FALL 2011
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
INSIDE! Brentwood Borough School District News Baldwin Borough Newsletter Briefly Brentwood Newsletter
Contents Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 |
FA L L 2 0 1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
What’s Inside
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© 2011 UPMC
Serious Games for Stroke Recovery
37 page 3
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes
page 4
Healthy Eating for Busy Families Achoo! Don’t Get the Flu
page 5
Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves
page 6
A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly
page 7
Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously
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Publisher’s Message | 4 COMMUNITY INTEREST
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FEATURES
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| INDUSTRY INSIGHTS |
| | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT | ON THE COVER
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Brentwood Borough School District News | 6 Baldwin Borough News | 20 Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce | 34 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 37 Briefly Brentwood Borough News | 45 Whitehall Public Library | 76 Special Value Coupons | 78 How to Choose a Preschool in Brentwood, Baldwin & Whitehall | 18 The Secret Art of Getting Into College | 19 A Recycling Competition Where Everybody Wins | 24 Whitehall Community Day | 26 Sustainability? Isn’t That Just a Fad? | 28 The Brentwood Historical Society Brings the Past to Life | 30 Whitehall Farmers Market | 32 Real Estate in Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall Fall Landscaping Ideas | 63 A Handyman’s Guide o Destroying Your Home | 64 Making Your Home More Accessible to All Generations | 65 Costa Homebuilders | 67 Spice Up the Fall with Library Programming | 72 What to Expect After the First Meeting with Your Attorney By Fred Goldsmith & Rich Ogrodowski | 74 How to Prepare Your Home for Winter! By Sue Clark | 77 Hayes Chiropractic–Eliminate Your Aches and Pains | 79 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, P.C. | 75 Students from Baldwin High School perform at the Whitehall Community Day Parade. Photo taken by Gary Yon.
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FALL 2011 Welcome to the Fall issue of Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall Magazine. As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go back to school, I sincerely hope that you and your family had some time to get away from it all and relax. It seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids with their sports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an ever more elusive “lazy summer.” Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around a family table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyone remember board games? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then you might be trapped in the 21st Century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I think that life should be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spend some time with each other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Family time is an important part of being a community. And every community should value quality time with their families – it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and more importantly, how to participate in a family structure so they can pass on to their kids what you worked so hard to build. Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut off the main power to the house so that the family could enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook was closed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask what happened. While the commercial was pushing some tasty dinner product, the message was more palatable – you have to make family time. I would take that message one step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours. Have a great Fall!
IN Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS
Pamela Palongue GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Sharon Cobb Susie Doak
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Garyyonphotography.com
Wayne Dollard Publisher
A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
With all of the “activism” in the Brentwood, Baldwin and Whitehall communities, I wasn’t surprised to see the municipalities taking part in the Recycling Competition. What a great way to promote a more green standard of living. When you read about the way communities are stepping up to help out the environment, I am sure you will want to do your part. Cathy Trexler sure is doing her part by helping to spear head the Redd Up program in Brentwood. If you have the chance to get involved with this program to improve the look of the borough, I know Cathy would appreciate your assistance. As you get out your rakes and sweaters to welcome in the season of Autumn, I hope you will take some time out to enjoy this edition of In Brentwood, Baldwin, Whitehall Magazine. Let me know if you meet someone or organization we should be writing about in the magazine. You can always email me at the magazine m.jeffries@icmags.com
Derek Bayer Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes John Gartley Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Rita Lengvarsky Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki CapezioWatson
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968
Winter content deadline: 10/18 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
4 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
Superintendent’s Message It only seems like yesterday that the students were leaving our schools to begin another much awaited summer vacation. Now a new school year is here. Classrooms have sprung back to life with the return of students and teachers. As I walk through the schools, I see students eager and willing to learn as teachers provide the needed instruction and guidance necessary for success. Another key component in student success is family support. As the district leader, it is extremely satisfying to witness the continued support our families provide to their children, as well as, to our schools. As is customary in my first message for a new school year, there are several updates of actions taken since the conclusion of last school year that I would like to note. Since the 2002-2003 school year, the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) has provided direction for the school district. The CIP will continue to do the same this school year. Approved at the August General Purpose Meeting by the Board of School Directors, the CIP for 2011-2012 contains five primary goals. These goals include: improvement of student achievement in all academic areas; improvement in curricular and extracurricular programs offered in the school district; improvement of communications with all stakeholder groups; improvement in the appearance, upkeep, safety, and security of all facilities; and improvement in school district fiscal matters. Specific action plans for each of the goals have been developed for implementation throughout the year. Generally, students return from summer vacation to see new faces among the teaching staff greeting them in their classrooms. This is not the case this year since no new teachers joined the staff. However, students at the
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middle/high school saw two familiar faces but in different positions. Mr. David Radcliffe, previously the middle/high school assistant principal, is now the middle school principal. Mrs. Lindsay Klousnitzer, formerly a middle school English teacher, is now the middle/high school assistant principal. I look forward to working with these professional educators in their new roles as part of the district administrative team. Due to reductions in state and federal education funding from previous years, no major facilities improvement projects were undertaken during the summer. The maintenance and custodial staffs dedicated their energies to making repairs to the existing facilities, finishing small projects, and completing the summer cleaning process that occurs between school years. Students and staff returned to clean well-maintained buildings. In my message that appeared in the previous issue of In Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall, I addressed the tentative school district budget in light of reductions in state funding. Approximately two weeks after the operating budget for 2011-2012 was passed on June 20, 2011, the district received notification that the initial anticipated state subsidy would be increased by $234, 212. More specifically, $158,877 additional in Basic Education Funding and $75,335 in Accountability Block Grant Funding would be received. These additional funds will be used to offset that portion of the fund balance used to balance the approved budget. As I enter my sixth year as the Superintendent of Schools for the Brentwood Borough School District, I continue to consider it both an honor and a privilege to hold the position. I look forward working with everyone to continually improve our school district while addressing our mission to educate and prepare our young people to meet the challenges and demands that will be placed upon them by a constantly changing world. Ronald W. Dufalla, Ph. D. Superintendent of Schools
Board Approves Operating Budget for 2011-2012
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
Under Act 1, the school district is required to adopt a final operating budget for the upcoming school year by June 30th. The Board of School Directors officially adopted its final budget for 2011-2012 on June 20, 2011 at its General Purpose Meeting. The $18,868,505 budget is $43,077 less than the 2010-2011 operating budget. Increasing costs and a stagnant tax base continued, as in previous years, to be challenges in budget development. A new challenge, reductions in state subsidies resulting from the loss of Federal stimulus funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), added another hurdle to this year’s budget formulation process. A breakdown of revenues and expenditures by category is shown in the accompanying pie charts. As you can see, the majority of revenue comes from local sources, followed by state and federal subsidies and grants. The “Other” approximate $983,983 noted on the illustration reflects monies from the fund balance that will be used to offset the difference between expenditures and revenues. On the expenditure side, the majority of the operating budget is designated for instruction and support services, followed by debt service and non-instruction. The Board of School Directors worked diligently to construct a budget that did not require an increase in millage. This was due in small part to the constraints of Act 1, but primarily out of the concern for placing any additional tax burden on our residents during these challenging economic times. The 2011-2012 operating budget required no increase in real estate taxes. Real estate taxes remain at 28.27 mills on every dollar or $2.827 per $100 of the assessed valuation. This rate has been in effect since the 2006-2007 fiscal year. The earned income tax and real estate services tax will remain at ½%. The local services tax will remain at $5. The proposed final operating budget was on public display at all district schools and the Brentwood Library from May 10, 2011 until its final adoption on June 20th. Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
Kozarian Elected to National Board
Student Information Release Opt-Out Federal public law 107-110, section 9528 of the ESEA, “No Child Left Behind Act,” requires school districts to release student names, addresses, and telephone numbers to military recruiters upon their request. The law also requires school districts to notify students and parents of their right to opt-out of having this information released. If you would like to exercise your right to opt-out, please submit this in writing to your child’s building principal.
Joseph Kozarian, Director of Facilities and Security for the Brentwood Borough School District, was elected Region 3 Director at the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) conference held in Orlando, Florida on July 1, 2011. He was nominated by fellow NASRO members to represent the states of Pennsylvania, New Once a York, New Jersey, and Delaware. Regional directors gain a s in pr availab evious must be regular NASRO members, reside in the region le to B years, r e n the “G twood card p elected, be a sworn law/commissioned enforcement olden rovide r e s i d Ager” e s free nts 65 play, s card w officer, and be employed or appointed as a school a y d e missio ars of ponso ill be n to al age or r e d b resource officer (SRO) or supervisor. This position l “Golde y the B older. events The n Ager rentwo , exclu ” card ding th od Bor serves a two-year elected term. Offices i e s o ugh Sc schoo availab in the l hool D le at th lower office i s e l t e r D i v ct. The istrict el of th hours In 2006, Officer Kozarian started the necessary Admin 8 a.m. e midd istrativ to 4 p.m le/high training to become an SRO and went on within the e schoo . Mond l a d y u ring re throug NASRO program to earn his practitioner and instructor gular h Frida y. titles. He continued with additional NASRO approved trainings that included 40 hours of basic SRO training and 24 hours of advanced SRO or supervisor training. After completing 160 hours of specialized police in-service training, Officer Kozarian attended the national SRO conference in Louisville, Kentucky where he was honored last year with the Exceptional Service Award in Region 3.
“ G old C a rd e n A g e r ” Availa ble
As a Regional Director, Officer Kozarian is responsible for presenting information on the roles and responsibilities of school safety personnel in relationship to emergency planning and procedures within his region. Good luck and congratulations to Officer Kozarian!
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Brentwood B O R O U G H
BHS Participates in Central Blood Bank Scholarship Program
SCHOOL DISTRICT
For more than 10 years, Brentwood High School has participated in the Central Blood Bank Scholarship Program by holding blood drives throughout the school year. Area high schools compete for the scholarship money based on percentage of participation. Although BHS is small, our students are very supportive of this program and have received scholarship money consistently over the past 5 years. For the 2009-2010 school year, a $1500 award was received. This money was given in the form of three $500 scholarships to seniors (Class of 2011) pursuing careers in the health fields. For this past school year, 2010-2011, we have received another $1500 award that will be given as scholarships next spring to seniors from the Class of 2012. In September, a representative from Central Blood Bank will present an assembly program to 10th, 11th and 12th graders, explaining the process and stressing the importance of blood donations in the community. One donation has the potential to help three patients in area hospitals. Donors must be at least 16 years of age, and must have signed parental permission until they are 17. Those 17 and older do not need signed parental permission. A donor may give blood every 56 days. The blood drives for the 2011-2012 school year have been scheduled for the following dates: Thursday, September 29, 2011, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, Thursday, February 23, 2012 and Wednesday, May 23, 2012. The drives are held in the Middle School gymnasium from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm and are open to the community as well as our students and staff. Community support will help us reach our goals to earn scholarship money! If you would like to schedule an appointment prior to the blood drive, please call Mrs. Nancy Kaminski at 412-881-4940 (Ext. 2345), but walk-ins are also welcomed. If you are unable to donate during those times, donors may go to any Central Blood Bank facility (there is one on Baptist Road in Whitehall) and designate your donation to be credited to Brentwood High School.
Emergency Delays or Cancellations In the event of a change in the school calendar due to inclement weather or emergency situations, necessary information for parents and students will be provided on the following television and radio stations: TV STATIONS KDKA (Channel 2) WTAE (Channel 4) WPXI (Channel 11)
RADIO STATIONS KDKA (1020 AM) FROGGY (98.3 FM) KQV (1410 AM)
In addition, the AlertNow notification system will continue to be used to contact homes in the event of school delays or school closures. AlertNow is a Web-based rapid notification and communication service that allows the school district to contact hundreds of parents within minutes having the capability to deliver both voice and e-mail messages. In order for AlertNow to work efficiently, updated contact information is a must and should be submitted to your child’s school office. Every effort will be made for all schools to remain open as originally scheduled on the school calendar. In order to reduce the number of days the schools may be closed due to inclement weather or emergency situations, delayed starting times will be used when conditions allow. On days when delayed starting times are used, all schools will begin at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted in television, radio, or AlertNow announcements.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
NCLB Notification Addressing Professional Qualifications Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), parents have a right to request professional qualifications of their children’s teachers or paraprofessionals. Parents have the right to ask for the following information: whether Pennsylvania has licensed the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches; whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which Pennsylvania licensing criteria have been waived; the teacher’s baccalaureate degree major and whether the teacher has any advance degrees, and if so, the subject of the degrees; and, whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. Please contact your building principal if this information is desired.
Cafeteria Meal Prices Set Breakfast and lunch prices for the 2011-2012 school year have been set as follows: • Elementary Student Lunch • Middle/High School Student Lunch • Middle/High School Student Tiered Lunch (Larger portions and different menu items) • Elementary Student Breakfast • Middle/High School Student Breakfast • Milk (A la Carte)
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$1.85 $2.10 $2.60 $1.25 $1.25 $0.50
High School Sports.Net All schedules for middle school and high school athletics and activities can be found at www.highschoolsports.net. This website is used by high schools throughout the area to keep the community up to date on school events. Those visiting the website will have “live” information about Brentwood athletics and activities including team and season schedules; daily, weekly, and monthly events; student transportation; event locations; scores; opponent information; and schedule changes.
Admission Fees Set For Athletic Events The admission fees charged for various athletic events sponsored by the Brentwood Borough School District are as follows: • Football-Adult $4, Senior Citizen $3, Student $2 • Basketball-Adult $4, Senior Citizen $3, Student $2 • Volleyball-Adult $2, Senior Citizen and Student $1 • Swimming-Adult $2, Senior Citizen and Student $1 In addition, active military personnel will be admitted free of charge with military ID. These fees remain unchanged from last school year. Admission to all other athletic events not noted above is free.
A R P P N o i t A c i f i N ot
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires school districts to notify parents requesting consent for their children’s participation in certain school activities. Considered “protected information surveys,” these activities include student surveys, analyses, or evaluations that concern any of the following areas: • Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent • Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family • Sexual behavior or attitudes • Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior • Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships • Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers • Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents • Income, other than as required to determine program eligibility This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams and screenings. If there is ever a need for a “protected information survey,” parents will be notified in advance by the building principal. Parental consent will be requested prior to the administration of these surveys.
Summer Programs Provided Through Stimulus Funds A
s part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), stimulus funds were available that enabled the district to operate two summer programs. For a third year, a portion of the funds was used to operate a Title I Summer School for elementary students. Hosted at Moore Elementary School for five weeks, the Title I summer program began on June 13th and concluded on July 21st. Another portion of the funds was used for a four week Extended School Program that was an extension of the autistic support classroom currently operated by the school district. This program also hosted at Moore Elementary School began June 27th and concluded on July 21st. Both programs operated Monday through Thursday mornings between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Substitute Personnel Needed Are you an individual that has the desire to substitute on an occasional basis as a teacher, nurse, custodian, secretary, teacher aide, security, or cafeteria worker? Substitutes in these areas are always needed to replace personnel that are absent for illness or attendance at meetings. If you are interested in placement on the school district substitute list in any of the categories noted, please contact Nancy Brown in the District Administrative Office at 412-881-2227.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
By Frank Krawiec, MSW, LCSW, Wesley Spectrum School Based Services Mental Health Intervention Specialist (This article originally appeared in the Fall 2010 issue of News and Views. Due to the very positive response at that time, the article is being repeated as its information is both timely and relevant as a new school year begins.)
Back to School Behavior Tips…Setting Up A Structure That Works Many students often fall out of their school routine during the summer months. It is often difficult to re-establish a routine when school starts back up. Here are some suggestions for establishing a structured routine and improving school behaviors and attitudes. Call a Family Meeting and Talk About What is Going To Change This is most helpful when it is done before the school year begins to start with a clean slate, but it can also be effectively done at certain times during the school year such as at the beginning of a new quarter. It is most helpful to sit down as a family to talk about the school year structure. Talk about what rules you’re going to change and what will stay the same. It is best to go into this meeting with a set agenda, which may include bedtime, homework routine, or getting to school on time. Make this an open conversation with input from all family members. When an agreement is made about new rules or routine, try to stick to it as best as possible. Write down the agreed upon schedule and post in central locations where all family members can see. Be Realistic…Don’t Tackle Everything…Focus on the Problems That Are Most Crucial If the last school year was difficult for your child, you may be tempted to lay out a long list of new rules. Instead, pick out the things that are most important such as morning/evening routine, homework time, or balancing academic time with sports and/or outside activities. Once you see your child make a positive change with a new rule, notice and give praise immediately to begin to shape this positive behavior. Talk To Your Child—Specifically—About What Needs To Change If your child had a difficult year behaviorally or
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academically last year, it is important to have a conversation about what needs to change. You want to address this as a problem you are going to solve together. Ask what he/she needs from you to make this a better year. Your child will have a better understanding of what change looks like and how to do it since you model it. For younger children, developing a chart or poster that lists out the new structure and expectations may be helpful. Set the Expectation for a Better Year Set an expectation with your child from the start that it’s going to be a better school year. Be both hopeful and realistic. Think about last school year and ask yourself, what went smoothly? What needed to change? Remind your child of the things that worked last year and try to build on them. Catch good behavior early in the year and give them some momentum to last for the rest of the semester.
You need to plan how the school week looks, how you will get everyone to their activities, how you will fit in homework time, and how you will manage to keep things going smoothly. This is challenging but not too late. If structure is needed now, it will always be needed. Add in times for breaks, snacks and to celebrate accomplishments. Celebrating small changes will lead to more confidence in tackling big goals.
A Special Note About Kids with Learning Disabilities or Anxiety It is particularly challenging for kids with learning disabilities to go back to school because they know that it is going to be a struggle for them. As their parent, and biggest advocate, it is beneficial to set clear limits and have a positive discussion with your child about school. Talk with the school about coming up with realistic goals and rewards and partner with the school to support the needs of your Find Someone at the School Who Will child. Let your child know that whatever the Support You school year may hold, that together you can get If your child’s school year has started and you’re through it, no matter what. Let them know that noticing issues cropping up, you are probably you are in their corner, cheering for them and feeling frustrated already. Try to find somebody proud of them. Make sure you celebrate every in the school who you can ‘partner’ with, success, even small ones. someone’s who’s going to help you help your child do better academically, socially or Looking Ahead... behaviorally. This might be a teacher who Even though we don’t want to think about the understands and likes your child, or a guidance winter months while we are enjoying the fall, counselor or school social worker that can now is a great time to plan for the potential of connect you with resources. The important school delays and snow. Hide a few board thing is to make some positive relationships games, crayons, markers, toys, and puzzles now with school personnel. that you may find at the Dollar Store or a garage sale. Tuck away for winter when you Remember That It’s NEVER Too Late may need that surprise “bag of tricks.” It is never too late to establish a structure. Happy Fall! Often the difficult part is trying to stick with it. Parents need to realize that a new routine actually requires a whole new set of organization for them.
