in-chartiers-valley-summer by IN Community Magazines

Summer 2010

hartiers Valley SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF BRIDGEVILLE, COLLIER, HEIDELBERG AND SCOTT

Real Estate IN Chartiers Valley Newbury - A unique place to live and work Plus

Scott Topics & Chartiers Valley School District

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

Enjoy a discount and the ease of 24/7 on-line access for all of your health plan needs. Has there ever been an easier business decision? At UPMC Health Plan, we want to make it that simple. That’s why we’ve introduced the region’s most comprehensive all-electronic option. It’s called and it’s an easy-to-use, paperless option that complements any of our Small Business Advantage health plans. With , all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providing you and your employees with greater convenience. Your employees also enjoy easy access to all their health information, wellness tools, and health support. And, as always, you and your employees have access to our network of more than 80 hospitals and 7,000 physicians, and the award-winning member service you expect from UPMC Health Plan. In other words you get more for less. To learn more about how you can save, go to upmchealthplan.com.

Shouldn’t the people who insure your health understand it? This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.

FroM THE PuBlIsHEr

elcome to the summer issue of IN Chartiers Valley. I hope this magazine reaches your mailbox on a clear, warm day. Why? Because the stories we feature here highlight people doing things in your community. They didn’t need good weather to get out and do something that makes a difference. But if you’re like me, having a clear sky is a definite motivator. Being outside, hearing birds chirping, smelling that freshly cut grass and having a nice glass of lemonade gives me the fortification to go above and beyond. We should all aim to do one thing this summer – even if it’s on a rainy day – to benefit those around us or our community as a whole. Not only will you get a great sense of satisfaction for yourself, you will make a difference in someone’s life. I’d like to hear about what you did to make a difference this summer – E-mail our managing editor, Marybeth Jeffries at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com with the information of what you did to make a difference. Who knows? You may just end up in the pages of the next IN Chartiers Valley magazine, and read about yourself over a nice glass of lemonade. Have a great summer IN Chartiers Valley.

hartiers Valley Summer 2010 IN Chartiers Valley is a non-partisan community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Chartiers Valley School District and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com

FroM THE EdITor

ummer! I didn’t think it would ever get here. Now that I am able to get out my gardening tools and get busy “out there” it seems to me that many of you are doing the same thing. Getting out there I mean. In this issue you will get to read about the open Your Heart to a senior Program which helps seniors in the community get much needed help with household chores and rides to their appointments. did you know that Allegheny County has one of the largest populations of seniors living in our communities? Programs like open Your Heart to a senior are much needed and deserved to be recognized for their efforts! I also had the pleasure of meeting Bridgeville’s Police Chief, Chad King a few weeks ago. He clearly has made establishing a positive relationship with the community his top priority. And finally, we are very interested in honoring all of the service women and men who call Chartiers Valley their home. If you have a family member or friend from the community who is serving, please email us their photo and where they are stationed so that we can honor them! We are very blessed at IN Chartiers Valley magazine to have the opportunity to share such wonderful stories about the community with you. I hope you will keep us in mind when you run in to someone who is worthy of recognition. You can write to me at the magazine, marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. Enjoy!

WRITERS Jonathan Barnes Karen Ferrieri Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue Sandy Trozzo Chris Weber GRAPHIC DESIGN Cassie Brkich Susie Doak Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions SALES TEAM Nicholas Buzzell Tamara Myers Tina Dollard Gabriel Negri Rose Estes Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Brian McKee Michael Silvert David Mitchell RJ Vighetti Linda Mitchell CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 453 Valley Brook Road, Suite 300 McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 SALES INQUIRES 724.942.0940 sales@incommunitymagazines.com

Fall Issue Deadline: August 19, 2010 IN Chartiers Valley, published four times a year, is carrier route mailed to all Chartiers Valley households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.

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features

SUMMER 2010

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

Hot Tips for a Cool Summer: Stay safe and healthy with the simple Don’t Do’s on page 3.

community interest

What’s Inside page 2

Convenient, Quality Healthcare — Right on Pittsburgh’s South Side

page 3

What You Don’t Do Can Mean a Healthier You

page 4

Be Sun Smart This Summer

Scott Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Heads Up on Helmet Safety page 5

Digital Mammography Saves Lives

page 6

The Freedom of Independent Living

page 7

What’s Happening at UPMC Mercy

Worship News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Chartiers Valley School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Collier Township Crier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

FAMILIAR FACES TAKES OVER AS POLICE CHIEF IN BRIDGEVILLE

REAL ESTATE IN CHARTIERS VALLEY

Industry Insights May Madness and Investor Fear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

25 UPMC TODAY

Bodyweight Training 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Business Spotlights

CHARTIERS VALLEY SWIM CLUB 48 STILL MAKES A SPLASH

Newbury Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Alpine Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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Empowering Lifestyles • FRE FR FREE REE EE Ho Home ome Electrical Ele El lectr tri ric ical Inspection! Inspectio on! • FRE FR REE EE Lig ig ght Fixture Fix Fi ixt xtu ture re FREE Light Installati ion! Installation!

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24/7 Electrical Service Call (412) 257-4827 4

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Familiar Face Takes Over as Police Chief in Bridgeville By Kelli McElhinny

Chad KicengChief

Bridgeville Poli

here may be a new police chief in Bridgeville, but he is no stranger to the town’s residents and business owners. In a 1.5-square mile borough with 6,500 residents, it’s important for the police chief to be well-known in the community. After the previous chief, Edward Bogats, Jr., resigned last May because of health reasons, the Bridgeville Borough council wanted to stay in-house when choosing his successor. Chad King, who has been a member of the department for more than a decade, submitted his application and was promoted to the post in late 2009. “It was a surprise,” King said. “I never thought the opportunity would ever come about.” King said that he believes the council’s decision to hire internally was a good idea because it reduced the learning curve for the new chief. He also noted that his colleagues have supported him in his new role. “It’s been a positive response,” King said. “We all know each other here. regardless of who ended up as chief, we would know what to expect.” Knowledge of the department’s policies and procedures was helpful as well. “It made it easier to hit the ground running,” King said. As chief, King oversees a force of nine full and part time officers. “My philosophy is basically to lead by example,” King said. “This is a working chief position here in Bridgeville.” He added that he must find time to balance his administrative and operational obligations. Because of limited manpower, King also is the lone officer working the daylight shift on certain days of the week. one way in which King sets an example is by building relationships in the community. He makes a concerted effort to get to know Bridgeville’s residents and business owners, who benefit from that approach as well. “one of the ways we interact with residents is to stop and talk in the coffee shops and restaurants. If you see us in the coffee shop having coffee, don’t be alarmed. We are trying to get to know the business owners and residents of the community,” says King. “A lot of people know me by name, and I know their names. We are working hard to establish good relationships with everyone in town.” “I’m a proponent of officers getting out on the road and communicating with the public,” King said. He noted that he developed solid people skills when he was a self-employed carpenter after he graduated from high school. “That’s something I have brought with me to this career,” King said. Those relationships become even more important in the face of an

uptick in crime and incidents that are becoming increasingly violent. King said that the department’s calls are more likely to involve guns and/or drugs than they were in the past. “society’s become more violent. The force has become busier,” he said. That trend has changed many aspects of police work, from training—which focuses more on active shooters and critical incident scenarios—to communications. He noted that information from community members can be vital in solving those crimes. “That’s how you obtain information” said King, who attended the IuP Police Academy. “If people don’t talk to you, you don’t get that information.” King also encourages parents to teach their children that the police are there to protect them, not to intimidate or punish them. If they develop a positive perception of police at a young age, children will hold on to that idea as they get older. “We’re just average, everyday people, too,” said King, who also said that the most rewarding aspect of his job is when he witnesses the satisfaction felt by someone who has been victimized when a crime’s perpetrator is held accountable for his or her actions. He noted that the Bridgeville community overall is appreciative and supportive of its police force. King is committed to providing his personnel with the resources they need to protect the community. In addition to bringing on two new part-time officers, the department is also purchasing new patrol rifles for each officer. The new rifles will be set to each officer’s specifications, so that the officer won’t need to stop and adjust the equipment to a particular shooting style preference. Additionally, King emphasized the importance of information sharing within the department. He said that he plans to hold quarterly department meetings that allow officers to exchange details and updates on various cases. King also noted that communication among all area departments is essential to coordination. Not only is such communication helpful during an incident, but also in its aftermath, when the time comes to evaluate the response. He offered the example of last summer’s l.A. Fitness shootings, in which a number of local departments responded, including Bridgeville, which had the first officer on the scene. When departments work together in advance to plan procedures for major incidents, it can make a difference if and when those incidents arise. Various departments may also have the opportunity to collaborate on training efforts. At 36 years old, King is the youngest police chief in the immediate area and one of the youngest in the county. King’s wife, shannon, is a detective with the Port Authority police force.

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summer weather is now upon us and hoping that last winter’s snowfall is now a distant memory. I look forward to the smells of flowers, fresh cut grass and barbeques. We have a lot to look forward to this summer with the pool now open and the summer festivities going on in the park. In only a few weeks we will be celebrating the fourth of July with our Community day at the park and a wonderful fireworks display along with the sounds of the Mansfield Five. Also remember to mark your calendars for our movies in the park this year on June 19th, July 17th and August 28th all showing at dusk and our first movie will be “uP”. We are trying out our new amphitheater for our first movie; let us know if you prefer there, or in front of our tennis courts like last year. Another amenity for you to enjoy is our Farmers Market in the park on Monday nights from 4:30-7:30 located by the Chestnut grove next to the tennis courts. Please come out and patronize our vendors and get your fresh fruit and vegetables. You can also cool oﬀ with some shaved ice. New vendors are always welcome! We look forward to seeing you there and hope you can enjoy all the events in our park. By this time next year Glendale residents should be noticing a change on Carothers Avenue. We have just obtained a grant from senator Wayne Fontana to help with new sidewalks which will be in addition to the close to $3 million received from Congressman Tim Murphy for the Tri-Community streetscape. It is now in the hands of PenndoT reviewing the scope of work. Hopefully things will start moving soon. It’s been a long time coming and most of you know that it has been my heart’s desire to improve and bring back life to Carothers Avenue. It’s hard to believe I have been serving you for eleven years now and have become close to many of you. I look forward to talking to you and solving any problems together and hope to continue to serve you for years to come. As always you may contact me at 412.279.4003 with any concerns or questions you may have. Have a wonderful and safe summer. sincerely, Eileen Meyers

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     Hello to all of scott Township’s residents, as well as our ‘community’ neighbors. Hope this edition of IN Chartiers Valley finds you well and your summer plans are revving up and roaring with excitement and splendid adventures. As the Public relations Chairperson, I was instrumental in introducing this medium of communication to our residents in scott Township. This is a new format, and as with anything new, modification, perfecting and adjusting to change is important. Therefore, I am requesting feedback from you for any ideas you may have for future articles, what you want to see in the publication representing scott Township, your likes and dislikes about the publication, what you would like to see different, do you like this format, etc. This publication is a quarterly publication so it allows us continuous flow of information to you. We are still working with our cut-off dates, etc. and more precise mailing dates so the information is received in your home in a timely manner. I believe that as we work through the quirks, changes, etc., this publication will prove to be a professional, timely and informative medium for our community. Please email me at BAConnors@verizon.net or complete the survey below and drop oﬀ at the Municipal Building (2nd Floor), or mail directly to me at 2055 Elmbrook lane, scott Township, PA 15243. Also, if any businesses would like to advertise in this publication, you can call the magazine directly at 724.942.0940, however, please be sure to mention scott Township, as we get credit for your advertising, which is greatly appreciated. Your ad goes to

all four communities represented in this publication. This is a nice vehicle for your business advertising. Call or email me and I can drop off some pricing information for your reference. Another item I am interested in is soliciting someone in our community whose profession and expertise is in website development and maintenance. scott Township has a website, however, I believe if someone can volunteer a few hours a month to help professionalize our website and again get some timely information out to our residents, it would be awesome. Futuristically we are looking to add the pool applications, uploading our ordinances, etc. so many ideas I would like to incorporate into our website. If you have this expertise and are willing to volunteer your services, please email me or call me directly at 412.257.1131. lastly, I am a huge advocate for community involvement. I believe it strengthens our community, develops camaraderie, life lasting friendships, understanding, awareness, character building; the list goes on and on. I would love to see members of our community, both young and old, attend our public meetings and become involved on some level. Take care, and I hope to see you in the area enjoying our community. Betty Ann Connors Public relations Chairperson

  (regarding IN Chartiers Valley Community Magazine)

name: (cannot be anonymous)

address:

Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

PhOne: dO yOu like The new FOrmaT: Yes

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Please PrOvide any COmmenTs Or suggesTiOns:

Please mail directly to 2055 elmbrook lane, scott Township, Pa 15243 or you may drop off at the scott Township municipal Building (2nd floor).

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scott Township Board of Commissioners

scott Township administrative Oﬃces 301 lindsay road, 2nd Floor scott Township, PA 15106 412.276.5300 Web site: www.scott-twp.com e-mail: scotttwp@scotttownship.com denise H. Fitzgerald, Manager-secretary robert l. McTiernan, solicitor lawrence J. lennon, P.E., Engineer scott Township Police department 301 lindsay road scott Township, PA 15106 James P. secreet, Chief of Police 412.276.7725 – Administration 911 – Emergency 412.279.6911 – Non-Emergency scott Township Tax Oﬃce 301 lindsay road scott Township, PA 15106 lisa M. riley, Treasurer / real Estate Tax Collector Joanne Berdnik, Act 511 Tax Collector 412.276.5302 district magistrate 05-2-22 301 lindsay road scott Township, PA 15106 Gary M. Zyra, district Justice 412.276.7887

scott Township Code enforcement Oﬃce 301 lindsay road, 2nd Floor scott Township, PA 15106 Oﬃce Appointments: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m. Field Appointments: Monday – Friday 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

robert F. Fischer, Code enforcement Oﬃcer/Building inspector 412.276.5300 Ext. 252 randy d. lubin, director of Public services 412.276.5300 Ext. 218 scott Township Public works and Parks department 2600 old Greentree road scott Township, PA 15106 oﬃce Hours: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. louis lawrence, Public Works and Parks 412.276.4656

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mark yOur Calendar

at scott Park - lindsay road Every Monday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 24th thru october 18th Fresh Produce, Baked Goods, shaved Ice and More located in parking lot between the tennis courts and small field

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New Vendors Welcome • Call 412.279.4003

July 17 movies in the Park At dusk “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” augusT 28 movies in the Park At dusk To Be Announced OCTOBer 9 Octoberfest 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Movies i nt he Pa rk

Scott Park Amphitheater At Dusk

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FREE

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Drinks and popcorn will be given to children while supplies last.

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Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 december 28, 2009 marked the dedication of the addition to the Municipal Building. The one-story addition, with approximately 1,500 square feet, contains a new caucus room for the Board of Commissioners. The former caucus room has become a part of the Police department as an interview and investigation area, and a sally port was added for receiving and processing prisoners.

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Parts of the existing structure were also renovated as part of the project, giving the library and the Administrative offices much needed storage and file space. The addition was designed by ralph J. Murovich Associates and Building Inspector Bob Fischer served as the project manager.

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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... and when you don’t need a permit? • replacing doors and Windows (provided that existing size and structural integrity are not altered) • replacing downspouts, Gutters, soﬃt and Fascia • replacing Kitchen and Bath Fixtures (i.e. cabinets, countertops, and sinks) • replacing roof shingles

It’s easy to apply for a permit. Have a copy of a survey for your property. You will also need to provide any necessary drawings that are relevant to your project. Then, come to our oﬃce and fill out the application forms. This should get you started! There are fees for a building permit, which are based on the total cost of your project. Please contact our oﬃce for further information.

