in-fox-chapel-area by IN Community Magazines

Winter 2010

ox Chapel Area COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Keep Your Resolutions Outdoor Winter Sports Fox Chapel Area School District

                          6- and 12-month Individual Advantage Plans

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ost childhood Christmas memories are of joyful occasions with precious family-bonding moments: mom and dad singing Christmas carols; children with happy, angelic faces gazing up at them in tranquil adoration. My own memories are also quite happy. But after comparing notes, I have slowly come to realize that my entire family is quite possibly out of their spruce tree. So, for an inside look at how a dysfunctional family spends its Christmas, please read on… Immediately after Thanksgiving, a disturbing lunar phase would always begin at our house. My otherwise fairly normal, career-oriented mother would begin to clean our house in anticipation of my grandparents’ arrival for Christmas. Not the normal tidying up one might do for a family visit. No, this was more like a murder had been committed at our house and my mother’s cleaning was the frantic attempts of the killer to remove every shred of DNA evidence. My mother would methodically begin to disinfect every object in our house, including the dogs. Not even my toys, which were thoroughly soaked in bleach, were spared, resulting in my Malibu Barbie turning into a white-haired old lady in need of a sunbed. I have never been sure why my mother was so intimidated by her mother-in-law, but she apparently lived in fear that the frail, gray-haired woman would somehow drag a stepladder into the kitchen and, risking hip fracture, stand on the top rung to inspect for dust above the cabinets. My father’s style of celebrating the holidays was the polar opposite of a Brady Bunch Christmas. Less than enthused about stimulating the economy through gift-giving, he wasn’t terribly fond of the Christmas tree either. So in their new house, he ingeniously designed a special closet where a fully decorated Christmas tree on rollers could be wheeled out Dec. 1 and neatly rolled back into the closet on Dec. 26. Surely, he must be at least partially responsible for my quirky and oftentimes odd behavior. December 18 my grandparents would arrive. My grandfather would wheel into the driveway, screeching tires, and jump out of their Buick proudly announcing, “Made it in 6 hours and 15 minutes,” the goal being to shave minutes off of last year’s time. My grandmother, still white-lipped from the G-forces, would peel herself off the car seat and wobble in, complaining that my grandfather had driven 85 mph all the way.

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On Christmas Day, my mother, who does not cook but is highly skilled at thawing and microwaving, morphed into Betty a Crocker, sgiving, s k n a h T r ay attempting such tely afte ase would alw ia d e m e h Im ther wis complex dishes as lunar p turbing r house. My o d mother is d green-beannte t ou begin a al, career-orie house in casserole and rm our fairly no egin to clean ents’ congealed salad. b andpar r ld g y wou m f as. Unfortunately tion o anticipa al for Christm with the pressure arriv of the day, she would usually charcoalize the green-bean casserole. (I’m not sure if charcoalize is a word, but I really like it.) One holiday, my thoughtful grandfather shocked the entire village by crossing gender lines and washing dishes. Unfortunately, while dishwashing, his dentures flew into the garbage disposal as if sucked out of his mouth by an unseen evil force. He quickly turned off the disposal and pulled out a set of mangled dentures. Silently, he turned the switch back on and threw the dentures back into the garbage disposal. I miss him. Maybe we are all a little dysfunctional in one way or another. With the holidays, it’s easy for anyone to get a little neurotic. So, in between cursing the bakery for selling the last Boston crème pie and that mad dash for the last parking space at the mall, just keep saying under your breath, “Peace. And on earth, good will toward mankind.” Happy holidays.

Contents Fox Chapel Area | WINTER 2010 |

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 -1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

Here’s to a Happy, Healthy Winter If winter isn’t your favorite season, look inside for some great ways to keep your health and spirits intact.

What’s Inside page 2

50 Publisher’s Message

FEATURES

| |

COMMUNITY INTEREST

| |

56 |

The Big Chill: Cold Weather Workouts and Your Heart

page 3

The Difference a Number Can Make Back-Friendly Tips for Snow Shoveling

page 4

Be Happy and Healthy This Winter Are You Sad? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

page 5

New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

page 6

When Kids Get Hurt, We’re Ready

page 7

What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 29

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Older Adults in Fox Chapel Area By Josh Wetmore | 50

2010 Roth Conversion

By BPU Investment Management Inc. | 27 |

DINING OUT

Tai Pei

ON THE COVER

St. Scholastica Church in Aspinwall.

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

elcome to our winter issue! At this time of year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking that journey with us that was 2010. This year was one full of blessings for IN Community Magazines, as we’ve grown to serve 32 communities throughout Western Pennsylvania. While it’s been a challenge for us, it was one that we met head-on, and with great success. For that, I would like to thank my staff. I’d also like to thank two other groups who make this magazine what it is – you, our readers, and our advertisers. Firstly, it’s our readers who help shape this magazine into what you see in your hands right now. Those of you who took the time to call, e-mail or write in with your ideas and events are the ones who set our table of contents. We pride ourselves on the fact that we listen to you and your ideas because, in the end, this is your community and you know it best. So I continue to encourage you to send in your ideas to our editor at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. Secondly, to our advertisers, I thank you for your continued support of IN Community Magazines. I’ve heard from so many of you that advertising with us is working for you, and I’m proud that our magazines are a great vehicle for you. But what is also important is that by advertising with us, you’re also supporting your community. You’re giving those who read these magazines the content that they enjoy and look forward to each issue. Because of you, our readers can be entertained and informed. So, readers, in this last issue before 2011, I urge you to take a second or third glance at the advertisers who support your community magazine before you make your holiday gift lists. If you like this magazine, let them know and make a point to stop in their businesses. They’re not just trying to sell you something, they’re also your neighbors and community sponsors. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and the best that 2011 has to offer!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you.

IN Fox Chapel Area is a non-partisan community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Fox Chapel 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. PUB LIS H ER

Wayne Dollard AS S ISTA NT TO TH E PUB LIS H ER

Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A NAGING ED ITOR

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com OFFIC E M A NAGER

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com ED ITOR IA L AS SISTA NT

Jamie Ward j.ward@incommunitymagazines.com W R ITERS

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue GR A PH IC D ES IGN

Michael Andrulonis Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Susie Doak Pati Ingold

Bill Ivins Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco

Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions A DV ERTIS ING S A LES

s the holiday season approaches, I hope you'll step away from the list making and cookie baking for just a few minutes to enjoy the information we have compiled for this edition of Fox Chapel Area. As always, our goal is to offer a bit of insight into the community. Some of our most interesting features focus on residents and their passion in all things "community." As you are going through your busy days (and holiday parties) please don't forget to let us know about any person or organization who you feel would be interesting for us to feature. We get some of our best story ideas and are so inspired by our readers! The amount of good will and charitable activity that seems to flow from the Fox Chapel Area community is amazing and awesome. From all of us at In Community Magazines, we hope your holiday will be filled with a good dose of peace and a little bit of joy, and that you’re surrounded by the love and companionship of those who mean the most to you.

Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor

Nicholas Buzzell David Mitchell Brian Daley Tamara Myers Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Robert Ojeda Rose Estes Annette Petrone Beatriz Harrison Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Jessie Jones Michael Silvert Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.

CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

www.incommunitymagazines.com Spring issue deadline: Janaary 31, 2011

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WINTER 2010

PH OTOGR A PH ERS

Every piece of the

ox Chapel Area

Fox Chapel Area

P izzazz A Shopper's Paradise magine all of your favorite boutiques, the really special ones, coming together under one beautiful roof! Well, that's exactly what the Garden Club of Allegheny County pulled together at the Fox Chapel Golf Club in October. Thirty-two unique boutiques from across the nation opened up shop for guests at PIZZAZZ 2010. Shoppers enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks while meandering through the fabulous "shops" set up throughout the club.

I Lynda Coslov, Eileen D'Appolonia

Beth Wainwright, Russ Kemerer

Proceeds raised at this two-day event help fund the green roof at Phipps Conservatory's Center for Sustainable Landscapes, soon to be one of the world's first â&#x20AC;&#x153;living buildings.â&#x20AC;? For information on the Garden Club of Allegheny County, visit www.gcacpgh.org.

June Meyer, Janie Thompson, Sandy Freeman

Carol Weir, Laurie Johnson, Mary Barbour

Diana Thompson, Alyce Fiedler, Betsy Thompson

John Rudolph, Alice Snyder, Coco Rudolf

Judi Collins, David Connolly, Penny Jacobs

Lindsay Mork, Marilyn Carpenter Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Haî&#x17D;?y Holidays ox Chapel Area

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Somali Bantu Refugee Family Finds Home Ownership Possible

ome ownership remains a dream for many families during these difficult economic times. But for a family who fled civil war and ethnic persecution in their Somali homeland, it is a special dream come true. On Saturday, Sept. 18, the seven-member Muya family was surrounded by family, friends, and the volunteers who renovated the 100-year-old Sharpsburg house as they dedicated their new home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh. Brought to the United States in 2004 from a refugee camp in Kenya, the Muya family invested a minimum of 350 hours of sweat equity into the house they will now call home. It’s the culmination of a nearly-perfect Habitat build scenario. “I feel like I can fix anything in my new house,” said Mr. Muya. Having applied in 2008, it has been a long road for the family, mainly because so many Habitat applicant families want to live in Sharpsburg. The father is employed while the mother is a stay-athome mom, taking care of their five children. “It is the interest-free component which makes Habitat homes affordable,” said Maggie Withrow, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh. “The family’s mortgage payment will be about $300 per month over a 30-year period. At less than half for what they are paying for rent now, that’s affordable, especially for a family of seven.” Their $300 per month payment includes an escrow component for homeowners insurance and taxes.

The Sharpsburg house cost Habitat about $25,000 to renovate, excluding overhead expense. Habitat and donors upgraded the existing bathrooms, installed energy efficient windows, replaced the roof, added insulation, refurbished the kitchen and front porch, repainted the interior, and landscaped the small back yard. The third story was gutted and refinished into usable living space with new drywall and flooring. The family will have a new stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. The house was funded by thirteen churches from the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh as part of Habitat for Humanity's first Faith Build. This effort was coordinated through Nancy Lapp, Chair of the Social Justice and Outreach Committee for the Episcopal Diocese, Habitat’s board treasurer Mark Rust and VISTA faith relations volunteer Christina Bologna. In addition to funding, the churches also volunteered to help renovate the house along with other volunteers from Lowes, Quinnipiac University, Fox Chapel High School Habitat Campus Chapter, Meinert Landscaping, Dave Lombardi Brick and Block, and Steve Coco’s Building Products Inc., located in Sharpsburg. The house was donated to Habitat for renovation by the generosity of the Joe Rios family. It was through the donation of the house by the Rios family that the process of approving a family, acquiring funds and rehabilitating the house was made possible.

Habitat program families must meet three basic criteria to qualify for a home: 1) They must have a demonstrated need for affordable housing – currently living in substandard housing – defined as overcrowded, unsafe, plumbing or electrical problems, etc. 2) They must be ready, willing, and able to perform 350 hours of sweat equity – their time instead of a cash down payment on a home. 3) Most importantly, they must have the ability to pay back an interest-free loan. Funds for Habitat homes are donated and the homes are sold to the program families through interest-free mortgages. As the homeowners make their mortgage payments, they are deposited into Habitat’s “FUND FOR HUMANITY,” which recycles the payments into the construction of even more homes. Using this business model, Habitat for Humanity International has built over 350,000 homes, providing over 1.75 million people with decent, affordable housing since 1976. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh has built or renovated 66 homes in Allegheny County since 1986. For additional information about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, call 412.271.4663 or visit www.pittsburghhabitat.org.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Photos courtesy Town and Country Studio

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Fox Chapel Area School District

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Dear Residents of the Fox Chapel Area School District, he Fox Chapel Area School District continues to receive recognition for outstanding performance in core academics, the arts, sports, and development of the total child. The fall edition of IN Fox Chapel Area Magazine highlighted outstanding accomplishments at each level including the recognition of Dorseyville Middle School as a National Schools to Watch school. Also featured were the average SAT and ACT scores in 2010 which far surpassed the state and the nation in every academic area. It takes a unified effort by everyone in our school district to move in a direction that results in these types of outstanding accomplishments.

In this edition of our magazine, you will read about Fox Chapel Area High School’s 28 seniors who were recently recognized in the National Merit Program. Eleven seniors have been designated as National Merit Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Locally, only 116 merit scholarship semifinalists were named from 35 high schools. Top schools having ten or more finalists included only Fox Chapel Area, Mt. Lebanon, and North Allegheny. You will also read about the outstanding competitive year for the Marching Foxes who capped off an undefeated Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association (PIMBA) season by placing first among Class A bands at the PIMBA Championships. Music and art education remain a strong focus in the Fox Chapel Area School District. Sports, club sports, and activities round out the education of students in the Fox Chapel Area School District. The fall sports season resulted in nine of the ten high school varsity athletic teams qualifying for WPIAL post-season play. The girls’ varsity golf team completed the most successful golf season in the history of the school; girls’ varsity field hockey continued to build on their existing successes by winning the WPIAL Class AAA Section 2 Title; and both boys’ soccer and football concluded outstanding seasons at Dorseyville Middle School. Great academics, opportunities to excel in the arts, and winning sports teams all come about because of the dedication to each area by so many educators and outstanding young men and women. Combined, they create educational opportunities that do not stop with graduation. Educating and nurturing the talents of each student remains the number one goal throughout the Fox Chapel Area School District. Thank you for your continued support of education. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D. Superintendent

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Fox Chapel Area School District

 leven Fox Chapel Area High School seniors have been designated as National Merit Semifinalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The Semifinalists from Fox Chapel Area High School are: Matthew Brady, Miranda Chang, Sequoia Leuba, Sofia Manfredi, Maureen McGill, Vikram Mookerjee, Pavan Rajgopal, Katharine Reineman, Tadhg Schempf, Alimpon Sinha, and Trevor Weis. The Semifinalists represent less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors. The Semifinalists now have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and compete for about 8,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $36 million to be offered in the spring of 2011. Additionally, 17 high school seniors were named Commended Students. They are: Alexander Constantino, Madeline Docimo, Olivia Fukui, Grant Gittes, Jennifer Goetz, Jacob Hartman, Salem Hilal, Filip Istvanic, Jay Jung, Talora Martin, Vedant Patel, Dale Peterson, Forrest Rosenblum, Theresa Schaffner, Ahmed Shalaby, Daniel Tracht, and Anthony Verardi. This year’s National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students were selected based on their 2009 Preliminary SAT/

Photo Courtesy Town and Country Studio

National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores. Each year collegebound 11th grade students complete the PSAT/NMSQT. All the students who take this test are automatically enrolled in the National Merit Scholarship Program and approximately 16,000 advance to become Semifinalists and about 34,000 are Commended.

Fox Chapel Area High School 2011 National Merit Semifinalists.

Student Featured in Family Circle Magazine hat started out as a desire to help people locally, is turning into a national effort for Fox Chapel Area High School senior Hunter Berk. Hunter was recently featured in the November 29, 2010, edition of Family Circle magazine (http://www.family circle.com /family-fun/volunteering/collegebound-collection/) for his efforts to collect college prep test books no longer being used by the students who purchased them. His project, called the College Bound Collection (CBC), provides an inexpensive and easy way for underprivileged students to have access to college prep materials. Realizing that most of these materials would have been left laying around or

even thrown away once the students were done taking the SATs or ACTs, Hunter decided to start a collection in the summer of 2009. Since that time Fox Chapel Area students have donated hundreds of books which can be accessed through the high school guidance office. Hunter says he found, “Surprisingly, most of these books were unused or partially unused, leaving tens of thousands of pages worth of study material wasted if not for the collection.” Following the recent publication of the Family Circle article, Hunter has been contacted by representatives from other schools from across the United States wanting to start their own collections.

Fox Chapel Area

Seventh Graders Honor Veterans

“We have some real-life heroes with us today.” he seventh graders brought mothers, fathers, uncles, a grandparent, neighbors, and a friend – all veterans of the United States military – to be honored at a special recognition ceremony on Veterans Day. The Dorseyville Middle School students proudly introduced their special guests as part of the program and each of the veterans was honored individually and presented with a certificate. The program began with a small group of students singing and playing the national anthem. Seventh grade teacher Todd Ashbaugh then talked about the history behind Veterans Day, and guest speakers spoke about their experiences in the military. Retired Col. James Nemec, now a dentist who lives in Kittanning, spoke about the importance of honoring veterans. Additionally, James Ashbaugh, the father of Todd Ashbaugh, spoke about his experiences in Vietnam. Another veteran, Ray Tarr who is a neighbor of Todd Ashbaugh, talked with the students about the day he was seriously injured in Vietnam. Mr. Tarr’s unit is even the subject of a book, “The Anonymous Battle.” The day’s activities made student Darrian Difatta very grateful for all that veterans have done. She proudly brought her grandfather, Indiana Township resident Frank Difatta, a Navy veteran who served in Korea, to the event.