SPECIAL SERVICES – PARENT INFORMATION NOTICE
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN Determining Eligibility: Your child may be eligible for special education if your child: ➢ Has a physical, sensory, mental, or emotional disability and ➢ Needs special education as determined by an evaluation team.
Indications of Physical, Sensory, Mental, or Emotional Disability: Some indications that your child may be a child with a disability in order to meet the first part of the two-part definition are: ➢ Difficulty performing tasks that require reading, writing, or mathematics, ➢ An emotional disturbance over a long period of time which affects your child’s ability to learn, ➢ Consistent problems in getting along with others, ➢ Difficulty communicating, ➢ Lack of interest or ability in ageappropriate activities, ➢ Resistance to change, ➢ Difficulty seeing or hearing that interferes with the ability to communicate, ➢ Health problems that affect educational performance, including attention problems. Your child may need specially designed instruction that isn’t normally needed by other children in the general education classroom to make progress in school. This need for special education is the second part of the two-part decision to qualify a child for special education services.
Screening: The Brentwood Borough School District has a screening process within each student’s home school that identifies students who may need special education. This process includes: screening preschool and early intervention students in the spring and summer prior to their entering kindergarten; screening students for speech and language services in Kindergarten and by referrals throughout the school year; routine health
screenings, including height, weight and vision, for all students Kindergarten through 12th grade, hearing (K-3, 7, 11), physical exams (K, 6, 11), scoliosis screening (6, 7), and dental screenings (1, 3, 7); monitoring student progress on reading and math performance assessments (K-11) at selected intervals throughout the year; multidisciplinary team referrals; screening student records (discipline reports, progress reports, standardized test scores); screening referrals to the Student Assistance Program and; and screening student enrollment records throughout the school year. For students with academic or behavior concerns, an intervention is developed based on the results of the screening. The student’s response to the intervention is looked at closely and if screening activities have produced little or no improvement within 60 school days, the student will be formally referred for an evaluation for special education. Parents may request that the evaluation take place without going through these screening activities.
The Evaluation: The evaluation process collects the information that will be used to determine if the student needs special education and, if so, the types of programs and services needed. The evaluation shall include information provided by the parents; review of school records (attendance, report cards, standardized test scores); information provided by the classroom teacher and school nurse; screening by speech and language therapist; observation of the student’s behavior in the classroom; curriculum based assessments; evaluation by a school psychologist; and input from an occupational or physical therapist, if therapy may be needed. The student may be referred for the evaluation in several ways: ➢ The parent may ask the school to evaluate the student for special education at any
time. This can be done by sending a letter to the student’s school principal. The Permission to Evaluate will then be issued. ➢ The school may contact the parent and request permission to have the student evaluated. The parent must consent in writing to the student’s evaluation. School officials cannot proceed without the parent’s written permission on the Permission to Evaluate form. If permission is not received and the school continues to find that an evaluation is necessary, they may ask for a due process hearing and get approval from an impartial hearing officer to evaluate the student. All evaluations needed to determine the student’s eligibility for special education will be provided by the student’s school district at no charge. Results of the evaluations will be made available to the parents for their review. The parents may also get evaluation reports from professionals outside the school district and send them to the student’s school. The results of these outside evaluations will be considered in determining if the student has a disability and needs special education. If the parents wish for the school district to pay for these outside evaluations they must make the request in writing. If the school district refuses, they must initiate a special education due process hearing. Evaluations must take into account the student’s language skills and ethnic background so that the testing and evaluation will not be unfair for the student of a different race or culture. Tests are given in the language or form that is most likely to give accurate information, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so. Evaluations also take into account the student’s disability to be sure the results are reliable. If the student is eligible, a reevaluation is conducted at least every three years unless the student is intellectually disabled, in which case reevaluations are conducted at least
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
SP E CIAL E D UCATIO N FO R SCH O O L AGE CH ILD R E N (c ont i nue d ) every two years.
The Evaluation Report (ER): The Evaluation Report will include information about the student’s skills, social behavior, learning problems, learning strengths, and educational needs. All evaluations and reevaluations include a review of the testing and assessments that were conducted, information from the parents, classroom observations, and the observations of teachers and related service personnel. The evaluation or reevaluation will also tell you what additions or changes are needed to help the student take part in and progress in the general curriculum. The Evaluation Report will indicate if the student has one or more disabilities and if the student needs special education. It may recommend the type of programs and services the student needs. The ER may state that the student is not eligible and does not need special education services. The parents will receive a written notice of this determination and have the right to dispute it at a hearing. The entire evaluation process will be completed within 60 calendar days, excluding summer vacation, from the date the district receives the parent’s written permission on the Permission to Evaluate form. A copy of the ER will be given to the parents. If the parent does not agree with the ER, they may submit a dissenting opinion, which will become part of the final ER.
The Individualized Education Program (IEP): If the student is eligible for special education, a team meeting with parent involvement is scheduled for the student. The IEP will be written at the meeting and will include a description of all the programs and services necessary to help the student be successful. The IEP team uses information that is contained in the ER to write the IEP. Required members of the IEP team are: The 14
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child’s parent(s); at least one of the child’s general education teachers (if the child is, or might become, part of general education classes); at least one special education teacher; the school district administrator/local education agency representative; someone who can interpret the evaluation results, who may already be a member of the team; a representative from a vocational-technical school if a vocationaltechnical program is being considered for the child and; at parent request or that of the school district, other people who know the child well or who have worked with the child. The parent may bring an advocate to advise them or anyone else who will be able to add information about the child’s educational experience. One person may fill more than one of the above roles. Mandated members of the IEP team may be excused from the meeting if the parent and the school district agree in writing. If a member is excused and his/her area of expertise is being discussed, he/she must provide written input before the meeting. If the parents choose to not attend the IEP meeting, it may be held without them.
IEP Timelines: The IEP will be completed within 30 calendar days after the evaluation team issues the Evaluation Report. The IEP plan will be implemented as soon as possible, but no later than 10 school days after the IEP is completed. The student’s program is reviewed every year at an IEP meeting or more often if requested by the parent or any other IEP team member.
Educational Setting: The IEP team will consider different classes or schools to determine where the program can be delivered. The first consideration will be the general education classroom in the student’s neighborhood school. The law requires that students with disabilities be placed in situations that will provide as many opportunities as appropriate to be with students who are not disabled. This is called
placing the student in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The LRE is the general education classroom in the neighborhood school unless the IEP team determines that the special needs of the student cannot be met there even with supplemental aids and services.
The Appropriate Class: The classroom chosen for the student will depend upon the amount and kind of special instruction or services the student needs. A special education teacher may be able to provide instruction in the general classroom (Inclusion). For some students, placement in a special education Itinerant, Supplemental or Full-time classroom for some of the day is necessary. Students who receive most of their instruction in basic academic subjects in special education classes will still have opportunities to participate in other activities in school with general education students. These opportunities might include participation in elective subjects such as art or music, belonging to a general homeroom, socializing in the lunchroom, and attending assemblies and other enrichment programs with general education students. The IEP team decides what type of support class is appropriate for the student with special needs. These classes are formed around the learning needs of students who are assigned to them: Learning support class – for children whose greatest need is for help in academic areas such as reading and math; Emotional support class – for children whose greatest need is for social, emotional, and behavioral help; Life Skills support class – for children whose greatest need is to learn skills that will allow them to live and work independent of their families; Sensory support skills class – for children who require help in dealing with disabilities resulting from limited vision or hearing; Speech and language support class – for children who have difficulty speaking and communicating; Physical support class – for children who need programs that consider their physical
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
SP E CIAL E D UCATIO N FO R SCH O O L AGE CH ILD R E N (c onti nue d ) disabilities; Autistic support class – for children with autism; Multiple disabilities support class – for children with more than one disability, the combination of which results in needs requiring many services and much support.
Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP): Upon completion of the IEP, the parent will receive a NOREP. The NOREP will indicate the educational placement for the student and requires parent approval in writing before the school district will begin implementation.
a child with a disability or thought to be a child with a disability. These are called procedural safeguards. The school has the duty to inform parents of these procedural safeguards: ➢ Upon initial referral or parental request for an evaluation; ➢ With notice of a disciplinary change in placement; ➢ Upon the first occurrence of filing for a due process hearing. In addition, the law requires parents to be informed:
Basic Rights for Parents: Parents have a right to be notified of the safeguards that serve to protect the rights of their child who is
➢ When the school proposes to change the identification, evaluation, educational
placement, and the provision of a free appropriate public education or refuses a parent request to change the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of a free appropriate public education; ➢ Of the student’s progress toward annual I EP goals on a periodic basis, such as quarterly; ➢ Of the procedures to maintain the privacy of the student’s education records. Only those who need to work with the student will see the student’s record. For additional information contact Dian Saltzberg, Coordinator of Special Education, telephone 412-881-4940, extension 2116, or e-mail dsaltzberg@brentwoodpgh.k12.pa.us.
THE GIFTED STUDENT Determining Gifted Eligibility: Mentally gifted is defined as “outstanding intellectual and creative ability, the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.” A child may be eligible for gifted education if he/she: ➢ Is a year or more above grade achievement level for the normal age group in one or more subjects. ➢ Demonstrates an observed or measured rate of mastering new academic content or skills that reflect gifted ability. ➢ Demonstrates achievement, performance, or expertise in one or more academic areas. ➢ Shows early and measured use of highlevel thinking skills, academic creativity, leadership skills, intense academic interest areas, communication skills, foreign language aptitude, or technology expertise. ➢ Has documented, observed, validated, or
assessed evidence that intervening factors are masking gifted ability.
Screening and Evaluation: The term mentally gifted includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher and other factors that indicate gifted ability. Gifted ability cannot be based on IQ score alone. If the IQ score is lower than 130, a child may be admitted to gifted programs when other conditions strongly indicate gifted ability. The other factors to be considered include: achievement test scores that are a year or more above level; observed or measured acquisition/retention rates that reflect gifted ability; achievement, performance, or expertise in one or more academic areas that demonstrates a high level of accomplishment; higher level thinking skills and; documented evidence that intervening factors are masking gifted ability.
The Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE): A Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation is a process to gather the
information that will be used to find out if a child qualifies for gifted education and, if so, the types of programs and services needed. Part of this process includes an evaluation by a certified school psychologist. A child may be referred for the first GMDE in several ways: ➢ Parents may request the school to give their child a GMDE at any time, but there is a limit of one request per term. The parent may ask for this evaluation by sending a letter to the school principal. ➢ A child’s teacher may also ask to have a child evaluated.
The Gifted Written Report (GWR): A multidisciplinary team reviews all materials and prepares a GWR that recommends whether a child is gifted and needs specially designed instruction. As a member of the GMDT, a parent may present written information for consideration. The GWR must include the reasons for the
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
THE GIFTED STUDENT (continued) recommendations and list the names and positions of everyone who was part of the team. The entire GMDT process must be completed within 60 calendar days, excluding summer vacation, from the date the school district receives the parent’s written permission on the Permission to Evaluate form.
The Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP): If the GIEP team decides the student is gifted and in need of gifted education, the team writes the GIEP at the meeting. The GIEP is based on the unique needs of the gifted student and enables the gifted student to participate in
acceleration or enrichment programs, or both, as appropriate, and to receive services according to the student’s intellectual and academic abilities and needs.
Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA): Upon completion of the GIEP, the parent will receive a NORA and a Notice of Parental Rights for Gifted Children. The NORA will indicate the educational placement for the student and requires parent approval before the school district will begin implementation. The Notice of Parental Rights for Gifted Children describes your rights and the procedures that safeguard your rights.
Parent Rights: At all times, a parent has certain rights with all gifted education services received by their child: ➢ The right to be notified about a child’s program and progress and any changes that take place; ➢ The right to approve or reject programs and testing; and ➢ The right to privacy. For additional information, contact Dian Saltzberg, Coordinator of Special Education, telephone 412-881-4940, ext. 2116, or e-mail at dsaltzberg@brentwoodpgh.k12.pa.us.
PROTECTED HANDICAPPED STUDENTS Students who have disabilities, which substantially limit their participation in, or access to school programs, but who do not need special education, may qualify for reasonable accommodations in the general education classroom under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These services will be provided by the Brentwood Borough School District without cost to the student or family. The required accommodations are those, which are needed to afford the student equal opportunity to participate in and attain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities without discrimination. The rules (Chapter 15) are
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different from those for students needing special education who qualify by meeting the two-part criteria listed above. In compliance with state and federal law, the Brentwood School District provides to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped
student the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled in special education programs. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact your child’s school principal.
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Brentwood B O R O U G H SCHOOL DISTRICT
SERVICES FOR PRESCHOOL AGE CHILDREN The Early Intervention System Act (Act 212) entitles all preschool age children with disabilities to appropriate early intervention services. Children experiencing developmental delay in the areas of cognitive, communicative, physical, social/emotional and self-help development may be eligible for intervention services. If you have questions regarding difficulties your child may be experiencing please contact one of the following agencies.
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is responsible for providing services to infants and toddlers, defined as children from birth through two years of age. For additional information contact Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, 2801 Custer Avenue, Second Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15227 (telephone 412-885-6000).
preschool age children from age three through school age. For additional information contact the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Dart Program, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, Pennsylvania 15120 (telephone 412-394-5736).
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing services to
CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDS The law guarantees that the student’s school records are kept confidential. Only those who have an educational interest in the student will be permitted to see the student records. Someone has an educational interest if that person teaches the student or otherwise is responsible for some aspect of the student’s education. The district maintains a record of individuals who access a student’s educational records. Records cannot be given to anyone outside the school system without parent permission unless there is a legal reason for doing so. The privacy rights of parents and students are mandated by federal legislation known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA – 20 U.S.C. 1232g, 34 C.F.R. Part 99), state regulations (Chapter 14-Special Education Services and Programs, Chapter
12-Student Rights and Responsibilities), and district policy. The different categories of information maintained by the school district are as follows: educational and health records, personally identifiable information, and directory information. With the exception of school officials, receiving school districts, Federal, state or local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically required to be reported or disclosed pursuant to Federal or state statute of regulations, educational and health records and personally identifiable information cannot be disclosed or released without parental consent or adult student (a student who is 18 or older, married, or attending an institution of post secondary education) consent. Directory information means information, which would be considered not harmful or an invasion of
privacy if disclosed. This information includes the following: student’s name, address, e-mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, courses taken, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. Complaints asserting FERPA violations are filed with and reviewed and investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office, Washington, DC 20202-4605. For additional information contact Dian Saltzberg, Coordinator of Special Education, telephone 412-881-4940, extension 2216 or e-mail dsaltzberg@brentwoodpgh.k12.pa.us.
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HOW to CHOOSE a PRESCHOOL in BRENTWOOD, BALDWIN & WHITEHALL By Pamela Palongue Preschool-aged children are defined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education as 2.5 to 5 years. These are some of the most crucial learning years of a child’s life. In fact a child’s ability to pick up languages peaks in the first three to four years of a child’s life. Also by the age of four, a child has begun to learn the concept of sharing and begins more social interaction with his peers. For this reason, choosing a preschool may be as important as choosing a college will be in later years. According to Bob Santo, who has over 20 years of experience working with children and is owner of the Goddard School in Peters Township, there are several key points that a parent should seriously consider before enrolling their child in a preschool. First of all, are the teachers certified in CPR and first aid? Although the State of Pennsylvania only requires one individual to be on the premises who is certified, a far more ideal situation is a school that requires all of its staff to be certified. Also, be sure to examine the educational level of the staff. Pennsylvania preschool teachers are not required by law to have a 4-year degree; although some schools employ only those with bachelor degrees. Another important aspect of any school is the décor. Is it a bright and cheerful environment that encourages learning and play? Does it lend itself well to creativity and physical activities?
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Santo also feels that a school that emphasizes multicultural activities is important, because we live in a multicultural world. At his particular school, Spanish and sign language classes are taught as an ongoing curriculum. Santo points out, “It was once thought that teaching a child several languages at a young age would only confuse them. But we now know that children have an amazing ability to compartmentalize languages, without mixing English with Spanish or [other languages.] In fact, they have the ability to learn up to four languages at this age.” Do your homework! Make sure that your child’s preschool is accredited by a well-known and established accreditation organization. Although the State of Pennsylvania audits preschools to make sure safety requirements are met, no particular academic standards are required. Santo estimates that less than 30% of preschools are accredited. Finally make sure that your child’s school has an open door policy where parents are welcomed at any time to visit the school and to observe classes. This ensures the integrity of the school and its staff.
The
Secret Art of Getting Into
T
By Leigh Lyons
College
he secret art of getting into college, sadly, does not exist. Please don’t be mad at my misleading title because while there is no one key element to gaining acceptance into the college of your dreams, there are proven elements to a successful candidate’s application portfolio that can be shared with prospective students. The obvious top elements of importance to admissions officers are still SATs and high school GPA, but there is so much more that a school is looking for. Below is a list of the top five elements that admissions officers look for in a prospective student’s application (information compiled from top news magazines and former admissions officers from various schools): 4SATs and GPA: SATs and GPA have always been important, and they are still the most important aspects of a student’s application profile. 4Extracurricular Activities: Colleges don’t want a long list of random activities from a student. They would prefer you to become a “specialist” in one area, rather than be a jackof-all-trades. A former admissions officer at a top school said that colleges are looking to have a well-rounded student body of individual specialists. 4Personal Essays: Show the real you. They don’t want you to make up extravagant stories, and they don’t want you to talk about taboo subjects such as natural disasters. Also, you do not want to become redundant. Explore new ways to tell more about yourself without being repetitive. 4Start Early: Most academic advisors will tell
you to have a plan, and start early. The “Common Application” that is used by many schools is not available until August 1, but usually there is an early version available to get ahead. 4Be Careful About Social Media: Social media has become an intricate part of everyday life to students, but they must be careful. Admissions officers will not usually search specifically for a student’s social media profile/account, but oftentimes “tips” are sent to them, and they must explore them. Do not have anything discouraging on your profile that could be used against you. You may also use this space to show your talents; if you are a photographer, you can have a portfolio of pictures you have taken.
