IN Canon-Mac by IN Community Magazines

FALL 2011

anon Mac COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

A Final Resting Place 

Contents Canon Mac | FALL 2011 |

Publisher’s Message

20 |

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Canon Mac School District | 6 In Kids | 50 Houses of Worship | 55 Special Value Coupons | 56

FEATURES

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter | by Sue Clark | 35 Top Nine Myths about Children’s Teeth | by Barry Bartusiak DMD | 53 Car Accident? Physical Therapy Can Help

SPOTLIGHT

Dance By Cami

ON THE COVER

The Hallowed Ground of the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies

anon Mac FALL 2011 Welcome to the Fall issue of Canon Mac Magazine. Summer is the time for home improvement projects, and this issue contains information about house maintenance, landscaping and real estate. The Habitat for Humanity opened a ReStore Center in downtown Washington in mid-May. It’s a store specializing in new or gently-used building materials and home improvement items that have been donated. The items ar e resold at greatly-reduced prices, and you can buy everything from chandeliers to appliances to aluminum siding for your home. You might find what you need for your summer projects around the home. This issue also contains our annual advertising section on real estate in Washington and Allegheny Counties, and we are reminded of the beautiful, affordable homes – both old and new – that our available i n our region. If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, we hope you will find this issue to be helpful. If you are planning on staying in your home but want to fix up the outside, this issue contains plenty of tips from professional landscapers and gardeners. Finally, in what may be a sign of the times, there is a story on page five about the North Strabane’s Intermediate School’s use of electr onic books (ebooks) in the fifth and sixth grade classrooms. Unlike some of their parents, the students have adopted to the technology almost effortlessly and seem to prefer the ebooks over the “old-fashioned” printed ones. If it gets kids to read, we’re all for it. Have a great summer!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

IN Canon Mac is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Canon Mac 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 Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Garyyonphotography.com Michael Haritan A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

I drive by the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies most days to work. This stunning view of the rows and rows of white markers that note the service men and women who have dedicated their lives to our country is very compelling to me. On page 10 you’ll get to read about the history of this hallowed ground. With Veterans Day coming up in November, I wonder if I could make a suggestion? If, in your busy days this fall, you are lucky enough to encounter someone who has served our country, would you thank them for their service? I know many veterans have never been thanked before and would be so appreciative of your kind words. Congratulations to Canonsburg Middle School for receiving the designation of “Schools To Watch” on the national level. Their commitment to academics among other things is no sur prise to us at the magazine. We were just thrilled to see this wonderful school recognized!

Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor

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

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: 10/20 www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Canon Mac

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

DISTRICT BUDGET

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At Canon-McMillan, the children truly do come first.  School Director Eric Kline

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                          CANON-McMILLAN  SCHOOL DISTRICT                              6

Canon Mac

                                        

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

       

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           

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                                    

                                      

  

           

                          

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

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

CLASS OF 2011                  

                         CANON-McMILLAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

  

                              

 

                             

                       

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Canon Mac

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                                                          

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No parent expects to leave a child to journey through life without his or her direct guidance.

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                                                     

                                                                           

 

                                               

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

    By Pamela Palongue

       

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

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Canon Mac

Photos by Gary Yon

                                                                                                                                   

Tours of the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies are available by appointment by calling their offices at 724.746.4363.

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

THE BEST SEAT The annual Canonsburg 4th of July parade has had a longstanding tradition of individuals showing up days before the parade to place their chair at the best possible vantage spot for viewing the parade. This tradition led Our Town Cooperative, the Canonsburg Main Street program, to hold a competition for the best chair. In addition to bragging rights, there is the additional incentive of a $100 cash prize for the most patriotic chair and the most original chair. The most patriotic chair was one decorated with a soldier in army fatigues as a nod to our troops serving overseas and the most original chair was decorated with 1950’s records of Canonsburg celebrities Bobby Vinton and Perry Como. In addition to the fierce chair competition, the holiday crowd was treated to a concert by the Washington County Jazz Society, an art walk and a 94.5 Sports Challenge for kids. The grand marshalls of the parade for 2011 were The Four Coins, The Four Townsmen and The Donnybrooks to carry out the theme of the festivities, “Celebrating Our Musical Heritage.”

For mor e on futur information celebrat e downtown www.do ions, you ma y wntown canonsb visit urg.org. 12

Canon Mac

IN THE HOUSE

By Pamela Palongue

inal g i r tO ” Mos ulous 50’s ab “The F ill Lauricia by J

Most Patrio tic “Canons Salutes burg by Clara Army” Krashna Dorchak

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

By Pamela Palongue

   

he Greater Canonsburg Public Library had been around for the past 100 years, and unfortunately its size and design was probably better suited to the early 20th century than today. The library had just barely over 3,000 square feet and staff were forced to get rid of a book every time a new one was purchased due to the serious lack of space. Today the new Frank Sarris Public Library has over 30,000 squa re feet of space to serve the 30,000 people who will use the facility. The opening of the beautiful, new library was the culmination of planning and fundraising that began in 2005. The Frank Sarris family of Pittsburgh candy fame purchased the naming rights to the library. Unfortunately, Mr. Sarris did not live to see the opening of his namesake. According to Library Director Lyn Crouse, the Sarris

