IN Canon Mac Spring 2010

Spring 2010

anon Mac COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Inside Canon McMillan School

Plus A Blooming Summer

Introducing a health plan option for small business designed to save green. asy to use, conomical and Environmentally friendly.

Enjoy a discount and the ease of 24/7 on-line access for all of your health plan needs. Has there ever been an easier business decision? At UPMC Health Plan, we want to make it that simple.

That’s why we’ve introduced the region’s most comprehensive all-electronic option. It’s called and it’s an easy-to-use, paperless option that complements any of our Small Business Advantage health plans. With , all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providing you and your employees with greater convenience. Your employees also enjoy easy access to all their health information, wellness tools, and health support. And, as always, you and your employees have access to our network of more than 80 hospitals and 7,000 physicians, and the award-winning member service you expect from UPMC Health Plan. In other words you get more for less.

To learn more about how you can save, go to upmchealthplan.com.

Shouldn’t the people who insure your health understand it?

This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.

features

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A BLOOMING SUMMER

iNdustry iNsight

ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME

Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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VACATIONS ON THE FLY

The Physical Therapy Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

CROSSING THAT RIVER AND FACING YOUR FEARS

Business Spotlight Clark Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

community interest Houses of Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Canon-Mac School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 IN Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

on the cover In honor of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., students at First Street Elementary School collected canned food for the Canonsburg Food Bank.

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

IN Canon Mac | Spring 2010 |

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724.942.0940 to advertise

| IN Canon Mac

anon Mac Spring 2010 IN Canon Mac is a non-partisan community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Canon Mac School District 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 ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER

W

elcome to the spring issue of IN Canon Mac Magazine. Spring is a season of hope, change and new beginnings. The harsh cold and freeze of winter gives way to the gentle thaw of a growing sun’s strengthening rays.

For us at IN Community Magazine, spring is a time of new beginning as well. Our staff works diligently to plan out the entire year of features and news that will keep you informed and entertained. We have received numerous story ideas from you and have been putting them together for your friends and relatives to read and enjoy. You, our readers, continue to be the single most important “employee” of the magazine.

Without your ideas, input and critique, this magazine would be a shell of the vibrant and lively magazine that it is.

So keep all of those great story ideas coming in! Call 724.942.0940 with your story and we’ll be delighted to include it in an upcoming issue.

Sincerely,

OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS Jonathan Barnes Karen Ferrieri Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue Sandy Trozzo Chris Weber

PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions SALES TEAM Stephanie Baker-Wolfson David Mitchell Renee Bennett Tara Reis Tina Dollard Vincent Sabatini Rose Estes Michael Silvert Linda Hall Maureen Smith Jason Huffman RJ Vighetti Brian McKee CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 453 Valley Brook Road, Suite 300 McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

pring! Even the sound of the word gets me brewing with excitement about the beautiful days which I know must be coming soon! Days spent in the garden, walking my boys to school or watching the days sun set just a bit later. With the beginning of each season, you can expect a little bit of good news from us. Our staff is hard at work following up on all of your phone calls and emails which let us know about things that are happening in the community. Whether it is a resident who is volunteering and making a difference, or your favorite organization hosting a fund raiser, please, keep me up to speed! You can email me at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.

S

FROM THE EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGN Cassie Brkich Susie Doak Bridget Michael Katelyn Ruffing Tamara Tylenda

SALES INQUIRES 724.942.0940 sales@incommunitymagazines.com

Summer Issue Deadline: April 20, 2010 IN Canon Mac, published four times a year, is carrier route mailed to all 16,556 households in Canonsburg, Cecil, North Strabane and Southpointe. It reaches over 66,224 potential customers. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.

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Along the Path of Your Spiritural Journey Pastor Stephen Getchell Central Assembly of God

All Saints Greek Orthodox Church.............. 724.745.5202 Bethel Bible Church ....................................... 724.941.2259 Center Presbyterian Church......................... 724.941.9050 Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church .............................................................. 724.745.0800 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 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 Good Shepherd Church..................................724.941.9418 Lakeview Christian Life Church....................724.746.3200 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 Canonsburg724.745.5962 South Hills Bible Chapel................................ 724.941.8990 Thomas Presbyterian Church ...................... 724.941.8910 Trinity United Methodist Church.................. 724.941.4770 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 email the information to mark@incommunitymagazines.com.

HOUSES

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WORSHIP

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t was two Christmases ago and my wife had just finished baking about 80 gingerbread cookies…thin and crisp…just the way I like them. My daughter was four years old at the time and she had just reached up over her head to grab the large tin container they were in and the tin came crashing to the floor with 80 gingerbread men broken all over the place.

Several severed heads were lying on the floor, some arms were connected to the body with no legs attached, and some limbs were lying all by themselves.

There was gingerbread carnage all over our kitchen floor!

Thankfully, the “five second rule” saved all the pieces. However, since the cookies were all broken except for a few intact Chuck Norris-type gingerbread men, my six- and eight-year old boys weren’t interested in eating them because they were broken cookies. The boys wanted the whole gingerbread man intact.

Obviously, the cookies tasted the same but they just didn’t look complete and that mattered to them.

For some reason, we all like whole things…things that aren’t broken. But after a while, even new things get broken. It’s been a couple of

months; how are your kid’s Christmas gifts faring? Life is like that. We all get damaged.

And the road of life takes its toll on us and we, at times, become broken by our decisions and the decisions of others.

The Bible tells us that sin entered the world (Romans 5:12) and not only was our relationship with God broken but we also became broken ourselves. Perhaps our brokenness and failed attempts would seem like a life not worth saving.

But that is not what God thinks!

It was said of Jesus in Matthew 12:20, “He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.”

I certainly can’t see saving a broken reed. What is it good for? But Jesus sees the value in broken things for three reasons: 1. Jesus is in the restoration business.

Jesus doesn’t discard broken things. Jesus isn’t in the refuse business.

He is in the restoration business. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” And, because God is loving and all-powerful, no person or situation is ever beyond repair to Christ.

2. Jesus made provision for our healing by being broken Himself. Listen to the descriptive words of Isaiah 53:4-6 “It was our grief He bore, our sorrows that weighed him down…But He was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; He was lashed-and we were healed! We–every one of us–have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God's paths to follow our own.

