IN Canon-Mac

SPRING 2012

anon Mac COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

INSIDE

SPRING 2012

anon M ac

IN Canon Mac is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Canon Mac area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here.

Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

COM MUN ITY MAG AZIN E

IN Canon Mac | SPRING 2012 | Dram a Cl ub Re Jesu for Marc hearse s s Ch h’s ris Perfo t Supe rsta rman r ce

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COMMUNITY INTEREST

Canon McMillan School District .. | 6 Our Lady of Grace ............................ | 42 Houses of Worship ............................ | 45 Special Value Coupons .................... | 47 ON THE COVER

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The Cast of Canon-McMilan's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" poses for a group shot. Photos by Gary Yon.

Cristy Watson, DPT Car Accident? Physical Therapy Can Help ... | 38

Paul Herrnberger Understanding Your Auto Policy

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Barry Bartusiak, DMD Stop a Heart Attack... Get Your Gums Checked ......................................... | 44 34

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SPOTLIGHTS

FEATURES

Coldwell Banker & Victorian Finance ................................................ | 25

Western PA Junior Achievement’s Educational Leadership Collaboration Award Winner for 2011 ............................ | 13

JAB Jewelry ........................................ | 48

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Dollars for Scholars .............................................................    

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Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010 ...................................

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Awesome Kids – Epic Fun ..................................................

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 Amedisys Names Jacob Antonio its Junior Christen  Award Winner ....................................................................... 

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 Civil Air Patrol Welcomes All ............................................

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Young Life Brings Fun, Faith to Adolescents ..............

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   Jesus Christ Superstar   .......................................................  

Greek Émigré Proud to Call Canonsburg Home

  Modernettes ...........................................................................    Leaving on Good Terms .......................................................    

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

anon Mac PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard MANAGING EDITOR

W

elcome to the spring issue of Canon Mac magazine.

Hopefully, we are all enjoying the lengthening days as we forge into summer. While spring usually brings more rain to the region than we normally get throughout the rest of the year, I’m glad we’ve had a few days of nice weather to get outside and remember what the snow covered up.

We’ve grown once again over the winter, and have shifted some staff around to accommodate that growth. I want to point this out to you because you, the readers, give us many of the great story ideas that you see featured in these pages, and I want you to have the right point of contact so that your story can be heard. The editor for the South and West Regions is Mark Berton (mark@ incommunitymagazines.com). Please forward your good news to Mark, and he’ll make sure it finds a place in the magazine. If you’re not sure whether you have a good story, give Mark a call at 724.942.0940 and ask!

While our editors have re-aligned into better-organized zones, we still want everything in those zones to be 100 percent local to you. We also appreciate your feedback (good and bad) to let us know where we missed the mark and where we hit it out of the park.

Lastly, it’s not too soon to start thinking about the rest of the year! I know we just got through the holidays, and are thawing out, but we’re already looking ahead to fall and beyond. So if you have events planned and would like to promote them, call or email Mark. If you have an event coming up earlier, let us know so we can send our photographers and document the occasion!

Here’s hoping that the start to your year has been a good one!

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

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hile Community Magazines is a non-partisan publication, we don’t live in a vacuum. This year is a presidential election year, and striving to keep readers engaged and active in the community is part of our mission statement. We’re not here to endorse anyone, but we are here to remind you that voting is a hard-earned right that we have as Americans. However, many people pass on that right, which is a s hame.

If you view your vote as insignificant, then you are not only forfeiting your right to be counted, but also your right to be heard. Voting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about opinions as well. Your vote lends your voice to a chorus that decides who should be deciding our foreign and domestic policies, budgeting for specific social programs and who sends our young people into conflicts around the globe.

These are critical issues that everyday people have to live with. If your candidate loses, you didn’t lose. The margin of loss sends a strong message to the victor as to whether people agree with their views, or found them to be less appealing. To be part of that process is something that those before us fought for through marches, protests and even death. To sit it out casts aspersions on their efforts and memory. We may not wake up happy on Nov. 7, but we should all be happy that we participated on Nov. 6. The deadline for registering to vote is 30 days prior to the next primary or general election. For more information, call the Washington County Department of Elections at: 724.228.6750.

See you at the polls!

Mark Berton, Editor 4

724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Canon Mac

Marybeth Jeffries m.jeffries@icmags.com REGIONAL EDITORS

Mark Berton [South and West] mark@incommunitymagazines.com Monica L. Haynes [East] m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com NORTH ZONE COORDINATOR

Pamela Palongue p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTENT COORDINATOR

Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

WRITERS

Heather Holtschlage Kelly Lotter Leigh Lyons Dana McGrath

Joann Naser Gina Salinger Judith Schardt

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer

Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS

Derek Bayer Tom Poljak

Tamara Myers

ADVERTISING SALES

Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Karen Fadzen Julie Graf Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Connie McDaniel Brian McKee Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia

Robert Ojeda Ralph Palaski Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Sophia Williard

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012.

CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Rd. McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www. incommunitymagazines.com

Summer content deadline: 5/23/2012 Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

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6

Canon Mac

                                      



   



 

 



                                     

         

 

                                    

                                                    

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   

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               

 

    

                            

                                               

ILLAN CANON M M TRICT SCHOOL DIS ES SUBSTITUT CAFETERIA ESSARY!

NCE NEC NO EXPERIE hours. gular school re ng ri du k s or Wor ee tir re ir sem Great job fo dads! s/ om m e m ion stay at ho ore informat 6-1040 for m CALL: 724-74 Administration Building Or apply at: , Canonsburg erson Avenue 1 North Jeff 8

Canon Mac

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         

           

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Plotting pictures on pumpkins

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           

                    

  

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               

                  Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

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                                

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Canon Mac

     

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                                  

                    

                          

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  

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                                     

                   

              Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

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

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anonsburg Middle School (CMS) recently received the honor of being Western Pennsylvania Junior Achievement’s Educational Leadership Collaboration Award winner for 2011.

Junior Achievement (JA) is an education organization involved in teaching young people concepts of entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. It is the largest youth development program in the world, according to JA statist ics, with the core purpose to empower young people to own their economic success.

For the past several years, CMS has partnered with Washington and Jefferson College (W & J), Washington, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ken Schrag, CMS assistant principal, works with Dr. Rosalie Carpenter, a W & J Education Department professor, whose sophomore students are scheduled as interns for the fall term.

“The college student s visit CMS eighth grade social studies classes weekly to observe the teachers and students,” said Mr. Schrag, “then teach the JA curriculum for six weeks. The CMS students are taught basic lessons in business and economics to prepare them to succeed in a global economy.”

While observing in the classroom, W & J students determine the types of learning going on in the classroom, explained Dr. Carpenter. “The students are well-prepared by the time they teach the lessons and have determined the students’ needs to differentiate learning. They know that some learners are visual, others auditory or tactile.”

Dr. Carpenter enjoys the collaboration, which allows the sophomores their first teaching experience. “They have to give feedback about the lessons and reflect on the materials taught,” she said.

She al so states that the W & J students learn professionalism and collaboration from CMS teachers. “I think it is a wonderful way for the students to begin their teaching careers,” said Dr. Carpenter. “It brings into focus what type of curriculum they would like to teach and what age groups.”

JA Economics for Success middle-school program explores personal finance and students’ education and career options based on their skills, interests, and values. It also focuses on the benefits of staying in school.

The concepts the student interns focus on are credit, debt, gross and net income, insurance, interest, needs and wants. They also discuss risk and the world of work. Working in groups, the CMS students have role-playing and work on problem solving.

Jordan, a 13-year-old eighth grader from Canonsburg, likes the program. “We learn about net income and how to budget expenses. From my job as a hair stylist, the expenses for clothes, housing and food leave me $100 a month,” she said. “We get to play games in the classroom. It’s pretty fun.”

United States Congressman Tim Murphy, 18th District congratulates CMS and states, “The skills these students learn

By Joann Naser

from the Junior Achievement program will stay with them long after their schooling years. Those who find success in their future careers are the ones equipped with the necessary tools to compete in a highly competitive and complex global economy. JA not only prepares these young students to do just that, but it also empowers them to think critically using the values of self-reliance and thriftiness.”