Quiet Please A reminder to all of you early risers… That there is a noise ordinance in eﬀect all days of the week! Please remember not to start that remodeling project, lawnmower or other noise emanating machinery before 7 a.m. and noisy work is to stop by dusk.

Pet owners are reminded that... When walking their dog or cat, it is unlawful to have the animal run at large without being held on a leash. When walking a pet, remember that animal defecation on public or private property is prohibited. Any person accompanying a dog or other animal must carry a container to facilitate the cleaning up of animal feces. The most common pet complaint we receive is about barking dogs. Township ordinance No. 934 prohibits the barking, howling, baying, yelping, screeching, crying and other noises made by dogs, cats and other animals in excess of one-half hour. This can be declared a public nuisance, which is subject to fines. Allegheny County dog license application forms are available at Township oﬃces.

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Grass Clippings, Leaves, and Snow What do they have in common? They can cover our walkways and driveways. some residents have a tendency to sweep, blow or shovel them out into the public street. We remind you that this action can cause a dangerous condition for pedestrian and vehicular traﬃc, and it is not permitted. The Police department and Code Enforcement may cite residents who violate the ordinance. so please, keep these materials within your own property.

Home occupations are permitted in the Township, however, some restrictions apply. There are regulations pertaining to gross floor area to be used, traﬃc, signage, employees, etc. 724.942.0940 to advertise

Off Street Parking Motor vehicles can be parked on driveways or parking pads relative to your property. Additional oﬀ street parking requirements are outlined in scott Township ordinance 937; section 3-105. Parking on any yard is prohibited at all times throughout the Township.

Property Maintenance and Grass Cutting remember to keep your property free from high grass and excessive vegetation growth. We understand that there will be occasions when someone can’t cut the grass due to inclement weather, vacation, equipment failure, etc. However, if a yard isn’t maintained for a reasonable period of time, then a notice of violation will be issued to the property owner and the existing conditions must be corrected immediately. Please maintain the exterior as well as the interior of your property in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. If you are having diﬃculty with the maintenance of your property, please contact our oﬃce for assistance.

Dye Test and Application of Compliance scott Township has developed a Corrective Action Plan to address sanitary sewer overflows which the Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the Township to correct. As part of this plan, the Township adopted a dye Test ordinance in october 1997 requiring that any resident wanting to sell or re-finance their property must have a dye test performed by a registered plumber. This test is to verify whether or not any storm water is getting into the sanitary system from the property, by way of downspouts, area drains, or fresh air vents. storm water going into the sanitary system is a violation. After the test, if it is determined that any violation exists, that violation must be corrected before the Township will approve an Application of Compliance. If you are selling or re-financing and there is no current approved Application of Compliance, then your closing will be delayed.

Code Enforcement Office Hours and Telephone Number Bob Fischer - Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Oﬃcer 412.276.5300 ext. 252

Home Occupations

✔

ACTION

Fence Garage New House shed swimming Pool

WHERE

Addition Adding on a Porch roof Air Conditioning unit deck or Patio driveway Extension or Parking Pad

WHEN

Wondering when you need a permit?

From the Code Enforcement Office

| IN Chartiers Valley

Oﬃce appointments: Monday - Friday 9 - 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m. Field appointments: Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

   Thinking about having a garage or yard sale? you can turn those treasures into cash. stop by the Administrative office on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building for a permit from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost of the permit is $3.00 and two permits per calendar year are permitted. Each resident holding a sale on their property needs a permit. There are regulations regarding the placement of signs advertising the garage and yard sales. signs can only be placed on the property where the sale is being conducted and they cannot be attached to trees or utility poles.

Take time out from your busy schedule to consider a picnic at the scott Township Municipal Park on lindsay road. reservations for the picnic shelters by scott Township residents can be obtained by stopping on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The shelters accommodate from 40 to 240 people. The indoor facilities accommodate approximately 70 to 100 people and are well suited for graduation parties, bridal or baby showers, communions, family reunions and business meetings. Take advantage of the beautiful park, where your group can swim, play horseshoes, tennis, sand volleyball, baseball, softball, or even test your expertise at the game of Bocce. Mark the 1st Monday in November on your calendar as the first day scott Township residents can reserve facilities for 2011 for their personal use. reservations by residents for permits for organizations outside of the Township must wait until January 2011 for those reservations.

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PicniC 

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

Park

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scott Township Police department

Chief James secreet

Frank Augustine and Paul Abel retiring after 33 years of service

on April 27, 2010 at the scott Township Board of Commissioners meeting, two patrolman steve Fury and Matt Podsiadly - were sworn in as Police sergeants. Fury, who has been with the department for 21 years, is a lifelong resident of scott. Podsiadly has seven years with the department. The two officers replace recently retired sergeants Frank Augustine and Paul Abel; both were with the department for 33 years. Also, two new officers were hired, Matt Abel, an officer with Castle shannon and son of the retired sergeant Abel, and darren Fedorski, a City of Pittsburgh officer. Both were both sworn in as scott Township officers. This ceremony brought the total to 21 officers with the department, including five sergeants.

Steve Fury and Matt Podsiadly being sworn in on April 27, 2010

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FIRST QUARTER CALLS 2010

Service Calls 1,109

Crimes Reported 218

Arrests 83

Accidents 98

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COMMUNITY DAY COMMUNITY DAY 2010 AT SCOTT PARK SCOTT TOWNSHIP - 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES

Fireworks at 9:31 p.m. The pool will open at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 4th At noon, the American Legion will conduct services to kick off the activities.

RUBBER DUCKY RACE On the 4th of July, the Conservancy will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets for the annual "Rubber Ducky Race" outside the pool area. Buy a ticket for $2.00 and a duck with your ticket number on it will be entered into the race. At 3:50 p.m. watch the ducks swim down the water slide and race across Scott Pool. Proceeds benefit the Scott Conservancy and will be used to maintain the Kane Woods Nature Area for community use. The race is open to all ages and is a fun way to help show your support for us. Hope to see you there and may the best duck win!

       

        (Must have season pass)

  

  

Baseball Games on both fields

enjoy a special night Time swim The pool will close at 6 p.m. and reopen at 7 p.m. This will provide the perfect place to watch Fireworks, which will begin at 9:31 pm that evening, and enjoy poolside music from 7 to 10 p.m. Balls and rafts will be permitted in the pool at this time. Admission for the night swim will be $1.00. The admission price will be used to defray the cost of the fireworks. SEASON PASSES will not be accepted.

visit the Food & game Booths in the upper Park area, sponsored by scott Township Organizations.

 to the following businesses and residents for their generous contributions to the Fourth of July fireworks display and our 2009 Community Day festivities.

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

Prescott Heating and Air Conditioning L. Thomas Towing Scott Township American Legion Post 290 Scott Township Chapter 1455 AARP Shop ‘N Save Slater Funeral Services South Hills Self Storage States Realty Company TEDCO Traffic Control Tucker Arensberg, P.C. Union Real Estate Company of Pittsburgh Woltz & Wind Ford F.B. Wright John Yaros, M.D. www.incommunitymagazines.com

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Bridgeville Automotive B.W. Sales Cecelia Maennerchor Club Dyke Auto Parts East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department Glendale Hose Company Glendale Volunteer Fireman’s Association, Inc. Greentree Road Shopping Center Greater Pittsburgh Joint & Muscle Center Hays Typewriter C.W. Howard Insurance Agency L.A. Fitness Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc. Parkvale Savings A. Petrelli & Sons Preferred Primary Care

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REAL ESTATE C h a r t i e r s Va l l e y

hartiers Valley proudly announces Real Estate in Chartiers Valley - a comprehensive look at the Chartiers Valley market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information about creating beautiful spaces to live in, choosing a real estate professional to help you buy or sell a home as well as other interesting facts about your community.

Homes still Priced right in Pittsburgh’s suburbs

By Jonathan Barnes

While other metropolitan areas of the u.s. saw sharp declines in home values as a result of the recession, Pittsburgh’s housing continued to gain value through the economic downturn. And although the federal tax incentives for home-buyers dry up at the end of April and most don’t expect them to be extended, it is still a very good time to buy a home in this region or even to sell one, regional real estate experts said. The local housing market again is in a boom period and is much stronger than last year, said Howard “Hoddy” Hanna of o’Harabased Howard Hanna real Estate, which has 40 offices in southwestern Pennsylvania. The local housing market is up 34 percent from last March, Hanna said, noting that low interest rates and affordable housing costs make it the ideal time for people interested in buying their first home or for those looking to upgrade to a pricier home. “Housing prices are a lot more realistic, in relation to people’s income [than in other areas],” Hanna said. Comparing values Because there is a relative shortage of homes in the $250,000 and below first-time buyer segment, owners of homes in that range (and even up to around $300,000) might consider selling their house if they think they would like to upgrade to a more expensive house, Hanna said. These home owners might get a better price than they think for their house, because their house happens to be in a bracket caught in a seller’s market. such lower-priced homes are selling very quickly right now because there are many buyers for them and not as much inventory, while higherpriced homes in Pittsburgh have fewer buyers interested in them and can be bought for very competitive prices, Hanna said. “single-family houses are tough to buy in that $250,000 and below price range,” Hanna said. Hanna isn’t worried that the lack of tax incentives for home-buyers will have a detrimental effect on the local market. overall in southwestern 14

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Pennsylvania, we have an eight-month supply of housing inventory, he noted, versus an average inventory supply of seven to nine months. “If our unemployment and interest rates remain the same, the lack of tax incentives won’t make a difference,” Hanna said. Making the right decision in buying a home in the first place is not a choice to be taken lightly, experts warned. Those looking to buy a home first must thoroughly assess their financial situation. Knowing whether they can afford to buy a home, or whether they should try to do so at this time, is at the crux of a home-buying decision. Considering one’s current credit status and one’s budget are a good place to start in determining whether it is the right time to buy a house, said debra lorenzato Fabian, a mortgage banker with American Financial, located in upper st. Clair. The average Pittsburgh first-time home-buyer purchases a house in the $80,000 to $150,000 price range. In the region, that price range will buy a lot of house, even in more affluent neighborhoods such as Mt. lebanon, which has homes priced as low as $90,000 or as high as $2.2 million, Fabian said. These days, she is writing more Federal Housing Authority loans than anything else, she said. Because Federal Housing Authority mortgages require just a 3½ percent down-payment, more people are applying for them these days. That 3½ percent down-payment can even be a gift from a relative or friend. But there are limits on the amount of the loan in this program, though, which caps out mortgages at $327,500. By comparison, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require a 5 percent down-payment on the home. That down-payment must be a prospective home-buyer’s own money. Even so, real estate experts said the investment in a home in this region is one that will likely slowly gain in value over the years. “This market is so conservative and always has been, and it benefitted us through this housing downturn, which really didn’t affect us,” Fabian said.

Continued on next page

REAL ESTATE C h a r t i e r s Va l l e y

Continued from previous page Overcoming Perceptions Inventory in the $300,000 to $600,000 housing segment is still plentiful and not at all tight, said steve Fink, marketing director for Paragon Homes, a robinson-based custom home builder that constructs homes ranging in price from $200,000 to $2 million. “Pittsburgh has always been a good place to be and a solid market,” Fink said. “our biggest challenge was the perception that it wasn’t a good time to buy a home.” That view has changed among most people and more buyers are looking at homes these days. Those house searches are especially focused on added values, such as energy-efficient features in homes. “Many people are looking for more energy-efficient homes, with green features built into them. They also are looking for homes that fit their lifestyle,” Fink said. “There is a trend toward smaller homes, with less extravagant designs.” Many of those energy-efficient features are available in all of the houses that Paragon Homes builds, Fink said. using such features properly is important, he noted. Having the correct “r” value in insulating a home—and having the right r-value in the proper places—is essential to ensuring a house’s energy efficiency. “Picking the right builder is important when considering building an energy efficient home,” Fink said, adding that all builders don’t have the same sound building practices. Mt. lebanon-based Prudential Preferred realty agent Mona Colichie said that while inventory in the mid-priced range is not tight, in some areas such as in Mt. lebanon, inventory is low. Competition between buyers is especially tough in the first-time home-buyer’s price range, she said. “These days, it’s a hot market for sales. My agents are incredibly busy,” Colichie said. “There are now often multiple bids [placed by buyers] on a property.” Nonetheless, deals are available, Colichie said. Foreclosures can sometimes be a good deal for a first-time home-buyer, she said. “Foreclosures are part of the business, like it or not,” Hanna said. “In the past, we never had the abundance of foreclosures that we do now.” In addition to potential bargains to be found in some foreclosed homes, short sales of homes also are a possible option for some buyers, Hanna said. short sales are when a home owner sells the home for less than the amount owed on the mortgage and the bank takes a loss on the sale.

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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South Fayette Development Aims to Become the New Heart of the South Hills “ T h e v i s i o n i s t o c r e a t e a n ew h e a r t for the South Hills and a Main S t r e e t f o r t h e f a s t e s t - g r ow i n g c o m m u n i t y i n A l l e g h e n y C o u n t y, n a m e l y, S o u t h Faye t t e . ”

hen Brett Malky, the President of EQA landmark Communities and managing partner of Newbury development Associates, talks about the Newbury development in south Fayette, it’s almost like he’s talking about one of his children. It’s the kind of pride and enthusiasm that is contagious, not because Malky is a polished pitchman for a 325-acre, $350 million dollar, mixed-use development, but because the plan’s

merits stand out from other developments plotted on oversized design boards before. Indeed, the effort that went into the concept alone before any dirt was moved at Newbury is astounding. More than 18 months before work began on the site, Tennesseebased architectural firm shapiro & Company Architects came to the south Hills to document thousands of homes, noting their architecture, design and placement on their

lots. The information was distilled into a design for Newbury that would combine the best aspects of the architecture of the south Hills, looking like a neighborhood that’s always been there – new, yet already familiar within the surrounding municipalities. “The vision is to create a new heart for the south Hills and a Main street for the fastestgrowing community in Allegheny County, namely, south Fayette,” Malky said.