“This day was really important to me. It was a nice thing to see that my grandfather could be here. They’ve done a lot to sacrifice for us,” Darrian said of her grandfather and all veterans. Student John Bach brought his mother, Linda (who served in the Army Reserves), and his uncle, Carl Zinsser (an officer who served in the Army from 1975-1987). Mr. Zinsser was able to attend as he happened to be visiting from California. “I really appreciate everything veterans have done for us, and the people who are serving now,” John stated. Mrs. Bach noted how meaningful it was for the students to hear about the veterans’ experiences first-hand. “It’s important to

remember the sacrifice that many people have made for my freedom – for all of the freedoms that we have.” Mr. Zinsser continued, “We need to recognize all those who have given so much of themselves – for their family and for their country.” Mr. Zinsser appreciated hearing the veterans’ stories as part of the day’s events. “There’s a lot we don’t know about what these vets have been through. You won’t read those stories in the paper,” he says. At the conclusion of the assembly, Todd Ashbaugh urged the students to really think about their definition of a hero. “We have some real-life heroes with us today,” he stated.

Photos Courtesy Town and Country Studio

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Fox Chapel Area School District

Marching Foxes Cap Off Undefeated Season with First Place Win he Fox Chapel Area High School Marching Band recently capped off an undefeated Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association (PIMBA) competition season by placing first among Class A bands at the PIMBA Championships October 30, 2010. The Marching Foxes placed first in their three other PIMBA competitions this season, garnering two or all three Class A citations – winning high music, high visual, and/or high general effect – at each competition. Superintendent Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D., saluted the band saying, “The Marching Foxes are representative of what a small group of dedicated young men and women can accomplish when they keep their eye on the target and work really hard. The work that goes into getting ready for each marching season, each performance, and each competition is beyond what most people realize. This undefeated season in PIMBA competition is a great reward for our band and each member of the Marching Foxes.” This year’s Marching Foxes competition program was entitled “Rebound.” It contained intricate musical arrangements featuring a mellophone trio, the saxophone section, and a bass solo, with highenergy choreography for both instrumentalists and the band front. The Fox Chapel Area High School Marching Band is under the direction of high school music teacher Daryl Lesnik, assisted by Patrick Englert and Michael Rethage. Senior drum major Amanda Myers provides field direction, assisted by junior Molly Eckman. For more information on the Marching Foxes, please visit www.marchingfoxes.com.

Members of the Fox Chapel Area High School Marching Foxes show off the PIMBA Championship plaque and gold medals.

Congratulations Marching Foxes! 12

Fox Chapel Area

Students Explore Ways of Being Smart choices. Those top two learning preferences determine a student’s learning style. Based on survey results, students were placed at two stations that best represented their approach to learning. Stations were set up throughout the school, and even outside, to allow students to explore activities that highlight their strengths. Each student had the opportunity to spend a half hour at each of two stations. The stations had various activities including games, puzzles, and educational games on interactive whiteboards and laptops. Additionally guest speakers and leaders also came to the school to help with some of the activities. For example, a fitness instructor taught yoga and a naturalist spoke with students about the environment. Multiple Intelligence Day has been happening at Fairview for four years. It was started through a joint parent and teacher initiative. Teachers and parents are involved by helping with the planning and also assisting students at the various stations. airview Elementary School Principal Sari McNamara, Ed.D., enthusiastically labels Multiple Intelligence Day as an opportunity for everyone in the school to come together to identify, recognize, and celebrate each other’s various interests and ways of “being smart.” “It’s important for children to know that, while everyone is different, each of us brings a unique combination of interests, talents, and abilities to the table of life,” Dr. McNamara says. Multiple Intelligence Day is based on Howard Gardner’s theory of eight intelligences. The idea behind his theory is that each individual is smart in different ways and learns more easily using different approaches. According to his theory, the various intelligences include verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical/rhythmic, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. All Fairview Elementary students took a survey a few weeks before Multiple Intelligence Day to identify each student’s top two

Students used their bodies and minds to gather letters and then made as many words as they could from the letters.

According to school counselor Stefanie Lipke, the day’s activities are very informative because they help students appreciate their own strengths and interests. “It’s important, not only for the students, but it helps teachers and parents understand that each individual learner is unique, and we want to help foster their ability to safely explore and learn in different ways,” Mrs. Lipke states. “We want to help students develop an awareness and understanding of themselves – that we’re all smart in different ways.” Fourth grader Grace Wiegand enjoyed the fact that she got to use both her body and her mind to learn. “I liked it because we got to run around, but we still got to do some thinking too,” she says. Fairview fifth grader Hunter Mahon particularly liked building with the No Ends construction toys. “With the [No Ends], you could just express yourself,” he says, as he shows off the atom he created. “You weren’t limited to what some computer program says you can do.” Dr. McNamara describes just how much the students like the day’s activities. “Our students’ enthusiastic engagement in this day is so highly intense that it becomes one of the most productive days of the school year!”

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Fox Chapel Area School District

Team members of the Return of the Chomping Chocolates accept their trophy at the annual Battle of the Books Tournament.

Kerr Students Win District Reading Tournament he Chomping Chocolates made a triumphant return at the Fox Chapel Area School District Battle of the Books Tournament. The team, now fifth graders, from Kerr Elementary School won the tournament for the second year in a row. The “Return of the Chomping Chocolates” team members included Sarah Anderson, Madeleine Chesek-Welch, Morgann Green, Lainey Kasian, and Sara Puthenpurayil. The tournament is the culmination of eight weeks of reading and studying books from a selected book list. The fourth and fifth grade students formed teams and worked with parent team managers to help prepare for the competition. According to Sarah, her team met once a week and as the competition got closer, twice a week. Sarah’s mom, Lisa Anderson, was the official team manager, but each of the girls’ mothers helped develop questions to go along with the books and also practiced with the girls. Members of the Return of the Chomping Chocolates even held a mock competition with their moms prior to the actual Battle of the Books. During the competition the students on each of the 51 teams answered questions about the 11 books they read. Students also illustrated various

Fox Chapel Area

books on poster-board shields which were displayed around the O’Hara Elementary School auditorium during the tournament. “Winning was exciting,” Lainey states. “It was the second win in a row and it was a big win for Kerr!” The winning team is awarded a traveling trophy featuring the school’s name and the year. The winning school also gets a plaque engraved with the team and students’ names on it. Principal Paul Noro, Ed.D., states that he would like to “red-shirt” the Chomping Chocolates so they can come back and win again next year. Lainey’s advice for next year’s group who hopes to win? “Just study hard and don’t get too nervous.” The Battle of the Books is a program which encourages reading and gives recognition to students who like to read. The tournament, held in November, is sponsored by the elementary library department of the Fox Chapel Area Schools. The Fox Chapel Area elementary librarians are Karen Fornari, Kathy Hoel, Kirsten Moller, Lynne Orsega, and Jasmine Precopio.

Telethon to Benefit Luke Hadley Foundation

ox Chapel Area School District students will hold their annual telethon December 23 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For the second year in a row, the telethon will raise money for the Luke Hadley Foundation and will involve students from all of the schools in the district (Fairview, Hartwood, Kerr, and O’Hara elementaries, Dorseyville Middle School, and Fox Chapel Area High School). Student, teacher, and parent representatives will be participating in the telethon for the Luke Hadley Foundation by making donations during the live event. Additionally, a representative from the Luke Hadley Foundation will appear on the telethon. The public is also invited to make donations by dropping them off at any of the schools’ main offices during school hours, or mailing them to any district school, from now until the telethon December 23. Checks should be made payable to the “Luke Hadley Foundation.” Comcast cable customers will be able to see the telethon live on Channel 98 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. December 23. Customers

with Verizon FIOS can view the telethon live on Channel 28. The telethon will also be rebroadcast every day (December 23January 2) through Comcast and Verizon FIOS from 4-6 p.m. The telethon is coordinated by the television production and marketing/ management students of the high school who plan and produce the event. The telethon theme this year is “Luke’s Got a Friend in Me.”

The Luke Hadley Foundation exists to provide organizations that care for medically fragile children with the means necessary to give them the best quality of life possible. The goal is to provide these organizations with toys, activities, programs, equipment, and supplies that will put smiles on the faces of these medically and emotionally fragile children. Luke Hadley was born with an extremely rare chromosome disorder called Ring 14. He was one of 65 documented cases worldwide. Luke lost his life on October 30, 2008, at the age of two. Luke’s mother, Kara Hadley, is a teacher in the Fox Chapel Area School District. Luke’s father, Jeff, is a former district teacher. Following Luke’s passing, the family formed the Luke Hadley Foundation. The students in the Fox Chapel Area School District have donated more than $422,000 to various charities through their annual telethon over the last 20 years.

Fox Chapel Area Merchandise Available Online

ust in time for the holidays, the online Fox Shop is open for business! Fox Chapel Area students, parents, alumni, and friends will now be able to shop for their favorite “Foxes Fan” 24/7 from anywhere in the world. According to high school business teacher Jill Tabis, the online Fox Shop will at first feature mostly apparel, plus a few other popular items like stadium blankets and bags. She and school district athletic director Mike O’Brien worked with Dan and Michael Broudy, both Fox Chapel Area High School alumni (Class of 92 and Class of 95, respectively), to choose items for the store that will most appeal to parents, teachers, students, and alumni. The Broudy brothers own the promotional marketing firm Clayton Kendall, which will supply and ship items directly to the customers.

“The consumer market heavily relies on online stores,” says Mr. O’Brien. “Anyone from anywhere in the world will be able to access this merchandise. They can order one piece or 20 pieces and have it shipped directly to them.” In addition to offering apparel in all sizes including infant, toddler, youth, and adult and direct shipping to anywhere in the world, customers will be able to check order status online. Another feature the online shop offers is gift wrapping, and gift cards will also be available. Ms. Tabis says other promotional items will be available soon. On working with Fox Chapel Area alumni, Ms. Tabis states, “I am thrilled that we are able to work with alumni as a joint partnership. It’s been an added benefit establishing a relationship with a Pittsburgh-based company owned by Fox Chapel Area alumni.”

 According to Mr. O’Brien, “The online shop is providing an opportunity for our students and parents to show their school spirit and easily access school merchandise with a multitude of choices.” The online school store can be accessed through the school district's main Web site at www.fcasd.edu or by visiting www.foxesfanshop.com.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

Fox Chapel Area School District

 s the final days at their elementary school waned, the 2010 Kerr fifth grade class wanted to leave an enduring gift to their school. After discussing a few options, the class decided a mural would be a perfect parting gift. A number of Kerr parents brainstormed how the mural should be completed – what it would look like and what elements of the school should be included in the painting. One of the challenges they faced was creating an image that represented and appealed to Kerr students of all ages. The result was an interactive work of art inspired by the popular “I Spy” series of books. “We wanted ideas that would inspire the students to really sit and look at it,” Beth Mattheis states. Mrs. Mattheis, a Kerr parent and local artist, spent her summer – somewhere between 80 and 100 hours – painting the mural. One thing that was very important to Mrs. Mattheis was that the mural be appealing to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She notes that to paint something that interested students at all grade levels was “a little tricky.” The final product, an eight-foot by sixfoot woodland scene, greets all visitors at the

Fox Chapel Area

school’s front entrance. Hidden inside the painting are images related to all aspects of school life at Kerr. Students and visitors alike try to find the artifacts within the painting that relate to music, art, reading, science, and math. Principal Paul Noro, Ed.D., was particularly pleased with the idea of a mural as a gift to the school. As a former art teacher himself, Dr. Noro thought the concept was wonderful. The finished product… even better than expected! “Personally, I think it’s great that it includes all the disciplines that we teach in elementary school. And, it includes them in a very creative manner,” he says. “We didn’t want to make just a painting of the building,” Mrs. Mattheis continues. “We wanted something that would engage the students and would appeal to a lot of people.” Some of the hidden pictures can have various meanings. The mural includes (among many other things) Einstein’s face in a rock, butterflies (representing their class’s second grade butterfly life cycle science project), art utensils, music notes and a violin, the Statue of Liberty, an equation, and even a sneaker!

The students raised money for the mural by donating pennies through what the fifth grade classes have called “Penny Wars” over the last several years. Each year the fifth grade class raises money to donate something more permanent for the school – their legacy – to be used and enjoyed by the teachers and students in the coming years. Mrs. Matthies says she has received a lot of comments on the painting from parents and teachers. She says people report seeing something different every time they look at it and they seem to enjoy finding new things each time they pass by the mural. She has considered publishing a list of the hidden objects, but hasn’t yet done so; she finds that she enjoys hearing about the new things people find each time they look at the mural. A graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Mattheis says it was a real honor to paint the mural for the school. “It meant a lot to me. It makes me feel good to be able to walk in there and say I did that!” Dr. Noro describes the painting as “a real presence. It’s uplifting. It says a lot about the school and the district. Before it was just a plain wall, and now it sets a really nice tone for our school.”

Photo Courtesy Steve DeMeo

Local Teen Fulfills Hockey Dream at International Level

t was everything I dreamed it would be,” said Fox Chapel Area High School junior Dan McCoy following his first game as a forward for the 16-member USA National Men’s Sled Hockey Team. When Dan was selected this past August, the 16-year-old became the youngest member of the national hockey team, the highest level of sled hockey. Seated in a bucket-seat sled and using two poles to navigate and handle the puck on the ice, Dan promptly shot his first goal during that first game against the Canadian team on October 14. “It was amazing,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I was six or seven.” Dan was first introduced to the game of sled hockey when he was five by a group of Shriners from the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children. The Shriners traveled to Pittsburgh to demonstrate sled hockey as a means for physically disabled children and adults to engage in physical activity. Dan, who has spina bifida, joined the group that met once or twice a month. He learned how to maneuver the sled as well as the skills required to play sled hockey. His older brother Andrew played a role in Dan’s decision to take his “therapy” to the next level. Dan realized that he liked the game because he could actually be involved in competition like Andrew, an ice hockey player. Two years after he started, Dan joined the newly formed Mighty Pens (a local sled hockey team) and has been working ever since to improve his game. Andrew, who helped out at practices and even learned to play sled hockey so that he

“I

could fill in when they needed a player in the early days, says that Dan is extremely motivated and dedicated both on and off the ice. NHL players fire shots at 90 miles per hour or more. Dan has been clocked at over 60 miles per hour – sitting on a sled. To play sled hockey at that level takes a tremendous amount of upper body strength and skill. Just ask one of the Fox Chapel Area High School hockey players who tried shooting a puck while sitting in a sled playing with the Mighty Pens! The high school team played against the Mighty Pens to help raise funds to support the sled hockey program – and lost big time. According to Mighty Pens Coach Ray Harding, “Dan is an all-around great person and hockey player. At times he can be quiet, but when the team really needs him you can bet Danny will be the first to get them fired up. Danny is always willing to take a moment and explain to fellow teammates something that might help their game out.” Coach Harding continues, “I have coached him for over nine years. He was always one of my top players and knowing that he was there going into a tournament just made things easier.” Playing on the Junior National Team as well as now on the Men’s National Team, requires road trips, which are usually scheduled around weekends but do include school days too, says his mother, Angie McCoy. Dan and other high school and college students who travel with the team must keep up with their studies between

games. Mrs. McCoy credits the support of Dan’s teachers at Fox Chapel Area High School who have been willing to work with him before hockey trips to ensure that he successfully completes his school work. Dan’s mother and father, Mark McCoy, travel with him when possible, and Andrew, who now plays on the Carnegie Mellon University club hockey team, says one of the reasons he chose to attend CMU was so that he could stay in close touch with his brother. “I am extremely proud of Dan. It has been his dream since he started. To play at an Olympic level is just amazing,” Andrew comments. Dan says his goals include always working to improve his game so that he can continue to play at the international level. He played against the Japanese and Canadian teams in Rochester, New York, last month, and in February he will travel to Japan. He also continues to play for the Mighty Pens. Next summer, Dan will have to try out again to earn his spot on the national men’s team. After he finishes high school, he plans to attend college and continue playing sled hockey. “I always knew he would make the national team, and I told him that,” says Coach Harding. “Getting that call that day from him when he made the team and then finding out I was the second call (the first one was to his brother) was so touching and heart warming. It sends a message to the other adult players and all the novice players that there is something to strive for. If they practice and play hard – that someday that could be them on the team.”