Gordon Conn, JA vice president for district operation s, commended CMS for its commitment to JA program support and teaching business values. Mr. Conn also recognized W& J as an important component to CMS’s program success.

“They both have been longtime supporters of our endeavors,” he said. “They are passionate people teaching kids the economics of life.”

According to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 70 percent of U.S. high school students want to experience the American dream of owning their own businesses. What do kids know about being entrepreneurs? Turns out their curiosity about the world around them, natural creativity, willingness to take risks, and unbridled enthusiasm add up to the characteristics of our greatest entrepreneurs.

W & J student They start neighborhood lemonade stands, flourish at named building babysitting empires, and establish lawn-mowing Alex Bernardi. businesses, but after that, suggests the Ewing Marion She is majoring Kauffman Foundation, they often lose their entrepreneurial in English and instincts. Programs supported by JA are designed to keep planning on the entrepreneurial flame alive in boys and girls, whose teaching English inventiveness and drive can actually teach them something 7-12 Secondary about being entrepreneurs.

Education.

“The future of our country depends upon making every individual fully realize the obligations and responsib ilities belonging to citizenship. Habits are formed in youth…what we need in this country now … is to teach the growing generations to realize that thrift and economy, coupled with industry, are necessary now as they were in past generations." Theodore Vail, president of American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) and co-founder of Junior Achievement, 1918, said this quote.

It still rings true today nearly 1 00 years later.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Dollars for Scholars By Pamela Palongue

S

cholarships are the word these days for families on a budget with children attending college. Canon-McMillan School District is lucky enough to have a team of dedicated volunteers supporting local students in their educational endeavors. According to Gayle Blonar of the Community Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan, their non-profit is one of the few organizations of its kind in southwestern Pennsylvania. They are affiliated with a national program called “Dollars for Scholars.”

Last year CSFCM awarded over 95 scholarships to CanonMcMillan students, ranging from $500 to $10,000. Their largest annual fundraiser, the 5K Jack-O-Lantern Jog, raised $28,000 last year. The race’s director, Danielle Blonar is herself a 1st grade teacher at Canon-McMillan School.

Blonar plans the event for an entire year. The most recent was held on Oct. 29th and was the 7th annual Jack-O-Lantern Jog. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with this year’s event and the ground was covered with an inch or two of snow. This did not stop dedicated runners from participating, however, and many runners who participate in races across the country have commented that the event is the best that they have ever attended.

In addition to the race itself, 175 raffle prizes were awarded with 15 grand prizes, including a flat screen TV, two laptops and a video camera. All participants in the race were given a T-shirt commemorating the event and a goodie bag. “Our goodie bags have really wonderful stuff,” says Gayle Blonar who noted that Lakeview Primary Care provided hot and cold packs for first aid in all the bags. The children’s bags were filled with toys, candy, bottles of bubbles and Frisbees.

“The local businesses were so generous in helping out,” adds Blonar. Market District of Robinson, Panera Bread, Kings and Wendy’s provided food which included chicken, salads, doughnuts and other hot foods. Loafers donated the bread and Eat’n Park generously provided Smiley Cookies.

This year’s events will help sponsor scholarships for those who have excelled in community service as well as those interested in engineering, sports, and students with

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724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

Canon Mac

financial needs. “There are a variety of different types of scholarships for students’ needs,” says Blonar. The only requirement for applying for a scholarship is that the student will be graduating from Canon-McMillan School District in 2012 and using the money for secondary education. Some of the scholarships are directed towards students interested in vocational or technical training rather than college.

The scholarship application can be found online at the Canon-McMillan website at www.cmsd.k12.pa.us. In addition to providing basic information, students are also required to write an essay. “This is where we really get to know the individual and their needs,” says Blonar, who further explains that the selection process is completely blind, with only numbers used to identify the different students. The selections will be made in April with a banquet held in May to award the scholarships to winning students.

“The cost of tuition is so high these days and with schools cutting back on funding, we need scholarships more than ever,” comments Blonar. Recently, the group has started placing envelopes at local funeral homes for those wishing to leave a donation in memoriam to Canon-McMillan alumni.

Corporate sponsors have proved invaluable in supporting the foundation as well. One of the newest corporate sponsors is Aqua-Tech, while Anysys Engineering has been a supporter for many years.

Any corporation or individual interested in contributing to scholarship funding may visit their website at www.eteamz.com for more information.

Anyone interested in volunteering for next year’s Jack-O-Lantern Jog may visit the website at www.eteamz.com/ jackolanternjog.com.

Meetings are already being held in preparation for next year’s event.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

Canon-McMillan Drama Club Presents with permission from R&H Theatricals

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR A Musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

March 1, 2, & 3, 2012 Showtime: 7 p.m.

Tickets: $7

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Photos by Gary Yon

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

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

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anon-McMillan School include grandparents and District strives to comply grandchildren. Several with the Healthy, Hungergenerations are living Free Kids Act of 2010 together now.” and has already The GWCFB reports exceeded some of the to the Greater expectations.

Pittsburgh Community The Healthy, Food Bank, Feeding Hunger-Free Act America and the represents a national state’s food purchase attempt to provide all program, which children with healthy requires significant By foods in school. documentation, Joann Increasingly, schools according to Ms. Loar. In Naser are providing a central Washington County, there role in children’s health, are 37 volunteer-driven food according to the Act. pantries that distribute food Over 31 million children under the GWCFB umbrella. receive meals through the school In Canonsburg, the Canonsburglunch program and some eat all their Houston Food Pantry operates at the meals at school. Over half, or 17 million, of Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, 112 West Pike Street on the third Saturday of each month. children who eat school lunches are living in “food insecure” Barb Jones, who happens to be a Canon-McMillan High School homes, which means they may go to bed hungry every night or do cafeteria employee, has coordinated the pantry for the past eight not know where their next meal will come from, said Melissa Schad, food service director for the Canon-McMillan School District. The years. Rev. Tom and Marilyn Hamilton welcomed the program to the Nutrition Group provides the meal service program for Canon-Mac. church and “help each month at the distributions,” said Ms. Jones.

Also, a problem now is that one of every three children in the According to Ms. Loar, the Canonsburg food pantry is one of the United States is considered obese or overweight. The U.S. five busiest pantries in the county. government believes that the school system can have a positive How Ms. Jones became involved in the program was “Twenty influence on both weight issues and food insecurity for the children. years ago I needed help and I began to volunteer at the Peters The Act increases federal funding for low-income children. The Township food pantry. I have been volunteering ever since. My legislation reauthorizes child nutrition programs for five years and children also help.” includes $4.5 billion in new funding for these programs over 10 years.

Ms. Jones has a son, Cory, 20, and a daughter, Megan, 16. “They “It provides more access to food for students,” said Ms. Schad. “In both love to work at the food pantry,” she explained. “They count some districts, students can have breakfast, lunch and even dinner at cans, carry boxes, whatever needs done.” school through after-school programs.”

She stated that, on average, ten new families a month sign up at According to Ruth Spencer, Canon-Mac accounting clerk and the food pantry. In December, they distributed 185 donation determining official for free and reduced lunch, the district has packages. “Some families have lost jobs or have moved into the area 21.07% of its students on the program. “There is definitely a need and do not have enough food,” said Ms. Jones. here. The Department of Education provides guidelines based on the She also organized further donations for the pantry. She enlisted number of people in a household and how much they make,” she all the Canon-McMillan schools recently to have a canned food drive said. “That is the criteria for the program.” Canon-Mac serves over for the pantry. The Canonsburg Middle School alone raised $650.

3,000 lunches daily and between 450 and 550 breakfasts.

The food drive was held during red ribbon week in October, which “It is a good program that benefits lots of children,” said Ms. discusses the hazards of drug and alcohol abuse. She also has a Spencer. “It provides a balanced meal and helps them in their coat drive in December and collects backpacks in June. She seeks studies. It is hard to concentrate when he or she is hungry.” donations from individuals and area businesses to fill the backpacks.

