon

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Pressley Ridge Autism Expert Shapes Classrooms for New Autism School

hen it comes to autism spectrum disorder and classroom analysis, Rebecca Moyes wrote the book. Actually, she’s written several of them on the topic and has shaped how the new autism school at Pressley Ridge can succeed where traditional public school classrooms fall short. Moyes, a former teacher in both public and private schools, is the author of five books in the field of autism education. She has been a consultant/trainer for school districts throughout the country. Rebecca is

a nationally and internationally recognized speaker on the subject of autism education. Currently she serves as the Director of the new Pressley Ridge School for Autism located in the Emsworth neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The key to a student with autism’s success is careful planning on the students’ behalf by parents and school administrators. “In our field, we talk about the ‘least restrictive environment.’ Ideally, we would want every child’s least restrictive environment to be their home school. However, reality tells us that this is not always feasible because some children have very intensive needs. There’s always going to be a subset of children that are going to need specialized classroom environments,” Moyes said. “Sometimes, when students with autism aren’t provided with appropriate supports, they can become anxious, depressed, aggressive, and even violent. These are often the students that are referred to Pressley Ridge School for Autism. Parents need to be very vigilant 8

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about what services their child is getting in public school so the cycle of problem behaviors can be short-circuited before an outside referral has to be made.” The reason behind why students with autism tend to struggle in public school environments is because of the nature of the disorder itself. All children with autism spectrum diagnoses have some form of language and social impairment. Many have sensory processing disturbances as well. Autism spectrum disorder isn’t a selfcontained diagnosis. It’s more of a continuum of extremes that students fall into. As an example, some children are verbal, others aren’t. Some children are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli, others are hyposensitive. Those who are hypersensitive live in a world of heightened alertness. Sounds, smells, and touches are often overly pronounced. They may be overaroused by lights being too bright in the classroom, sounds echoing down the halls from other classrooms, or even by the way their clothing feels. Those on the other end of the spectrum might seek out sensory stimuli because they are underaroused. They may not feel pain when they are hurt, or they may crave certain textures or smells. These disturbances can result in unexpected and odd-like behaviors. Moyes’ book, Building Sensory Friendly Classrooms to Support Challenging Behavior, addresses the needs of these children and how school teachers and administrators can evaluate their classrooms and create environments which are “sensory friendly.” But the strategies therein don’t just benefit kids with autism spectrum disorder! All children can benefit in classrooms where they can be more attentive and comfortable. Rebecca believes that sensory friendly classrooms create better learning environments for all students.

“The book talks about the importance of data collection when sensory strategies are implemented. The wrong strategy can worsen behavior and that’s often when teachers give up. But, all this means is that a

new strategy needs to be tried and the previous one discarded,” she said. “Educators need to adopt a flexible attitude when it comes to working with kids with autism spectrum disorder.” In addition to sensory challenges, children with autism may also react poorly to change. “In a normal classroom, change happens all the time. Students go from one classroom or activity to another. Sometimes there are weather delays. Sometimes events happening in the school cause schedule changes. Those really affect our children,” Moyes said. “Our executive functions allow us to adapt quickly and easily to the changes of everyday life. But our children often cannot shift between one thing or another, and they perseverate on routines or rituals. Keeping things as structured as possible for them is very important. A visual schedule of the days’ events is helpful not only because of transition difficulties; it is necessary because the students also experience language deficiencies. For this reason, ‘show teaching’ is always better than ‘talking teaching.’” Moyes joined the organization in 2010 to manage its new autism education program. In addition, she leads Pressley Ridge’s autism initiative to provide professional development and consultative services for district staff, community agencies and parents. She has been instrumental in designing Pressley Ridge’s new School for Autism, which opened in 2011. For more information on Pressley Ridge’s School for Autism, call 412.322.0140, or go to www.pressleyridge.org/school-for-autism.

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

A Very SPECIAL Event

By Tracy Fedkoe

BPHS Varsity Cheerleaders and Ambassadors Jessica Clayton and Ben Stout

The 22nd Annual Cheerleaders Fashion Show Raises Thousands for Special Olympics A 21-year tradition for the Bethel Park Cheerleaders was changed a little this year, and it made a BIG impact. After holding their annual fashion show to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation since its inception, the Bethel Park Cheerleaders & Boosters Association (BPCBA) Board decided to switch to a different charity at the recommendation of one of their members who works with Special Olympics of Allegheny County. “Why not look at doing something closer to our community that would benefit people in Bethel Park,” said Cindy Fabus, chair of the fashion show for the past three years and first vice president of BPCBA. This year’s show themed “An Evening in Paris” was held March 11, 2012 and raised over $9.300 that was donated to the Special Olympics of Allegheny County (SOAC). Perhaps more importantly, however, was the new partnership that fostered a sense of community, personal confidence, and lasting

relationships between the cheerleaders, parents, and 11 very special Special Olympians from Bethel Park. Each year the Fashion Show invites two ambassadors from the charity to participate in the event. There have only been a handful of times in the history of the event where the ambassadors were from the local area and both of this year’s were graduates of Bethel Park High School. Jessica Clayton and Ben Stout have been participating in Special Olympics for over ten years and were thrilled to be the guests of honor at the fashion show. Jessica is now an ambassador for Special Olympics and has attended the national games and the annual Capitol Hill Days in Washington, DC and continues to compete in her favorite sports of bowling and long distance walking. Ben has participated in several different sports over the years and has often brought back medals, but enjoys competing and having fun with the other

athletes the most. He donates his time to promote Special Olympics and was part of the relay team with Jessica for the 2011 annual Law Enforcement Torch Run at PNC Park. Jessica is a cheerleader at Pathfinder and was matched up with Clarissa Fabus, a senior varsity cheerleader who helped Jessica choose her gown. They formed a special friendship and now chat frequently via text message. “I loved being in the fashion show and my dress, but going to the fitting was the best part because that’s where I got to know Clarissa,” said Jessica. In addition to Jessica and Ben, there were nine other athletes from SOAC who got to participate in the fashion show: Ryan Barry, Matthew Brace, Drew Bruce, Jamie Lynn Davis, Siobhan Moffat, Alex Reder, Gianna Rich, Andy Wagner, and Joseph Zielinski. The ages of the ambassadors and athletes ranged from 8 to 28 and they were escorted by the tenth grade

Tenth grade junior varsity cheerleaders and Special Olympics athletes from Bethel Park 10

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Bethel Park

Special Olympics Athletes and Ambassadors from Bethel Park

junior varsity cheerleaders in the show. “This was a wonderful partnership. Our athletes and parents were so excited to be a part of this event,” said Kathy Guy, Director, Special Olympics of Allegheny County. Having representatives from Special Olympics participate in the fashion show wasn’t the only thing different this year. The relationship between the BPBCA and their charity wasn’t just for one event. The cheerleaders supported the Special Olympians all year by attending their bowling and basketball tournaments to cheer them on in full uniform, and participating in the Polar Plunge to raise additional funds. “The cheerleaders were the best volunteers we’ve had,” said Pam Clayton, Jessica’s mother. The whole event took many hours of

planning by the BPCBA with over 50 volunteers working on various committees including production, theme & stage design, clothing, basket auction, food & beverage, publicity, and program. Fashions were provided by local stores who donated their clothing and accessories as well as time for the fittings and include: American Eagle, Arman & G Fashions, Body Central, Buckle, Caché, Carrie Ann’s Bridal Boutique, Crazy 8, Kohl’s, Men’s Warehouse and TJ Maxx. Items and gift cards for the auction baskets were donated by over 230 businesses and families from Bethel Park and surrounding communities and auction ticket sales contributed to a sizable percentage of the total amount donated to the Special Olympics. The $9,300 donated from the fashion show will be used to directly benefit more than 900 Special Olympics athletes in the county, according to Guy. SOAC hosts 22 local tournaments per year in the sports of bowling, basketball, aquatics, golf, and athletics. These

local tournaments are at many of the local schools to give the maximum number of students the chance to participate as only about ten percent of the athletes are able to travel. After the local competitions, athletes can earn the opportunity to qualify for state tournaments and even go on to the national and world games. SOAC has had several

athletes go to nationals over the years and a few have participated in test events overseas. This annual fundraising event is a community-wide effort and includes the participation of elementary students and their families who brought in their pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars for a week and raised over $2,000 to contribute. Checks were presented on stage from students from Washington, Lincoln, and Memorial elementary schools just before the intermission. As the audience of several hundred anxiously awaited the announcement of the winners of the auction baskets and tearfully said goodbye to the senior cheerleaders with a special send off song, it was perhaps the smiling faces on our own Special Olympics athletes from Bethel Park that warmed their hearts and stole the show. “Thanks for coming and God bless everyone,” exclaimed Ben Stout at the closing. More information on Special Olympics of Allegheny County and their events can be found at www.so-ac.org. Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

For the Love of the Game Bethel Park Junior Football Celebrates 50 Years By Tracy Fedkoe

hen Bethel Park Junior Football began 50 years ago with sponsored team names such as Lums, Bethel Sports Spot, Fruit Basket, Joe George Mercury and Medicine Chest, little did they know the traditions they started would develop lifelong friendships, volunteer sprit, and a love for the game. Bethel Park’s first recreation director, Charley Kuhn, developed the community’s first organized football program in 1962 with the help of many other individuals during the first few years. Without electronic scoreboards, cheerleaders, or even announcers, the football fire caught Bethel Park by storm and the league began to expand. By the beginning of the 1970s, the program had grown to become one of the largest youth football programs in the county. In its peak year of 1973, the program topped out with 1,400 players. In-house competition was fierce with 15-20 teams in the Pee Wee and Tiny Mite levels and 12 for the Big Macs. Toward the end of the 1970s and into the 1980s other sports grew in popularity and enrollment in football declined at all ages. In 1980, Bethel Park added games against neighbor Upper St. Clair and in 1990, Bethel Park joined an outside league after 27 years of in-house football. This first league was the South Suburban Youth Football League (SSYFL) which consisted of Baldwin, Brentwood, USC, Keystone Oaks, T.J. and others. In 2000, Bethel Park switched to join the Greater 19 Youth Football League, where they still play today, except for the 12 & 13-year-old Big Macs who remained with SSYFL. With the current number of players in the 300-350 range, the BPJF league is still thriving with 12-15 teams per year and maintaining its average enrollment. With even more competition from lacrosse, hockey, soccer, and baseball, this is a commendable accomplishment. Competing with time for other sports and activities, one fact stands true—those that play, or have played, football, love football. After 50 years, the coaching philosophy is still the same. “It’s all about

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the kids. Teaching them the fundamentals, learning the game, and having good sportsmanship,” said Joe Scarillo, who has worked with BP Junior Football for years and is now the G19 League President. BPJF has partnered with the high school program where coaches attend clinics to learn the strategies and plays that they teach at the high school level so they can apply these principles as appropriate to their teams. “BPJF is a feeder program for the higher levels. The older they get, the more we teach them,” said Jim Gastgeb, a long-time coach of the Big Mac age group. The recent success of the high school team winning WPIALs and making states supports that the strategy is working.