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

Fox Chapel Area School District

O’Hara Elementary Gets $42,000 Grant Hara Elementary School recently received a $42,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to create a positive schoolwide behavior support system that recognizes and encourages appropriate actions – and prevents bullying in the school. A team of teachers, parents, and building administrators worked together to obtain the grant. Principal Mike Rowe, Ed.D., is grateful to have the grant money so the school can expand upon the program already in place at O’Hara. Bullying prevention and positive behaviors have always been a focus at the school. Prior to receiving the grant, O’Hara kicked off the year with a schoolwide assembly. It included the showing of a video featuring O’Hara Elementary students modeling appropriate hallway behavior. A second video is currently in production that will be shown to all students in January. It will highlight appropriate behavior in the cafeteria and at recess. According to Assistant Principal James “JP” Prager, one of the biggest strengths of O’Hara Elementary’s bullying prevention program is that it doesn’t focus on misbehaviors; it focuses on teaching and

O’

rewarding appropriate student behaviors. “We already have a very positive environment at O’Hara. But we want to enhance that positive culture even further,” he says. The district’s core values are an integral part of all of O’Hara’s efforts. “Every behavior we talk about revolves around the district’s core values of respect, responsibility, and integrity,” Mr. Prager notes. In fact, new fox paw prints have been placed on the floors of the hallways at O’Hara featuring these core values to serve as a constant reminder. Posters in the school focusing on positive behaviors also reinforce hallway expectations. The school will use a large portion of the grant money toward implementing the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, a comprehensive schoolwide initiative to prevent bullying and improve peer relations. Additionally, the grant money was used to send Mr. Prager and several teachers to a training program. “A positive school environment is essential for learning,” Dr. Rowe says. “I am thrilled that we are a recipient of this grant. It will help us enhance the already positive culture we have here at O’Hara Elementary

School. I am so proud of the hard work our team did in obtaining this money.” All of the Fox Chapel Area schools have programs in place to prevent bullying. The district’s core values of respect, responsibility, and integrity are integral to the programs at each school.

Hartwood Students Perform for Local Seniors! artwood Elementary School second grade students treated the residents of Lighthouse Pointe at Chapel Harbor to an autumn song celebration! The students performed for local senior citizens November 9 under the direction of Hartwood Elementary School music teacher Rachel Batchelor. Students from the Fox Chapel Area School District perform free concerts each year for senior citizens. Additionally, seniors are invited to see the high school fall play and the high school spring musical. An annual luncheon, hosted by the student government, and concert are also held in the spring at the high school for senior citizens. District seniors ages 60 and older may request a Gold Card that entitles them to free or reduced admission to many district events. For more information, contact Beverly Schulte in the district communications office at 412/967-2443.

Fox Chapel Area

HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION total of 113 Fox Chapel Area High School students were inducted into membership of the National Honor Society in a ceremony held at the school September 23, 2010. Students inducted into the National Honor Society are selected for their scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Dale Peterson, Pavan Rajgopal, Katharine Reineman, Maria Ricci, Forrest Rosenblum, Sumeer Sandhu, Theresa Schaffner, Tadhg Schempf, Sara Schwartz, Christine Serwon, Ahmed Shalaby, Emily Short, Alimpon Sinha, Lucas Slagel, Sarah Smerdell, Lauren Smith, Christine Soloski, Scott Stewart, Erica Taylor, Jennifer Thaete, Andrew Todd, Laura Turnbull, Carolyn Ubinger, Kelsey Ulanowicz, Jeffrey Uselman, Stanley Wang, Julia Warshafsky, Emily Weaver, Charles Weber, Trevor Weis, Jack Wight, Sarah Williams, and Alyssa Zaidi.

The inductees include: seniors Kate Barry, Robert Christie, Kara Clapper, Julie Dellert, Ethan Diamond, Eric Eisner, Filip Istvanic, Nathan Jones, Samantha Lambert, Lindsey McKamish, Shalin Modi, The Fox Chapel Area High School National Honor Society Nicholas Rangos, Noah Rosen, Willa officers explained the symbolism of the colored candles – Seybolt, John Sterrett, Courtney According to teacher Suzanne gold for scholarship, blue for leadership, white for Thier, Daniel Tracht, Jacqueline Tran, character, red for service – as part of the 2010 induction Miller, Fox Chapel Area High ceremony. Alejandro Vega, Anthony Verardi, School’s chapter advisor, “As Arthur Verkaik, and Alaina Vitsas. members of National Honor Society, Juniors inducted include: Emma Altmeyer, these students must continue their success The other members of National Honor Inkisar Anwar, Mikaela Bartels, Elaina and live up to the obligations to the Fox Society are: seniors Lee Ann Adelsheim, Bianchini, Anthony Bonaroti, Anthony Chapel Area Chapter of the National Albert Anderson, Daniel Arcovio, Blaise Brooks, Brianna Cauley, Ishan Chatterjee, Honor Society by maintaining their QPA, Badway, Charles Baldwin, Christina Alexander Cheng, Hannah Davisparticipating in organized activities, Bartlett, Ariane Beckman, Hunter Berk, Leizerowski, Taylor Day, Carly DeBaldo, attending chapter meetings, and supporting Justin Blazer, Matthew Brady, Isabelle Ailaura Donahoe, Haley Durr, Molly service projects.” Brourman, Brinley Bruton, Charles Burke, Eckman, Lee Eisner, Mariam Elmagbri, The Fox Chapel Area High School Taylor Burke, Juliana Campbell, Miranda Megan Eschman, Nathan Evagash, Katelyn Chapter has been active since 1954. The Chang, Ho-Gyun Choi, Alexander Fiehler, Graham Friday, Anthony Golio, National Honor Society ranks as one of the Constantino, Ethan Creo, Kathryn Cullen, Alexander Goodwin, Randall Gough, oldest and most prestigious national Allison Damico, Audrey Davis, Sam Bennett Gould, Rachel Haas, Leah Hall, organizations for high school students. Dickens, Mary Kaye Dragun, Brendan Abigail Hartman, Rachel Hellberg, Sarah Chapters exist in more than 60 percent of Duquette, Natalie Fallert, Alexandra Henry, Steven Ho, Julia Horne, Alex the nation’s high schools and, since 1921, Fownes, Jacob Friedland, Olivia Fukui, Jamiolkowski, Madeleine Jayme, Meredith millions of students have been selected for Adam Garret, Ben Gentile, Kelley German, Jayme, Grace Johnjulio, Claire Kintner, membership. Additionally, millions of Grant Gittes, Christian Goetz, Jennifer Daniel Kirk, Megan Kirk, Hayley Koch, dollars in scholarships have been awarded Goetz, Jeffrey Good, Erica Graham, Ellen Samuel Kovel, Ashley Krafczynski, Da Ye to senior members since 1945 by the Grenen, Jacob Hartman, Lloyd Harvey, Kwon, Martina Laux, Emilie Lawson, sponsoring organization, the National Jenna Hayes, Ivy Herman, Salem Hilal, Loleta Lee, Katherine Lewis, Brittany Talia Hirsch, Kelly Hofer, Jay Jung, Daryna Association of Secondary School Principals Lisanti, Zhi-Zhong Lou, Emily Massarelli, (NASSP). Kutuza, Megan Kwiatkowski, Thomas Sean Mawhinney, Daniel McCoy, Rory Lawson, Giovanni Leone, Sequoia Leuba, McManus, Rohan Meringenti, Jack Millard, William Lorenz, Madelyn Mulert, Maheen Nadeem, Minu Stuart Lotz, A total of 113 Fox Chapel Area High School students Nagashunmugam, Remy Niman, Alexander Michael Lucas, were inducted into the National Honor Society. Norman, Sarah Ogren, Jonathan Reis, Randy Mallinger, Samantha Resnick, Erin Ross, Saira Sofia Manfredi, Sandhu, Margaret Saunders, Deric Catherine Markert, Schmidt, Jory Segal, Caitlin Shneider, Ryan Talora Martin, Shymansky, Benjamin Simon, Jordan Morgan Matisko, Skowron, Sara Smith, Stephen Snowball, Stephanie Meinert, Emily Snyder, James Sullivan, Kyra Matthew Miller, Swisher, Andrew Tabas, Yasuhiro Toyoda, Adam Miloser, Carly Trakofler, Morgan Tucker, Samantha Vikram Mookerjee, Usman, Taylor Valley, Alexandra Vogel, Asa Nelson, Jennifer Wallisch, Angelia Wang, Joseph Margaret O’Sell, Wateska, Amy Wein, Rose Wilson, Zhihong Vedant Patel, Xu, and Megan Yates. Photos Courtesy Town and Country Studio Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

Fox Chapel Area School District

 ox Chapel Area High School students recently held two athletic “Pink Out” events to benefit breast cancer awareness and research. The girls’ junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams held a “Dig for a Cure” and “Pink Out” at their game against Gateway High School October 7. The teams held a raffle and sold “Dig for a Cure” T-shirts and raised a total of $1,400 for the Pittsburgh affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The T-shirts were presold and anyone wearing the T-shirt to the game was admitted free. The volleyball teams and coaches all wore an embroidered stick-on pink ribbon from Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Even the members of the opposing team wore the ribbons, along with the referees. Additionally, Fox Chapel Area High School teachers helped the volleyball team by holding a blue jean day for the cause. The girls’ volleyball team hopes to make the “Pink Out” an annual event. The high school varsity football team wore decals featuring pink ribbons on their helmets, pink armbands, and pink tape wrapped around their ankles at the “Pink Out” Game October 29. The “Pink Out” game was held to raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Foundation. The football “Pink Out” game was also held in conjunction with an effort throughout the WPIAL and many schools held football “Pink Out” games that same evening. The football “Pink Out” game was coordinated by the Fox Chapel Area High School Teens for the Cure, the cheerleaders, and student government. The students sold breast cancer awareness pink ribbon Silly Bandz at the game and at all the elementary schools prior to the event. The team gave out T-shirts to the first 50 students at the game. The remaining T-shirts were sold to benefit breast cancer awareness. Additionally, pink glow necklaces were also sold at the game and the football boosters also donated their share of the 50/50 raffle to benefit breast cancer awareness. In all, more than $1,000 was raised at the “Pink Out” football game. For both events, “Pink Out” items were donated so that more of the money collected could be contributed directly to the cause.

The varsity football team takes the field on

the night of the “Pink

Out” game.

yball team varsity girls’ volle varsity and junior ol ho . sc ss h ne hig are e aw Th east cancer “Pink Out” for br

The members of

the middle scho ol girls’ volleyball team came to show their su pport.

Fox Chapel Area

Girls’ Golf Team Makes History

Fall Athletic Highlights • The Fox Chapel Area High School Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey Team won the WPIAL Class AAA Section 2 Team Title. The team went on to participate in the WPIAL Class AAA Team Championship and were the WPIAL runners-up for the second consecutive year. The team was undefeated in regular season play. • The high school boys’ varsity golf team was the WPIAL team runner-up for the second consecutive year. • High school senior Trevor Weis qualified to compete in the PIAA Cross Country Championships. • Nine of the ten high school varsity fall athletic teams qualified for WPIAL post-season play. • The Dorseyville Middle School seventh and eighth grade boys’ soccer team was undefeated for the second year in a row and scored more than 100 goals. • The middle school eighth grade football team had a very successful season, finishing with a record of 6-1.

at the PIAA Girls’ Golf Individual Championships. The team was coached by Fox Chapel Area High School teacher John Broderick.

Photo Courtesy of Eric Schmadel/ Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

he girls’ varsity golf team recently completed the most successful year in Fox Chapel Area High School girls’ golf history. The team placed second at the PIAA Golf Championships and won the PIAA Western Regional Girls’ Golf Title, the WPIAL Division I Title, and shared the Division I-Section 3 Title. The team members were: seniors Amber Benkoski, Sequoia Leuba, and Nadia Luttner; juniors Emilie Lawson, Katerina Luttner, and Jennifer Wallisch; sophomore Ashley DeMoss; and freshmen Mia Damian and Taylor Patrick. This was the first time in history the Fox Chapel Area High School Girls’ Golf Team won the WPIAL Team Title. Individual golfers also added to the historic season. Katerina Luttner placed first at the Division I-Section 3 Individual Girls’ Golf Tournament and at the WPIAL Individual Girls’ Golf Tournament. Nadia Luttner placed second and Emilie Lawson placed fourth in the WPIAL Individual Golf Tournament. All three young women also placed in the WPIAL Individual Finals, the Western Regional Finals, and qualified for the PIAA Girls’ Golf Individual Championships. Nadia placed seventh overall

The Fox Chapel Area High School Girls’ Varsity Golf Team celebrates their WPIAL championship win. This is the first time in school history the girls’ golf team won the WPIAL Title.

NOTICES TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO RESIDE IN THE FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Compliance Statement The Fox Chapel Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, nationality, ethnic origin, age, or disability in the administration of its policies, hiring practices, employment practices, and admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals with disabilities, or in any aspect of its operations. Additional information pertaining to civil rights, school district policies, and grievance procedures can be obtained by contacting the compliance officers listed below between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This notice is available from the compliance officers in large print, on audiotape, and in Braille. Title IX: David P. McCommons, Ed.D. (412/967-2456) Section 504 & ADA: Lonnie Carey, Ed.D. (412/967-2435) Address: Fox Chapel Area School District, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2406

Annual Notice to Protected Handicapped Students In compliance with state and federal law, the Fox Chapel Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or the family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, contact Dr. Lonnie Carey, coordinator of special education and pupil services at 412/967-2435.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

Fox Chapel Area School District

Exceptional Children’s Right to Participate It is required by state and federal law that each year school districts notify parents of exceptional students that their children have the same right to participate in extracurricular activities as do nonexceptional children. The district wants parents and the public to know that exceptional children have the right to participate in extracurricular activities.

Programs for Eligible or Protected Handicapped Students The Fox Chapel Area School District is required by state and federal law to actively locate, evaluate, and identify all children with disabilities residing in the district who may be eligible for special education and related services due to the following conditions: autism, pervasive developmental disorder, blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, mental retardation, multihandicapped, neurological impairment, other health impairment, physical disability, serious emotional disturbance, specific learning disability, and speech and language impairment. This obligation applies to all children, regardless of whether a child is officially enrolled in the district.

Identification Activity Child Find activities refer to those activities that help the district identify children suspected of having a mental or physical disability, and determine whether they may need special education and related services (eligible students). Screening of hearing and vision is conducted routinely; hearing screening occurs at kindergarten, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grades; vision screening is conducted every year, beginning in kindergarten. Speech and language screening is conducted when there is a concern about a child’s skills. Gross and fine motor skills, academic skills, and social/emotional skills are assessed by classroom teachers on an ongoing basis. Specific needs from these screening activities are noted in the child’s official file. 22

Fox Chapel Area

A building team will review data about all children on a regular basis. If there are concerns about a student’s progress, the parent will be contacted and the building team will recommend some adjustments in the child’s program. The team will monitor progress and report results to the parent. If a child does not demonstrate progress additional adjustments may be recommended or the parent may be asked for their written permission for the district to conduct a Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE). Parents may request an evaluation anytime by contacting Dr. Lonnie Carey at 412/967-2435.

Services for Eligible School-Age Students Students identified as eligible for special education are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) available at no cost to parents. Services designed to meet the needs of eligible students include the annual development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a triennial re-evaluation, and special education services in or outside of the regular education classroom. In addition, some students will need services outside of a regular school. The decision about the type of services needed and the location is made by the IEP team, based on the student’s identified needs, abilities, and chronological age. Some students will need related services such as transportation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language services to benefit from the educational program. Before a student can begin to receive special education services, parents will be asked to sign a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP). If parents agree with the services offered, their signature and agreement are recorded on this document. If parents disagree, they may seek to resolve differences by requesting a prehearing conference, mediation, and/or a due process hearing. Further information can be obtained by calling Dr. Lonnie Carey at 412/967-2435 or by visiting http://parent.pattan.net/.

Services for Disabled PreschoolAge Children Young children with developmental delays or mental or physical disabilities are eligible for early intervention services. Services for infants and toddlers, from birth through age two are available through The Early Learning Institute, 2510 Baldwick Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 (412/922-8322). Services for children ages three to school age are available through Project DART (412/394-5736).