The Greater Washington County Food Bank (GWCFB) is Last year they donated 80 backpacks. “We love doing this,” explained obviously interested in providing healthy food to area residents. It is Ms. Jones. located at 1020 Route 519 in Eighty Four, PA. There are over 4,200 Regarding another aspect of the Act, Canon-McMillan lists the families registered with GWCFB with a 42% increase in the past nutritional levels for the amounts of food they serve on the website. three years, said Mary Ann Loar, assistant director, who has been Ms. Schad says they are very aware of allergies that may affect with the agency for four years. students and have peanut-free tables at the schools and have gluten“The food bank is available to those that are 150% below free products available. the poverty line,” Ms. Loar explained. That translates to $1,361 “We are sensitive to the special needs of students in regard to for a single person for one month plus $478 for each additional their nutritional health,” said Ms. Schad. family member.

Some of the features of the Act, said Ms. Schad, are already in “We are seeing more working families with two incomes because place at Canon-Mac such as providing access to drinking water they do not have higher paying jobs plus the increased costs in food during meal times. “Every cafeteria has a water fountain,” she said. and gas,” stated Ms. Loar. “They still meet the income guidelines.”

Furthermore, the district already provides 1% low fat milk or fat She added, “We are also seeing multiple family homes which free milk and also whole-wheat grain offerings. Purchasing food

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products that use less sodium is becoming an increasingly popular option for the district.

“Of course we want to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables students consume also,” said Ms. Schad. “However, if we serve tuna salad on lettuce, certainly some students would choose not to eat that day, so we want to balance children’s tastes with good nutrition.”

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was given authority in this Act to set the nutritional standards. Currently, the USDA utilizes a “my plate” system to show the amount of food items from the various categories one should eat. They include half the plate for fruit and vegetables and the other half of grains and proteins with a dairy inclusion. The website to review food choices is www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. It replaced the pyramid formula.

The plate suggests choosing from each category for a balanced meal. “Parents can talk with students about making healthy food choices by reviewing the plate with them,” said Ms. Schad. There are some combination foods, which include both groups, such as spaghetti and meat sauce, chef salad or turkey wrap.

There has been some controversy surrounding the Act because it allows tomato paste on pizza to be considered a vegetable.

Some lawmakers decried the government’s role in “dictating” what America’s children eat through regulations that would result in a loss to certain food industries, particularly the fast food sector.

In the 1980s, then President Ronald Reagan wanted to have ketchup declared as a vegetable so as to cut the costs of the nation’s student lunches so the political influence on food choice is still present today.

Potatoes are considered a vegetable but some parents are concerned with them being used frequently in the forms of tater tots and French fries. Jennifer O’Neill said, “I was excited to see that my daughter picked two vegetables one day, but then I saw it was two orders of tater tots. I was not so happy then. I understand the federal guidelines, but I would like for them to do better than that and provide other vegetables,” she explained.

Canon-Mac, through www.MyLunchMoney.com, offers the ability to see what the student purchases for lunch and/or breakfast on a daily basis.

The bottom line for the Act is to create significant improvements that will help provide children with healthier and more nutritious food options, educate children about making healthy food choices, teach children healthy habits and reduce health care costs.

Students can gain one-third of their recommended daily nutrients by selecting the proper food choices at lunch.

The Act also discusses that communities work with local farms to provide local produce to schools. It also promotes establishing school gardens. There is no time frame provided in the Act for implementation of these suggestions.

There is also a component for school wellness policies but the Act allows school districts to implement its own with great flexibility.

Canonsburg Middle School has a fit day for seventh graders. The district has a student wellness policy that was adopted in 2007. It focuses on nutrition and adequate physical activity.

For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation to the Canonsburg-Houston Food Pantry, call 724.745.0842. For more information about the Greater Washington County Food Bank or to make a donation, call 724.229.8175. One can make an online donation at www.gwcfb.org or follow them on Facebook.

Referencing GWCFB’s web site and Facebook page, Mrs. Loar concludes, “We have a Vista intern who has brought us into the 21st century.”

141 Parkland Drive – Cecil 4 BR, 2.5 BA with awesome views Jodie Gallagher

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427 Bluff Street – Canonsburg Immaculate 3 BR. Huge gameroom.

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236 Tyler Avenue – Washington Charm & character. Tons of updates.

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  Peters Township Office Waterdam Commons 4215 Washington Road McMurray, PA 15317

724.941.3340 Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

“There is no place in our society for prejudice of any kind, yet it was not that long ago when Americans with disabilities were not given equal rights and opportunities. Whether the cause was ignorance or indifference, it was not acceptable. We can all take pride in how much the ADA has accomplished…

As long as we never forget that every life is a miracle and each person has something to contribute, we will finish the job.” Statement from Former President George H.W. Bush on the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act - July 2009.

The SEC Club (Society for Exceptional Children) through the Canon-McMillan High School is an organization that believes every life is indeed a miracle. It is a group organized for the sole purpose of encouraging high school students to become involved with the handicapped society. Through involvement in SEC, members come to understand diversity while working with their exceptional peers in school as well as in out-of-school activities such as the Special Olympics and the MS Walk for the Gold marathon. The Club supports organizations such as the Association for Retarded Citizens and the Unique Children Parent’s Group. Membership in the SEC Club is open to all students in grades 9-12 who want to promote better socialization, adaptation, and daily functioning of their peers with disabilities. The members understand that respect is crucial to building and sustaining an environment in which everyone feels included, valued, and appreciated.

The participants are encouraged to smile, listen, be relationship builders, practice patience and understanding, and to remember that no one is perfect and that everyone has gifts. It's a chance for older students to be mentors to younger ones, for those with or without disabilities to help each other, to ask questions and to learn.

“We are more alike than different” is the motto of National Down Syndrome Congress and it can be applied to the SEC Club since their mission is to teach students to accept and aide those who may be “otherwise-abled” (definition: individuals who achieve and accomplish

their goals by non-traditional methods). Sherree Mohler, who obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from California University of PA, is not only the teacher sponsor for the SEC Club, she teaches biology and is the co-transition coordinator for the district. Despite her very busy schedule, she and her husband both make time to volunteer their time to work with students with disabilities, both in the school and through Adaptive Sports. Mrs. Mohler is very proud of the support the SEC Club has received: “Over the past two years, the SEC Club has developed an ongoing collaboration and rapport with, not only the Canon-McMillan school community, but also the students and parents of the surrounding school communities, in both Washington and Allegheny Counties. Many of the parents, community individuals, and businesses have helped the organization be successful and have enabled us to carry out our mission. In addition to the administrators, Mr. Dave Helinski (High School Principal), Ms. Betsy Somerville (Director of Special Education), and Mr. Bob Chuey (Special Education Coordinator) and the central office staff and school board, two community members who have devoted much time, energy, and resources to the cause have been Mr. Terry Hazlett and Mr. Rob Simonin. We could not accomplish our goals without the support of these two leaders.”

Throughout the school year, the Club sponsors a variety of activities and events, all of which help to promote social skills through peer modeling. Some of the activities include: Annual dances (one for Christmas in early December, one for St. Patrick's Day on March 16 and

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By Judith Schardt 20

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a dance for Cinco de Mayo on May 4). These dances encourage inclusion of all teens or young adults with disabilities in the Canonsburg community or neighboring school districts who want a night of fun, music and interaction with friends. In addition, the students raise money for holiday gifts for special needs individuals living in group homes. The Club plans regular bowling outings at West Pike Bowl to promote Autism Awareness; movie outings, field trips to the Pittsburgh Zoo and to plays such as “A Christmas Carol” at California University of PA; and Christmas Caroling at Country Meadows Senior Living and area group homes.

The SEC Club recognizes the time and sacrifice that its members make, so the group subsidizes the following programs for its student members: Peer Mentoring Program provides members the opportunity to work with and assist their peers during a study hall, classroom, or possibly a speech/language therapy session (ongoing support/training is provided to the members). Lunch Buddies Program pairs students and gives them the opportunity to engage in socialization with others who share their interests. Job Shadowing Program allows many of the members to shadow in the human services fields – i.e. speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy (counseling), psychology, education, and nursing. Volunteering Program gives the members opportunities to volunteer their time playing soccer, baseball, and other sports from Adaptive Sports.

On the school district’s website, www.cmsd.k12.pa.us, you’ll see a nice welcoming letter from the Superintendent, Helen K. McCracken, Ed.D. The very last line shows how proud she is of her district. “May your heart be full and your mind be intrigued as you enter our school community.”

She has reason to be proud. The SEC Club students are doing great work in including and enriching the lives of those with disabilities.