Yet God laid on Him the guilt and sins of every one of us!” The great exchange of God is substituting Christ to become broken, satisfying God’s righteous demands that we could be made whole and have a restored relationship with God. Praise God! 3. Jesus begins the process of wholeness in the spirit of a person. The healing of our brokenness begins once a relationship with God is established through Jesus Christ.

Easter is the time we are reminded that God can take the broken pieces of our lives and make them whole. Will you exchange your brokenness for the wholeness that God offers to you through Jesus Christ?

Pastor Stephen Getchell is married to Sophia and has three boys and one girl all under age 9 (the two-year old eats cookies no matter what!) and has pastored Central Assembly in Houston, PA for over five years. He has pastored for 23 years in New Jersey, Michigan, New York City and now in Pennsylvania.

Central Assembly of God has been ministering to individuals in the Canonsburg-Washington area for almost 57 years and started in a storefront in Canonsburg in 1953.

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FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

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         

                          

CANON-McMILLAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

●    

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      

              

                                     

PROJECT LINUS “BLANKETEERS”

   

                                          IN Canon Mac | Spring 2010 |

                         

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7

 

             

     CANON-McMILLAN  SCHOOL DISTRICT                  ●   

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                                                           

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                                     

         

                   

            ●         

IN Canon Mac | Spring 2010 |

                  ●       

                  ●     

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I’m honored that my name is on it. ● 

                                 CANON-McMILLAN  SCHOOL DISTRICT                  

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    

he pond, and even English teachers are considering using it for creative writing assignments,” says Mr. Politan.                                       

  

         ●  

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I am so happy with what I do each and every day. ● 

   

                            



  

              

                       

     ●  

IN Canon Mac | Spring 2010 |

www.incommunitymagazines.com

11

SCHOLASTIC ART WINNERS           

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             

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           

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

                                                                        

     

      IN Canon Mac | Spring 2010 |

     

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13

a l g n i pr

n w

o t y e k k r o w d r a y , e r ca

by Jonathan Barnes

S

s the remaining winter days dwindle and the weather mellows, green-thumbed folks itch to get out and do a bit of digging in the dirt.

So even before buds shoot from vegetation that’s been asleep all winter, many folks don their boots and gloves to put spades into the soil, or take clippers to the shrubs.

They should remember that completing yard maintenance tasks is just half of the work needed to have a fresh and vibrant yard. With yard maintenance, timing is everything, since completing yard chores at the proper times is almost as important as doing them, if you want to get the full benefit from the work. Doing certain tasks at the wrong times can do more harm than good.

Experts sometimes vary on when or how often they prefer to prune shrubs, mulch flowerbeds or re-seed lawns and do other common yard maintenance tasks performed in springtime. But most landscape pros agree that not completing yard maintenance tasks could haunt a homeowner when the weather is nice.

A

Greening Lawns Proper lawn maintenance early in the year can help ensure that in the dog days of summer, family and friends will be barbecuing, playing and lounging on a soft green carpet of grass, rather than scuffing around on a ragged lawn riddled with brown spots and bare spots. Creating or maintaining a verdant lawn doesn’t have to be a difficult task, if you plan wisely. Regular maintenance is necessary, though, because a lawn left unchecked can soon become a dandelion-clover-infested unsightly mess.

So plan ahead, and stick to a schedule of yard maintenance that begins each year in the spring. Begin with the lawn care.

14

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Start the process by warding off crab grass through a treatment to inhibit the weed’s growth, said George Girty, owner of Library-based George Girty Landscape and Design. “Once crab grass is growing, you can’t kill it,” Girty said. “Put down a pre-emergent crab grass control in March or April… If you don’t do it, you’ll probably have to live with crab grass until you can apply the treatment in the fall.”

Crab grass control comes in granular form and as a liquid. The treatment works to inhibit growth of the weed when it goes to seed at different times of the year.

Cleaning out the dead stuff is key to maintaining an attractive yard, be it a tree, or shrub, but especially with a lawn.

Marco Viglio, owner of Wilkins-based Viglio Landscaping, likes to dethatch and re-seed his clients’ lawns in springtime in order to start the lawn’s growing season off strong.

“De-thatching gets all the dead thatch out and then you seed right into the lawn. That new seed helps to thicken up the lawn,” Viglio said.

When re-seeding a lawn, it is important to use the most appropriate seed. Viglio and Girty both recommend using the brand Penn State Mix because it is made for this climate and its soil, which has a heavy clay content, and also because the mix is resistant to dry seasons. William Dugan, owner of Finleyville-based Wm. “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, prefers a seed mix that is a three-way blend of Perennial Rye, which is compatible with a lawn made up of mostly Kentucky Bluegrass, he said. Both types of seed mix are available at Home Depot and other garden stores.

Southern grass seed varieties, such as Zoysia Grass, should be avoided when seeding or re-seeding a lawn, local experts agree. Zoysia Grass is drought-resistant, but it stays green for only about five months, browning out for the winter after the first frost. It also is an invasive species that is hard to contain once it is well-established.

The best time to seed a lawn is from mid-April to mid-May. Soil temperatures at that time of year are warm enough to germinate seeds, and it’s not going to be too hot or too dry for seed growth. A good rule of thumb for applying seed for a new lawn is nine pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.

After seeding, cover the seed with mushroom manure, peat moss or straw, and water the lawn once or twice a day for up to two weeks. The idea is to keep it moist. After two weeks, water it every other day, and cut the grass once a week.

blooming s ummer Yard-lovers should not apply crab grass control if they plan to re-seed the lawn, because crab grass control will kill a lawn.

Mulching, Pruning & Fertilizing In spring, homeowners also should start to fertilize their lawns with a fertilizer of high potassium content, for healthy root development. This should be done in early May, Girty said.

Girty and Viglio both recommend using the widely popular fertilizer Milorganite. It’s an organic fertilizer with a high potassium content (for root development), and a lot of nitrogen for good green color. Girty said it’s crucial to fertilize new lawns and lawns comprised of freshly installed sod. “They’ll check out without the help,” he said.

In preparation for the bursts of seasonal color that happen in Spring, homeowners should pay attention to their flowerbeds, which may look bedraggled from winter.

Usually, Viglio edges flowerbeds for his clients in springtime. It’s one way that he works to clean up the contours of yards. He also mulches flowerbeds at that time, because his clients prefer that he do so and because spreading a fresh layer of mulch over the beds brings back the color in those beds and spruces up planting areas. Mulching also controls the weeds in the flowerbeds and helps to retain moisture.