Additionally, parents who have concerns about their child’s development can access information on developmental milestones at www.cdc.gov/actearly or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Services for Gifted Students In compliance with the state law, the Fox Chapel Area School District provides services for students who are identified as “gifted” and who reside in the district whether or not they are enrolled in the district. These students have a superior IQ of 130 or higher, or when multiple criteria indicating gifted ability are met. Child Find activities for gifted education are conducted in the fall of each year. A parent or teacher can make a referral for a Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE) for a child once per school year. The eligibility determination will be made by the Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (GMDT) that includes the student’s parents. (Parents may request that the district test a child for early admission to kindergarten when the child is demonstrating advanced skills and will be younger than school age {5 years on or before September 1st of the school year}.) When the GMDT determines that a child is eligible for gifted services, the Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) team, including staff and parents, meets to develop a plan that describes a student’s needs, and goals and objectives to address the needs. Gifted services may be provided within or outside of a regular education classroom with like ability peers, or in a heterogeneous group with a classroom or gifted education teacher. The type of services

and the location are determined by the GIEP team. If your child attends a district school and is thought to be in need of such services, you will be notified of evaluation procedures. If you believe your school-age child may qualify for gifted education services, you may write to the district to request an evaluation or contact Dr. Lonnie Carey at 412/967-2435. Please note that entitlement to gifted services includes only those rights provided for by Pennsylvania law.

Public Notice – Student Records As a parent of a student in the Fox Chapel Area School District, you have certain rights in regard to your child’s school records. These rights are guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 1974, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education Regulations. These rights apply whether your child is exceptional or nonexceptional. The district protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding exceptional and protected handicapped students in accord with state and federal law and the district’s student records policy. You have the right to review, inspect, or obtain a copy of your child’s records. Records are also open to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in a child. You may make a written request for copies of your child’s records at a fee not to exceed duplicating costs. If you believe that any information is inaccurate or misleading, you may challenge the contents of the records. You have the right to refuse individual consent where such permission is needed for releasing certain student information. Should you feel the district is not providing these rights, you may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202. If a child transfers to another school system, records will be forwarded after notification of enrollment is received from the new school. According to the FERPA, 1974, various nonconfidential information can be released to outside agencies without your consent. This directory information consists of student’s name; address; telephone number; e-mail address; photograph; date and place of birth; major field of study; dates of attendance; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors, and awards received; the most recent educational agency or institution attended; and other similar information.

If you do not want directory information about your child released, please notify Dr. David McCommons, assistant superintendent, in writing at the beginning of each school year. Dr. McCommons can be contacted at 412/967-2431.

Media Notification

District Report Card In compliance with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, Fox Chapel Area School District’s latest report card, featuring the PSSA test scores, is available online at http://paayp.emetric.net. Copies of the report card are also available in each school office.

Military Recruiters No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Section 9528 requires each school district that gets assistance under the Title I program to give military recruiters access to secondary students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings. However, according to NCLB 9528(b), parents can request that the school district must get prior written consent before releasing their child’s contact information to military or college recruiters. Parents who want to give prior written consent before releasing their child’s contact information should call the high school guidance office at 412/967-2438 prior to the beginning of each school year.

Asbestos Reinspections In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the EPA requires the district to perform reinspections of asbestos materials every three years. In July 2010, accredited asbestos inspectors performed these reinspections and a certified asbestos management planner reviewed the results. The results of the reinspections are on file in the school district administration office as part of the asbestos management plan. The management plan is available for viewing by the public during regular school hours (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Our students, educational programs, school events, and community-oriented activities are sometimes made the subject of recording by videotape, audiotape, photography, and the like for use as instructional and informational tools. Since the schools are public buildings, students are frequently the subject of video and audio recording, interviewing, and/or photographing. In addition, our students’ work is sometimes published in print and/or the electronic media. The district will allow students to be recorded, interviewed, and/or photographed and students’ work to be published for legitimate public purposes. Throughout the school year, students may be recorded, interviewed, and/or photographed by representatives from newspapers, television stations, and radio stations, as well as district communications office personnel or their designees and these items may be publicly displayed. Students’ work and photographs may also be published in print media and/or electronically on places such as the district’s World Wide Web site. If parents/guardians object to such publication, a written objection must be filed. The district will not deliberately publish a child if a written objection has been filed. The district will also make a reasonable effort to avoid publication by any third party. It is understood that the district certainly has no control of the news media or others outside of the school organization. Student participation in school activities, especially athletics and other competitive events, increases the likelihood of publication of stories and images of those students. Written objections must be filed at the beginning of each school year with Bonnie Berzonski, Coordinator of Communications, Fox Chapel Area School District, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. If a written objection has been filed in the past, a new letter of objection must still be filed each year. If parents/guardians do not file a written objection, their silence will serve as implied consent. Questions or concerns should be directed to Mrs. Berzonski at 412/967-2452.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

Fox Chapel Area School District DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOLS

611 Field Club Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-9600 www.fcasd.edu Superintendent: Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D. Assistant Superintendent: David P. McCommons, Ed.D. Administrative Assistant for Business Affairs: L. Douglas McCausland

FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 738 Dorseyville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-9315 Principal: Sari E. McNamara, Ed.D.

DISTRICT RESOURCE STAFF Coordinator of Elementary Education and Instruction: Ronald Korenich, Ed.D. Coordinator of Instruction, Staff Development and Secondary Curriculum: Shelley Beck, Ph.D. Coordinator of Special Education and Pupil Services: Lonnie Carey, Ed.D. Coordinator of Educational Technology: Norton Gusky Coordinator of Ancillary Services: Sam Miceli Director of Athletics & Activities: Michael O’Brien Coordinator of Communications: Bonnie Berzonski

HARTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3730 Saxonburg Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/767-5396 Principal: Jacquelyn M. Gregory-Rauzan, Ed.D.

DORSEYVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL 3732 Saxonburg Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/767-5343 Principal: Matthew J. Harris Assistant Principal: Patricia A. Clark Assistant Principal: Jonathan T. Nauhaus

KERR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 341 Kittanning Pike Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412/781-4105 Principal: Paul S. Noro, Ed.D.

FOX CHAPEL AREA HIGH SCHOOL 611 Field Club Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/967-2430 Senior/Lead Principal: Michael H. Hower Program Principal: Daniel E. Lentz Assistant Principal – Senior Program: John J. McGee Assistant Principal – Intermediate Program: To Be Determined

O’HARA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 115 Cabin Lane Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-0333 Principal: Michael R. Rowe, Ed.D. Assistant Principal: James Phillip Prager, Jr.

For the latest information on school activities and weather-related delays and cancellations, call the Fox Chapel Area School District 24-Hour Information Line at 412/967-2500 or visit the Web site at www.fcasd.edu. The athletic events calendar can be found on the Fox Chapel Area School District Web site at www.fcasd.edu or visit www.highschoolsports.net.

FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL BOARD

Photo Courtesy Town and Country Studio

Region I covers all of Sharpsburg Borough and Wards 2, 3, and 4 of O’Hara Township; Region II covers Districts 2, 4, and 5 of Fox Chapel Borough and all of Indiana Township; and Region III covers all of Aspinwall Borough, Blawnox Borough, Wards 1 and 5 of O’Hara Township, and Districts 1 and 3 of Fox Chapel Borough. School Board regular business meetings are usually scheduled for the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. and are held at the high school. The public is invited to attend.

Front Row (l to r): Karen A. Mitesser, Treasurer (Region I); Charles R. Burke, President (Region III); Robin F. Baum, Vice President (Region I); and Joanne C. Gaus (Region II). Row 2 (l to r): David P. McCommons, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent; Sherman M. Snyder (Region I); Robert Mauro (Region II); Sandra M. Garbisch, Assistant Secretary (Region II); and Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D., Superintendent. Row 3 (l to r): Frederick C. Leech (Region III); Martin W. Sheerer, Esq., Solicitor; and Joel R. Weinstein (Region III).

Fox Chapel Area

Library & Community Center Community Campaign Finding Success! ince 1982, residents of Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Indiana, O’Hara, Sharpsburg and surrounding areas have relied on the Boyd Community Center for their cultural and recreational needs and the Lauri Ann West Memorial Library to nurture the minds of readers, young and old. Popular programming and strong community participation caused the center and library to outgrow their space in the former Boyd Elementary School; as a result, the Community Center and Library Association (CCLA) made its decision to build a new community center and library. A capital campaign is well on its way to raising the funds needed to construct these essential community resources. CCLA executive director Stephanie Flom says the campaign has raised more than $8.5 million to date toward the projects’ estimated $12 million cost. The new library will be named the Cooper-Siegel Community Library, in recognition of a $2 million gift from the Cooper-Siegel Family Foundation The project also has received significant support from the Borough of Fox Chapel for the library and from O’Hara Township for the community center. Other funding sources include the CCLA board and campaign committee, other government sources, area residents, local businesses and foundations. The Library is just $200,000 shy of its $6 million goal, while the Community Center is almost at the halfway mark.

Supporters at all levels are encouraged to contribute and CCLA has recently launched a website, www.communitycenterlibraryassociation.org that offers site visitors the ability to make secure contributions online. The site also provides timely information about the campaign and construction. Construction has begun on the new library, which officials expect to be completed by spring 2011. The new library is being built on Fox Chapel Road adjacent to the existing Fox Chapel Borough Building. The new building will provide all public library functions, with handicap accessibility, on one floor at street level. This 21st century facility boasts the latest technology, an expanded collection, large airy reading rooms, a themed children’s room and craft area, along with study, homework, and group meeting rooms. Community Center construction will begin on the Powers Run Road site once the library has been completed and funds are secured. The existing building is to remain operational until the new structure is completed. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a full-sized gymnasium, café, spacious programming rooms, an arts studio, dance and fitness studios, and a banquet hall with catering kitchen. CCLA expects the new facilities to build community and enrich lives by promoting learning and education, enhancing health and wellness, spurring creativity, and fostering citizen involvement. “Our goal is to maintain the key elements that make these assets special today - a central place in our community for people to explore interests and connect with friends,” said Ms. Flom. “These premiere facilities, housing top-notch programs, will be community treasures for our residents, our families, our children, and our children’s children for years to come.”

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

The Mars Planets Win the St. Margaret Foundation Fall Face Off Hockey Tournament to Benefit Patients he Mars Planets rose from a field of 16 teams to champion over the Canon McMillan Big Macs in the final round of the St. Margaret Foundation Fall Face Off Hockey Tournament at Harmarville BladeRunners Ice Complex on October 11 with a score of 6-0. Proceeds from the event run by Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League (PIHL) benefit patients served by St. Margaret Foundation. “It was a privilege to see the passion and talent of these young men from our own communities put to use to help underserved people who are ill and suffering,” said Mary Lee Gannon, president of St. Margaret Foundation. “As I told them at the end of the event, the money raised from their efforts will go on to help fill in the gaps with hope for patients with cancer, and other diseases who just need a little extra help to keep going.” The event raised $21,000 for the people served by St. Margaret Foundation. Other teams competing in the tournament were: Bethel Park, Bishop Canevin, Chartiers Valley, Greater Latrobe, Hampton, Morgantown, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny, Pine Richland, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Plum, Seneca Valley, Shaler, and Upper St. Clair. Mars Team members include: Seniors Colt Berneberg, Walker Enstad, Blake Friday, Chris Greco, Kevin Leslie, Ryan Magdinec, Hunter Sacchini, Robert Sigurdsson, Tyler Stepke, Tyler Thomas; Juniors Joe Bender, Nick Blaney, Robert Foley, Greg Makozy, Rusty Miller, Bryan Thomas, Elliott Tisdale; Sophomores Austin Heakins, Max Master; Head Coach Steve Meyers; Assistant Coaches Steve Neese, Mike Manganello, Jim Roach Jr.; Team Manager Laura Sigurdsson.

Mary Lee Gannon, president of St. Margaret Foundation awards the Foundation’s Fall Face Off Tournament Trophy to Mars Planets Assistant Captain Elliot Tisdale, Captain Kevin Leslie, Assistant Captain Robbie Sigurdsson, and Assistant Captain Tyler Stepke. The event raised $21,000 for underserved patients.

26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

  BENEFITS PITTSBURGH FOOD BANK

hen Gail Gilliland and her family moved to Pittsburgh 30 years ago, they wanted to set up something special for local artists. An artist herself, Gilliland decided that an artist’s boutique would be a great way to get the work and talents of Pittsburgh out into the community. That boutique, which is held each November at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club, is still going strong and has even branched out to collect goods and money for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. This year's event is scheduled for Friday, November 5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with a preview Thursday evening November 4 from 7-9 p.m. at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club, located at 355 Hunt Road. Gwyn Gilliland, a Ross resident, said that after a brief hiatus, she, along with her mother, Gail; and her sister, Greer Stasko of McCandless, took back the reins on the event so that it didn’t fade away or become stale.

28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

“My mom ran it with a friend for 9 or 10 years and it got to be too much, but we took it back last year,” Gilliland said. “We always talked about doing a benefit, and now we have added in the Pittsburgh Food Bank. On Thursday evening, if you make a monetary donation or bring food, you'll get a ticket for a glass of wine. We have a raffle for some donated gift certificates for local restaurants and some stores donated some items.” Gilliland said she was surprised by how much the trio was able to gather for the food bank last year, and is trying to bolster their efforts even more this year. “We collected 10 boxes of food and $800. We didn’t realize we’d have that much,” she said. “The food bank was really excited, and they’ve been sending us information and volunteers to help with collecting the food and putting info on their website. We really feel that because it’s before Thanksgiving, donating to the food bank is even more important. It’s a necessary time for people to have access to food.”

Fox Chapel Area

Gilliland said the boutique has about 35 vendors ranging in disciplines from jewelrymaking to glass-etching and everything in between. “We purposely try to go out and find new and different vendors each year. Previously, there were a lot of jewelry people, so we tried to find new and different artists. Now we have a portrait artist, charcoal drawing artist, watercolorist, an artist who makes country Christmas items, and an interesting glassetching artist who makes amazing glass etchings for candles, drinkware and vases.” Other artists include a canvas painter who creates placemats and table runners and a fiber artist who creates gloves, mittens and jackets. Cuisine is provided by a local chef who also teaches cooking via house calls. “It’s a really neat event, and we try to keep it small, but the setting is cozy and feels like a specialty marketplace,” Gilliland said. “We jury the show and we’re selective about who we have in the show. There’s a waiting list for artists anxious to participate. The important thing is that there’s going to be something for everyone, and it’s a great opportunity to help out the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.”

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 -1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

Here’s to a Happy, Healthy Winter If winter isn’t your favorite season, look inside for some great ways to keep your health and spirits intact.

What’s Inside

page 2

The Big Chill: Cold Weather Workouts and Your Heart

page 3

The Difference a Number Can Make Back-Friendly Tips for Snow Shoveling

page 4

Be Happy and Healthy This Winter Are You Sad? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

page 5

New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

page 6

When Kids Get Hurt, We’re Ready

page 7

What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret

The Big Chill: When the snow piles up … should you be reaching for your shovel? Every winter in western Pennsylvania, our driveways and sidewalks gradually disappear from view when snowflakes begin to fall. Before reaching for the shovel, though, consider your age and health — then think about paying the teen next door to tackle the job. Shoveling snow can be hard on the heart, sometimes even fatal, especially for adults who lead a sedentary lifestyle, warns Peter J. Counihan, MD, cardiac specialist at the UPMC Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) at UPMC St. Margaret. “Every winter we see people who overdo it. They don’t exercise, they’re not in shape, and they don’t listen to the signals their bodies give them,” he says. Combining cold weather with strenuous exercise such as snow shoveling can unmask a sick heart, says Dr. Counihan. “It’s just too much for some people. Shoveling heavy snow causes a big jump in blood pressure and heart rate. If you’re not physically fit, you shouldn’t be shoveling snow.”

Did You Know? Heart attacks and cardiac arrests jump 20 percent in winter months, largely due to unaccustomed exertion in the cold weather.