“If I regarded my life from the point of view of the pessimist, I should be undone. I should seek in vain for the light that does not visit my eyes and the music that does not ring in my ears. I should beg night and day and never be satisfied. I should sit apart in awful solitude, a prey to fear and despair. But since I consider it a duty to myself and to others to be happy, I escape a misery worse than any physical deprivation.” - Helen Keller

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

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

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acob Antonio, a Canonsburg resident and ninth grade student at Commonwealth Connections Academy, was the recent recipient of the Junior Christen Award from Amedisys Home Health and Hospice Care.

The Junior Christen Award is presented annually to an immediate family member of an Amedisys employee; Antonio’s mother, Melanie Antonio-Greco is a social worker at Amedisys Hospice of Canonsburg.

“I was selected for the award because of the work that I do with hospice patients and their families,” Antonio explained. “I was at work with my mother when I found out that I won the award. I was very surprised because I was unaware that I had been nominated. I received a call from Amedisys founder and chief executive officer, Bill Borne. He shared with me that the members of my mother’s hospice care team had nominated me with letters from patients, family members, facility staff, and community and school supporters.”

In addition to being related to an employee, award recipients must demonstrate selflessness and a deep commitment and concern for others, exhibit a long-term commitment to service and the betterment of society, and significantly impact the lives of others in the community.

Antonio has excelled at all of that and more.

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He maintains a 4.0 grade point average in his school’s honors program, but also is involved in several community volunteer projects, including serving as an umpire and youth league baseball coach, providing tutoring to students and helping with the local Senior Games through the Area Agency on Aging. The work he does at Amedisys has evolved since he began working there at age 14. His experiences have evolved and he is now enjoying the time he spends interacting directly with patients and providing services to their families. The work he does with Amedisys ranges from calling bingo games and playing games with the patients, to raking leaves, delivering cookies, making holiday gifts and treats and helping with memorial services and picnics.

“It really is amazing how much the patients look forward to these activities,” Antonio said. “I have learned so much from our patients through these activities. I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to spend time with such wonderful people.”

After medical problems about two years ago, Antonio developed a new perspective on health care, and in the past year has logged more than 140 volunteer hours Amedisys.

“I found out that Jacob won the award on a Friday morning, when I received a phone call from our CEO with the news,” Antonio-Greco said.

“The call was a shock that excited everyone in our care center.

“I am extremely proud of the volunteer work that Jacob does with our hospice patients. He is always enthusiastic about coming to work with me and providing a helping hand or smile when needed.

To see Jacob interacting with patients and families is quite humbling as a mother.”

Antonio received the award during Amedisys’ 2011 Spirit of Excellence Recognition Dinner, which took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home of Amedisys’ corporate headquarters.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

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Times Have Never Been Better for Mortgages in Canonsburg F

b u s i n e s s

or For Realtor Erica Shulsky of Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Mortgage Banker Jeff Lagoni of Victorian Finance, Canonsburg is a modern-day boom town.

Surrounded by the Marcellus Shale boom that has drawn big corporate names like Halliburton and Range Resources into the region, while locally based companies like Consol are expanding, Canonsburg is attracting home buyers from all over the globe. Long-time resident and Diamond Rated Realtor, Erica Shulsky, is working hard to make sure these new neighbors are getting the best value for their money.

“This market is strengthening. The mass relocation from all over the world has been a real shot in the arm for this region.

In fact, I have clients that I’m working with right now moving here from Australia, Columbia and Scotland” she said. “The combination of incredible interest rates, an excellent school district, and low Washington County taxes makes our region a preferred destination for these folks.” Shulsky said she believes that Canonsburg’s growth is not only a boom for home sellers, but it’s also creating a great opportunity for current residents.

“Some of these buyers may be here for only a few years, but what we are learning is that most of them are here for the long haul. It’s not only the Marcellus shale they’re working on, but they’re also preparing for the Utica shale fields in nearby Ohio,” she said. “Either way, I’m finding the best fair market value for my clients. When the day comes and they need to sell, the continued growth in this market will give them the reassurance that they have equity to work with in their home along with the guarantee that I will be there to assist in their next relocation endeavor.”

With the majority of her business generated through referrals, Erica credits her success to her enthusiasm and passion for her job! She wants what is best for her clients and works hard to make that a reality through the use of progressive technology and creative negotiation. In addition to assisting local buyers and sellers in the Greater Pittsburgh area, she is also relocation certified to assist those being transferred to and from other states/regions. Recognizing that every client has a different goal, Erica looks forward to exceeding expectations and helping you achieve success with your real estate transactions.

On the finance side of things, Lagoni said that at Victorian Finance, he’s able to turn around financing faster than other lenders.

s p o t l i g h t

“We’re a Mortgage Bank, which means we underwrite and fund the loan with our own money,” Lagoni said. “For clients, that results in a closing time of 30 days on average rather than the industry average of 40 to 60 days.”

Victorian Finance also stresses the pre-approval process for homeowners so that they enjoy an efficient and smooth loan process.

“You often hear nightmares from homebuyers about the loan process,” Lagoni said. “I tell people that whether they’re thinking of buying three weeks from now or three years from now, ‘Call me now,’ so I can coach them on credit and the loan process so they’re prepared and can enjoy the pleasure of purchasing their new home and not be stressed about the financing. The loan process can be easy if they are prepared.

If they’re not well prepared, that’s when the process can be a challenge.

Education is the key part of it.”

Lagoni is a mortgage banker first and foremost, and credit coach second, which allows him to teach people the best way to manage their credit scores to make the most of their buying power.

“Most people just pay the bills and think that’s enough,” he said.

“They don’t realize that keeping their credit card balances below 40 percent of the limit helps as well. They’re paying their bills, but don’t know the other little things they can do to get the most out of their credit score. In today’s world that score means more now than ever.

It affects your mortgage rate, insurance rates, car loans and even employers are checking credit reports for employees. It is imperative to understand how credit works.”

Victorian Finance is a Mortgage Bank that is focused on reducing cost which allows them to provide mortgages more cost effectively.

Jeff was recently awarded Pittsburgh Magazine 5 Star Mortgage Professional 2011.

For more information on Canonsburg’s housing boom, contact Erica Shulsky at 412.833.5405 x 214 or erica@pittsburghmoves.com or visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/realtorerica. For more information on your financing options, call Jeff Lagoni of Victorian Finance at 724.986.4434 or email, jeff@victorianfinance.com.

Jeff Lagoni: Licensed by the PA Dept of Banking Company NMLS ID: 50635 NMLS Loan Originator ID: 140105 PA Department of Banking License: 28662

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

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

By Joann Naser

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tavros Semanderes of Canonsburg has experienced personally the rise from a primitive culture to nuclear power during his lifetime.

Mr. Semanderes was born in Merinos, Crete, which is part of Greece. “We had a farm in the mountains. It is a beautiful town.

It was a primitive life with donkeys plowing the fields on our farm,” he stated.

Receiving a letter from his uncle, Mike Semanderes, who lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, proved to be life changing. “At that time, receiving a letter was a big deal,” said Mr. Semanderes. “My father asked me if I wanted to go to America to get an education. I said yes. I was 13 years old at the time (1956).”

His parents were the late Nicholas and Irini Semanderes.

It took seven days to cross the Atlantic Ocean. He first arrived in Halifax, Canada, and he remembered it was cold.

“The first thing I see is a fisherman in short sleeves, drinking a beer. I thought ‘what kind of place is this?’” explained Mr. Semanderes.

Arriving in New York City, Mr. Semanderes was escorted by a travel agent to the train station, which led him to Grand Rapids. “I went to high school there and I got a scholarship to the University of Michigan,” he said.

His uncle Mike had a small restaurant in Grand Rapids. Prior to the Depression, he was also a large, regional candy maker but lost it all when the tough times hit. “After graduating from high school, my uncle wanted me to take over the family business and get married. I wanted an education so I chose a different path,” said Mr. Semanderes.

Obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in applied physics, Mr. Semanderes was recruited

by Westinghouse and settled in Pittsburgh.

While at Westinghouse, he received a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He worked on the Rocket to Mars project.