Standard mulch is double-shredded hardwood bark, and usually goes for $15-$25 per yard, picked up. Triple-shredded mulch runs $18$30 or more per yard. Dyed mulch costs even more, but since it is chunkier, it retains its color and can last two or three years. Dugan shies from the brighter-colored mulches. “Anything in the outdoors should be subtle,” he said.

Trees and shrubs in the yard should be inspected for damage, with dead growth and “dieback” parts of the plant removed. Roses, which are pruned in fall, also are pruned in spring because they usually have winter dieback. That pruning will ensure that the bush grows properly and looks good as it’s blooming.

With rhododendrons, azaleas and other spring-blooming broadleaf perennial bushes, there is a six-week window after blooming during which these plants can be cut back. Pruning these bushes later will result in decreased blooms later in the yard, or worse yet—no blossoms at all.

“You can’t see the flower buds, but you’re cutting them off,” Dugan said.

IN Canon Mac | Spring 2010 |

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15

Angel Food Ministries is an opportunity to minister to the community. We have people who aren't even part of our congregation who call our church and have a need.

We are able to take care of the need.

-Lisha Edmonds n the fourth Saturday of every month, a group of enthusiastic volunteers gathers at 5:30 a.m. at CanonMcMillan High School to unload a tractor-trailer full of groceries that has just arrived from Georgia. The volunteers are with 10 churches that participate in the nationwide Angel Food Ministries program, which provides groceries at deeply discounted prices to families looking to stretch their food dollars.

Canonsburg’s Mt. Olive Baptist Church serves as the distribution site for those 10 area churches, in addition to hosting an Angel Food program itself. The church has been involved with Angel Food for seven years, and Lisha Edmonds has coordinated the efforts for that entire time.

“Just to know we’ve touched other people, that’s a blessing right now,” Edmonds said.

Angel Food, which has hundreds of sites in 34 states, takes advantage of its massive buying power to offer meats, fruits, vegetables, and other food staples at rock-bottom prices. All of the food is restaurant-quality as well, so customers don’t need to worry that they’re getting second-rate goods.

“We understand that people are trying to hold on to their money,” Edmonds said.

Each month, Angel Food customers can select from a number of grocery box options. The signature box generally contains a variety of goods, including frozen meats, breads and vegetables, as well as nonperishable items. That box, which costs $30, can feed a family of four for around one week.

Senior/Convenience boxes contain an assortment of 10 prepared, microwave-ready meals, and allergen-free and seafood boxes are also an option. Prices vary for the other selections, but generally do not go over $40 for one box. Each month also features a number of special boxes.

Some boxes even come with recipes for suggested preparation.

The menu changes periodically as well. An after-school box, containing a variety of microwaveable snack items, recently made its debut, for example.

“I thought that would be great for the kids,” Edmonds said.

Orders can be placed in-person at the church’s office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or online at www.angelfoodministries.com. Orders are taken until the Friday prior to the distribution date, and the church will accept cash, money orders and food stamps for orders placed on-site.

Customers placing their order through the Web site can use credit or debit cards.

There is no minimum purchase, allowing customers to buy any one box that is offered. Angel Food also has no income requirements.

“It’s for everyone. Anyone who eats qualifies,” Edmonds said.

O

Compassion Connection’s Angel Food Ministries program offers low-cost groceries to Canonsburg-area residents

By Kelli McElhinny

16

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After the food for Mt. Olive’s orders is unloaded from the tractor-trailer, it is taken to the church, where another group of volunteers sets up the grocery assembly lines through which customers proceed to get their groceries. That procedure allows customers to ensure that they’re truly getting the items that they ordered. From 8 to 10 a.m. on distribution day, customers can turn in their receipts in exchange for their groceries.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags or boxes, although extras are on hand at the church for those who do not.

Volunteers will even carry food to customers’ cars when they request assistance.

Limited delivery service is also available for customers who are unable to get to the church to pick up their orders.

Eventually, a new building will serve as the site for the church’s expanding congregation, in addition to its Angel Food program and other activities.

“We’ve outgrown our church at this time, and now we’re looking for land,” Edmonds said.

From Mt. Olive’s perspective, the Angel Food program offers a valuable chance to reach out to neighbors who may or may not be members of the congregation.

“It’s an opportunity to minister to the community,” Edmonds said. “We have people who aren’t even a part of our congregation who call our church and have a need. We are able to take care of that need.”

She added that the church has been able to help soldiers’ families through the efforts and

Reverse the ravages of time.

BEFORE

that some customers will buy extra boxes with the intention that they be donated to others with a significant need.

Edmonds also said that Mt. Olive will be launching a “Takin’ it to the Street” program after the weather breaks, in which volunteers will take the groceries to neighborhoods with a particular need.

Not only does the effort provide a muchneeded service to the community, it also helps a handful of Canon-McMillan seniors earn some of the volunteer hours needed for graduation.

Edmonds said that she has heard many stories about the Angel Food program’s impact.

She offered one example of a mother of two who said that she and her husband would not be able to provide enough food for their children on their own without the Angel Food program.

“Her family wouldn’t be able to eat the way she wants them to eat,” Edmonds said.

For more information about Mt. Olive’s Angel Food program, please contact the church at 724.745.4777.

AFTER

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To find out how you can recapture your dental youth, simply call our office and schedule an appointment. It could be your first step to a happier, healthier future.

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IN Canon Mac | Spring 2010 |

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17

SPRING

l W inn er i s... a d e 0 M The 2010 Caldecott Medal winner 1 0 is The Lion & the Mouse, illustrated e2 h and written by Jerry Pinkney (Little, T Brown and Company Books for Young Readers).

The screech of an owl, the squeak of a mouse and the roar of a lion transport readers to the Serengeti plains for this virtually wordless retelling of Aesop’s classic fable. In glowing colors, Pinkney’s textured watercolor illustrations masterfully portray the relationship between two very unlikely friends.

2010

    Hey kids- swing

by the library to check out the new Caldec ott Medal Winner!

The Caldecott M edal was named in hono r of nineteenth century English illus Randolph Caldec trator ott. It is awarded annual ly by the Association for Libr to Children, a di ary Service vision of the American Librar y Association, to the artis distinguished Am t of the most erican picture book for childre n.

on the go...

 

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Calling All Scouts!

Snow Fun!