We hope that this quick list will help you in your quest to be accepted into whichever college you choose, but remember, there really is no set formula in the application process. The best way to go about the application process is to be prepared, be organized, and be yourself. Sometimes you can have excellent grades, and a great score on the SAT, but you may be denied admission for reasons outside of your control. A former admissions officer said that a student who lives on a farm in North Dakota is not judged by the same criteria as a student living in a Pennsylvania suburb, like Upper St. Clair. This is something you cannot control, and therefore should not worry about. Just do the best you can with the main elements you can control, and we wish you the best of luck in the college application process. Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Baldwin Borough News
e v i t a l s i g e L : e t a Upd
3344 Churchview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412.882.9600 www.baldwinborough.org
In an effort to keep the residents and stakeholders of Baldwin Borough informed and engaged in the progress of the community, this Legislative Update will highlight some recent activity of Borough Council. Below you will find a summary of various Ordinances and Resolutions that have been adopted by the Borough in the past 18 months. The listing is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to provide a relevant sample to the public. Ordinance No 838 837
Date Adopted 6/21/2011 6/21/2011
834
3/15/2011
833
2/15/2011
829
5/17/2010
Resolution No 2011-07-06
Date Adopted 7/12/2011
2011-02-02
2/15/2011
2010-09-16 2010-08-15
9/21/2010 8/17/2010
2010-05-10
5/17/2010
2010-04-08
4/13/2010
2010-01-05
1/19/2010
Description Banning the extraction of natural gas within the confines of the Borough Establishing an “Airport District Overlay� and amending the official zoning map by the adoption of an official supplementary airport overlay zoning map Adopting pre-treatment standards for the discharge of wastewater into the collection systems operated by the Borough of Baldwin Establishing revised guidelines and standards for residential and commercial lighting Prohibiting water discharge and adding erosion and sediment controls and post-construction runoff controls Description Authorizing the filing of a CDBG funding application with Allegheny County Department of Economic Development Requesting the Pennsylvania Legislature to take affirmative action to implement uniform assessment of real property in all Counties of the Commonwealth Authorizing application for a federal DUI grant Opposition to forced mergers and consolidation of local governments in Pennsylvania Establishing the Energy Stimulus Fund for grant proceeds awarded for Municipal Building Energy Efficiency Program Requesting the Pennsylvania General Assembly pass a statewide lost or stolen handgun reporting law Authorizing the Borough of Baldwin to enter into a Consent Order with the Pa Department of Environmental Protection
Borough Council meetings are held the second and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30. All meetings are open to the public. 20
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
What Is Storm Water? Storm water is water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into what we call storm sewers. These are the drains you see at street corners or at low points on the sides of streets. Collectively, the draining water is called storm water runoff.
Baldwin Borough reminds you that
When it Rains It Drains
Why is Storm Water ''Good Rain Gone Wrong?
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection www.dep.state.pa.us
Storm water becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants as it flows or when it causes flooding and erosion of stream banks. Storm water travels through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that make up storm sewer systems. It eventually flows directly to a lake, river, stream, wetland, or coastal water. All of the pollutants storm water carries along the way empty into our waters, too, because storm water does not get treated!
What Happens When It Rains?
Pet wastes left on the ground get carried away by storm water, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our water. Vehicles drip fluids (oil, grease, gasoline, antifreeze, brake fluids, etc., onto paved areas where storm water runoff carries them through our storm drains and into our water. Chemicals used to grow and maintain beautiful lawns and gardens, if not used properly, can run off into the Storm drains when it rains or when we water our lawns and gardens. Waste from chemicals and materials used in construction can wash into the storm sewer system when it rains. Soil that erodes from construction sites causes environmental degradation, including harming fish and shellfish populations that are important for recreation and our economy.
Rain is an important part of nature's water cycle, but there are times it can do more damage than good. Problems related to storm water runoff can include: Flooding caused by too much storm water flowing over hardened surfaces such as roads and parking lots, instead of soaking into the ground. Increases in spending on maintaining storm drains and the storm sewer system that become clogged with excessive amounts of dirt and debris. Decreases in sportfish populations because storm water carries sediment and pollutants that degrade important fish habitat. More expensive treatment technologies to remove harmful pollutants carried by storm water into our drinking water supplies. Closed beaches due to high levels of bacteria carried by storm water that make swimming unsafe.
Restoring Rain’s Reputation: What Everyone Can Do To Help Rain by nature is important for replenishing drinking water supplies, recreation, and healthy wildlife habitats. It only becomes a problem when pollutants from our activities like car maintenance, lawn care, and dog walking are left on the ground for rain to wash away. Here are some of the most important ways to prevent storm water pollution: Properly dispose of hazardous substances such as used oil, cleaning supplies and paint – never pour them down any part of the storm sewer system and report anyone who does. Use pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff. Look for signs of soil and other pollutants, such as debris and chemicals, leaving construction sites in storm water runoff or tracked into roads by construction vehicles. Report poorly managed construction sites that could impact storm water runoff to your community, (See the back of this brochure for contact information.) Install innovative storm water practices on residential property, such as rain barrels or rain gardens, that capture storm water and keep it on site instead of letting it drain away into the storm sewer system. Report any discharges from storm water outfalls during times of dry weather – a sign that there could be a problem with the storm sewer system. Pick up after pets and dispose of their waste properly. No matter where pets make a mess – in a backyard or at the park – storm water runoff can carry pet waste from the land to the storm sewer system to a stream. Store materials that could pollute storm water indoors and use containers for outdoor storage that do not rust or leak to eliminate exposure of materials to storm water.
Where To Go To continue the Information Your community is preventing storm water pollution through a storm water management program. This program addresses storm water pollution from construction, new development, illegal dumping to the storm sewer system, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices in municipal operations. It will also continue to educate the community and get everyone involved in making sure the only thing that storm water contributes to our water is ...water! Contact your community's storm water management program coordinator or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for more information about storm water management. Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Baldwin Borough News
HALLOWEEN EVENT WHEN:
Saturday, October 29, 2011 WHERE:
Municipal Building Complex TIME:
10 a.m.– 5 p.m. INFO:
412.885.1283
REMINDER: THE LEAF RECYCLING WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 24, 2011 THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. LEAVES SHOULD BE PLACED IN BIO-DEGRADEABLE PAPER BAGS AND PLACED AT CURB ON REGULAR TRASH DAY.
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Bob Mackewich, Brentwood Borough Director of Public Works feels that the south hills competition has definitely increased awareness in the borough and is confident that the percentage of recycling has increased. The borough has been working hard to increase recycling in recent years with the purchase of 35 gallon receptacles at no cost to residents in which to place their recyclables for pick up. They have also sponsored a “Redd Up Day” where volunteers pick up trash along the roads and Good Will participated in collecting electronics for recycling. 24
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1According to Earth 911.com News, over 7 billion pounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC, a type of plastic) are thrown away in the U.S. each year. Only about 1 quarter of 1 percent is recycled. It makes a person think. But one man wanted to do more than just think. He saw some of his neighbors taking advantage of the recycling program in his neighborhood, while many others didn’t seem to be interested in participating at all. He began to wonder if there was something that could be done to create awareness of the recycling program and how to inspire people to take part. Andrew Baram had always had a passion for recycling and taking care of the environment. A native of Philadelphia, Baram and his family moved to Mt. Lebanon nine years ago. “This is a garden spot!” says Baram, “I know people will want to preserve this if they are just aware of how easy it is.” That’s how the idea of a recycling competition came to Baram. He formulated an idea where the different boroughs of the south hills could compete for the largest increase in the amount of recycled items. He approached Mt. Lebanon Public Works Director Tom Kelley with the idea and it was quickly put into action with Mt. Lebanon coordinating the competition.
A RECYCLING COMPETITION WHERE EVERYBODY WINS
By Pamela Palongue
Eight south hills communities are participating in the competition; Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Baldwin, Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, Peters, Pleasant Hills, Scott and South Park. They will vie to win the Trash Bin Trophy. The competition was put forth in Jan. 2011 by the Waste Reduction Committee of Mt. Lebanon. There will be a prize for the largest percentage increase of homes participating in recycling and also the largest increase in total tonnage of recycled items. Since the boroughs all have different population size, this gives the competition a level playing field, since it will be based on comparing the borough’s previous year of recycling. Although Mt. Lebanon and South Park appear to be in the lead at the present time, all boroughs have experienced dramatic increases in the amount of recycled materials and the competition will continue until the end of the year. On a personal level, Baram really does practice what he preaches. He takes the bus to work to his downtown job, he regularly composts and his family of four produces less than a bag of garbage a week! “It’s so easy to recycle now that Single-Stream Recycling is in place,” says Baram. Single Stream basically means that residents no longer have to sort items into categories such as glass, paper, cardboard, etc. Baram also notes that many families are not recycling cardboard. “I know some people who are recycling, but they are not recycling cardboard. I just think awareness is the major issue here.” Another item for the recycling bin are aseptic containers. Aseptic containers are the square boxes used for liquids such as drink boxes and milk. We now have recycling plants that have the capability to re-use these containers in the Pittsburgh area.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
Baram, who describes himself as the unofficial chair of the Waste Reduction Committee of Mt. Lebanon, hopes that this competition will become an annual event and that recycling grows because of it. Some local corporate sponsors have pitched in to help promote the contest with a $500 sponsorship. They include PNC Bank, Waste Management, Allied Waste and Green Star Recycling. Besides corporate sponsors, Baram has also tried to integrate his recycling efforts with the local school district. He coordinated with Mt. Lebanon High School to produce a short video detailing the entire process of recycling. Eventually he feels that landfill space may become so scarce it will create a ‘pay as you go’ situation where residents will be asked to pay for exactly what they throw out. One European country already has a similar plan in place for reducing consumption; Ireland began charging 15-cents for each plastic bag disposed of in 2002. Just a year later, plastic bag use had dropped by 90 percent. The idea is that paying for what is thrown away increases awareness of consumption. Although the borough of Baldwin is currently in the middle of the standings in the recycling competition, Borough Manager John Barrett feels that the experience has all been very positive. “It’s a great initiative. We’re mandated to recycle here in Baldwin,” says Barrett. One thing that the borough has done in recent years to make recycling easier and more convenient for residents is to issue recycling stickers that can be placed on any trash can to be used for recyclable materials. This eliminates the need for having to go out and buy a special receptacle. Barrett is optimistic about the future of recycling and looks forward to participating in the competition next year if it is held. “Maybe we can borrow some ideas from the leaders of the competition to help us here in our borough.” Bob Mackewich, Brentwood Borough Director of Public Works feels that the south hills competition has definitely increased awareness in the borough and is confident that the percentage of recycling has increased. The borough has been working hard to increase recycling in recent years with the purchase of 35 gallon receptacles at no cost to residents in which to place their recyclables for pick up. They have also sponsored a “Redd Up Day” where volunteers pick up trash along the roads and Good Will participated in collecting electronics for recycling. Mackewich feels that the competition has been a positive influence and adds, “If they have the competition next year, Brentwood will definitely participate. It’s a great idea.” 1Wills, A. (2010, May 24). The Numbers on Plastics. Earth911.com. Retrieved June 2010 from http://earth911.com/news/2010/05/24/the-numbers-on-plastics/
Although the borough of Baldwin is currently in the middle of the standings in the recycling competition, Borough Manager John Barrett feels that the experience has all been very positive. “It’s a great initiative. We’re mandated to recycle here in Baldwin,” says Barrett. One thing that the borough has done in recent years to make recycling easier and more convenient for residents is to issue recycling stickers that can be placed on any trash can to be used for recyclable materials. This eliminates the need for having to go out and buy a special receptacle.
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Whitehall Photos by Gary Yon
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Community Day
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W
hat’s the big deal about going green? First of all, it’s not just about being green. It’s about being sustainable. And every one of us should make it a big deal. While green encompasses environmental factors such as pollution and the quality of air and water, sustainability affects a broader scope – the natural, economic and social systems that affect our lives. These factors are also known as the “3E’s” – environment, economy, equality.
What is “sustainability” anyway? Sustainability is the ability to endure. It ensures that our quality of life remains diverse and productive for the long term. Scientific evidence shows that we have not been doing such a great job, which is why you’ve been hearing so much about the need to reduce our “carbon footprint” and “greenhouse gas emissions.” I don’t care what happens after I’m gone. Besides, we’ve got more important things to worry about. What is more important than ensuring our natural, economic and social systems sustain our wellbeing? Think about it. Much of today’s quality of life is a result of the actions of past generations. Besides, when you think about those more important things, you’ll most likely discover that they fall under one of the 3E’s. What you do today can affect you now as well as future generations. We’ve got to change the way we do things. But that’s the way we’ve always done it. Have you heard that today’s solution is tomorrow’s problem? Our needs are ever
changing, and it’s up to us to keep up with those changes. But we’ve got to think of the effects on the future. It is up to us to prepare today for what tomorrow may bring. I’m only one person. What I do won’t matter. Oh, but it does matter. And it affects you just as much as it does everyone else. And it’s not that hard. One simple action like turning off your water faucet while you are brushing your teeth can save up to 240 gallons of water per person per month. Conservation can ensure that resources are available for future generations. Conserving energy not only reduces the amount of resources being consumed, but can reduce your monthly bills. What is Brentwood doing about it? We, like many other communities worldwide, are taking steps to foster a community that sustains over generations, yet is adaptable enough to maintain its natural, economic, social and political support systems. Brentwood Borough employees are encouraged to conserve energy, reduce waste and recycle. They are asked for ideas to green their operations. In addition, smart growth, conservation, preservation and many other sustainability factors are considered in actions taken by elected officials. In 2010, Brentwood hosted the first-ever Redd Up Brentwood Day. It started out small, participating in conjunction with Pitt’s Make-ADifference Day. Since then
Brentwood’s Redd Up Day has included dumpsters for hard to dispose of items such as tires, scrap metal and building materials. Brentwood teamed up with an e-cycler where residents can drop off used computers, cell phones and other small electronics. More and more businesses and civic groups have expressed interest in participating in this community activity in the future. Volunteers can earn up to four community service hours. This year, Brentwood Borough has been participating in a recycling competition with ten other communities in the South Hills – Baldwin, Dormont, Jefferson Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, Pleasant Hills, Scott Township, South Park Township and Upper St. Clair. The competition is supported by Waste Management, Allied Waste, GreenStar Recycling and the PNC Foundation. Quarterly recognition is given to municipalities whose recycling tonnages have exceeded their baseline 2010 levels, municipalities with the largest percent increase in residential recycling as compared to the previous year, and the municipality with the greatest tonnage of recyclable materials. In January 2012 prizes will be presented to the municipalities ranked highest in these three categories. OK. I get it. What do I need to do? Find a solution that suits you. Following are a few ways to help, either as an individual or as part of a group to which you belong.
Sustainability? Isn’t That Just a Fad? By Cathy Trexler
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! FALL REDD UP DAY IS OCTOBER 22, 2011! 28
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Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
Taking Steps Towards Sustainability Community Clean Up (Redd Up Day) Many communities in Allegheny County participate in a “Redd Up Day,” an initiative of Citizens Against Litter (www.citizensagainstlitter.org). Individuals and businesses can pitch in with their neighbors on a designated day. Watch for Spring and Fall Redd Up Day activities on the Borough’s website at www.brentwoodboro.com; in the community news magazine, In Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall, or contact Redd Up Day Coordinator, Cathy Trexler, at 412-885-4350 or ctrexler@brentwoodboro.com. Recycling or Proper Disposal of Waste You can find plenty of information online about recycling and proper waste disposal. Allegheny County provides resources for Household Hazardous Waste Collections, Hard to Recycle Collections, a Recycling Resource Directory and more at www.achd.net\recycling. Other resources are Zero Waste Pittsburgh at www.zerowastepittsburgh.org and the Pennsylvania Resources Council at www.prc.org.
Brentwood Borough will be teaming up with Citizens Against Litter and Pitt’s Make a Difference Day. Watch the Brentwood Borough website for details.
Donate and Recycle Donate your unwanted items. There are many of organizations who will take your donations for resale. Plan to visit one of the many drop-off locations or arrange for pick up. Some of these organizations include Goodwill, Salvation Army, Vietnam Veterans (Pick Up Please.org), and Paralyzed Veterans, just to name a few. Recycle used items by shopping at resale shops. Also consider joining Freecycle where individuals or groups can give or receive free items.
e-Waste and e-Cycling Proper disposal of used computers, cell phones, electronics and batteries will divert hazardous materials from ending up in a landfill. Locate an EPA certified responsible recycler (or “R2”), such as e-Loop. Concerned about data security? A certified R2 will offer several solutions for safe and secure data destruction. In 2010, Pennsylvania passed legislation to create a statewide program to recover and recycle electronic waste. Look for electronic recyclers and more about recycling at the Department of Environmental Protection at www.depweb.state.pa.us. Energy Saving Tips and Toolkits Your utility companies offer tips to conserve your energy and water usage. Some may have toolkits to track and monitor your usage while other may have helpful tips. Some offer energy audits to low income families. Here are a few of our local utilities: • Equitable Gas Home Energy Toolkit, Home Energy Analyzer (www.equitablegas.com) • Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Energy Efficiency Program (www.columbiagaspa.com) • Pennsylvania American Water Company Wise Water Use (www.pawc.com) Duquesne Light Watt Choices Duquesne Light’s Watt Choices program helps customers conserve energy and reduce demand while lowering their electricity costs. The Watt Choices program offers energy efficiency rebates, energy audits, refrigerator recycling and more. Residential, municipal, commercial and industrial customers can take advantage of a wide range of energy efficiency and conservation measures. By participating in these programs, customers learn ways to conserve energy, as well as reduce their overall impact on the environment through reduced power plant emissions and load reduction. And in some cases, they can earn cash for themselves or for their school. Visit www.duquesnelight.com/wattchoices for more information.