As far as interior design, Malky said every home differs from run-of-the-mill developments because they are designed for the true head of the household – the woman. 16

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Demonstrably Different What will make Newbury stand out isn’t rocket science. In fact, what makes the residential neighborhood being created there unique is that what’s new, namely an architectural These design features vernacular that takes its cues from transform the the most beautiful neighborhood streets homes of the and sidewalks into south Hills a pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. EQA landmark community amenity, Communities isn’t where residents can your typical take a stroll and chat developer, and their approach isn’t with their neighbors “textbook.” But on their front porch, because their and kids can ride approach to development is their bikes to play at the park in the center based around traditional of the community. neighborhood design and not maximizing every square inch of land for profit, their developments stand out from the same old “cookie cutter” developments that have become much too commonplace across America. Homes at Newbury are pulled closer to the street to foster a greater sense of community and interaction among neighbors. Every home will have a front porch and every part of Newbury will be connected by sidewalks and walking trails, with streetlights and street trees creating an ambiance that gives residents a sense of community and place. These design features transform the neighborhood streets and sidewalks into a pedestrian-friendly community amenity, where residents can take a stroll and chat with their neighbors on their front porch, and kids can ride their bikes to play at the park in the center of the community. By design, every home will be at least 30 percent more energy efficient than u.s. building codes require. “We believe strongly that every home should be built to the highest standard of quality in the region, and that this is true whether

you purchase the most expensive or one of the smaller homes at Newbury,” said Eric Newhouse, Project Manager of Newbury. In fact, if the home owner requests it, their Newbury home can even be a zero-energy home. While the entire development will adhere to energy efficiency and “green” performance standards, homeowners can choose to have the ultimate “green” house at Newbury as well. It’s making the street a neighborhood amenity but still appreciating that some people move to the suburbs for big yards that makes Newbury even more unique. some of the lots at Newbury will be among the largest available in the south Hills and residents will have a choice of town homes, carriage homes, cottages and manors that are all built to the same level of quality. “There will be a richness of diversity,” Malky said. “The smallest homes are built equally as well as the most expensive house. Everyone gets the best.” As far as interior design, Malky said every home differs from run-of-the-mill developments because they are designed for the true head of the household – the woman. “We put an E-nook in every home that is central to all of the other rooms that can be used for a small office, homework or an organizing area,” Malky said. “The design reflects the way women work. They are the most efficient multitaskers, so this design is a nod to the woman.” And if that weren’t enough, every home at Newbury has 10 foot first floor ceilings as well (a full foot larger than the typical new home). “We have done a lot of research and work to understand who our customers are and what’s important to them. We are under no delusion that Newbury is for everyone, but for those who want the highest quality home and a sense of community in a new neighborhood, they are going to love Newbury,” said Amy Cywinski, the sales manager of Newbury. outside of the home, Newbury promises residents a sled-riding hill as a part of a community park, a pool and clubhouse for its residents, as well as walking trails and a bike path. The entire site will be pedestrian-friendly, Continued on page 18

For more information, please visit www.newburymarket.com IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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Unparalleled Quality Every home in the United States is built to the minimum standards of a building code. That code addresses standards for safety, livability, and energy efficiency. The developer of Newbury has developed its own home performance standards to ensure that every home within its communities achieves the highest level of quality in the region, making these homes measurably better than typical code-compliant homes. Rather than default to the minimum industry standards, Newbury is committed to offering homeowners the opportunity to own a high performance home, using proven technologies and best practice construction

techniques to deliver a better home. The home performance standards for Newbury were created in partnership with IBACOS (Integrated Building and Construction Solutions), a leading national research and development firm for the housing industry, and a strategic partner with EQA Landmark Communities for more than 13 years. The Newbury Home Performance Standards address the following criteria for construction quality and performance: 1. Energy – Improve the energy efficiency of the home to at least 30% better than energy code in order to reduce utility bills and ensure optimum occupant comfort. 2. Indoor Environmental Quality – Provide homeowners with better indoor air quality and a more comfortable living environment through the use of fresh air ventilation systems, high efficiency air filtration and less toxic building materials. 3. Building Durability – Build the home to last longer while minimizing the need for routine maintenance by using best practices in home construction to control the movement of water, moisture vapor and air through the home. 4. Materials & Resources – Reduce the environmental impact of the home by using 18

IN Chartiers Valley

sustainable building materials and efficient construction techniques. By building homes to these quality standards, Newbury is offering homeowners the benefits of improved comfort, healthier living environments, and the peace of mind of knowing that their new home at Newbury is the best home in the region. In addition, every home is built to an architectural standard and guideline at Newbury overseen by the founding architect and town architect, Brad Shapiro with Shapiro & Company Architects, Inc. Brad assures that every home in Newbury beautifully integrates with the surrounding homes to enhance the unique sense of place established by Newbury’s pedestrian-friendly master plan, community amenities, and neighborhood streetscape with sidewalks, street trees, street lights and generous front porches.

And finally, a fundamental part of assuring the highest quality homes is partnering with industry leaders to assure that the best products are used in the construction of homes at Newbury. Every home at Newbury will have a high efficient, custom designed window from Andersen Windows. All exterior cladding materials will be long-lasting, durable products such as the factory finished James Hardie fiber cement siding with Colorplus Technology, natural stone or Cultured Stone®, or quality brick materials – there will be no vinyl siding at Newbury. And in addition to 10 foot ceiling as standard in

every home at Newbury, all homes will benefit from two of the best product manufacturers in the industry who will be providing the appliances and plumbing fixtures for every home, namely Whirlpool Corporation and Kohler.

Continued from page 17 allowing residents to walk, jog or bike from neighbor to neighbor or to the marketplace planned for the foot of the hill. Those who need to see the site for themselves can visit the model homes which will have a grand-opening celebration later this summer. But Malky said that even before doing any marketing, the four-phase plan has been selling itself. “We’ve sold 15 homes already,” he said of the 50-home first phase. “This truly will be intentionally very different and high-quality. It will be like a Mt. lebanon, but with the best built new homes available in the south Hills. In addition to that, the south Fayette school district is one of the top in the state, and south Fayette Township will be converting the star City building into a new community center with a senior center, recreation department, library and police station. People don’t know how fortunate they are to live in this community.”

at Newbury

Mixed Use – Unlimited Possibility At the foot of the hill, beneath Newbury’s new residential neighborhood, sits Newbury’s commercial component – 1.2 million square feet of it. However, residents can expect commercial development similar to the Waterfront in Homestead and the southside Works in the City, not simply a traditional strip mall. “This will have a true Main street component complete with small shops, mom and pop retailers, restaurants and the like,” Malky said. “There will be a fountain for the kids to play in, a cotton candy kiosk and a booth playing calliope music. It’s going to have a small town feel. It will be a place to be proud of to live, work, play, dine and shop.” Newbury’s commercial district will also have a hotel, banks and every service imaginable with space for the national retailers, the local barber, chain vendors, and office buildings. While Malky can’t reveal tenants on the record just yet, there are some big names on the way. “We also are encouraging our retailers to build in a more sustainable manner, and with ‘green’ buildings,” Malky said. “And, as with the residential component on top, everything will be tied together with sidewalks and be completely pedestrian-friendly.” Newbury not only is changing the face of south Fayette, it’s also improving on it. The main entrance to the commercial area will be off of route 50, and 84 lumber will be relocated to another location further down the road. The intersection will be lined up to a perfect “plus” intersection with route 50, creating an easy access to south

Fayette’s future municipal complex on the star City site. “We’re proud of the team that we assembled to build this place. We have some of the best experts in the nation working on this project. With deklewa Home, Heartland Homes, solar strategies and stambrosky Homes as part of the team of quality homebuilders, we are fortunate that this project has brought together some exceptional folks and firms who want to see this vision realized,” Malky said. “Above all, we love what we do. We’re a small company that loves what we do every day.”

To arrange a personal visit, please call 412.325.1529 IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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REAL ESTATE C h a r t i e r s Va l l e y

Adding Curb Appeal Can Make a Home

STAND OUT

Spring and summer are a gardener’s time of year, when pruning, cleaning, planting and maintenance of a landscape are most laborintensive. For green-thumbed folks the work is a loving labor, though feeling alone won’t bring success when the task is enhancing a landscape in a smart way. Figuring out how to make a home’s frontage “pop” can be a task best left to professionals, but for the savvy homeowner, a few good tips can make a noticeable difference. Whether it is a front yard’s harder features, its plants or its overall design, adding curb appeal often comes down to bringing something of interest to the space to make it stand apart from the others around it. To achieve outstanding curb appeal, homeowners should take a second look at how their front yards are functioning, experts throughout Pittsburgh’s suburbs recommend. Are the yard’s design elements working harmoniously together, so aspects of the home’s construction and particulars of its landscape are given correct exposure? If not, things probably should change, but how? Asking and answering such questions can help a homeowner to enhance their property’s frontage, but it also can open them to the possibility of other notions for improving their yard. Such ideas can go far in helping to make a home the property that neighbors stop and tarry in front of, admiring its contours and colors.

Water or Stone? Making a space less linear is one place to start when redesigning a front yard, said Jeff Blunkosky, chief operations officer of McDonaldbased Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes. For example, a straight concrete walkway leading to the home could be replaced with a curved walkway composed of paving stones. “Adding an earth tone hardscape can bring everything together,” Blunkosky said, noting that some manufactured pavers are stronger than many driveways. Because of this, some homeowners are choosing to replace their driveways with pavers, he noted. While concrete contractors will give up to a 1-year warranty on their work, manufactured pavers can last decades, Blunkosky said.

Figuring out how to make a home’s frontage “pop” can be a task best left to professionals, but for the savvy homeowner, a few good tips can make a noticeable difference.

By Jonathan Barnes

When planning a major change to a front yard’s hardscape such as a new walkway, choosing the right color is essential. A new walkway should be comprised of a material with a color that is complementary to the house. “A red brick house doesn’t need a red brick walkway. You want to use a brown paver,” Blunkosky said. “You always want to use a secondary color, not the main color… Using the main color for a hardscape can be overwhelming [to the eye].” Adding stones to incorporate a feeling of the natural landscape in the front yard also can add spice to the space. Incorporating some sort of rocks into the yard’s flowerbeds, be it a grouping of boulders at the front of the lot or an edging of colored rocks in the flowerbeds, also helps to add interest. “We incorporate a little rock work with the flowerbeds, to complement the plants and the colors in the house and hardscape,” Blunkosky said. Avoiding straight lines in other hardscape features, such as retaining walls, can be a smart idea, too. Replacing a tired straight retaining wall with a new colorful wall with a curved edge can make the yard more interesting. The cost of such improvements isn’t always small. Paver walkways can run from $16 to $22 per square foot (depending upon the type of paver, placement of the walkway and the size of the walkway), while concrete walkways made of exposed aggregate or made of stamped concrete run about the same price. Blunkosky isn’t a big fan of stamped concrete. “Why do they stamp concrete? To make it look like a superior product,” he said.

Creating Focal Points People who aren’t trained in landscaping or who didn’t grow up gardening can become overwhelmed when trying to decide what to do with a worn-out looking landscape. Sometimes, less is more— that is, adding just one more design element could make a noticeable difference. Some homeowners are using topiaries more often these days to add such interest, said Randy Soergel, who along with his wife Beth co-owns Soergel’s Orchards Garden Center in Franklin Park. “You don’t put [the topiary] in and forget about it,” Soergel said, adding that two rules apply to landscaping. “Don’t plant vegetation where there won’t be good drainage. And if a plant dries out just once, it’s done.” Until a plant’s roots can find their own water, regularly watering it is essential. Some plants take up to two years to establish their roots, Soergel said. Most homeowners are rejuvenating their yards at this time of year, rather than planting new landscapes altogether. An older-looking landscape can be spruced up by pruning some plants such as overgrown bushes near the home, and by removing other plants that are too large and out of proportion with the space.

Continued on page 22 20

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REAL ESTATE C h a r t i e r s Va l l e y

People are talking these days about whether or not banks are actually lending money. The housing market in Pittsburgh is still a fairly strong one and people are trying to take advantage of programs out there to give first home buyers tax credits of up to 10% of the total selling price of the house, up to $8,000. Or, if you currently own a home but want to buy another home that would now be your primary residence, you could also receive a tax credit of up to $6,500. And, of course, people are scrambling to take advantage of the high foreclosure market right now. So, with that in mind, they are wondering, “Can I qualify for a mortgage?” Sally Minnock, Home Mortgage Consultant for First Commonwealth Home Mortgage, a Joint Venture with Wells Fargo Bank and First Commonwealth Bank, stated that, “Yes, banks are lending, however, the process has become a lot stricter in that there is a lot more documentation and paperwork necessary to verify everything before the loan application is completed and reviewed. The days of obtaining ‘limited documented loans’ are over. They don’t exist anymore. Now, everything has to be documented for proof. We are now underwriting the way it was done thirty years ago.” According to Ms. Minnock, interest rates are still determined based on credit scoring. You can get a great interest rate with a credit score of 740. However, if your credit score is below 740 your rate will likely increase with a conventional loan. However, if you are applying for a FHA loan, having a credit score in the 620s will enable you to still qualify for a loan, although 3.5% of the selling price of the house is still needed on a FHA loan as a down payment. When you talk to your

CanIQualify foraMortgage? By Karen Ferrieri

mortgage consultant for the first time, they will most likely punch in to an automated system your name, address, social security number and credit score to determine what interest rate you’d be eligible for. For first time home buyers, this entire process can be confusing. However, Ms. Minnock suggests working with your real estate agent and a mortgage consultant to help guide you through the process. They can look at whether or not you are ready to buy a house based on many factors, including your income, current financial situation, and your credit score. They will need a lot of personal information to be able to guide you effectively, but it is worth doing a lot of the work upfront before you start searching for a house. Finding all of the necessary paperwork that you will need during the final application process where the documentation is absolutely necessary, will help you avoid putting yourself in a stressful buying situation. Plus, you will know exactly what you qualify for or what you will need to do to get to the point of actually getting the loan. Obtaining a loan and your dream house is not impossible if you are willing to be patient, organized and go through the steps to qualify before you start searching for the perfect home.

Adding Curb Appeal Can Make a Home Stand Out Continued from page 20 Incorporating one focal point for the yard, with a topiary, a Japanese maple tree, a sitting area, a small pond or even a particular stone or groundcover, can give the space more energy. Since the front yard is the first part of a home, creating interest is important to making the space inviting. Caring for the plants also is important in creating a beautiful landscape, but some homeowners are afraid to prune plants because they fear they’ll kill the plant, Soergel said. “We try to teach people how to maintain the landscaping they have, including when and how to prune,” Soergel said. The garden center offers free classes to people interested in learning more about how to maintain their yards. At 7 p.m. every Tuesday night in April and May, Soergel’s Orchards Garden Center hosts a do it yourself class teaching about landscaping and yard care. Those interested in attending a class are asked to register by calling the garden center at 724.935.2090, or emailing randysoergel@gmail.com.

Curve Appeal One of the most prominent trends in re-imagining front yards with existing landscapes is changing the yard’s contours. Many 22

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homeowners are replacing their straight concrete paver and wood-tie walls with colored concrete block walls that are laid down without mortar and are pretty easy to install, said Tony Verrico, owner of Verrico Landscape Supply in Penn Hills. The local supply yard carries 10 hues of the Versa-Lok wall material, as well as different types of pavers to enhance a yard. The walls can last up to 40 years, Verrico said. “We’re seeing a lot of concrete driveways being removed and replaced with pavers,” he said. Straight retaining walls are being replaced with curved walls, which sometimes have a planter incorporated into them at the front of the yard, Verrico said, adding that he is seeing more straight steps replaced by new curved steps as a way to make the yard more interesting. Making simple improvements to a yard, such as adding a tree, can make a big impact, Verrico said. Trees such as dogwoods and other flowering ornamentals, are good choices to consider as accent plantings. Planting hardy bushes such as boxwoods also can bring more definition to a front yard space, he said.

| IN Chartiers Valley

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IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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Very Reverend James A. Wehner, S.T.D.

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ur lady of Grace Church, scott Township, recently hosted a parish mission or parish renewal after the pastoral council recommended to the pastor a need to consider how the Church can be more effective in society. Father richard Infante, pastor of the parish, invited me to lead the parish mission beginning on Pentecost sunday, May 23 through Thursday, May 27. The topics I addressed with the parish centered on the importance of why faith is essential not only for individuals but for society as a whole. As Americans, we have a unique vision of freedom that most countries have not considered. In our founding documents, it is written: We hold these truths to be self-evident. To recognize that “truth” does not originate from a government, legal system or political agenda rather to discover it within man himself, is a bold declaration. The Church confirms that God has implanted in every human being the desire for truth and the capability of discovering this truth. As Christians, we believe “truth” has been revealed in the person of Jesus Christ who not only speaks the truth but is Truth itself. The more one knows Christ, follows the Gospel, celebrates faith in the community of believers called the Church – the more free one becomes. Freedom is the vocation of every person and can be achieved completely

in Christ and in His Church. Faith is essential because when the body of believers actually lives the full force of the Gospel, society itself will be impacted. Everyone benefits from the Gospel of Christ, not just believers. And so, every Christian is called to “evangelization” – bringing the Gospel into the culture of man. Because freedom is a gift from God, evangelization respects that every person must choose to believe if they will profess the Gospel. Evangelization therefore does not have as its immediate aim the indoctrination of citizens. rather, evangelization brings the Gospel of Christ into society to transform that society away from all sin and evil thereby creating a culture of life. In doing so, people may see the credibility of the Gospel and respond to the Holy spirit by coming to know Jesus Christ. The parish mission that took place at our lady of Grace Church was to inspire Catholics to be more involved in culture, to be more effective as witnesses of Christ, and to bring the Gospel into the practical situations in which people find life difficult and burdensome. As Jesus promises us – the Truth will set us free. Catholics enjoy the gift of Truth but we must not selfishly hide this gift. The united states is a better country and we have a stronger society, when people realize how essential faith is.