“I worked at Westinghouse for five years and with a big company there are a lot of politics going on,” said Mr. Semanderes. “It was not a culture that I was comfortable with.

I had no say in what was happening. They would give me a pat on the back but keep things the same,” he explained.

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Mr. Semanderes did not like the high security clearances that he would have to get to work at the Bettis Laboratory in West Mifflin. “So I went to work for the commercial division building nuclear reactors,” he said.

After not seeing a bright future in nuclear power, Mr. Semanderes elected to start his own company. “[Nuclear] spent fuel stays hot for thousands of years and it could contaminate the environment, so I got out of it,” he exclaimed.

In 1973, he started Odyssey Contracting Corporation of Houston, Pennsylvania. His firm paints bridges, conducts some rehabilitation work including concrete, and may construct new spans. Since starting, he has worked nationally in New York, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland and Florida.

In peak seasons, he has over 70 employees. He also established a business selling olive oil, oregano and other herbs from Greece.

Of course there are plenty of local bridges to work on.

Several years ago, he renovated the McKees Rocks Bridge, Monroeville bridges and Hays-Pittsburgh bridges. He states that working on bridges can be a dangerous and dirty job.

“The weather can really have an impact whether by temperature, rain and wind,” he said. “Those things are out of our control.”

In 2001, his firm received the outstanding contractor award from the Army Corps of Engineers, New England division.

Pittsburgh reminds Mr. Semanderes of his childhood home. “I really love Pittsburgh and its natural beauty,” he explained. “It is a good place to

Stavros (center) is pictured with his older brother and father, on the day they said their goodbyes and put him on a ship, bound for the USA.

raise a family.”

He met his wife, Helene, in New York City at a cultural event.

“I noticed her. She was part of a dance troupe. A few years later, she noticed me.”

They have been married for 23 years and have three children: Nicholas, who graduated from Penn State University recently and will follow into the family business; Chris, who is a freshman at West Virginia University and Irini, who is a junior at Canon-McMillan High School.

They are members of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in McMurray. “It is important for me that they know God,” he explained.

Mr. Semanderes was the national president of the Pancretan Association and also helped create an international Pancretan Association. “It has three components: cultural, educational and philanthropy.

I believe the cultural is the most important because it shows the commitment of heritage of the older generation to the younger,” he explained.

Mr. Semanderes has received numerous awards for his work in the Pancretan Association.

He has been instrumental in developing a national center in Crete where families can vacation and experience the culture and heritage of Greece. “I made a decision years ago that our family would summer in Greece so they know their relatives,” said Mr. Semanderes. “I made an investment in my kids.”

The educational component provides scholarships to Greek descendants with several million dollars “for them to better themselves,” said Mr. Semanderes. The philanthropy arm provides financial assistance in times of disaster. “If someone is sick and needs an operation, one person cannot fund it but with all of us giving something, it can make a difference,” he explained.

Describing his philosophy of life, Mr. Semanderes said, “I believe in fairness. I treat people the way that I want to be treated. That is what I live by.”

He also established a chair at the University of Michigan for modern Greek studies. “Over 300 students have taken courses in it. Many, of course, are non Greeks,” Mr. Semanderes said.

“I feel blessed. I am lucky that my family is healthy,” he concluded.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

Civil Air Patrol Welcomes All

Washington Squadron 601 cadets learn the proper procedures for transferring an injured person from the ground into a Stokes basket.

The Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Washington Squadron 601 hosted their annual Open House to welcome interested youth and adults at the National Guard Armory. The evening included explanations of CAP’s training and educational opportunities, missions and cadet programs.

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a civilian, all volunteer, auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that provides emergency and search and rescue services, aviation and aerospace education, youth leadership programs and more nationwide.

CAP is a non-profit organization founded by Congress that offers local youth (ages 12 and up) and adults the opportunity to learn leadership skills that will help them better serve their communities and the nation. In addition to orientation flights, training includes search and rescue techniques for missing persons and downed aircraft, land

Capt. Donald Kaminski, Commander, Washington Squadron 601, trains cadets in the proper techniques to secure an injured person into a Stokes basket for emergency transport.

navigation, radio communications, safety, first aid and more. Cadets can use their training time towards community service and even earn college scholarships.

“If I give my time to CAP, what does CAP give me in return? As a senior member, it provides us with opportunities to interact positively with young people, to share our experience with them and to help them make decisions on their careers,” said Capt.

Donald Kaminski, Commander, Washington Squadron 601. “We have an 28

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opportunity to help the communities in which we live while continuing to serve our nation as we are able. The cadets have an opportunity to serve their community, to explore careers in the military, aviation and aerospace and to learn skills that are useful to them as they become adults.”

CAP’s highly regarded youth program partners with the U.S. Air Force in recognized aerospace education programs for schools, the community and the Civil Air Patrol membership.

“As a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, you will learn more about yourself than you thought possible. There are many exciting and interesting programs within CAP to get involved with: communications, drug demand reduction, ground team and much more,” said Washington Squadron 601 Cadet Commander, C/2dLt. David Calcek. “Civil Air Patrol is more than something to do every Wednesday night; it teaches us life lessons.

We learn about leadership, discipline, and even organizational techniques. CAP gets the job done, but it still knows how to make it fun!”

Washington Squadron 601 meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the National

Cadets from Civil Air Patrol’s Washington Squadron 601 practice carrying an injured person from an accident scene.

Guard Armory, 125 Goodridge Lane, in Washington, PA. Visitors are always welcome.

If you would like to attend a meeting or get more information on Washington Squadron 601, you can contact Capt. Donald Kaminski at dkaminski@wju.edu or Lt. Peggy Secunda at lt.secunda@gmail.com. Or visit our website at http://www.squadron601.us. To learn more about CAP, go to www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

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  

By Joann Naser

anon-MacMillan High School is the start of Young Life in Washington County.

Young Life, a non-profit, Christian-based organization, focuses on adolescents by entering their world and focusing on what matters to them such as fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of significance, said Dustin Hartman, the Canonsburg director.

He and his wife, Julie, who is a special education math educator at Canon-Mac High Sc hool, are meeting with the students at events such as football and basketball games to get to know them better. She engages with the female students while Mr. Hartman works with the males.

Some Canon-Mac students travel to Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon for weekly meetings called ‘club.’

“It is a party with a purpose,” said Mr.

Hartman. “We want to get these started in students’ homes in the Canon-Mac area now.”

Club is “controlled chaos,” according to Mr. Hartman. They perform skits, play crazy, messy games and present the Gospel in a unique, fun way. “We believe that they deserve to know what life can hold for them,” 30

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said Mr. Hartman. “The leaders just want these teenagers to be heard.”

The students can direct the activities that go on during club, said Mr. Hartman. “We want them to take ownership of the

program,” he said.

There is also a more in-depth Bible study for those students who choose it called Campaigners. As everyone knows, being a teenager is not always easy. The Campaigners group, according to Mr. Hartman, focuses on tough questions such as what is life really all about?

What direction is my life headed?

What does it mean to be a Christian?

“It is a time for them to grow in their faith through study, service, and leadership,” said Mr. Hartman.

Canon Mac

Mr. Hartman is also the youth pastor at the Waterdam Church in McMurray. He and his wife are graduates of Grove City College where they were volunteer leaders at Sharon High School. After graduating from college, Mr. Hartman went on staff for Young Life.

Started in 1941 by Jim Rayburn who was an assistant youth pastor in Gainesville, Texas, Young Life began when Mr. Rayburn was charged to reach youth who were not attending church. Rayburn decided to meet these kids at their school. Today, 70 years later, it is an international ministry working with nearly two million children each year.

Enthused about the Canon-Mac program is Bonnie Hyslop, a young wife and mother of two, who was involved in Young Life in the North Hills of Pittsburgh before moving to Canonsburg.

“I a m excited for the program here,” said Mrs.

Hyslop. “I can’t wait for my children to participate in it. I have seen it change young people’s lives. They believe in themselves and begin to make good life choices.”

“Dustin is an excellent young man and his wife, Julie, is a wonderful teacher here at Canon-MacMillan High School,” said Dave Helinski, principal.

“Young life is a welcome partner at our school as it helps to improve our overall school climat e for the better.”

Another important part of Young Life is the camp experience. Students travel to gorgeous, picturesque properties throughout the United States to build community with friends.