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T
he Brentwood Historical Society was formed in 1991, but after a few years attendance dwindled and though the society was not officially disbanded, it did not hold meetings for several years. This year, several community members decided to make it their mission to reform the society and to try to generate community interest in their activities. I was invited to attend their meeting on August second, which was their third meeting since they began their efforts to breathe new life into the group. The meeting began with the election of officers. Audrey Iacone was elected president, Lorraine Russ will serve as vice president, Mark Faust is the secretary, and Jack Hartman was named as treasurer. After the election, guest speakers Pat Lombardi and Patty Houck from the Baldwin Historical Society spoke to the members of the Brentwood Historical Society in order to offer guidance and inspiration for future projects. After the presentation by the Baldwin Historical Society members, the members of the Brentwood Historical Society discussed the future of their club. They have many ideas, so there is something to interest everyone. As many of you may already know, Brentwood will be celebrating its centennial in 2015, and the historical society is wasting no time in planning for centennial related projects. The first idea mentioned was the suggestion of a centennial quilt. The quilt would be made by community members and displayed in the Brentwood Public Library so that everyone would be able to see and appreciate the needlework. The historical society is also planning to put together a book of photographs and stories chronicling Brentwood’s first 100 years. The book will be made available to the public and will also be put on display in the library. They also discussed the possibility of holding a 100th anniversary banquet for the community. The historical society does not want to do everything on its own, though; the members talked about
trying to form a centennial committee comprised of representatives of Brentwood organizations, businesses, and churches. The formation of this committee would ensure that all Brentwood residents would be represented during the planning of the centennial celebration. Planning was not confined to the subject of the centennial, though. The Brentwood Historical Society is also planning to begin working on some other projects. As you may know, the World War II memorial at John F. Slater Funeral Home was researched and erected by the Brentwood Historical Society. Members are now turning their attention to other wars; they are interested in gathering information about Brentwood residents who have served in the Korean War subsequent conflicts. Information collected on the men and women who served in these wars will not be limited to their names and dates of service but will also include – when possible – an oral account of their experiences and memories. Several historical society members also expressed interest in researching the history of the streets in the community. They would like to compile a list of the streets, any previous names that the streets may have had, the people who lived there, and the businesses that were located there. They would also like to make a list of all of the businesses that have made Brentwood their home during the last 100 years. The society is also looking into gathering antique postcards featuring pictures of Brentwood. The most time-sensitive project that the historical society is working on is a calendar that will contain antique photographs of Brentwood. The calendar will be available for sale. The Brentwood Historical Society is growing, and they are hoping to continue to expand. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in
The Brentwood Historical Society Brings the Past to Life 30
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the Brentwood Public Library, and new members are always welcome. Even if you feel that you do not have the time to commit to becoming a member of the historical society, it is still possible to aid in their plans. If you have antique photographs or postcards of Brentwood, the historical society would like to see them for use in the calendar or the centennial book. If you or someone you know is a member of the Brentwood community who has served in the military, please contact the society. Also contact them if you are interested in working on the centennial quilt. To contact the Brentwood Historical Society, call the Brentwood Public Library at 412-882-5694.
By Gina Sallinger
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Whitehall Farmers Market
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The Farmers Market at Caste Village held every Monday in Whitehall Borough from 3 to 7 p.m. fresh and locally grown produce, and homemade treats. The event runs through Photos by Gary Yon Oct. 24.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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THE WOMEN’S NETWORKING GROUP
GENERAL MEETING LUNCHEONS
The Women’s Networking Group of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce meets the second Friday of each month at 12 noon for lunch at South Hills Country Club. We welcome members and nonmembers. Tables are available for ladies who would like to display products or merchandise. Lunch for Chamber members is $15, non-members, $18 and a display table is $10.
The Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce meets the first Thursday of each month, noon at various area locations. Lunch for Chamber members with a reservation is $15, non-members and members without a reservation will be charged $18.
Our Mission
The mission of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce is to promote business and professional growth through a favorable business climate, to keep members informed on vital issues, and make our community a better place to live, shop and do business.
Please make reservations with Mary Dilla, Chamber secretary, at secretary.bbwchamber.com. – Dottie Coll, Chairman
WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON MEETINGS September 9, 2011 October 14, 2011 November 11, 2011 December 9, 2011 January 13, 2012 February 10, 2012
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETINGS 12 Noon September 1, 2011 ................................ South Hills Country Club October 6, 2011 ...................................... The Georgetown Centre November 3, 2011 ....................................................... Salvatore’s December 1, 2011 ................................... The Georgetown Centre January 5, 2012 ............................................ Thee Olde Place Inn February 2, 2012 ........................................................... Calabria’s March 1, 2012 ............................................................. Salvatore’s April 5, 2012 ................... Catered by Blvd. Café…(Location TBA) May 3, 2012 ............................................................ Legacy Lanes June 7, 2012 ...........................................South Hills Country Club
2010-2011 Officers and Board of Directors President .... Debbie Maddock, First Commonwealth Bank Vice President ................ Steve Gardiner, Eber Associates Treasurer .. Barb Allemeng, Allemang Concrete & Masonry Secretary .......................................................... Mary Dilla Board of Directors Julie Beck Dottie Coll – Two Men And A Truck Ron Dufalla, Ph.D. – Brentwood School District Mary Halerz – Doctor Drain Larry Korchank, Ph.D. - Baldwin Whitehall School District Mary Ann Laudato – Pittsburgh Asphalt Company Bob McKown – Goff, Backa, Alfera & Company Dave Schultz – Legacy Lanes Virginia Weida – Virginia Weida Interior Design
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Please make reservations with Mary Dilla, Chamber secretary, at secretary.bbwchamber.com.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
51 Communities Golf Outing The 51 Communities Golf Outing is set to tee off at 11 a.m. on Monday September 19th at South Hills Country Club. This is the chamber’s biggest fund raiser of the year and we need your help. For additional information on how you can support this event, contact Bob McKown 412.885.4686 x104 or Mary Halerz 412.390.7555 event co-chairmen.
VA R S I T Y
F R E S HM E N
S C HE D UL E
S C HE D UL E
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FA L L 2 0 1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
What’s Inside
© 2011 UPMC
page 2
Serious Games for Stroke Recovery
page 3
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes
page 4
Healthy Eating for Busy Families Achoo! Don’t Get the Flu
page 5
Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves
page 6
A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly
page 7
Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously
Serious Games for Stroke Recovery Robotics and gaming offer fun — and effective — therapy for patients in rehabilitation It’s hard to resist playing video games that allow us to escape from the ordinary. That bit of fun and distraction is exactly what doctors are prescribing for patients at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation — and the results are impressive. Located at UPMC Mercy, the center regularly uses robotics and gaming technologies, along with traditional therapies, as part of its treatment plan.
An individualized approach “Because strokes result in a loss of important physical and mental abilities, they can be devastating to patients and their families,” says Jennifer Shen, MD, the center’s medical director. “No two stroke patients are alike, so we create a specific multidisciplinary treatment plan for each patient that can include speech, occupational, and physical therapies.” The one common element in stroke rehabilitation is repetition, which is essential to increased strength, motor learning, and recovery. But while repetition is key to the healing process, it can soon lead to boredom.
Defeating the boredom factor To keep patients engaged and involved in their therapy, the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute established the Robotics and Gaming Center at UPMC Mercy. The center’s technologies — which include the GameCycle®, Lokomat®, Nintendo® Wii , Armeo®Spring, and Armeo®Boom — allow for precise, measured, and varied repetition that can be adjusted for individualized care. The ArmeoBoom is in clinical use nowhere else in Pittsburgh, and in very few places across the country. (See the box below to learn more about some of these technologies and their role in a patient’s rehabilitation.) TM
UPMC’s Robotics and Gaming Center Robotics and gaming technology are fast becoming valuable tools in stroke rehabilitation. In addition to the ArmeoBoom, the robotics and gaming technologies available at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation include: GameCycle: A stationary hand cycle that’s used with a commercial video game to combine cardiovascular and balance exercises with flexibility and strength training. The GameCycle was invented at the University of Pittsburgh. Lokomat: A robotic treadmill for people who can’t walk on their own that allows them to build leg muscles while retraining the brain to control leg movements. ArmeoSpring: Like the ArmeoBoom, it provides fun and motivating therapeutic exercises for arms and hands to help patients relearn tasks.
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Dr. Michael Boninger shows how the ArmeoBoom’s games and simulated tasks allow rehab patients to work hard and have fun.
“Rehabilitation can be tedious because it takes a lot of repetition to teach the body to move again,” explains Michael Boninger, MD, director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute. “Using robotic equipment, such as the ArmeoBoom, for rehabilitation is kind of sneaky. It allows patients to enjoy playing a game while they’re actually working very hard at rehabilitation.” To use the ArmeoBoom, patients strap their arm into a sling attached to an overhead boom. Robotic supports allow patients to move their arm while playing reach-and-retrieval computer games such as solitaire and placing apples in a shopping cart, along with simulated tasks, such as cooking or cleaning. “Besides injecting a much-needed sense of fun and adventure into the challenges of rehabilitation, the computer games on the ArmeoBoom provide quick feedback that gives patients a sense of accomplishment that is very important,” says Jaclyn Glosser, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, an occupational therapist at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute who works with patients on the ArmeoBoom. Dr. Shen agrees that instant feedback is important in stroke rehabilitation. “It can be very hard for stroke patients to see that they are making progress,” she notes, “but with the ArmeoBoom, patients see what they can do. With even the smallest movement, patients recognize that they are getting better.” For more information about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation, call 1-877-AT-REHAB (1-877-287-3422) or visit www.UPMC.com/RehabInstitute.
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes Be smart about your heart — and stroke treatment — to protect your brain The myths about stroke are numerous. Among the most popular — and perhaps one of the most dangerous — is that stroke is something that happens only to older adults. In fact, a recent report by the American Stroke Association showed a sharp rise in stroke hospitalizations among men and women ages 15 to 44, while rates declined by 25 percent among older adults. “The biggest mistake people make is thinking it won’t happen to them,” says Tudor Jovin, MD, director of the UPMC Stroke Institute. “Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age,” he says.
“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences.” — Lawrence Wechsler, MD
Lowering your risk is the best way to avoid the life-changing impact a stroke can have on you and your family. When a stroke does occur, fast action is critical to minimize damage. The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.
Think FAST
Prevention: What you can do
Use this simple acronym to help determine whether you’re witnessing a stroke:
“Heart disease increases your chances of having a stroke, so it’s important to control the risk factors,” says Lawrence Wechsler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at UPMC. While you can’t do anything about your age, family history, or ethnicity (African-Americans have a higher incidence of stroke), you can control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.
Face:
Can the person smile (or does one side of the face droop)?
Arms:
Can the person raise both arms (or does one side drift downward)?
Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?
“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences,” Dr. Wechsler says.
Time:
Treatment: Time lost is brain lost
Act FAST
Every minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death. One of the best treatments for ischemic strokes — where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain — is the quick administration of the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). While UPMC doctors have had success beyond three hours with a special procedure to retrieve the blockage or dissolve it with drugs administered directly into the clot, time is critical.
Strokes require immediate medical attention, so knowing the warning signs is crucial, says Maxim D. Hammer, MD, director of stroke services at UPMC Mercy. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:
For patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, fast action is needed to repair the leaking blood vessel.
Call 911 If you suspect someone has suffered a stroke, call for emergency medical help immediately so treatment can begin without delay. Specialized stroke centers — such as UPMC’s Stroke Institute at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, and UPMC Mercy — have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to diagnose and treat patients. The UPMC Stroke Telemedicine Program also uses technology to provide fast treatment to patients at other UPMC hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania.
Call 911 immediately, if someone exhibits any of these warning signs!
• Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body • Problems with balance or walking • Vision problems • Slurred speech • Problems communicating or understanding • Severe headache To learn more about stroke prevention and treatment, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Healthy Eating for Busy Families America is getting fatter and Pennsylvania is helping to lead the way as one of the nation’s top 20 “most obese” states. Our busy lifestyles encourage unhealthy eating habits, like eating on the run and high-fat/high-sugar snacking. But with a little effort, you can gradually transform your family’s diet from “fat” to “fit”!
Achoo!
Don’t Get the Flu
Start your day off right Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kids who eat breakfast — especially those packed with “brain food” like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 — are more alert and focused in school; adults have more energy and concentrate better.
Unpredictable. That’s the best way to describe flu season, which officially begins in late October and winds down in May. Winter is prime flu season, but it can peak as early as October or as late as April.
• Is cereal your family’s breakfast of choice? Look for low-sugar, high-fiber options and top with fresh fruit and low-fat milk (1% or fat-free). • Get your creative juices flowing with easy-to-make fruit and yogurt smoothies. • Crunched for time? Grab a hard-boiled egg and toast, or top an apple or banana with peanut butter for a tasty “breakfast to go.”
It’s impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in store for us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe reactions, and it can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with the flu. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year.
Think smart when it comes to fast-food lunches No time to pack your own lunch? Use these healthy strategies when dining out: • Say no to fried, sautéed, or creamy foods. Opt for roasted, grilled, broiled, steamed, or baked meals. • Beware of add-ons (like mayo, butter, and salad dressing) that quickly increase calorie counts. • Replace sodas with water or fat-free or 1% milk. Even diet sodas can be bad for you! • Go online for the nutrition information on your favorite meal. Don’t just focus on calories: look at factors like fat and sodium content.
Who is at risk? Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flu before even knowing you are sick!
Who should get the flu vaccine? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications from the flu include: • People age 65 and older • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two • People with health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as kidney, liver, and neurological disorders • Pregnant women
Make dinner a family affair
Others who should get a flu shot: • Health care workers
Eating together as a family offers countless benefits — including serving more balanced, nutritious meals and the chance for parents to serve as “healthy eating” role models.
• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as family and friends who have contact with a resident
• Talk to your children about portion control, with fruits and vegetables comprising half of every plate. • Reduce the amount of meat your family eats by gradually introducing healthy alternatives into your meals, like fish, whole grains, and beans. • Look for seasonal produce that is grown locally. In the fall, that means vegetables like pumpkins and squash, and fruits like apples and pears. Interested in learning more about nutritious eating? Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov.
• Caregivers of young children, especially infants under six months who are at the highest risk of flu-related complications
What is the best time to get vaccinated? The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you’ll be protected. However, experts agree: it’s never too late. If you have questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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www.UPMC.com/Today
Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them Robin Eberle of Butler, Pa., never had a problem with her periods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s, her periods became heavier and lasted longer. “There were times I couldn’t even leave the house,” she recalls.
In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have Before embolization children or who are some years away from menopause may want to consider other options.”
Fibroids
Her gynecologist prescribed an ultrasound, then an MRI. Based on those results, he diagnosed Robin with uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referred her to the Fibroid Treatment Center at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC.
For Robin, her treatment of choice was a uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure requiring little downtime. Using a thin catheter, about the size of a spaghetti strand, Dr. Orons injected small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to stop the flow of blood to them. “The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin.
As many as three out of every four women have UFTs, but the majority never even know it. For women like Robin, though, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives.
The Fibroid Treatment Center
After embolization
Established in 2008, the Fibroid Treatment Center offers the region’s most comprehensive approach to UFTs. “We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensive expertise in treating fibroids,” says Richard Guido, MD, the center’s founder and director. “Our focus is educating women on their full options so they can choose the best treatment plan for themselves.” The center’s structure also offers women much-valued convenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.
The center offers a full range of other options, including pain medication, hormonal therapy, and surgery. It also has a research component that includes trial procedures unavailable elsewhere.
To learn more Women are encouraged to first have a conversation with their doctor if they think they may have UFTs. If you’re looking for a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). You can also visit the Fibroid Treatment Center’s webpage at www.UPMC.com/Magee. The center also will host a Community Health Talk at Magee on Thursday, Sept. 29. For details, call 412-641-4435.
Do You Have UFTs? Chris D’Amico, RN, MSN, CRNP, UPMC Mercy’s obstetrics/ gynecology administrator, says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a marble or as large as a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” she explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.” She advises that women be alert to these early symptoms: • Heavy bleeding • A sense of pelvic pressure • Pain during intercourse
“Symptoms usually appear in the late 30s and 40s, and they often can be controlled through hormonal therapy or other medication,” says Ms. D’Amico. “But others require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or uterine fibroid embolization.” For most women, the symptoms of fibroids significantly diminish during menopause. It’s important to know that other conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of UFTs. That’s why it’s vital to have regular checkups, and keep an open line of communication with your gynecologist or family doctor. For more information, visit www.UPMCMercy.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
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A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly TrueBeam allows UPMC cancer specialists to enhance treatment and patient comfort TM
Martha Makin of Somerset, Pa., says she’s “done it all” since being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Not a candidate for surgery, the 69-year-old grandmother first received chemotherapy, followed by multiple radiation treatments that required her to remain still on a hard surface for long periods. But her most recent radiation treatment in April used a new form of technology that left her impressed and enthusiastic. “I was amazed at how fast and comfortable it was,” she says. “It’s definitely my choice for future treatments!”
Determining the right treatment “We see many cancer patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery, particularly among the elderly,” explains Neil Christie, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UPMC. “Additional medical complications or hard-to-reach tumors just make surgery too risky.” Radiation therapy is often used in such instances to shrink or eliminate tumors. For Martha, her age and type of tumor made her a good candidate for the Novalis® powered by TrueBeam STx system, selected by UPMC cancer specialists for the precision, speed, and comfort it offers patients. TM
“TrueBeam is one of the most advanced radiation technology available,” says Dwight E. Heron, MD, FACRO, professor of radiation oncology and otolaryngology, and vice chairman for clinical affairs, Department of Radiation Oncology at UPMC Cancer Centers. “It’s letting us treat challenging cancers of the brain, lungs, spine, neck, and prostate with much greater precision.”
Another UPMC first When UPMC introduced TrueBeam STx to Pittsburgh last November, it became one of the first 20 medical centers worldwide to do so. But like all technologies, TrueBeam is just a tool. Its real potential is realized through the talents of those who use it. “In the late 1980s, UPMC was the first center in the United States to use Gamma Knife® technology for radiosurgery of the brain. Since then, we’ve advanced our knowledge through research and the innovative use of technology,” notes Dr. Heron. “Our multidisciplinary team approach gives patients a highly individualized plan of treatment based on their specific needs. TrueBeam now extends the kind of care we can offer them.”
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www.UPMC.com/Today
How it works Some cancerous tumors are located in a hard-to-reach part of the body, while others “float” in an organ, or shift position when a person breathes or coughs. Just like a sharpshooter often struggles to hit a moving target, such cancers make it hard to directly aim radiation at a tumor. “But TrueBeam’s built-in imager produces sharp, ‘real-time’ 3D images that fine-tune a patient’s position during treatment, even while breathing,” explains Dr. Heron. “It’s able to track a tumor’s exact location within a millimeter.” UPMC specialists are combining TrueBeam technology with RapidArc®, another radiotherapy technique that delivers a powerful, faster, more uniform dose of radiation. Radiosurgery and other radiation treatments can now be accomplished two to eight times faster, with fewer side effects reported by patients. “These and other minimally invasive treatments are really redefining how we treat cancer,” notes Dr. Christie. “We’re no longer limited by conventional procedures.”
To learn more The TrueBeam system is housed at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside. UPMC provides access to a number of physicians that can refer interested patients to the center. For a list, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously UPMC Mercy is focusing on athletes, parents, and coaches as the front line in building awareness In 2010, an alarming number of professional athletes from a variety of sports were diagnosed with concussion, with some top players forced to sit out important games or their entire season. When a high-profile professional athlete suffers a concussion, it makes front-page news and raises awareness of the dangers of concussion to any athlete in any sport.