Cold Weather Workouts and Your Heart

Those most at risk tend to be middle-aged or elderly men, but anyone can be vulnerable. Think twice about shoveling if you: • • • • • • •

lead a sedentary lifestyle are overweight have a history of heart disease have high blood pressure or high cholesterol smoke are diabetic (or borderline diabetic) have unhealthy eating habits

If you’re planning to clear your own walk, though, be sure to follow these important tips: • Shovel before eating a big meal. Blood diverts to the digestive system to aid in the absorption of nutrients. When muscles are asking for oxygen at the same time, it can put added strain on the cardiovascular system. • Warm up and take regular breaks. Before heading outdoors, do stretching and cardio warm-ups. Once outside, take regular breaks whenever you feel exerted. • Dress warmly to avoid a decrease in body temperature and constriction of blood vessels. • Avoid alcohol when you’re going to be out in the cold — whether you’re shoveling or heading to a football game. Alcohol can cause your skin arteries to dilate, which can cause you to lose heat very rapidly and even lead to sudden death. When out shoveling, listen to your body. Watch for these important signals that something’s wrong and proceed to the nearest emergency department if you experience: • • • • • •

acute shortness of breath tightness in the chest tingling of the left arm or shoulder pain in the lower jaw dizziness pounding heart

For more information or to schedule an appointment at UPMC St. Margaret, call 412-784-5592, or visit www.UPMC.com/StMargaret.

www.UPMC.com/Today

The Difference See a Number Can Make how your numbers stack up for See how your numbers stack up for peace of mind — or a wake-up call peace of mind — or a wake-up call! Many numbers are part of your daily life, from your cell phone to your ATM code. But do you know the numbers that are critical to your physical health? Here are the three top numbers you should remember and monitor regularly:

120/80: Optimum blood pressure There’s a reason high blood pressure (hypertension) is known as the “silent killer.” You can have it for years and never know it. As it damages the walls of your arteries, it also can wreak havoc on your heart, kidneys, and brain. High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack, kidney failure, or stroke. When you have high blood pressure, the pressure of blood within the arteries — which carry blood from the heart throughout the body — is persistently elevated. Optimal blood pressure in an adult is under 120/80. The range for prehypertension is 120 to 139/80 to 89. High blood pressure is any reading of 140/90 or higher.

99: Blood sugar level It’s a good idea to have your blood sugar checked. High blood sugar — diabetes — can lead to a host of other medical problems if left unchecked, including vision and circulatory problems. Your optimal blood sugar level should be 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood or less. A count of 100 to 125 mg/dL is a pre-diabetes wake-up call; a level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

200: Optimum cholesterol Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver — and not all forms of it are bad. Sometimes, our bodies create too much cholesterol, which then circulates through the blood stream. To check your cholesterol levels, your doctor will ask you to fast before having blood work drawn. Your test results will show the amount of cholesterol in your blood.

It’s the bad, arteryclogging cholesterol (LDL) that puts you at risk, so shoot for an LDL of under 130 mg/dL. Conversely, the higher your good cholesterol (HDL) the better, because it helps remove harmful LDL from your arteries. An HDL of 50 mg/dL or higher is ideal. You should aim for a total cholesterol number (HDL + LDL) under 200 mg/dL. A count of 200 to 239 is considered borderline, while levels of 240 and above double your risk of coronary heart disease. Your doctor can help you learn and manage these numbers. To schedule an appointment with one of our primary care physicians, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). For more information about important lifesaving numbers like body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, grip strength, and thyroid level, visit www.UPMC.com/Today. Sources: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association

Back-Friendly Tips for Snow Shoveling The Farmers’ Almanac may be predicting a kinder, gentler winter, but you’ll likely have to contend with shoveling out from at least one snowfall before spring.

Before you tackle the white stuff this winter, here are five tips to help you avoid back and shoulder injuries.

“Snow shoveling can cause muscle strain to the lower back and shoulders,” says Christine Dolnack, PT, MS, director of physical therapy at UPMC St. Margaret, “especially if you are out of shape and don’t use proper lifting techniques.”

Use proper technique. Bend your knees and lift with your legs instead of your back. Lift small amounts, and don’t throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. Twisting and bending can place stress on the back and shoulders.

Warm up. Shoveling is an aerobic activity so warm up before you start. Warm muscles work better and are less likely to be injured.

Use the right equipment. The shaft of your shovel should be long enough to keep your back straight while lifting. Pace yourself. Start slowly, and stand up and walk around periodically to stretch your back. Take your cell phone. If you have a problem, you can call for help quickly. It’s also important to listen to your body. Stop shoveling if you feel pain. If you experience chest pains, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency care immediately. Source: American Physical Therapy Association

1-800-533-UPMC

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Be Happy and Healthy This Winter Is your favorite winter activity staying indoors under a warm blanket in front of the television with a bag of snacks in hand? You’re not alone. Getting through the cold weather with your health and spirits intact is difficult but not impossible. Follow these suggestions for a happier, healthier winter.

Fight the flu Cold and flu season is fast approaching. Here are some ways to avoid the sniffles. • Washing your hands for 15 seconds using soap and warm water is your best defense against germs. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based antibacterial product. • Getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of infection by 90 percent. If you don’t like needles, a nasal spray vaccine is available. • Eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, getting plenty of sleep, and reducing stress will help boost your immune system.

Winterize your skin As the weather turns colder, the dry air causes itchy, dry skin. To keep skin more comfortable during the winter months: • Switch to oil-based moisturizers with a minimum SPF of 30 for your face and body, and use them frequently. • Protect your hands from the elements with a heavy-duty hand cream, and always wear gloves outdoors. • Lips need extra protection, too. A moisturizing lip balm with vitamin E will help prevent chapping. • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.

Banish the winter blahs with exercise Don’t pack your exercise gear away with your summer clothes. Staying active during the winter months can lift your mood, help your immune system, and keep you from gaining weight. Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. • Walk indoors at a local mall. Need extra motivation? Join a walking group. • Check out an exercise video at your local library or borrow one from a friend. • With proper planning, walking outdoors in winter can be fun and exhilarating. Walk during daylight hours, dress appropriately, and wear skid-resistant shoes.

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Are You Sad? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

If the darker, shorter days of winter really get you down, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that begins in the fall and gets better in the spring. “Seasonal affective disorder is directly related to a decrease in sunlight during the winter months,” says Edward S. Friedman, MD, a psychiatrist at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. The lack of sunlight disrupts the body’s internal clock, which can lead to feelings of depression. In addition to seasonal onset, SAD sufferers experience what Dr. Friedman describes as a kind of hibernation. “They stay indoors, conserve energy, eat more, and sleep more,” he explains. Those behaviors can distinguish SAD from other types of depression. And individuals who already suffer from clinical depression may feel worse in the fall. If you are diagnosed with SAD and your symptoms are severe enough to affect your daily life, your doctor may recommend antidepressant medications, light therapy, or psychotherapy. While it’s normal for anyone to have a down day occasionally, don’t brush off those feelings. “Anyone with symptoms of depression that last more than two weeks should see their doctor,” advises Dr. Friedman.

Did You Know? • People with SAD are more likely to have a blood relative with the condition. • More women than men are diagnosed with SAD. • Exercise can help boost your mood, and relieve stress and anxiety.

Innovation at UPMC

New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Robotic technology revolutionizing Whipple surgery When Coy Smith* found out he had pancreatic cancer and needed a Whipple procedure, he started getting his affairs in order. He even considered going without surgery. “It occurred to me that I might not come back home,” says Mr. Smith. Although he left most of the worrying up to his wife, a licensed practical nurse, he knew enough to realize the surgery would not be a simple task. Whipple surgery — one of the most complex surgeries performed — involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, part of the stomach, and small intestine. But the 58-year-old Altoona-area resident was lucky. He was one of the first patients at UPMC Cancer Centers to undergo a non-invasive version of the Whipple procedure using state-of-the-art robotic technology. He was operated on in October 2009 by the surgical team of A. James Moser, MD, and Herbert J. Zeh, MD — co-directors of the Pancreatic Specialty Care Center and two of just a handful of surgeons worldwide who perform the Whipple procedure using robotic surgical technology. Mr. Smith woke up in recovery and immediately began joking with the nurses. After a week’s stay in the hospital, Mr. Smith began six months of chemotherapy. One year later, he is cancer-free. “I’m healthy and very fortunate,” Mr. Smith says. * Mr. Smith’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.

“This is pioneering technology — the first major innovation in pancreas surgery in more than 100 years — and UPMC is considered among the world’s leaders,” says Dr. Moser.

Potential Benefits of the Robotic Whipple Procedure • smaller incisions • minimal scarring • reduced blood loss and need for transfusion • less pain • shorter hospital stays • faster recovery time and start of treatment

Precise robotic technology Surgeons use the da Vinci® Si Surgical System, a robotic surgical device that allows them to operate through a series of small incisions (including one to accommodate a miniature camera) with greater dexterity and range of motion, plus a magnified threedimensional view of organs on a large, high-definition screen. Instead of the “chopsticks” used in laparoscopy, robotic surgery equipment allows for more natural movements, including wrist function, explains Dr. Zeh. “It has a 360-degree range of motion, which has much more freedom of movement than your own hand,” says Dr. Zeh. “You can get into places where your hand can’t go.” The robotic technology enhances the surgeon’s ability to see detail and manipulate anatomical parts with great precision. Like conventional laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery is minimally invasive.

Patients benefit The two surgeons have published papers on the robotic Whipple procedure and have spoken at conferences around the world. They are now compiling data on patient outcomes.

While it is not yet clear whether this approach produces better surgical outcomes, both surgeons say it is clear that patients may benefit in many ways, including less pain, reduced recovery time, minimal scarring, and reduced need for blood transfusions. That means patients can begin chemotherapy sooner. “We are pleased to be able to offer this new technology,” Dr. Zeh says. “The data shows that as a whole, patients who undergo the robotic-assisted Whipple procedure do as well as patients who have the traditional open surgery.” Perhaps the biggest benefit is reducing fear in patients. According to Dr. Moser, as many as one half of all pancreatic cancer patients choose not to have surgery to remove their tumor because they are afraid of a large incision and the long recovery time associated with traditional surgery. “We hope that by minimizing the trauma of surgery we can get more people to select this treatment and continue on with chemotherapy,” Dr. Moser says. “Not everyone with pancreatic cancer is doomed. This procedure is giving patients hope.” For more information about the robotic Whipple procedure or any of UPMC's pancreatic cancer treatments, call 1-888-623-PANC (7262).

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When Kids Get Hurt, We’re Ready Children’s Express Care Centers open in Pittsburgh’s North and South Hills It never fails. Just as you settle in for a relaxed evening or weekend, your child suddenly develops a painful earache or takes a nasty tumble and breaks an arm. Thankfully, parents in the North Hills and South Hills now have convenient “after hours” access to the pediatric specialty care found at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. The new Children’s Express Care Centers in Wexford and Bethel Park offer expert care for minor injuries and illnesses. “All we do is take care of kids — that’s our specialty. That’s important because kids are different from adults. Their illnesses and injuries are different and their medicines and treatments are different,” says Raymond D. Pitetti, MD, medical director of Children’s Express Care.

Urgent care just for children Some pediatric health concerns are urgent but not life threatening. Those are exactly the types of cases that the Children’s Express Care Centers are designed to handle, says Dr. Pitetti. The Express Care Centers provide exclusively pediatric-focused treatment in offices that are specially designed for children. Staffed by pediatricians, emergency medicine physicians, physician’s assistants, and nurses who are specifically trained to care for kids, the Centers operate evenings and weekends when pediatricians’ offices are closed. “The entire experience is geared toward kids — from the size of the equipment, to the medications and staff, and even the décor. We also know how to interact with kids and their parents to make them feel at ease,” Dr. Pitetti says.

After-hours service, convenient locations The new centers in the North Hills and South Hills — Children’s North in Wexford and Children’s South in Bethel Park — are open 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. No appointments are necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. Parking is free. A third location will open in the Monroeville/Murrysville area next spring.

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Children’s Express Care Centers Can Help The pediatric specialists at the centers can treat a wide range of illnesses or injuries in children and teens, including: • animal bites • bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma attacks • colds, fevers, flu, and other viral illnesses • cuts, bumps, lacerations, abrasions, and splinters • ear, throat, and sinus infections • incisions and abscess drainage • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration • rashes, poison ivy, and allergic reactions • simple fractures, twists, sprains, strains, and dislocations • splinting • cyst removal The Express Care Centers also offer on-site x-ray services, EKGs, blood tests, urine and throat cultures, and urinalysis.

If necessary, children with more serious conditions will be fast-tracked to the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital, or referred to pediatric specialists. If follow-up care is needed, children will be referred back to their own pediatricians along with a report on their visit to the Express Care Center.

Children’s Express Care Wexford Children’s North 2599 Wexford Bayne Road Sewickley, PA 15143 Phone: 724-933-3644 Monday through Friday: 5 to 9 p.m. Weekends: Noon to 8 p.m. No appointments needed. Walk-ins welcome. Children’s Express Care Bethel Park Children’s South 1300 Oxford Drive Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: 412-692-3145 Monday through Friday: 5 to 9 p.m. Weekends: Noon to 8 p.m. No appointments needed. Walk-ins welcome.

Benefits of the Express Care Centers include: • access to treatment when your primary care physician is not available • quality pediatric care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries for children and teens • convenient locations • free parking • no appointments needed • referrals for further evaluation and treatment • access to lab tests and diagnostic imaging

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 St. Margaret is pleased to welcome the following new physicians: Jennifer Capla, MD Plastic Surgery

Kelly McCoy, MD General Surgery

Narain Srinivas, MD Radiology and Medical Imaging

Mohammad Ilyas, MD Radiology and Medical Imaging

Andrew Miller, MD Emergency Medicine

Brian Jankowitz, MD Neurosurgery

Shannon Orr, DO Family Practice

Maria Twichell, MD Rheumatology (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Roheena Kamyar, MD Ophthalmology

Frank Perrone, MD Radiology and Medical Imaging

Alex Kline, MD Orthopaedic Surgery

Ernesto Santos, MD Radiology and Medical Imaging

Janet Kossol, MD Radiology and Medical Imaging

Gretchen Shelesky, MD Family Practice

Kurt Weiss, MD Orthopaedic Surgery Timothy Wu, MD Vascular Surgery

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening at St. Margaret Classes

Support Groups

Event Spotlight

Car Seat Safety Program 412-784-5262 COPD Education/Support 412-784-5827 CPR/AED Training 412-784-5262 EMT Program 412-647-4674 Insulin Pump Class 1-866-334-5227 Look Good, Feel Better 1-800-227-2345 Managing Your Diabetes 1-866-334-5227 Paramedic Program 412-647-4674

Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Support Group Free monthly support group meetings, led by a clinical social worker, feature speakers and informative topics about dementia, available services, and treatment options. Call 412-784-5054 for more information.

Mark your calendar for the 2011 Fitness Classic 5K Run/Walk at UPMC St. Margaret Sunday, May 22, 2011 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Smoking Cessation Program 412-784-5043

Bariatric Support Group Free monthly support group meetings are held for those considering, or those who have already had, weight loss surgery. Led by our team of experts, our support group offers education about the surgery, guidelines for nutrition, recommendations for exercise, and emotional support. Call 412-784-5900 for more information. Diabetes Support Group Free support group meetings, led by a diabetes educator, offer an opportunity for patients to interact with others who are living with diabetes. The group meetings offer education, networking, and support. Call 412-784-4194 for more information.

UPMC St. Margaret Blood Drive Friday, Dec. 3 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dining Rooms A and B Call 412-784-4077 for more information. Jingle Bell Boutique Monday, Dec. 13 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dining Rooms A and B Bariatric Information Sessions Dec. 6, 2010; Jan. 3 & 24, 2011; Feb 7 & 28, 2011 6 to 8 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Conference Room A,B,C

Smoking Cessation Program Eight-week series, begins Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 6 to 7:30 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Conference Center Call 412-784-5043 to register.

Alive & Well Presentations UPMC St. Margaret physicians and health professionals speak on a variety of healthrelated topics at community libraries. For upcoming dates, locations, and topics, visit www.UPMC.com/StMargaret. Volunteer Opportunities For information about volunteer opportunities at UPMC St. Margaret, call Volunteer Services at 412-784-4081.

Call 412-784-5900 to register.

For more information about any of these classes or support groups, call the number indicated, call Community Relations at 412-784-5160, or go to www.UPMC.com/StMargaret.

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC St. Margaret 815 Freeport Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412-784-4000 www.UPMC.com/StMargaret

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. To receive additional copies of this publication, call 412-784-5160.