Father Wehner holds a doctorate in sacred theology with a specialization in evangelization from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He served as Director for Evangelization for the Diocese of Pittsburgh as well as Pastor of Saint Thomas More Church, Bethel Park. In 2009, the Vatican appointed Father Wehner to serve as the Rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum located in Columbus, Ohio which prepares future priests for the United States.

250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd. Suite E-40

412-563-2425

would you like to have your church listed? Contact marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.

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SUMMER 2010

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

Hot Tips for a Cool Summer: Stay safe and healthy with the simple Don’t Do’s on page 3.

What’s Inside page 2

Convenient, Quality Health Care — Right on Pittsburgh’s South Side

page 3

What You Don’t Do Can Mean a Healthier You

page 4

Heads Up on Helmet Safety Be Sun Smart This Summer

page 5

Digital Mammography Saves Lives

page 6

The Freedom of Independent Living

page 7

What’s Happening at UPMC Mercy

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Convenient, Quality Health Care —

Right on Pittsburgh’s South Side Why cross the river when all the services you need are just minutes away? Pittsburgh’s South Side is known for many things: interesting shops, innovative businesses, and spectacular views. It’s now time to add comprehensive, convenient medical care to that list. At the heart of medical care in South Side is the UPMC Mercy South Side Outpatient Center campus, located on Mary Street between 20th and 21st streets. The outpatient center is a convenient, one-stop location for virtually all primary care, diagnostic, and routine outpatient needs — plus specialty services such as pain management, sports medicine surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and foot and ankle care. Most of all, the outpatient center emphasizes personal service and support — and delivers it by offering such added benefits as: • same-day appointments • open seven days a week • walk-in appointments welcome • extended hours to accommodate busy schedules • free parking • free shuttle service to UPMC Mercy • support groups and educational classes • nearby physicians’ offices

www.UPMC.com/Today

Seven Services to Make Your Health Care Faster and Easier 1. Same-day surgery at the surgical “home” of physicians in the renowned UPMC Sports Medicine program. Here you’ll find eight operating suites, including two with state-of-the-art digital equipment, along with the support of diagnostic and lab services. Surgical procedures range from cataract removal to knee surgery, hernia repair to tonsillectomy, breast implants, and fracture repair. 2. A full range of diagnostic imaging services, including x-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI, mammograms, and DEXA (bone density) tests. 3. Express lab services from Quest Diagnostics, with flexible hours, including weekends and evenings. In many cases, patients get tests done the same day their physician orders the test.

4. Foot and ankle specialists who can treat wounds, fractures, deformities, arthritis, skin ulcers, nail problems, heel pain, and other foot and ankle problems. 5. An infusion center for blood transfusions and IV medications. 6. Gastrointestinal (GI) lab specializing in colonoscopy, special endoscopy, and upper GI testing to diagnose and treat abnormalities of the digestive system. 7. The Center for Rehab Services, where specialists collaborate with physicians to provide communitybased, comprehensive physical and occupational therapy services using cutting-edge therapies. For more information about UPMC Mercy Outpatient Center, call 412-488-5550 or visit www.UPMCMercy.com.

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Summer Checklist: Summer Checklist

What You Don’t Do Can Mean a Healthier You Whether you’re heading to the beach or planning a “staycation” this year, here are some “Summer Don’t Do’s” that might surprise you: Don’t eat your fruits ‘n veggies until you wash them thoroughly. Consider going organic when purchasing produce that sustains high levels of pesticides even after washing. The “dirty dozen” includes apples, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes, and spinach. Don’t pet Fido if he’s been playing in poison ivy. Rashes from poison ivy, oak, or sumac can be picked up from the urushiol — the substance found in the sap of plants — that sticks to clothing, shoes, tools, toys, and even pets. Surprisingly, it can’t be spread from person to person or by scratching. Wash your skin thoroughly after working or playing outside, particularly if you suspect you’ve come into contact with poison ivy. You might need to wash your gardening gloves, tools — and even the dog!

Don’t shower, don’t wash the dishes, and don’t do laundry during a thunderstorm. Keep the kids away from video games, too. Lightning can travel through wires or pipes extending outside, so it’s important to avoid contact with plumbing and electrical wires during storms. If someone is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical care. Remember, lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge, so you can attend to them immediately. Don’t hold the mayo at summer picnics and cookouts. You won’t get food poisoning from eating potato salad, chicken salad, and other food just because it contains mayonnaise. The real culprits are the bacteria that flourish on foods containing protein at temperatures between 40º and 140º F. To prevent illness, keep hot foods hot (140º F or above) and cold foods cold (40º F or below). Discard all perishables left at room temperature longer than two hours — one hour if the temperature is 90º or higher. When in doubt, throw it out!

Don’t leave grandma, the kids, or the dog waiting in the car. A car can heat up quickly even when it’s relatively mild outside. On a summer day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb more than 40 degrees in just an hour! Be careful with outside activities, too. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in hot, humid weather. Prevent overheating by reducing activities.Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and drink plenty of water or sports drinks before, during, and after physical activity. Anyone showing signs of heat illness should lie down in a cool place with legs elevated. Loosen or remove clothing. Use water, wet towels, and fanning to promote cooling until help arrives. For a complete list of our summer “don’t do’s,” including treating bee stings and drinking water, visit us online at www.upmc.com/today.

UPMC Mercy: The Hospital of Choice for The Midwife Center for Birth and Women’s Health Women choosing midwifery care during pregnancy now have an added support resource they can rely on: UPMC Mercy is the new primary referral hospital for The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health (TMC). UPMC Mercy offers access to: • High-quality, personalized care in an intimate setting • Around-the-clock anesthesia coverage • Level III intensive care nursery services

TMC’s primary consulting physicians at Greater Pittsburgh OB/GYN are available at UPMC Mercy for consultation or Caesarean delivery. Patients needing additional levels of care have access to renowned experts in maternal-fetal medicine at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, who provide state-of-the-art care to women experiencing complicated pregnancies. TMC, staffed by certified nurse-midwives, is the only licensed and accredited freestanding birth center in the Pittsburgh region.

For more information, call 412-321-6880, or visit us online at www.midwifecenter.org. TMC accepts the UPMC Health Plan, as well as most major insurance plans.

1-800-533-UPMC

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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Heads Up on Helmet Safety Most children don’t like to wear helmets when biking. But the facts show that helmets work. A properly fitted bicycle helmet can reduce your risk of head injury by 85 percent and reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Getting children in the “helmet habit” helps protect their brains from serious injury. Even professional bike riders know that bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time. In three of four bike crashes, the biker usually suffers some sort of injury to the head. Each year in the United States, about half a million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related accidents; between 45 percent and 88 percent of bicycle-related brain injuries would be prevented with the use of a helmet. A well-fitted helmet gives your child added protection from injury, so take a few minutes to learn the basics: • The helmet should sit flat on the head — make sure it is level and is not tilted back or forward. If the helmet leans forward, adjust the rear straps. If it tilts backward, tighten the front straps. • The front of the helmet should sit low — about two finger widths above the eyebrows to protect the forehead. • The straps on each side should form a “Y” over the ears, with one part of the strap in front of and one behind — just below the earlobes. • The chinstrap should buckle securely at the throat so that the helmet feels snug and does not move up and down or from side to side. Head injuries aren’t just limited to bikers. Crashes during other outdoor activities such as rollerblading, skateboarding, ice skating, and skiing can also result in head injury. So use your head to protect your child’s. Make helmets required gear for all family members when participating in these activities. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.bam.gov) and Kidshealth.org

Keep your kids safe while they keep cool this summer. Visit www.upmc.com/today for tips on swimming pool safety.

www.UPMC.com/Today

Be Sun Smart This Summer Think twice before basking on the beach or slipping into a tanning booth this summer — that perfect tan comes with a price tag. Last year, more than a million Americans of all ages were diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. “Indoor and outdoor tanning are equally risky because both expose you to ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA and UVB rays,” says John Kirkwood, MD, director of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. Both have been shown to increase your risk of skin cancer. “UV rays increase your risk for skin cancer because they trigger mutations, and also knock out the immune response that enables the body to protect itself,” says Dr. Kirkwood. Skin cancers caused by UV rays may not appear for years — lulling people into thinking that tanning and sun exposure are safe and even healthy.

Are You at Risk? Not just sun worshippers are in danger. You can be, too, if you have: • An increased number of moles • A personal or family history of skin cancer • A sensitivity to the sun or freckling tendency that makes you work extra hard to tan • Had two or more serious sunburns before age 18 • A job or recreational activity that regularly puts you in the sun

What Can You Do? Avoid tanning beds, and work at reducing your exposure to strong sources of UV light, such as natural sunshine. Choose a broad-spectrum sun protection product that has a high SPF to protect against UVA and UVB rays, such as one that contains micronized zinc oxide or titanium oxide. And be sure to alert your doctor to skin changes such as itchy, scaly patches, wounds that won’t heal, an increased number of moles, or new, changing, or unusual moles.

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Innovation at UPMC

Digital Mammography Saves Lives Improves the Early Detection of Breast Cancer When Sherry DelGrosso turned 40 in February, she followed her doctor’s advice and scheduled a routine mammogram. Although she’d had a scare with a benign, atypical growth nine years earlier, she was considered a low-risk patient with no family history of breast cancer and had little reason for concern. But her digital mammogram revealed a tiny growth in her dense breast tissue that she was unable to find through self-examination. Her April 9 diagnosis, which came on her husband’s birthday, confirmed she had infiltrating ductal carcinoma. As the mother of a four-year-old daughter, she decided to attack the cancer aggressively by undergoing a bilateral mastectomy at Magee-Womens Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in May. Ms. DelGrosso says the digital mammogram enabled doctors to detect her cancer early so she could begin treatment. “This technology absolutely saved my life. It caught my cancer early before it could spread or metastasize. It means so much to me to know I will be here for my beautiful daughter,” she says.

Digital mammography is a “wonderful first” in a promising new era of technology, says Dr. Zuley. “It’s a very exciting time to be in breast imaging. We have so many new tools for diagnosis.” “The earlier we detect breast cancer, the lower the stage and the greater the survival rate. That means less need for radical surgeries, lymph node dissection, and systemic chemotherapy. Reducing treatment with earlier detection helps the patient.” Traditional film

Digital film

Catching Cancer Earlier

Margarita Zuley, MD, director of breast imaging at Magee, says the new technology is better at detecting cancer in women under 50 and women with dense breast tissue. Research also indicates digital mammography is better able to detect Stage 0 breast cancer.

Digital mammography also provides newer and better technology for capturing the image and transferring it to a computer. While digital mammography uses x-rays — the same technology used in traditional mammograms — the images are collected on a digital detector and stored on a computer rather than collected and stored on film. Viewing the images on a computer gives doctors a closer look at the structures in the breast, helping them to diagnose potentially life-threatening breast tumors. Another benefit of digital mammography is that it can offer women instant feedback. Once the mammogram is complete, the image is available for doctors and radiologists to view immediately and in the same room.

Kandace McGuire, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Magee, says the cutting-edge digital mammography available to doctors at UPMC is helping them catch cancer in its very early stages, which means a better chance of survival for breast cancer patients. “Digital mammography catches cancer earlier. It is saving lives,” says Dr. McGuire, the breast surgical oncologist who performed Ms. DelGrosso’s mastectomy.

Newer and Better Technology Provides a Closer Look

A Clearer, Closer Picture Digital mammography is helping doctors at UPMC catch cancer in its very early stages, which means a better chance of survival for breast cancer patients. Pictured above are examples of both traditional and digital films.

Digital mammography is currently offered at most UPMC locations. Talk to your physician to determine if a digital mammogram would be preferable based on such factors as age and family history. Above all, never put off having a regular mammogram. For more information about digital mammography or any of UPMC’s imaging services, call 1-800-533-UPMC, option 1. Ms. DelGrosso’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

1-800-533-UPMC

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Are You Ready?

The Freedom of Independent Living Mow the lawn. Wash the windows. Pay the bills. There’s an endless list of tasks that comes with owning and maintaining a home. But after a lifetime of raising a family and working hard, is it time for a change in your life? For a growing number of Pittsburgh seniors, the answer is decidedly “yes!” as they discover the benefits of independent living. It’s a lifestyle choice. “The biggest reason you should consider independent living is the freedom it offers to both you and your family,” says Kitty Collins, a vice president with UPMC Senior Communities. “Residents in our independent living communities often say they wish they had moved earlier, because they’re now free to pursue their hobbies and interests in the company of other like-minded adults.” Interested in the theater? Love to shop? Fanatic about Pittsburgh’s athletic teams? Wish you could be part of a book club, walkers group, or volunteer organization? These are just a sampling of the activities you’ll find as an independent living resident.

Independent Living Means Choices “Today’s support network for seniors is very different than it was 20 years ago,” explains Ms. Collins. “For young families in which both spouses must work, there’s just not enough time to keep up their own home, tend to their children’s activities, and help a parent.”

You’re ready for independent living if: Many families of independent living residents at UPMC find that they no longer spend their weekends running errands and assisting with home chores. Visits mean quality time spent together; there are even rooms for family parties and game rooms for grandchildren to enjoy billiards, a hand of cards, or watch movies.

www.UPMC.com/Today

Some seniors worry that independent living means “giving things up.” At UPMC Senior Communities, the emphasis is on providing residents with the kind of valued amenities and support seniors want in their lives. These include: • Weekly housekeeping and laundry services • Onsite dining with freshly prepared meals (and the option of making their own) • Transportation services for shopping and appointments “Our residents find that great flexibility awaits them at our independent living residences — from bringing their beloved family pet and having their car on-site, to furnishing their residence with their favorite furniture and decorating it with their own signature style,” says Ms. Collins.

With locations in neighborhoods throughout the Pittsburgh area, UPMC Senior Communities also gives independent living residents the opportunity to stay connected to friends and neighbors, and remain active in their faith and community organizations.

Making the Move Easier Surprisingly, the hardest part of leaving a home for most seniors isn’t the memories they’ll leave behind. As one UPMC independent living resident says,“Memories are easy to bring along with you.” But preparing to put your home up for sale can be daunting. In response to requests from prospective residents, UPMC Senior Communities has developed a variety of partnerships with reputable and high-integrity organizations that specialize in helping seniors organize, stage, and sell their homes, explains Ms. Collins. “These professionals help eliminate the hurdles and worries everyone faces when moving.”

You’re ready for independent living if: • You value your privacy and independence • You enjoy spending some time in the company of other adults your age • You feel more comfortable with the added security and safety offered in a community setting • Arthritis, vision problems, or other physical limitations sometimes complicate living at home • You welcome the thought of “hassle-free” living In addition to independent living residences, UPMC Senior Communities also offers assisted living and skilled nursing options for seniors who need added care.

Want to learn more? For more information, call 1-800-324-5523 or visit www.upmcseniorcommunities.com.

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Welcoming New Physicians Please visit www.upmc.com/findadoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) for more information about any of our physicians.