   

 “My granddaughter made snowmen in the morning and by afternoon, the snow on the ground had all melted and the snowmen had fallen over. She was thrilled to experience her first snowfall at home!” 

       How big are the faces?     

11 ft

60 ft. 21 ft

18 ft

Heads: approximately: 60 feet.

Nose: Washington’s is 21 feet the rest are approximately 20 feet.

Eyes: approximately 11 feet wide.

Mouths: approximately 18 feet wide.

Z A S O I D U T S A N M 5 7 7 1 2 Y L P E

T N G T P J I Y N O N E 7 2 6 4 2 U K L G

A M A U K I J I S G G T 9 9 5 9 3 P B I D

O G B E T R K R D J H I 4 1 7 1 5 O V J I

G E C O S Z E T I M A N Y D O I R H B F L

N X D I S F O O Y C J A P I P G O J N C O

I Z G L F G G N U V U R L I L C O K C B O

A I I E D J H O I B I G M U G V S L Y A C

T F J L D O I P E Z F V M F C L E D O M Z

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A wide variety of mycologists, the technical name given to mushroom enthusiasts, join the WPMC. Members range from children to senior citizens.

People of various levels of expertise are welcome as well. The club’s educational focus can bring novices up to speed. In fact, that guidance is attractive to newcomers, who might be reluctant to head out mushroom hunting on their own.

Many members originally stumbled upon the hobby. Stuart, for example, first got interested in mushrooms when he sat next to a woman who was flying from Florida to Pittsburgh solely to hunt morels. Davis got her introduction to mushrooms through her brother-in-law, who belonged to a similar group in New York.

The WPMC was founded in 2000 by John Plischke III, an international expert on mushrooms who was recently nominated to be the vice president of the North American Mycological Association. Other members have been recognized for their knowledge, too, including Joyce Gross who received the NAMA’s Knighton Award for 2009.

Reaching out to different geographic areas is essential to the club’s continued growth, according to Davis.

“In order to grow the club and educate people about mushrooms, you have to establish more chapters,” she said. “The territory [in western Pennsylvania] is just so large.”

In particular, the Washington/Greene Chapter founders were inspired by a successful chapter in Indiana County. That group, founded in 2009, recruited 50 members in its inaugural season, which started in June.

The Washington/Greene Chapter is hoping to replicate that growth.

As part of the WPMC, members of the Washington/Greene County Chapter will have the opportunity to participate in the larger club’s events, including Morel Madness held in May at Mingo Creek.

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ungi fans, take note. The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club is launching a Washington/Greene County Chapter this year.

“These two counties have great parks, and their community members are active outdoors,” said Bonnie Davis, a McMurray resident and one of the new chapter’s organizers.

The WPMC promotes education about wild mushrooms. Members attend monthly meetings, walks and special events. They learn cooking techniques and how to differentiate edible mushrooms from poisonous ones.

Each meeting covers a different topic.

“You’d be surprised at what grows in your mulch that you can make a good dinner from,” Davis said. ““You can get all kinds of crazy flavors from mushrooms in the wild.”

In fact, Davis and her husband once stumbled upon a 14-pound edible mushroom while out on a hike. It was larger than her head.

She noted that it tasted excellent when batter-dipped and fried.

Mushrooms have a number of other purposes as well. They decompose decaying materials, such as fallen trees. Some varieties also have medicinal value.

“Usually people are interested in learning about one or two mushrooms but then they find out there’s much more involved,” WPMC President John Stuart said. “It’s almost like finding little works of art.”

He added that western Pennsylvania has fertile ground for mushroom hunters, unlike many other regions in the country that are either too hot or too dry.

While many Washington and Greene County residents had been members of the WPMC, they needed to make a lengthy trip to the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve near Fox Chapel, which is the main club’s general meeting spot. Now, not only will area residents not have to make that trek, they can also take advantage of the ample wild mushroom offerings at locations like Mingo Creek Park.

onnie Davis

By Kelli McElhinny

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Foray held each September is another major event for the WPMC. This year marks its 10th anniversary, and per tradition, it will feature Pittsburgh native Gary Lincoff, the author of the Audubon Field Guide to Mushrooms.

The event generally draws more than 200 attendees from around the region.

The benefits of mushroom hunting go beyond tasty treats. WPMC members can enjoy the outdoors and get exercise while pursuing their hobby.

The social aspect is important as well.

“It’s a really great mix of people,” Stuart said. “I’ve had more fun with this club than I’ve had in a long time.”

The WPMC is remarkably well-represented in social media outlets, too. It has a Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/WPAMC) and a blog (http://wpamushroomclub.blogspot.com/).

People can also become fans of it on Facebook.

Individual memberships cost $15, and family memberships cost $20. Members automatically become members of the WPMC as well, and that includes 6 newsletters per year that publicize many walks throughout Western Pennsylvania, as well as access to all club meetings and activities. All members must annually sign a release of liability.

The Washington/Greene County chapter’s first meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 23 at the Peters Township Library. It will be open to the public. More information can be found at the organization’s Web site: www.wpamushroomclub.org.

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ith the winter slow keeping us indoors this year more than ever, you’ve probably had a good opportunity to look around your home and find areas you haven’t noticed before that could use a little touch-up. Or, if you’ve had that homeimprovement project on the back burner for some time, these snow-bound days may have finally pushed you into moving that project to the front burner.

Either way, fixing up your home can not only make your indoor quality of life more enjoyable and convenient, it could add value to your home when and if you decide to sell.

Kitchens and bathrooms have traditionally been the best return on your investment when it comes to home remodeling, but in today’s age of ever-faster Internet speeds, wireless networks and stereo equipment, and less expensive, larger flat screen televisions, amenities such as home theaters and home offices can also be great additions that add both function and value to your home.

Jeff Morris, owner of Case Remodelers, said that since people have been staying put in their homes for the past few years rather than moving, he’s seen homeowners looking to utilize every square inch of their homes for a higher and better purpose.

“They’re not moving, so they decide to upgrade their basement or kitchen, or improve the energy efficiency of their homes,” Morris said. “That transient attitude has disappeared over the last few years. People are saying, ‘We’re not going anywhere. We’re just going to improve what we have.’”

Kathy Cvetkovich, owner of Willowbrook Design, said that now that the recession is

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behind us, people are being more optimistic and aggressive with their decisions regarding remodeling.

“Now that people are coming up with the conclusion that the sun is still coming up every day, they are going ahead with these projects.