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

 THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING ACTIVE hen the temperature drops, roads become icy, and snow falls, our interest in staying active also falls. The shorter daylight hours and decrease in temperature tend to drive us inside, and it is not long before we begin to gain weight. Being active is the key to keeping weight off, increasing one’s energy level, reducing stress, and ultimately preventing chronic disease. The key to avoiding winter weight gain is to find a regular exercise routine. Winter and the holidays are right around the corner, which in Pittsburgh means cold weather and lots of good food. This deadly combination leads directly to winter weight gain. While we all want to enjoy our holidays with family and friends, it is important to avoid gaining weight throughout the winter. The average person puts on 10 pounds and increases by at least one clothing size if not two throughout the winter. Being active throughout the winter will also help prevent the aches and pains that come from sedentary behavior. Most importantly,

winter exercise helps prevent seasonal depression, which affects about two percent of the population in the United States each year. Let’s take a look at how to stay active in the winter. The easiest way to stay active is to walk outside each day. Walking outside even in the cold weather not only helps with one’s quest to burn calories but also allows the skin to absorb ultraviolet rays B (UBV), which produces Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in our systems. Our need for sunlight exposure is also a factor in helping with seasonal depression. Less exposure to sunlight can lead to depression, fatigue, and lethargy. A brisk walk three to four times per week will help reduce all of the above. Exercising outside in the winter takes choosing the right clothing for cold weather. The key to being safe during cold weather is to cover your extremities. Always dress in layers and pay special attention to wearing a hat and proper footwear. Heat is lost through the top of one’s uncovered head, which leads to a drop in body temperature; Footwear must allow for slippery surfaces and provide traction. Remember to include a pair of warm socks as part of your foot attire. So what happens if you do not like to walk in the cold weather? Another choice would be to join a health club. Joining a health club gives you a chance to vary your exercise routine. If you are a walker, perhaps in the winter you will become an indoor cyclist. Cross training is also an effective way to burn calories. There are many advantages to joining a health club including the fact that everything is under one roof. Where else can one go that there is the latest equipment to build muscle, burn calories, try new forms of exercise and take a shower? If you cannot be outside, exercising inside, whether on a treadmill, crosstrainer or bike, will give you all the benefits of caloric burn, reducing cholesterol, lowering body fat, increasing energy, and making you feel you have control over your weight. If you feel in control of your weight, chances are you will be happier and healthier. After a long Pittsburgh winter with no weight gain, think of what great shape you will be in next spring. Today is the day to start exercising a couple days per week. Come see us at Allegheny River Health Club. We can design a program for you!

    This Industry Insight was written by Mary Ryan. Mary Ryan is President of Allegheny River Health Club. For the past eighteen years she has been helping people achieve their fitness goals. Opened in 2006, the 9,000 square foot facility overlooks the Allegheny River and provides members with a boutique setting in which to work out. For more information you can call the club at 412.963.6460 or visit their web site www.alleghenyriverhealthclub.com.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

BACK PAIN Many Causes, Few Cures

t’s the kind of thing that can come in an instant like a lightning bolt, or sneak in over the course of weeks like a persistent fog. In any form, it’s unwelcome and costs U.S. businesses millions of dollars in lost work and sick days. It’s back pain, and while it’s not totally understood, it’s totally real for millions of Americans. There are several varieties of back pain, each with their own names based on the location on the spine from which they seem to originate. One of the more common ones that you may have heard about is “lumbago,” or lower back pain. The name stems from the lumbar section of the spine, and the condition has fueled an estimated $70 billion industry in itself in physician services, self-help remedies, ointments, devices and more. America’s obsession with lumbar and its proper support has led to seats with lumbar adjustments being standard in most high-end vehicles. For those who drive economy cars, there are pillows, wedges, lattices of beads and vibrating heating pads that plug into your car’s lighter socket, each proclaiming more relief than the next.

If you’re just dealing with day-to-day aches and pains, most doctors agree that compresses of warm, moist heat are the best way to cope. 38 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

Despite the accoutrements that one can purchase, few provide total relief. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because the actual causes of run-ofthe-mill, everyday back pain are largely unknown. Many reasons for serious back pain are easily diagnosed because they have a direct causal basis or present with other symptoms such as weight loss, fever or incontinence. Someone in a recent car accident, for example, would know that their current back pain is a result of the collision. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been postulated that back pain may also be the result of stress at work or at home, reasons that would not show up in an MRI or X-ray. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just dealing with day-to-day aches and pains, most doctors agree that compresses of warm, moist heat are the best way to cope. Over the counter pain relievers are also safe, so long as you take them as directed. Chiropractors and physical therapists may be able to suggest a stretching regimen that could alleviate some of the more common aches and pains associated with the spine. In fact, more and more chiropractors have integrated techniques into patient visits other than the basic routine adjustment.

Exercise and patient education are the best tools out there in helping the patient in the long-term.

You might be surprised to find that your first chiropractic visit may include 15 minutes of massage therapy, where warm, moist heat compresses are placed on your back, followed by 15 minutes of TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which zings and zaps your muscles with a pleasant tingling sensation. While it all feels great, scientists are split as to whether any of it works for the long term. A study by the American Academy of Family Physicians came to the conclusion that while heat packs, deep heat, and massage are useful in the immediate relief of symptoms, long-term effectiveness is still in question, and the use of TENS therapy has demonstrated no long term effectiveness at all. What the study did conclude is that unless the pain is the result of a deeper medical condition, like cancer or infection, exercise and patient education are the best tools out there in helping the patient in the long-term.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Guests coming for the holidays? THERE’S STILL TIME TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN AND BATHS! f family and friends will be gathering at your home “Natural Accents’ multicolor this holiday season, but your outdated kitchen hues give kitchen and bathrooms are less than company-ready, call Miracle Method! countertops, vanities and tile Miracle Method’s surface refinishing process can transform your existing bathroom fixtures and kitchen walls the upscale appearance countertops from tired to inspired in plenty of time for of expensive granite at a Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining. With Miracle Method, there is no messy demolition fraction of the cost.” and no worries about contractors finishing before guests arrive. Best of all, homeowners save up to 75 percent over the cost of replacing ugly bathtubs, dingy tile or Miracle Method can resurface impossible-to-clean or dated bathtubs to worn countertops. “Surface refinishing offers homeowners a beautiful, like new again and give ugly tile or laminate a designer, stone-look finish durable and very affordable alternative to traditional removal and within a day or two. replacement remodeling,” says Wade Sander, Miracle Method of Homeowners are especially excited about how Miracle Method can Central Pittsburgh partner. create the look of stone with their new Natural Accents™ finishes. Natural In just a day or two, Miracle Method can complete kitchen or Accents’ multicolor hues give kitchen countertops, vanities and tile walls bathroom makeovers at affordable prices to give countertops, vanities, the upscale appearance of expensive granite at a fraction of the cost. “You bathtubs, and tile the updated look sought by today’s homeowners. will be amazed by the look, and even more amazed by the affordable Using a proprietary process that restores porcelain, tile, Formica®, price!” adds Sander. cultured marble, and fiberglass, Miracle Method can make worn and For many people, Miracle Method’s surface refinishing is the right dated surfaces look and feel like new again. It is the same process the choice in today’s economy. It offers tremendous value for those who want nation’s largest hotel chains, like Sheraton, Disney and Hilton have asked to update their homes, but who are hesitant to go in debt for a slab of Miracle Method to use to update their guest bathrooms. granite. With Miracle Method, homeowners don’t have to spend a “There is no need to rip out perfectly good bathtubs, sinks and fortune to update or change the two most important rooms in the countertops when all you need do is have Miracle Method restore the home—the kitchen and bathroom. surface or change the color, just in time for the holidays,” says Sander. Miracle Method offers a fiveyear guarantee against adhesion failure of the new finish. A refinished surface should last 15 to 20 years using the same care and maintenance recommended by new tub and kitchen countertop manufacturers. If your kitchen or bathrooms need a makeover before the holidays, call for a free, in-home estimate.

This Industry Insight was written by Wade Sander, partner, Miracle Method of Central Pittsburgh.

40 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

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ccording to Carol Diethorn, Kenneth Ochs was a bit of a daredevil in his day. And he’s got the stories to prove it. “When you’re 91, you’ve got all kinds of stories to tell,” Carol says of Mr. Ochs, whom she spends time with every week as a volunteer with Open Your Heart to a Senior, an initiative of United Way of Allegheny County in cooperation with Family Services of Western Pennsylvania and North Hills Community Outreach. “I used to be really active and I was a tennis pro for a long time,” Mr. Ochs explains, “but my eyes became gradually worse and now I don’t see.” Carol accompanies Mr. Ochs on walks through South Park once or twice a week and both enjoy not only the exercise, but also the company. “Carol is really good; she leads me so I don’t traipse anywhere I shouldn’t be,” he says with a laugh. Laughter seems to be a regular part of their routine. During their mile-long walks, they exchange stories of their lives and share advice. “It’s funny,” Carol confides, “he thinks he’s the care recipient, but he’s really doing more for me than I do for him. I get so much out of it, and I come home feeling great.” Currently unemployed and looking for a new job, Carol saw an opportunity to volunteer as a way to do something that gives her meaning. “It really puts perspective on things,” she says of her experience with Mr. Ochs and other seniors she drives to doctors’ appointments. “Who needs anti-depressants?” she jokes but quickly takes a serious turn, “It brings a lot of joy in my life.” Right now, Open Your Heart to a Senior is looking for volunteers in every corner of Allegheny County, from as little as an hour a month to routine weekly visits. Whether it’s help with grocery shopping, home safety checks or snow shoveling and yard work, thousands of seniors in our neighborhoods could use some assistance. In addition to individual volunteers like Carol, families and groups are also welcome. To learn more or become a volunteer, visit www.openyourhearttoasenior.org or call 412.307.0071. “It’s a fine organization,” Mr. Ochs volunteers, “I can’t say enough about it.” Given enough time and his penchant for storytelling, though, he probably could. Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

M U N I C I PA L I T I E S

Blawnox Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce Meeting - 8 a.m. Third Wednesday of each month Planning / Zoning Meeting - 7 p.m. Fourth Wednesday of each month

Aspinwall Borough Manager: Ed Warchol Administration: Georgene Veltri, Dawn Celendar Building/Zoning Inspector: Ed Crates Public Works Foreman/Fire Chief: Lee Albacker

FiREmEn’S mEmORiAl PARk Firemen’s Memorial Park, located at the end of Ninth Street, has a public shelter for rent. The rental fee is $50 (subject to change) and non-refundable. The park is available April 15 thru October 15. Alcohol permits are available. Rentals are first come first served to Borough residents only. Stop in the Borough office Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call 412.781.0213 to check on availability.

POliCE Chief of Police: John Sabol DIAL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY POLICE DEPARTMENT Non-Emergency: 412.781.3568 FiRE Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department Inc. 217 Commercial Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15215 2.24 miles from Blawnox, PA 15238 412.781.0447

Township Blawnox 376 Freeport Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Phone: 412.828.4141 Fax: 412.828.7138 E-mail: blawnox@choiceonemail.com Manager: Sherry A. Kordas POLICE: DIAL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY POLICE DEPARTMENT Business hours non-emergency phone: 412.828.4149 FIRE DEPARTMENT: Blawnox VFD 378 Freeport Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.828.6380

note: Everything is subject to change without notice due to weather or other unforeseen situations.

For information on becoming a volunteer firefighter call the non-emergency number at the First Street Station at 412.781.0447 Foxwall EMS - 412.963.6611 Real Estate Tax - Georgene Veltri 412.781.0213 Earned Income - Joint Tax Collection Agency 412.967.9680 Meetings at the Municipal Building on Commercial Avenue Agenda Meeting - 6:30 p.m. First Wednesday of each month Council Meeting - 7 p.m. Second Wednesday of each month

42 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Blawnox

Fox Chapel Area

Indiana Township 3710 Saxonburg Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15238-1068 Phone: 412.767.5333 E-mail: admin@indianatownship.com Hours of operation: M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays EmERGEnCY SERViCES DiRECTORY POliCE DIAL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY POLICE DEPARTMENT 3710 Saxonburgh Blvd. Pittsburgh PA 15238-1068 Non-Emergency 412.767.5333, Ext. 315 FiRE DORSEYVILLE VOL FIRE DEPT Chief Noel Bongartz 100 Charles Street Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.767.4343 412.767.9977 MIDDLE ROAD VOL FIRE DEPT Chief Mike Dolegowski 2034 Middle Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 412.486.6365 Fax: 412.487.1815 E-mail: middleroadvfd@yahoo.com

RURAL RIDGE VOL FIRE DEPT Chief Bob Ben 135 Little Deer Creek Road P. O. Box 58 Rural Ridge, PA 15075 724.265.4000 Fax: 724.265.4077 E-mail: Ruralridge175@nauticom.net AmbulAnCE SENECA E.M.S. 1885 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412.781.8596 412.767.4343

Indiana Township

LOWER VALLEY 1201 Freeport Road P. O. Box 13 Cheswick, PA 15024 Emergency: 724.274.4499 Business: 724.274.4155 EARNED INCOME (WAGE) TAX COLLECTOR: Jordan Tax Service: 412.345.7964 REAL ESTATE TAX COLLECTOR: Phyllis Will: 412.486.5559

Borough of Fox Chapel 401 Fox Chapel Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.963.1100 Office 412.963.1819 Fax 412.963.7220 Police (office/non-emergency) 412.963.1854 Police Fax E-mail: foxchap@fox-chapel.pa.us Manager: Gary Koehler The Borough Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

POliCE The Fox Chapel Borough Police Department consists of the Chief, two sergeants and eight patrolmen. DIAL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY POLICE DEPARTMENT Non-emergency: 412.963.7220. David M. Laux, Police Chief FiRE Fox Chapel Fire Department 401 Fox Chapel Road Fox Chapel, PA 15238 Non-Emergency Calls: 412.963.1100

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

M U N I C I PA L I T I E S

Sharpsburg Borough MANAGER: Ron Borczyk 1611 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Phone: 412.781.0546 Fax: 412.781.8449 POliCE DIAL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY Business hours non-emergency phone: 412.486.3201

Firemen’s Memorial Park, Aspinwall

FiRE Sharpsburg VFD 1611 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412.781.1116

Sharpsburg Township of O'Hara 325 Fox Chapel Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Phone: 412.782.1400 Fax: 412.782.4530 www.ohara.pa.us MANAGER: Julie A. Jakubec, CPA E-mail: jjakubec@ohara.pa.us POliCE DIAL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY POLICE DEPARTMENT Business-hours non-emergency number: 412.782.1403 After-hours non-emergency number: 412.486.3201

Township of O’Hara Pleasant Valley VFD 152 Kittanning Pike Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412.781.8108

FiRE Guyasuta VFD 1341 Old Freeport Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.963.7577

MUNICIPAL MEETINGS: Township Council – Regular: Second Tuesday of each month 7 p.m. Township Council – Workshop: First Tuesday of each month 7 p.m. Second Tuesday of each month following the Regular meeting 7 p.m.

Parkview VFD 726 Midway Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412.781.1220 44 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

PLANNING COMMISSION: Third Monday 7:30 p.m. PARKS/RECREATION COMMISSION: Fourth Wednesday of each month 7:30 p.m. Civil Service Commission: First Monday of each month 7 p.m. Zoning Hearing Board: First Monday of each month 7:30 p.m.

WINTER

2010

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    ✫  ✫  ✫  ✫  ✫ 

on the go...