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Canon Mac

fami ly adopted the library and donated even more funds to insure completion of the work. The library sold brooms and plaques to help meet their financial goals and foundation grants, private donations and a 1.5 million dollar state grant rounded out the total budget. The Friends of the Frank Sarris Public Library, a group dedicated to helping the library through volunteering and fundraising, generously pro vided the massive new circulation desk built of red oak with a granite top. The result is that the 5.5 million dollar debt for constructing the building is completely paid! The building features large windows which let in lots of natural light and a

colorful interior to create a bright and cheery décor for all ages. It was also constructed with an environmentally friendly design. Crouse states that they are currently pursuing the Silver Leed Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. One of the highlights of the building is a large mural created by local professional artist Sherrie Grottenthaler, who painted an outdoor scene of the librar y, complete with name plaques of those who donated to the construction of the library depicted as building blocks. A second mural is currently being painted by internationally-known artist Jim Sulkowski who maintains a studio in Canonsburg. The three-panel mural will be based on classic books and literary characters. The second floor of the library incorporates the beauty of the outdoors with an atrium and an outdoor balcony. Library Director Crouse is perhaps happiest about the abundance of space. “We have room to grow in this building and we can offer so much more to our patrons,” Crouse said. The library has five public meeting rooms available for rent to the general public. According to Crouse they will be available for everything from an organizational meeting to a bridal shower and will have pro jection equipment for presentations. “This is an important facility for this area.” The building also has 2 conference rooms and 3 study areas. Genealogy fans will want to visit the new Genealogy and Local History Room which will have resources for tracing one’s roots. “For the first time we have a separate young adult area for reading and we will be having Wii tournaments for the teens. Also there is a story time room for our smaller children. In the old facility people were literally having to step over the children as they listened to stories being read,” Crouse said. Twenty-five computer stations will be posted around the library for public use and laptops may be checked out for inhouse use as the entire library will have wireless internet available. Crouse continues to look ahead to the futu re and hopes that some landscaping can be completed in the future. “There is a perfect place for a gazebo,” Crouse mused, which would make a lovely outdoor reading area. Crouse also adds that they will continue to offer free introductory computer classes and with the added space will be able to offer many other classes and feature visiting authors. She advises to watch the library website for upcoming e vents at www.franksarrislibrary.org. “The first three weeks the library was opened we issued 800 new library cards!” Crouse said. “Our usual would be 1,000 in a year.” New library patrons also checked out over 5600 items in the first three weeks, Crouse said, and it has not slowed down yet. And if great books, free internet and interesting artwork aren’t enough to entice one to visit the local library, perhaps chocolate will be. Sarris Candies are always for sale at the circulation desk and according to Crouse, they sell out so fast it is hard to keep them in stock.

Photos by Gary Yon

     

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  

 

 

   



Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

    By Pamela Palongue



anonsburg Middle School has been selected as one of 21 schools to hold the designation of Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools to Watch. And it has been selected as one of 250 “Schools to Watch” at the national level. This prestigious award was based on academic excellence and the school’s commitment to all students in helping them to reach their highest level of achievement. The award was also based on the ability of the school’s teachers and administration to work together to meet the needs of their students and the commitment to continuing improvement. Canonsburg Middle School will be recognized with this designation for the next three years and then must reapply to retain that status. The application process involves the interviewing of teachers, students, parents and administrative officials to determine cohesiveness within the school system. The curriculum and work of the students are also scrutinized and evaluated based upon their quality. One of the most important requirements is the school’s commitment to create a safe, comfortable learning environment for all students. That requirement is being partially met at CMS by a new program that combats bullying in the school. The program is called Olweus and is named after Dr. Dan Olweus, a researcher at Clemson University who has studied bullying extensively and is often referred to as the pioneer of bullying research. According to Dr. Olweus, bullying is described as any negative action from which a child is unable to defend himself. Remarkably, Dr. Olweus’ research states that approximately 17 percent of all students are bullied on a somewhat regular basis. Almost 1 in 5, the numbers suggest that the problem is not an isolated occurrence and that it exists in virtually every school. Bullying can take the form of derogatory comments, exclusion from social activities, forcing a student to do homework or other favors for the aggressor, threats or even physical violence such as hitting, kicking or spitting. Dr. Olweus’ program attacks the problem from all levels including the individual, classroom,

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Canon Mac

school and community. It creates a team of students, educators and even parents to combat the behavior. Communication between the groups and strategies to stop bullying immediately and provide consequences for the behavior help students who are bullied to feel more empowered and less isolated. This is extremely important since victims of aggression may experience depression, low self-esteem, poor grades and even thoughts of suicide. The aggressor may also suffer from emotional problems including low self-esteem, anger or addictions. According to Grace Lani, director of curriculum at CMS, the Olweus program (which has been in effect for a year) was chosen because of its extensive research and proven track record. Lani has seen the positive results of the program at CMS with fewer behavioral problems and less referrals of possible problem situations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A core team of educators, guidance counselors and the school nurse are trained to handle bullying situations quickly and effectively. They are taught to talk with the children in a common language. Then instructors from the program come to the school to review the implementation of the new rules and guidelines to ensure that it is working properly," Lani said. The instructors are also available for consultation as part of the ongoing process. Partly because of the success of the program at CMS, the school district has been awarded a grant for extending the Olweus program into the North Strabane Intermediate and Cecil Intermediate schools, with hopefully similar results. Although no program for high school age children exists at this time, Olweus is currently modifying the program for use with older students which will likely be implemented when it becomes available. A relatively new form of aggression called cyber bullying can involve threatening texts that may be sent electronically or inflammatory material that may be posted on social websites such as Facebook. In April, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation visited the school to address the students about preventive strategies for cyber bullying. The commitment of CMS to making the educational experience a positive one for all of its students combined with a high degree of academic excellence and teamwork has netted a coveted school award for the institution. Congratulations to Canonsburg Middle School for making the grade!