UPMC Mercy is pleased to welcome the following new physicians: Michael Gary Abesamis, MD Emergency Medicine Shakeel Ahmed, MD Internal Medicine Eiyass Albeiruti, MD Ophthalmology

Ellen Dillavou, MD Vascular Surgery

Alka Kaushik, MD Pain Management

David Muigai, MD Critical Care Medicine

Sabato Stile, MD Psychiatry

Yaoxian Ding, MD Laboratory Medicine

Seungwon Kim, MD Otolaryngology

Andrew Murray, MD Anesthesiology

Brian Donnelly, MD Pediatrics

Ook J. Lee, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology

Divya Mutyala, MD Ophthalmology

Kathirvel Subramaniam, MD Anesthesiology

Paul Bigeleisen, MD Anesthesiology

Kaustubh Ginde, MD Interventional Radiology

Emad Bishai, MD Psychiatry

Elizabeth Hakas, MD Internal Medicine

Raja Chakrapani, MD Internal Medicine

Barbara Harley, MD General Pediatrics

Aiysha Chatha, MD Internal Medicine

Jean Harwick, MD Ophthalmology

Salim Chowdhury, MD Psychiatry

David Hecht, MD Critical Care Medicine

Ivan Colaizzi, MD Anesthesiology

Jennifer Holst, MD Endocrinology

Saryu Desai, MD Anesthesiology

Bruce Hyde, MD Pediatrics Kamran Idrees, MD General Surgery

Steven Leers, MD Vascular Surgery Merridel Leggat, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Lea Ann Lope, MD Ophthalmology

Heo-Jer Eugene, MD Ophthalmology Tae Woo Park, MD Psychiatry Beverly Ann PearceSmith, MD Anesthesiology

Aparna Taylor, MD Family Medicine Kavita Thakkar, MD General Pediatrics Bryan Tillman, MD Vascular Surgery Edith Tzeng, MD Vascular Surgery

Ulka Sachdev-Ost, MD Vascular Surgery

Jeffrey Varga, MD Anesthesiology

Joseph Maroon, MD Neurosurgery

Ellen Scholnicoff, MD Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Benny Weksler, MD Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Laura Miller, MD Family Medicine

Alaaeldin Shalaby, MD Cardiology

Cynthia Wells, MD Anesthesiology

Ellen Mitchell, MD Ophthalmology

Vladislav Shick, MD Anesthesiology

Katherine Zamecki, MD Ophthalmology

Sathish Magge, MD Cardiology

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening at UPMC Mercy Classes Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Baby Care Basic Training for New Parents Back-to-School for Burn Survivors Breastfeeding/Lactation Car Seat Safety Checks Cervical Mucous-Basal Body Temperature (CM-BBT)/Natural Family Planning Comprehensive Diabetes Early Pregnancy Basics Emergency Nurses CARE (Cancel Alcohol-Related Emergencies) EMS/Prehospital Hospital Tours for Expectant Parents

Infant and Child CPR & First Aid Learn Not to Burn Education Program Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Preparing for Childbirth Preparing for Childbirth: Weekend Intensive Smoking Cessation Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) The Sibling Program

Forever in Our Hearts Infant Bereavement Support Group Hearing and Balance Support Group Internal Cardiac Defibrillator Support Group Peer Support for Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries Stroke Support Groups (The Hopeful Ones and The Young Survivors)

Support Groups Brain Injury Support Group Breastfeeding/Lactation Support Group Burn Survivors Support Group Diabetes Support Group

For more information about classes and support groups at UPMC Mercy and affiliated outpatient centers, call UPMC Physician Referral at 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

1-800-533-UPMC

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UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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

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

NHCO, Family Services Partner with

Open Your Heart

to a Senior Program

By Jonathan Barnes

hen McCandless resident Mary Allshouse needs a ride to the store or elsewhere, she’s got a group of helping hands at her service, thanks to a new initiative geared toward keeping seniors living in their homes as long as they are able. Allshouse, 90, had a nice outing recently with dee, one of the open Your Heart to a senior volunteers. she took Allshouse shopping and Allshouse returned the favor, buying lunch for the two of them. “It was very enjoyable,” said Allshouse. “The volunteers are very lovely people, very enjoyable.” The program, a one-year partnership of NHCo and Family services of Western Pennsylvania, is made possible through funding from the united Way of Allegheny County. The necessity of the initiative was determined through a study by the university of Pittsburgh Graduate school of Public Health which was funded by the united Way of Allegheny County, said Nancy Jones, North Boroughs outreach Manager for NHCo. For several years both NHCo and Family services have had outreach programs geared toward helping seniors in their homes. From the university of Pittsburgh study, the united Way identified the care of frail, home-bound seniors as one of the most serious issues in the region. The united Way also learned that both NHCo and Family services’ programs were struggling to get enough volunteers to help seniors.

“The initiative is designed to help recruit more volunteers,” Jones said. “The idea is to let the community know there are seniors who need a ride to the grocery store or to the doctor’s office, or a visit or a friendly call.” Those interested in volunteering to help a senior in need are welcome to join the effort. They help by providing transportation for seniors to medical appointments, pharmacy visits, yard work or simply helping them with correspondence or bills. For more information on the open Your Heart to a senior program, email seniors@nhco.org, or call 412.307.0071 or toll-free 866.467.0888.

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IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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As their high school years quickly draw to a close, some seniors received a special letter to lend perspective to their years at Chartiers Valley. The letter made some laugh and some others cry, but most of all it made them reflect on the past decade and look forward to what the next decade will bring. Who could write such a wonderful letter? The students themselves did... when they were in second grade! The letter came as a surprise, as most did not remember the writing exercise they completed at the end of their second grade year with Ms. suzanne schweikert. "I did not remember writing it and had no clue what it was when I was opening it up," said Brittany lytle. "I laughed and ran to show my mom. I thought it was neat looking back seeing my handwriting and what I was thinking. It was really neat opening it up. I wrote that I had a great teacher and I didn't like doing homework."

IN Chartiers Valley

Jillian Figorski said, "I got it and I was thinking to myself, ‘Who wrote this? Why is some little kid writing to me?’ Then I read it and I cried. It was funny." "I had no idea it was coming," Cara Poletti said. "I didn't remember writing it at all. I wrote about my best friends and my favorite classes. It's funny because I'm still best friends with Jillian (Figorski) and Taylor (Breen) who I wrote about in the letter. I was sending out texts to Jillian and Taylor asking if they got their letter.” dan Esposito finished first academically in the class of 2010 and is heading to the university of dayton to study physics, but even his memory wasn't good enough to remember writing the letter. “I was surprised because I don't remember writing this letter to myself. I remember doing a time capsule, but not this. I said, ‘dear dan, I love Pokemon so much and I hate broccoli.’” His love of Pokemon has faded and he's still not too fond of broccoli, but he was prescient in another part of his letter. “I wrote that in 10 years I would be getting a job. Maybe a week after the letter came I got oﬀered a part time job for the summer.” Though at any given time her classroom closet is filled with 10 years’ worth of letters, most with insuﬃcient postage attached, Ms. schweikert plans to continue the practice for as long as she is teaching because it gives the students an opportunity to remember the simpler and carefree days of second grade.

chartiers valley School district Published by the Chartiers Valley School District for the residents of Bridgeville Borough, Collier Township, Heidelberg Borough and Scott Township.

room 124 celebrates earth day with plantings

Board of Directors Beth McIntyre, President - 412.429.9242 Debra Rice, Vice President - 412.722.8021 Jeff Choura - 412.221.7704 Patti Figorski - 412.279.9030 Patricia Frey - 412.276.3725 Bridget Kelly - 412.279.5571 Herb Ohliger - 412.759.0682 Mary Lou Petronsky - 412.221.7492 Pam Poletti - 412.429.8717

room 124 celebrated Earth day in their outdoor classroom. The first grade class planted bulbs and a butterfly bush in honor of Earth day. The class created the garden last Earth day. The outdoor classroom has benches made of recycled wood. Flowers and bulbs were donated from parents in Mrs. Territâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class in honor of her father. A parent, Mrs. Armfield, helped set up the wonderful garden. The students enjoy using their outdoor classroom.

Central Administration

Quinn award

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

Please direct news items or questions to the public relations office at 412.429.2234. Your input is greatly appreciated! Questions regarding taxes should be directed to your municipality: Bridgeville, 412.221.6055; Collier, 412.276.5277; Heidelberg, 412.276.5413; Scott, 412.276.5302. Delinquent tax questions should be directed to Maiello, Brungo and Maiello at 412.242.9615. The Board will hold Workshop and Regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. in the District Assembly Room at the Administrative Offices, 2030 Swallow Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. The Board may take action or conduct business for any particular or general purpose at any of these meetings. Additional special or committee meetings will be called and advertised as needed. It is the policy of Chartiers Valley School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, marital or parental status, national origin, age, or handicap in its educational and vocational programs, activities or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI.

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chartierS valley School diStrict

on May 19, 2010, Mr. dennis Quinn, a third grade teacher at Chartiers Valley Intermediate school, was recognized by the spectroscopy society of Pittsburgh (ssP) with a K-8 Excellence in science Teaching Award. This award was only awarded to three teachers in the southwestern Pennsylvania region. At the Awards dinner, Mr. Quinn received a plaque and an honorarium. Mr. Quinnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding science activities include numerous hands-on activities and real-world connections. during the winter months, the students followed an Iditarod dogsled team through the use of the classroom computers. This activity not only allowed students to learn about the Alaskan environment and the dogsled competition, but also connect the science activity to other subject areas. It is very common to see Mr. Quinn relating science to all other academic areas, including math, reading, social studies, and writing. over the past several years, Mr. Quinn has focused on habitats and ecosystems with his students. Through his focus on habitats and the environment, he has enhanced the areas around the school by planting numerous trees and flowers with his class and emphasized the importance of these plants to our environment. The spectroscopy society of Pittsburgh and their sister society, the society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, have a mission to promote science education throughout the region. Their numerous awards, grants, and programs have helped the Chartiers Valley Intermediate school throughout the school year. Mrs. Ann Kern, a fifth grade teacher who was also nominated for this award, was awarded an elementary science equipment grant and Mr. Frank Zissis, a fourth grade teacher, was awarded a grant to start up a new fourth grade Elementary science olympiad program.

Bernard Sulkowski, Ed.D Acting Superintendent Yvonne Hawkins, Ed.D Director of Curriculum Nicholas D. Morelli Director of Finance and Support Operations/Board Secretary Donald Kaminski Director of Human Resources Robert Gold Construction Manager Arthur Turner Director of Facilities Nicholas Fratto Coordinator of Special Programs Michael Mazzeo Director of Transportation

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omkar Betsur, a second grade student at the Primary school, has been showing his chess skills in regional and national tournaments throughout the year. The following is a list of impressive tournament finishes for omkar this year: 1) 2009 Pa state Junior Championship - 3rd place (Ages 8 & under, Nov. 2009) 2) 2009 Pa state Championship 1st Place (u400, Nov. 2009) 3) 37th annual allegheny County library association Chess Tournament 2010 - 2nd Place - Junior division (Jan. 2010) 4) 2010 u.s. Junior Chess Congress: a national event - 21st Place - Grades 3 & under (Feb. 2010) 5) 2010 Pa state Championship - 2nd Place (Mar. 2010) 6) 2010 Pa state scholastic Championship - Top Performer (Mar. 2010)

IN Chartiers Valley

Twenty five CVHs students submitted short video productions at the Television and Video Teachers Consortium competition at robert Morris university on April 13. For the fourth consecutive year, three CVHs productions captured top honors in their category. Approximately 25 high schools from the Western Pennsylvania region competed at the event. Francesca Bonaccorsi, Emily Musial, Cara Poletti, and Andrea Fisher won gold in the Magazine show category while the team of Tyler Wilps, Tyler Wentz and Joe Pacella won the top prize in both the live sports and Imaginative categories.

     on Monday, May 24, 2010, the Chartiers Valley school district dedicated the rick Choura Music room at the Primary school. Throughout his 28-year teaching career at Chartiers Valley, the late Mr. Choura was an enthusiastic and dedicated proponent of the district's music programs at all levels. A tireless recruiter for the band and chorus programs that he taught, Mr. Choura was the proud voice of the CVHs showband. In retirement, Mr. Choura attended every district concert and played accompaniment for most Primary school concerts and class plays. senior stephen Weiss, the recipient of the 2010 rick Choura scholarship, played Ashokan Farewell by Jay ungar on the viola in honor of Mr. Choura prior to the dedication.

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Essays by sixth graders Alexandra Ferri and Justin sullivan were chosen as the top two essays from CVMs in the American legion Essay contest. The topic of the essay was “What is my Patriotic role as a u.s. Citizen?” Alexandra Ferri won first place and a $50 gift certificate. Justin sullivan received a $10 gift certificate for second place. American legion Auxiliary unit 82 representatives Irma Byerly and rose Magnus visited the school on April 19th to present Alexandra and Justin with their certificates and citations. Each year, the American legion Auxiliary (AlA) sponsors an Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 3-12. Grade levels are divided into five classes. Five division winners, one from each class were chosen and one National winner, one from each class were chosen. division winners receive $100 and a citation; National winners receive $500 and a citation plaque.

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

 There was a strange and unlikely synergy coursing through the High school on May 13 when Mrs. Yamatani's preschool program visited the wood shop. There, the preschoolers received an indoctrination into the art of woodworking by Mr. Barber and his students. Mr. Barber gathered the children together and explained the simple construction of a wooden box that could be used for the storage of keepsakes and other small and important items. After showing they could tell the diﬀerence between smooth and rough surfaces, the preschoolers were paired with a wood shop student to construct a memory box. The preschoolers donned goggles for safety, colorcoded the sides of their box for correct assembly, assembled the box according to Mr. Barber's instructions, then turned the box over to their high school partner for a quick nailing to complete the construction. The prefabricated boxes were donated to the school by a friend of Mr. Barber's. The preschoolers took their completed memory boxes back to Mrs. Yamatani's room where they could be decorated. www.incommunitymagazines.com

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More than 30 Middle school students took advantage of a grant from the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts to attend a 10-week Artist in residence Program this spring. under the direction of glass artist Heather Joy Puskarich and metal artist Jan loney, the students constructed a glass and metal sculpture that will hang in the open area between the Middle and High schools. Though the students attending the program learned a great deal about glass and metal art via their time in the workshop and on a field trip to the Iron Eden and Pittsburgh Glass Center, the greatest beneficiaries of the program may be Mr. Moskala, Mrs. Colwes and their future students. The Middle school art teachers will incorporate much of what they observed during the workshop into the school's art curriculum. "What we learned through this is really going to help us expand our curriculum down the road," Mr. Moskala said. "It's been a great experience for the kids and for us." Mrs. Colwes added, "We haven't quite figured out which portions of the program we'll use with each grade level, but we'll work that out. We never would have been able to include any of this in the curriculum without the program, though." on the artists’ final visit on May 12, principals Mrs. Keys and Mr. Ackermann got an overview of the skills learned in the program and admired the jewelry and glass tiles that students made as they worked their way up to creating the program's representative piece. Mrs. Keys even received instruction from the students as she learned how to design and create a glass tile of her own. The administrators, teachers, and students each expressed their gratitude to the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and the visiting artists for the opportunity to expand their artistic endeavors.

Internship participants included Corrin scumaci, Brittany White, Paige Morrison, ryan steinbock, rachael Edeburn, Greg Holland, Jennell Webster, Brooke smith, Aksath Iyer, Alex o’Neill, and Emily Cartier.