“There is no cell phone reception so we get them away from distractions,” said Mr. Hartman, commenting there is telephone service. “The students attend with their leaders and then when they go back home, the leade rs follow up with them and keep being involved in their lives.”

Some of the 32-camp properties are located in the Rocky Mountains, Adirondacks, and rural Virginia. “Everything has a purpose at camp,” said Mr. Hartman. “When leaders get pie in the face, they talk about grace. When someone cleans up the dishes after them, they are showing humility.”

They live in cabins for a week and are treated to goo d food. The leaders serve the food in the dining hall and clean up after the students. “It is not really roughing it as you think of when you hear about camping,” Mr. Hartman said, who also worked with students who traveled to Camp Allegheny recently for a fall retreat.

Young Life also has programs for younger children as well. It is called Wild Life for those in grades Seven and Eight. Pittsburg h also has a chapter of Capernaum, which involves students with disabilities. There is a program for teenage moms and their children called Young Lives where they are respected and supported. “[Young Life] is a ministry with lots of potential,” said Mr. Hartman, who is from Rochester, New York, originally. “It teaches students that they are cared for and they really matter. It is important concepts for high school students to get. We believe in the power of presence, not necessarily presents.”

For more information about the program, contact Mr. Hartman at 724.678.5957.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31



 Submitted by Kim Klein

he Juvenile and Senior Modernettes recently competed at the National Baton Twirling Championships known as “America’s Youth on Parade” held at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana and took first place in every event they entered. The Senior Corps won the Grand National Show Corps with Props Championships taking first in every component of the competition: variety and difficulty, teamwork, executi on, dance, general effect and production. The Senior Modernettes consist of 40 girls between the ages of 13 to 25 and the theme of their show was “I Am” and focused on the qualities of young women today. The Juvenile Corps won the Juvenile Corps Championship. The Juvenile Modernettes consist of 21 girls between the ages of 7 and 12 and the theme of their show was “Favorite Things.”

The 40 girls that won t he Grand Corps Championships received the highest scores ever received by a Modernettes corps and the right to represent the USA at the World Championships in Switzerland in the spring of 2012. The Modernettes have won the right to represent the USA in all seven previous world competitions. In those seven world competitions, the Modernettes have won Gold six times Members of the Juvenile Modernettes are: sitting, Kassie Opfar, captain; second row from (Holland 1990, France 1993, Italy 1996, France 2003, Holland left, Emily Klein, Riley Gloeckl, Riley Evans, Alexa Junazski, Kendyl Seibert; third row from 2006, Belgium 2009) and Silver once (England 2000.) left, Victoria Smith, Mandy Cooper, Sara Ott, Jenna Maloney, Jenna Nymick, Madison The Juvenile and Senior corps not only competed as Bartone; fourth row from left, Bayleigh Novotney, Elizabeth Trost, Emily Clopp, Kira Greer, Alexis Kiesling; fifth row from left, Alexia Cardiges, Cayla Caviris, Alexis Zovko, Erin Faber. twirling corps, but also as pom pon teams. The Juvenile Pom Pon team won the Juvenile National Pom Pon The Senior Modernettes Pom Pon team represented the U SA at the Championship with the routine “Little Red Riding Hood.” The Senior Modernettes, 47 girls, won the preliminary competition and advanced to 2009 World Championship in Belgium and won Silver. The Silver medal in 2009 was the first time a USA Pom team has ever finished in the top the Grand National Finals against the firs t and second place winners in three in World Competition. the junior, senior and college divisions. The Senior Pom Pon team won For information about the corps or for requests for performances, the Grand National Pom Team Finals by an impressive nine points over call the Ruby Daugherty and Sherry School of Dance at 412.835.9626 or the second place team, and, won the right to represent the USA at the 724.969.0608.

The Modernettes are under the direction of Sherry World Championships in Switzerland in the spring of 2012. The Senior Vignoli Parisi.

Modernettes Pom Pon routine was “Beethoven.”

Members of the Senior Modernettes are: kneeling from left, captains Kristy Miller, Brittany Marconlini, LeAnn Chamberlin, Merri-Frances Campbell; second from left, Nicole Klein, Kayla Baldinger, Ashley Andreis, Lacey Evans, Miranda Vignoli, Emily Hofmeister, Taylor Evans, Samantha Pauley, Becky Patton, Katie Seibert, Breana Schinkovec, Kellie Kaufman; third row from left, Vicki Wenger, Breanne Wenk, Lauren Greer, Alyssa Kinzel, Tiffany Melani, Laurel Cooper, Tori Hochendoner, Rachel Huber, Danielle Hinish, Alexis Hensel, Page Weinstein; fourth row from left, Taylor Meckley, Kara Patterson, Jaclyn Erfort, Gabby Levy, Haley Shiver, Torey Horell, Kaitlin Schreiner, Stephanie Tamasy, Julia Maloney, Katie Leonard; firth row from left, Belle Levy, Kim Kukol, Lindsey Young, Cayla Caviris, Breanna Raymond, Kayla McGoran, Noelle Melani, Danielle Fiorentini, Julia Cicchinelli, Sharyn Braff.

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

Emily Clopp is a fifth grade student at North Strabane Intermediate School. Emily began the year off right by winning the Twirling Unlimited Regional Beginner Pageant held in Sharon, PA. She placed first in all three categories of solo, strut, and modeling. She went on to win the Miss Majorette of Pennsylvania Beginner Pageant, which qualified her to compete in the National Pageant held at the University of Notre Dame in July. At the national pageant, Emily competed against 30 other

winners from across the United States. Emily finished the competition in 2nd place, missing the title by one tenth of a point. She capped off the national competition by capturing the title of National Open Strut Champion!

In addition to these local, regional and national titles, Emily’s 2011 accomplishments include Pennsylvania Juvenile Beginner Solo Winner, Pennsylvania Juvenile Beginner Strut winner and National Novice Duet Champion (with partner Mandy Cooper of Mt. Lebanon.) This is Emily’s second year in competitive twirling. She is coached by Mickey Tomlins and is a member of the juvenile Modernettes.

  Nicole Klein is an 8thgrade student at Canon Mac Middle School. Nicole won the Beginner Pre-Teen Division of the Miss Majorette of America Pageant at the America’s Youth on Parade Championships held at Notre Dame University in July. She competed against 33 girls from across the United States and Canada placing first in Modeling, first in Strut, and fifth in Solo to capture the overall national title. Nicole qualified for the national pageant by winning the North Atlantic Regional Pageant held at Community College of Beaver College in June.

Nicole’s first highlight of the year was winning two “Mousecar” awards in Walt Disney World in February. The Mousecar award is a version of the “Oscar,” and is given to the highest score in the entire division across all age categories from 0-6 to 16+ in each competitiv e category. Nicole won the award for both Solo and Strut, missing a sweep in model by .5 points.

Nicole’s accomplishments for 2011 include winning the following titles: Pennsylvania Pre-Teen Beginner Solo Winner, Pennsylvania Pre-Teen Beginner Strut Winner, North Atlantic Regional Pre-Teen Beginner Pageant Winner, North Atlantic Regional Pre-Teen Beginner Solo Winner, North Atlantic Regional Pre-Teen Be ginner Model Winner, North Atlantic Pre-Teen Intermediate Strut Winner, and, Twirling Unlimited Regional Intermediate Pageant Winner. Nicole also has won USA and World Open titles in Beginner Solo and Beginner Strut in 2009 and 2010. Nicole is a member of the Senior Modernettes and is very excited to represent the USA at the World Competition in Switzerland in April 2012. The Modernettes have represented the USA at all seven World Championships and will be competing in Switzerland in both World Show Corp and Pom Pon Championships.

Emily Klein is a student at Cecil Elementary. Emily placed first in the Twirling Unlimited National Pageant in the Tiny Tot Beginner division held in Canton, Ohio. She placed 5th in Model, 2nd in Strut and 2nd in Solo to win first place the overall. This is Emily’s second major title win since beginning twirling competitively last year at age 6. In 2009, Emily won the North Atlantic Regional Tiny Tot Beginner Pageant and qualified to compete at the National pageant at Notre Dame. Emily finished 7th Overall in the National competition. Emily is a 2nd year member of the Juvenile Modernettes.

