WINTER 2012
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Chad Gregorini Like a Good Neighbor
News From
Fox Chapel Area School District
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1
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Fox Chapel Area
INSIDE
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2012 WINTER
IN Fox Chapel Area is a community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the people of Fox Chapel Area 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.
MAGAZINE
eg Chad Gr a
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IN Fox Chapel Area | WINTER 2012 |
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FEATURES
Imaginary Invalid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 30 The Right Medicine for Countless Laughs
From Witchy to Wizardly
Hartwood Acres Haunted Hat Tea . . . . . . . . . | 64
Ballet Under the Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 66 The Santa Watch Continues . . . . . . . | 69 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS on the cover
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State Farm Agent Chad Gregorini – A Business Built on Trust UPMC TODAY
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13
What’s Inside A Cut Above the Rest
Shedding More Than Pounds Growing Up With Heart Disease Welcoming New Physicians What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant
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© 2012 UPMC
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bFit Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 50
Absent From Pain Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking Brittle Bones
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Northwest Savings Bank . . . . . . . . . . . |
Fox Chapel Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 47
Some people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.
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Beleza Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 31
Stay Well This Winter
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Splash Lagoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
Circulatory Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 55
Fox Chapel Area School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 9 Aspinwall Bids Farewell to Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 32
Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 59
UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use . . . . . . . . . . | 33
BPU Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 68
Health and Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 44 A Desperate Housewives Homecoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 60 resident profile
Kelsey Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 62 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
State Farm - Chad Gregorini . . . . . . . |
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Eastern H2O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 29 Fox Chapel Family Dental . . . . . . . . . . | 49 Heritage Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 51
At this time of year, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the journey with us that was 2012. And while we’ve endured extremes of nature via the summer heat waves and Hurricane Sandy, as well as the onslaught of a presidential election that ate up any time available between our favorite shows, we still have much to be thankful for. IN Community Magazines continues to grow, and for that we thank you, our readers and our advertisers. Our readers help shape these magazines. 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 p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com. I wish to thank our advertisers for your continued support of IN Community Magazines. By advertising with us, you are supporting your community by underwriting the cost of the editorial content that those who read these magazines enjoy and look forward to each issue. Because of you, our readers can be entertained and informed. In this last issue before 2013, I urge our readers to support 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 2013 has to offer!
Wayne Dollard Publisher
Miracles Happen Everyday... Have you or someone in your family ever experienced a miracle in your life?
A check arrives from an unexpected source, just as the house was about to be foreclosed upon? Someone was healed, despite all odds and predictions? Or maybe you were reunited with someone by circumstances that were far too phenomenal to be called coincidence... If you have, we would love to hear your story and so would your friends and neighbors. Because at the end of the day, we could all use a little hope and encouragement. Miracles really do happen all the time! Please mail your story to: IN Community Magazines Attn. Pamela 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 or you can email them to Pamela at: p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com. Photos are welcomed with submissions, but not required.
Spring content deadline: February 18
Lending a Hand How one local bank’s history of service, award-winning track record, and desire to make responsible loans is making the difference right here in Ross Township.
“While many other banks continue to find it challenging to help customers get the loans they need, we are actively lending,” says Dana Pietrizak, Manager at Northwest Savings Bank in Ross Township. “Northwest is an experienced, local bank with expert lenders. Our low rates and fees make it easier to do what you need to do, with monthly payments to fit your budget,” Ms. Pietrizak adds. “Best of all, we can make it happen right here in our Ross Township office.” Northwest Savings Bank prides itself on local decision making, quick turnaround, and competitive rates on: • Mortgages* with fast, free pre-qualifications so you can qualify before you buy. • Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit* to use your home to pay for the things you need. • Personal Loans* for other necessities, such as purchasing a car, consolidating debt, or paying for medical expenses.
In addition, Northwest Savings Bank has been nationally recognized for exceptional service and trust. For the third consecutive year, Northwest was awarded “Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Mid-Atlantic Region” by J.D. Power and Associates, 2010–2012. And, for the second time, in analyzing more than 8,000 publicly-traded companies across the country, Forbes named Northwest one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies in 2012. For 116 years, Northwest Savings Bank has been committed to the communities it serves. There are plenty of them, with 167 Northwest offices across four states — 28 right here in the Greater Pittsburgh area. loan?
Need a Manager Dana Pietrizak and Ross Township’s Northwest Savings Bank can make it happen.
Northwest customers enjoy convenient services including Online Banking and Bill Pay, eStatementsplus, Mobile Banking, GO! Rewards Check Cards, and 43,000+ service charge free ATM locations. Not yet a Northwest customer? Interested in a loan? Visit Dana Pietrizak at Northwest’s Ross Township office to get started today.
7709 McKnight Road, Ross Township (412) 366-6270 Dana Pietrizak, Manager Northwest Direct: 1-877-672-5678 www.northwestsavingsbank.com *Credit approval required. Northwest Savings Bank received the highest numerical score among retail banks in the Mid-Atlantic region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2012 Retail Banking Satisfaction Fox Chapel Areameasures | Winteropinions 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com Studies.SM Study based on 51,498 total responses measuring 31 providers in the Mid-Atlantic region (DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA & Wash., D.C.) and of consumers with their primary 5 banking provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed January-February, 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Member FDIC
Fox Chapel Golf Club Will Host Major Tournament Through 2014
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he Constellation SENIOR PLAYERS Championship will be played at Pittsburgh’s Fox Chapel Golf Club through 2014 according to an announcement made by Constellation Energy’s communications office on November 2. The tournament has some of the most recognizable and accomplished players of the game with many World Golf Hall of Fame competitors and is one of five major championships on the tour. The Champions Tour is an organization of professional golfers over the age of 50. In 2011, tournaments on the Champions Tour, along with its partners, the PGA Tour and Web. com Tour, generated more than $118 million for local charitable organizations, with an all-time contribution total of $1.7 billion. The Fox Chapel Golf Club course was designed by architect Seth Raynor and opened in 1923 and has drawn rave reviews from Champions Tour players. “We’re proud of our golf course and the response it received from the best players on the Champions Tour this past summer [2012], and are excited to serve as host venue for the Constellation SENIOR PLAYERS through 2014,” said Fox Chapel Golf Club President Arthur M. Scully III. In 2012, The First Tee of Greater Pittsburgh was the primary charitable beneficiary of the Constellation SENIOR PLAYERS.