While good fundamentals and game strategies are to credit for the success, it’s the dedication of the volunteer coaches, assistants, board members, fundraisers, and many others that have led this organization through 50 great years. Endless hours spent on the field in the heat, rain, and cold, by the coaches and volunteers, combined with a patience and dedication to rival many saints, has kept the attention of fidgety 6-year-olds through pubescent teenagers long enough to learn the game of football and keep them coming back for more. “My goal every year as a coach is to help the kids become better football players, have fun, learn what it is to play as a team, and make friends with not only their teammates, but players from other organizations. It is a privilege to be part of BPJF and help carry on the tradition of the best organization in Western Pennsylvania,” said Matt Chiccitt, a former player who now coaches his son’s team every year. Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

10th I Annual Bethel Park Junior Football Monte Carlo Night Raises $10,000

n addition to those helping out on the field, it takes many more volunteers donating their time to manage the organization. Fundraising plays a major part in keeping the cost affordable so the only equipment the parents pay for is helmets. This year’s annual Monte Carlo fundraiser was held March 31 at Frawley Hall at St. Valentine’s Church and raised over $10,000. The 2012 planning committee was headed up by Kelly Chiccitt, Tyann Neal, Sharon Caye, Kristen Cole, and Cindy Miller who put in plenty of hours organizing the event with the help of dozens of additional volunteers. Money from the Monte Carlo and fundraisers goes towards equipment, jerseys, pads, and blocking sleds, as well as team banquets and spirit nights. BPJF has also contributed thousands toward improvements such as a new scoreboard at Park Avenue in 2004 and refurbished hillside in 2005. “I love to give back. I was born here and played in the program and want to make Bethel Park a better place for the kids,” said Jim Gastgeb, another BPJF alumni who has been involved with the organization for over 10 years with fundraising as well as coaching. With a full dinner, a variety of games of chance, a 50/50 raffle, and over 40 auction baskets valued at $250 and up, it’s no wonder the event drew over 250 people. The bigger draw, however, was definitely the camaraderie and the friendships that were formed, developed,

By Tracy Fedkoe

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The Monte Carlo Planning Committee Cindy Miller, Tyann Neal, Kelly Chiccitt, Sharon Caye, and Kristin Cole.

The BPJF Board (back row, left to right) Perry Cardamone, Paul Frank, Dave Cole, Mike Surunis, Paul Currie, (front row, left to right) Ed Malinowsky, Kelly Chiccitt, Brian Neal, and Dave Yantek.

and kept throughout the years because of junior football. “Having been fortunate enough to be a head coach for BPJF for going on five years, it is amazing how many of my best friends have come through interaction with the parents and players,” said Chiccitt. The BPJF 50th anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year with many special events for the kids, coaches, parents, and alumni to commemorate this milestone, including team spirit nights, an end-of-the-year banquet with awards, and the kid’s favorite—youth football night at a high school game. The 50-year anniversary logo will be displayed on helmets, T-shirts, banners, and signs throughout the community. Dedicated volunteers, alumni, and major contributors will be honored during a football game on October 6 at Park Avenue field and there will be a special evening event to be scheduled. BPJF will also receive proceeds from the 4th annual Rev‘Em Up for Kids Car Cruise, which will be held at

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the South Park Fairgrounds on Sunday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by Pasta Too Restaurant, this event features hundreds of show cars, food vendors, raffles, a Kid’s Zone, and entertainment from Johnny Angel and the Halos. BPJF is working toward raising funds to purchase a turf field for Park Avenue that will benefit football teams of all ages from Bethel Park and many other communities. More information can be found at www.revemupforkids.com. Registrations for the 2012 season will be accepted until August 6th, which is the start of camp. Go to www.bpjf.org for details. Historic photos courtesy of Brady Stewart collection.

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STUDENT NEWS p b

t started simply enough. Jennifer Makel, a seventh grade teacher at Independence Middle School in Bethel Park, noticed one of her students having difficulty dealing with her father being away from home. He is an Air Force soldier and was stationed overseas during the war. “She missed him and didn’t know if he was okay,” said Jennifer. “I asked if writing a letter to her dad might help. She agreed and it improved her spirits tremendously.”

Once Mrs. Makel’s other students learned about the letters being sent to her student’s father, they asked if they could write letters, too. Now, five years and hundreds of soldiers later, “Bring a Smile to the Service” is helping everyone realize a small gesture can have a huge impact. “The students wanted to be involved,” said Jennifer. “I made some inquiries regarding other Bethel Park residents stationed overseas and found a website called anysoldier.com. We gathered

M e c i d n d e l d e b r A o n s S a e e c d l i h p o m e o l S d S tudents Send In By W.B. Fresa

IMS students Macy Hall, Natalie LaLama and Grace Bruegmann get shipping supplies ready to send their care packages overseas.

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their names and started writing letters. I have between six and eight students currently who volunteer their lunch or personal time to write letters of support and encouragement to the troops.” The program also helps students realize they’re not alone. “One of my former students was considering dropping out of school,” said Makel. “He just didn’t want to be here. But, he agreed to help write letters for our project and actually ended up corresponding with a soldier who was a high school dropout. The soldier told him it was the biggest regret of his life. Now, my student is ready to graduate and it’s due, in part, to communicating with this soldier.” The correspondence received from the service members has also made a difference in the how students comprehend their classroom lessons. “I used to teach Ancient Civilization,” said Jennifer. “We were learning about the Tigris River, which flows through part of Iraq. In one of the emails from the soldiers, he sent pictures of the Tigris River where he was stationed. He explained how he and his fellow service members use the water to help wash their clothes and themselves. It really brought my lesson full circle for the kids.” “Bring a Smile to the Service” also sends care packages to some of the soldiers who may need a few things from their homeland. “We send one to two care packages a month,” said Makel. “The soldiers like to receive nuts, fruit, jerky and coffee. They also need personal hygiene products: soap, razors, toothpaste, hand warmers and cotton swabs. The kids think it’s funny they use the cotton swabs to clean their weapons more so than their ears.” To date the purchase of the care package items, and the cost to ship them, has come directly from Mrs. Makel. However, she has applied for a grant through the Bethel Park Community Foundation in hopes of continuing her and her students’ efforts. “I will personally continue supporting this program until all of the troops are home. It’s the least I can do,” said Jennifer. “Bring a Smile to the Service” is open to anyone wanting to participate. Email Jennifer Makel at imsbringasmile@gmail.com for more information. Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

By Tracy Fedkoe

Bethel Park 2012 DECA State Winners

BPHS DECA Club Prepares Students for the Future W

hile academics are a big part of preparing for college and/or a career, there’s much more that students need to know to become successful. That’s where the DECA Chapter at BPHS comes in by providing the opportunity for students to enhance their classroom education through real-world projects, leadership training, community service, and professional responsibility. DECA has over 200,000 members worldwide and its mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, business, finance, and hospitality. DECA was founded in 1946 as the Distributive Education Clubs of America, coming to Bethel Park in the 1960s. The club has helped thousands of students choose a career in the marketing or business industry. In fact, DECA advisor Emily Smoller, a BP graduate and former DECA member, estimates that the majority of the student members each year choose their college major or plan to pursue careers in the industries that DECA serves. “This was my first year taking any of these classes and I definitely want to go into some aspect of marketing,” said Gracie Moody, a junior who has been selected as the District 3 State Representative for the 20122013 school year. Bethel offers five classes which allow students to join the DECA Chapter—Introduction to Marketing; Marketing Theory; Marketing

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through Technology; Marketing Cooperative Work Experience; and Diversified Occupations. All classes are taught by Emily Smoller and Patty Wille, who is the other coadvisor for the DECA chapter. Students in the Diversified Occupations and Marketing Co-op classes work in retail or business jobs in the community as part of their coursework and about 70-75 seniors take advantage of this opportunity every year. Participation in DECA provides students with the opportunity to develop and showcase their knowledge, creativity, leadership, and communication skills. Students are encouraged to participate in local, state, and international competitions which involve written tests, role play, and presentations in various categories including marketing management, fashion merchandising, entrepreneurship, sports & entertainment, principles of hospitality, and more. This year, out of 81 students who attended the district competition, 51 placed in the top 5 to earn the opportunity to travel to the state competition held every year in Hershey, PA and several others chose to write a lengthy research paper to present at states. “It’s great that we had so many students excited about an academic competition,” said Smoller. Their excitement showed when the Bethel Park team finished with 18 finalists and nine medallion winners, with 12 who advanced to

Bethel Park

the DECA International Career & Development Conference in Salt Lake City, UT. “The experience of competing in front of judges builds confidence and character,” said Ethan Rupprect, a senior who placed at states and attended the international conference as well. DECA isn’t just about education. The club also does community service to teach students social responsibility and help them gain leadership experience. This year’s project “Presents for Preemies” led by Emma Hartzell, raised over $400 and collected 462 comfort items such as clothes, feeding supplies, and blankets for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Magee Women’s Hospital. The growing numbers in the club, which is up to about 100 students each year, are proof that the experience is valuable for students. In fact, many students felt strongly enough about the club that they spoke of its value at a school board meeting last year when state budget cuts put many extracurricular activities in jeopardy. “DECA competitions teach problem-solving and how to present ideas and communicate them in a real-world situation. I think they demonstrated exactly what the club and courses teach them,” said Wille. For the benefit of all of the future marketing, business, finance and hospitality leaders who will come from Bethel Park, it worked.