Both Nicole and Emily have been dancing and twirling baton since age 3 at Ruby Daugherty a nd Sherry School of Dance. They are solo students of Sherry Vignoli Parisi, Director of the Modernettes.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

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

By Pamela Palongue



eath is inevitable and a natural part of the human condition.

Yet with death taking place all around us, many people are uncomfortable talking about it or interacting with those who are in the dying process.

Harmony Hospice Foundation brings together dedicated, trained volunteers who help hospice patients and their families to not only deal with the final months of life, but to enhance those months with positive, meaningful experiences as well.

According to Harmony Hospice Foundation Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Scott, a hospice patient is defined as one who is facing life-limiting illness, usually with six months or less of life expected. “We have volunteers who go into facilities and homes all over the South Hills, to visit with patients and their families.” These volunteers are called Direct Patient Visitors. Many times the patient

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themselves may not be alert, but the volunteers are able to visit with the families and help them by being a much needed Daisy & Toby friend. “Sometimes the patient is in their 80s or 90s and they have no friends or immediate family,” adds Scott. The volunteer is able to connect with them by asking open-ended questions about their interests they have enjoyed such as gardening or cooking. Sometimes the volunteer may read to them or even accompany them to bingo. Just being able to talk with someone and share memories makes all the difference.

Another goal of the foundation is to make sure that no one dies alone.

When a patient reaches the last few hours of life, the volunteers may keep a bedside vigil if no family members are available. Volunteer Mary Hirsh

describes what she does as “very rewarding.”

Hirsh explains, “I went through a rough time in the 80s and so many people helped me. I never would have made it through those times if I had not had help. This makes me feel that I am in some small way giving back to others.”

Hirsh is quick to admit, “It’s not for everyone,” but having witnessed death firsthand, she finds it neither frighten ing nor depressing. “It’s a natural part of life.”

Pet therapy volunteers take dogs to local facilities to visit with patients and their families. The pets are especially helpful for those who do not have families and are an expression of unconditional love.

While direct visits with hospice patients may not be for everyone, many of the volunteers are administrative and help with office duties or carry work home preparing mail-outs. Still other volunteers knit, crochet and quilt for the hospice patients, making covers for catheter bags and quilts specially made for them. “This is so touching for our patients that someone who doesn’t even know them has made something just for them,” says Scott.

The volunteers are actually just part of an interdisciplinary team that helps with all the needs of the patient and their family, including RNs, chaplains, social workers and counselors. “We stay with a patient’s family for 13 months after the passing,” says Scott.

“We offer ongoing bereavement counseling and have a support group that meets at the Bethel Park Community Center.”

Volunteers are required to pass a background check, a two-step tuberculosis test, a drivers license check and training in dealing with hospice patients. Scott often goes to people’s homes or their local library to give training to volunteers so that they do not have to drive into the main office in Carnegie.

“We encourage people to volunteer in their own areas, so that they don’t have a long drive to make,” explains Scott.

On Nov. 5th, a volunteer appreciation luncheon was held at Peter’s Place in Bridgeville. The theme was “I Made a

the world,” says Scott of her volunteers.

If you would like to be a source of comfort to hospice patients and their families, either by home visits or volunteering behind the scenes, please visit their website at www.harmonyhospice.com or contact Debbie Scott, volunteer coordinator at 412.276.4700. In addition to regular volunteers, Harmony Hospice Foundation is also looking for college students to become life-review volunteers by recording the memories and life stories of hospice patients for their families. If you would like to contribute to the foundation, please visit their website and click on “About Us” and then “Make a Gift.”

Difference to That One.” Scott relates the story of a man walking on a beach, surveying the damage after a storm. He notices thousands of starfish lying on the beach that have washed ashore. Up ahead in the distance, he notices a little boy who is

throwing the starfish back into the ocean. When he reaches the boy he tells him, “You are wasting your time. There are thousands of starfish, you can’t save them all.” But the boy picks up a starfish, throwing it into the ocean and says, “I made a difference to that one.” All of the volunteers were presented with a small ceramic starfish, symbolic of the difference they are making in each of their patient’s lives and that of their family’s.

“I work with the most wonderful people in

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

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Canon Mac

By Heather Holtschlag

More than half of the energy used in the average American home goes toward heating and cooling, and if your house is not properly insulated, much of that expense can go to waste. Insulation, particularly when installed in an area such as the attic, requires less work from the air conditioning and furnace systems, translating into less expense and fewer repairs.

There are a number of things to note to properly install attic insulation, the first of which is called R-value. R-value measures the effectiveness of types of insulation; the higher an insulation’s R-value, the more effective it is. The recommended R-value for walls and floors in a mild climate is R-11; for ceilings and attics, it is R-19. In moderate climates, R-values should be a minimum of R-19 for walls and floors and R-30 for ceilings and attics. And, in cold climates, R-values for walls and floors should be R-19, and R-38 to R-49 for ceilings and attics.

If you use your attic as living space, it is a good idea to install insulation in the walls and ceiling. If it is not used, you should still insulate, and the empty space will provide ample room for installation. If your attic is being insulated for the first time, it should include a vapor barrier, which is any material that does not absorb moisture and through which vapor will not pass.

After it snows, it is recommended that you check the roof to see where the snow has fallen. If you notice specific areas on the roof where the snow has melted, this may signal an area that needs to be insulated or where the insulation is damaged.

When installing insulation in the attic, the best method is to install it from the eaves toward the center of the room so as to leave more headroom when you need to cut or fit the insulation properly.

If, upon installing the insulation, you discover that you need an extra layer, you can simply lay blankets on top of the insulation already there. To reduce fire hazard, cover the panels with wallboard or use fiberglass panels if you must install panels between the rafters in a ceiling that slopes. Also,if you use cellulose insulation, which is the most common type of loose-fill insulation, be sure that it has been treated with a Moon Bounce fire retardant.

Planning a Party?

Tents of all Sizes Tent Lighting Tables & Chairs Dance Floors Staging Grills

Dunk Tank Cotton Candy & Sno Cone Machines Popcorn Machines

,

,

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

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Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Canonsburg Cadet Graduates to Become Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Commissioner Frank Noonan congratulated the 45 men and women joining the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police following their graduation from the State Police Academy.

Among them was Canonsburg native, Matthew Terkay.

“I congratulate each and every one of you, the 133rd class of the Pennsylvania State Police. Today, you become the ultimate protectors of the citizens of the commonwealth and we thank you for your dedication and service,” Noonan said. “As you broach your new assignments, I am confident you will uphold the traditions of honor, service, integrity, respect, trust, courage and duty of this great law enforcement organization.”

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony, held at Central Dauphin High School, was James W. McJunkin, assistant director in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington, D.C. field office. McJunkin began his law enforcement career as Pennsylvania State Police trooper.

Terkay has been assigned to Troop G, operating out of Hollidaysburg in Blair County. He also achieved particular merit by receiving the Col. John K. Schafer Memorial Physical Fitness Award.

Maj. John W. Laufer III, director of the state police Bureau of Training and Education, supervised the training of the class, which was the 133rd class to graduate from the State Police Academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.

“They have endured 25 weeks of intensive physical and classroom training. I have watched these men and women transform from cadets into troopers ready to enforce the laws of the commonwealth,” Noonan said.

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      

uto insurance isn’t rocket science, but it can be confusing. Here are simple definitions for various types of coverage within an ERIE auto insurance policy: • Bodily injury liability: Covers your legal fees, court costs and compensation due to bodily injury claims brought against you.

Medical payments: Covers the medical • expenses for injuries sustained by you, resident relatives and other people in your auto as the result of an accident.

(Auto insurance coverage varies by state.)

• Property damage liability: Covers your legal liability for property damage claims brought against you.

• Collision: Coverage that pays for damage to your auto and its equipment caused by collision or upset.

• Comprehensive: Coverage that pays for damage to your auto and its equipment not caused by collision or upset. This includes, but is not limited to, damage from fire, theft, glass breakage, vandalism and damage resulting from contact with persons, animals, birds or falling objects.

•

•

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: Provides coverage when you are injured in an accident caused by another person who either has no auto insurance or who has insurance limits that are insufficient to cover your damages. Some states require that this coverage also include property damage.