People are taking their money and putting it back in their house, and we’re not talking a little fix-it-up; they’re going for it,” she said. “They’re looking at moving walls, fixing up windows. I think it’s a South Hills thing, as well. “I know that there are some kitchen dealers that work in downscale markets that are holding on by the skin of their teeth, but our demographic, people are just going for it and we’ve been flooded with work.”

Morris said that when it comes to bathrooms, radiant heating is popular, as are body-sprays as opposed to whirlpool tubs.

“People are spending more on their showers, and we’re pulling out a lot of whirlpool tubs to make way for showers,” Morris said. “Tile is becoming very popular as well, because it’s just beautiful. Glass tile is a huge thing right now because of the variety of colors.”

In the kitchen, Morris said he’s seeing better layouts and designs being implemented to make the space geared more towards entertaining.

“People want a better working and entertaining space in their kitchens. Guests congregate there and people are adding more islands and bars to their kitchens,” Morris said.

“Appliances are becoming very popular, too. By that, I mean more professional-style appliances and counter- depth refrigerators are going to become the norm.”

Ellen Diamond, who partners with Kathleen Smithnosky in their company, Sensational

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Surroundings, said finishing your remodeled areas can add a lot to your new spaces.

“What we like is eclectic,” Diamond said. “Whatever you think you really like, whether it’s something from an antique store or another unique item, it could work somewhere. Clean lines are also still popular, creating that Zen feeling. Color’s real popular, as well.

Bright colors are very popular this year, such as turquoise, but the tried and true neutrals still are favorites.”

“Stainless steel is still big in the kitchen,” Smithnosky said, “but bronze is a strong color for kitchens. I like choices over trends. I don’t like the homes to look the same. Lime greens and oranges are coming back as well.”

For the bathrooms, Smithnosky said that after a long hiatus, wallpapers are becoming more popular.

“As many years that we’ve had without

wallpaper, people are going back to wallpaper for the bathroom,” Smithnosky said.

Diamond said “Green Design” is also really popular.

“Whether it’s paint or furniture, bamboo flooring, or if you can buy a piece of recycled furniture or an antique piece of furniture, that’s a good way to go,” she said “It’s better to buy a quality piece than something that’s going to be in a landfill in five years. The furniture glues and polyurethane coatings that manufacturers are using are more environmentally friendly on the newer items as well.”

Diamond said some manufactures actually make kitchen countertops out of recycled papers and glass.

Morris said home theaters and other specialty rooms were the rage a few years back, but are no longer.

“With a home theater, you’re limited to having just a home theater in that space,” Morris said. “I think the storage space is a big, big thing, especially in older communities like Mt. Lebanon.

They haven’t changed in 100 years, so you either use the space better or add on. And very few people are adding on. They’re organizing themselves better.”

Diamond agreed.

“It’s always better and cheaper if you don’t have to change the footprint of your house. You can carve out some space with expanding your home.”

Smithnosky said a lot of homeowners are choosing to conceal flat screen televisions with custom framing or roll-up art.

“It can be expensive, but it looks better than just a TV on the wall,” she said.

Morris said that specialty storage lockers and cabinets may seem like an investment, but will give homeowners decades of satisfaction versus the store-bought units that claim to do the same thing.

“These off the shelf items are available, but they’re oftentimes junky and limited in their sizes,” he said. “We can build custom storage units so that every inch of space is being used. Even if that means using custom made shelving or whatever. It doesn’t have to be grossly expensive. With the right person and a little bit of imagination, you can make a nice garage locker out of a basic birch wood and do a lot with it. You can leave it natural or finish it to your liking.”

A lot of homeowners are finishing their basements as well, creating brighter, more vibrant spaces that can be used for a variety of functions.

“Wet bars in basements are still popular,” Smithnosky said, “but people are adding the wine coolers and storage areas in addition to small stainless steel kitchens.”

Morris said a lot of homeowners are even finishing their laundry rooms to maximize their appeal and efficiency.

“We paint them brighter, it sounds easy enough, but it’s very inexpensive to do and makes a big impact,” he said. “We also tile the floor with a good, functional, basic tile that gets people up off of the cement.

They’re oddball things, but it’s an oddball world and you have to think out of the box. Every project you have, you have to think your way through.”

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 All of us wish for a long and healthy life. However, the reality for many is that as we grow older, the likelihood of needing medical care for an extended period of time increases. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, seven out of every ten individuals over age 65 today will require at least some type of long-term care during their lifetime.

It's no secret that our bodies tend to become more vulnerable to illness, injury or disease as we age.

The government estimates that by 2020, 12 million Americans over age 65 (a fastgrowing segment of the population) will require long-term care services.

This is one of the biggest financial risks we face in later life. While many of us will no longer have a mortgage payment and typically won't have to worry about supporting children in our retirement years, healthcare expenses represent one facet of life that typically becomes more costly as we grow older. Services such as nursing home stays and in-home care are not typically covered by a traditional health insurance policy or by Medicare. Will you be in a position to withstand the financial impact of such an expense? One government estimate puts the average annual cost of a nursing home stay at $50,000 in today's dollars. Some facilities may charge much more, and the cost is almost certain to be higher in the future.

Planning ahead with long-term care coverage More and more Americans are turning to a long-term care insurance policy as a way to help prepare for what could be excessive costs of care in the years to come. This type of policy can be purchased on an individual basis, but you may be able to obtain coverage through your employer as well.

Most people age 18 or older, often up to age 85, are eligible to purchase long-term care coverage. The cost is based on age and a number of health-related factors.

There are certain situations, involving preexisting conditions, where coverage is not available. However, it is an investment worth considering as a way to protect your long-term financial security.

What long-term care coverage provides You probably won't find a policy that will insure all expenses you may incur with a nursing home stay or other form of long-term care. But the right policy can help offset a significant portion of the costs.

When you purchase a policy, you usually have the flexibility to define the level of benefits you receive. The greater the benefits, the more costly the coverage will be, but the better the protection you'll enjoy. Policies often offer a daily benefit amount for care, ranging from $50 to $500 per day. You also will choose a Maximum Lifetime Benefit the policy will provide.

Considering that it could be decades before you might actually begin to rely on the benefits of the policy, you may want to consider including an inflation adjustment as part of the coverage. This means that benefits paid in the future will provide comparable coverage, based on future costs, of what you would receive today.