 

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

46 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

 

  

                         

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                       

Pine Cone Christmas Tree Ornament     

 

 

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   

    Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

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Your Waistline

button is excised similarly to a classic abdominoplasty, but the lymphatic vessels are preserved to minimize postoperative swelling, promoting more a rapid recovery from surgery. Limited undermining of the upper abdominal skin is performed, preserving the majority of the blood vessels and nerves, thus providing better blood flow and tissue oxygenation, which maximizes the healing potential. Muscle placation (tightening) is performed and the remaining abdominal skin is advanced down, and closed with multiple layers of absorbable suture. There are many advantages to this procedure vs.the traditional abdominoplasty. Since I started performing this method, I tell my patients: • It is more effective in reshaping the waistline than a regular tummy tuck. Because the fat is removed prior to the tightening of the waistline, allowing me to reshape the waistline with ease. • It has a very low rate of fluid (seroma) accumulation or bleeding.

ave you ever wondered why in spite of exercising so much, that your abdominal area and waistline still look the same? This can be a very frustrating time for many women. There is a plastic surgery procedure that may be of interest to you. The waistline silhoutte loses its definition with age, pregnancy and weight fluctuations. I see a large number of patients in my practice that are looking to improve their waistline through plastic surgery. There are well known methods to achieve these goals through various types of liposuction and abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) procedures. Until recently, liposuction and abdominoplasty were never performed together because of the potential problems that could result. Now, there is a new technique of lipoabdominoplasty, developed in Brazil at the turn of the century, which is a combination of the two procedures to produce a flat, sleek and much improved waistline. The Lipoabdominoplasty procedure, as it is called, begins with liposuction of the entire abdomen. The skin below the belly

• Less chance of numbness due to the preservation of the nerves around the belly button area. • The scar is shorter than a regular abdominoplasty scar. • Quicker postoperative recovery time, less chance of healing problems after the surgery, especially in smokers. • Less swelling, bruising and pain; early ambulation and return to the normal activities of daily living. Who would be a good candidate for this procedure? Those individuals who are considered to be in otherwise good health, who exercise regularly, but are discouraged with the unchanged appearance of their waistline.This surgery is very helpful to women who are older with slight obesity or women who have had multiple pregnancies, thus stretching their skin. Patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight may benefit from postponing surgery. Women planning future pregnancies should also wait. Another contraindication for surgery may be scarring from a previous abdominal surgery. Seeing your plastic surgeon for an initial consultation is the only way to determine if you are a good candidate for this particular surgery. Although thousands of abdominoplasties are performed every year, it is very important that you seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. This surgeon has been extensively trained in body contouring and is a safe choice for this surgery. But, remember, every surgery carries with it risks. That is WHY a qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is so imperative. I always tell all of my patients that any surgical procedure is not a substitution for a healthy lifestyle, including routine exercise and a balanced diet. One's silhoutte can be restored and rejuvenated with this surgery, but the maintenance of this improved shape with exercise and diet will be essential to the long term satisfaction from this procedure. This Industry Insight was written by Anna Wooten, MD. Dr. Wooten, the founder of Beleza Plastic Surgery, is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She completed her General and Plastic Surgery Residency and Fellowship at one of the leading Plastic Surgery Training Programs in the country, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Her unique and extensive education and training brings a special perspective to the discipline and art of Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

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Fox Chapel Area

Tai Pei Celebrates 25 Years of Family and Traditional Chinese Cuisine

You may not know Steve Weng, owner of Tai Pei in Fox Chapel. That’s because, before he became the owner of the restaurant and Fox Chapel staple of fine Chinese cuisine, he was working behind the scenes at the restaurant for his father, Charlie, who started Tai Pei 25 years ago. Working his way up from a busboy to waiter and eventually owner, Weng bought out his father’s partners in 2006 and continues to this day to keep Tai Pei in the same family, with the same family recipes that people have loved and praised for more than two decades. “We have customers who have been with us since day one,” Weng said. “We also have customers who have moved away and come back to Pittsburgh and comment that the meal was as good as they remember from their last visit.” That’s because Tai Pei is a stickler for consistency. The same General Tso sauce recipe that they used on day one is the same one they’re using today. Those recipes come from Weng’s mother, when she and her husband came to America from Taiwan. While some things have changed, most notably the addition of their sushi bar several years ago, the great taste of Tai Pei never does. “We believe that we create our dishes at a higher quality and with greater consistency than other restaurants,” Weng said. “Take our General Tso’s sauce. Ours is different because it’s a recipe that’s been handed down for 25 years. Others try to emulate it, but they can never get it just right.” In response to their silver anniversary, Tai Pei is introducing several new sushi rolls that will leave you wanting more. The Tai Pei Maki Roll is an exquisite work of art created from spicy tuna, crabmeat and avocado topped with seared black peppered salmon with teriyaki sauce, tobiko and tempura flakes. No need for soy sauce here – this roll

bursts in your mouth with flavor and texture that’s second to none. The Fuji Yama Roll, which is tuna, salmon and crabmeat topped with avocado and another dose of crabmeat comes with shrimp salad on the side. Tai Pei gets another A+ for creativity and execution with this roll, which you won’t want to share. If sushi’s not your thing, there are more than 200 other offerings on Tai Pei’s menu to choose from, each of them a generous portion of the freshest meats and vegetables that you won’t find anywhere else. The General Tso’s Chicken is marinated in a light and smoky sauce that screams “authentic,” distancing itself from the sweet and sticky sauces found in lesser restaurants. The Seafood Delight lives up to its name and then some with plenty of jumbo shrimp, scallops, crabmeat and a lobster tail with a vegetable medley in a white wine sauce. Unlike other places that mask flavors with heavy sauces, Tai Pei’s sauces all seem to complement the dishes perfectly, letting you savor the juicy flavor of each succulent shrimp and the sauce together, not one over the other. It’s no wonder that Tai Pei has won numerous accolades and awards in their 25year history, including being voted one of the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the United States in 2007.

With ample room for large parties, Tai Pei’s delicious delights are available for pick-up and delivery. Weng said delivery is available to a four- to seven-mile radius, further for large parties and catering. For your party or office function, Tai Pei can transport their sushi bar to the site so that you’ll have the freshest sushi made to order. Tai Pei is located at 1124 Freeport Road in Fox Chapel, and can be reached at 412.781.4131. For their full menu, check out their website at www.taipeipittsburgh.com, where you can download a coupon for your next meal!

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 49

Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation

Older Adults inFox Chapel 

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mericans filing federal returns can expect year-end tax planning to be a bit more complicated this time around because we don't know what the tax rates will be for 2011 just yet. The current rates, known as the “Bush tax cuts” from 2001, are due to expire on Dec 31 of this year. So when the new rates get passed, taxpayers won't have a whole lot of time to plan. Jeff Marzina, executive vice president at Bill Few Associates says that the best plan of action here is to be prepared. “For this year," says Marzina, "I think its very important that people be paying attention to what happens in the political spectrum in terms of tax rates for the new year and to make sure you have your advisers lined up so when rates are set, you don’t wait.” Each year, an individual is allowed to give a financial gift of up to $13,000 to any or as many individuals as they want to without being subject to a gift tax. If you give beyond this, you must fill out a gift tax return, which goes against the unified credit amount that they are allowed to give at their death. Right now this is not determined. 50 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

by Jamie Ward So you could give gifts of up to Marzina says that the question many $13,000 to 15 grandchildren and not pay a people are asking is this: If you have assets tax on it. According to the IRS, You can't that have significant capital gains built in, deduct the value of gifts on your income tax return unless they are left to a charitable organization. Federal estate taxes may have been repealed for 2010, but they are set to return on January 1, 2011, and will tax up to 55% on estates valued at more than $1 million. In 2009 the rate only imposed a 45% tax on estates in excess of $3.5 million, and all assets got a “step-up” in basis when someone died. This meant that no tax would have to be paid on appreciated assets like stock and real estate. But under new laws all assets inherited may be subject to the capital should you accelerate taxes and sell those gains tax. assets in 2010 to ensure 15% tax rate, If the current administration's proposal instead of waiting for 2011 and having the to allow rates to expire and return to 2009's rate jump to 20%? The problem here is that taxpayers rate, the “step-up” in basis will return. won’t have a lot of time to make these Another proposal is to have most of the decisions. According to Marzina, if the current brackets stay but raise tax rates of the highest bracket, and taxes on dividends new tax laws are in place by Dec 1, and capital gains jump from 15% to 20%. there will only be a 30-day window to The Republican proposal is to extend make any decisions this year. So the best current tax rates for a period of 2 years and thing to do is make those decisions as quickly as possible. cap dividends and capital gains at 15%. Fox Chapel Area

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by Jamie Ward

ith the winter months approaching, it's time to put away the golf clubs and short sleeve shirts and break out the

jackets. It's also time to start thinking about safety. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 65 slips and falls each year. It's the number one cause of injury related deaths. So with snow and ice just around the corner (and if moving to Florida is out of the question), it's a good idea to review some tips on keeping yourself safe this winter. • Buy shoes with a non-skid sole or with good traction to get a better grip with the ground. Leather- and plastic-soled shoes have the worst traction in winter weather. • Check for icy railings and avoid icy and uncleared sidewalks and walkways. • Take your time to map out the best route to get wherever

Senior Agencies The Northern Area Multi Service Center 209 Thirteenth Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412.781.1175

Transportation For Older Adults There are several agencies that offer free or reduced rate transportation services to individuals who qualify. Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) 1.888.547.6287 Provides non-emergency medical transportation to residents of Allegheny County who have a valid Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance Card.

you are going, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you feel you may need it. • If you have to walk over an icy surface, bending your knees and taking slower steps can reduce the risk of falling.

Free Bus Pass for Senior Citizens The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to

ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984 ACCESS is door-to-door, advance reservation, sharedride transportation provided throughout Port Authority's service area. It serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities. There are no restrictions on the purpose or number of trips which may be taken by riders, except that riders are required to share their vehicle with others traveling in the same direction and at the same time. Older Persons Transportation Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, senior center activities and other needs throughout Allegheny County is available to adults 60 years of age and older who live in Allegheny County. Call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460. Are you a non profit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunity magazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.

And as always, safety begins at home. Make sure the areas around your home are salted and cleared. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. If needed, ask a family member or neighbor to help you.

ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtain identification cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 51

Preparing

Your Home for Sale…

1 step at a time! in handy should you need to label non-clear containers with the contents. ✓ Gather the phone numbers for Goodwill Industries, veterans or other companies that will pick up donated clothes, toys, unused furniture and household items. What can be easier than leaving things on your doorstep to be picked up and taken away? ✓ If necessary, rent a storage unit to put the stackable containers, extra furniture, holiday decorations and collectibles in. The main idea is to have your rooms look as spacious and as neat as possible. When buyers tour a home, it is easier to envision themselves in that neat and clean environment.

ave you decided to put your house on the market but don’t know where to start? If you have watched Curb Get Ready, Set, Clean! the shows on HGTV you know that in order appeal is often the ✓ Now that you have all of your supplies, the first goal is to get that quick sale your home has to present itself determining factor for if to remove all clutter from every room. This alone will in a clean, organized manner. Here are some tips on make your house appear bigger and brighter. The best how to get your home ready to show. a buyer wants to see the way to achieve this is to start small, pick one room to inside of your home. Many work on, and then, pick one cupboard, closet or desk Prepare for the big clean-out. buyers will do a “drive-by” to start clearing out. You will be surprised how quickly ✓ Stock up on garbage bags and stackable you can get through a room when you focus on just containers for old clothes or toys that are no prior to calling their that one area. longer being used, but you may want to keep. Realtor for an ✓ Remove the less frequently used, items from kitchen I recommend the clear containers for easy appointment. counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more identification of contents. A permanent marker comes inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea. ✓Wash all walls and doors. Most people don’t realize how much dirt can accumulate around doorknobs and door jams because of kids and general daily use until they actually stop to look at these areas.

A little updating goes a long way. ✓Sprucing up a kitchen can be easier than you think. Replacing something as simple as the kitchen knobs makes a huge difference. Additional easy changes are new curtains or a coat of neutral paint. ✓If necessary, repaint the un-cleanable dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. ✓ Remove old carpet and wallpaper! This is a major complaint of home buyers and can be one of the least expensive changes to make. If there are hardwood floors underneath carpet, expose them! If you cannot afford to have them refinished, invest in a few area rugs or carpet remnants. Most buyers prefer hardwood floors, regardless of condition, to old and stained carpets.

Finally, do a “drive-by” ✓Curb appeal is often the determining factor for if a buyer wants to see the inside of your home. Many buyers will do a “drive-by” prior to calling their Realtor for an appointment. How does your house look from the road? Do you have a yard that is neat and well kept? You don’t have to be a spectacular gardener, just show that you take pride in the condition of your home. Also, make sure your porch, doorstep and front door are clean and tidy. This is the buyer’s first impression of your home…make it count!

VISIT US AT OUR NEW OFFICE! 52 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

 he Aspinwall Civic Association kicked off the holiday season with their annual "Christmas in Aspinwall" on Thursday, November 18. Everyone enjoyed a visit from Santa, holiday music, goodies and hayrides at "Light up the Wall," a holiday open house in the Borough's business district. Their annual Christmas Parade and Fireworks followed on Saturday.

Mayor Ben Killian

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 53

Easy Ideas for Creating Custom, Memorable Holiday Cards Even with the popularity of using e-mail, social media, and texting to communicate with friends and family, holiday cards continue to be a time-honored tradition. In fact, according to a survey from holiday cards and thank you cards retailer Cardstore.com, 43 percent of Americans prefer a greeting card from a loved one instead of $10, and 63 percent think sending a special occasion greeting through a social network is inappropriate. While survey results show most people prefer to receive holiday cards, people mistakenly think that creating these custom cards is time consuming. Thanks to technology, new products, and online greeting card sites, this isn’t necessarily the case. By following the tips below, creating custom, personalized holiday cards can be easy, fun, and inexpensive.

Picture Perfect – Getting a perfect holiday picture does not have to involve a three-hour photo shoot with an expensive photographer. Oftentimes the best holiday shots are the candid, everyday ones shot at home. For professionallooking DIY images, use natural light (if indoors, shoot near a window), get up close, and have the subjects involved in a favorite activity. Laugh, have fun, and shoot away. Even if the shots aren’t perfect, use photo editing software – sometimes just simply changing the image to black and white or cropping out unwanted parts can transform the image. Source: Cardstore.com

Let Your Child Be the Artist – Instead of uploading a favorite photo for holiday cards, simply scan a child’s favorite drawing and quickly upload to a photo greeting card site. This is an especially cute idea for classroom or grandparent holiday cards.

Keep It Simple

– Scour the crafting and dollar stores where there are a variety of inexpensive products to make handmade cards. Use blank cards and embellish with just one or two items – any more and it can be daunting, especially if more than 50 cards need to be made. For instance, punch out polka dots in festive holiday papers using a circle punch and adhere them to the card front in a random, whimsical pattern. Or, run a piece of grosgrain ribbon across the front of card and adhere a glittered embellishment or button.

Collage Card – Instead of spending hours deciding which photo to feature for the holiday card, just choose several photos taken throughout the year that highlight favorite adventures and memories. Visit a favorite online card store and select one of the many templates available.

Use a Kit

– For those who lack the creative bug or are really strapped for time, use pre-assembled DIY holiday card kits. Cardstore.com has embellished card kits that combine the time-saving elements of digital photo cards with the personal, handcrafted touch of dimensional accents. Order the photo cards online. Once they arrive, decorate the cards with the provided coordinating stamps, gems, and glitter glue. Tips and creative inspiration included and no extra trip to the craft store needed!