business spotliGht
Chad GreGorini
Like a Good Neighbor
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hat’s the key behind the exponential growth of Chad Gregorini’s State Farm Insurance Agency in Fox Chapel? Gregorini himself would probably tell you, it’s his work ethic which springs from a blue collar background where he was raised in the country. But his clients would likely tell you, it’s his caring attitude. Whenever the unthinkable happens and one of his clients experiences the loss of their home, his phone rings, even at 2 a.m. “I have gone out to fire scenes before to be with my clients and just let them know that I care and that I’m there for them. In some cases, I have even been able to give them a check on the spot.” This was the case with a nearby client who lost everything she had in an apartment fire. Gregorini was able to help with a check for back to school supplies and other immediate needs while the building was still ablaze. “I’m trying to change the mindset of what an insurance agent is about,” explains Gregorini. “It’s about taking care of your people, acting as an advisor and being proactive in preventing losses that could devastate a family financially.” A Washington County native, Gregorini grew up in the small community of Scenery Hill where his father worked as a draftsman and his mother was a beautician. Three of his uncles were business owners. One owned a butcher shop, another was in the furniture business and the third who was probably most inspirational, was an insurance agent. “I always wanted to own my own business and when the agent in Fox Chapel retired after 25-plus years, I came to the area and just fell in love with it!” Before Gregorini could open his office, he was required to have extensive and specialized training. Prior to coming to Fox Chapel he was already a registered representative and a life insurance specialist. His office now employs six people, including Shandra Mayhle, the widow of slain Pittsburgh Police officer, Stephen Mayhle. The Mayhle family was a client of Gregorini’s and when Stephen was killed along with two fellow officers in April of 2009, Gregorini went above and beyond the call to support the family. He was presented with a national award for his role in helping the family plan for their financial future in case the exact scenario played out in real life. In 2011, Gregorini was rated in the top 2% of all State Farm agents nationwide for his expertise in caring for his client’s needs. A single father, he spends his free time golfing, fishing and bow hunting whitetail deer. All of the deer are then donated by Gregorini to an organization called “Sharing the Harvest,” which feeds the homeless with the meat through local soup kitchens in Allegheny County. He has owned his agency in Fox Chapel for the past 10 years and is now firmly ensconced in the community, living his dream as a business owner and helping his neighbors to achieve theirs.
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
A New Year’s
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ach new year, Americans make New Year’s resolutions to improve their overall wellbeing, whether it is to lose weight, stop smoking or even improve their financial situation by saving money. Yet, a study of 3,000 men and women proved that 78% of participants failed to follow through with their resolution. There are many reasons for failure to adhere to a New Year’s resolution, but there are also key strategies that will lead to success. A University of Chicago study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology tracked how people reacted to temptation throughout the day. The study revealed that those with a high level of self-control and willpower are more likely to accomplish their personal goals. They work on the offense, instead of the defense and set smaller, achievable goals. By doing so, they minimize daily temptations, giving them a higher success rate. Men and women achieve success in different ways. Men significantly improve their likeliness to succeed when they engage in goal setting or focus on the rewards associated with achieving
GROUP EXERCISE STUDIO www.mybfitstudio.com
Phone: 412.282.8120
The “Best” Fitness Classes in Our Area Your First Class is FREE Some of the classes we offer: TRX® Indo-Row™ Kangoo Jumps® BOSU™ Cardio Kickboxing willPower & grace® ShockWave Outdoor Boot Camp Children’s Programs 8
Class Schedule on Website
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their goal (i.e. having better physical health, feeling more attractive). Conversely, women are more successful when they involved friends and family in their resolution. Women who remain strong, even after small reverts back to old habits, are also more likely to succeed. There is hope for those who do plan their New Year’s resolution. “You are 10 times more likely to change by making a New Year’s resolution compared to non-resolvers with identical goals and comparable motivation to change,” says Dr. John Norcross of the University of Scranton. Follow these tips to make the most of 2013! SET A SIMPLE GOAL…AND STICK TO IT! A University of Scranton study showed that by the end of January, 36% of participants broke their resolution. Set a series of small, attainable goals to achieve on a weekly or biweekly basis. You’ll feel accomplished when you meet each one, giving you determination to continue. BE S.M.A.R.T. Quirkology.com uses this acronym for creating goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-based. Using this method will allow you to set a series of specific goals that can measure success in a timely manner. BROADCAST YOUR GOALS Individuals tend to set and keep goals that they share among family and friends. They will provide you with the support to push forward with your goals and remind you to stick with them. Blogging has also become a useful tool for keeping yourself in check. With other bloggers working toward the same goal, advice can be shared via these social entities. STAY STRONG New habits are hard to learn, but with solid goals and a team of supporters, nothing is impossible. If you find that working out at a gym is hard for you, join a fitness studio, like bFit Studio located in the Fox Chapel Yacht Club, that provides you with personal attention and pushes you to try your hardest.
This year, don’t make excuses, make changes! For more information and class times for bFit Studio, visit www.mybfitstudio.com or call 412.282.8120 and make YOUR New Year’s resolution today!
This Industry Insight was written by Mandie Zoller. Mandie Zoller is the communications liaison for bFit Studio. She is also a PR assistant account executive at Brunner and a graduate of Fox Chapel Area High School.
A Message from the Superintendent Dear Residents of the Fox Chapel Area School District, This edition of IN Fox Chapel Area Magazine contains information concerning the new strategic plan for the Fox Chapel Area School District. This plan is the roadmap used to determine initiatives that will be implemented throughout the school district from 2012 through 2018. The development of the plan began with the Board of School Directors and administration working with a consultant to determine where we are as a district, what the trends are in our state and nation, and where we would like to be by 2018. Once the mission, vision, and goals were set, the administration worked with various groups of stakeholders to determine how the goals would be met. The goals developed include student learning, achievement, safety nets, districtwide communications, and the management of resources. Each goal plays an integral part in creating programs and practices that will lead to the ultimate goal of maximizing student learning, achievement, and development for each student in the Fox Chapel Area School District. Our winter magazine highlights some of the many accomplishments of our students, staff, and school district. You will read about our students as scientists, National Merit Semifinalists, new members of the National Honor Society, homecoming royalty, and WPIAL champions. You will be introduced to Mr. Dan Breitkreutz, the new coordinator of ancillary services, and learn about the experience of high school social studies and gifted support teacher, Mrs. Jen Klein, on election night in Washington, D.C. Also, in this edition, you will read about the results of our Middle States evaluation and the wonderful news we received concerning our school counseling and music departments. The Fox Chapel Area School District continues to stress the development of the whole child through excellence in academics, including not only our core subject areas, but the arts and elective courses as well; a variety of sports programs; and numerous support systems. Thank you for your continued support as we raise the bar for each student and move the Fox Chapel Area School District forward. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D. Superintendent
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
High School Receives Middle States Accreditation Music and School Counseling Named Exemplary Educational Programs
Music Credential Highlights from the Exemplary Program Report in Music The Fox Chapel Area High School Music Department was awarded the Exemplary Educational Program Credential based upon demonstration of the following: • Developing students’ acquisition of a deep appreciation for and an understanding of music as an expressive and creative art form. • The breadth and depth of musical educational offerings. • A high degree of participation in music education courses and activities. • A high-quality curriculum and strong instructional program provided by qualified and musicallytalented educators. • A multitude of opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate their acquired skills, knowledge, and talent. • Developing a high-quality music program which is well defined, vertically articulated, and age- and grade-level appropriate. Music Department Action Plans and Future Directions • Increase students’ individualized assessment and instruction in music. • Incorporate a broader base of multicultural literature into the curriculum.