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 17



Joseph Helinski

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e’s really the leader of the band. Joseph Helinski, that is, and the band is the Canon-McMillan High School Marching Band otherwise known as the Big Macs. Most people would say it is Mr. Mark Falvo, who has been band director for the past 10 years—one year as an assistant to his father. “The drum major is really the student leader. He or she is expected to get the best out of everyone,” said Mr. Falv o. Helinski was selected as drum major in late May. The drum major is the first person to lead the band onto the field to perform for competitions and football halftime activities. He leads them in practices, and they watch him and the two field conductors when they are performing. The British army for its corps of drums developed the part of drum major in 1650. Some bands’ drum majors run ahead with a high step or strut-like motion. The Canon Mac band marches onto the field or the performance area together. The Big Mac Band drum major carries a mace, which was originally a weapon-like club but now is used ornamentally in ceremonies. Another important part of the drum major’s job is the salute, which is an eight-count, mini performance. It signifies the beginning or end of a performance. It is a student’s personal touch—Ben Lombardo, who was last year’s drum major, did a moonwalk and a robot move. Also, they tend to dress more ornately. Helinski has a gold cape and the two field conductors have blue capes. They had a hand in designing their uniforms. The audition process to become a drum major is vigorous. The applicants must develop a full routine with commands, teach a lesson, get a teacher’ s recommendation, and show three different patterns for conducting. There was a panel of five judges and the person with the highest score was awarded drum major followed by two field conductors. This coming year they are Stephen Strosko and Tyler Engel. The young men recently participated in a national five-day conference at the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg campus entitled the Fred J. Miller Dr um Major Clinic. “There were over 30 bands represented from Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon and Philadelphia,” said Helinski. “I met band members from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Maryland.” The three young men won most improved overall and Helinski won best technique from

 By Joann Naser

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his group of 25. “I’ve developed my leadership skills from watching my dad and I see how he conducts himself,” he said. “Also, I see my mom and how she dealt with students all my life.” Joseph is the son of Dave and Maureen Helinski. Dave is the principal at Canon-McMillan High School. His mother taught classes at the Montessori School in Mt. Lebanon. For the fall football and performance season, the 210-member band votes on the theme—this year’s winner is time travel. “We will be performing Cee Lo Green’s ‘Forget You’ representing this decade and ‘I Can See for Miles’ representing the 70s,” said Helinski. “There will be a lot of other great music for the audience to hear.” The Big Mac Band is one of the largest in the state. When performing, they line up from the 20-yard line to the opposite 20-ya rd line. It could pose a challenge for Helinski to conduct the group from the six-foot tall podium he will be standing on. He says he is ready for it. “I’m sure there will be an adrenaline rush,” said Helinski. “It will be awesome to be at the Friday night football games.” He added, “I have to earn my friends’ respect. Especially during practice sessions, there is a time for work, discipline and a time for fun. There is no talking and everyone needs to be on task.” Helinski would like to attend Notre Dame in the fall of 2012. “I would like to be a music educator like Mr. Falvo or Mrs. Palmer (the high school’s choir director).” Mr. Falvo says of Helinski, “He is the total package. He has brains and talent. He is the one of the finest young men I know.” Helinski replaced Lombardo, who was drum major fo r his junior and senior year as well as field conductor as a sophomore. “Ben worked very hard and lead by example,” said Mr. Falvo. “He was responsible for drills, practice sessions and the equipment.” Lombardo said, “It was intimidating as a junior to be drum major. I felt as if I gave respect, I would get it. You can’t be timid. The people need a leader, but I just wanted to Stephen help the band and myself gro w.” Strosko His field conductors last year were Stephanie Scarci and Matt Rozak. Lombardo, whose parents are Judy and Fred Lombardo of Canonsburg, plans to study music education at Slippery Rock Tyler Engel University. He is already part of their marching band. It is a great tribute that two of Mr. Falvo’s students want to follow in his footsteps. “It is really great to see these children grow,” concluded Mr. Falvo. “The biggest reward i s when they don’t need us anymore. That means I have done my job right.”

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

THE

NORTH STRABANE By Pamela Palongue

FIREF

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Canon Mac

PHOTO BY GARY YON

hen considering the dangerous work of firefighting, the mind automatically conjures up images of running into burning buildings, repelling down steep hillsides or crashing through locked doors. Firefighters do all of these things in the course of their work and they are undoubtedly dangerous. But did you know that the number 1 cause of firefighter deaths is heart attack? It’s true. The heat from the fire causes intense sweating, coupled with the fact that the firefighter is wearing heavy, protective clothing and carrying hundreds of pounds of equipment. Add to the scenario summertime heat and you have a recipe for extreme dehydration. Dehydration alone is a formidable enemy of the firefighter, but it can also lead to disturbances in the heart’s electrical system, causing sudden cardiac arres t. For this reason, firefighters must be in top condition to protect themselves in the extreme situations in which they are called to work. The other side of the equation is saving the lives of others. If firefighters climb a few flights of stairs and have to stop and rest, they delay the rescue of victims whose lives may depend on their removal from the scene within minutes or even seconds. Ther e is no time to stop and catch a breath at a fire scene. Everyone must be constantly moving and working as a team. A weak team member will endanger the lives of his fellow firefighters. For these reasons, North Strabane firefighters train extremely hard to keep themselves in optimum physical fitness. This is how the idea of the Firefighter Challenge began. According to Chris Chiprich, a profess ional firefighter-paramedic with North Strabane fire department, firefighters compete individually and as two-man teams against each other for the best time in an extreme obstacle course challenge. They must run up six flights of stairs with equipment, dragging a hose. But that’s only the beginning. Next they drag a Kaiser sled -- weighing approximately 160lbs -- about 6 feet. They next run through a group of traffic cones and pull more hose 100 feet. They crash through some double doors, knock down an obstacle and drag a 175lb. mannequin to safety. Amazingly, the average time for running this course is 2 minutes! If they can complete the course in 1 minute 40 seconds or less, they become a member of the Lions Den, receiving a jacket and bragging rights for their accomplishment. Medals and pl aques are also awarded for the best times to the participating firefighters from North Strabane, Peters Township and McKeesport. This competition helps them to stay in top form and trains them to be prepared when a real emergency occurs. In addition to the rigorous competition, the six

PHOTO BY GARY YON

BY GAR Y YON

professional firefighters attend daylight training every Wednesday and volunteers train on Mondays every week. This involves fire safety scenarios, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials training and many other areas of expertise. They also do cross-fit training for about an hour daily. Cross-fit training is specially tailored for the type of physical demands that the firefighters face on the job. Chiprich says, “It’s a highintensity workout that doesn’t require a lot of equipment, but is specially geared towards the demands of the job.” The firefighters sacrifice an incredible amount of personal time each week to be their best for their community. One might think that with such rigorous training, there would be few takers when it comes to volunteering or even pursuing a pr ofessional career. But Chiprich says there are approximately 15 to 20 active volunteers at North Strabane, despite the department’s dwindling volunteer numbers. If you are interested in becoming a member of this elite group or would just like more information on their training and activities, visit their website at www.nstfd.org or call them at 724.745.1010. Firefighting is a great way to give back to the community and help others.