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 The Chartiers Valley Internship Committee would like to thank the following businesses and non-profit organizations for joining us in developing this new and exciting program. As CHArTEr BusINEss MEMBErs of the program we thank them for taking that leap of faith in the interest of helping CV’s youth expand their knowledge of workplace activities beyond the classroom. Buca di Beppo restaurants CVs Pharmacy Greentree Animal Clinic loftus Engineers Northwest savings Bank Nova Care orthopedic & sports Physical Therapy st. Clair Hospital signal Item/ Bridgeville News 38

IN Chartiers Valley

south Fayette Middle school superbolt, Inc. Tweek Clothing university of Pittsburgh – rangos research Andy Warhol Museum WQEd

     with the ClassBeginning  of 2010, the  Chartiers Valley school district piloted its  INTErNsHIP EXperience, as one of four topics of

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 ahead of their peers as they venture out The 2009-2010 school year saw into the world,” remarked lisa Trainor, English dept. many wonderful changes and possibilities when it Head, FlEX Internship Coordinator. came to the senior Project. The senior class was chosen to be a some participating students comment on their internship pilot group for completing internships as their senior project. They experiences: were required to complete 45 or more hours of service and keep Akshath Iyer - “In my internship I learned about the real and logs and take pictures of their experiences. students interned in careers such as pharmaceutical, maternity ward nurse, sports writer practical use of engineering and real life applications of the subjects I learned in school. I was also able to experience the atmosphere and broadcaster, engineer, vet technician, and museum curator. that would benefit me in the future.” While most students enjoyed their internships, there were a few Allison Freund - “My internship was a life changing experience. that found out through this experience that they do not want to I had fun, I made great connections, and would go back every day if venture into the same career path. “The internship had a huge possible! I am very thankful to be a part of the pilot internship group.” impact on my future decisions. It was a great opportunity that Carsyn Volk - “My internship experience was great! I got to see allowed me to experience a career option I was really thinking about pursuing, but now I know that I may not be for me. Basically what it was like to be an art teacher, and I had a lot of fun! It led me to choose a major in Art Education at Edinboro university.” my internship probably saved me $100,000,” says Paige Morrison other internships included Paige Morrison at the Andy Warhol who worked as a museum curator. since these students had this Museum, Alex o’Neill at WQEd Multimedia, Brooke smith at FsN unique opportunity, many feel as if they have an advantage over Pittsburgh and the signal Item, and ryan steinbock at superbolt. most freshmen in college. “It is obvious, after observing and talking with our interns, that they have had a unique educational experience that will put them

the Future life Experience (FlEX) program’s senior Exhibition graduation requirement. Also, thought of as an “extended career shadow,” 15 students participated with local businesses and non-profit organizations, in this “real world” pilot program. An internship is a highly structured, time-limited, senior Exhibition activity in which students are placed at a work site for a defined period of time to participate in and observe work firsthand with a given industry. Internships are either paid or nonpaid positions designed to give students hands-on experience, providing them with a deeper understanding of a specific occupation and industry. Through the internship and the preparation of the senior Exhibition portfolio, students will be engaged in their own learning and provide opportunities for both verbal and written reflection while preparing themselves with 21st century life and work skills. Internships are designed to promote: • Exploration of a field of interest • real life exposure to careers and jobs • Acquisition of occupational knowledge • Identification and cultivation of 21st century workplace skills Interested in becoming an Internship Business Partner? Call lynn Heasley, Community outreach Coordinator at 412.429.7033 or email at lheasley@cvsd.net.

   on April 13th, English language learners (Ell) from the Middle and High school hosted an International day. Mrs. Chan, the English as a second language teacher, created this day last year as an opportunity for her Ell students to share food from their various homelands. “The students in the English as a second language (Esl) classes are a very close knit group and they love to share their cultures with each other. They are very proud of where they came from and they love to share their own cultures as well as learn about other cultures.” - Mrs. Chan. The project combines the preparation of their respective ethnic foods, conducting a short presentation, and enjoying samples of each of the dishes. This year’s Esl project focused heavily on the foods and preparation from their various homelands. Together seventeen students shared foods from China, Brazil, India, Portugal, Pakistan, Nigeria, Turkey, and saudi Arabia. “This was a great experience for me. The best part was trying the diﬀerent foods. It was like having a little bit of various cultures from around the world on your plate. It gives us a chance to understand and respect other cultures, while they get a chance to do the same with my own Brazilian culture.” - Bruno Marques. The class plans on combining all the recipes to make a small international cookbook for each student. “They did a very nice job preparing their recipes and dishes. Most of them got their families involved. I am very proud of them all because they did a fabulous job. In a country where they are the minorities, I feel that celebrations like we had today bring them closer together and help them to feel accepted and proud of who they are.” - Mrs. Chan.

The Middle school held its annual Career day on Friday, April 30. Career day featured informational presentations by professionals from a wide range of job categories. on the Thursday prior to the event, Ms core teachers presented specific career curriculum to all students in grades 6-8. The keynote speaker for Career day 2010, arranged by PTsG Chairperson Mrs. lynne Cipriani, was Tim Hartman, an actor, artist, storyteller, singer, and puppeteer. Mr. Hartman has performed in local theater and Broadway productions; his movie credits include Silence of the Lambs, The Piano Lesson, The Murder, Held Against Her Will, and the richard Gere film, The Mothman Prophecies. Also, Mr. Hartman is an illustrator and award-winning cartoonist. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and books nationwide. Career sessions included an airline pilot, animation instructor, attorney, auto technician, chief executive oﬃcer, chef, chemist/polymer scientist, hair designer, dentist, flight paramedic/director of public safety, information technologist, journeyman electrician, firefighter, mechanical systems engineer, operating room nurse, pediatrician, robotics software engineer, software developer, stem cell research scientist, and special weapons and tactics (sWAT) police oﬃcer. IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

ool recently Chartiers Valley High sch High 5 hy alt He received a Highmark amount of the in nt gra school Challenge K physical $9,801 to purchase sPAr training. sPArK d an nt me uip education eq recreation for (sports, Play and Active tion of exemplar y, Kids) represents a collec that support research-based programs mark Healthy gh Hi lifelong wellness. The nt program is gra e ng High 5 school Challe rk Foundation. an initiative of the Highma tment Physical education depar io said that by acc arn Gu cia Ali chairperson K program in implementing the sPAr ent hopes to 2010-2011, the departm orous physical increase moderate and vig time. This ss cla activity to over 50% of ll improve wi d, sai io increase, Guarnacc the se rea inc , als go students' fitness d lead an s, sse cla ed ys ph enjoyment of t. emen to greater academic achiev use the grant l wil nt me art dep The PE new of to purchase $3,600 worth sPArK the h equipment to be used wit nt will gra the of curriculum. The rest luding inc , ent pm elo be used for staﬀ dev o tw d an ion tat en program docum on ng ini tra for ps ho full-day works the sPArK curriculum. trition "Physical activity and nu ing play a critical role in reduc Yvonne childhood obesity," said ghmark Hi Cook, president of the nt, gra s thi Foundation. "With l will oo sch gh Hi Chartiers Valley ilable ava s rce ou res l na have additio their to educate students–and le changes sty life ple sim on parents– ve the that can be made to impro children." r ou health and well-being of

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

  

 

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students from the Primary, Intermediate and Middle schools participated in the annual Invention Convention on April 30. Five Middle school inventors won awards including sixth grader Kylie Johnson, third place, seventh graders renae schoedel, honorable mention, and Alex roth, third place. Eighth graders Cody reinstadtler, a six-time participant, won an honorable mention and Himale ranade, a five-time competitor, won first place for her “Pop-up Glasses” invention.   other Ms inventors were Adam Atallah-Kugel, Nick   May, Austin Gutierrez, Andrew Maedinger, Maura  Malone, Katie Hommick, and sravanthi Chintakunta.  six Intermediate school participants included: Third grade - Gus deely, Amazing Arm; Kara red Cross representatives deanne Joseph, super saucer; Mirra rasmussen, dance Heller and Krystal Hartwick visited the doormat; Andy Windsheimer, The Wonder Hanger; Intermediate school on April 22 to accept the students' $500 donation to the Haiti fourth grade - dean roth, Hot Print; fifth grade Earthquake Fund. Ms. Heller talked to students about how the red Cross operates delaney McMahon, The Pop-Go. and about the huge undertaking it has been to distribute life-saving food, medicines, dean roth earned a category award and delaney and survival kits – including clean water, blankets, cooking supplies, and tents – to McMahon, Kara Joseph and Andrew Windsheimer children and families devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. The Haiti earthquake is earned Triple Crown Awards for participating in being called the worst natural disaster to strike the Western Hemisphere in the past three Invention Conventions. century. Estimates of the number of casualties are as high as 200,000. More than Nine Primary school participants included Jack one million people were left homeless and hundreds of thousands were injured. Piganelli - light-up Keyboard; Aviana Gutierrez - Flip The $500 donation from the students and Is PTG represents the Clip; Alli Halbleib - No Mess desk; Kelsey Humes proceeds from refreshment sales at the Is Talent show. special thanks Guinea Pig Aid; sam Kagle - The sneeze sleeve; Kelly lau go out to Is PTG Co-Presidents Mark and rita labbett for - Bug oﬀ!; Molly long - shells No More; Hailey roadway coordinating both the Talent show and the donation, and Ink Blaster; and devereau Zeleznik - Heated snow shovel. to Mr. McHugh for creating the "big check" Ps inventors who earned awards were: Jack Piganelli - 1st presented to Ms. Heller and Ms. Place; Hailey roadway - Honorable Mention; Alli Halbleib- 3rd Hartwick. Place, sam Kagle - 3rd Place, devereau Zeleznik - 2nd Place and Molly long - 1st Place. The students worked very hard to think of an invention idea, create advertisements and build a prototype. They documented all work in an Inventors log. Most of this work was done in class, but they did have to build the prototype at home. Each student put forth much eﬀort in order to complete their invention in time for the competition! In addition to learning, all of the students had a lot of fun.

  one mile is equal to 5,280 feet. A mile of dimes is worth $10,560 to the March of dimes in its effort to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, prematurity, and infant mortality. Primary school student Mackenzie Minney and her family know all too well how much the March of dimes' efforts mean. Mackenzie, the 2010 March of dimes Ambassador, was born 3 months premature and came into this world weighing a mere 1 pound, 9 ounces. At just 12 and 1/2 inches long, Mackenzie spent her first 37 days fighting for survival in the Neonatal Care unit at Magee-Womens Hospital. six years later, she's heading the Primary school's effort to help care for the nearly 500,000 babies born prematurely each year. As of May 7th, students at the Ps have collected more than $3,088 worth of dimes - which makes the school an official member of the Quarter Mile Club (a quarter mile of dimes amounts to $2,640). As the Pittsburgh Pirates are partnering with the March of dimes in this year's March for Babies, the Ps qualified to receive 10 free tickets to the team's May 23 game against the Atlanta Braves. Mackenzie picked the 10 winners from a blind drawing of participants’ names. The winners were sydney Capan, sydney Wertz, Anthony Chiurazzi, Jay Vakil, Mara Haley, lilian Fabus, shantianh Paul, Joseph Molinaro, Jacob Korczyk, and Grayce Woodrum. Additionally, the class that raised the most money received a free pizza party. 40

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  Fourth grade teachers held the first annual science olympiad at Chartiers Valley Intermediate school thanks to generous grants from the CVIs PTG and the spectroscopy society of Pittsburgh (http://www.ssp-pgh.org). The students participated in this truly memorable experience on Friday, May 14 and Monday, May 17. The spectroscopy society's $1,900 grant was used to purchase materials and resources for the events. The PTG provided the medals that were awarded to the top three teams in each event. science olympiad tournaments are academic interscholastic competitions consisting of a series of team events that students participate in. Competitions are hands-on and fast paced, following the format of popular games. These challenging and motivational events are well balanced between the various science concepts, science processes, and inquiry skills as well as science and technological applications. We have taken into account the scope and sequence of Chartiers Valley science curriculum as well as state standards. The students will participate in activities that enhance their prior knowledge, and are developmentally appropriate for all those involved. students were paired-up in classroom teams and competed against other 4th grade classrooms.

    

science Olympiad events/gold medalists Science Crossword - The purpose of this event is to test the student’s knowledge of scientific terminology - stefanie Currin, robbie Wanker, Jacob Kundra. Structures - This is a competition in which each team is attempting to build the highest pasta tower. Each team constructs a tower using only the 20 strands of spaghetti and 15 marshmallows - Jocey dunn & Jenna Wood. Grab a Gram - Teams will cooperate to pick up specified masses of various objects - Joel Fisher & Zachary Williams. Pentathalon - Five physical skills are interspersed with science questions in an obstacle course that will be run in a relay race style - sherry McBean & Camren Maselko. Reflection relay - Team members, supplied with pocket mirrors, cooperate to bounce a laser beam onto predetermined targets lauren lohman & Nathan Wood. Calculator Contest - This event is for students to demonstrate their knowledge of problem-solving using a hand-held, non-programmable calculator - Kelvyonna Bundridge & Jonathan uher. Naked Egg Drop - students will construct a landing zone for a raw egg. The landing zone

should be able to cushion a raw egg from increasing heights - Hallie Belasco & Camren Maselko. Manipulations - Participants will create figures, match patterns, and solve problems using tangrams. - Jayme Howell & lennon Zrimsek. Aerodynamics - Each two-member team will build one paper airplane to be flown a distance of at least five meters, landing on a predetermined target - rudha lakkuru & Gabrielle Palmosina. Bridge building - This event is to test a student’s ability to build a lengthy, strong, stable, and reproducible bridge from straws and tape - lauren lohman & James scalise. Barge Building - The purpose of this event is to construct a barge using aluminum foil that can support a cargo of the largest number of pennies without getting them wet - Jacob Francis & Jonathan uher. Science Jeopardy - ryan Estatico & Hunter Gordon.

A "Boot Camp Blast" at Amerifit Fitness with certified master trainer Jeannine richardson from september 7-october 14 will benefit the Chartiers Valley lady Colts basketball team. only 20 spots are available for this six-week, 12-session cardiovascular and strength training camp, so reserve your spot early. Goup sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 a.m. Contact Jeannine richardson at 412.215.2391 or email ninihart@verizon.net for additional information. The lady Colts Booster Club will also be hosting its inaugural golf fund-raiser at Fort Cherry Golf Club on october 9, 2010. The four-person scramble will feature skill prizes on numerous holes and a chance to win a weekend getaway, flat screen television, or $10,000. Foursomes can enter for $320. Contact booster president Jackie Coyne at jcoyne@cvsd.net or 412.583.8371 for additional information.

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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  Congratulations to the Girls Track Team which three-peated as section 7 Champions. The following school records were broken in track & field this season: • Girls 4x800 relay set a new record of 10:11.2 on April 14, breaking a 1986 record of 10:18.2. The relay team is comprised of Anna Carik, Courtney stewart, Brittany White and Alex Coyne. • Boys 4x800 relay set a new record on April 22, running 8:11.3 to break a 1989 record of 8:18.1. The boys' team is comprised of Connor Mclaughlin, Nick raker, Josh Hinnebusch and ryan steinbock. • Anna Carik set a new mark of 5:28.45 in the mile run, also on April 22. The following were individual/group Big 7 Champions: • Boys 4x800 relay - Connor Mclaughlin, Nick raker, Josh Hinnebusch & ryan steinbock • Girls 4x800 relay - Anna Carik, Courtney stewart, Brittany White & Alex Coyne • Girls 4x100 relay - Chelsey shepos, Angie Hartz, Jana leonhards & Amanda Mazur • Girls 4x400 relay - Chelsey shepos, Anna Carik, Angie Hartz & Amanda Mazur • Amanda Mazur - 100 & 200 • Angie Hartz - 400 • Jana leonhards - 300 Hurdles & long Jump • Anna Carik - 800 • Jacquay Hawkins - Triple Jump • Michelle defelice - Pole Vault

   

Congratulations also go out to girls’ varsity softball pitcher, sophomore lindsay reicoﬀ who broke the school's singleseason strikeout record in a non-section victory over Bethel Park on Friday, May 7th. lindsay finished the season with 173 Ks, shattering Keri Jadot's record of 147 strikeouts in 1990. In lacrosse, junior Alexis Wilkerson was named to the Western Pennsylvania select girls team that competed against top regional teams from around the country in the National High school Team Tournament in Baltimore over Memorial day weekend. Wilkerson was selected for one of the Western Pennsylvania team's 20 spots after a u.s. lacrosse sectional try-out May 2 at sewickley Academy. Congratulations Alexis!