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he Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools has awarded Fox Chapel Area High School with accreditation for the next seven years. This award signifies that the high school has met or exceeded the Middle States Association’s “gold standard” for excellence. In order to receive The 2012 major works concert, featuring “Carmina Burana,” is accreditation, the high school just one of the noteworthy performances that exhibit the quality completed a yearlong self-study of the music department at Fox Chapel Area High School. The performance featured a choir comprised of high school students complete with survey data (collected and school district faculty members, a symphonic orchestra with from students, staff, and parents) members of the music faculty playing alongside high school and trend analysis; formulated action performers, as well as a children’s choir of students from the plans for continuous improvement in elementary and middle schools. curriculum, instruction, health and wellness, and STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) initiatives; and hosted an external evaluating team of educators for a thorough site visit. At the conclusion of the study, the Middle States Association presented a report that stated, “Fox Chapel Area High School is an outstanding institution that the Middle States Association is proud to have as one of its members.” In addition to accreditation, the high school was awarded two Exemplary Educational Program Credentials in music and school counseling. According to the Middle States Association, these credentials “provide external validation of a school’s accomplishments in specific areas of expertise, enhancing a school’s prestige and promoting its reputation as a top-tier institution. Middle States credentialed programs serve as models for schools throughout the world.” “We are especially proud of the recognition received by the music and school counseling departments,” stated Superintendent Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D. “This award makes a huge statement about the caliber of the staff and programs at Fox Chapel Area High School.” In order to receive the Exemplary Educational Program status, both the music and school counseling departments underwent a similar intensive self-study of data analysis, curriculum, instruction, assessment, program planning, and evaluation. Following the self-studies, both departments hosted external evaluators who reviewed the study, interviewed students and parents, and examined the programs and practices which would
“The students in the music department are always very accepting of each other… and more often than not, these bonds and friendships carry over outside of classes. We all take great pride in our accomplishments, instructors, and ourselves as an ensemble and are always striving to work together to improve our musical skills and abilities. The instructors for all the branches of the music department are very skilled in what they do and work well with their students to achieve optimal performance for every event we hold.” – Survey Response from a Fox Chapel Area High School Student
Photos Courtesy Town and Country Studio
A total of 21 Fox Chapel Area High School seniors who participated in the 2012 presentation of “Carmina Burana” were also members of the fifth grade choir when it was performed in 2005. Some of those seniors pose for a commemorative picture.
give evidence that these two departments did indeed meet the “gold standard” required by the Middle States Association for Exemplary Educational Program status. “What makes this recognition even more special is that the school counseling department is the first ever in the history of Middle States to have received this award, and the music department is the first public school to receive this award,” said Michael Hower, senior principal of Fox Chapel Area High School. “Both of these recognitions exemplify the dedication our teachers and school counselors have for our students.” According to Arthur Albrizio, associate director of the Middle States Association’s Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools, the organization was “delighted” to award Fox Chapel Area with the School Counseling Credential. He pointed out that the school counselors have collaboratively contributed to a well-rounded, comprehensive program that is responsive to the needs of all students. “What sets Fox Chapel apart, worthy of this credential recognition, is the fact that the department members have the courage to continually self-reflect and self-assess. Furthermore, students contribute to the design of the program and services through focus groups providing feedback about the efficacy and relevancy of existing services,” said Mr. Albrizio.
The Fox Chapel Area High School counselors, front row (left to right): Rachel Machen, Ben O’Connor, and Dana Papalia; back row (left to right) Tim McLister, Tara DeComo, and John Baxter.
In the coming years, the high school and the school counseling and music departments will be completing their action plans for continuous improvement and preparing for the next cycle of accreditation in 2019.
“What sets Fox Chapel apart, worthy of this credential recognition, is the fact that the department members have the courage to continually self-reflect and self-assess. Furthermore, students contribute to the design of the program and services through focus groups providing feedback about the efficacy and relevancy of existing services.” – Arthur Albrizio, Associate Director, Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools, Middle States Association
School Counseling Credential The Fox Chapel Area High School Counseling Department provides a comprehensive program that reaches every student in grades nine-twelve. This program includes services for student planning, responsive services, and student placement. The curriculum provides students with knowledge and skills in the following areas: introduction to career clusters and transcript awareness in ninth grade, career decision-making and life plan and research in 10th grade, and postsecondary and transition in 11th and 12th grades. Highlights from the Exemplary Program Report in School Counseling The school counseling department was awarded the Exemplary Educational Program Credential based upon demonstration of the following: • Providing a comprehensive and coherent school counseling program that is modeled on national school counseling standards. • Designing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating a program of services that is flexible and responsive to the students. • Providing developmentally appropriate and responsive services to the particular needs of the students. • Implementing best practices and the use of data to inform program decisions. • Developing leadership roles in providing services to students and ensuring equity and access in all of the school’s opportunities. School Counseling Action Plans and Future Directions • Partner with students and families to develop an individualized four-year student plan which includes courses, future planning, career choices, and goal setting. • Facilitate each student’s completion of a career cluster inventory to be used in exploring career options for the purpose of postsecondary planning. • Provide support and training to the faculty and community to increase awareness and address issues related to students’ personal and social wellness. Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
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Globetrotter Program Offers “Toolbox” to Stop Bullying Dizzy Grant says, “It’s all about prevention.”
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airview Elementary School students learned a different kind of ABCs during a recent assembly — the “ABCs of Bullying Prevention,” a brand new school assembly program sponsored by the Harlem Globetrotters. Designed in conjunction with the National Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV), the ABCs, in this case, represent “Action,” “Bravery,” and “Compassion.” The Globetrotters travel all over the country and visit schools spreading their positive message. The goal is to stop bullying and teach students not just what to do if they are bullied, but what to do if they see someone else being bullied. “It’s all about prevention,” Harlem Globetrotter Derick “Dizzy” Grant explained prior to the October assembly for first through fifth graders at Fairview Elementary. “We definitely want to be proactive about it. We need to give kids a positive outlook and let them know that bullying is wrong and that they can do something about it.” Dizzy shared with the students at the assembly that just because he is now a Harlem Globetrotter doesn’t mean he has not experienced bullying. “We were all kids and we were all bullied at one time or another and I remember that feeling.” Dizzy shared with the students that his mother helped him when he was bullied in second grade. He explained that it wasn’t just the bullying that made him sad, but the fact that his friends didn’t do anything to stop it. “My mom taught me to remember how I felt when I was bullied.”
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One of the highlights of the assembly was when Dizzy chose a few students to be part of the “magic circle.” To be called up, the students needed to be able to explain what ABC stands for. “What does ‘A’ stand for?” Dizzy asked the students. “Action,” said one student, who then stated, “What you can do. That’s an action.” “B” stands for Bravery and “It means to be courageous and not to be afraid,” said another student. And finally, “C” stands for Compassion and that means “feelings for somebody” said a third student. When fifth grade teacher John Anderson was called upon to complete the circle, the students cheered. Dizzy then taught those in the magic circle a few tricks and, to the delight of the audience, also performed some basketball tricks himself. Although the assembly was full of fun, a very serious lesson was learned. Said fourth grader Molly Dean, “It’s not right to bully people.” She added, “Bullying people is not good at all. If you see someone being bullied, you don’t want to be a bystander. You want to stick up for them.” She stated that the assembly provided her with a “toolbox” of what to do if you are bullied or you see someone else being bullied. “Go tell a teacher and stand up for yourself,” she said. Fifth grader Jake Sperry also thought the assembly taught some great lessons. “You should be compassionate to someone if you see them being bullied, and if you see someone being bullied, you should stick to them because they would help you out,” he said. Dizzy summed up the assembly by repeating the main message — “You can stop bullying and stop others from bullying.” Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Chocolate Provides Scientific Lesson
A student used a pipette to drop acetic acid into a test tube containing yellow M&M’s. The weak acid separated the colored dye from the candy.
Students then observed the color of the resulting solution.
Students used pH-indicator paper and added sodium carbonate, drop-by-drop, to the resulting solution until the pH paper turned blue, indicating the solution became basic. Students then spotted the neutralized dye solution onto the chromatography plates.