PHOTO

PHOTO BY GARY YON

FIGHTER CHALLENGE

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

 Young ladies enjoying the slide and cars

Marcelo Castillo

To many people, summer means sunshine, no school and relaxing beach vacations. To the firemen of the Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Company and the residents of Cecil, summer also means it’s carnival time.

Ed Povirk and Ed Krenn working the big six. Cecil Twp. VFC Ladies Auxiliary serving up some pizza (Tina Godfrey, Sharon Bioni, Gladas Kolljeski and Dolores Preaux).

Grace Lesko getting ready for the water race.

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Paul Pivac, Paul Pivac and Brady Privac (three generations of volunteer firemen).

August 1 through 6, the Cecil Twp. VFC put on their 3rd annual fireman’s carnival. The event featured rides, games, refreshments and lots of great food. Pittsburgh radio station, Bob 96.9 broadcasted live from the fair on August 5. As is traditional with this fair, the event came to a close with the Fireman’s parade on August 6. The carnival raises much needed funds that help keep the Cecil Twp. Volunteer Fire Company running.

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Photos by Debbie Mountain

Alex Young on the hot seat.

Ray Urksa on the ferris wheel.

Joanne and Bill Schmoutz working the refreshment stand.

Jessica Wilson of Connellsville, PA

Racing down the fun slide.

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

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

                                                                                     

2011 Holiday Waste Collection Schedule Labor Day – Friday, September 9 collection will be one day late Thanksgiving – Friday, November 25 collection will be one day late Christmas – Normal schedule

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

 Did you know that... • Cecil Township is 27 Square Miles? • That we have 77 miles of Township Highways maintained by a ten person road crew? • That the average family size is 2.98? • That females outnumber males 51.3% to 48.7% in Cecil? • That 23.6% of our population is over age 55? • That 20.6% of our residents live alone? • That the median age of a Cecil resident is 39.1? • That 87.2% of our residents over 25 have a high school diploma and that 46.7% of that group has continued with advance education? • That over 65% of our residents are married? • That our median household income was $50,616? • That our per capita income was $22,340? • That 23.1% of our population receives retirement income? • That 67.4% of our residents have 2 or more cars? • That 71.5% of our residents live in single family homes and 20.4% live in duplexes? • That the median housing price is $116,000? 26

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              

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



Harvest Car Cruise North Strabane Township Concession Stand located at the Ballfield Sunday, October 2, 2011 Raindate Sunday, October 9, 2011

2010 BEST OF THE SHOW & ‘11 Dash Plaque

Food! Fun! Music! Awards! • DJ - Oldies • Dash P laques for the first 100 participants • Door Prizes • Chinese Auction • Refreshments Available

The 10th annual Harvest Car Cruise will take place at the North Strabane Municipal Park,(ballfield area) Rt 519, Canonsburg PA on Sunday afternoon, October 2, 2011 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration (to qualify for a People’s Choice Award) begins at 10 a.m. & closes at 2 p.m. Donation $5. Spectators are free. PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS Memorable plaques will be awarded to (Loads) of Cruisers! 10 Vehicles will be selected as “Best of Show” in your division… OVERALL BEST-BEST of the Show will be featured as next year’s 2012 dash plaque! SPECIAL AWARD The car club that has the most members present at the cruise will be recognized with a special award! For more information: northstrabanetwp.com, 724.745.8880 or 724.745.0913 Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27



Senior,

Chris L

ewis-Kw

iatkows

ki and ju

  Tuesday, Aug 23 Tuesday, Aug 30 Saturday, Sept. 3

Tuesday, Sept. 6 Thursday, Sept. 8 Tuesday, Sept 13 Thursday, Sept 15 Tuesday, Sept 20 Thursday, Sept 22 Saturday, Sept 24 Monday, Sept 26 Thursday, Sept 29 Tuesday, Oct 4 Thursday, Oct 6 Tuesday, Oct 11 Thursday, Oct 13 Saturday, Oct 15 Monday, Oct 17 Wednesday, Oct 19 Friday, Oct 21

6 p.m. @ Bethel Park (scrimmage) 6 p.m. Home vs Laurel Highlands (scrimmage) TBA Home CM Tournament vs North Hills, Bentworth & McGuffey (Home Game Sponsors: Cutting Edge Salon, Special Occasions, J Promotions & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. Home vs Hempfield (Home Game Sponsors: Rita’s Italian Ice & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. Home vs Penn Trafford (Home Game Sponsors: Bruster’s Ice Cream & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. Home vs Peters Township (Home Game Sponsors: Vocelli’s Pizza & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. @ Upper St. Clair 6 p.m. Home vs Moon (Home Game Sponsors: Max & Erma’s & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. Home vs Chartiers Valley (Home Game Sponsors: Aflac, The Hofbrau & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. @ Trinity 6 p.m. Home vs Baldwin (Home Game Sponsors: Kings w/ an appearance from “Frownie” & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. @ Peters Township 6 p.m. Home vs Upper St. Clair (Home Game Sponsors: Olive Garden, Chick-Fil-A & McDonald’s) 6 p.m. @ Moon 6 p.m. @ Chartiers Valley 6 p.m. Home vs Trinity (Home Game Sponsors: Eat ‘N Park & McDonald’s) 1 p.m. @ South Fayette 6 p.m. @ West Mifflin 6 p.m. Home vs Ringgold = Senior Night (Home Game Sponsors: Kings & McDonald’s) TBA @ WPIAL Playoffs

For more Game Day and Home Game Sponsor Information, visit our Facebook Page “Canon-McMillan JV & Varsity Boys Soccer.” www.highschoolsports.net 28

nior, Nic k Oberh

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Canon Mac

aus

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                    Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

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      

    

 Veterans Affairs Office Barry A. Grimm Director Courthouse Square 100 West Beau Street Suite 703 Washington, PA 15301 Primary Phone: 724.228.6865 Fax: 724.228.6872

The Veterans Affairs office is responsible for compiling and maintaining records of death and burial of Washington County wartime veterans, and also assists in securing rights and benefits as established by Federal and State regulations. Funeral and burial expenses in the amount of $75 are offered to veterans and their widows including $100 for the foundation and installation of headstones. Free flag and emblem markers are provided to organizations that assume responsibility for placing them on graves.