STUDENT NEWS p b

BPHS TO STAGE ‘THE FACE ON THE BARROOM FLOOR’ IN MAY The Bethel Park High School Theatre Department is pleased to stage “The Face on the Barroom Floor” by Tim Kelly Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bethel Park High School auditorium. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the door on performance evenings. Directed by BPHS Teacher Christopher Nagel and inspired by H. Antoine D’Arcy’s poem, “The Face on the Floor,” this zany Western tale has all the makings of a classic melodrama: an insidious villain, an innocent chambermaid, a distraught music teacher, a foolish judge, a tenacious widow, clueless miners, hilarious sight gags, fast action, audience participation and some terrible (but funny) jokes. Mark your calendars and plan on seeing the show! The cast and crew look forward to seeing you at this family-oriented, fantastically funny event.

Several BPHS Latin students have received recognition for their outstanding scores on the National Latin Exams. Congratulations to: Jarrod Cingel – Gold Medal, Summa Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 4 Exam Dan Snyder – Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 4 Exam Vinny Tavoletti – Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 2 Exam Emily Ciangiarulo – Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 1 Exam Jenna Smetana – Magna Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 3 Exam Adithya Krishnachand – Magna Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 2 Exam Jessica Walker – Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 4 Exam Juli Buchwald, Emily Davidson, Megan Douds and Christian Hokaj – Cum Laude Certificate on the Latin 3 Exam Keith Powell and Emily Kukan – Cum Laude Certificates on the Latin 2 Exam.

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Ten members of PRIDE of Bethel Park attended the 25th Annual PRIDE 2012 World Drug Prevention Conference in Toledo, Ohio, where they participated in a variety of activities and earned several recognitions. Jessa Hogue earned First Place for “That Girl,” her original public speaking presentation on bullying. PRIDE earned First Place in the Community

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STUDENT NEWS Congratulations to BPHS senior Trevor Walter, who was one of ten high school students from the West and Southern areas to receive a Gold Medal from the Tribune Review in its Outstanding Young Citizens Program. Trevor received his medal at a banquet held last week at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Moon. Trevor was recognized for his participation in the German Club, and Cross Country and Track Teams at BPHS as well as his volunteer work with the Appalachia Service Project. He plans to study International Business and German in college. Trevor was joined at the dinner by three classmates, who were finalists for the Gold Medal—Brian Holland, Ryan Thorsen and Matt Vater.

Service Challenge. Katie Jensen organized the project and created a poster. Andrew Orsini (Captain), Anna Rigatti, Jimmy Futrell and Natalie Laux finished in Second Place in a Drug Quiz Competition. Jordan Hartung (Webmaster) earned Second Place in the Website Competition. Jessa Hogue auditioned for and was accepted as a member of the PRIDE National Acting Team and performed skits and dances throughout the conference. Jordan Hartung and Jessa Hogue participated in a Youth Panel Discussion about drug problems in schools and communities. PRIDE of Bethel Park was nominated as a 2012 Team of the Year.

NAMS sixth grader Autumn Zimmerman was chosen to receive her Grand Cross of Color in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, which is the highest honor bestowed by the group. She will receive her medallion in July at Grand Assembly in Altoona. STAFF NEWS Superintendent Nancy Aloi Rose was presented with the Jean E. Winsand Distinguished Woman in Education Award by the University of Pittsburgh’s Tri-State Area School Study Council. The award was presented at the 10th annual Dr. Jean E. Winsand International Institute for Women in School Leadership Conference.

The Women and Girls Foundation is sponsoring their Third Annual GirlGov Program from June 16-19. GirlGov is designed to provide local girls with the opportunity to learn about government and social change philanthropy. Participants will shadow a state legislator for the day and learn about current public policy issues impacting the lives of women and girls in the region. The program is open to all girls entering grades 9-12 in the fall. Transportation, overnight accommodations and meals are included. There is no fee to participate. Applications are available in the BPHS Guidance Office and the deadline to submit an application is May 15.

The Registration Deadline for the June 9 ACT is Friday, May 18. Go to www.actstudent.org for more information.

The Registration Deadline for the June 2 SAT is Tuesday, May 22. Go to www.sat.collegeboard.org for more information.

NAMS NEWS Congratulations to the students and staff on Team Eclipse, who collected 172 jars of peanut butter and 155 jars of jelly for donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. This annual project teaches the students about hunger in the area and what they can do to make a difference. Besides collecting the jars, the students participated in several activities, including packing the food, writing notes of encouragement, decorating paper bags and placemats and learning how to grocery shop on a limited budget. Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

bp STUDENT NEWS Bethel Park High School Senior Audrey Moad Exemplifies the Rotary Club Motto By W.B. Fresa

Audrey Moad, Rotary Club of Bethel Park March Student of the Month

ince 1910, the Rotary Club of Bethel Park has lived by the motto, “service above self.” They encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Bethel Park High School Senior Audrey Moad exemplifies their motto through her acts of volunteerism, charity and kindness and was named the Rotary Club of Bethel Park March Student of the Month. It is safe to say Audrey learned the act of charity at an early age. She attended St. Louise de Marillac from Kindergarten through eighth grade. “At St. Louise, we were always coordinating and taking part

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Bethel Park

in community projects to help others,” said Audrey. “When I came to Bethel Park High School, there were not a lot of opportunities to give back, so I decided to take on some tasks myself.” After becoming a member of the National Honor Society, she applied, interviewed and was awarded the Community Service Committee Chair. This gave Miss Moad the leverage she needed to begin supporting efforts where there was a need. Her first project involved organizing a winter clothing drive for the South Hills Interfaith Ministries. “Winter was coming so I put up signs in the school asking for donations of clothing, blankets and anything else a family may need to stay warm,” said Audrey. “We received a lot of clothes for adults and children and they were delivered to SHIM, an

organization that helps families in need in the South Hills.” Audrey’s second project helped a family member of a Bethel Park High School guidance counselor. “Some of the students heard one of the guidance counselors’ father was a dialysis patient,” said Moad. “He had collected a few DVD players for the clinic he attends because the process of dialysis can take up to five hours and the patients need something to occupy their time. And, if the needle slips, the patient has to start all over again. “So, some students at the high school created a video about dialysis using some brand new equipment. It played at the kiosks we have at school so the students could better understand what it was and how long it takes. Then the donations started pouring in. More than 250 movies were donated. Our guidance counselor’s father then divided them between a several area clinics,” said Audrey. Finally, Audrey coordinated student volunteers for the Bethel Park High School Community Open House in February. Excited to be able to show off their new school to anyone who was interested, more than 30 student volunteers signed up to help. “We had meetings and organized what we needed to do and say through emails and text messages,” said Moad. “Students were available for a set number of hours, or could volunteer for more. This was a fun project because we were there to show people around and answer all of their questions.” After graduation, Audrey will attend Duquesne University to study nursing. She also plans to try out for their dance team and is very excited to begin the next chapter of her life.

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

Boutiques Provide for Complete Woman

By Jonathan Barnes

hen Kathy Garrison was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37, the news came as a big surprise. She was a yoga instructor and in great shape at the time, so the diagnosis didn’t make sense to her. She thought people who were out of shape were the ones who got cancer. “It was very difficult, because I was very fit… But there’s no rhyme or reason,” she said. What was important at the time was getting past the “Why me?” stage, and onto, “How do I make this better?” Garrison said. One way to do that is to be active. Though staying upbeat can be very tough when a person is undergoing chemotherapy or other difficult treatments, it’s still crucial to fighting the disease. For Garrison, yoga and meditation helped her cope. “Prayer and meditation are very important,” she said.

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During her recovery Garrison learned as she went, and while she grew well, she became aware of a need in retail that wasn’t being met. She was dissatisfied with places she could go for products [for cancer survivors]. There wasn’t anything near where she lived, in the South Hills. “There were a couple of medical supply shops around town, but it was very depressing,” Garrison said. She recognized a need for a different atmosphere and better customer service to provide products for people like herself. “I think it should be a little more personal and private. After breast surgery it’s very important to look and feel like you did before. It’s a part of the recovery process,” she said. From that first seed of an idea, Garrison and her partner, Joanne Evans, decided to start a retail shop providing prosthesis and apparel to cancer survivors. And so, out of a need to make it through recovery and get on with life was born Garrison and Evans’ shop, K & J’s Complete Woman. The first K & J’s Complete Woman, located in Bethel Park, began by offering

Bethel Park

prosthesis and clothes for breast cancer survivors, and later also began to provide wigs for cancer survivors. In addition to selling breast prosthetics, the boutique also offers bras, camisoles and other clothing to provide for all of the apparel needs women have after breast surgery, Garrison said. The first shop was located in Bethel Park because of a recognized need for the service and products in that area. Seeing the need for a similar shop in the eastern suburbs, Hills, Garrison and Evans later opened another boutique of the same name in Monroeville. Her shops are known by local oncologists, who refer patients to them. The two shops help to give perspective and hope to women who are cancer survivors. For some survivors, it can seem that their options for treatment and recovery are severely limited. “It’s just important for women to know that there are things they can do if they don’t want to have breast reconstruction surgery. That surgery is not for everyone,” Garrison said. Part of the trick to having a successful business is recognizing demand for products and services, and adapting the company to meet that demand when needed. K&J’s Complete Woman has done so. As a result of being in touch with local oncologists, a decade ago, twelve years after starting their boutique, Garrison and Evans began to offer wigs, too. Just as was the case in the start of the business, the new offering was a result of recognized demand for the products. Because the boutique’s ownership is connected with local oncologists, they have

Ann Allsopp OFFICE 412.885.8530 Ext.135 FAX 412.885.1461 CELL 412.979.5056 EMAIL aallsopp@northwood.com

Karena Allsopp OFFICE 412.885.8530 Ext.183 FAX 412.885.1461 CELL 412.916.3307 EMAIL kallsopp@northwood.com

Make this Home Yours! been able to help people with all sorts of cancers. Some are surprised that they can get help to pay for products. “Once they come here, their insurance allows them to buy products every year. It doesn’t matter what kind of surgery you’ve had. As long as you’ve had a breast cancer diagnosis, your insurance covers products for a lifetime,” Garrison said. When they come to visit K& J’s Complete Woman, patrons of the shops get a softer, more comfortable approach from the employees there. Visitors are treated to personalized, private fittings for products. They quickly become comfortable in the shopping, no doubt partly because of the sensitive approach provided by the people at the boutique. Garrison’s advice for people who are overcoming cancer is simple: “Go out every day and do what you love to do,” she said. For more information on K & J’s Complete Woman or to schedule a private fitting, visit the boutique’s website at www.kandjscompletewoman.com, or email kandjscompletewoman@comcast.net.