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ho knew there was chemistry in chocolate? Ninth and tenth grade students in Greg Schubert’s introductory molecular biology course discovered that the organic molecules they have been studying really are present – even in chocolate. They observed this first-hand as part of a chemistry lab. Fox Chapel Area High School parent and associate professor of chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University Stefan Bernhard, Ph.D., visited two classes in October to conduct the student lab and make a presentation on the chocolate-making process. Students used household products to conduct a separation of the chemical components in the colors of M&M’s®. Students first separated the colored coatings from the M&M’s and then prepared the resulting solution of the dyes to run a chromatography procedure which separates chemical components. Freshmen Julia Lynch and Siddharth Rajupet said they learned about pH and acidity levels and both commented that they were surprised at how much acid needed to be added to remove the first layer of the M&M’s. They both used red M&M’s and Julia commented that the red color after the acid was added seemed darker than the actual coating on the M&M’s. “It was a dark maroon red color,” she pointed out. An unexpected result, according to Mr. Schubert, was that the brown M&M’s actually separated into two dyes, both red and yellow. However, the red candies only had dark red dye, and the yellow candies only had yellow. Following the procedure, Dr. Bernhard, who had worked in a Swiss chocolate factory for three years when he was a teenager, talked about the art and science of chocolate making. He explained how the ingredient, lecithin, is essential for keeping two very different molecules, sugar and cocoa butter, properly mixed together. One of the highlights of the visit was that Dr. Bernhard brought samples of both milk chocolate and dark chocolate from around the world including Switzerland, Africa, and France. He also told the students about how each ingredient is important to the taste of the chocolate. One of the samples he brought did not include the cocoa butter. Julia and Siddharth said that it tasted “bad.”
Photos Courtesy Town and Country Studio
Both students agreed that they no longer think about chocolate in the same way after Dr. Bernhard’s presentation. “We learned about how it’s all made and how it’s different depending upon where it’s come from,” Julia said. Siddharth added that he had never really thought about all the ingredients that go into the chocolate or about the different kinds of cocoa beans.
Dr. Bernhard observed students spot their plates. 16
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Photo Courtesy Town and Country Studio
26 Seniors Recognized in National Merit Program Fox Chapel Area High School 2013 National Merit Semifinalists
and compete for about 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million to be offered in the spring of 2013.
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eventeen Fox Chapel Area High School seniors have been designated as National Merit Semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The Semifinalists from Fox Chapel Area High School are: David Ahn, Sarah Burns, Joshua Goodman, Manu Goyal, Colleen Hamilton, Kate Hardiman, Riley Herrmann, Gavriel Hirsch, Andrew Kemp, Lisa Liu, Harrison Newman, Joseph Puthenpurayil, Deeksha Sarma, Simon Schaitkin, John Shymansky, Zihan Su, and Gautam Swamynathan. 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
Additionally, nine high school seniors were named Commended Students. They are: Samyukta Anne, Justin Brown-Gnarra, Gregory Gittes, Bharat Iyer, Joseph Mertz, Nathaniel Olbrich, Laura Peterson, Samantha Pitz, and Scott Sterrett. This year’s National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students were selected based on their 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) scores. Each year college-bound 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.
Photo Courtesy Town and Country Studio
New Coordinator of Ancillary Services Appointed
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aniel Breitkreutz is the kind of person who takes his job seriously saying his goal is “to provide the best possible service to the students, families, and taxpayers of the Fox Chapel Area School District.” First hired in August 2011 as assistant to the coordinator of ancillary services, Mr. Breitkreutz was recently promoted. He began his new job as the coordinator of ancillary services in July 2012 upon the retirement of Sam Miceli.
Dan Breitkreutz
As coordinator of ancillary services, Mr. Breitkreutz oversees the noneducational services provided by the school district, including transportation, food service, and buildings and grounds. In his job he manages the contracted transportation services, as well as overseeing the food service and custodial and maintenance staff.
Being a part of a “forward-thinking organization that values high performance educational programming” is what drew Mr. Breitkreutz to the Fox Chapel Area School District. He comments, “Every day brings a new learning experience, a chance to be part of something great, and an opportunity to make a difference for someone.” Prior to coming to Fox Chapel Area, Mr. Breitkreutz served in a similar role for the Woodland Hills School District as director of student operational services for three years. Previously he worked as a district field services manager at DHL Express in the Pittsburgh region. He also served as a military police officer in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and he was named “Soldier of the Year” in 1994. “Every day brings a new learning experience, a chance to be part of something Mr. Breitkreutz has a Bachelor of Arts degree in information science/business great, and an opportunity to make a from Slippery Rock University. He and his wife, Angela, have three children difference for someone.” and reside in Murrysville. Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
50th Anniversary Golden Opportunity to Enroll in Lifelong Learning Program
Long-time adult education instructor and former Fox Chapel Area teacher Peter Marsico leads a beginners Italian course. “Mandarin Chinese – Language and Culture” was also offered this fall.
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n the Fox Chapel Area School District, learning is not limited to students in kindergarten through high school — the Fox Chapel Area Adult Education (FCAAE) program encourages lifelong learning. The concept of adult education came about shortly after Fox Chapel Area High School opened in 1961. A group of residents, led by T.J. Hardwick, approached the School Board to inquire if the high school could be used for adult education opportunities. In a letter addressed to the School Board, he stated that the proposed adult education program would be selfsupporting, would use district facilities, and that “an organization of interested citizens is the best qualified group to carry out a continuous program.” As a result of Mr. Hardwick’s and the resident committee’s efforts, the program, known as Fox Chapel Area Adult Education, was formed. Fifty years later their vision remains the same — to provide enrichment classes to community adults at a reasonable cost. Then, as now, the program relies on local residents who share their knowledge and expertise as teachers and board members. According to Susan Goodwin, FCAAE’s executive director, “Those who are involved in the program are truly dedicated to the idea of public education and lifelong learning.” Currently, 1,400 to 1,800 students enroll annually in the 80 to 90 classes offered over two semesters that run from September to November (fall semester) and February to early May (winter/spring semester).
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This fall, one-time course offerings ranged from “Indian Cooking,” “A History of Pittsburgh Women and Their Fashion,” and “Gourd-Geous Gourds,” to CPR and AED training. Weekly classes offered included Mediterranean cooking, Zumba, painting, and Mandarin Chinese. According to Mrs. Goodwin, the reason for the program’s success is the partnership with the Fox Chapel Area School District. With few exceptions, adult education classes are offered at the schools, which allows costs to remain affordable for the entire community. In the early days, members of the all-volunteer board of directors did all of the administrative work, including coming up with class ideas, finding teachers, preparing the brochure of class offerings, and staffing registration. The very first course offerings, designed based on results of a survey of 600 residents, included beginning swimming, beginning sewing, physical education, typing, conversational French, and civil defense. The O’Hara Women’s Club loaned FCAAE $100 to cover the cost of printing the first-ever course offering brochure. Ruth Jones served as the program’s chair (later becoming president), following Mr. Hardwick, and held that office for 25 years. “We owe Ruth Jones so much,” remarks another former FCAAE president, Bernadine Bonessa. “She was the absolute guiding light of this program and of the Fox Chapel Area community.” Mrs. Bonessa herself later served as
president of the board for eight years, scheduling her family life around the publication of semester brochures and adult education registration days. Over the years, many of the people who have served on the board as volunteers are people who have taught classes or even took classes in the program. The late Art Grindle and his wife Ginny, high school swim team founders, were also FCAAE pioneers, offering the swimming instruction for beginners and recreational swimming courses in the very first year. Maintaining its popularity, swimming continues to be offered each semester. Retired Fox Chapel Area High School teacher Peter Marsico has been teaching Italian as part of the program for 39 years. “His classes still fill up, often with people who have already taken his courses three or four times. It doesn’t matter what the title of the Italian course is – they come,” Mrs. Goodwin says. Local residents Carol Papas, Sally Foster, and Linda Kramer have all taught and shared their garden bounty many times over the years. Resident and educator Celeste Janosko has been on the FCAAE Board for more than 30 years, has served as president multiple times, and has also taught classes. High school art teacher Ron Frank, who also coaches the high school wrestling team and is a founder of the Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame, has taught jewelry classes for many years. Additionally, former FCAAE board member LaDonna Bates has taught such courses as “Right-Brain People in a Left-Brain World” and “Clutter and Time Management.”