Full Tort: The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania give you the right to choose a form of insurance under which you maintain an unrestricted right for you and members of your household to seek financial compensation for injuries caused by other drivers. Under this form of insurance, you and other household members covered under your policy may seek recovery for all medical and out of pocket expenses and may also seek financial compensation for pain and suffering and other nonmonetary damages as a result of injuries caused by other drivers

•

• • •

Limited Tort: Same definition as full tort except you can ONLY seek recovery for pain and suffering if you sustained a “serious injury” caused by other drivers.

Towing: Reimbursement for expenses due to reasonable towing costs.

Rental: Reimbursement for rental car expenses while the customer’s vehicle is being fixed.

Gap: Coverage for new vehicles involved in a total loss where the value of the vehicle is less than what is owed on the vehicle.

Not all companies are licensed to operate in all states. Not all products are offered in all states.

Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information.

This Industry Insight was provided by Paul Herrnberger of the Herrnberger Insurance Agency, located at 1815 Washington Rd. Washington, Pa 15301. They can be reached at 724.745.6474 or savewithpaul@comcast.net.

Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

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

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Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

H

eart health, gum health, even brain health have all been proven to be connected. Gum disease bacteria have been shown to travel to the heart and the brain. Once there, it can have a very negative effect on your health. It can contribute to a heart attack and/or a stroke.

  Get Your Gums Checked

There is a painless - yes, painless - way to stop early to mild gum disease. Like high blood pressure, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease attacks silently. By seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly, gum disease can be managed painlessly, thus sparing your brain and heart damage.

A specially trained dental hygienist will start you on a soft tissue management program if you are diagnosed with gum disease. This is an effective, painless and proven method of vastly improving your gum health.

In addition, professional treatment and oversight by the hygienist can maintain your oral health. Currently, there is no known cure for gum disease.

Our specially trained hygienist, Bethann Mounts has over twenty years of soft tissue management experience. She has successfully treated thousands of cases preventing early tooth loss, pain and overall health. Bethann advises that you brush your teeth for two minutes, three times daily. Also, she states it is paramount to floss daily to get in between the teeth.

This helps prevent decay and improves gum health.

New Patient Special Free consultation, exam and necessary x-rays!

Gum health can be effectively treated and managed by your specially trained dental hygienist. This can also help prevent very serious health issues, such as stroke or heart attack.

 According to the ADA, if you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, you should see your dentist immediately:

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

724-225-3680 www.drbarrybartusiak.com 44

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Canon Mac

Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.

Red, swollen, or tender gums.

Gums that have pulled-away from the teeth.

Bad breath that doesn’t go away.

Pus between your teeth and gums.

Loose teeth.

A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

A change in the fit of partial dentures.

This Industry Insight was written by Barry Bartusiak, DMD, a dentist who has spoken nationally and internationally on practice management, implants and periodontics.

Dr. Bartusiak maintains a private practice in Washington, PA at 212 Wellness Way. Contact his office at 724.225.3680 or info@drbarrybartusiak.com.

Along the Path of Your Spiritual Journey

HOUSES All Saints Greek Orthodox Church .......... 724.745.5205 Bethel Bible Church.................................... 724.941.2259 Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church .................................. 724.745.0800 Cecil Alliance Church..................................412.221.4177 Center Presbyterian Church ..................... 724.941.9050 Central Assembly of God........................... 724.746.4900 Chartiers Creek Community Church ..................................... 724.942.7895 Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church .................................. 724.746.1130 Christian Bible Fellowship......................... 724.746.8522 The Church of the Covenant......................724.222.0190 Covenant Family Church............................ 724.263.7147 Crossroads Church of Christ..................... 724.941.4942 Faith Community Church-Lakeside.......... 724.941.9035 First Baptist Church.................................... 724.745.8740 First United Methodist Church of Bridgeville...................................412.221.5577 First United Methodist Church of Canonsburg ................................724.745.5771 First United Presbyterian Church of Houston .......................................724.746.3040 Good Shepherd Church ..............................724.941.9418 Houston First United Methodist Church .......................................724.745.2611 Lakeview Christian Life Church ................724.746.3200 Lifepoint Baptist Church .............................724.225.4811 McDonald Presbyterian Church...............724.699.0157 Mt. Olive Baptist Church ........................... 724.745.9752

OF

WORSHIP

New Day Assembly of God....................... 724.941.1661 New Life Church.........................................724.470.4NLC Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.............. 724.941.7467 Peace Lutheran Church..............................724.941.9441 Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church................................... 724.941.6210 Sacred Heart of Jesus Polish National..............................................724.745.2091 St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church ...........................................724.941.9406 St. David’s Episcopal Church .................... 724.941.4060 St. John’s Russian Orthodox..................... 724.745.9776 St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church ............................................724.745.7117 St. Patrick’s Catholic Church .................... 724.745.6560 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Canonsburg .................................724.745.5962 St. Thomas Episcopal Church .................. 724.745.2013 South Canonsburg Church.........................724.745.7438 South Hills Bible Chapel............................ 724.941.8990 Thomas Presbyterian Church................... 724.941.8910 Trinity United Methodist Church .............. 724.941.4770 Venice Presbyterian Church .....................724.745.8362 Victory Church ............................................. 724.742.3281 View Crest Presbyterian Church ............. 724.941.9772 The Waterdam Church .............................. 724.745.2158 Wright’s United Methodist Church........................................ 724.348.5718

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

536 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 • 412-257-4555 • Hours: M-F 12 noon - 6 p.m.

Web Site: www.jmproductions.net • Email: JMProductions@verizon.net

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Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

B USINESS D IRECTORY   

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ADVERTISE HERE!

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

Call 724.942.0940

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724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

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Canon Mac | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

b u s i n e s s

s p o t l i g h t

  

veryone wants their engagement and wedding to be unique. Unfortunately, bridal jewelry that is called “custom” by many of the big-box jewelers often consists of mass produced mountings that are only customized by selecting a center stone.

In most cases the diamond is the biggest part of an engagement purchase.

JAB really excels in the area of diamonds.

“We work with each customer individually weeding thro ugh all the confusion by educating the customer so they can make an informed purchase,” says owner Joe Bonasso. “We will work hard to find the best quality diamond available in any budget.” Then comes the fun part… The ring itself.

The process of having custom designed jewelry made can be one of the

most rewarding and meaningful experiences you can have. It can also be intimidating and the risk of having some thing made that you won’t love can understandably make one apprehensive to venture into that endeavor. Where to start can be daunting… at JAB Jewelry Designs you can breathe easy knowing that their experienced staff will take all the 48

724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |

guesswork out of the design process, assuring you that the finished product will be better than you can imagine!

“Our design staff will work with you to create something that says exactly what you want it to say. We are able to offer a no-risk custom design process because for more than 20 years it is what we have done best,” says Joe. “Although we carry a lot of unique jewelry in all price points, making original custom pieces is what we love doing.”

This is not just another jewelry store; from concept to completion they do it all.

The most modern innovations including: CAD d esign, CNC milling, 3-D wax printing, laser welding and induction casting are all on-site. Couple their state-of-the-art facility with the most talented jewelers and you have the best equipped and most experienced shop in the area for custom design.

The process starts with a no-fee design consultation. This is where you bring your ideas and any materials you would like to use. “After a brief consult, we

Canon Mac

p eruse through our samples, pictures and wax models to get some inspiration and come up with a concept,” says Bonasso.

Working with a designer, a counter-sketch is then made and the cost is estimated.

Once a design concept is approved the manufacturing begins. Depending on the process being used to manufacture a particular piece, the next phase would be a photo-realistic rendering and/or a 3-D wax model to view before the casting and finishing stages. The last phase is our most rewarding… delivery of a piece of jewelry that is “simply original.” It’s not uncommon to see tears at this point due to the emotional attachment and involvement of the customer throughout the process.

Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind engagement, a redesign or recycling and combining some unused jewelry, stop in and allow JAB Jewelry’s design team to craft you the piece of jewelry that is like you… simply original!

For further information, please call 724.941.8300 or visit them at 3323 Washington Road McMurray, PA 15317 or visit them on their website www.jabjewelry.com.

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

603 East McMurray Road McMurray I PA I 15317 724.942.0940 www.incommunitymagazines.com

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