 This year’s renaissance Festival was implemented by the IsB 10 English students of Mr. Krivanek. Jan Goedert was the coaﬃliate with Mr. Krivanek as they brought students into a new realm of learning. students explored the renaissance and romantic periods using technology and the library as their main sources for research. This exploration included crosscurricular activities that kept all life skills in mind. students witnessed foreign 42

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languages, mathematics, sciences and discoveries, history, and of course English literature. some topics studied included: War Tactics and Armor, William shakespeare, Macbeth, sports and Games, leonardo da Vinci, Music in the renaissance, life of a Peasant, and religion. The goal and objective of this assignment was simple: to have students discover learning through themselves, and to obtain a sense of real-life skills, such as social networking and peer-to-peer interaction, responsibility, cooperation and teamwork. students were expected to explore and find information that could help them identify with the era and then relate it to modern day aspects. The connection–students were involved in active learning with a teacher that had a constructivist’s approach in mind, resulting in a “great way to learn.”

 

and posters. “Every free minute I had, I was down here working on the posters,” she said. “But it was fun. Everyone had a good time during the shoot and I think everyone was pleased with the results.” Video coordinators included Tyler Wentz, Tyler Wilps, Joe Pacella, Jenna Hackett, and cameraman steve Hicken. Two days after the shoot, the students were still wired about the project. “We've heard that some of the Penguins have seen it and really liked it,” smith said. “I’m in the process of writing a letter and we're going to send a dVd copy to Coach Bylsma.”

 Middle school teachers and administrators announced Ben Wasson and Katie Formichella as male and female students of the Year at 8th Grade recognition on Wednesday, June 2. Ben and Katie were selected for their outstanding academic performance and achievements. Congratulations Ben and Katie!

               last year at the annual Vietnam Veterans symposium hosted by the CVHs social studies department and Mr. rodrigues, seniors Hannah Biondi and Barrett Herzer made note of the fact that Vietnam Veterans were never welcomed home by the united states as they returned from war. “one of the veterans mentioned it in passing,” Biondi said. "He wasn't complaining about it. He just said that when they returned from Vietnam they were treated poorly while veterans of previous wars were given ticker tape parades." Because many of these veterans were vilified upon their return from an unpopular war, Biondi and Herzer decided to throw them a parade as their joint senior project to express gratitude for their service to our country. The two planned the event to coincide with the Vietnam Veterans symposium, sending out invitations to CVsd board members and commissioners from local communities, printing “Bring the Boys Back” T-shirts for students to wear, lining-up convertibles for the veterans to ride in, and asking the marching band to lead the procession. The parade was a surprise to the veterans and based on their reactions, it will be a day they remember fondly.

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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The Pittsburgh Penguins selected the CVHs seniors' submission as the winner of the 2010 “students for stanley” contest. Each school entering the contest was judged on a three-minute video presentation showcasing the students' enthusiasm for the Penguins and their quest for another stanley Cup Championship. CVHs received a $2,500 donation from the Penguins to be used for an in-school program benefitting the student body. The winning video, a lipdub of outkast's "Hey Ya," was featured on the Penguins' website. lipdubbing, a type of video that combines lip syncing, audio dubbing, and a single unedited camera shot, is the latest rage on YouTube. The seniors' video was featured Wednesday, April 21, on the Pittsburgh Channel's links n'@ with Becky Emmers and can be seen in its entirety on YouTube.com (search CV lipdub). KdKA's dave Crawley visited with a group of the students responsible for producing and choreographing the video on April 27 for a feature on the station's 6 p.m. newscast. More than 80 seniors were involved in the video shoot on Monday, April 19. "These kids were highly motivated," Jeff Ackermann, instructor of the school's TV and Media classes said. "They probably had a useable take on the third take, but they wanted to do it better. I think the finished product shows what great kids we have here at CV and how passionate they can be. It was really hot in here that night and they were doing a lot of running around and really sweating, but they wanted to keep going until it was perfect." The video, one week in its planning stages, took nearly four hours to set up and shoot. Brooke smith was in charge of coordinating the decorations

       

   who does the road right-of-way Belong To? Quite often a township road right-of-way extends 10 to 12 feet out from either side of the street pavement. This strip will usually contain a sidewalk, a portion of a driveway, or grass and trees. While the township retains the right to use this strip to widen the road or place utility lines, the strip remains owned by the abutting property owner. With ownership comes the responsibility for maintenance. The property owner is responsible for cutting grass, trimming hedges and trees and maintaining the sidewalk, if any. If a tree in the right-of-way blocks or endangers traffic on the street, the township can move it, with or without permission of the owner, in the interest of public safety. But outside of such emergencies, the township has no role or responsibility for the removal or maintenance of trees in the right-of-way. Just as it is the township’s job to maintain the paved roadway and keep it safe, so it is the property owner’s job to maintain the right-of-way area, along with the rest of their property. The township appreciates and applauds the efforts of those property owners who make the effort to do so.

 did you know that it costs more than $6,000 to outfit a Collier Township Volunteer Firefighter?

Collier Township is starting a Volunteer Coordination service to connect those who want to help with those who need help. registration is easy. Call the Volunteer Hotline 412.429.6816 and leave your name and contact information (phone/email), a short message about your interests and the best time to contact you. A volunteer will return your call. or you can email the same information to colliervolunteer@comcast.net. Each organization participating is asked to provide a volunteer once a month for about three hours to answer and return calls and emails as well as to enter information about contacts and events into a database. Training will be provided at the Collier Municipal Building, 2418 Hilltop road. At this time, only Collier-based organizations can participate. For more information, organizations should contact Kay downey-Clarke at 724.693.0870 or email kayclarke@comcast.net.

       Grass, leaf and yard waste can be dropped oﬀ at the Collier Township Public Works stock Yard (110 Noblestown road, Carnegie, PA 15106) from 8 a.m. to noon on the following saturdays: • June 5, 2010 • July 10, 2010 • August 7, 2010

But knowing that a Firefighter will be there when you need one is priceless.

  

     

To participate in the drop-oﬀ: You can help those who help us. Please to donate to Collier Township’s Volunteer Fire departments to ensure that they are outfitted and ready to go when you need them the most. For more information on the 4th Annual Hall of Flame Golf outing, which benefits Collier Township’s Volunteer Fire departments or to donate, please visit www.colliertownship.net or call Bob schuler at 412.551.9412.

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• Proof of residency/property ownership is required. • Please use only approved paper bags which can be purchased at Home dept, lowe’s, Target and other local hardware stores in the lawn and Garden department. No PlAsTIC GArBAGE BAGs. • Bundle tree branches (not exceeding 4 ft. in length and 2 ft. in diameter) are accepted. • No bag or bundle may exceed 40 pounds.

 

     The Concerts in the Park series is back in 2010 on sunday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at Webb Field. refreshments will be available and remember to bring your own chairs.

The Collier Township Firefighters Association’s 4th Annual Hall of Flame Golf outing will be on Monday, July 12 (tee time at noon) at the Club at Nevillewood. We hope with the support we need now and have had in the past from sponsors, donors, players and volunteers, we will be able to succeed again this year in raising over $100,000 in the past three years. Everyone is encouraged to return their ticket stubs in time to participate in the drawings of $2,500 (1st), $1,000 (2nd), and $500 (3rd).

raindates will be the next sundays.

We are seeking sponsors, donors, auction items and basket raﬄe donations. registration deadline on June 25th. For more information, please contact Bob schuler at 412-551-9412 or visit the Township’s web site: www.colliertownship.net.

For more information contact rick laus at 412.370.9621 or 412.279.3412 or by email at mlaus@verizon.net. • June 27 – John Mcdonald & the Mango Men • July 25 – Mansfield Five • August 29 – Groove Merchant

  rock The Quarry X, the annual fundraiser for the Collier Friends of the Panhandle Trail, takes place August 27th and August 28th. The natural amphitheater-like setting is the backdrop for performances by a variety of bands including The Jamie Bruno Band, The Justin Fabus Band, Hidden Talents, Bill Ali Band, The Primatives, Midlife Crisis, EMJ Band and Buc Wyld.

Tickets for the rubber ducky race, 7 p.m. on saturday, are $5 with a top prize of $500. Back also are the u-Choose raﬄes with plenty of bountiful baskets to take a chance on and the sunset remembrance ceremony. For updated information, go to www.panhandletrail.org.

Cell Phones for soldiers are a non-profit charity. It addresses an everyday emotional need that everyone has experienced: the necessity to phone home, to hear a familiar voice far away. A phone call from overseas can cost $7 to $8 per minute. They provide prepaid calling cards to soldiers overseas and are in the need for used cell phones and accessories. Please help our soldiers by bringing your used cell phones and accessories to the Collier Township Police department between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. This is a tax-deductible donation.

  

The Family Fun Zone from noon to 5 p.m. on saturday will have science demonstrations, games and activities aimed at the kids. And of course, the famous hand-cut Quarry Fries along with a variety of food from several vendors will satisfy any appetite. This year we are also inviting non-food vendors to participate. For vendor information, call 724.693.8635 or email panhandletrail@gmail.com.

  

For more information call oﬃcer Zygmuntowicz at 412.276.5051 ext. 422 or email Cell Phones for soldiers at www.cellphonesforsoliders.com.

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

www.incommunitymagazines.com

  by Collier Township Police Chief Thomas devin • Never drive without a valid driver’s license or without having completed the driving course appropriate for operating your vehicle. • Always drive sober. remember that many of the drivers injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents are tested positive for alcohol or drugs. • Before driving, always make sure that the brakes of your car work safely. Also, do not postpone minor repairs and major maintenance routine of your vehicle. That would ensure the highest degree of safety while you are on the road. • No matter what the mode of transport, drivers and passengers should buckle up, including those sitting in the back of the vehicle. Wearing a seat belt decreases the risk of injury by three times. As many accidents happen close to home, experts recommend that you should buckle up and use correctly installed child seats even for short trips to a nearby grocery. • do not use your cell phone or PdA while driving – that might distract your attention from the road and lead to an accident. • If you are using a two-wheeled means of transport, including a bicycle, never ride without a helmet. Consistent helmet use can decrease your risk of brain injury for as much as 90%! Helmets can turn otherwise serious or even deadly accidents into minor ones.

  

Have a question for the Chief? Fill out the Contact Us Form at www.colliertownship.net or call the Police Station at 412.276.5051 or 412.279.6911.

  Non-gated communities are collected bi-weekly by Waste Management (1.800.866.4460). For all other items which can be recycled, i.e., batteries, electronics, paint, propane tanks, tires, wood, video tapes, pesticides, call 412.578.8390 or visit www.constructionjunction.org.

724.942.0940 to advertise

| IN Chartiers Valley

You can drop oﬀ newspaper, oﬃce paper, junk mail, magazines & catalogs (not wrapping paper, Christmas cards, cardboard or phone books) in the ABITIBI collection bins at the Presto or rennerdale VFd, or CVHs parking lot. For more information call 412.279.3001 or visit www.paperretriever.com.

    Non-gated community’s garbage and recycling should not be placed at the curb until 6 p.m. Tuesday or no later than 5 a.m. Wednesday. All bags and bundles must weigh less than 35 lbs., containers less than 40 lbs. Building materials, tires, car/lawn mower parts, leaves, brush and weeds are not collected. Any item containing Freon, i.e., refrigerators, freezers or A/Cs must have the Freon removed by a certified heating & cooling specialist and it must have their seal on it, or it will not be picked up. garbage service will be every wednesday for non-gated communities. service will be delayed by one (1) day after the following holidays only: May 31 – Memorial day & september 6 – labor day

 Want to know what’s happening in Collier Township? • Watch your mailbox for the quarterly issue of the IN Chartiers Valley Magazine. • Check the Collier Township website at www.colliertownship.net. • Attend a monthly meeting (days and times below) monthly meeting days and Times: Board of Commissioners - 2nd Wednesday @ 7:30 p.m. Planning Commission - 1st & 3rd Thursday @ 7 p.m. Zoning Hearing Board - 3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m. Municipal Authority - 2nd Thursday @ 7 p.m. Athletic Association - last sunday @ 7 p.m. Civil Service Board - 1st Tuesday @ 7 p.m. Parks & Recreation Board - 4th Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.

  The Parks & recreation Board wish to congratulate all our valiant, hard working volunteers who participated to clean up beautiful Collier Township on saturday, April 24th, especially since we did it despite the threatening weather. Also, a special thank you to our thoughtful friends who donated to our raﬄe. Corporate sponsors are to be congratulated for their generous contributions: First Niagara Financial Group, Giant Eagle, Bottleshop Café, Crystal springs Water, starbucks, and lane Construction. As usual, our Fire departments were bravely and eﬃciently on the job. We had 100 volunteers, 460 bags of trash and 300 tires picked up. A huge thank you to all for a job well done!!

   The Collier Township Board of Commissioners recently adopted the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code. A partial list of some important sections of the Code that residents should be aware of includes, but is not limited to: • Grass and weeds shall not exceed ten (10) inches in height. • No inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept, or stored on the property, and in no time shall a vehicle be in a state of major disassembly or disrepair. • All sidewalks, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair and maintained in good repair. • The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair. • Buildings and homes shall have plainly legible address numbers placed in a position to be visible from the street. • All exterior property areas shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition and free of debris. If you have any questions about the Code, please contact the Code Enforcement oﬃce at 412.279.9998.

       

Kay Downey-Clarke

President

Vice President

  

Bob Schuler

Gary Vituccio Township Manager

Timothy Young

Bill Snider

Wilson Durisko

IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

      

www.incommunitymagazines.com

SHE BROKE

THE GLASS

CEILING BEFORE ANYONE EVER

CALLED IT THAT. NOW SHE JUST NEEDS

A CONVERSATION.