Students in Jody Shell’s “The Joy of Drawing Class,” begin their projects and look through “viewfinders” for perspective. Other current art classes include “Painting with Oils,” “Hands in Clay,” and “Jewelry: Lost Wax Silver Casting.”
current course offering was ‘Word Processing for Beginners,’ and all of a sudden, ‘Introduction to Windows’ appeared. It was only a few years until ‘Design Your Own FrontPage Website’ was on our course list.” The adult education program has benefitted directly from the course offerings. Current FCAAE board member Amy Bilkey took the course “Design Your Own FrontPage Website” and is now FCAAE’s website designer. Current treasurer Gail Harger, “was such a wonderful teacher for our adults, that we just had to ask her to serve on our board,” Mrs. Goodwin notes. By its third decade, the all-volunteer board decided there was a need for help and hired former Fox Chapel Area School District secretary Betty Lou O’Malley to assist with registrations. In 2003, FCAAE realized they needed additional resources to oversee the program’s growth and hired Mrs. Goodwin as the executive director. Still today, the familiar red and white FCAAE brochure that has been around for at least three decades is mailed twice a year to all homes in the Fox Chapel Area School District. But registration, which was once only in person, has changed with the times and is now done via mail. There are also online versions of the brochure and registration form available on the organization’s website at www.fcaae.org.
Adults participate in a yoga class led by instructor Diane Prem at Hartwood Elementary School. Yoga has been a popular class since the 1960s. Currently, other physical fitness classes offered include women’s fitness and strength training, kickboxing and self-defense, Zumba, swimming, and Pilates.
Retired high school business teacher Nancy Rofey, who taught adult education business classes, is now a board member for FCAAE. “I think the ‘Shorthand’ and ‘Transcription Dictation’ course listings in the 1970s are an example of how far we’ve come in technology,” says Mrs. Rofey. “I, myself, can remember when the most
If you would like to share your expertise, or if you would like to recommend a class, please e-mail Mrs. Goodwin at: director@fcaae.org. For more information about FCAAE and its course offerings, look for the red and white brochure in your mailbox in January, or visit the FCAAE website. The next winter/spring semester of the Fox Chapel Area Adult Education program begins in February 2013. Watch for the familiar red and white brochure in your mailbox in January, call 412/696-1410, or visit online at www.fcaae.org. Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
High School National Honor Society Induction
Photos Courtesy Town and Country Studio
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The 2012-2013 Fox Chapel Area High School National Honor Society officers.
total of 117 Fox Chapel Area High School students were inducted into membership of the National Honor Society (NHS) in a ceremony held at the school September 20, 2012. Students inducted into the National Honor Society are selected for their scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The inductees included: seniors Parker Bartley, Christin Cook, Ashley DeMoss, Christa Gonzales, Amanda Gullo, John Lai, James Leslie, Mitchell Markunas, Rachel Ranii, Nathan Salamacha, Matthew Schrenk, Neel Shah, Carly Slovenec, Mathilda Willoughby, and Garrison Wilson. Juniors inducted included: Marisa Acevedo, Aditya Acharya, Sinem Akinci, Josephine Albrecht, Ian Asenjo, Emily Bach, Athanasia Beasley, Ariela Berg, Francisca Bermudez, Elizabeth Bianchini, Shanna Boden, Evan Botos, Andrew Brady, Jackson Brooke, Danielle Burton, Samuel Byrns, Melissa Cagan, Natalie Campbell, Patrick Campbell, Roman Cano, Erica Chang, Ian Christie, Craig Connolly, Dante Cordaro, Lauren Cregan, Hannah D’Cunha, Patrick Denny, Connor Duquette, Michael Eisner, Taha El Magbri, Samuel Ferguson, Gregory Fiorillo, Kelly Friday, Nathaniel Friday, Sarah Friedland, Charles Friend, Shota Furuhata, Sarah Grossman, John Hartsock, Christopher Hayes, Jacob Henry, Leila Hilal, Olivia Hilal, Megan Hollingsworth, Max Jahnke, Adelaide Jones, Adis Juklo, Marissa Kandziolka, Emily Katz, Lauren Kelly, Annette Kukunas, Paula Lee-Oesterreich, Joshua Lehman, Celine Leone, David Lewis, William Linhart, Magdalena Lucas, Addison Lynch, Lauren Mangis, Abdelaziz Mansour, Ahmed Mansour, Lucas Marks, Colin Martin, Ethan Martin, Erin Mathias, Sarah McAtee, Juliet Millard, Ryan Naugle, Adlai Nelson, Zoe Niman, Jacob Norman, Andrew Ogren, Brian Papich, Hannah Pauley, Katherine Pennington, Emma Prescott, Yonatan Quemado, David Reis, Kaitlyn Schaffer, Theresa Scheiffarth, Patrick Sheerer, Martin Shutzberg, Alexa Silverman, Betsy Slagel, Zachary Smolar, Hannah Song, Atalya Sunseri, Richard Szabo, Daniel Tabas, Lauren Thaete, Kimberly Totten, Masako Toyoda, Christopher Tran, McKenna Trimble, Isabella Verardi, Amogha Vijayvargiya, Jacquelyn Wateska, Rachel Wight, Amanda Wilson, YiYi Zhao, Hannah Zonker, and Alyssa Zottola. According to teacher Lisa Giguere, Fox Chapel Area High School’s chapter advisor, “The students continually impress me in the ways they exceed my expectations. Their ability to maintain academic excellence, participate in our service projects, and sacrifice their personal time to assist others makes them valued contributors to our community.” Among other things, through the Friendly Foxes program, students trade study hall time, lunch periods, and other free moments of the day to work with students in the educational support classroom. “I am proud to work with such positive, young role models,” Ms. Giguere states. The Fox Chapel Area High School Chapter has been active since 1954. The National Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students. Chapters exist in more than 60 percent of the nation’s high schools and, since 1921, millions of students have been selected for membership. Additionally, millions of dollars in scholarships have been awarded to senior members by the sponsoring organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
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Frequently Asked Questions Fox Chapel Area School District Transitions to Pennsylvania Common Core Standards
What is the Fox Chapel Area School District doing to prepare for the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards? • National, state, and local organizations, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, are training and supporting administrators and teachers in the transition to the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards. • Teacher leaders within the district are providing professional development and coaching support to colleagues to assist with the transition.