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How do I obtain a copy of my Discharge (DD-214)? Upon discharge from Service you were instructed to record your Discharge (DD-214) at your County's Recorder of Deeds Office (check to see if it is recorded). If this was not completed see our web link, Request for Military Records. The National Archives Center recommends that requests be completed on-line as opposed to mail or fax. What can I do now to prepare for burial in a national cemetery? Gravesites in Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance. Families are encouraged to prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, collecting the veteran's military information including discharge papers, and by contacting the cemetery or funeral director where burial or services are desired. How can I find out the status of a Federal Headstone or Marker order? Please check out the web site, Checking Status of a Headstone or Marker Request, listed under our web links page. I am a survivor of a deceased veteran, am I entitled to any benefits? Please check out the web site, Survivor Benefits, under our web links page.

Canon Mac

Authority (Washington Rides) is pleased to introduce a new fixed-route bus service called “The Freedom Line” in Washington County. This service will operate for a three year demonstration period beginning May 16, 2011.

The Freedom Line will run from McDonald to Washington, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Flag stops are available along the route. The fare to ride the bus is $1.50. Exact change is required. Children 8 and under ride free when accompanied by an adult. Persons age 65 and older will ride for free with a PA Transit ID Card or Medicare Card. Persons with Disabilities ride for 1⁄2 the fare with a state issued disability ID Card. Call 1.800.331.5058 for more details. Service will not be provided on the following holidays: New Year’s Day Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

412.221.2248 724.745.7422   4th Annual “Off the Shelf… A Celebration of Books” Fundraiser When: September 21, 2011 Where: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe Email: carol.andrews@peacockkeller.com

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LACROSSE LEAGUE IS BUILDING

Lacrosse is often described as a sport that combines hockey and soccer with perhaps a dash of basketball. Players run up and down the field with sticks called 'crosses,’ trying to move a small rubber ball to their opponent’s goal. First played by the Native American Iroquois people, lacrosse was quickly adopted by the French and Canadians and prospered along the eastern seaboard. Since those early days, the sport has steadily continued to grow. The Canonsburg area is blessed with a healthy interest in the sport and is the home of the Canon-Mac Youth Lacrosse Association (CMYLA). This league which was originally formed in 2003, is open to kids who are in kindergarten to the eighth grade. Several things make this league rather unique. One is that there is no prize for winning the most games. The league does not focus attention so much on becoming champions as building character. CMYLA’s goal is to teach kids to play the sport of lacrosse. They believe that teaching the is more important than winning. The character traits and values required to be a good team member also help to make children good citizens and individuals. Although the sport itself is competitive, there is emphasis on participation. Another unique feature of the all-volunteer non-profit league is that their coaches are actual players from Robert Morris University and Seton Hill in Greensburg. “We find that the kids are able to really relate to the

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Canon Mac

CHARACTER

By Pamela Palongue

players well,” said Jan Underwood of the CMYLA. “They identify with them.” It is also an excellent opportunity for the player-coaches from the universities to scout future talent for their Division 1 and 2 schools. According to Underwood, there are about 100 children that participate in their association and it is growing every year. They play at McDowell Field, near the North Strabane Intermediate School and their games are free and open to the public to attend. If children are interested in playing lacrosse, attending a game is an excellent way to learn more about the sport. Registration to play in CMYLA starts in Oct. and Nov., although the season begins in Feb. “The cost of playing lacrosse is a little more pricey than some sports. Although not as expensive as hockey, it costs a bit more than baseball,” Underwood said. The players are furnished with a uniform, but must purchase their own sticks (crosses), helmet and gloves. By having the registration process early, it allows players and their families more time to acquire the necessary equipment. Also the league helps the players with fundraising to buy their equipment. The children sell apples, Sarris Candies, hoagies and Giant Eagle gift certificates to meet their financial goals. Additionally the association holds a fundraiser at the Hofbrau in Canonsburg in the spring which benefits the association and also helps the individual players. If your child is interested in learning more about lacrosse or joining the CMYLA, you may visit their website at www.canonmaclax.com or you may visit the U.S. Lacrosse website at www.uslacrosse.org.

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

   

        Send your tradition or recipe to m.jeffries@icmags.com

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Canon Mac

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

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.

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

REAL ESTATE

C A NON M A C

IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the Canon Mac 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 seems livelier—more alert. During this time, there’s nothing more wonderful than taking advantage of those last days of warmth to get outside and enjoy the outdoors by doing a little yard work. 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.

The To Market Tuesdays Farmers’ Market will be held, rain or shine, each Tuesday afternoon from 3 – 6 p.m., beginning on July 6th and continuing through September 28th. The Market will be located in the Canonsburg United Presbyterian parking lot on the 100 block of West Pike Street next to the Post Office in the heart of downtown Canonsburg. Pike Street is state Rt. 980 and heavily traveled. Onsite parking will be made available for your customers to make shopping a bit more convenient.