You can specify coverage only for a situation where you are treated in a facility such as a nursing home. Other policies offer comprehensive coverage that will provide benefits regardless of where the care takes place.

One way to reduce the cost of long-term care insurance is to extend what is called the "elimination period." This represents a number of days from the start of care services before insurance coverage kicks in to help pay the costs.

The elimination period can range from zero days (meaning coverage starts immediately) to 180 days. The longer the elimination period, the less expensive the policy will be, but it will also mean you face larger outof-pocket expenses at the time you are receiving care.

It may be unsettling to plan for a day when you may need significant medical care. But, if that day should ever arrive, consider the relief you'll experience in knowing you've taken steps to protect your financial security.

This Industry Insight was provided by Jeffrey N. Evans CFP® Jeffrey N. Evans CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Practitioner 400 Southpointe Boulevard Plaza 1, Suite 210 Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-916-2233 x6 jeffrey.n.evans@ampf.com Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Facing Our Fears and C As any resident of the South Hills of Pittsburgh will tell you, there has been a longstanding, deep-seated fear of crossing the river to venture into other areas of Pittsburgh. Rumors of people entering the tunnels never to return, have only served to heighten the fear. Many people subscribe to the theory that, “If you can’t get it in the South Hills, you probably didn’t need it anyway.” After all, no one knows those people over there anyway and they may have strange and exotic habits. Highways with unfamiliar numbers such as 65 and 376 may only lead to trouble and being lost in construction detours for days.

But as we modern Pittsburghers now know, your car will not drop off the edge of the earth by crossing into the unknown zone. Science has proven this. And many well-respected people have made the journey and lived to share their experiences with others. So if there is a great new restaurant you’ve been dying to try or a museum you’ve always wanted to visit, don’t despair. You, too, can successfully travel to the other side and return home safely, sometimes even on the same day.

Step 1 If you want to navigate the Golden Triangle, you must first begin by taking all of your street maps, driving experience and knowledge of standard traffic patterns and throw them away. That’s right. This will be hard at first, but you must overcome that obsessive desire to use logic when finding your way. This will only frustrate you and further alienate you from the locals.

Once you have decided where you would like to go, do not waste time searching for a direct route on a major thoroughfare as there will likely not be one available. You MUST ask locals for directions once across the river.

This is never a problem as Pittsburghers are friendly and more than willing to share with you their “special shortcut.” However, make sure that you are asking only one local at a time. If you are asking 10 different people, you will likely get 10 different sets of directions due to the myriad of ways to get lost on the way to your destination.

Pick an individual who looks patient and sympathetic and then follow his directions to the letter. Do not listen to any other directions as they will not apply once you have begun your journey. *Important Tip – Avoid Mapquest and automated direction finder devices. Many Pittsburgh streets have not been discovered yet by the general public and therefore are not listed on Mapquest. GPS systems will likely have you driving into parking lots or off bridges. Some GPS systems in Pittsburgh have been known to malfunction due to damage inflicted by the direct use of hammers on the machine by the driver.

Step 2

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The proper way to ask for directions cannot be emphasized enough. Unless you have successfully completed a Dale Carnegie course, please have pen and paper in hand. There will likely be 10 to 20 turns for getting to a destination only a couple of miles away.

It will be very annoying for your direction-giver if they have to start all over again, repeating all the turns and landmarks.

In this way, you can avoid exasperated looks (and

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Step 3 Understanding the different types of turns and how to complete them is essential in city driving and especially in unfamiliar areas. There are three basic turns which you must be familiar with and able to execute safely. First, there is the regular turn. This could best be described as a simple 90-degree angle turn to the left or right. Second, there is a “soft turn” or what is also commonly referred to as bearing or veering. It is imperative to veer properly. This is more of a 45-degree angle turn you will complete while there are several hundred cars behind you waiting for you to decide which of the seven different streets you will veer onto. *Important Tip – If you make a wrong turn, turn around and go back at once! Do NOT under any circumstances attempt to “make the block” assuming you will end up back where you started. If you attempt this you will most likely end up in Ohio or West Virginia (see my subsequent article, “How to Get Out of Ohio or West Virginia).

bodily harm), by writing it down the first time. NEVER question the directions the person is giving you.

If you should find that you have inadvertently offended one of the locals, just use the code phrase “Go Steelers!” and all transgressions will likely be forgiven. *Important Tip – Many times your direction-giver will not know the exact street names and may give you important landmarks instead, such as beer distributorships or bars. If there are no bars or beer stores nearby, a wine and spirits store may be used instead.

CrossingThat River by Jonathan Barnes

Step continued 3 The third turn is called a “hard right” or a “hard left.” This is a very sharp turn that is generally illegal in any other part of the United States and most foreign countries. Do not be alarmed! It is perfectly legal across the river and socially acceptable to perform it anytime and anywhere the need arises.

At first, it will feel awkward and strange, as though you are violating some sort of traffic law. That's perfectly normal. After a few hours of watching the locals skillfully maneuver their vehicles in a “U- turn” while simultaneously honking the horn and shouting, you will feel quite comfortable. *Important Tip – Generally the honking of a horn on a car is used as a warning device for other drivers. In certain boroughs of Pittsburgh, however, it may be used to say ‘hello,’ ‘thanks,’ ‘go ahead and pull out,’ ‘you're a jag-off,’ ‘the light's green stupid,’ or after any Steelers victory.

The exact meaning of a particular honk will depend upon the situation and if it is accompanied by hand signals.

(Hand signals are generally a negative gesture and should be interpreted as such.)

Step 5 Dealing with road construction. As with any major city, road construction is to be expected. An orange ‘detour’ sign will clearly mark the turn you are to make off of the main road. After that, you're pretty much on your own. Refer to Step 2 (asking directions).

Step 6 Stay the course and persevere.

Do not give up!