What are the Common Core State Standards? The development of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is an initiative led by states to develop national standards that promote learning for all students, regardless of the state in which students live. Prior to the adoption of the Common Core State Standards, the standards varied by state. Standards describe what students should know and be able to do and were designed to reflect the level of rigor of the world’s highest performing countries and to prepare students for success in college or careers. The National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers along with educators, content experts, researchers, community members, and representatives of national organizations developed these standards for the content areas of mathematics and English/language arts for kindergarten through grade twelve. Additional standards were developed for literacy in the areas of history/social studies, science, and technical subjects for grades six through twelve. What do the Common Core State Standards mean for Pennsylvania students? The Pennsylvania Department of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards in July 2010, made some minor modifications, and released a draft version of the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards in April 2012. The Pennsylvania Common Core Standards mirror the Common Core State Standards with minor content changes. For example, the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards include standard units of measurement, whereas the Common Core State Standards include only metric units of measurement. The existing Pennsylvania content area standards still exist and did not change in disciplines such as health, safety, and physical education; world languages; history; geography; economics; and civics and government. How will the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards be assessed? The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) will be modified to reflect the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards beginning in the spring of 2014 for grades three through five, and in the spring of 2015 for grades six through eight. In 2013, the 11th grade PSSA will be replaced with endof-course assessments called Keystone Exams. Additionally, as students complete courses in Algebra I, biology, and literature, regardless of the grade level, the Keystone Exam for that course will be administered.
• Administrators and teachers of mathematics and English/language arts in kindergarten through grade twelve are aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to the standards. • Teachers of content area courses within the district in grades six through twelve are working to embed literacy standards across the curriculum. Where can I find more resources? The National PTA provides parents with an overview of what children will learn based upon the Common Core State Standards in mathematics and English/language arts. www.pta.org/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2909. The Common Core State Standards Initiative website includes background information, the standards for mathematics, English/language arts, and literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. The appendices provide research and a glossary of terms and examples of student work demonstrating the standards. Visit: www.corestandards.org. The Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System (SAS) website includes the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards. To view, select “Standards” then “Common Core.” Please see: www.pdesas.org. Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
Fox Chapel Area High School Homecoming Photos Courtesy Town and Country Studio
October 12, 2012
The 2012 homecoming court
The homecoming king and queen are crowned at halftime!
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The homecoming prince and princess
The high school hosted its first-ever homecoming carnival prior to the game.
The homecoming theme was “Let’s Go to the Movies” and the senior class presented “School of Rock.”
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
Teacher Observes Election Night at NPR Social Media Desk in D.C.
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Fox Chapel Area High School teacher Jennifer Klein tweets election insights and results from the NPR social media desk.
“Seeing the election results from ‘behind the media’ and not ‘from the media’ was truly unique,” she says. “Sitting side-by-side with other political enthusiasts from all over the country and from various ends of the political spectrum was the best part.” Among the invited guests were an Iraq War veteran who had written two books, the program director for the Israel Institute, an immigration rights activist, an educational consultant Mrs. Klein (lower right) was the only from Edutopia, and an illustrator. teacher from across the nation invited
Thinking first of her students back home, Mrs. Klein made the evening an educational event by tweeting insights and election results that her students and others followed through her Twitter account.
by NPR to be a “citizen journalist” on election night.
Another highlight for Mrs. Klein was meeting Ken Rudin, NPR’s “Political Junkie,” prior to the first set of election results coming in. “I gained an increased appreciation for the role of the media and social media as a link between people and the government,” Mrs. Klein says of her experience.
We are now on Facebook and Twitter!
Visit us at facebook.com/foxchapelarea twitter.com/fcasd 24
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Photo Courtesy NPR/Stephen Voss
pending election night at NPR headquarters was an amazing learning experience for Fox Chapel Area High School social studies and gifted support teacher Jennifer Klein. She was one of a select group of only 30 “citizen journalists” who were chosen by National Public Radio (NPR) to spend election night (November 6, 2012) at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Klein spent the evening at NPR’s social media desk with NPR staff and political enthusiasts that included bloggers, Twitter users, and authors. Mrs. Klein was the only public school teacher selected to participate in this special opportunity.
High School Fall Athletic Highlights Photo Courtesy Town and Country Studio
The members of the Fox Chapel Area High School Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey Team celebrate their WPIAL Class AAA Championship win.
Isabel Acevedo, Katherine Costanzo, Kayla Slovenec, Ana Spagenberg, Nicole Stumpf, and Sarah Supsura. •The girls’ varsity cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis, and volleyball teams, and the boys’ varsity cross country, golf, and soccer teams all qualified for WPIAL post-season play. •The girls’ varsity field hockey team won the WPIAL Class AAA Championship and was named the WPIAL Class AAA Section 2 Co-Champions. The team also competed in the PIAA Playoffs. The team members were: seniors Alaina George, Rose Grenen, Kate Hardiman, Elizabeth Martin, Samantha Pitz, and Meryl Warshafsky; juniors Taylor Banas, Francisca Bermudez, Catlin Clarke, Adelaide Jones, Mackenzie Kline, Kyle Pawlikowski, and Rachel Wight; sophomores Annalise Becer, Claire Durr, Meghan Lucas, Megan Martin, Elizabeth Savin, and Emily Thomas; and freshmen Jenna Alexander, Caroline DeLuca, Margaret McIlroy, Margot Savin, Nicole Susi, Emily Trageser, and Emilie Yousem. •The girls’ varsity volleyball team participated in the WPIAL Championship and was the runner-up. The team also participated in the PIAA Playoffs. The team members were: seniors Sarah Bradley, Riley Herrmann, Alyson Hess, Marcy Meinert, and Carly Slovenec; juniors Megan Hollingsworth, Zoe Niman, Michaela Patsko, Betsy Slagel, and Hannah Zonker; sophomore Leah Eckman; and freshmen
•The boys’ cross country team won the WPIAL Class AAA Section 4 Title, was the WPIAL runner-up, and qualified for the PIAA Cross Country Championships. The PIAA qualifiers were seniors Travis Eckman, James Humphrey, Karthik Narayanan, and John Shymansky; juniors Colin Martin and Ethan Martin; and sophomores Aaron Bliss and Elias Graca. Ethan finished fifth and Colin finished 16th at the PIAA Championships. Other members of the section-winning team included senior Michael Mawhinney and sophomore Elias Graca. •Two members of the girls’ varsity tennis team won section championships. Freshmen Lacey Cohen and Laurel Shymansky were named the WPIAL Class AAA Section 3 Doubles Champions and Laurel was also named the WPIAL Class AAA Section 3 Singles Champion. •The Fox Chapel Area High School Boys’ Varsity Golf Team won the WPIAL Class AAA Section 4 Title. The team members were: seniors Nathaniel Friday, Matthew German, Gregory Gittes, Maximillian Heinauer, and Scott Sterrett; juniors Jorden Alfery, DJ Diethrich, Charles Friend, and Patrick Sheerer; and sophomore David Rice. Additionally, Jorden and Charles were co-medalists, each shooting 77 to win the WPIAL Class AAA Individual Section 4 Championship.
Notices to Parents of Children Who Reside in the Fox Chapel Area School District 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 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Notices to Parents of Children Who Reside in the Fox Chapel Area School District continued 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, intellectual disability, 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. 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 reevaluation, 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 26
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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 parent.pattan.net. Services for Disabled Preschool-Age 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. 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 1 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.