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Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

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Bethel Park

UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Here Comes the Sun It’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

What’s Inside 2

Bringing Mother and Child Together

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Exhausted and Sleepy? Pamper the Skin You’re In Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

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Your Health Care Goes Mobile Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss When Wounds Won’t Heal

Bringing Mother and Child Together UPMC Mercy’s newborn nursery programs foster bonding between mothers and their infants.

The bond between a mother and child is a wonder to behold. At UPMC Mercy, new mothers — and dads, too — can depend on a team of health care professionals to guide them through the process of bonding with and caring for their newborns.

The benefits of breastfeeding UPMC Mercy has three certified lactation specialists on staff, including a neonatal nurse practitioner, who provide in-hospital and outpatient support to mothers. “We see every woman who plans to nurse immediately after delivery, since breastfeeding begins within the first hour after birth,” explains UPMC Mercy lactation specialist Sarah Krivonik, RN. “Whether you’re a firsttime mother or have breastfed before, every baby is different. We help mothers identify the best solutions for their circumstances — whether it’s how to handle triplets or care for a pre-term baby who can’t breastfeed right away.” More and more women are discovering the health benefits of breastfeeding. Often described as “liquid gold,” a mother’s milk is filled with rich nutrients and vitamins. “Newborns who breastfeed have a greater resistance to infection and allergies, fewer ear infections, and are less likely to experience childhood obesity,” says UPMC Mercy’s Cheryl DiNardo, CRNP, a neonatal nurse practitioner and certified lactation specialist. “For mothers, breastfeeding promotes faster weight loss, less bleeding, and reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer.”

Promoting snuggling with a purpose “Every year, we welcome more than 1,700 babies into the world,” says Chris D’Amico, CRNP, UPMC Mercy’s obstetrics/ gynecology administrator. “A big part of our mission is to bring families together during those critical early days through one-on-one support.”

Practicing togetherness After giving birth, mothers can have their newborns at their bedside in one of UPMC Mercy’s private postpartum rooms. “With our in-room option, a mother can learn her baby’s responses and cues for feeding,” says Lora Mastracci, MSN, interim unit director for UPMC Mercy’s Family Maternity Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “This experience allows fathers to be involved from the beginning, from helping with baths and diaper changes, to comforting and holding the baby.” In-room care also gives nursing staff the opportunity to get to know mothers and their needs in greater detail, and connect them to important community resources on their return home.

UPMC.com/Today

“Physical contact is an essential part of the bonding process,” says Diane Bear, RN, a lactation consultant with UPMC Mercy’s Women’s Health Services. “We work closely with mothers and fathers to encourage early and ongoing skin-to-skin contact with their babies.” Using a technique called “kangaroo care,” babies are held in an upright position on their parent’s bare chest (much like a kangaroo carries its young). It is especially beneficial for premature babies, and it’s also believed to help stimulate milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding. To learn more about these and other programs offered by UPMC Mercy’s Family Maternity Services, visit UPMCMercy.com.

Exhausted and Sleepy? At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, doctors can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, often with surprisingly fast results.

Overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and an irregular heartbeat, Robert Guthrie underwent a sleep study at UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center to evaluate his pulmonary function and suitability for gastric bypass surgery. He was shocked to discover he had sleep apnea so severe he actually stopped breathing 147 times per hour. Affecting 12 million Americans, sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt sleep. Untreated, it can cause serious health problems and lead to deadly accidents due to exhaustion. “I was totally clueless. It was serendipity that took me to a sleep expert, and it probably saved my life,” says Robert, 65, who immediately began using a nighttime breathing apparatus known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Within a week, he was sleeping soundly for the first time in six years. “It was life changing,” says the Hopwood, Pa., resident. “I feel 20 years younger.” Most people don’t know they have obstructive sleep apnea, usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly. With each interruption, the drop in oxygen levels prompts the brain to send a surge of adrenaline to kick-start breathing, which also leads to a spike in blood pressure. “This can happen 600 times a night. It’s a burden on the cardiovascular system and affects the quality of sleep,” says Patrick J. Strollo Jr., MD, medical director of the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center. According to Dr. Strollo, if you snore loudly, wake up exhausted despite a “good night’s sleep,” or feel tired or sleepy during the day, you should talk to your primary care physician. Since sleep apnea cannot be detected while you’re awake, your doctor may ask you to participate in an overnight sleep study.

At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, patients stay in a private bedroom where a sleep technician applies sensors that measure breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and other body functions during sleep. A team of specialists diagnose sleep apnea by looking at the test results and reviewing medical history. Treatment options may include a CPAP machine like Robert uses, which blows air through a special mask worn over the nose. “I wasn’t wild about wearing the mask. But staying on it was a no-brainer — it’s worth it for a good night’s sleep,” says Robert. For information about the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center, visit UPMC.com and click Our Services for an alphabetical listing of departments and services.

Other health consequences of sleep apnea According to Ryan Soose, MD, an otolaryngologist and sleep medicine specialist at UPMC Mercy, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, weight gain, memory problems, and daytime sleepiness. “Loud snoring is a very common feature of sleep apnea and often the most bothersome symptom for patients and other family members,” notes Dr. Soose. “Successful treatment of snoring and sleep apnea can improve quality of life as well as reduce health risks. A variety of medical and surgical treatment options are available, and the treatment plan can be customized to each individual patient.” For more information about UPMC Mercy’s sleep services or to schedule a sleep study, call UPMC Mercy Sleep Center at 412-232-7409.

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Pamper the Skin You’re In Your skin is a multitasking marvel. Soft, pliable, and strong, it protects your organs, regulates body temperature, detects and fights off infection, and even repairs itself.

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

But most of us take our hard-working skin for granted. A little TLC will help keep it healthy and looking good from the inside out.

They’re more common — and easier to treat — than you think.

Keep it clean Daily cleansing can take a toll on your skin, so be gentle. Take shorter baths or showers using warm water, choose a mild cleanser, pat or blot skin dry, and apply a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type.

They can be tiny or bulging, painless or throbbing. But nearly half of us can expect to get spider or varicose veins, especially after age 50. “The good news is that many techniques now make vein treatments more safe, comfortable, and effective,” says Ellen D. Dillavou, MD, a vascular surgeon at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

Eat, drink, and be healthy Feed your skin from the inside for a healthy glow on the outside. Experts recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking plenty of water keeps skin hydrated.

Get moving Regular exercise promotes circulation that energizes skin cells and carries away waste products. It also promotes the restful sleep that’s needed to rejuvenate skin.

Be sun smart Small amounts of daily sun exposure add up, so protect skin from the sun’s rays whenever you’re outdoors — even in wintertime. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it liberally and often. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants provide even more protection.

Check it out Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, and hands. Mohs micrographic surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for most skin cancers. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible and is often used to remove skin cancer on the face. Regularly checking your own skin can help find cancers early, when they are easier to treat. You’ll find the American Cancer Society’s skin self-examination guide and other sun safety tips at cancer.org.

Sources: American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

UPMC.com/Today

What new treatments are available? Among the newest is the injection of polidocanol for the treatment of spider veins. “It’s a cosmetic procedure that works much better than saline to collapse surface veins,” says Dr. Dillavou. “Spider veins do reoccur, though, so expect to do ‘touch ups’ periodically.” Injections also are used for larger veins and may replace older procedures like a “vein stripping.” For treating varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation (a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy seals the vein closed) is a popular treatment among her patients, says Dr. Dillavou, “because it’s comfortable and effective.”

Are varicose veins dangerous? “Varicose and spider veins typically don’t pose a health risk, but they can point to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI),” says Gus Abu-Hamad, MD, a vascular surgeon at UPMC Mercy. “It’s a visual cue that blood may not be optimally flowing to and from the feet and legs to the heart, which can lead to more serious problems.” Other CVI symptoms include painful, tired, restless, achy, itchy, or swollen legs or ankles. In more advanced cases, skin changes and ulcers can develop. “The problem becomes more difficult to treat as it advances, so it’s important to always share your symptoms with your doctor,” says Dr. Abu-Hamad. To learn more about all the vascular services at UPMC Mercy, visit UPMCMercy.com.

You ourr Health Car Care e Goes Mobile It’s It’s no now w eas easy y tto o manage y your our medical rrecords ecords or get aut automatic omatic ac access cess tto o select ttest est results results — because HealthTrak HealthTrak has an app for for tha that. t.

Need to keep track of your elderly parents’ appointments and test results? Want instant access to your children’s immunization records? Run out of medicine while traveling and need a refill? Have a follow-up question for your doctor after office hours? All are available with a click of your mouse — and most with a tap on your iPhone®, iPad®, or Android™ — via UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that allows patients, and approved family members, to receive and manage information about their health. Recent upgrades include a new mobile HealthTrak application that provides patients with secure access anytime and anywhere.

HealthTrrak also provides patients with automatic access to HealthT certain test results, including x-rays, lab, and pathology tests, with links they can use to help interpret information. This makes it easier for patients to keep track of their cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar levels, and other important health numbers. UPMC hopes to add cardiology test results in the near future. Also on the horizon are plans to use photos to identify some skin conditions or diseases.