Step 7

If you give up, tell the family that you are going to make a phone call. Then, after exiting your car, discreetly call one of the very fast and efficient cab companies located in Pittsburgh and tell them you need a cab. Casually return to your car as if nothing is wrong and inform your family that you are not lost and that everything is perfectly normal. Then play ‘I spy’ for the next 20 minutes. After the cab arrives, tip him generously and furnish him with a loaf of bread. Ask him to lead you back to your home as he drops breadcrumbs along the way in case you are An important separated. This is also very beneficial for the part of driving environment as the birds will be in Pittsburgh able to eat the proper is being breadcrumbs. able to climb After steep hills in your vehicle. You arriving will notice as you are ascending the hill that your accelerator is pressed all at your the way to the floor of your car and yet your speedometer reads 5 mph. This home (and is perfectly normal. Once you have reached the top of the hill, you will notice a having seen most of rapid increase in speed as you apply your brake to the floor and the speedometer Pittsburgh), fix yourself a reads 104 mph. This will eventually level off once you have reached the bottom of big plate of pierogies, open a the hill. If you are driving a small four-cylinder vehicle that lacks the power to Rolling Rock and get some sleep. climb steep hills, you may overcome the difficulty by: a.) downshifting, b.) backing Tomorrow you can pick up a bus up and getting a running start, or c.) having your family push the car up the steep schedule and try again. incline. (Not recommended for families with children under the age of 5).

Step 4

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 LOW BACK PAIN? Low Back Pain is one of the most significant health problems according to the National Institute of Health. Seventy to 85% of people have back pain at some point in their life. Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old.

WHAT CAUSES LOW BACK PAIN? Back pain may occur from many different causes. Some of those causes may include the following: overuse or strenuous activity; trauma, injury, or fracture; obesity, poor muscle tone, sprain or strain; herniated discs, tumors, and arthritis.

CAN I AVOID A BACK INJURY? Low Back Pain can be avoided.

Maintaining control of one’s weight, avoiding smoking, using proper lifting techniques, maintaining proper posture, exercising regularly, and controlling stress levels are just a few.

HOW IS BACK PAIN DIAGNOSED? Applying a specific diagnosis to low back pain can be difficult. However, one should be evaluated by the appropriate health care specialist. Getting a good thorough history from the patient is important. A proper evaluation should then be performed.

Based on that evaluation, the following special tests may be needed: x-ray, MRI, CT scan, bone scan or EMG. A physician may also order other tests.

HOW IS BACK PAIN TREATED? A good back pain rehabilitation program should address all of the issues that may cause pain. For example, muscle tone and obesity may need to be corrected. Physical therapy is a proven conservative method of treating low back pain.

WHAT CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY DO FOR ME? A physical therapist will take a good medical history and do a full body evaluation as to why someone may experience back pain, how that person’s back pain can be helped, and what factors are present that may predispose someone to back pain.

Following a thorough evaluation, a treatment program will be prescribed.

Usually, pain control is the first step. This may include the use of electrical stimulation, ultrasound (a form of deep heating), manual techniques where the therapist will use their hands or other device to mobilize the spine to improve movement, or decrease muscle spasm.

Once pain is under control, it is important to improve motion and strength around the injured area, or any other areas of the body where there is a limitation of strength or motion that is a predisposing cause of back pain.

Generally, this would include strengthening of the abdominal, low back and hip muscles, flexibility of the spine and legs and generalized conditioning.

During this process, pain control techniques will continue to be used.

Exercise will be progressed to get the maximum benefit to return to any work, sports, or any other activity, without pain.

It is recommended to see a physician at any point and time that pain does not improve following a back injury. A physical therapist can be your first contact following a back injury as well.

WHAT IS MULTI-IMPULSE THERAPY? Multi-Impulse Therapy is the newest method of mobilizing the spine. Basically, the spine is analyzed with the assistance of a computer. Based on the skilled assessment of the physical therapist and feedback from the computer, restrictions of the spine will be noted. Using a hand held device, connected to a computer, the physical therapist is able to “mobilize” specific areas of restriction, in the spine, with a controlled amount of force, speed, and number of impulses. The spine is then analyzed again for the effectiveness of treatment.

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Academically Speaking what’s going on at

Our Lady of Grace School

A Foundation in Gospel Values, Service to the Community, and Academic Excellence.

1734 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 • 412-279-6611 www.olgscott.net

Miss Lindsay Pfister, Principal Middle States Accreditation Report This October, the Middle States Accreditation Team visited the school and established that Our Lady of Grace Catholic School met the 12 standards put forth by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools. The school received commendations in all areas and the recommendations were in line with the goals set forth in the strategic plan developed prior to the visit. The visiting team highly praised the leadership shown by the Principal, Lindsay Pfister, and the Pastor, Fr. Richard Infante. In addition, they commended the school for, “provid[ing] each child with challenging, yet realistic goals and acknowledge[ing] that every child has different learning styles and rates of achievement.” The teachers received commendations in all subject areas and in the way the values of the mission statement are reflected in every school day. Also notable is the recognition of the improvements that have taken place in the area of technology with the purchase in 2008 of all new networked computers for the lab and the addition of SMARTBoards to each floor this year. The visiting team completed their report with following statement: “In looking to the future, the outlook for Our Lady of Grace School seems very bright. Several

people mentioned their desire for the school to maintain longevity in the future. In today’s world, for many schools that is becoming increasingly difficult. However, not only do you have an impressive complex and a well-equipped facility, you have a strong commitment by the administration, faculty, parents, and parish members to keep your school strong and to pitch in and do whatever is necessary to provide the best possible educational experience for your students. You are very lucky.”

While some children are prepared at five-years-old for a full day, others are not. We have recognized this need and continue to offer both options. The choice of full or half-day kindergarten has shown to be successful in meeting the needs of a variety of children.

Mrs. DeCello and Mrs. Muraco, both reading specialists, have years of experience teaching early childhood. We invite anyone interested in our kindergarten program to call for information, schedule a tour, or visit the website.

Full or Half-Day Kindergarten?

At this time of year, parents are deciding whether to send their child to a full or half-day

Friends of Haiti The whole world has been touched by the tragedy in Haiti. At our school we were especially troubled because of a long

standing connection between Our Lady of Grace and a mission in LaCroix where we sponsor a child.

This connection is made possible by a charity in Washington County called Friends of Haiti which works with a mission in LaCroix. Pastor Pierre from the mission has visited our school to talk about the mission.

The city of LaCroix was devastated by hurricanes in 2008 and many of the people in LaCroix moved to Port-au-Prince where they thought it would be safer.

However, when the earthquake struck a significant number of refugees returned to LaCroix.