Notices to Parents of Children Who Reside in the Fox Chapel Area School District continued 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. 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 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 counseling 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.).
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 and their work and photographs may also appear in print media and/or electronically on places such as the district’s websites and through broadcasts. 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.
Media Notification Our students, educational programs, school events, and community-oriented activities are sometimes made the subject of recording by video, audio, 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
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
Fox Chapel Area School District District Administration 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 District Resource Staff Coordinator of Instruction, Staff Development and Secondary Curriculum: Shelley Beck, Ph.D. Coordinator of Elementary Education and Instruction: Tammy S. Wolicki, Ed.D. Coordinator of Special Education and Pupil Services: Lonnie Carey, Ed.D. Coordinator of Educational Technology: Scott Hand Coordinator of Ancillary Services: Daniel Breitkreutz Director of Athletics & Activities: Michael O’Brien Coordinator of Communications: Bonnie Berzonski
Fox Chapel Area Schools Fairview Elementary School 738 Dorseyville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-9315 Principal: Sari E. McNamara, Ed.D. Hartwood Elementary School 3730 Saxonburg Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/767-5396 Principal: Jacquelyn M. Gregory-Rauzan, Ed.D. Kerr Elementary School 341 Kittanning Pike Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412/781-4105 Principal: Paul S. Noro, Ed.D. O’Hara Elementary School 115 Cabin Lane Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412/963-0333 Principal: Michael E. 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 website at www.fcasd.edu. The athletic events calendar can be found on the Fox Chapel Area School District website at www.fcasd.edu or visit www.highschoolsports.net.
Photo Courtesy Town and Country Studio
Fox Chapel Area School Board
Front Row (l to r): Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D., Superintendent; Sandra M. Garbisch, Assistant Secretary (2015 - Region II); Joel R. Weinstein, President (2013 - Region III); and Robert Mauro, Vice President (2013 - Region II). Row 2 (l to r): Terry L. Wirginis (2015 - Region II); Eric C. Schmidt (2015 - Region I); Nancy B. Foster, Treasurer (2015 - Region III); Robin F. Baum (2015 - Region I); Sherman M. Snyder (2013 - Region I); and Charles R. Burke (2013 - Region III). Row 3 (l to r): David P. McCommons, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent; Martin W. Sheerer, Esq., Solicitor; and L. Douglas McCausland, Board Secretary. 28
Fox Chapel Area
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 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 Pgm.: Rebecca J. Cunningham, Ed.D.
Compliance Statement The Fox Chapel Area School District is an equal rights and opportunity school district. The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or handicap/disability. The district shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations. 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-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
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.
business spotlight
It’s All About Water
I
f it involves water, and it is fun to do, then you will find the very best equipment at Eastern H2O. This new store on the block is located on Freeport Road in Fox Chapel Plaza and carries top-of-theline wakeboards, water skis, paddle boards, skateboards, snowboards, and of course, snow skis. Locally owned by a close-knit group of family and friends, the shop prides itself in carrying as many products manufactured in the United States as possible. One such brand, Homewood Snowboards,
is hand crafted right here in Pennsylvania. It also uses materials produced in the U.S., as well as graphics produced by local Pittsburgh artists. What truly sets Eastern H2O apart from the competition is the dedication to customer service and the personal experience of each employee in every sport represented in the shop. Their years of experience mean that each and every customer will not only receive the highest quality of customer service, but also an intimate understanding of each and every sport. Not only do the employees seek to educate themselves, already having two certified boot fitters amongst their ranks, they also seek to further educate the customer. With numerous changes occurring every year in each product line, the staff encourages a constant flow of information to the consumer. They provide helpful tips for product care, smarter buying, and most importantly the proper outfitting of each individual, strengthening the growing culture of riders in the area. Instead of the traditional rental program, the staff at Eastern H2O decided to go a different direction. They offer a ski boot that grows with the child, ranging up to six sizes per model. Combined with professional boot fitting expertise, they can outfit children with their own personal boots, allowing for a more consistent progression as they grow older. These boots can last three to four seasons, therefore saving money and time. Besides just having great equipment, the shop also offers next-day service on ski and snowboard waxing, edging, and base grinding, which is unparalleled in an industry where the average turnaround time is several days. So, whether you are a seasoned veteran, interested in taking up a new sport, or even simply looking for a place to hang out, Eastern H2O has the equipment, the customer service, and the maintenance support team for your best season ever!
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
Fox Chapel Area High School’s
“The Imaginary Invalid” – The Right Medicine for Countless Laughs By Kathy Rudolph
S
ome think that comedic acting is tougher than dramatic acting because of the exact timing needed when delivering lines aimed at producing laughter. The student cast of Fox Chapel Area High School’s fall play, “The Imaginary Invalid,” achieved this, judging by the laughter of the crowd well into the final act. The play was directed by Kristiann Josephs along with Joe Gass, who was the technical director, and Mary Beth Dixon, who was in charge of the props and costumes. The stage manager was Sylvia Forstate and the student producer was Hannah Gross. “I had seen ‘The Imaginary Invalid’ years ago at Point Park University, where I went to school, and it was done so well and was so funny that it stuck in my mind,” said Josephs, who has been director of the fall play for over seven years. “I read the play over and I was laughing out loud, so I thought it would be a good comedy choice. The kids ended up loving it and so did the audience. We had over 90 people attend on Friday night which was fantastic. There were some groups of women at the show for seniors who were leaning forward in their chairs in laughter. It was so great to see that kind of reaction.” The satire, written in 1673 by French playwright Molière, revolves around a wealthy patient named Argan (Dan Krackhardt) who fears that he has contracted every disease imaginable. Argan’s plan is to marry off his oldest daughter, Angelica (Elizabeth Shneider), to medical student Thomas Diafoirus (Sam Columbus) so that he would have constant medical attention at all times. Comedy and over-the-top drama ensues. Some of the other characters in the play include a defiant maid, Toinette (Hannah Gross), and opportunistic second wife Beline (Maggie Mertz). Bonnefoy (Sam Morrison) is the seedy notary and Cleante (Matthew Werner) is the love interest of Angelica. Dr. Diafoirus (Alyssa Bateman) conspires with Argan, and Louise (Helena Powell) is Argan’s younger daughter. The “quacks” who treat Argan include Dr. Purgon (Nina Appasamy) and the apothecary (Jaagrit Randhawa). Josephs enjoyed directing the students in the play. “The groups of kids that I have worked with are so intelligent and wonderful,” she says. “They come to auditions because they want to and not because their parents ask them to. They are so committed and loyal and are looking for someone to guide them so that they can learn more. I don’t do this job for accolades, but at the end of the final show, a student that I had directed for four years cried and hugged me and told me that I was her mentor. To make a difference like that in someone’s life is so rewarding.” To learn more about upcoming events at Fox Chapel Area High School, visit the website at www.edline.net/pages/FCAHS.