“We’re giving people what they want — even when they’re on the go. It’s a convenient, safe, and free way to manage their own health,” says G. Daniel Martich, MD, UPMC chief medical information officer.

Going mobile is ffast ast and eas easyy To access HealthT HealthTrrak data using a mobile device, you must first secure a HealthTr HealthTrak account through UPMCHealthT MCHealthTrrak.com. You should then download the free “MyChart app” from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Google Play (formerly Android Market). The mobile app provides access to everything except eVisits, or online doctor visits. According to Dr. Martich, more than 100,000 patients have signed up for HealthTr HealthTrak — and nearly 6,000 are mobile app users. Online medical care is seen as the wave of the future. The number of HealthTrak users is expected to increase dramatically once word spreads about its overall convenience and newest features — including access for authorized family members.

More Mor e patient-centered patient-centered solutions HealthTrak gives users immediate access to a wide range of personal medical information, which allows them to take a more active role in managing their health.

Adults juggling the health care of their children and aging parents can use the “proxy access” feature to keep track of health records and appointments, refill prescriptions, communicate with doctors, and ask billing questions.

Eas Easy, y, dir direct ect signup ffor or HealthTrak HealthTrak is aavailable HealthTr vailable online b byy g going oing tto o UP UPMCHealthTrak.com MCHealthTrrak.com and clicking MCHealthT now” New User.. FFollow steps eps tto o “Sign up no w” under Ne w User ollow the st ccomplete answer wer per personal sonal omplete an online application and ans ensuree that yyou, questions designed tto o ensur ou, and not person, aree cr creating account. another per son, ar eating the ac count.

Parents will especially appreciate having instant access to a child’s immunization record when they need it. Approved caregivers find eVisit, the online doctor visit service, very useful for the diagnosis of common, non-urgent ailments in their elderly relatives.

If yyou have ou ha ve difficulties, email healthtrak@upmc.edu healthtrak@upmc.edu UPMC Supportt Line at or call the UP MC HealthTrak HealthTrak Suppor HealthTr 1-866-884-8579. 1-866-884-85 79.

1-800-533-UPMC

Talent + Imagination + Learning =

Events You Won’t Want to Miss UPMC Senior Communities’ year-long calendar of entertainment, movies, and educational seminars aims to enrich the lives of seniors — and delight the public, too.

What do Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, a Meryl Streep movie, and acupuncture have in common? All are among UPMC Senior Communities’ upcoming 2012 Legacy Lineup. “We’re committed to providing residents at all our senior communities with activities that will capture their interests, generate conversation, and stimulate their minds,” says Nanci Case, vice president for sales, marketing, and activities for UPMC Senior Communities. “Through The Legacy Lineup and other programs, we’re bringing seniors — and people of all ages — together to relax, laugh, and learn together.” Open to the public, The Legacy Lineup programs are offered at UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village, UPMC Senior Communities’ independent living facility located on the UPMC Passavant campus. “You can attend a Legacy Lineup event every week of the month, with many events offered at no charge,” says Greta Ceranic, marketing director for Cumberland Woods Village. The Legacy Theatre is part of a state-of-the-art conference center and 247-seat amphitheatre funded through a generous $16.5 million grant by the Passavant Hospital Foundation. One of the Foundation’s primary goals is public education and outreach. UPMC physicians, nurses, and other medical staff members also use the facility for professional development training. “And funds raised through The Legacy Lineup support UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund,” adds Ms. Case, “providing financial assistance and other support services to residents in need at all 17 UPMC retirement communities.”

Productions showcase local and national talent “Each month, The Legacy Lineup features at least one major production featuring a band, soloist, or performance troupe,” says Ms. Ceranic. “Earlier this year, the Tamburitzans appeared to a sell-out crowd. Later this year, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand impersonators will perform with a full orchestra.” The 2012 lineup also includes the Jaggerz and the Fabulous Hubcaps, as well as a major holiday production in December. Because seating is limited, advance tickets are recommended. Group discounts and ticket packages are available.

Spend Mondays at the movies From cinematic classics like Citizen Kane to recent blockbusters like Iron Lady with Meryl Streep, seniors can enjoy free matinee movies every Monday at 2 p.m. at the Legacy Theatre.

Explore your interests at learning seminars On alternating Tuesdays at 11 a.m., The Legacy Lineup offers educational programming that covers a wide range of subjects, from tips on aging, caregiver support, health and nutrition, history, and local topics of interest. The seminars are free and open to the public, but advance reservations are requested. For the full 2012 calendar of activities, or to make reservations, call 412-635-8080 or visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

To learn about the independent living, personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing options offered by UPMC Senior Communities, call 1-800-324-5523 to schedule a tour. Locations include Allison Park, Cranberry, Fox Chapel, Greensburg, Lawrenceville, McCandless, Monroeville, Penn Hills, Scott Township, and Washington, Pa.

UPMC.com/Today

When Wounds Won’t Heal If you’re at risk, a simple cut or blister can quickly escalate into a major health problem.

Simple blisters, calluses, cuts, and scrapes usually heal quickly. But some wounds can take months to heal — posing a major health threat requiring special treatment to avoid serious infection, amputation, and even death. Dane Wukich, MD, an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon, and medical director of UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Mercy, says chronic wounds are often ignored. “We see 3,000 new cases each year of serious, non-healing wounds that can become life-threatening and possibly lead to amputations,” says Dr. Wukich. “Within 24 hours, a simple callous can turn deadly.”

“Individuals with neuropathy are at risk. They get a callous or blister and walk on it all day, not realizing they have a wound until they see blood on their sock,” says Dr. Wukich. “Once a wound occurs, their risk of infection goes up significantly. And once they have an infection, the risk of amputation increases astronomically.” Poor circulation due to diabetes or vascular disease also slows healing, he explains. Patients who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair are at risk of developing pressure wounds from lying or sitting in one position too long.

Prevention and treatment Preventing wounds and complications is key, says Dr. Wukich. “Patients with non-healing wounds have a worse survival rate than patients with breast cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer. That’s how serious it is,” he says bluntly. Lowering and controlling sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can improve circulation and reduce complications. Checking daily for wounds and acting quickly to treat and heal ulcers can reduce the risk of severe infection and amputation. For a wound to heal properly, it must be kept clean. Dead tissue must be removed through a weekly cleaning to prevent the spread of infection. In addition, skin around a wound must be kept moist, and doctors may prescribe walking boots and casts to reduce direct weight on the wound.

Are you at risk? People with diabetes and vascular disease are especially vulnerable to slow healing and chronic wounds. Diabetic patients often have neuropathy, which causes them to lose sensation in their feet. Because they don’t feel pain, sores go unnoticed and can become ulcerated.

At UPMC Mercy, a multidisciplinary team of infectious disease physicians and orthopaedic, vascular, and plastic surgeons work together to treat wounds and help prevent amputations. Advanced wound therapy may include the use of regenerative skin products, vascular, plastic, or reconstructive foot surgery. Amputation is used as a last resort to save a life, says Dr. Wukich. For more information about UPMC Mercy’s Wound Healing Services, visit UPMC.com/MercyWoundHealing.

Foot Care Tips If you have diabetes or vascular disease, inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, redness, swelling, or foul odor. If you can’t bend over, use a plastic mirror to check the bottoms of your feet, or ask a family member to help. Make sure your doctor inspects your feet at every visit.

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

The name you trust in women’s health is right here at Mercy. UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services are growing to provide comprehensive women’s services by bringing you the same experts who practice at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. In addition to community-based physicians and midwifery, these expanding services for women are consistent with Mercy’s rich tradition of care. UPMC’s complete range of specialty services for women covers obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, women’s cancer, and much more. From checkups and preventive care to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatments, the superb doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercy and Magee are with you every step of the way on the path to good health. We work closely with your primary care physician to provide seamless care. And every service is backed by UPMC’s world-class care, providing peace of mind when you need it most. To learn more about UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMCMercy.com.

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

R E A L

E S T A T E

I N

t’s no secret that this is the time of year when more and more “for sale” signs start to dot neighborhood streets.

Whether you are planning to buy or sell a home, build a new one or renovate a century-old one, upsize or downsize, chances are you will be looking for a real estate agent to help guide you through the process. Choosing the right professional to represent you is an important decision, one that could end up saving you money or adding to your bottom line. You need a seasoned professional to best represent your interests. But, when it comes to selecting an agent, one should realize that not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) website explains that: “The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of NAR and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.”

How to Choose a

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B E T H E L

P A R K

The organization is the nation’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members—including NAR’s institutes, societies and councils—involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. This is an important consideration when choosing an agent, whether you are a buyer or a seller. No matter which side of the real estate transaction you find yourself on, an agent can ensure that your interests are best represented. “I believe when a consumer hires any type of professional, it is always prudent to review his resume and check references. The same holds true for a real estate agent,” said Karen Berberick, GRI, Associate Broker-Manager for Northwood Realty Services. “How many homes did that agent sell in the past year? Do they have references from their past customers? What type of written marketing plan will they follow to help sell the property? Does the marketing plan encompass different types of media to include the internet, print media, television, etc.? What is a business relationship agreement and when should it be signed? There are many facets to a Continued on next page...

Real Estate Agent

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

R E A L

E S T A T E

I N

B E T H E L

P A R K

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent continued successful relationship between a real estate professional and the consumer." If you are planning to sell a property, a seller’s agent is obliged to get the best deal for the seller. He/she is permitted to give potential buyers only material facts about the listing. Loyalty is to the seller, not the potential buyer. On the other hand, if you find yourself in the market for a new home, a buyer’s agent is obligated to secure the best deal possible for the buyer. He/she is permitted to pass on any information obtained about the property or seller to his/her buying client. According to the website Realtor.com, the following are some questions you should ask during your selection process when interviewing potential agents: Are you a REALTOR®? Does the agent have an active real estate license in good standing? To find this information, you can check with your state’s governing agency. Does the agent belong to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and/or a reliable online home buyer’s search service? Multiple Listing Services are cooperative information networks of REALTORS® that provide descriptions of most of the houses for sale in a particular region. Is real estate the person’s full-time career? What real estate designations does the agent hold? Which party is he or she representing: you or the seller? This discussion is supposed to occur early on, at “first serious contact” with you. The agent should discuss your state’s particular definitions of agency, so you’ll know where you stand. In exchange for your commitment, how will the agent help you accomplish your goals? Show you homes that meet your requirements and provide you with a list of the properties he or she is showing you?