It can happen to anyone “A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI),” says Cara Camiolo Reddy, MD, medical director of the brain injury program at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Mercy, and medical advisor to the Sports Medicine Concussion Program at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. “And it can happen to anyone at any age — from elite athletes to weekend warriors, high school athletes to grade-school soccer players.” Most mild concussions go unreported or undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which estimates at least 10 to 20 percent of all individuals involved in contact sports suffer some type of concussion. But the majority of sports- and recreation-related concussions happen at the high school level. “As doctors, we’ve learned significantly more about concussions over the past 20 years,” says Dr. Camiolo. “As a result, everyone — athletes, parents, coaches, trainers, and sports fans — is more aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions than ever before.”
A heads-up for athletes No two concussions are alike and symptoms aren’t always definitive, so young athletes may just shrug them off. Peer pressure can also be especially strong motivation for a teenager to hide the symptoms of a concussion. When an athlete suffers a broken leg or a broken arm, it’s obvious the player is hurt. “But a concussion isn’t visible, so it’s hard for a player to be sidelined with an injury that no one can see,” says Dr. Camiolo. “That’s why it’s so important to provide an atmosphere where young athletes are comfortable admitting their symptoms and asking for help.”
Did You Know? • You do not have to experience loss of consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most concussions, even ones with serious lingering effects, do not involve loss of consciousness. • Any athlete thought to have sustained a concussion should be removed from practice or the game, and a medical evaluation must be done before that athlete can return to the sport. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, referral to a concussion specialist is warranted. • At last count, 27 states had passed concussion legislation, and in several others (including Pennsylvania) legislation is pending.
Education is key The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program has been at the forefront in educating athletes, families, coaches, trainers, and health care professionals on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to a concussion. “We take advantage of every opportunity to talk about how serious concussions are, and how devastating this injury can be,” she says.” During a recent visit, a young patient explained his injury to Dr. Camiolo saying, ‘I got hit, but thought I was okay — until my teammates told me I wasn’t acting right and said I should go sit down.’ “If young athletes are educated about concussions to the point where they are looking out for each other, it tells me that we’re getting the message across,” she adds. She also stresses that the effects of having another concussion in close proximity to the first can be very dangerous. Her advice to coaches and parents of young athletes? “When in doubt, sit them out!”
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
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From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, Megan was always up for an adventure. But an unfortunate ATV accident left her with a broken back and neck, and unable to move her legs. After recovering from 17 hours of surgery, Megan elected to go to the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute for inpatient rehabilitation. It was a daily struggle, but working with world-class doctors, therapists, and state-of-the-art equipment, she worked to sit up, stand, and walk again. She’s come so far, in fact, she’s not only riding her horse again, but she is soon jumping into life’s ultimate adventure. This October, Megan will be, quite literally, walking down the aisle to be married.
To learn more about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s seven locations, including UPMC Mercy, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/MyRehab. Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
Briefly Brentwood Borough News FROM THE DESK OF MAYOR LOCKHART… By the time this issue reaches your door our children and grandchildren will be starting back school. Please remember when driving to watch out for the children walking to school. This year the 4th of July and the 5-K Race was one of the biggest celebrations to date, with the number of runners being almost 1,700. At this time, I would like to thank all the volunteers that helped with the Parade and Race. Without the support of the volunteers and residents these functions would not be able to take place. It is always nice to see the neighborhoods having block parties held throughout the Borough during the spring and fall. The residents on Edge Road will be celebrating the 20th year of consecutive block parties. This is one of the many things that I enjoy about our Borough — that many neighbors treat everyone as part of their families. For those that don’t know, the former Giant Eagle property on Brownsville Road is going to become an apartment building. Although this is not located in Brentwood it is at the entrance to our Borough, it is an opportunity for renovation and occupancy of a vacant building. In the last newsletter, I talked briefly about the development of Route 51. If you travel along Route 51 you can see that ERB Physical Therapy is now moving into the former Napoli’s location. Down further, the construction of Auto Zone is taking place. This construction along Route 51 is something everyone has been waiting for. Hopefully this is a trend that will continue along Route 51 from the City of Pittsburgh as far as Jefferson Borough and beyond. Once again please keep in your hearts and prayers for our men and women serving in the armed forces. If anyone ever needs to contact me, please feel free to call my office any time at 412-884-1500 ext. 130. If I am not in the office, please leave your name and phone number so I can return your call. I have received several messages but the caller does not leave the number for me to return their call. If you leave your name and number, I do return calls as soon as I can. Enjoy the remaining months of 2011. Mayor Ken Lockhart
DATES TO REMEMBER n Sept. 19 Golf Outing – SHCC (BBOA) n Sept. 23 Golf Outing – 7 Springs Rte. 51 (BPI) n Oct. 6 Oktoberfest n Nov. 15 Light-up Night n Dec. 13 Christmas Luncheon – SHCC
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News BOROUGH MANAGER’S MESSAGE Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another. Marquis de Condorcet (1743 - 1794)
COMPARING APPLES TO BROCOLI
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n the Summer Edition of the Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall IN Community magazine, I wrote an article explaining how much we, property owners in Brentwood, pay in Borough related taxes based on a home assessed at $100,000. I wanted to demonstrate that for approximately $92 per month (the share of the local Borough taxes) we get a lot of services provided by the Borough. I mentioned that this minimal amount helps pay for police protection, roadway improvements, streets being clear and plowed, and upkeep and maintenance of the Borough’s stadium and park to name a few. A portion of this also goes towards Fire protection, ambulance coverage, and the Brentwood Library. In my position as Borough Manager, when someone complains to me about Brentwood, the first thing they typically say is that “we have high taxes compared to other communities in Allegheny County.” Now, a lot of you know that this is a misleading statement. We cannot simply focus on the tax milage or in other words, the tax rate. As I hope to demonstrate in this month’s article, doing so can have surprising results. Yes, at 41.46 total tax mils (Borough, School, and County) Brentwood does have the 7th highest tax milage rate in Allegheny County, however coupled with our very inexpensive housing and low property assessments the total monetary tax bill for the average property owner in Brentwood is around $2,993.41 per year. This puts us 44th among other communities in Allegheny County. However, is it fair making statements that we have one of the highest tax mils in Allegheny County? Should we really be comparing ourselves to communities such has Sewickley Heights and Fox Chapel? Two communities with two of the lowest tax rates in Allegheny County at 29.39 mils and 28.65 mils but with the two highest property tax payments of $14,000 and $12,000 per year for an average home in one of those communities. Again, does this comparison matter. Let’s look at communities closer to home. Our neighbors in Whitehall and Bethel Park have total tax mils of 33.59 mils and 31.84 mils respectively. However, don’t start packing yet unless you are prepared to pay on average $3,406 and $3,693 per year for an average home in those communities. Also, can we really base the quality of life in Brentwood solely on how much property taxes we pay? There are so many other factors that make Brentwood a special place to live. I am sure we can all come up with a list of items. Our being able to walk up to Brownsville Road to catch a bus is rare in other communities. Being able to walk to the Park, the Pool, the Borough 46
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Building, or grocery store is a rare commodity that few communities enjoy. In addition, did you know that Brentwood is 1 of only 12 communities in Allegheny County that have the benefit of having their own School District? This is also a rare amenity that 116 other communities in Allegheny County do not have. In addition to comparing tax rates from one community to the next, should we be comparing property values? For the above calculations I used the “median property assessed value” for each community as identified on the Allegheny County Property Assessment web page. The median property value for Brentwood is listed as $72,200. Having recently purchased a home in Brentwood (within 5-years), I can tell you first hand that you get substantially more house in Brentwood for the price than you would in another community. In other words, a $72,200 house in Brentwood is in far better condition than say a median property value home in Bethel Park at $116,000. Five years ago, my wife and I looked at some $200,000 homes in the surrounding area that would have required a ton of work before we could have moved into them. When we explored Brentwood and saw all of the beautiful homes we have here we thought there would be no way we could afford to move here. When we started researching the prices we could not believe what we were seeing and thought there must be something wrong with these homes. To our pleasant surprise all of the homes we looked at were all in similar condition and may have ony required some paint before we they would be ready to move into. Compared to some of the other homes we looked at in other communities, with literally double the asking price and double the work that would have been required to get them in a condition before we could have even thought of moving in, we considered ourselves truly blessed. Everyone has different reasons for choosing to live in an area and I seldom hear taxes as being one of them. So the next time you hear someone complain about high taxes in Brentwood, pull out this article and ask them where they think they might pay less taxes in Allegheny County? (Washington and Westmoreland Counties is an entirely different article.) Have a great Holiday Season and Blessed New Year! George Zboyovsky, PE Brentwood Borough Manager
Briefly Brentwood Borough News
Q&A With Ralph Costa Brentwood Code Enforcement Officer Q. Why is a building permit required by the borough? Which types of activities require a permit? A. Building permit fees help offset the costs of structural inspections. By acquiring a permit, property owners can rest assured that they are protected from shoddy or substandard work; these inspections shield residents against hazards and can help them to avoid expensive repairs. Permits are not only required for large-scale developments but are also compulsory for an array of smaller projects including: porches, decks, retaining walls, fences, swimming pools, sheds, roofing, and driveway installation. A permit is also needed for interior remodeling if the changes will impact the structure’s mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems. If you are unsure as to whether a project will require a permit, always call the borough for verification. Q. My neighbor’s trees or shrubs are encroaching onto my property. What can be done about this issue? A. Property owners may trim any plant growth within the bounds of their property, including those which are originating in an adjoining yard. However, the borough does not have the authority to compel neighbors to take action on property-toproperty matters.
Q. Which types of vehicles are being targeted by the borough as “junk cars”? A. Under the municipal code, unlicensed or inoperative vehicles are not permitted, even on private property. “Junk cars” do not just refer to autos that are in a state of prolonged disrepair, but rather to any vehicle that is not roadworthy or that does not display valid inspection and registration stickers. Q. With summer waning, it’s time to drain my swimming pool. How do I dispose of the water? A. Swimming pools must be drained into the sanitary sewer. Emptying water into the yard is prohibited. Q. What regulations are there in the borough code regarding household pets? A. No resident may possess more than four animals during any ninety day time period. Additionally, property owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and for preventing them from making excessive noise.
Please note that responses to questions should not be construed as legal opinions. If you have a question, contact the Building Inspection & Code Enforcement Office at 412.884.1500 ext. 117, or by email at rcosta@brentwoodboro.com. All inquiries should include your name and Brentwood Borough address, as well as your telephone number. Brentwood Borough will not respond to anonymous calls.
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News
A MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT Cathy Trexler
In July and August of 2010, Brentwood Council held strategic planning sessions to develop our goals and vision for the future of Brentwood. These meetings were open to the public. Through these brainstorming sessions, Council identified six strategic goals. I will highlight some of our accomplishments in the first half of 2010 in relation to the goals:
Goal No. 1 ~ Improve the attractiveness of the Borough by eliminating blighted properties and improving residential property appearance We had six properties in the borough that were identified as having unsafe structures or created a health hazard. These structures were slated for demolition. Two were eliminated from the list as property owners came forth to address their properties. One is currently going through the legal process to permit the Borough to demolish it. The remaining two properties were cleared by the courts and an order was received permitting the Borough to demolish them.
Goal No. 2 ~ Attract new businesses to the Borough Brentwood welcomed 9 new businesses thus far to our community since January 1st. • Med Express- 3516 Saw Mill Run; Children's Academy- 4058 Saw Mill Run; • Spartan Pharmacy- 3520 Saw Mill Run; (second location in Brentwood) • Munchkin University- 4411 Stilley; • Evolution Nutrition- 4030 Saw Mill Run; • Twinkle Twinkle Consignment- 11 Dewalt; • LA's Original Tobacco- 2825 Brownsville; • Nickcole's Hair Salon- 3710 Saw Mill; • Pa Gold Co.- 4150 Saw Mill Run. Let’s be sure to welcome these businesses by supporting them as much as we can. We will continue to make Brentwood a “business friendly” community by working with the BBOA and EDS in marketing the Borough and reaching out to new businesses.
Goal No. 3 ~ Attract younger and working families We support the Brentwood Park Initiative in its efforts to restore and improve our park for the residents of Brentwood Borough. We 48
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have been awaiting the release of funding for Phase I of the Project and anticipate breaking ground this Fall. We began to explore opportunities to fund Phase II of the project. Kudos for a great job and much appreciate for all the hard work the BPI has done throughout the year.
Goal No. 4 ~ Improve livability for residents Our Borough employees continue to improve the livability for the residents of Brentwood. Road improvement projects such as the Hillson Avenue/Daub Way Stormwater Improvement Project and the Pinkney Way Roadway Rehabilitation Project in the works. In addition, the Borough has spent nearly $1 million on Sanitary Sewer related projects to ensure compliance with the EPA Consent Decree. Minor areas of improvement include repairs to the swimming to the swimming pool and the painting of the swimming pool area as well as adding the Gazebo to the pool area (which is a hit with the younger crowd). The Borough also amended a grant and will be installing seven (7) life-saving AED devices at the Borough Building, Library, Pool, Civic Center, and in public works vehicles.
Goal No. 5 ~ Continue to collaborate with neighboring communities for regional improvements. This is an area where our Council is always busy. Following are some of the initiatives we’ve been working towards: Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT) – Initiated a cost sharing study to help fund various EMSs; was awarded a grant to conduct a cost sharing study on the much needed sanitary sewer projects; continues to support transit and transit funding alternatives; as well as bringing to the table 38 communities to continue conversation of the various issues that affect all of us. South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG) – Joint Rock Salt Agreement, retroreflectivity requirements, Joint Sanitary Sewer Operations & Maintenance Contract, and alternative solutions for electricity and natural gas purchases. Though we experienced difficult financial times with decreased funding, SHACOG enabled us to receive the necessary funds to repair Pinkney Way.
Economic Development South (EDS) – We are working with neighboring communities towards improving and enhancing zoning ordinances for the overlay districts. Rt. 51 Corridor Project – We are exploring opportunities to improve the corridor to provide an attractive and viable district along the corridor. Brentwood Business Owners Association and the Brentwood, Baldwin, Whitehall Chamber of Commerce – we collaborate with the business community to support our local businesses. We support their efforts to enhance our community through community events such as the family night at PNC Park and Street Fair, Light-Up Night, Oktoberfest, and business mixers.
Goal No. 6 ~ Improve sustainability of the Borough We recently held a public meeting to introduce the results of the Brentwood Borough Building Feasibility Study. Energy efficiencies, cost effectiveness, operational improvements are always considered in making decisions for the betterment of the Borough. We can no longer afford to look the other way while this facility no longer meets the needs of our community. It is in dire need of improvements to provide for the safety of our employees as well as the public, comply with ADA requirements, improve energy efficiencies and cost effectiveness, and provide adequate space to accommodate the services we provide to our residents. In addition to this report, I want to thank John Frombach and the 4th of July Committee for coordinating the parade, fireworks and activities in the Park. I’ve heard from several residents that this year’s parade was the best ever. I also want to thank Janice Boyko and the 5K Race Committee for pulling off another great race. Great job! Collaboration – where would Brentwood be without it? Thanks to all the dedicated people who care enough to donate their time and resources to make our community a great place to live.
Sincerely, Cathy Trexler President of Council
Briefly Brentwood Borough News
PRE-HALLOWEEN FUN The Brentwood Post 1810 sponsors the Annual Halloween Parade which is scheduled on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 1 p.m., starting at Moore Elementary School and continues along Brownsville Road to the Brentwood High School where judges select the best costumes and distribute candy to all participants. Brentwood residents only! No registration is required.
A SCARY TIME IN THE BOROUGH! MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2011- Brentwood Borough will celebrate Halloween on Monday, October 31, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the Borough. As the children dress as in their new and exciting costumes, disguised as Angels, Devils, Princesses, Witches, and every scary creature you can imagine; we ask you to please be more cautious and drive carefully! Please leave the porch light on for the safety of the children walking along the sidewalks, walkways and steps. This is a fun night for children and time for adults to enjoy as their children surprise their friends and neighbors in their pretty or spooky costumes while walking door-to-door collecting their favorite treats. We ask the parents to walk with the children and make this a memorable night for them. For more tips to ensure a fun and safe Halloween visit www.halloween-safety.com.
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News For the past several years Brentwood has successfully conducted an Annual “Redd Up Day” in the Borough. Brentwood Borough Council adopted Resolution No. 201127 on June 28, 2011 in support of the residents and business owners with the goal to enhance the aesthetics of all properties and participates, promote and market clean well-maintained properties throughout the neighborhoods. Saturday, October 22, 2011 is designated as “Redd Up Day” in Brentwood. Collections are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of residency is required at the time of discarding unwanted items at Brentwood Park.
Supporting October 22, 2011 Redd-Up Day
The Borough requests volunteers from all organizations within the Borough, including residents, and business owners to prepare to work together to unload and remove all old, broken and unsightly items surrounding their property by discarding them at Brentwood We ask that you take part in this “Clean Sweep” on a weekly basis by sweeping and gathering debris along Brownsville Road, the sidewalks, curb/gutters and all roadways in Brentwood. “Redd Up Day” is only a success because the residents and business owners participate by volunteering their time to make our Borough a nice, clean place to live and visit.
Brentwood Library Beginning in mid-September, we’ll be kicking off the Fall session of our very popular Wise Walk Program, a county-wide walking group initiative, on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. It’s a very fun program, and a great way to enjoy the fall weather! All participants receive a free T-shirt, water, and snacks. 50
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Brentwood Borough Safety Committee
On July 27, 2010, Brentwood Borough Council adopted Resolution No. 2010-57, establishing a Borough Safety Committee. A little background, the purpose of the Safety Committee is to address safety procedures, purchase and use of quality equipment and materials. Most importantly the goal is to inform the employees on “how to” be safe in the work environment and implement safety as a high priority on a daily basis. The Borough Manager requested interested employees to volunteer and on July 27, 2010 Resolution No. 2011-58 was adopted by Council appointing initial members volunteering to serve as official representatives of the Brentwood Borough Employee the Safety Committee. The Safety Committee members are certified and trained by the Brentwood EMS in CPR and the use of AED’s. The Safety Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month at 12 Noon. During the monthly meetings, the Board members follow a prepared Agenda and report any incidents that happen within their department. There are suggestions boxes in each department for the employees to submit safety tips or to report possible hazards in each department. The Board reviews incidents that occur and recommend a corrective action plan to implement to help deter any repeat incidents. All departments are inspected on a yearly basis by designated safety committee members to ensure the work place is a safe environment for the workers. Violations are written and submitted to the Board, discussed and corrective action is taken immediately, depending on the specific violation, or as soon as possible. The Board members receive mandatory annual training from the Borough’s Insurance certified representative. Since the inception of the Safety Committee and through the dedication and in the interest of safety by the Board members, the Borough received only one claim, a reduction of Worker’s Compensation Insurance by $13,000, and purchased seven (7) AED’s for Borough facilities, not to mention the additional safety improvements to Borough facilities. With the Safety Committee being in existence a little over a year, Mr. Alan Pepoy, the insurance representative, commended the Safety Committee for their dedication and interest of safety toward their fellow workers and their efforts to work and maintain a safe clean environment. The Brentwood Library invites you to visit and participate in the monthly social happenings right at your doorstep. The courteous Library staff comprises numerous events on a monthly basis with something for all ages: Various programs for starters – Book Babies, Bingo, Bowling, Crafts, and Teen Rec Room to Zumba Dancing fun. Stop in, introduce yourself as you join in the afternoon or evening events and meet new friends at your local Library, a great place for you and your family to enjoy the various activities. For additional infonnation on these programs and all the programs please call the Library direct at 412-882-5694.