Pastor Pierre is working to offer food, shelter, and care. The immediate need has been for cash so the school sponsored a Friend of Haiti dress-down day to collect money. In addition, several students in our school made homemade soap to sell after masses at the church for more donations. We continue to pray for all who were injured or lost family members and will continue aid the mission in whatever way we can.

kindergarten. At Our Lady of Grace parents have a choice between full or half-day programs. The kindergarten is academically focused and prepares children with the skills necessary to succeed in first grade. In past years, there has not been any disparity in academic ability between students attending either option. Both classes follow the identical curriculum that includes reading, math, social studies, science, religion, art, music, gym, library, computer, and Spanish. In addition the full-day class participates in lunch, recess, rest time and an enrichment activity.

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Vacations on the Fly Trips That Pack a Ton of Fun Into a Tank of Gas hen thinking about vacations, sometimes it’s easier to just get in the car and go, rather than spend hours comparison shopping through various mind-withering online sites. Fortunately, living in Western Pennsylvania makes it easy for us to get away for the weekend (or a few days more) without much hassle. The trick is looking at the map as if it’s your own little neighborhood, not some destination.

We planned a few trips for you that are all based within a 100mile radius of Pittsburgh - as the crow flies, not as the car drives.

Most of these trips are 250 miles or less and within three hours, give or take.

W

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Cleveland, Ohio – The bane of Steelers fans during the football season, this drivable city has amenities that definitely make it worth visiting. Boasting a world-class orchestra directed by Franz Welser-Most, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and the Cleveland Playhouse, there’s never a lack of things to do in this booming town. More than 1,000 restaurants mean that you’ll never be stuck for cuisine, either. If you are in town, be sure to check out Trattoria on the Hill, for third-generation, authentic Italian cuisine after a night at Severance Hall.

Erie, Pennsylvania – Ah, Lake Erie.

Pennsylvania’s little oceanfront. Lake Erie is not only a beautiful seascape destination to one of the Great Lakes, it’s also a great family funspot. From the historic Flagship Niagara and Erie Maritime Museum to the Lake Erie Speedway, whether your tastes are a little Edmund Fitzgerald or a little Carl Edwards, Erie is a place you’ll go back to again and again. Literally one of the easiest places to get to – due north on I-79 – Erie and its southern little brother, Conneaut, can give any family a full weekend of enjoyment year-round.

Geneva, Ohio – Also known as “Geneva on the Lake,” this quaint destination is a great weekend getaway option. More recreational in nature because of its lakefront location, Geneva also has a bevy of nightclubs, restaurants and more to keep the cabin-fever away. If the weather’s cooperative, you can plan on plenty of fishing, boating, swimming, camping, concerts and golf. The Wild Water Works offers more than 750 feet of waterslides for those looking for a serious soaking. Look for the Mediaeval Fair in late July and August, and annual events at the abundant wineries throughout the region.

Mansfield, Ohio – A perfect day trip into small-town America, Mansfield is home to an incongruous amount of interesting sights.

From blueberry festivals to the Mansfield

Memorial Museum to the famous Carousel in the heart of town, Mansfield is a great family-oriented trip for all ages. One of the highlights for the technology and sci-fi fan in the family is Elektro, the 7-foot-tall robot created by Westinghouse in 1937. This wonder of the time walked on command, had a 700-word vocabulary, and could discern between red and green light. Elektro is on permanent display at the Mansfield Memorial Museum.

Martin’s Ferry, Ohio – Founded in 1794, Martin’s Ferry is Ohio’s oldest settlement, and you can expect a lot of history in this destination, which is minutes from Oglebay Park. Every June, Martin’s Ferry sponsors the All-American Soap Box Derby, the largest stock car division race in the U.S. Morgantown, West Virginia – Another destination rich in history, Morgantown is an eclectic blend of the past and the present.

From its thriving cultural community to the Cheat River Watershed, with its annual festivals and riverfront events, the sky’s the limit in Morgantown. Highlights include the WV Bass Federation Tournament, the WV Wild and Wonderful MountainFest Motorcycle Rally, and the Triple S HarleyDavidson Hoop Group Summer Jamfest.

Moundsville, West Virginia – Just outside of Wheeling West Virginia is Moundsville, home to Grave Creek Mound, the largest conical burial mound in the United States. This structure dates back to 250 B.C. and houses a visitor’s center and museum onsite. Across the street is the West Virginia State Penitentiary, a Gothic prison that was shut down in 1995. Today, the prison is open to ghost hunts, prison tours and a special “Dungeon of Horrors” tour each year around Halloween. Burial mounds and haunted prisons – a definite one-two punch of history and adventure!

Somerset, Pennsylvania – Ski, ski, ski!

But did you know there’s a lot to do in this town of antique shops and wineries when the snow’s gone? If you can think of it, you can do it in Somerset. From horseback riding and hiking to mini-golf and white water rafting, you can find it all within two hours of Pittsburgh. Home to Seven Springs and Hidden Valley ski resorts, Somerset is a popular winter destination, no doubt. But when trying to find a nice place to get away from it all in the mountains, put this one on your calendar and just go.

Sandusky, Ohio – Missing that warm weather and water? Then surf over to Sandusky where we found Great Wolf Lodge.(www.greatwolf.com) This indoor extravaganza of a water park is great for kids up to age 12 and their parents. They will love the water slides, giant fort and five separate pools filled with 200,000 gallons of water. You’ll love the fact that it’s always 87˚, very clean and when the kids get tired, they bunk down in their own sleeping area.

This all suite resort got high marks for kid friendly fun.

Butler County, PA – April is the perfect time to take a short trip up I-79 to Slippery Rock where you can enjoy the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival from April 14-25. Dance and music ensembles, lectures, theatre productions and a children’s day feature nationally and internationally known artists.

Be sure to allow time to explore the area’s unique shops, like the Birdwatcher’s Store, Native Essence, Slippery Rock Florist and Winfield Winery. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at a variety of eateries. To learn more about all you can see and do in the Slippery Rock area, check out www.visitbutlercounty.com.

Living in Western Pennsylvania makes it easy for us to get away for the weekend (or a few days more) without much hassle.

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• CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS • Family Owned & Operated since 1860 • Personalized “Celebration of Life Services” at the area’s guaranteed lowest cost • Only Beinhauer can provide complete Cremation Services using our own Crematory operated by licensed personnel • Cemetery Services at Woodruff Memorial Park and new Community Mausoleum~Free Veterans Grave

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anon Mac Reach 66,224 Potential Customers in Canonsburg, Cecil, North Strabane & Southpointe

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“My doctor told me I can treat my fibroids without a hysterectomy.”

— Tanya, age 43

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