• • • • • • •

“Licensed Real Estate Agents have taken real estate courses and have passed a licensing exam and the vast majority truly works in this profession to serve and advocate for their clients,” said Ann Allsopp of Northwood Realty Services. “There is a special relationship between a

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buyer or seller and their agent. However, every agent is different and not every agent has the same background and experience so it’s best for potential buyers and sellers to do their homework and ask some questions of their potential Real Estate Agent. “Understand where the agent practices most of their business,” said Karena Allsopp, also of Northwood Realty Services. “Just because an agent office is in one location, does not mean that that is their only area of practice or knowledge. Most agents tend to practice in various locations in order to meet the demands of their clients. Particularly, if an agent is working frequently with clients relocating to the Pittsburgh area, they have to be knowledgeable all over Pittsburgh. For example, I love living and practicing in the South Hills. However, I grew up north of Pittsburgh and also tend to practice quite a bit in the Northern Pittsburgh Suburbs. So when selecting an agent, understand how active or inactive the agent is in the market in which you are selling or buying.”

Straighter Teeth in Six Months after efor e

hen people hear that someone is getting braces, immediately images of “metal mouth” come to mind. This treatment is most commonly associated with teenagers and at one time may have led to embarrassment and insecurity. However, today braces are so widely accepted during the school-age years that children are sometimes eager to begin orthodontic treatment. It is refreshing to see this shift in acceptance among teenagers. What about the adults who have crooked, crowded, uneven, or spaced smiles? There are adults who may have missed the opportunity to straighten their teeth when they were younger and are now looking at their options. The workplace can be as unforgiving as high schools once were. However, this shouldn’t limit adults from the opportunity to have a straighter, more attractive smile. There are currently a few options for adults to have their teeth straightened. The traditional method of metal braces and wires over a treatment time of a couple years is still a great option for a straighter smile. For some patients’ teeth this may be the only real option. Many people do, however, fall into a category that can benefit from Invisalign or “Short Term Orthodontics.” Almost everyone has heard of Invisalign, and it is a great treatment option for patients with mild crowding and moderate spacing. However, there are limitations in tooth movement for more severe cases. Short Term Orthodontics can provide an alternative to traditional braces and Invisalign. All three options have their benefits and limitations that should be explored before making a decision. 6 Month Smiles is a cosmetic short-term orthodontic option that uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. The average treatment time is six months. The technique works by focusing treatment on the patient’s primary concern. The faster treatment times are accomplished by treating only the teeth you see when you smile, not by increasing the forces on the teeth. 6 Month Smiles does not make major changes to the alignment of the back teeth as traditional braces can.

Fortunately, most adults’ primary cosmetic concerns do not involve the back teeth. The treatment comfort is comparable to traditional braces. With 6 Month Smiles, your smile can be straighter and more symmetrical in 5 -8 months. Whitening is also included with treatment. Another benefit of 6 Month Smiles is that it is typically a more economical choice due to shorter treatment times and lower cost. 6 Month Smiles is not a replacement for traditional braces, but rather an alternative

that can provide a more symmetrical and pleasing smile for adults who are not interested in the time, costs, or cosmetics of traditional braces. Children are still best treated by traditional comprehensive orthodontics, but it is nice for adults to have one more option for a straighter smile. Dr. Rairigh is a certified Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles provider. Learn more at PittsburghIsSmiling.com or 6MonthSmiles.com.

This INdustry INsight was written by Dr. Daniel Rairigh. Dr. Daniel Rairigh practices at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh on Fort Couch Road. He received his degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Dr. Rairigh is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a certified Invisalign provider and is certified in MDI placement. Dr. Rairigh is also an accomplished artist who has won numerous awards for his artwork. You can learn more about Dr. Rairigh or send him an email if you have article suggestions at www.pittsburghissmiling.com.

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Bethel Park Fourth Grader Wins State Dance Competition By Tracy Fedkoe ongratulations to Riley Evans, a 9 year-old fourth grader from Ben Franklin Elementary who recently won the title of 2012 Miss Petite Dance of Pennsylvania. Riley dances for the Ruby Daugherty and Sherry School of Dance in South Park and is headed to Anaheim, CA in July to participate in the National competition. The three-day Petite Miss Dance competition is for 7- to 9-year olds and was judged based on an interview, auditions in tap, ballet, jazz, and acro, and a 2 min., 45-second stage performance. Riley took first in all. “The hardest part was the audition classes. They taught you new dances and you had to pick it up really quickly,” said Riley. With a mother who was a dancer and majorette and older sister also in competitive dance and twirling at Ruby’s, Riley has been taking classes since the age of 3. This year was her first state dance competition. She previously won Juvenile Miss Majorette of America at age 7 and competes with the Juvenile Modernettes baton corps in various events throughout the year. Riley is looking forward to going to California this summer to compete in Nationals. “It’s fun for me to perform in front of the audience and judges and make friends with the other title holders from all over,” she said. Good Luck, Riley!

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Modernettes Make History with Two Gold Medals at World Championships By Tracy Fedkoe he Senior Modernettes Corps from the Ruby Daugherty and Sherry School of Dance won two gold medals at the National Baton Twirling Association World Championships in Neuchatel, Switzerland. The Modernettes travel corps was comprised of 48 girls from areas all around the city, ten of whom were Bethel Park students, including: Kaitlin Schreiner, Sharyn Braff, Danielle Fiorentini, Lindsey Young, Kara Patterson, Samantha Pauley, Danielle Hinish, Lauren Greer, Vicki Wenger, and Taylor Evans as pictured back to front, left to right in the photo, as well as BPHS alumni LeAnn Chamberlin and Merri Frances Campbell who were not in the photo. The Modernettes have won Nationals nearly every year since they started competing and represented the United States at all eight world championships, winning gold in the Show Corps Baton Competition for the seventh time in 2012. But this year was even more special; they also took home a gold medal in the Pom Pons competition, a division previously dominated by the Europeans with eleven tough contenders in the category this year. “We were the first U.S. team to ever win gold in poms,” said Kara Patterson, a BPHS senior who came back to the corps this year to compete at Worlds. Sherry Vignoli-Parisi, the director and head choreographer at Ruby’s, attributed their success to the excellent showmanship and unison of their performers. “These are not your average teenagers; they are very special girls and don’t win by accident. They earned it,” she said. The girls practiced over 100 total hours in the few months leading up to the competition, which concluded Easter Sunday. “The best part was knowing all of your hard work paid off,”

said Taylor Evans, a freshman who competed at Worlds in both corps and poms for the first time this year. During their week-long stay in Switzerland, the girls did have a little free time to see the Alps and experience the culture. “Meeting other people from all over the world and being able to talk to them and trade souvenirs was an amazing experience,” said Patterson. The Modernettes had a little time to celebrate their success and are now busy practicing for the upcoming National Competition this summer at Notre Dame University, where they will hopefully defend their current title as national and world champions. More information can be found on their website at www.modernettes.org or the Modernettes Facebook page.

Back row, left to right: Kaitlin Schreiner, Sharyn Braff, Danielle Fiorentini, Lindsey Young, Kara Patterson. Front row, left to right: Samantha Pauley, Danielle Hinish, Lauren Greer, Vicki Wenger, and Taylor Evans. BPHS alumni LeAnn Chamberlin and Merri Frances Campbell also participated but were not in the photo. Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Photos by Primetime Shots Photography

2012 Bethel Park Baseball and Their Path to the Playoffs

B P BASEBALL By Leigh Lyons

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verachieving is not a word that the Bethel Park Black Hawks have in their baseball dictionary. Perfection is what they strive for, and if perfection is ultimately unattainable, the Black Hawks will shoot for the next best thing. So far in the 2012 season, the Black Hawks have achieved a close-to-perfect record by compiling a 5-1-0 record in section play with an impressive 11-1-0 record overall. The Black Hawk’s lone loss came at the hands, or rather the bats, of rival Peters Township on March 3rd. “I’d rather be 8-0,” second year Head Coach Tony Fisher said of his team’s record when they were 7-1 to start the season. But the quest for perfect baseball should not be confused with unrealistic expectations. The expectations for this year’s team is anything but unrealistic, when it should be noted that seven starters returned from last year’s Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (W.P.I.A.L.) semifinal team. The team also returned a plethora of players at key positions, especially at the position of pitcher. Perhaps the most fantastic attribute of the 2012 Bethel Park Baseball Team is the fact that the Black Hawks finished dead last in their section just two years ago. Coach Fisher said, “We’ve played well… but we haven’t tapped into our full potential yet,” which is a scary thought for other section rivals and W.P.I.A.L. contenders as they head into the second half of their season. The Black Hawks have already defeated section rivals Upper St. Clair and Peters Township. Bethel Park defeated Upper St. Clair 6-5 on April 13th, and the team beat

Mt. Lebanon on April 16th by a score of 6-2. In such a highly contested section that includes Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township and Upper St. Clair, any chance to gain a game on one of the other top teams is crucial. Although the team is off to a more than solid start, there is room for improvement. One area that the team will look to improve upon in the second half of the season is the idea of limiting defensive errors. If the team can improve a few areas that are nagging them, the sky could be the limit for this year’s team. Senior captain Eric Yobbi said, “I think we’re strong in every way. It’s just about getting mentally prepared.” Along with the Black Hawk’s mental preparation, their defensive preparation will also be key for the rest of the Black Hawk’s 2012 season run. Pitching Coach Jeff Bouch expects a great deal from his pitchers, and thus far, they have produced. Tyler Grashoff, Luc Crox, Aaron LaPaglia, and Logan Corrigan have all been consistently good for the Black Hawks this season. The team, and Coach Jeff Bouch, will expect nothing less from these hurlers to finish off the season as well. On the other side of the diamond, the Bethel Park offense has been doing their fair share as well. Junior David Lemley is leading the team with an outstanding .500 batting average, while senior Anthony Cinello leads the team in RBIs. With the offense and defense seemingly clicking on all cylinders for the Black Hawks, the team is excited to see how the season shapes up. But staying consistent with Coach Fisher’s attitude, near perfection is not enough; the team yearns to hang a W.P.I.A.L. banner in their gymnasium. “The idea this year is that we want to put something up in the gymnasium. We want to change a banner," Coach Fisher said. If the team can continue to combine their pitching prowess with their consistent offensive and defensive talents, then 2012 might be a banner year… literally. Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