Briefly Brentwood Borough News DON’T FORGET YOUR VOTE COUNTS! The General Election is Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. VOTERS REGISTRATION FORMS AND ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING! Registration applications must be received prior to Tuesday, October 11, 2011. All Absentee Ballots Applications must be received prior to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 and the Absentee Ballot must be received prior to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2011 Mail to: Allegheny County Elections Division, County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2953
PUBLIC WORKS: ANSWERS TO MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. My recycling hasn’t been picked up. What can I do? A. 1) Is an account set up with Allied Waste? (1-877-788-9400 Allied Waste) 2) Is your recycling container clearly marked? Allied Waste picks up both trash and recycling on the same day, the recycling man may not identify your recycling material because it is not clearly marked and he’ll leave it for the refuse truck; when the refuse truck comes along if he identifies it as recycling material he does not put it on the truck because it is against the law to take recycling materials to the land fill. They can be fined! While driving down the street on recycling day you will easily notice the blue containers which stand out and it makes it easier for the recycling men to identify. Brentwood Borough has purchased 18 gallon bins and 32 gallon containers which are free to new residents (must bring proof of residency to Administration Office). The cost for the containers are: 18 gallon bins $9.00 and the 32 gallon are $16.00. Q. • Why doesn’t the sweeper pickup the debris in front of my house when it comes down my road? A. 1) Our schedule was made to sweep streets on the same day as trash pick up/recycling. 2) We ask the resident to move their vehicles off the streets so that we can clean the entire length of the road. When mowing your lawns do not blow the grass clipping onto the sidewalk or street. Please sweep up the clippings and toss into the trash.
I would like to take this time to thank all of the residents of Brentwood who have cooperated by removing their vehicles from the roadways this past winter when we had to plow snow or salt the roadways. The crew members work long hours to make sure the residents can safely drive to work, school and everyday events. I would also like to thank the residents who take time to pick up litter along the streets and take pride in our community. There are many volunteers who use their time to make Brentwood a number one community to live in. Just to name a few such as, coaches and managers for the Dukes, BAA, and BASA. Also, don’t forget the volunteers of local organizations such as the Brentwood EMS, Brentwood Park Initiative, the Brentwood Fourth of July Committee, the Jim Joyce Memorial 5- K Race, Brentwood Borough Business Association, REDD UP Day volunteers, the local boy scout and girl scout troops and leaders, and all other volunteers within the Borough. Enjoy the summer and remember: During the next few months there are several events scheduled within the Borough sponsored by local Brentwood organizations; the Public Works employees take pride in assisting the organizations and will be out and about to assist them. Robert Mackewich Public Works Supervisor
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News Brentwood Cares The Brentwood Cares Committee recently packed approximately 30 boxes for the Brentwood military men currently serving in the United States and in other countries. For the past seven years the Brentwood Cares Committee, a group of volunteers, request donations from residents and businesses for various items for the men and women while away from home serving our country. The service men and women receiving the packages are excited and very appreciative for the many items that are not readily available to them. During the holiday season, we mail two (2) boxes, one with Christmas items, (tree, decorations, small gifts, etc.) and the other box contains necessities such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, sunglasses, magazines, powder drinks, etc. If you want to donate to Brentwood Cares please drop your items off at the Mayor’s office, located at the Brentwood Municipal Building. Monetary donations are also accepted to cover the cost of mailing, please make checks payable to Brentwood Cares. On behalf of the Brentwood Cares Committee I want to thank everyone that has volunteered and contributed items and monetary donations to keep this project going strong. I also thank the military, past, present and future for their dedication to our country. Mayor Ken Lockhart
Most Successful Firecracker in 28 Year History!!! The 28th Annual Brentwood Firecracker 5K Race proved to yield the highest crowd in its history on July 4th. A total of 1,670 runners registered. This addition made it necessary to order extra commemorative t-shirts as well as refreshments, security, and volunteers. Everything came through beautifully and a great time was had by all. The Race Director, Janice Boyko, owes a great debt of gratitude to the immediate race committee for their support. She was suddenly hospitalized June 19 – July 1. Although on-going preparations for the yearly event were made, plans needed finalized. Treasurer Carol Wirth and an army of friends pitched hitted and the results reveal themselves. A flawless race far beyond expectations! During the regular monthly Council meeting July 26, Janice was honored by her committee for her dedication and organization of this Brentwood staple. It was a complete surprise and most rewarding. Accepting the award, Janice pointed out it takes team effort and how fortunate she is. Now as we begin planning the 29th Annual run….. Submitted by Janice Boyko
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Recycling Made Easy To our residents who give it their all when it comes to recycling! Brentwood has always had a great response when it comes to recycling. We were one of the first municipalities to recycle in the area; after all, we participated in the pilot program. Since then, we have done very well and our tonnage collected per year is very significant. However, I would like to mention that an 18 gallon or 32 gallon bin can only hold so many recyclable items. As I walk and drive throughout the Borough it amazes me to see how residents stack their recyclables so high in one bin, almost forming a pyramid. I congratulate the men on the recyclable trucks in lifting these bins without dropping all the excess recyclables all over the street. It’s like a juggling act! I’d like to see the residents try to move the bin without the overflow falling to the ground. Please consider placing enough recyclables in one bin, not to overflow, and using another sturdy container marked “recyclables” for the overflow or purchase another recycle bin to make it easy to keep the recyclables from falling or blowing onto the roadways and sidewalk. On a windy day you will see recyclables and debris on the streets and sidewalks. I suggest residents, on a weekly basis, on the day of their pickup, take a look at their property and remove all recyclables and debris that was left behind due to wind and rainy conditions. Once your recyclables are picked up we ask you to please remove the recycle bin as soon as possible, what a difference it would make if all residents took a few minutes to do this, a nice presentation of the Borough. As you know, trash and recyclables accumulate very fast and the Borough appreciates your assistance in removing unsightly trash and debris from your property and the roadways.
2011 LEAF PICK UP The Borough leaf pick-up will begin October 24 through November 18, 2011. Please place your leaves in biodegradeable bags for pick up. Your cooperation is appreciated during the leaf pick up season.
Briefly Brentwood Borough News REMEMBER: Street Sweeping occurs on the same day as your refuse collection day. Please try and remove all cars from your street on this day so that the sweeper can access both sides of the street.
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News COUNCIL ACTIONS The following are highlights of Council Actions during their monthly meetings and do not reflect all items and issues discussed. Official meeting minutes are available on the Borough website, www.brentwoodboro.com. TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011 • Appoint JRG Advisors, LLC as the Borough’s Healthcare Insurance Broker of Record and Healthcare Plan Administrator effective immediately. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-18, Supporting National Public Works Week May 15, 2011 through May 21, 2011. “A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF MAY 15, 2011 THROUGH MAY 21, 2011, AS NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK • Approval based upon the recommendation of the Borough Manager and Superintendent of Public Works, hire Mr. Patrick Fuhrer as a Fulltime Public Works Department Employee at the rate of $10.00 per hour, on a six (6) month probationary period, per the Public Works Bargaining Agreement contingent upon his successful passing of a background check, drug test, and medical examination. (It should be noted that Mr. Fuhrer is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. and does have a current Commercial Driver’s License.) • Approve the Work Authorization for Gateway Engineers for surveying associated with obtaining existing elevations surrounding the Borough Building in the amount of $3,900.00. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-19, “Zoning Hearing Board Appointment” A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING MR. ROBERT JONES TO SERVE AS ALTERNATE NO. 1 TO THE BRENTWOOD BOROUGH ZONING HEARING BOARD WHICH EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2013. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-20 “Zoning Hearing Board Appointment” A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING MR. CHRIS McGUIRE TO SERVE AS ALTERNATE NO. 2 TO THE BRENTWOOD BOROUGH ZONING HEARING BOARD WHICH EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2014. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-21, “Intergovernmental Resolution – Rt. 51 Corridor Overlay District” AUTHORIZING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOUTH (EDS) TO MAKE 54
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APPLICATION TO ALLEGHENY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR A MUNICIPAL PLANNING GRANT ASSOCIATED WITH THE CREATION OF A RT 51 CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT ZONING ORDINANCE • Approve the hiring of Eric Peccon as a Summer Code Enforcement Temporary Employee for the period of May 2, 2011 to September 2, 2011 • Authorize the Borough Manager to have the Public Works Department relocate the Gazebo to the best suitable area of the Brentwood Pool area. • Hire Richard Calvert as Pool Manager for the 2011 Season at the rate of $12.00 per hour in accordance with Borough Resolution No. 201067-B, “Non-Union and Non-Contractual Employees Salaries” effective May 2, 2011 to September 2, 2011. • Hire Lauren Arnold as Assistant Pool Manager for the 2011 Season at the rate of $9.60 per hour in accordance with Borough Resolution No. 2010-67-B “Non-Union and Non-Contractual Employees Salaries” effective May 2, 2011 to September 2, 2011. . • Approve the hiring for the position of Temporary Summer Lifeguards at the rate of $7.75 per hour per Resolution No. 2010-67-B, “Non-Union and Non-Contractual Employees Salaries” the following: Emily Andrews, Lindsay Arnold, Chelsey Calvert, Elizabeth Neuner, Nicole Pack, Anthony Rowsick, Matthew Sokol, Melissa Sokol, and Alexandra Zerjav effective May 2, 2011 to September 2, 2011. • Approve the hiring for the position of Temporary Summer Pool Booth Attendants at the rate of $7.75 per hour per Resolution No. 2010-67-B, “Non-Union and Non-Contractual Employees Salaries” effective May 2, 2011 to September 2, 2011 the following: Karlie Festa, James Jowers, Alizanne McGowan, and Melissa Pilarski. • Enter into an Agreement with B&R Pool and Swim Shop for the 2011 and 2012 Pool Season for sampling and testing of the water for the Brentwood Pool at the weekly rate of $25.00 per sample and weekly secondary samples at $20.00 per sample.
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011 Special Presentation – Architectural Innovations – Re: Brentwood Borough Building Feasibility Study. Ms Jan Brimmeier, President and owner of Architectural Innovations, introduced the following members working on this project: Gregory Walker, AI, Sr. Project Manager Sandra Closson, AI, Interior Design Robert Christman, AI, Media Specialists James Kosinski, Tower Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical Systems) Manager Zboyovsky said there will be a community wide meeting with input; obviously this is a community building and we welcome input. President Trexler said after Council reviews this we will then schedule a Public Hearing. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-22, “Accepting Donation of Bench from Brentwood Business Association” A Resolution of the Borough of Brentwood, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, accepting the donation of Memorial Bench with a Value of $1,465 from the Brentwood Business Owners Association in Memory of Calvin Trefry. • Accept and ratify the Agreement of Sale for the purchase of the real property known as 10 Marylea Avenue for the sale price of $87,000.00. • Approve the transfer $95,000 from the General Fund , Line Item 01-495-000 titled “Unreserved Fund Balance” to the Capital Improvement Fund Line Item 18 392-010 titled “Transfer From General Fund.” Ms Boyko said this will pay for the property mentioned above. • Approve the hiring of the following Summer Public Works Employees at the rate of $9.00 per hour per Resolution No. 2010-67-B, “Non-Union and Non-Contractual Employees Salaries” effective May 24, 2011 to September 2,1011 the following: Mark Lenkiewicz, Scott Bradley and Lee Moog. • Adopt Resolution No 2011-23, 2011 “Fourth of July Celebration” A Resolution of the Borough of Brentwood, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Supporting Independence Day Programs in the Borough of Brentwood. • Approve the hiring for the position of Temporary Summer Lifeguards at the rate of
Briefly Brentwood Borough News $7.75 per hour per Resolution No. 2010-67B “Non-Union and Non-Contractual Employees Salaries” the following: Skylar Amorose, Alex Brennan, Laura Hall, Sidney Harsh, Nicholas Roth, Maxwell Schaefer and Felicia Schrecongost, effective May 24, 2011 through September 2, 2011. • Approve the hiring for the position of Temporary Summer Pool Booth Attendants at the rate of $7.75 per hour per Resolution No. 2010-67-B, “Non-Union and NonContractual Employees Salaries” effective May 24, 2011 to September 2, 2011 the following: Lindsey Bennett, Mariah Douglas, Jamie Faust, Samantha Feist, Emily Payne, Jacqueline Pickens, Samantha Walas, Magdalena McGowan, and Justin Zerjav. • Approve the Memorandum of Understanding by and Between the Brentwood Borough Police (Law Enforcement Authority) and Brentwood Borough School District (School Entity) effective March 1, 2011 through February 28, 2013. • Approve the consent to the Brentwood Library entering into an Agreement with eiNetwork regarding Wide Area Network Services subject to the removal of the Access License and the review and approval of language in said agreement by the Solicitor. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011 • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-23, “Authorizing the Borough Manager to Sign Closing Documents for 10 Marylea Avenue.” A Resolution of the Borough of Brentwood, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Authorizing the Borough Manager as signatory of the Closing documents associated with the Borough’s Purchasing of Real Property located at 10 Marylea Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-24, “Northwest Group Services Agreement for Health Insurance Plan Administrations. “A Resolution of the Borough of Brentwood, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Accepting and Approving Articles of Agreement between the Borough of Brentwood and NWGS Companies (“NWGS”) to perform various Administrative and Record Keeping functions at the direction of the Borough of Brentwood in respect of various employee benefits programs and Authorizing Execution of said Articles of Agreement by
the appropriate officers of the Borough of Brentwood. • Council concurs with the SHACOG’s awarding of the Joint Municipal SHACOG O&M CCTV Inspection & Cleaning – Year 1 Contract to the low bidder, Robinson Pipe Cleaning Co. in the total amount of $46,190.40. TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011 • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-26, “Natural Gas Supplier Services Agreement,” Accepting and Approving Articles of Agreement between the Borough of Brentwood and EQT Energy, LLC, d/b/a, Equitable Energy for the Purchase and Sale of Natural Gas to the Borough of Brentwood for the period from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2014; and Authorizing Execution of said Articles of Agreement by the appropriate Officers of the Borough of Brentwood. • Approve the Work Authorization associated with additional field and office tasks to provide extra existing conditions for a proposed storm sewer line through two properties adjacent to Pinkney Way from Gateway Engineers in the amount of $2,500.00. • Approve the Work Authorization associated with the Hillson Avenue and Daub Way Roadway Rehabilitation – Phase I construction documents and easements for drainage improvements from Gateway Engineers in the amount of $8,000.00. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-27, titled “Supporting October 22, 2011 as Redd Up Day.” A Resolution establishing Redd Up Day on Saturday, October 22, 2011 and providing the necessary Borough resources, manpower, and supplies necessary, and thereby making our town a nice clean place to live and visit. • Authorize the purchase of an Aqua Products Duramax Robot Pool Cleaner from B&R Pool in the amount of $2,365.00 from the Borough’s General Fund, Pool Expenses Line Item No. 01-452-700 “Minor Purchases.” • Approve the establishing of the Borough Building Architectural Feasibility Study Community Meeting date as Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Brentwood High School Auditorium and authorizing the Borough Manager to advertise a notice.
ACCOLADES TO MS. JANICE BOYKO At the Brentwood Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, Council Vice President, Ms Janice Boyko was commended for her many years of dedication as Race Director of the Jim Joyce Memorial Firecracker 5-K Race. Mayor Ken Lockhart, Co-Chair of the Race Committee, presented on behalf of the 5-K Race Committee and volunteers, Ms Boyko with a crystal plaque in appreciation for her continuing service as the Brentwood 5-K Race Director. The Council Chamber was filled to capacity with the many friends and volunteers that assist Janice throughout the years in anticipation of orchestrating the Annual Jim Joyce Memorial Firecracker 5-K Race. Congratulations were in order for a job well done by Janice for the well-organized annual event anticipated by residents of the Borough and Allegheny County for many years. Participants come from all over the USA and other countries to take part in the Brentwood 5-K Race. In 1997, the early years of the 5-K Race, Janice, an avid running herself, volunteered her time as she assisted former Mayor Jim Joyce, in establishing the best 5-K Run in a small community. For the past 14 years, Janice directed the 5-K Run under the direction of former Mayor Ronald Arnoni and current Mayor Ken Lockhart. This year, 2011, the 28th Annual Race was by far the most successful; as directed by the unending enthusiasm of Race Director Ms Janice Boyko. Kudos’ to Ms Boyko for her eagerness to attract more runners each year, this year being the highest at approximately 1,600 participants. Volunteering is in her blood! Races are her rush! Ms Boyko has been an avid sports enthusiast for many years, directing and participating in numerous races in Southwestern PA. Ms Boyko also serves as Vice President of Brentwood Council, Lector at St. Sylvester’s Church and is involved in the many organizations too numerous to mention. As residents of Brentwood Borough, we thank you Ms Boyko for all the wonderful races you produced through the years and we look forward to the 2012 Race under your magnificent direction. We are proud to have you as a resident and exceptional volunteer in Brentwood Borough.
This article was written and submitted prior to the death of Ms Janice Boyko on Monday, August 29, 2011.