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

  

CANONSBURG       

    

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

REAL ESTATE

C A NON M A C

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

    



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, you too can leave your home with the comfort of knowing it will be reasonably intact upon your return. East Bethlehem The easiest solution is to prevent the purchase of power 2609 Sandy Plains Road – $496,750 Jack Gallik – 724.344.1101 tools 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 North Strabane out HGTV, DIY Network or any other channels that may 625 Deerwatch Drive – $232,900 convince your handyman that he can add a wing to the house Denise Levi – 724.554.6025 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 Canonsburg 427 Bluff Street – $168,900 just introduced a new line of plasma screen TVs that are 9 x 20 Terri Ferragonio – 724.747.2924 feet, the exact dimensions of the north wall of your house. Keep Peters Township Office in mind that he will likely be extremely disappointed upon Waterdam Commons learning that no such TV exists outside of the Starship 4215 Washington Road McMurray, PA 15317 Enterprise on Star Trek. He may instead buy an extreme number of video games and cameras, but at least he cannot 724.941.3340 destroy the house with Dungeons and Dragons.



North Strabane Township 302 Deerfield Drive – $254,900 Jodie Gallagher – 412.370.9930

North Strabane 610 Boone – $239,900 Susan Accetta – 412.953.0686

Canonsburg 623 Adams Avenue – $59,900 Paulette DiNardo – 412.217.7221

724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

By Pamela Palongue

Canon Mac

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

Dare to Dream...

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

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

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

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

w w w. c o s t a h o m e b u i l d e r s . c o m

412.384.8170

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

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

Step 1

Evaluate

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

Elegance Mastered    903 Gill Hall Road Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 (412) 653-3548 www.vosstv.com 40

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Canon Mac

w w w. c o s t a h o m e b u i l d e r s . c o m

Step 2

Educate

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

Step 3

Excite

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

  Re giste r e d • Insur ed

Legendary Quality 412.384.8170

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



 bbb.or g

PA#031496

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

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. 42 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Canon Mac

w w w. c o s t a h o m e b u i l d e r s . c o m

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

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to go directly to our website.

412.384.8170

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

Canonsburg Real Estate Overview  Average price per square foot for Canonsburg PA was $2,165, an increase of 999.9% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Canonsburg PA for May 11 to Jul 11 was $172,750 based on 60 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 13.4%, or $26,750, and the number of home sales decreased 3.2%. There are currently 423 resale and new homes in Canonsburg on Trulia, including 4 open houses, as well as 34 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Canonsburg PA was $311,177 for the week ending Aug 03, which represents a decrease of 0.3%, or $957, compared to the prior week.  Average Listing Price

$311,177

-0.3%

w-o-w

Median Sales Price

$172,750

-13.4%

y-o-y

Average Price/sqft

$2,165

+999.9% y-o-y

Number of Sales

-3.2%

y-o-y

www.trulia.com/real_estate/Canonsburg-Pennsylvania/ 44

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Canon Mac

REAL ESTATE

C A NON M A C

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

      My motto is building clients for life. Creating a unique hands on approach allows clients to buy or sell with confidence. A mortgage background of 11 years brings consumer education along with value and efficiency to the buying or selling process. Exclusive Hanna programs such as the “Money Back Guarantee,” “Buy Before You Sell,” and “Sunday Showcase of Homes” offers a comprehensive marketing plan. This ensures the best opportunity for your home to sell quickly and gives clients an exclusive edge in the marketplace. My goal is the help you achieve your real estate goals.

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Canon Mac

Fall in love with these Washington County Communities! The Concord Green Community is the perfect place for any home buyer to call home. From the tree lined home sites to the spectacular views, Concord Green will delight your senses. Our custom built homes come in an endless array of options. We offer first floor master bedrooms, traditional family home models, and everything in between. Fall in love with Oakbrooke Estates in Cecil Township. This new home community is illuminating with cozy neighborhood charm, breathtaking views and intimate cul de sac streets. Don’t hesitate, you could be one of the first to own a Heartland Home at the Oakbrooke Estates. Weavertown Village offers luxury townhomes and carriage homes and has a community clubhouse and pool. Located just minutes from Route 19 and I-79, and close to Southpointe and Tanger Outlet Malls. Come home to Weavertown Village and enjoy low-maintenance living!

Want more information on Concord Green, Oakbrooke Estates and Weavertown Village or any of their other 20 communities? Call Jodie, New Home Specialist – 412-512-6671

As Western Pennsylvania’s premier stone masonry contractor we are committed to serving our residential and commercial clients by providing high quality, reliable and consistent results at competitive rates. Our showroom is located at 3464 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. For additional information please call (412) 596-2114 or visit us online at www.stoneageinc.net. Andersen windows use natural wood to create a timeless combination of beauty and durability – plus All Andersen windows feature the Perma-Shield system, which protects the window’s exterior beautifully for decades. Never settle on your home builder or the window they use! Dow Building Solutions has a 60+ year legacy of providing innovative insulation and air sealing solutions such as STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing and GREAT STUFF™ Insulating Foam Sealants to home owners that help

to reduce energy costs and effectively seal a home’s building envelope from wind, rain and moisture. Heartland Homes is creating homes with the whole building envelope in mind that are not only well-built, but are actively saving money for the homeowners every month Since 1873, Kohler has been improving people’s lives with exceptional products, including kitchen and bath fixtures, faucets and accessories, furniture, cabinetry, and tile and stone. As a global leader, Kohler offers its customers world-class products to create a complete design solution. For information, ideas or inspiration, visit www.KOHLER.com. Precision Stone Products is engaged in the production and distribution of premium grade architectural synthetic stone products and accessories resembling natural stone to the finest detail. Our full product line is backed by a 50 year limited warranty. Call (724) 282-2022 for more information or visit us online at www.pspstone.com.

Rex Glass & Mirror Co has been serving Greater Pittsburgh since 1958. As a family owned and operated business, we strive to provide customer service and quality craftsmanship that exceed the expectations of our customers. We design, fabricate, and install high quality residential and commercial glass products. For nearly 100 years, the Whirlpool brand has helped people all over the world find better ways to take care of household tasks. We want our customers to live cleaner, more organized, less busy and more flavorful lives through our appliances. So every Whirlpool® product is born of our decades of experience creating incredibly useful features.

Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 47 www.LoveHeartland.com

Can

Breakfast Really Make or

Break a

Student’s Day? By Leigh Lyons

he question of whether breakfast really does impact a student’s school day has been around forever. Students have been tested in studies since the early 1950s, and ever since it has been widely accepted that students who eat breakfast perform better academically. If you look at the idea of eating breakfast before school simply, it seems pretty obvious as to the benefits. You go to bed at night on a relatively empty stomach. You sleep roughly eight hours without consuming any food and then wake up for school in the morning. If you don’t eat breakfast, you are going into a full day without replenishing your body. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, does it? Terrill Bravender is a professor of pediatrics at Duke University, and he breaks it down in simple terms: “Without glucose, our brain simply doesn’t operate as well. People have difficulty understanding new

information, they have a problem with visual and spatial understanding, and they don’t remember things as well," he said. Glucose is the brain’s basic fuel. You wouldn’t take your car on an eight-hour road trip without filling up the gas tank first, would you? The next step is to maximize your breakfast potential by choosing foods that will allow you to raise your blood-sugar level but won't cause a dramatic fall after a few hours. Most experts agree that any breakfast is better than no breakfast at all, but there are certain types of breakfast foods that will raise your blood sugar level slowly, and therefore will give you enough energy to last the entire morning. Sugary cereals are usually a favorite among young children, but these cereals will quickly raise the blood sugar level and then drop off a few hours later, leaving children sluggish before lunch. On the other hand, oatmeal contains roughly the same amount of sugar but it also has more protein and fiber, and therefore has an overall lower glycemic index. The oatmeal will raise the blood-sugar level for the student which will last throughout the morning. Now, I have to admit, Iwas never a “morning person,” and I always preferred sleeping in to having breakfast. My mom always made me eat breakfast as a child, but when I was old enough, I chose to opt out of it. I did well academically, went on to college, and then graduated from law school. I figured breakfast really wasn’t as important as everyone always thought it was, and I was sure many other people agreed with me. I conducted my own small survey of friends and acquaintances on whether they all ate breakfast as children every morning before school. To my surprise, out of 20 men and women, I was one of only two people who did not eat breakfast on a regular basis. Eighteen others responded that they ate breakfast every single day growing up, and still do to this day. These 18 people are all very successful and have jobs ranging from psychologist to lawyer to fashion merchandiser. Clearly, most people agree with the years of studies that show that students do better academically when they choose to start their day with breakfast. The next time you wake up a little late, or think that breakfast is not as important as everyone says, think again. Go ahead and grab a yogurt o your way out the door; because any breakfast is better than no breakfast at all..

Citations: “A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child’s Brainpower” – Allison Aubrey, August 31, 2006; npr.com

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Canon Mac

The

 of Getting Into



By Leigh Lyons



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): SATs and GPA: SATs and GPA have always been important, and they are still the most important aspects of a student’s application profile. Extracurricular 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. Personal 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. Start 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. Be 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 a gainst 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. Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 49

        

  

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

 

Find and circle all of the school supplies that are hidden in the grid. The words may be hidden in any direction.

N S N O Y A R C S B E U R 50

R O T A L U C L A C Y S E

C R E R Q I I U C H R S U

B D O J E C P A P E R R L

S A I T N L F R T K N O G

S B C E C F P H U O G L S

A I P K R A G A T L E O C

P N U L P I R E T R E C I

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Canon Mac

O I L K K R B P G F P A R

H B S D I V I D E R S W S

BACKPACK BINDER CALCULATOR COMPASS CRAYONS DIVIDERS ERASER GLUE HIGHLIGHTERS NOTEBOOKS PAPER PENCILS PENS PROTRACTOR RULER SCISSORS STAPLER WATERCOLORS

         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? 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. In the Canon Mac area there are over 12 accredited preschools to choose from when making a decision. Parents can explore the best options of each to make certain the program fits their child rearing philosophy. 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.

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b u s i n e s s

s p o t l i g h t

  Dancing has been described as the most beautiful of the arts, but it could also be described as one of the most joyful. It’s a natural human expression of happiness. Cami Hulin, owner of Dance by Cami located in McMurray, feels that dance should always be a positive experience. For this reason, she and her staff continually motivate their students by positive reinforcement and instilling confidence in their students. “Dance helps to develop self-esteem, athleticism and poise,” says Cami who believes in the ability of dance to transform students both in the studio and in life. Cami, a graduate of Dance Masters of America, Penn State University, and co-founder of Penn State’s Tap Company, embraces all forms of dance expression. Her studio offers Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, Cheer Dance and even Hip Hop. Students are able to concentrate on the most animated elements of dance in a special ‘Turns, Leaps and Jumps Class’ to perfect these essential moves. Acrobatics classes are also offered for those wishing to incorporate tumbling moves into their routines. A ‘Pre-School Combo Class’ introduces the littlest dancers to a collection of tap, ballet and creative movement .“At such a young age, it’s hard for children to know what type of dance they are interested in.” This class gives them a variety of dance types to discover which ones they are more drawn to for later class decisions. Children can begin dance lessons as young as 2 years and six months. Dance by Cami offers classes for kids up to age 18 and a Fitness Boot Camp for adults interested in strength training. In addition to classes at the studio, the children will get experience with live performances. There is an annual recital at the Upper St. Clair High School and students occasionally perform at the malls, Kennywood, and Idlewild Park. One important place that students perform is at local nursing homes during the holidays. “It’s an important way for the kids 52

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to give back to the community,” says Cami who feels the performances are very meaningful for both the dancers and the audience. The Showdolls are the Dance Company at Dance by Cami for ages 7 through 18 who compete throughout the year and are accepted by audition only. The Showdolls have collected numerous Platinum and Overall 1st place awards at both the regional and national level. The Baby Doll program is for younger students ages 5 and 6 who wish to compete in 1 local competition and enjoy additional performance opportunities. In addition to the various competitions that Showdolls will participate in, they will also be performing at Walt Disney World next year. Dance by Cami was rated the Best Dance Studio in the south hills by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Cami, who studied under the prestigious Mary and Nick Petrov and also Mary Underwood, understands the importance of the right training to develop a young dancer. She also tries to keep her classes as economical as possible for all children to be able to participate. Cami offers a discount for multiple siblings and also a family plan where all of the children in a family can take an unlimited number of classes for one fee. Dance should always be a joyful, fun experience and the staff at Dance by Cami make sure that all students receive the positive encouragement they need.