Habitat for Greater Now Accepting Applications For Home Repair, New Home Ownership, and Weatherization in Bethel Park Applications are now being accepted for new home ownership, home repairs and energy-saving weatherization measures to decrease utility bills Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh has begun accepting applications for two new programs designed to help low income homeowners with repairs to their property, as well as applications for new home ownership. Habitat’s home repair program, called A Brush with Kindness, assists families with minor repairs to the exteriors of their homes. Activities covered under this program include painting, minor roof repairs, window repair or replacement, handicap ramp repair, mending fences and other volunteer-friendly activities. This program is specifically for exterior home repair. As with all Habitat programs, the partner family will pay back a 0% interest loan for materials needed for the project. Habitat does not charge for labor. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh has four requirements to participate in the program: · Must own and occupy a home that needs and could benefit from short-term exterior or interior improvements · Must meet income guidelines set by HFHGP · Must occupy a home in Greater Pittsburgh area in Allegheny County and posses current homeowner’s insurance · Must be willing to make a minimal monthly payment In order to qualify, the family’s annual gross income (before taxes) must be below 50% of the median income in Allegheny County. For example, if your family is comprised of 4 people, and you make less than $32,000, you would meet the income guidelines. Habitat’s Weatherization program assists families struggling with the cost of high utility bills. Habitat conducts an in-home energy audit to identify energy inefficiencies, which are then corrected through repairs and renovations to the home. The repairs result in lower utility bills and may increase the safety or air quality of the 42

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Humanity of Pittsburgh home. It is important to note that weatherization is beneficial year-round to help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by using less energy and having a lower utility bill. Proper insulation is key to having an energyefficient home. For both programs, volunteer labor allows Habitat to offer repairs at a very low cost to homeowners. Because Habitat is a “hand-up” and not a “hand-out,” partner families are required to pay a nominal monthly payment. Habitat is also accepting applications for its homeownership program. Low–income families in need of affordable housing may be eligible to become homeowners through Habitat for Humanity. Partner families have interest-free mortgages and have no down-payment on their home. A typical Habitat for Humanity house will be around $80,000 as a 3-bedroom home with an average monthly mortgage payment of around $500. Partner families commit a total of 350 sweat equity hours building their home, other partner family homes, or at the ReStore. The 350 hours is the family’s down payment on the home. The partner family then enters into a 30 year, 0% interest mortgage with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh. To apply, residents should contact Habitat for Humanity’s Family Services Coordinator Daniel Webb at 412.351.0512 ext. 10, or email Daniel at Dwebb@PittsburghHabitat.org.

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

Making an on

“ImPACT”

CONCUSSIONS

he diagnosis and management of concussions is one of the hottest topics in pediatrics and sports medicine. Some studies show that up to 50% of athletes experience concussion symptoms, yet only 10% report these symptoms. Often, symptoms are vague, difficult to describe, and in some cases minimized by the athlete to hasten return to play, making the sideline diagnosis of a concussion more difficult. However, accurate diagnosis is paramount to treatment and recovery. CT scans and MRI scans of the brain are not typically able to detect the subtle changes that are thought to happen to the brain when a concussion occurs. Additionally, symptoms may not be noticed until 2 or even 3 days after the injury, making a quick diagnosis more difficult. However, until a concussion fully resolves, the patient is significantly more vulnerable to a more serious and prolonged concussion if subsequent trauma, even something very minor, is sustained. Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion are headache, feeling “slowed down,” difficulty concentrating, dizziness, “fogginess,” fatigue, light sensitivity, blurred vision, memory difficulties and balance problems. Over 90% of patients with concussions do not lose consciousness, and loss of consciousness does not predict severity or length of recovery period. One of the best diagnostic tools today is a computerized battery of neuropsychological tests called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), a test developed in Pittsburgh at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. Since its inception it has become the standard of care to better diagnose and manage concussions. This test is a 30-minute computerized test taken on a computer in a physician’s office, athletic trainer’s office, or at a certified concussion management center. This test can reveal impairment in any of the subtle categories that are often affected by a concussion, like spatial awareness, short-term memory and reaction time. ALL ATHLETES, regardless of level of play, should receive a baseline ImPACT test (i.e. a test done prior to the occurrence of an injury). It is now mandatory in most high schools for athletes to take this test prior to the start of the season. However, we recommend any child 11 and older have a baseline test done, even if they are not involved in sports. Concussions can happen during outside play, in physical education class, and even at home. Many pediatricians offer baseline ImPACT testing for a minimal fee. A baseline test allows the doctor to compare test performance before and after a concussion, helping him/her to better diagnose and manage the concussion. If a suspected concussion occurs, it is critical to remove the athlete from the game or practice. If symptoms are severe, a trainer may recommend a visit to the emergency department. If not, the athlete should rest, hydrate, and contact a physician for further recommendations. He/she should not attend school or any further athletic events until seen by a physician. Physical rest is often recommended, followed by a gradual progression through increasing levels of non-contact physical exertion. This is usually supervised by the athletic trainer at the school along with the guidance of the physician involved. Kimberly M. Pezzone, M.D., Shareholder, Pediatric Alliance, St. Clair Division is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh and completed her pediatric training at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Pezzone is board certified in pediatrics and has completed ImPACT training and certification in conjunction with the UPMC Concussion Center. Dr. Pezzone and her husband, Dr. Michael Pezzone, have four sons and in her spare time she is very involved in her children’s various baseball and soccer activities.

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Based on the level of cognitive impairment, school attendance may be restricted. The school environment can exacerbate symptoms. Concussion often causes memory deficits, difficulty in concentration and multi-tasking. If the student does return to school, it is often necessary to have academic accommodations until symptoms resolve completely (i.e. reduced homework load, delayed academic tests, avoidance of note taking or computer usage). A trained physician or neuropsychologist can help decide which accommodations are appropriate. Concussion recovery happens when all of the following have occurred: the patient is symptom free with rest and return to school, symptom free with non-contact exertion, and normalization of scores on ImPACT testing. A concussion can be frightening and frustrating for anyone to experience. However, with the proper treatment, almost 80% of concussions symptoms will fully resolve within 3 weeks. For the remaining 20%, specialized therapy at a concussion management center can assist in a full recovery and return to school and athletic participation.

Amy L. McGarrity, MD Kimberly M. Pezzone, MD

St. Clair Division “Exceptional Care for Your Children, Confidence and Convenience for You.” t t t t t t t t

New Patients Welcome Electronic Medical/Health Records Convenient Evening and Saturday Hours Walk-in hours available Monday through Saturday mornings Our board-certified physicians are on-call 24/7 Kid-friendly, separate sick and well waiting rooms Pediatric and Adolescent specialists In-office lab and lab services

Edwin B. King, MD Damian L. Ternullo, M.D. Debra M. Faber, MD Mark M. Blatter, MD Kristin L. Koontz, PA-C

1580 McLaughlin Run Rd. Suite 208 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

412-221-2121

www.PediatricAlliance.com

Welcome Classmates of Bethel Park

1987 Lots of changes in the past 25 years.... It's time to catch up!

DON’T FORGET TO SAVE THE DATE AND REGISTER FOR THE BETHEL PARK CLASS OF 1987 25 YEAR CLASS REUNION! Saturday, July 28, 2012 6 p.m. “Table” Lakeside, Brick Oven and Bar 102 N. Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317 We hope to see you! Please visit our website at www.BPclassof87.com and RSVP today! Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

v o e r C Y o o t u ! t n a W We Do you have an event coming up that you’d like to publicize? Do you have an event that you want us to cover? Let us know!

Wednesday & Thursday open at 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday open at 4 p.m. Daily happy hour from 5-7 p.m. ~ $5 appetizers! Mention you saw this ad and receive $10 off Dinner for 2! (Daily between 5-7 p.m.) ~ This offer expires July 31, 2012 LEVEL 20 offers CATERING TO GO by Executive Chef Michael Feden Unique Banquet Level available for Private Parties, Graduations, Birthday Celebrations... Features Pool Tables, Darts, 4 Large HD TVs, Full Bar, Lighting & Sound System, and DJ if desired “Like” LEVEL 20 on Facebook

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Go to www.incommunitymagazines.com/events and fill out the form. Events will be announced in the upcoming issue. If our deadlines don’t match yours, we may decide to send our photographers to cover the event for an upcoming issue. We’re looking for fundraisers, charity drives, social functions, class reunions, church festivals, awards presentations and more! If you’re not sure you have an event worth featuring, give us a call at 724.942.0940 and we’ll help you out!