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News BRENTWOOD EMS IS CURRENTLY SEEKING Casual and Part-Time Paramedics (IMMEDIATE OPENING)
• Paramedic with CPR certification • PA driver's license, 18 yrs of age, EVOC certified • Paramedics must have current ACLS and PALS • Current medical command • Must have a current PA State Police Criminal Record Check Contact Brentwood EMS for application/information Brentwood EMS 3624 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA. 15227 412-884-8740 ATT: Joanne Cook/John Balkovec
It’s the “Little Things” that can mean a lot? By Councilman Charlie Johnson
We have all heard that saying, “It’s the little things that mean a lot.” It’s these “little things”, both positive and negative, that can have a huge impact on a community. One such negative “little thing” is grass growing in our cracks on the sidewalks and along the curbs. This may seem like a minor issue, but if you take the number of sidewalks and curbing and telephone poles in the Borough this results in a major unsightly nuisance. Another negative “little thing” is the trash along Brownsville Road. I know that Brownsville Road is traveled by thousands of commuters every day to and from work who do not have the same pride we have in our community and do not think twice about tossing out a hamburger wrapper or finished coffee cup. These are a couple of the negative “little things” that I believe we can easily address. Starting with the weeds in the sidewalks, if we all take care of the weeds in the sidewalk and curbs that are in front of our homes or businesses that would solve a majority of those weeds. (After all, we are responsible for the sidewalks in front of our properties anyway.) Regarding the trash, there are a few ways we can address this problem. The first is with the Borough’s Street Sweeper, however we still need the assistance of the residents on this as well by moving your vehicles off the street on the day your garbage is picked up. This will permit our Street Sweeper driver to get to the curb line and suck up the debris. The other way is by getting involved in the Borough’s “Redd Up Day,” slated every year in October. (This year’s Redd Up Day is scheduled for October 22nd.) Finally, something that we could be doing every day is simply picking up any garbage you see lying on 56
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the sidewalk or curb. With the amount of people that walk along Brownsville Road during nice weather there wouldn’t be a spec of trash. Yes, Brentwood has its flaws and there are many other “little things” that we continue to address before they grow, as in the case of the weeds, into “bigger things”. However, there are so many positive “little things” in Brentwood that deserve as much, if not more, of everyone’s attention. For example, amenities, resources, and events such as the Brentwood Library, the Park, Swimming Pool, Fire Department, EMS, Brentwood Medical Group, Town Centre, access to public transportation, UPMC Mercy, Med-Express, School District, Community Room, Civic Center, Churches, 4th of July Parade, 5-K Race, House Decorating Contest, Brentwood Business Owners Association (BBOA), Brentwood Council, Brentwood Employees, Light Up Night, Night at PNC Park, Community Day, Redd Up Day, Kennywood Picnic Day, Oktoberfest, July 3rd
Street Fair, EMS Craft Show, Memorial Day Parade and many more. All of these positive “little things” accumulate into one large benefit to all of us. They are a result of countless hours of volunteers and businesses coming together to make sure that Brentwood is a “little” bit different than your average community. It is that sense of community pride that makes us such a special place to live. Something that you can not put a price tag on because these “little things” rarely exists these days. Have you ever participated in some of these organizations: Economic Development South(EDS), Brentwood Cares, Lifespan Community Programs, Brentwood Park Initiative (BPI), Preschool Activities Learning Shop (PALS), Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Summer Reading Program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), Brentwood Athletic Association, Dukes, Brentwood Area Soccer Association, Brentwood Lions Club, Brentwood High Athletic Booster, Library Teen Programs, Library Adult Program, Brentwood Historical Society. I am sure there are more. The one positive “little thing” that adds up to the best thing about Brentwood is our residents. There is so much talent, young and old, out there that we need to tap into. As you can see there are many opportunities for anyone to get involved. There are a lot of positive “little things” going on in Brentwood, and I am sure I missed a few. So, after you have cleaned the grass from the cracks in your sidewalks and picked up some trash during your early morning walk, why don’t you get involved in one of these organizations/events. The “little” amount of time will mean A LOT.
Briefly Brentwood Borough News NEW WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS FOR EARNED INCOME TAX – ACT 32 OF 2008 How it affects Brentwood Borough residents and employers. Act 32 of 2008 is a Pennsylvania law that was passed with the intention of simplifying the way local earned income tax is paid and collected throughout the state. The law will affect taxpayers, employers, municipalities, school districts, and tax collectors across Pennsylvania. The most significant change of Act 32 is the consolidation of local earned income tax collectors. Act 32 requires all taxing jurisdictions within a specified geographical boundary to jointly select just one tax collector to serve the entire area. Each of the areas is called a “Tax Collection District” (TCD). Brentwood has been placed in the Southwest Allegheny County TCD, which includes all Allegheny County municipalities and school districts that are entirely located south and west of the Monongahela and Ohio rivers. That means Brentwood will share the same earned income tax collector as our neighbors in Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Moon, Robinson, and Jefferson Hills to name a few. Although Act 32 was passed in 2008, the major changes will not go into effect until the 2012 tax year. Therefore, all taxes attributable to 2011 earnings will still be collected under the current system (including the 2011 final returns that are due April 15, 2012).
How will this impact taxpayers? First, the consolidation means that all Brentwood earned income tax will continue to be collected by a single tax collector. Jordan Tax Service has been appointed as the tax collector for the Southwest Allegheny County TCD. Therefore, both the municipal portion (0.50%) and the school district portion (0.50%) of Brentwood’s earned income tax will be collected by Jordan Tax Service. Another significant change is that your employer should begin withholding the local earned income tax from your paycheck. Currently, many of you file and pay your local earned income tax on a quarterly basis because your employer does not withhold the tax from your paycheck (this is common throughout Pennsylvania). But under Act 32, all Pennsylvania employers will be required to withhold the tax. This will eliminate the need for most taxpayers to manually make a quarterly earned income tax payment. Taxpayers who are self-employed or work outside of Pennsylvania will continue making manual quarterly payments.
How will this impact employers? All employers will be required to withhold local income taxes for all of their employees, regardless of where the employees live. Employers will be responsible for identifying each employee’s residency and proper tax rate. Employers will have to provide that information to the tax collector quarterly along with the tax payments. Employers that have at least one location within the Southwest Allegheny County TCD must register with Jordan Tax Service. How can I learn more? Taxpayers and employers can learn more about Act 32 by visiting Jordan Tax Service’s special Act 32 website at: www.jordantax.com/act32 . You can also call Jordan Tax Service 412-835-5243 or 724-731-2300. More information is also available through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s website at www.newpa.com (search for “Act 32”).
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN! Well, it is about that time again. You should have already your 2011 Real Estate tax bills the first week of July. If you did not get a bill by July 15, please call me at 412-882-5383 ext. 1129 and leave your name, the address of the property and the address where you would like the bill to be mailed. The address if you are paying in person and mailing your Real Estate taxes is 3730 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. My office hours remain the same at the Brownsville Road location, through the end of the face period (Oct. 31, 2011) – Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. if you would like to talk with me about any issues. We will accept tax payments at the 3730 Brownsville Road office daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. I will have office hours by appointment only after that time period. Since I know that this is not convenient for all, I also have a drop box for residents who would like to drop off their taxes after hours. The drop safe is in the drive-through lane. There is also a mail slot on the front door of the building where residents may drop their taxes off. Both are secure locations, however such payments should be limited to checks or money orders. Cash payments will need to be made in person and will be properly receipted. We also have a drive-through window for the convenience of residents. A requirement imposed by the School District and the Borough to adhere to Pennsylvania State Law limits the period of collection. Pennsylvania law requires that “such settlement of duplicates must occur by January 15 for taxes from the prior calendar year.” Therefore, I will be closing out and sending the delinquent taxes to Berkheimer in January as opposed to May, which was the procedure prior to this past year. If you have any questions, you may email me at fboland@donnelly-boland.com or phone me at 412-882-5383 ext. 1129. Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News
As the winter months approach and as in the past, the Borough is again seeking volunteers that are willing to shovel snow for residents that are unable to do it for themselves. Every year residents call the Borough requesting names and phone numbers of individuals that can assist them during the winter months. If you are interested in helping your neighbor please contact the Borough at 412-884-1500 ext. 112 and give your name, address and phone number to be placed on the list to shovel snow away from sidewalks/driveways. Residents are in needs of assistance during the wintry months are willing to pay a nominal fee for your services. Once a list is established, the volunteer will be given the jobs closest to their home. Please consider donating time to assist our elderly and disabled or consider doing the job at a minimal cost. Thank you for being there for our residents!
ELDERLY AND DISABLED APPRECIATE YOUR HELP! LifeSpan Community Program Extension at Brentwood Library Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Program Schedule Join us in late September for CCAC Tai Chi Classes 12:30 – 2 p.m. Monthly Jewelry Class ( 3 hours). Date TBA Meadows Casino trip – October 24th – Cost for transportation is $15. Pancake Breakfast November 2nd, in the downstairs community room. Includes card and games event. Cost is $4. “Antique Road Show” – TBA
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Free six-week workshop will be hosted by the LifeSpan Dormont Community Resource Center located on Hillsdale Avenue. Everyone is invited to attend. Beginning Thursday, October 13, 2011 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. If you are an older adult with an ongoing health issue, or if you care for someone with an ongoing health issue, please consider attending the “Better Choices, Better Health” Workshop. You will get the support you need, find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices and learn how to talk with your doctor and family about your health. For further information on this “FREE” workshop, and programs offered at the LifeSpan Brentwood Library Program Extension, please contact Cindy Kostelnik at 412-343-6050. You may also visit our website at www.lifespanpa.org.
Briefly Brentwood Borough News COMCAST CARES DAY IS A HUGE SUCCESS IN BRENTWOOD PARK
Pictured, Council member Charlie Johnson is joined by Councilwoman Janice Boyko and BAA President Jim Attanucci.
In a month that recorded record rainfalls it was hard to predict how Comcast’s Annual COMCAST CARES DAY would be. However, on the morning of Saturday, April 30th the rain clouds disappeared and the unfamiliar sun shown on crowded Brentwood Park. “It was a success!”, stated Brentwood Borough Councilman and member of the BPI Charlie Johnson who helped organize the event. Every year Comcast brings together tens of thousands of Comcast employees, their families and friends to make a positive impact in neighborhoods across the country. This year was no exception. On April 30, 2011, Comcast celebrated their tenth anniversary of Comcast Cares Day, which has since grown to become one of the largest single-day corporate volunteer efforts in the country. Along the way, they have partnered with great organizations such as National Urban League, NCLR, City Year, United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and more. This year, two of their organizations were the Brentwood Park Initiative and the Brentwood Athletic Association. On April 30th, 2011 more than 130 volunteers from Comcast, the BPI, the BAA, GBU, Brentwood EMS, Brentwood government, and residents from the Borough of Brentwood took time from what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday morning to help beautify the Brentwood Park. Projects that were completed that day included the painting of the ball field fence, dugouts, storage units, and concession stands. They also repaired the wood bleachers and placed some new landscaping and mulch around the concession stand. Brentwood Borough authorized their Department of Public Works to work this day to provide their expertise and equipment for some of the more labor intensive projects but they more than appreciated the help. “Brentwood Park is such a jewel and an asset to the Borough and we really appreciate Gary M Liss and Mark J. Depretis of COMCAST for choosing Brentwood this year for their COMCAST Cares Day as well as all of the children with their parents who volunteered,” stated Councilwoman Janice Boyko. In addition to providing volunteers to accomplish some of the work, Comcast will make a monetary donation based on the number of non-Comcast volunteers who participated in the day’s events. “We expect anywhere from $2,000 to possibly $3,000 from Comcast, but the work that was accomplished was more than enough of a contribution,” stated Jim Atanucci. Proceeds will go towards funding the $8 million dollar Brentwood Park and Stadium Renovation Project. Phase I of the six (6) Phase project has been funded and is scheduled to begin this year. For questions or additional information, please contact Borough Manager, George Zboyovsky, PE at 412-884-1500.
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Briefly Brentwood Borough News
BRENTWOOD EMS – UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2011
CPR Classes The Brentwood EMS will conduct CPR classes at 9 a.m. on the following dates: Saturday, September 17, 2011 Saturday, October 15, 2011 Saturday, November 19, 2011 Classes will be held at the Brentwood EMS Headquarters located at 3624 Brownsville Road, Pgh., PA 15227. For more information call 412-884-8740.
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Craft Show Fundraiser The Brentwood EMS annually sponsors a Craft Show at St. Sylvester’s Church, (lower level) 3754 Brownsville Road, Pgh., PA 15227 as a fundraiser to purchase supplies and medical equipment for the ambulances. The Craft show will be on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are a crafty person and wish to donate an item or gift card, it would be greatly appreciated. To participate and reserve a table to sell your wares and if you need additional information please contact the EMS business office at 412-884-8740. Thank you for supporting your Brentwood EMS.
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Jan Morgan It’s Easy to Sell... Where You Live
Home Values In Baldwin
s 30+ Years Whitehall Resident s Full Time Agent s Consistent Top Producer s Relocation Specialist s Listing Leader and Sales Leader s Sellers and Buyers Agent
24 E. Club Dr. #870155
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Jan Morgan office 412.882.9100 ext. 225 cell 412.496.2690 email jmorgan@howardhanna.com
http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/15234-Pittsburgh/
http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Baldwin-Pennsylvania/community-info/
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REAL ESTATE
BR E N T W O OD B A L D W I N - W H I T E H A L L
IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall real estate market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information about creating beautiful spaces to live in, and other interesting facts about your community. F E AT U R E S T O R Y
FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS
With the dog days of summer are behind us, that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, and the corn from the fields from all over Washington County has been harvested. Energy seems to make a rebound and even the animals around the Brentwood, Baldwin & Whitehall communities seem livelier, more alert. During this time, there’s nothing more wonderful than taking advantage of those last mild days to get outside and enjoy the outdoors by doing a little yard work. If you need some inspiration, just take a look around at the farmers market at Caste Village - one look at the blazing color of fall blooms and pumpkins and you will be itching to get your yard autumn-ready. This is a great time to rake up all those leaves on the ground. But don’t just throw them into a trash bag to be hauled away; leaves are great for composting and may have as much as three times the amount of minerals as fertilizer. They need to be shredded to be easier to work with, but this is easily accomplished by running a mower back and
forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sure to add a little nitrogen to your compost pile with the leaves. If your summer flowers have faded, be sure to trim back dead leaves and blooms and add some fall flowers for some more vibrant color. Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in pots to accent any garden with a fall palette, but don’t forget purple as a great contrasting color to oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purple accents are pansies, purple coneflowers, asters and mums. All of these will grow well in zone 6. To find these beautiful flowers, head down to one of the many farm markets that inhabit the Canon Mac area. Beautiful mums can be found at McClellands or Simmons right in Canonsburg! For some green accent, you might try growing some arugula in a pot or self-watering container. This spicy, leafy plant has long been popular in France and Italy and actually grows better in the fall than in the summer. The leaves will add zest to your salads
and other fall dishes. Although the planting time for arugula is in the spring, seedlings can be purchased and transplanted; however they also do well if left in containers or pots. Even if you’re not particularly good at growing plants and flowers, there are many ways to accent your lawn and garden with minimal effort and maintenance. Brightly colored pumpkins placed around pathways and steps give a whimsical touch to decorating. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight and directly on the ground, and your pumpkin may well last for two to three months in the cool fall climate. Other low-maintenance decorations for fall are corn stalks and bales of hay. Hay bales also provide extra seating in outdoor areas. Summer may be over, but your yard can still be a bright, cheerful place full of beautiful, living things.
– by Pamela Palongue
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REAL ESTATE
BR E N T W O OD B A L D W I N - W H I T E H A L L
A Handyman’s Guide to Restoring Your Home g n i y
o r t s De
D
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By Pamela Palongue
o you have anyone addicted to power tools living in your home? Do their eyes glaze over when they enter the local hardware store? Do they sometimes try to replace the washers in your washerless faucets? Have they been known to use a jack hammer to refinish your hardwood floors? If this sounds familiar, there is help. In my own case, I will never forget the moment I realized I was married to a compulsive handyman. It was a summer day that began like any other. I had left early in the morning for some weekly grocery shopping and a few errands. I returned just a few short hours later to find my husband standing in the middle of the bathtub amid wall tiles and debris up to his knees. He froze in midswing of the sledge hammer with drywall dust still floating silently down around us. The bathroom wall had been taken down to the bare plumbing, presumably to fix a minor leak. When he saw my look of horror, he sheepishly told me that he had to break down the wall in order to gain access to the plumbing. When I pointed out that we would no longer be able to take showers, he reminded me how much money we were saving by not calling a licensed plumber. This incident was not the main cause of the divorce, as I largely blame myself for leaving him unsupervised in the house with access to heavy equipment. I have since learned that with a few easy, inexpensive changes, 5235 Clairton Boulevard you too can leave your home with the comfort of knowing it will Pittsburgh, PA 15236 412.882.9100 Ext. 247 be reasonably intact upon your return. 412.654.8972 Cell The easiest solution is to prevent the purchase of power tools mkarolski@howardhanna.com in the first place. When your handyman casually mentions that he has to “stop by the lumberyard and pick up a few things,” distract him by mentioning the playoffs, offering to cook his favorite food or showing him the latest issue of the Victoria’s Secret catalog. Next, use the parental controls on your TV set to block out HGTV, DIY Network or any other channels that may convince your handyman that he can add a wing to the house over the weekend. Cover ALL appliances with several rolls of duct tape. (This will deter him from taking them apart.) Although this is not guaranteed to prevent the dismantling of your refrigerator, it will slow him down considerably. Finally, if all else fails, tell him the local electronics store has just introduced a new line of plasma screen TVs that are 9 x 20 feet, the exact dimensions of the north wall of your house. Keep in mind that he will likely be extremely disappointed upon learning that no such TV exists outside of the Starship Enterprise on Star Trek. He may instead buy an extreme number of video games and cameras, but at least he cannot destroy the house with Dungeons and Dragons.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
With a few easy, inexpensive changes, you can leave your home with the comfort of knowing it will be reasonably intact upon your return.
REAL ESTATE
BR E N T W O OD B A L D W I N - W H I T E H A L L
MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., homes where multiple generations of family have blended together under one roof are on the rise. With economic constraints and the high cost of child care, it is easy to see why children, parents and grandparents living together in one dwelling makes sense in many situations. It’s also easy to see why multigenerational dwellings which appeal to the needs of all ages are quickly becoming the trend. From this perspective a ranch-style house with one floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobility problems will not have to deal with steps, but also parents will not have the added worry of their young children falling down stairs. Another important feature of multi-generational homes is the “mother-in-law suite.” This is generally an area of the house that is designed for an aging parent, giving them a degree of privacy and independence while
still being a part of the nuclear family household. They are sometimes located in a basement for easier access for those with mobility issues and often times will have a separate entrance, giving the appearance of a mini-apartment. They usually always include a bedroom and private bath, and may also have kitchenettes and small living areas as well. When accessibility becomes an issue with an older adult, there are many options for making the home more accessible without giving it the industrial-style, nursing home appearance. This is an important consideration when it comes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, if an individual is wheel-chair bound, doorways must be made larger to accommodate the chair. With a modern contemporary home,
this may be accomplished by removing walls for a more open floor plan—which appeals to buyers—or widening doorways with attractive archways. This will make the change look more intentional and less like a temporary fix for a mobility problem. Many times it becomes necessary to install grab bars in baths and showers for the safety of senior family members. Although there are many industrial style models from which to choose, there are a few companies on the web that are sensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars and offer styles in decorative brass and silver. Walk-in showers and baths can be constructed with attractive glass enclosures that fit everyone’s style and are still accessible for seniors. A few changes to your home can help make it safer for seniors and children and more valuable when it comes time to re-sell. - by Pamela Palongue
Reach over 55,375 potential customers in Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
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Dare to Dream...