By following these tips, you can create easy, thoughtful and meaningful holiday cards that share the festive joys of the season. 54 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

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any seniors don’t ask for help because they fear that they’ll be a burden to their families or lose their independence. It is important that families look for signs that may indicate their loved one needs some assistance in their everyday life. More than half of family members presently caring for an older relative started doing so because the senior had an injury, illness or medical condition that left them less able to function independently. However, there are other issues, such as depression, poor nutrition, death of a spouse, isolation or loneliness that can further compromise an older relative’s physical and mental health in a short period.



bills piling up – Seniors can feel overwhelmed by the simple task of dealing with daily mail, as well as balancing a checkbook, particularly if eye sight is deteriorating or if this was once the responsibility of a now-deceased spouse. Reluctance to leave the house – Seniors who are having trouble getting around, seeing, or hearing, will slowly pull away and

isolate themselves. If left unresolved, this isolation can lead to loneliness and depression, as well as malnutrition and other health concerns. losing interest in preparing/eating meals – Seniors can be easily overwhelmed by cooking and tend to not eat properly. One sign that poor eating habits are forming is an improper selection of food in the house. Declining personal hygiene – Changes in appearance are the most obvious sign that some assistance is needed. These signs can range from unkempt hair and body odor, to unshaven faces and wearing clothing that is unclean, unchanged for days or inappropriate for the weather. These changes may occur because doing the laundry or getting in and out of the tub has become too physically challenging. Decline in driving skills – Decreased ability to see, inability to merge into traffic, driving way under the speed limit and slow reaction time is a recipe for disaster with senior driving. Symptoms of depression – Feelings of loneliness, fatigue, and not wanting to get dressed can all be indications of a problem. Other signs include decreased visits with family members and friends, change in sleeping patterns and lack of interest in usual hobbies and activities.

missed doctors’ appointments and social engagements – Seniors sometimes feel uncomfortable asking others for transportation. unkempt house – Changes in housekeeping may occur simply because it is too difficult or tiring. From dirty laundry to dirty dishes, these everyday tasks become too much to handle on their own. Losing track of medications – missed doses and medication mistakes can lead to very serious medical complications. Older people often take multiple prescriptions, which can be overwhelming without assistance or reminders. Home Instead Senior Care can help with compassionate home care services delivered right in your loved one's home. Whether a few hours a day or 24 hours a day, a CAREGiver can assist you. All CAREGivers are thoroughly screened, extensively trained, insured and bonded, professional and reliable. Here is what one of our past clients said:

“Not only has Michelle helped our mother our immensely, but she has kept us informed of any changes or anything needing attention to in the house. We could not be more pleased with our decision in choosing Home Instead Senior Care.” Mark from Plum Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 55

 ♥  Keeping the Most Important Muscle Fit

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hen it comes to exercise, it’s hard to break through the hype and advertising ploys for the newest and best cardio machine or workout. However, the best cardio workout depends on engaging the heart through a multitude of levels and workloads, said Dan Griffin, general manager of Oxford Athletic Club. Griffin, who is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, said people are becoming more educated when it comes to their cardio workout. “People understand you do not have to do long, slow distance exercises, to be in the fat-burning zone. The studies are showing now that low-intensity heart maintenance levels are just as efficient for calorie burn. Middle heart rates – the kind

56 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Fox Chapel Area

of exercises where you can talk to your neighbor, but can’t recite the Gettysburg Address – those work well also,” Griffin said. “The higher heart levels have a whole different physiological response and work on different parts of your body. Some who do a little bit of exercise in all three ranges lose weight quicker, and it doesn’t take more time. You take those 30-40 minutes you usually dedicate to your workout and break it up.” Griffin said there are new workout machines that take advantage of that data to help athletes meet those various heart ranges. “There always are machines that are the ‘hot machines.’ In the ‘80s and ‘90s, it was the stepper, and now it’s treadmills, ellipticals, and multi-angular training. With a treadmill, you’re in one plane, moving forward. With multi-angular and multi-plane machines you’re moving forward, and you’re also going left, right, forward and back,” Griffin said. “Another hot machine right now is the ArcTrainer, which is a cross between a stepper and an elliptical. With step training, few people can last long enough to make that work right, so the ArcTrainer is a favorite among tennis players and other athletes who come in.” In addition to specialized cardio machines, Griffin said circuit training still gives people a great workout. “Circuit training is still alive and well. We have trainers who take people through workouts that are as demanding as can be,” he said. “Unless you need bulk and heavy lifting, there’s a lot to be said for this functional training where you’re pushing sandbags and working out without stopping between sets. I’ve done it, and have gotten my heart rate from 130 up to 170, and it stays within that range within the whole half hour. The key though, is to do it in a circuit fashion. That way, you don’t have to stop between exercising.” Griffin said that because circuit training focuses on different muscle groups, the workouts typically are faster to get through. “Muscularly, you don’t need the rest because you’re working a diﬀerent muscle group each time,” he said. “ Cardio-wise, you may have to wait 30 seconds or so between sets, but you can definitely be fit by doing that.”

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Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 57

DON’T LET

Winter Slow You Down –

Winterizing Your Car Can Keep You Rolling Despite the Conditions A lot of people think that

interizing your vehicle isn’t nearly as hard as it may sound. In fact, thanks to the moderate climate of Western Pennsylvania, and the expediency of our regional public works professionals, there’s little if anything for us to do to prep our cars for winter weather. But there are some things that are just good sense.

getting ready for winter

• Consider changing to thinner oil for the winter. The regular oil you use in the summer can get thicker in the cold of winter, leading to longer start-up times until your engine is properly lubricated. If you aren’t the type who changes your oil on your own, ask your local mechanic about changing viscosity for the winter months.

simply means an annual furnace check, turning off and

• Check the basics! If you don’t do anything else, make sure you cover the basics. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full with a fluid that won’t freeze in low temperatures, and carry an extra gallon in the trunk. When the Pittsburgh slush flies, it’s easy to go through a full container of wiper fluid. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and that you have enough tread on them. A rule of thumb for minimal thread is to stick a penny in your treads with Lincoln’s head down. If the rubber doesn’t meet his hairline, your tread’s too low. Some people switch to snow tires for the winter, which is never a bad idea. Make sure your spare is inflated properly and that you have a roadside assistance kit. Emergency blankets can easily fit in glove boxes, as do flashlights, ice scrapers and extra gloves.

draining outside faucets, and some shrink wrap over their windows. However, if you don’t winterize your vehicle, you may

• If you don’t have jumper cables, get some! Most car batteries lose charge due to cold temperature. Carrying jumpers not only increases the chances that you’ll find a good Samaritan to jump a charge off of, you can also be the good Samaritan who helps others who may be in distress.

be stuck in that comfy living room waiting for a ride to

Winter driving poses a multitude of challenges, but if you cover these basics, you’ll eliminate a good bit of them. You can’t eliminate bad driving, however, so be alert and keep an eye out for others on the road this time of year.

come pick you up.

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Fox Chapel Area

 Where your important medical questions are answered! Q. i was recently told i need a crown on a tooth which does not seem to giving me any trouble. Does this mean the tooth also needs a root canal? A. This is a great question, but you are actually mentioning several points: what is a crown, why do people need them, and how does it differ from a root canal? So let’s address all of these. A crown or “cap,” simply put, is like a helmet for the tooth that protects the tooth by covering the top and preventing splitting and cracking. It is important to mention that one crown is not always the same as another. Prior to getting a crown it is important to understand that there are various types (metal, ceramic and combinations of those) and methods for making them as well as a wide price range for each. The “conventional” crowns have been around for centuries, as have the methods for making them. Usually 2 or more appointments are required where the dentist removes tooth from the top and sides to make room for the metal, ceramic or both. He then takes an impression or more makes a temporary crown over what’s left of the tooth and sends the impression off to a lab that could be anywhere from local to California, or as far away as China. The final crown comes back to the office in anywhere from a few days to several weeks, at which time you’ll come back in usually get numb again and try the crown in. If it fits and looks close enough to your other teeth, they will permanently cement the crown. Otherwise they must take new impressions put the temporary back on and try again whenever the crown comes back. Another option is to use newer CADCAM technology called CEREC. With CEREC there are no impressions. Instead, pictures are taken of the tooth or teeth with a special camera that studies have shown to be significantly more accurate than impressions. We then use a special computer to design an ideal tooth based off of the other teeth you have. There then is a milling machine, which uses two robot arms to create the crown, and we have a porcelain oven that is used to customize the restoration so it disappears among your other teeth. We also complete this procedure in one appointment, saving the need for multiple appointments and getting numb. Since we also won’t need to keep a temporary on the tooth, we don’t need to be

quite as aggressive with preparing the teeth. With this we can be more conservative with the healthy tooth structure, because the restorations are all made from naturallooking, tooth-colored porcelains specially made to match the strength and color of your teeth. When these are bonded properly to your natural tooth, they can be bonded stronger to the tooth than the tooth is bonded to itself. As such, we can usually guarantee the restorations for life. Unfortunately, not all dentists have this technology. If yours does not, as the moderator for the CEREC study club in the area, I could put you in touch with one of our members who could help you. One common reason for a crown is to reinforce a weakened tooth to prevent its fracturing. A tooth can become weak from large fillings or (cavities), which diminish its strength. Some signs of this happening may include pain on biting, or temperature sensitivity. Although these may not always be present until the tooth has cracked deep enough to affect the nerve of the tooth. Unfortunately, once it’s gotten to this stage, nerve damage may require that the nerve be removed. That is what a root canal is. Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth dies or has been irreparably damaged. This entails removing this nerve from the inside of the tooth, removing any infection and sealing the inside of the tooth to prevent any

further problems. This procedure can be performed by a general dentist, depending on their training and comfort level. Otherwise you would need to be referred to a specialist called an endodontist. It is important to understand that not all teeth that need crowns require a root canal, but all back teeth that have had a root canal should have a crown. In summary, if the tooth is not giving you any difficulty it certainly doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. And at first blush it would seem your dentist is trying to be proactive instead of reactive, and prevent problems in the future. Hope this helps.

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz. Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz practices at Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care on Old Freeport Road in Fox Chapel. Dr. Pawlowicz has trained at the Las Vegas and Seattle Institutes. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. You can learn more about Dr. Pawlowicz on his website www.foxchapeldentistry.com.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 59

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Fox Chapel Area



  

efore the last notes of “Auld Lang Syne” fade and the last mouth horn goes silent, chances are you’ll be suckered into making another New Year’s Resolution that will also fade as fast.

Whether it’s to get fit, stop a habit, travel more, or reduce stress, experts say that while it takes time to develop a habit or behavior, the expectation of changing that developed habit over night are basically unrealistic. Studies have shown that little over 10 percent of those engaging in New Year’s resolutions actually follow through with their goals. Success in achieving those goals stems from taking baby steps, or realistic approaches to achievement. Denise Hardt, owner of Anytime Fitness at Robinson Towne Center, said burnout is a major factor in people not following through with their workout routines. “Everyone should start a workout program in moderation,” Hardt said. “Control your motivation and enthusiasm so you don’t burnout after only a few weeks of exercise, and incorporate minor modifications into your workout every four weeks. Overhaul you’re entire workout program every two to three months.” Hardt also said that figuring out where cardio exercise belongs in their routine also is

“Studies have shown that little over 10 percent of those engaging in New Year’s resolutions actually follow through with their goals.”

a factor that can help them to avoid burnout. “Most people think that starting out with cardio is good because it helps to warm up muscles before weight training. Other people feel starting out with cardio may cause too much fatigue, which could lower your workout intensity and make lifting with proper form more difficult,” she said. “Truthfully, there is no right or wrong answer. Different people will need to rotate their routine differently. The best advice is to pay attention to your fitness goals. If you are focused a bit more on endurance try to do your cardio first when you’ll have the most energy. On the other hand, if your goal is to pack on muscle mass

work the weights first before cardio.” Pursuing a healthier lifestyle is always a good idea, and while many people make it their New Year’s resolution to get back in shape, experts agree that any health program should be focused on progressive, attainable and realistic goals. However it’s also a great idea not to overindulge during the holidays in the first place. Gaining 10 pounds after partying for a month, grazing cookies at the office and having extra desserts at grandma’s, is a lot easier than doing 30 minutes at the gym everyday for two weeks to negate those calories. While it’s cliche-, moderation is still the key to a balanced lifestyle and you’ll be doing yourself a favor bypassing that cookie tray or second glass of wine in the first place.

Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 61

  by Martin W. Sheerer, Esquire hen you think of attorneys, the first thoughts that come to mind probably include an arsenal of lawyer jokes. But all joking aside, it can be very beneficial to you, both personally and financially, to have a trusted attorney that you can call for advice when you find yourself in a predicament – no matter how big or small the problem may be. There are certain situations where you should definitely seek legal help: If you are accused of committing a crime, arrested for driving under the influence, or named as a party to a significant law suit. However, people often forget that in addition to resolving existing legal matters, an attorney’s advice can help avoid legal problems altogether. Lawyers help clients with estate planning and business negotiations, strategies and transactions. A lawyer’s advice can be invaluable if you need to sign a legally binding contract or agreement. Employment contracts, contractor agreements, purchase agreements and leases can be encumbered with legal jargon that you may not

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Fox Chapel Area

Once you hire an attorney, the advantages of representation include: • Knowledge of the rules and procedures that apply. • The ability to recognize legal problems and solve them. • Skill in investigating and evaluating the relevant facts and circumstances. • Experience with the legal system. • Strong references to another attorney should you present a situation that requires specialized practice. understand but that may carry significant legal implications. A lawyer could guide you through these contracts and potentially save you from legal complications that could arise later on. A lawyer can also be of great assistance if you are planning to venture into a business by starting a partnership, limited liability company or corporation. A lawyer will be able to advise you as to the formation that will best suit your needs and, as a result, save you time and legal hardships in the future. These are just a few examples of how lawyers can help you understand your rights and possibly prevent legal problems in the future. If you are unsure as to whether you want or need to consult an attorney, you should first ask yourself “What’s at stake?” Again, the obvious situations will jump out at you. However, if you aren’t sure whether your liberties or finances are in jeopardy, it might be worth your time to schedule a consultation with an attorney. While this can be very intimidating, there are a few things you should also know. Many lawyers do not charge fees for initial consultations. A consultation will afford an attorney the opportunity to determine whether you have a case or need representation or advice. It will also give you the opportunity to evaluate the lawyer for your purposes. The information you discuss with an attorney during a consultation is confidential, and even if you end up having to pay for an attorney consultation, it could be a very wise investment that ultimately saves you time and money, and gives you peace of mind. Once you hire an attorney, the advantages of representation include: • Knowledge of the rules and procedures that apply. • The ability to recognize legal problems and solve them. • Skill in investigating and evaluating the relevant facts and circumstances. • Experience with the legal system. • Strong references to another attorney should you present a situation that requires specialized practice. No matter how much “Law & Order” you watch, and no matter how badly you want to sit at a lawyer’s table, jump to your feet and vehemently yell “I object” – which, I might add, can be fun – you should first take a serious accounting of your rights and interests that are at stake. At the very least, consult with an attorney to see if the benefit of his or her advice and guidance outweighs the costs of representation.

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Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 63

 an SUV full of ski equipment and a 40-minute drive to find some slopes, you may want to look into the fast-paced and enjoyable sport of platform tennis.

f you’re looking for something to do this winter that doesn’t require loading up

Played outdoors on aluminum courts, platform tennis is a growing recreational choice for thousands of Americans each year. Once found only in country club settings, the American Platform Tennis Association has made great strides through the years to make the sport more accessible for the masses through public outreach and by setting up a grant program for local clubs to make improvements to existing facilities or to build new ones. The sport is similar to tennis in that there’s a court and a net, but that’s where the similarities end. Courts are fenced in and shots may be played off the fence. League play is designed for all ages and skill sets, so that everyone can enjoy the fun. Spectators gather with players between sets in small, indoor settings called “paddle huts,” which range in size from trailers to stand-alone buildings. Racquets are similar to those used in racquetball, with holes drilled through them for aerodynamic advantage. Balls are made from a rubber-based material with a surface that keeps them from skidding off the court. While the sport is played in the dead of winter, most courts have heating systems beneath them that keep them clear and free of snow and ice. Additional maintenance usually is provided by club staff or dedicated PLATFORM TENNIS COURTS volunteers. VENUE # OF COURTS If you ask any platform tennis North Park

Fox Chapel Golf Club

Fox Chapel Racquet Club

Sewickley YMCA

Edgeworth Club

Pittsburgh Field Club

Lakevue Racquet Club

Allegheny Country Club

Shannopin Country Club

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player what the appeal of the sport is for them, you almost always get the response that the sport is genuinely fun, and camaraderie and new friendships are forged in the paddle huts. For more information about platform tennis, check out the APTA website at www.platformtennis.org, or the Western Pennsylvania Platform Tennis Association’s website at www.wppta.org. |

Fox Chapel Area

WORSHIP NEWS Places of Worship in your area: Adat Shalom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.820.7000 All Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.0530 Aspinwall Presbyterian . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.2884 Chabad of Fox Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.1800 Catholic Community Sharpsburg . . . . . .412.784.8700 Christ The Divine Teacher Catholic Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.7927 Community United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.6951 Dorseyville Alliance Church . . . . . . . . .412.767.9797 Emmanuel Lutheran Church . . . . . . .412.781.2764 Evangelical Bible Fellowship . . . . . . . .412.726.6684 Faith United Methodist Church . . . . . .412.963.8155 First English Lutheran Church . . . . . . .412.782.1623 First Evangelical Lutheran . . . . . . . . . .412.782.2272 Fox Chapel Episcopal Church . . . . . . .412.963.8938 Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church . . . .412.963.8243 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church . . . .412.963.9494 Grace United Methodist Church . . . . .412.782.3396 Harmarville United Methodist . . . . . . .412.828.0292

Harmarville United Presbyterian . . . . .412.828.8232 Hoboken Presbyterian Church . . . . . . 412.828.2611 Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.821.4424 Immanuel Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . .412.271.1995 Mt. Olive Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.5554 Pine Creek Prebyterian Church . . . . . .412.963.7868 St. Joseph Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.963.8885 St. Mary of Assumption . . . . . . . . . . . .412.486.7611 St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.2866 St. Nicholas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.821.3438 St. Scholastica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.0186 St. Edward Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.828.4066 St. Francis of Assisi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.828.4066 St. Juan Diego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.784.8700 Trinity United Church of Christ . . . . . . .412.767.4794 If your place of worship was not on our list, please e-mail the information to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.

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