Volunteer now. Thousands of seniors are trying hard to remain independent. But they need our help. A friendly visit. A ride to a doctor’s office. Even simple help with grocery shopping. Please join us. Volunteers are needed in every neighborhood, from as little as an hour a month to routine weekly visits. Learn more at 412-307-0071 or www. openyourhearttoasenior.org. An initiative of United Way of Allegheny County in cooperation with Family Services of Western Pennsylvania and North Hills Community Outreach

724.942.0940 to advertise

| IN Chartiers Valley

ince 1976, the Chartiers Valley swim Club has been a training ground for competitive and beginning swimmers alike. Nearly three decades later, the club still serves as a resource for local swimmers and an advocate for the sport. “swimming is such a great aerobic sport, and you can do it yearround,” said Mike schmidt, who is co-president of the swim Club, along with his wife, sharon. The CVsC features several divisions to accommodate swimmers of all levels. The most skilled swimmers participate in the competitive division, which includes children and teens ranging in age from six to 18 years old. That level corresponds with the greatest time commitment, with the oldest athletes practicing as many as six days per week. Middle school students typically practice three or four days each week, according to CVsC coach Jacinta Batisky. Youngsters who are still becoming familiar with the sport may choose the club’s swim lesson program, which is offered on Thursday evenings and saturday mornings. The CVsC also offers a two-week intensive lesson program, which will be held in May and is intended to get novice swimmers up to speed quickly in anticipation of summer. A third option, the red-Blue program, offers a mid-level alternative that is more involved than basic lessons but doesn’t rise to the intensity level of the competitive program. The red-Blue group meets on saturdays to improve all four of the basic swimming strokes. That program has proven to be a stepping stone to the competitive division. “Most of those kids converted over to [competitive] this year,” schmidt said. The Club uses the olympic-sized pool at Chartiers Valley High school for its practices and events, allowing them to practice in two 25-meter sixlane pools. That facility is an asset to its swimmers. “We have a unique pool that no one else in the area has,” schmidt said. CVsC swimmers train at the high school in september through July and team up with the scott Township swim team for practice in the summertime. In addition to programs for K-12 students, the CVsC also features a masters program that attracts participants in their college years,

lhinny

i mce By kell

senior citizens, and a wide variety of athletes in between. Those dedicated swimmers show up at 5:15 a.m. to practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and saturdays. “We have a lot of people who have been involved with the club for years for that,” schmidt said. Masters swimmers come to the club for a variety of reasons. some are training for triathlons, while others just enjoy the physical fitness associated with the sport. “They do some challenging workouts,” said Batisky, who is in her third year as the CVsC coach. Another group hopes to develop a competitive masters team. “They’re getting ready to do more than just come to practice,” Batisky said. While masters swimmers do need to have basic swimming ability, the club accepts less experienced swimmers at that level, too. Coaches will work with those swimmers to help them improve their skills. In fact, the size of the pool means that less experienced swimmers have ample space in which to hone their stroke. Batisky noted that patience and time are the biggest challenges for all learning swimmers. “It’s a very slow process,” Batisky said. “You have to learn how to breathe. You have to learn how to float. Then you can manipulate the stroke.” The CVsC’s competitive program is producing talented swimmers. last year the high school team set three new records. of

412.221.2248 724.745.7422 www.colemanmitchell.com info@colemanmitchell.com

the six swimmers at the high school level, four qualified for the WPIAl championships. At the same time, though, the CVsC hopes to boost its numbers. “We’re trying to build the program back up,” schmidt said. The club offers a free two-week trial to new swimmers, and dues can be prorated throughout the year for latecomers. Although the club accepts swimmers from throughout the area, its recruitment efforts are focused closer to home. “We believe there is an abundance of untapped swimming ability in the Chartiers Valley school district,” Batisky said. she added that even swimmers at the middle school and high school levels can benefit from joining the swim Club. “We’re a nice supplement to those programs,” Batisky said. New swimmers who join the program will develop a lifelong skill and fitness option. “It does stay with you one way or another,” said Batisky, who gave up competitive swimming at age 13 only to find herself coaching years later. The CVsC also is looking to add to its stable of teachers. “right now, we’d love to have more swim instructors,” said schmidt, who has a daughter and son involved with the club. Membership in the CVsC involves activities outside of the pool, as well. Participants also participate in community service projects. This year, they collected dog food for a local animal shelter, for example. “We do want them to appreciate all the wonderful things they have by reaching out to the community,” Batisky said.

Present this ad for a $10 discount

For more information on the CVSC, please visit the club’s Web site: www.cvswimclub.com.

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Expires 8/31/10 PA6846 IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DENTIST

Louis E. Damich Jr. DMD

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

412-221-1400 Now participating in most insurance plans 212 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA 15017 Phone: 412-221-1400

do you know someone who is serving in the armed forces from the Chartiers Valley area? We would like to honor them by featuring them in this magazine.

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Please forward your name, the soliderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and where they are serving, along with a photo to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.

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| IN Chartiers Valley

  Logic and emotions in the midst of a volatile month

our most recent IN Community article bore the title “march madness and investor madness.” Based on current trends and sentiments, the new, updated headline for investors would be more appropriately entitled “May Madness and Investor Fear!” Thus far in 2010, we have seen the dow Jones Industrial Average: • start trading 1-1 at 10,428 • Peak on 4-26 at 11,205 (YTD gain of 7.45%) • drop on 5-28 to 10,136 (YTD loss of 2.80%) The 10%-plus drop from the 4-26 top to most recent bottom (dow closed on 5-26 at 9, 974) qualifies as an official “correction.” (Source: yahoo.com). Moreover, doom and gloom headlines again dominate. The decline of the Grecian economy is the most recent πρόβλημα της ημέρας (Greek- ‘problem of the day’), along with overall global worries and a yet-tamed oil spill. if you are a short-term investor with a short-term view, you have every right to be fearful when others are fearful (a reversal of Warren Buffett-thinking). By all means, study the headlines and react accordingly. Is that to say that a financial advisor who believes in building long-term portfolios based on asset allocation, should never tweak allocations, never reposition some stock portions to bonds? Certainly not! Here two unemotional reasons to change an investment strategy: unemotional reason #1 to reallocate: To rebalance. If you are an investor with a financial plan whose target asset allocation is 60% to stocks and 40% to bonds, presently, your allocation may have declined to a 55-45 position. Assuming your annual rebalancing point was today, your portfolio would automatically re-set back to 60-40. How? By “selling high”, repositioning 5% out of bonds and “buying low”, adding 5% back into stocks. rebalancing is a critical part of a long-term strategy. unemotional reason #2 to reallocate: Changing Goals. There are a number of reasons why an investor and advisor might mutually decide to allocate more conservatively on a going forward basis, due to a change in a critical goal. The most frequent one is because a client is drawing nearer to retirement. There is a third, emotionally-charged reason why some investors do not adhere to a long-term strategy and may reposition their holdings your advice, might sell; emotional reason #3 to reallocate: I am scared! No further comment on this point is required. Just follow the media. We have often cited the annual Dalbar Study of returns and investor behavior for 20-year periods. The most recent data available is for the 19902009 period. during that 20-year span, the average investor sold his stock positions every 3.2 years. His results were as follows:

significant reference tool to illustrate the importance of creating a financial plan and then maintaining an asset allocation strategy. There was madness in May, 2010, which may well continue until May of 2011! Conversely, we could see a sharp reversal at some point, like we did in March of 2009 (when no one expected or predicted an about-face). should investors consider making a change to their asset allocation strategy in light of modified goals? Absolutely! should they make change based on current market trends, fueled by emotions? Absolutely not!

                

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8.20% average annual return, 1990-2009 You may object, “I do not have 20 years to invest…I am 70 years old.” If you plan to invest to receive income for the balance of your life (for joint-lives if married) then by definition, you are a long-term investor! Your allocation would certainly not be 100% to stocks. However, the dalbar study is a

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You don’t Have to be an Electrical Expert to re-wire your House. . . You Just Have to Know One.

by Pamela Palongue According to lou Iannazzi, general manager of Alpine Electric, one person per day is electrocuted in the u.s. A big part of the reason is homeowners often try to tackle their own electrical problems, and a small job can be just as dangerous as a major project. Iannazzi, who has over 40 years experience in the electrical business, stresses the importance of hiring an electrical contractor for your home that is experienced and trustworthy. Alpine electricians are licensed, drug tested and have passed background checks before even entering a home. They also attend weekly training meetings to constantly improve their service. Iannazzi adds that they take special care in treating the homeowner and property with respect, even donning booties prior to entering the home and laying down a protective carpet to protect the floors. Alpine Electric follows a protocol prior to any work being done that includes a free electrical panel inspection. This includes a panel inspection and checking circuitry. Before work begins, everything is explained to the homeowner and they are given an “up Front Price”

for the work. Iannazzi has developed a National service price guide which has set prices for any type of work to be done, based upon his years of experience in the field. once the price has been quoted, the customer only pays the flat rate, regardless of any additional supplies or labor needed to complete the job. This gives homeowners a sense of security knowing exactly how much the job will cost up front. This is especially important in a city like Pittsburgh where many of the homes were built prior to the 1940s. Many of these homes have what is called “open wiring” or “knob and tube wiring.” simply put, this is dangerous. In these homes there is no grounding to protect the house or its occupants and it is uninsurable. Alpine Electric can re-wire the house, bringing it up to code and making it safe and insurable. Having a guaranteed price can bring peace of mind when having work done on an older home that sometimes can lead to surprises. Although there are many people upgrading their homes with major projects, Alpine Electric can also help with minor jobs that can make like easier. Their company motto, “Empower Your lifestyle,” is all about making small changes that can make life easier for your family. Iannazzi has created a home owner wish list, for example, adding an outdoor door chime or under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Alpine can also add a surge protection system that will not only protect your expensive electronic equipment, but your family as well. They are available for emergencies 24-7. There is a set dispatch fee which varies on nights, weekends and holidays, but the work will cost the same, regardless when you have it performed, so there are no surprises when it comes to the bill. If you would like to talk to someone at Alpine Electric about improving the safety and quality of your home, you may contact them at 412.257.4827 or visit their website at www.callalpine.com.

Alpine Electric follows a protocol prior to any work being done that includes a free electrical inspection. This includes a panel inspection and checking circuitry. Before work begins, everything is explained to the homeowner and they are given an “Up Front Price” for the work. IN Chartiers Valley | Summer 2010 |

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hether or not you belong to a gym, perhaps you are a frequent traveler or maybe you’re just plain bored with your current workouts and the machines available. There is an alternative... bodyweight training. In my opinion, bodyweight training is far superior for overall fitness and will actually help you reach goals of burning fat and building muscle. It’s quite simple and dates back to when you were in high school and were forced to do push-ups, chin-ups and sit-ups. remember the dreaded Physical Fitness Tests? Whatever happened to those “old-fashioned” exercises? oh, they are still around and they are as eﬀective as ever. They are actually one of the reasons why Boot Camp style workouts are so popular today. Bodyweight training is one of the safest, most versatile and healthy ways for you to exercise. The power of your own body and using your own bodyweight to provide resistance is so often overlooked. Get stronger, get leaner and get healthier with the convenience of having your equipment with you 24/7. stop searching through fitness magazines and the internet for a good workout and get back to the basics. sure, free weights and machines will make you stronger, but they often target a certain muscle group rather than a movement. Take a bicep curl with free weights or a lat pull-down on a machine; these two exercises are called “open-chain” exercises, which means they only use one joint as the resistance is moved away from or toward the body.

When you train using your bodyweight with exercises such as a push-up or a lunge, you are performing what is called a “closed-chain” exercise, which uses multiple joints as the resistance is moved away from or toward an anchored body part. Closed-chain exercises are more functional and result in a greater motor unit activation which results in better strength performance compared to openchain exercises. The push-up is one of my favorite exercises. It’s ridiculously eﬀective. I tell my clients that when they are performing a push-up they are firing almost every muscle in their body. Most people think of a push-up as a chest exercise and although the pectorals are the primary muscle group; your arms are also flexing and extending, your core is working as your powerhouse and your leg muscles are activated as they hold your position. I incorporate pushups into most workouts and the beauty is that you can do a push-up anywhere. Five of my favorite bodyweight exercises are; push-ups, seated dips, squats, lunges and crunches. These five exercises can be used in a circuit for a full-body workout and they can be easily modified for your own level of fitness. A sample workout may be 15 pushups, 15 squats, 15 seated dips, 15 alternating lunges and 30 crunches. You can repeat all five exercises (15 reps of each) 2 or 3 times initially. As you progress, add more repetitions and then additional sets. Perfect form is always the key, even if you need to modify the exercise. You can check out the proper technique for each exercise on the internet (YouTube is great). of course it is still important to strengthtrain with weights, but by adding bodyweight exercises regularly, you will begin to notice the benefits and best of all, you will see results.

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Academically Speaking what’s going on at

Our Lady of Grace School

A Foundation in Gospel Values, Service to the Community, and Academic Excellence. 1734 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 • 412-279-6611 www.olgscott.net

Miss Lindsay Pfister, Principal

Mrs. Lisa DeCello-Golden Apple Winner Mrs. Lisa DeCello, a kindergarten teacher, is a recipient of this year’s Diocese of Pittsburgh Golden Apple Award. This is the highest honor bestowed on teachers in the Diocese. The award acknowledges teachers who epitomize Gospel values, instructional excellence, and service. Mrs. DeCello is a thoughtful, kind, motivated teacher respected by all who know her. She exemplifies the necessary and diverse qualities of a Catholic school teacher. She views her position as a calling from God and understands that she has the responsibility to address the spiritual and academic needs of each student in her care. Her calm and reassuring demeanor is perfect for the young students she teaches. Mrs. DeCello has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters in Reading and Language Arts from Duquesne University.

JA Competition Winners Through the Junior Achievement Program our eighth grade students participated in a program to help promote the Pittsburgh region as a great place to live, work, and play. To kick off OLG's 8th grade projects, Carolyn Kukurin and Douglas Griffith from State Farm Insurance, our partner company, shared information about State Farm with the class. At the culmination of the JA unit, each team was responsible for creating a job recruitment campaign for the partner company. The campaign was to be factual as well as creative and persuasive

JA Winners 2010 and included a brochure and a written report. In addition to the brochures and written reports, our students designed PowerPoint presentations, mock interviews, and a website for their presentations. Ten finalists were chosen from Allegheny County to compete at the Job Fair Competition held on April 23, 2010 at Duquesne University. Among the ten finalists were two teams from OLG. Students on the teams were Jacob Kusajyts, Katherine Manolios, Josh Centore, Cameron Walker, and Ryan McNamara, Kyle Westover, Dallas Zuk, Erin

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Ferrie, and Rosie Amrhein. One of the teams from OLG placed in the top three. PJAS Competitors Two students from Our Lady of Grace School travelled to the Penn State campus this May to compete at the state level for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. Mrs. Georgeanne Cluskey, middle school science teacher, was their sponsor. The students began projects in the fall of 2009 which utilize the scientific method to investigate an area of science. Corey Griffith and Megan Jenkins each received first place awards for their projects at Penn State. Corey competed in Physics with a project that looked at the effect of magnets on miniature race cars on a track. Megan competed in the Behavioral Science category with a project that investigated whether listening to different types of music while taking a test impacted scores. Earlier in the year, Christina Vaccarello and Anne Radzanowski received second place awards at the regional competition. Our Lady of Grace has a long standing tradition with the PJAS program. PJAS coupled with the science club in younger grades promotes interest in science and technology.

Moran Wangler-Carson Scholar Morgan Wangler, an eighth grader, was selected as a 2010 Carson Scholar. She is among a very special group of over 4,200 students from across the country to be acknowledged for strong academics, leadership, and community service. Morgan received a $1,000 scholarship that will be invested for her college education. In addition to being a Carson Scholar, Morgan excels in academics while also participating in musical theatre. She is a cantor at church, a mentor to other students, student council co-president, a Junior Ambassador for food allergies, and a volunteer at local nursing homes. Our Lady of Grace School After a year of preparation, we are very pleased to announce that Our Lady of Grace School has received a Certificate of Accreditation in Grades PK3-8 from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. The school has demonstrated that it is effectively advancing the quality of educational experiences it offers its students and meets its responsibilities to the public and the profession of education, and complies with standards for accreditation that are established by the Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools.

Fibroids are common. Our approach to treating them is not. Uterine fibroids are a common condition, affecting approximately three out of four women. Although noncancerous, fibroids can sometimes cause symptoms that include unusual periods and pelvic and back pain. If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, the Fibroid Treatment Center at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC will help you understand all the alternatives available. We were the first in the region to employ a multidisciplinary approach that brings a number of experts together to determine the best treatment plan, including minimally invasive techniques. Our board-certified gynecologists, along with surgeons and radiologists, work with your primary care physician to provide seamless care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as peace of mind.

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