C
osta Homebuilders is a fourth generation, family-owned construction company based in Pittsburgh, PA. At Costa Homebuilders, our goal is simple: Provide our customers with the most positive experience possible throughout the building process. We are one of the area’s leading building companies, and our clients receive the finest product at the greatest value possible.
Timeless Beauty
Positive feedback and customer referrals have helped Costa Homebuilders achieve its solid reputation. We have built our reputation by making the process as worry-free as possible, and by using only the finest quality materials and craftsmanship.
Visit our website and take our Costa HomeBuilders New Life™ Questionnaire
“Creating a home with the lifestyles of the clients in mind gives home buyers not just a house, but a vacation, making every turn into the driveway a peaceful retreat from the world” – Jeff Costa
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The New Life™ Custom Home Five Star Builders Program makes buying your dream home… easy as 1-2-3.
Regi ster ed • Insur ed
With our New Life™ Custom Home Five Star Builders Program we show you: n How to get more house for your investment n How to save time and money n How to choose a lender that fits your needs n How to understand pricing step by step n How to reduce stress and help you save time and money
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Evaluate
The first step in the process is doing the evaluation and initial contact! Our process will include: n Filling out the New Life™ Questionnaire n Phone Consultation with our expert which will include: • Home building finance options • Budget • Full review of wants and needs. n Evaluating price range n Deciding area - Washington, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette or Westmoreland n Helping you locate a lot to build on and reserve it if possible. 903 Gill Hall Road Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 (412) 653-3548 www.vosstv.com
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Elegance Mastered
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Step 2
Educate
Step 2 involves a two hour Personal Home Building Workshop, customized for you and your family. During this workshop we will: n Study your lifestyle and provide insight into your true needs and desires n Show you how to use 100% of your floor plan daily n Enlighten you about your custom options n Finalize the budget n Review specifications n Educate you on the “most wanted� home trends in the industry n Explore the standard features at our 3,500 square foot showroom
Step 3
Excite
In the Five Star Proprietary Process you will enjoy watching your dream come alive. The design experts at Costa HomeBuilders will cover: n Deposit n Small scale drawings will be developed until the layout is enthusiastically agreed upon and the budget is met. n Sign Contracts n Laying out your new home on the lot n The step by step process to building your home n Timelines and expectations n Selections guided by our professionals in multiple categories n Move in
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For Jeff Costa, operating manager of Costa Homebuilders, building a custom home is more than picking countertops and crossing items off a punch list. It’s as unique as the clients he builds for. “We get to know our clients as individuals and study their lifestyles,” Costa said. “This provides unique insight into a client’s true needs and desires.” Costa provides small-scale drawings and works with clients until the layout of the home is enthusiastically agreed upon and that their budgetary plan is met. “Every step is significant, and our clients tell us that our process is enjoyable because of its organization,” Costa said.
Personal Design
Our Mission Our mission, supported by a commitment to excellence, is to operate a total quality building system. We are a construction team full of people who take pride in what we do and put forth our greatest effort to accomplish team goals. Our construction team is made up of in-house departments, subcontractors, and vendors that demonstrate a high standard of quality that our customers depend on. We are determined to provide superior service, quality workmanship, pleasing job appearance, and a safe working environment. The end result will be nothing less than a quality product. 70
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A Quality Home
a Great Neighborhood Phone: 412.384.8170 Fax: 412.405.9513 Showroom: 600 Hayden Boulevard (Rt. 51), Elizabeth, PA 15037 www.CostaHomebuilders.com
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Spice Up the Fall with Library Programming
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What to Expect After the First Meeting with Your Attorney By Fred Goldsmith and Rich Ogrodowski
n our last article, we discussed what you can expect and how you should prepare for the initial meeting with a qualified attorney to discuss your personal injury case or, in the event of the untimely death of a family member, a wrongful death case. Let’s assume that following an initial meeting, you decide to retain the attorney and the attorney commences a lawsuit on your behalf. What happens next? What should you expect? How fast does the process move? The below is not an exhaustive list of what to expect but rather is aimed at giving you a general overview of what you may experience from the filing of the lawsuit through what we call the discovery stage.
I
case. During this stage, the plaintiff will attempt to obtain as much factual information as possible in order to prove that the defendant did something wrong and that this caused his or her injury. On the other hand, the defendant will try to obtain facts to prove that it did nothing wrong, that the plaintiff is not injured or not injured as badly as he or she claims, and/or that the plaintiff’s monetary damages are not as large as claimed. There are various types of discovery mechanisms, such as: written requests, depositions, requests for entry upon property of a party, physical and mental examinations of a party, and subpoenas. A summary of each is below.
First, written discovery requests include interrogatories, requests for 1. Pleading Stage. production of documents, and requests for admission. The requests In Pennsylvania state court practice, a lawsuit is commenced by filing a should be limited to asking for information that is reasonably calculated to Praecipe for Writ of Summons or a Complaint. The Complaint contains lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. factual allegations about how the accident happened and the legal basis for why you are requesting damages. Once the Complaint is filed, the defendant a. Interrogatories are questions. The questions may ask for usually has 20 days to file an Answer in which the defendant admits, denies, background information about you, how the accident happened, your or states that it is unable to admit or deny the factual allegations. The medical treatment, and your alleged damages. practice in federal court is similar, although one cannot file a Praecipe for Writ of Summons, which is a sort of placekeeper filing designed to toll the b. Requests for production of documents ask the party to produce (or statute of limitations. In response to a Complaint in either state or federal make available for inspecting or copying) writings, drawings, graphs, court, the defendant may, instead of filing an Answer, file papers charts, photographs, electronically created data, such as emails, text challenging the legal sufficiency of the Complaint, the place the lawsuit has messages, etc. been filed, the power of the court to hear the case, and/or other preliminary matters. c. Requests for admission ask a party to admit certain facts as being true. 2. Discovery Stage. Second, the lawyers are permitted to conduct depositions of the parties Once the lawsuit is commenced, the parties begin the discovery stage of the and fact witnesses. If you are deposed, this involves answering questions asked by the opposing party’s attorney. Your attorney will be present and may object to certain questions. The testimony that you provide at the deposition will be under oath and recorded by a “stenographer,” or court reporter. As such, a written booklet will be prepared of the questions and answers. Third, the parties may send a request to enter upon the property of a party to the case. This is usually done so that the party may go to the scene of the accident and take photographs or record a video. Fourth, when the physical or mental condition of a party is at issue in a case, the opposing party may make a request to the court to order the party claiming the physical or mental condition to submit to an examination. For instance, if you are claiming that you injured your back, the opposing party may seek to have you examined by an orthopedic surgeon of its choosing. You and your lawyer will be entitled to receive a copy of any written report detailing the findings of the examining physician. Fifth, when non-parties to the case have information, the parties may serve a subpoena on the non-party, requesting the production of documents or information and/or to provide deposition testimony. Again, the above is not an exhaustive list, but should give you a feel for what to expect in the time – usually several months and often up to a year or so – between the filing and trial of lawsuit. If the case does not settle, the case will then proceed to trial. A discussion of what to expect at trial is for another day. If you think you have a potential case, feel free to run it by us over the phone (412.281.4340) or use the form on our website: www.golawllc.com/contact.html. If you would like a free, compact, credit card style checklist, suitable for keeping in your purse or wallet, on what to do to safeguard your legal claims after most types of accidents, please call or e-mail us. 74
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b u s i n e s s
s p o t l i g h t
By Pamela Palongue lthough surgery is sometimes an inevitable conclusion to resolve patient discomfort, the physicians of Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates take a conservative approach to treatment. Preventative strategies, physical therapy, medications, diet modification and injections are tried prior to surgical intervention. “We treat all ages here,” says Dr. Mark Lesh of Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates “from kids with sports injuries to the elderly. And we really do our best to always be available for our patients.” One way in which they are able to accomplish this, is by having a physical therapy facility onsite. This enables the doctors to track the progress of patients both pre and postoperatively. “Many times the physical therapist will ask us to take a look at one of our patients who are visiting for rehab. We are able to just drop by and assess the patient and make recommendations based on what we see, without the patient having to schedule another appointment or make another trip,” says Lesh. People having knee replacement surgery now number in the hundreds of thousands each year. Knee arthritis is a common ailment, but there is nothing common about the distress of the pain. This local practice is changing the way knee replacements are being done with promising results for the patient. An innovative new procedure called patient specific instrumentation (PSI), allows the surgeon to evaluate and plan
total knee replacement specific to the patient prior to the date of surgery. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) is taken of the knee which allows the surgeon, using computer modeling, to have the instrumentation designed to the patient’s unique anatomy. According to Dr. Lesh, although this is a relatively new procedure, the results look promising for patient outcomes.
making patients feel more at ease and secure. The practice which was established in Homestead in 1932, maintains the core values of its founder, Dr. Francis O’Malley, who believed in placing the patient first. For more information on Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, or on the procedures that they perform, you may visit their website at www.steelvalleyortho.com.
Most of the doctors at SVOA are fellowship trained; meaning that they have received additional training beyond what is required of doctors. For example, a recent addition to the staff, Dr. Ryan McMillen is a podiatrist who is fellowship trained in complex foot and ankle problems. Additional treatment options provided by the practice include waterproof casting, visco supplementation (Synvisc/Euflexxa), and an osteoporosis clinic. The physicians are on staff at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and St. Clair Hospital where they perform procedures such as carpal tunnel release, arthroscopy, rotator cuff surgery, fracture repair and total joint replacements. Following surgery, patients can choose to continue their rehabilitation under the guidance of the practice’s physical therapists, Matthew Matta, D.P.T. and Julie Schneider, D.P.T. In addition to superior training, the doctors, physician assistant and physical therapists at SVOA bring a friendly, caring attitude to their jobs, Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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fall Events
Whitehall Public Library
Holiday Craft SHow
100 Borough Park Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 152368 412.882.6622 www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org
Saturday, November 5 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whitehall Community Room Space is limited for vendors. Download a registration form at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org and submit it by October 21.
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday: 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
FLEA MARKET
BLOW OUT BOOK SALE
First Wednesday of each month 9:30 to 11 a.m. Library Cafe
Saturday, September 24 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Whitehall Community Room Come sell your items at the largest indoor garage sale in Whitehall! $20 for each 6-foot table or 6-feet of space. Limited space is available. Download form at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org and submit by September 17.
Thursday, September 29 – 4 to 8 p.m. (preview) Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (All hardback books $1 on October 1) Sunday, October 2 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($5 bag sale; bring your own bag). Whitehall Community Room
ADULT GAME DAY Every Thursday Noon to 3 p.m. Library Cafe Enjoy a variety of board games with fellow adults
ADULT COFFEE MORNINGS Every Wednesday 9 to 11 a.m. Library Cafe
BOOKS ON WHEELS If you are a Whitehall resident and cannot come to the library, dedicated volunteers can deliver books to your home. For more information, contact Denise at 412.882.6622.
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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER! H
ard to believe that it is time for this discussion, but once the vacation is over and school has started; the next chores on the to do list are not far behind. The last two years cold, windy and icy conditions have caused many problems and numerous homeowner insurance claims. Here is a checklist to help you prepare.
Outdoor plumbing – drain your hose connections, pool & sprinklers. After you turn off the water, leave the spigot in the “on” position.
Test for drafts around your windows. On a windy day, a candle will flicker. Caulk around windows on the inside and outside. Use expandable foam for cracks in basement walls, available in hardware stores. Add weather stripping around drafty doors. Routinely get your furnace tested before cold weather sets in. Prepare a “winter” bin with flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, a weather radio, maybe some extra blankets. If you want to go one step farther, add canned goods, manual can opener, crackers, nuts, cookies, paper plates. Don’t rob the “winter bin” early! Put all this in a closet equipped with a battery touch light. Provide pipe protection on extremely cold days: Open cabinet doors for pipes on outside walls to avoid freezing, let hot and cold water trickle from faucets, don’t ever shut off the heat if traveling – set it to 55 degrees and have someone check frequently. Know where shut off valves are for a quick response. Consider having a professional install a standby generator. Lastly check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, check fire extinguishers. Stock up on rock salt and a snow shovel. Now that we’re prepared, let the snow fly!
Gutters – don’t forget to clean them out once your trees are bare. Clogged gutters often cause ice dams on the roof, resulting in leaking to the inside of the home. Install heat coil along the roof line with gutters, extending it down into the downspouts as well. Plug it into a GFI outlet (an electrician can do this) and make sure it is turned on (a timer might be a good idea). Use crack filler for cracks in your sidewalk or driveway, especially around the foundation. Trim trees away from the house; squirrels and raccoons can do tremendous damage once they find shelter. Also be sure chimneys are free and clear. If you suspect your roof could be a problem, get it inspected. Many problems cannot be fixed in freezing weather – shingles are brittle, the roof may be covered with ice and snow, and a danger to climb. If your home is old, add a layer of R-30 insulation to the attic ceiling. This Industry Insight was written by Sue Clark. Clark Renovations, Inc. is a family business, owned by Ron and Sue Clark, renovating South Hills homes for 40 years. Visit our showroom at 3180 Industrial Blvd. Bethel Park, 412.833.7222. Website address: www.clarkremodeling.com.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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Community Magazines
Please Help Us Save Lost Pets In Brentwood!
Has your pet ever run out of the yard? Has it been difficult to find them, or have they become lost for a couple of days? If your pet does not have an identification microchip (a chip that has the owner’s contact information) OR if your pet loses their collar and their ID tags, there is a chance that your lost pet may not be identified, and might not get safely back to you. Sadly, at most borough police stations, if a pet is turned in, and unclaimed within 24 hours, the pet is sent to contracted dog catcher, and most likely will be put down within 48 hours. With the help of Officer Rich Swick, and his fellow officers, we are trying to avoid this from happening in the future. We are partnering with Animal Advocates, a no-kill rescue organization, and seeking temporary foster homes for lost dogs and cats.
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Can you help? We need foster homes. Acting as a temporary foster for a lost dog or cat is a wonderful way to save their lives. Just imagine if it was your pet that was lost, then found, and SAVED by one of your neighbors, how good would you feel? Vet care and inoculations will be given to the pet before it arrives at your home. Pet Food and other necessary supplies would be provided for you. You would be making a huge difference. If you decide that this is something you would like to pursue, please email Officer Swick at rswick@brentwoodboro.com or call his office at 412.884.2600 x183.
Hayes Chiropractic -
Eliminate Your Aches and Pains
I
n today’s world, any number of things can wear on your problems with muscles ranging from tendons, fascia, nerves, body and cause discomfort. It may be that office chair ligaments, sports injuries, headaches, back pain, carpal that you’re stuck in eight hours a day, or those heels that tunnel, knee problems, and tennis elbow. look great, but are uncomfortable to wear. Maybe your car Hayes Chiropractic also recommends nutritional seat isn’t as comfy as when you drove off the lot and you’re supplementation for patients, and fine tunes their nutritional lower back is letting you know. needs to their specific problems. Today’s world is full of hurdles for your body, but there is hope. “I tell people there are a multitude of techniques out there Hayes Chiropractic can offer you unparalleled care to help and we’ll do what’s best for you,” Hayes said. “There are techyou end your days of aches and pain. niques that will work for you .Chiropractic works whether you Located near Princess Lanes Bowling in Baldwin, Drs. Sean believe in it or not. We have people come in and they’re surHayes and Michael Martini specialize in allprised how gentle the techniques can be.” “We treat patients with encompassing family chiropractic care, In business since June of 2005, and with elbow and knee problems more than 18 years of experience between treating patients from as young as one and a myriad of other week old to age 91. them, Drs. Hayes and Martini both were “Chiropractors are well known for treating things. We manage stress born and raised in Baldwin, leaving only release and tension. It lower back pain or neck pain, but chirobriefly to attend Chiropractic College. They doesn't have to be an injury came back to Baldwin because it’s a homepractic goes far beyond that,” Hayes said. that brings you to a “We treat patients with elbow and knee town they love and enjoy, with a clientele chiropractor. People think that is more like family than patients. problems and a myriad of other things. We everyday aches and pains Hayes Chiropractic accepts all major manage stress release and tension. It are normal, doesn’t have to be an injury that brings you insurances, including auto insurance, but what is normal to a chiropractor. People think everyday worker’s compensation and Medicare. If a
is being pain free.”
Dr. Hayes delivering an adjustment.
The rehabilitation room.
aches and pains are normal, but what is normal is being pain free.” Hayes Chiropractic’s approach to patient care ensures that you’ll get the treatment that’s right for you. “Unfortunately, there’s no cookbook for chiropractic care,” Hayes said. “Treatment timelines vary because every condition is different. We treat as the body dictates. It’s easier to stay well than to get well, so we suggest a tune up every once in a while to keep the body moving the right way. It’s the approach that we take - with chiropractic, massage and rehabilitation that gives us results that others have not seen.” Dr. Martini specializes in the patented Active Release Techniques or ART, which is a soft tissue technique that treats
Dr. Martini performing ART. patient is not covered for chiropractic care, Hayes Chiropractic makes treatment as affordable as possible Dr. Sean and offers cash payHayes & ment plans. Dr. Michael To schedule your Martini appointment today and eliminate your everyday aches and pains, call Hayes Chiropractic at 412.881.7060. To learn more about Drs. Hayes and Martini and chiropractic
care in general, go to www.hayeschiro.net.
Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com
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B USINESS D IRECTORY
ITALIAN HOAGIES FOR SALE to benefit the Baldwin High School Marching Band
$5 each.
ADVERTISE HERE
Reach over 55,375 potential customers in Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall
Call 724.942.0940 sales@incommunitymagazines.com
The sale dates are: September 17, October 15, November 12, December 10, January 7, February 4, March 3 and March 24. People can order by emailing a request to order to www.bhsmusic@bwschools.net and someone will get back to them.
Send your tradition or recipe to m.jeffries@icmags.com
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| IN BEDFORD COUNTY | | IN BETHEL PARK | |
Kathleen Masley Cunningham 412.916.8117
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Ann Allsopp 412.979.5056 Karena Allsopp 412.916.3307
Steve Ciechalski 412.885.8530 x156
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| IN CANON-MAC | | IN CHARTIERS VALLEY | | IN FOX CHAPEL | | IN HAMPTON | | IN KEYSTONE OAKS | | IN MARS AREA |
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Mary Lou Enrietto Office Manager 412.885.8530 x112
Beverly Hoebler 412.303.2491
| IN McKEESPORT AREA | | IN MERCER COUNTY | | IN MONROEVILLE | | IN MONTOUR | | IN MOON TOWNSHIP |
Doreen Walters 412.654.6916
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FREE HOME WARRANTY! Mention this ad to any of the agents shown. $500 value.