Top Nine Myths about Children’s Teeth 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6.

“Baby Teeth aren’t important. They’re just going to fall out!” Baby teeth are very important! Eventually, the tooth fairy will get all 20 of your child’s baby teeth. But, they are vital for a child’s development. Baby teeth are natural space maintainers for permanent teeth. The child uses teeth for chewing, speech and it affects their self esteem. “My child has cavities because he/she has ‘soft teeth’.” There is no such thing as soft teeth. In fact, enamel (the outer surface of the tooth) is the hardest substance in the body. Many factors influence dental decay. However, we do know 3 things are required for causing tooth decay: a. Bacteria b. A diet for the bacteria (sugar). c. The host (tooth). “My child can brush their own teeth.” Yes. Let them try but after they are done, get the hard to reach areas. A good “rule of thumb” to follow is that most children do not develop manual dexterity for tooth brushing until they can write in cursive handwriting. “I don’t need to take my child to the dentist until they start school.” Decay and crowding should be checked early and often. Around age 2 & 3 is when a child can be seen by a dentist for a checkup. “My child won’t drink plan water. Flavored water and all natural juices won’t cause tooth decay.” Any drink besides water is likely to contain sugar, food for the cavity causing bacteria in the mouth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 6 should limit their juice intake to 4 to 6 ounces (one cup) per day.

“Bottled water is just as good for your teeth as tap water.” Bottled water often lacks fluoride. Tap water has fluoride, which is proven to strengthen the enamel of your teeth. The American Dental Association has endorsed fluoridation of community water supplies as being safe and effective for over 40 years.

8. 9.

“My child doesn’t need to floss until his/her permanent teeth are in.” Brushing can only effectively get the sides and the top of your teeth, not in between. Many cavities come from in between the teeth. Flossing is a good habit to form early. As the old saying goes “only floss the ones you want to keep.” “I can’t get my child to stop sucking their thumb.” This can be very trying for the parents and the child. The dentist often has many ideas to assist. Kindergarten is when most children will need to put the brakes on this behavior, as this is when the adult teeth will begin to erupt into position. This Industry Insight was written by Barry Bartusiak, DMD, a dentist who has spoken nationally and internationally on practice management, implants and peridontics. Dr. Bartusiak maintains a private practice in Washington, PA at 212 Wellness Way. Contact his office at 724.225.3680 or info@drbarrybartusiak.com.

We offer Free Consultation's on Invisible Braces!

“It’s ok to help your child to sleep by putting them to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.” Milk and juice have sugar, which can cause tooth decay. It’s why we brush our teeth before we sleep, so that bacteria can’t eat away at our enamel for a prolonged period.

Barry F. Bartusiak, DMD 212 Wellness Way Washington, PA 15301

724-225-3680 www.drbarrybartusiak.com Canon Mac | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 53

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Along the Path of Your Spiritural Journey

HOUSES All Saints Greek Orthodox Church .......... 724.745.5205 Bethel Bible Church.................................... 724.941.2259 Center Presbyterian Church ..................... 724.941.9050 Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church .................................. 724.745.0800 Cecil Alliance Church..................................412.221.4177 Center Presbyterian Church ..................... 724.941.9050 Central Assembly of God........................... 724.746.4900 Chartiers Creek Community Church ..................................... 724.942.7895 Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church .................................. 724.746.1130 Christian Bible Fellowship......................... 724.746.8522 The Church of the Covenant......................724.222.0190 Covenant Family Church............................ 724.263.7147 Crossroads Church of Christ..................... 724.941.4942 Peace Lutheran Church..............................724.941.9441 Faith Community Church-Lakeside.......... 724.941.9035 First Baptist Church.................................... 724.745.8740 First United Methodist Church of Bridgeville...................................412.221.5577 First United Methodist Church of Canonsburg ................................724.745.5771 First United Presbyterian Church of Houston .......................................724.746.3040 Good Shepherd Church ..............................724.941.9418 Houston First United Methodist Church .......................................724.745.2611 Lakeview Christian Life Church ................724.746.3200 Lifepoint Baptist Church .............................724.225.4811

WORSHIP

McDonald Presbyterian Church...............724.699.0157 Mt. Olive Baptist Church ........................... 724.745.9752 New Day Assembly of God....................... 724.941.1661 New Life Church.........................................724.470.4NLC Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.............. 724.941.7467 Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church................................... 724.941.6210 Sacred Heart of Jesus Polish National..............................................724.745.2091 St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church ...........................................724.941.9406 St. David’s Episcopal Church .................... 724.941.4060 St. John’s Russian Orthodox..................... 724.745.9776 St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church ............................................724.745.7117 St. Patrick’s Catholic Church .................... 724.745.6560 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Canonsburg .................................724.745.5962 St. Thomas Episcopal Church .................. 724.745.2013 South Canonsburg Church.........................724.745.7438 South Hills Bible Chapel............................ 724.941.8990 Thomas Presbyterian Church................... 724.941.8910 Trinity United Methodist Church .............. 724.941.4770 Venice Presbyterian Church .....................724.745.8362 Victory Church ............................................. 724.742.3281 View Crest Presbyterian Church ............. 724.941.9772 The Waterdam Church .............................. 724.745.2158 Wright’s United Methodist Church........................................ 724.348.5718

If your place of worship was not on our list, please e-mail the information to mark@incommunitymagazines.com.

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11/31/11 ICCM1172

Fruit Festival® with dipped pineapple t All stores open 7 days a week ©2010 Edible Arrangements, LLC. Containers may vary. Delivery not available in all areas. Available in a variety of sizes. Franchises available; call 1-888-727-4258 or visit eafranchise.com.

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B USINESS D IRECTORY

     

  

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

    

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