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Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE – ARE YOU PREPARED? W

hile enjoying the Virginia Spots at Dave DeLallo’s Restaurant, I ran into an old friend, Tony Hickton. Tony is a proponent of gold investing. His friends call him “Midas.” “Is Gold gonna keep going up. Danny?” he asks. I don’t know about gold – but there is one thing I am sure will be going up – he inspires this article. Many people have likely experienced “sticker shock” this year as prices increased significantly at the gas pump and the grocery store. Consumers have no choice but to pay up, but rising costs can be a big challenge during retirement. Future retirees will be forced to dig deeper into their savings to maintain their desired lifestyle, or may have to simply cut back in order to make ends meet. The recent uptick in the cost of living is a reminder that life gets more expensive over time. This is important to keep in mind as you plan for your retirement. For retirees who are in good health, life after leaving the workforce could extend on for two or three decades. Adjust your goAls Accordingly If you anticipate a lengthy retirement, it is important to recognize that the loss of purchasing power will be one of the most critical risks to overcome. Even if the annual cost of living average increases at a modest rate of 3 percent during your retirement, your living expenses will theoretically double in less than 25 years. Many preparing for retirement make the mistake of assuming that the income they will

need to meet their living expenses in the first year of retirement will be consistent throughout their lives. To determine a more precise estimate, you must inflate your income need each year. For example, if you estimate a retirement income need of $50,000 per year for 30 years, that would indicate total anticipated spending of $1,500,000. But if you assume that inflation will boost living costs by 3 percent per year (from the first year’s income need of $50,000), the total income required would actually be more than $2,375,000. A tiered ApproAch to mAnAging money The reality of purchasing power risk is opposite of what many expect to happen with their portfolio in retirement. Typically, retirees tend to keep money invested in relatively safe vehicles such as FDIC-protected savings accounts and fixed income investments such as Treasury securities. Although you may retire from work, you can’t retire from investing. Due to the consistently increased cost of living, simply putting all of your money into fixed income investments and living off of it isn’t the answer. Over time, you’ll discover that the income generated is not keeping up with inflation. A different solution to consider once you reach retirement is to split your savings into different “buckets” of money. These include:

• Cash – to meet immediate income needs over the next 12 months, keep enough money in safe, liquid accounts that you can access freely to pay current expenses. • Short-term investments – you don’t want to risk money that must be in place to fund income needs in the near future. You should consider setting aside enough savings to meet another 1 – 2 years of income needs in investments with no (or limited) principal variability, such as certificates of deposit or short-term bonds. Protecting principal remains a high priority for this segment of your money. • Long-term investments – money that is not needed in the next few years to fund your income needs should be invested more aggressively, with the goal of generating capital appreciation. Investments can include a diversified mix of stocks, bonds, cash and other assets (such as real estate or commodities). This portion of your money is treated very much like the portfolio you maintained during the accumulation stage of life. Be sure to assess your risk tolerance before determining an asset mix. From time to time, money is shifted out of this “bucket” and set aside for income needs in approaching years (in either cash or short-term investments). protecting your future Retirees must accomplish a delicate balancing act with their money. The tiered approach allows you access to cash, investments with protected principals and long-term investments that may potentially generate capital. This Industry Insight was written by Dan Martin, Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors). Contact his office in Bethel Park at 412.831.6240 extension 208 or by email: daniel.e.martin@ampf.com. Dan is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of PA, OH, WV, FL, IL, NJ, SC, TX, and VA. 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. 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. ©2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Domo Arigato, Dragon Fire Robata!

ragon Fire Japanese Steakhouse, Sushi Bar and Robatayaki is the next generation of Japanese cuisine in the South Hills with the region’s first ever Robatayaki grill. So what is a Robatayaki and what makes it such a dining experience? The Robatayaki’s origins date back to 1600 in Japan and is a traditional form of informal dining based around the Robata grill. Diners sit around the Robata with fresh ingredients in front of them. Chefs skewer meats, poultry, seafood and vegetables and grill them in front of your eyes before plating them for an amazing presentation. At Dragon Fire, patrons can position themselves around a horseshoe-shaped table, with the Robata on one side and the sushi bar on the other. Sushi Chef Jing Fu Wu has more than 35 years of experience running a successful Sushi house in Philadelphia. His mix of traditional sushi and innovative, new rolls, such as the Green Dragon Roll – tuna, salmon, yellowtail, cucumber, shiso and jalapeno with an avocado exterior - is second to none. Behind the sushi bar and Robata, several traditional hibachi grill tables are positioned in Dragon Fire for patrons who want the total hibachi experience featuring everything from spatula juggling, culinary acrobatics, dancing flames and smoking onion volcanoes. Regardless of where your taste buds take you in Dragon Fire, you will not be disappointed. The hibachi presentations and skilled chefs serve full-course, quality dishes en masse, perfect for large families and groups of friends. On the sushi side, Dragon Fire’s two sushi chefs created some of the most beautiful rolls and presentations that we’ve seen to date, all of it catch of the day fresh, with each piece melting in your mouth with hints of ginger and the sting of wasabi. But since we’ve never encountered the Robata grill before, we spent the majority of our time there to see what makes these meals extra special. It turns out that the Robata grill requires the ever-watchful eye of its chefs. Japanese binchotan charcoal maintains an even, hot flame, but this grill is not a set-it-and-forget-it cooking appliance. In addition to skewering up fresh, choice cuts of meat, the chefs have to monitor temperatures, stoke the coals, and add more coals The Galleria Mall as the night goes on. 1500 Washington Road The charcoal Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 412.892.8815 burns at

a very high temperature and quickly sears in the juices and flavors of the steaks, seafood or vegetables being cooked on it. Executive Chef Joe Scalise creates a variety of handmade sauces to complement the items from the Robata. Patrons can expect their order to take a few minutes longer coming from the Robata, but the brief wait is definitely worth it. Starting off with the Robata chicken lettuce wraps, we discovered that watching the chef prepare our meal in front of us is mesmerizing. The chicken is skewered up and placed on the grill. The chef turns the skewer for even cooking, all the while basting it with a ginger infused soy Thai chili sauce. It’s then plated with the chicken cut into bite-sized pieces nestled into crisp lettuce beds, covered with toasted almonds, green onion garnish and served with additional sauce for dipping. More succulent chicken cannot be found than this. From the caramelized sauce on the chicken to its moist center, each bite was a divine combination of sweetness, with a hint of heat. Moving on to the main course, the Salmon Yakatori is something not to be missed. Cross-skewered and kissed by Robata flames, the chef cooks a hefty-sized salmon fillet and finishes it off with a ponzu glaze. “What’s a ponzu glaze?” you might ask. The question has a mouthwatering answer. A ponzu glaze is a spicy, citrusy concoction of soy sauce, Thai chilies, lemon, lime, orange, ginger, garlic and rice wine vinegar, and made for a heavenly dish, bursting with flavors. Dragon Fire uses sustainably-raised salmon, and is constantly trying to source as many seafood choices as possible from the Marine Stewardship Council certified suppliers, which means they are an eco-conscious establishment. But perhaps the best thing about Dragon Fire is that the items from the Robata are available a la carte and can be mixed and matched to put together a filling meal, or shared as small plates by a group. Dragon Fire is one of the best new restaurants to hit the South Hills in a long time. Be sure not to miss it! For full menus and information, go to www.dragonfiresteakhouse.com.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday 12-8 p.m. dragonfiresteakhouse.com Inquire about catering and special events at DragonFire via Megan@dragonfiresteakhouse.com

Bethel Park | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 49

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Alberta Modern Hair Offers Exceptional Styles for All Ages with Teen Salon

year ago, Alberta Modern Teen had just opened its doors as a new concept that owner Larry Alberta wanted to try out. Today, Alberta Modern Teen has proven to be more than a concept – it’s become a way of life among its customers and its stylists. “I wanted to develop that salon into a training facility for young stylists. As they progressed, they would move into our main salon,” Alberta said. “For our teen clients, they like to come in in groups. It’s become a place where it’s more than just about hair. They hang out together, they play music. It’s a nice space with a great sound system. It’s about having more fun while getting your hair cut, without sacrificing the quality of those cuts and color.” Away from the salon, Alberta’s clients are more ambassadors than customers. The salon grows by word of mouth and with the help of “House Models,” who apply for the privilege of wearing one of the salon’s styles. Once selected, the salon does their hair for free, and they in turn wear the look to school and promote the salon. “They can be from any school district around, and it’s been a great way to get our look into the schools,” Alberta said. The same strategy works with feather extensions and Flyties – ties to tie back long hair that can also be worn as wrist wear.

House Models were given samples to wear to school and the results have been amazing. But while Alberta doesn’t have any problems with getting clients, getting talented individuals to tend to those clients has proven a harder get. “I’ve always been about education. I train our stylists personally. We go to the beauty schools, I’ll give a seminar, and then we’ll scout around,” he said. “I look for the ones that will come to the salon and follow up on my training. We’re always looking for that one or two each time we go, that will fit into our culture.” It’s a more difficult task than it sounds because Alberta’s not just looking for technical proficiency; he’s looking for students with a passion for hair. “There are very few that do have that passion any more, but they are there. You just have to find them,” he said. “I’m not looking for someone to work for us for a short time. I’m looking for someone who’s going to be around, work their way up to Alberta Modern Hair and be with us for the long haul.” That philosophy of education and personal growth has guided Alberta throughout his career. Never content with the status quo, Larry refined his skills along the way, and throughout his career, continued his professional education, staying current on trends,

techniques and methods. During the ‘80s, Larry attended the Sassoon Academy in Toronto, and continued his training in New York City, Rome, Venice and Florence. In 1998, Larry and his sister, Debi Mace, opened the Alberta Mace Salon in Peters Township, Pennsylvania. Larry continued to train with Sebastian International in Los Angeles and recently completed the strictly business seminar, learning the latest in salon management and business trends in the industry. Located at 733 Washington Road, Alberta Modern Hair and Alberta Teen share adjacent storefronts, but that’s about all. Alberta Modern Hair bills itself as “sophisticated and urbane,” while Alberta Modern Teen is “chic and carefree.” Alberta Modern Hair is now offering junior stylist pricing, thanks to Alberta Modern Teen’s stylists as well. “People can make appointments with the girls on the teen side for the teen price while the kids are in school during the week,” Alberta said. “That price structure is the $29 haircut.” For more information on Alberta Modern Hair or Alberta Modern Teen’s hair care services, including treatments, highlighting, deep conditioning, school dance styles, or onsite birthday parties, call 412.343.4200, or go to www.albertamodernhair.com.

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images for reproduction (files larger than 1MB in size). Include with your submission: Name, age, and headshot of the entrant, parental signature, and phone number where we can notify you if you’ve won. Entrants are limited to children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age.

The winning entry, as well as the first and second runners-up, will be featured in the Fall issues of IN Community Magazines. CONTEST DEADLINE IS JULY 6. No entries will be returned. Entries should not include any graphics or concepts of existing movie posters. All entries should be PG in nature.

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