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Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
EVENTS
Aspinwall Bids Farewell to Summer and Welcomes Fall with a Street Festival By Kathy Rudolph
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spinwall Borough gave approximately 600 residents an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the beauty of fall at a street festival. Councilman Joe Giuffre along with Aspinwall Civic Association members organized “Fall in the Wall and Art in the Wall,” normally separate events that were combined this year due to scheduling conflicts. “I like the fact that Fall in the Wall gives everybody a chance to come out one last time before the seasons change, and this year the seasons changed really quickly!” said Giuffre. “The event is sort of the ‘last hurrah’ before the bad weather comes in.” There was something for everyone in the family—a variety of street and restaurant fare for the foodies, children’s activities to keep the kids smiling, and an antique car show for the car aficionados. The music lover could enjoy bands on both Commercial and Brilliant avenues, and the art connoisseur could check out the many unique works of art and craft booths. “We were lucky this year because Fall in the Wall was held on one of the nicest Saturdays in October,” said Giuffre. “This year, the event was a little bit larger and we added a few more things and it went well. There were a lot more craft vendors that came in and we also had an antique car show. We also added live musical entertainment on both Brilliant Avenue and Commercial Avenue.”
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The committee started planning the event in June. Because of volunteers and community involvement, the event has gotten easier to plan and execute. “It is at the point now where people are really anticipating the event and call us in advance to [find out] if we are having Fall in the Wall, which is a good sign that everyone enjoys it,” said Giuffre. “We keep pretty good records of what went on from the year before, so it is getting easier to plan. We have also been getting more volunteers and they are so willing to help out. This year about four or five people joined us. With more volunteers you always have more ideas and do more things.” Councilman Giuffre has seen Aspinwall change over the years. “There are so many more kids, from toddlers to 10-year-olds, living in Aspinwall,” he said. “Next year, we definitely want to try to have more children’s events and activities for them.” Most of the local stores and businesses in Aspinwall participated. “We would like to thank all of the merchants that participated,” said Councilman Giuffre. “They are the main reason that we started Fall in the Wall: so that people could see all of the wonderful shops that we have in town. It is nice to get people from surrounding communities to come to the event and see that.” To learn more about upcoming activities in Aspinwall, visit the website at www.aspinwallpa.com.
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By Kathy Rudolph
W
atching the Dorseyville Middle School (DMS) musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” audience members found the performance so uplifting and professional they found it hard to believe that they were watching middle school students. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the musical is based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis. From the live band keeping time with the singers, to the coordination of the diverse choreography, the show reflected the dedication of the approximately 100 student actors, singers, musicians and stage crew members, along with teachers and community volunteers. Peggy Perdue, science teacher at DMS, was in charge of the technical aspects of the production. She has been involved with DMS musicals for nine years because of her love of music and the students. “I am not a teacher telling them what to do,” said Perdue. “This is a student-run show. We talk and plan, listen to different ideas and then they take it on themselves. We all work as a team and toward a common goal.” To make the performance happen, teachers and community volunteers pitched in to help. Pamela Miller, DMS Spanish teacher, was the director. Amy Beresik, DMS choral director, was in charge of the music. Michael Zeiler, a Highlands School District teacher, was responsible for the choreography. Other volunteers included Jeff Purdue, who provided technical equipment for the band, and Bob Orringer, who supplied all of the carpentry for the set which DMS students painted. Addison Lynch and Emma
Michael Zeiler, Peggy Perdue, Pamela Miller, Amy Beresik, organizers of the musical
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Schwartzman, Fox Chapel High School students, also volunteered their expertise. “It is really an all-school effort, from the teachers to the custodial staff and volunteers from the community,” said Perdue. “What is also great is that the sixth grade teachers who are teaching about Egypt are going to take the Egyptian gods that are part of the set and reuse them in their classrooms.” From early September, when auditions are held, to showtime in November, the students spend a lot of time working on the musical. Besides learning about how to work together, other benefits include building confidence and boosting self-esteem. “The kids are awesome,” says Perdue. “It is so fantastic to see them put so many hours in and it is great to see them shine. They talk about their experience being in the show and the friends that they have made. They have had such a good time that there are often tears and begging for us to please do another one. It speaks volumes about being a part of the musical.” To learn more about DMS, visit the website at www.edline.net/pages/Dorseyville_Middle_School.
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
By Matt Fascetti
Many people think of health and wellness as just diet and exercise. While those are two key components, there are many more factors that affect an individual’s overall vitality. Other areas of focus include dental and vision; specialties such as podiatry and audiology; preventive measures such as chiropractic visits and acupuncture/massage. Even feel-good procedures such as hair replacement and cosmetic surgery can boost a person’s demeanor and self-confidence. With all of these areas of wellness to consider, it can be a daunting task to pay for the treatments and procedures that enhance the quality of our lives. So how do we decide what to spend our health care dollars on? Which procedures are the most effective and beneficial? The following is a review of what to consider when choosing a healthier lifestyle.
• Fitness • Exercise is the one thing most doctors stress when the subject of health and wellness is broached. Certainly there are other factors such as genetics, eating, smoking, drinking and medication that can play a significant role, but exercise is at the core of health and wellness. So what is the best way to stay fit? There is no perfect answer as it is different for each individual’s needs and desires. There are many ways an individual can exercise on his/her own such as walking, running, biking, hiking, at-home workout DVDs or weight training, just to name a few. Many Americans join gyms to help them stay fit. There are advantages to having a gym membership which include a wide array of equipment, fellow members to help motivate you, professional trainers and a monthly monetary obligation that can help you stay committed to your fitness goals. Unfortunately, gym memberships are not covered by health insurance, so it is up to the individual to not only foot the bill but to select one that best suits his/her needs. Most gyms have monthly payments, but some also have yearly or bi-yearly options as well. Depending on the facility and the region you live in, the average gym membership can vary from $10 a month to $100 a month. While gyms, fitness programs and personal trainers can be an excellent way to achieve cardiovascular health, just remember they are not the only way. If money is tight there are plenty of free alternatives that may work just as well for you.
• Acupuncture and Massage • If you’ve ever been treated to a massage, you probably don’t need a list of advantages to persuade you to have one on a regular basis. Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, 44
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Fox Chapel Area
ligaments, fascia, skin, joints or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and feet. There are over 80 different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness. Massage is usually only covered by insurance in very special circumstances, so be prepared to pay out of pocket for these services. According to www.mayoclinic.com, acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as qi or chi (pronounced CHEE), believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow. Reasons for having an acupuncture procedure include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, fibromyalgia, headaches, labor pain, low back pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain and tennis elbow. As with massage, acupuncture is generally not covered by insurance.
• Chiropractic Care • According to www.chiropractor.com, chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems from subluxations or misalignments of the bones in the body, especially the spine. The field of chiropractic is considered holistic, improving people’s lives by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system. Every cell in the body is controlled by the nervous system, including taste, touch, smell, hormones, digestion and cardiovascular. Chiropractic does not just treat symptoms or problems, but allows for a healthy nervous system, so the body functions better. A healthy nervous system has the ability to resist disease and ill health. Chiropractic restores the body’s nervous system, thereby increasing its resistance to illnesses. Chiropractors are able to determine and remove blocks to the nervous system by locating subluxations or misaligned vertebrae and adjusting them. There is one issue that will arise with chiropractic care…visits are sometimes not covered by insurance. Although suggested by many health care
practitioners, including primary care physicians, some insurance companies still consider chiropractors luxury visits in some instances. One session with a chiropractor can cost anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the region you live in, with additional fees for more complicated procedures. When it comes to chiropractic care, one must decide if the benefits outweigh the cost.
Our Health & Wellness
Partners
• Dental Work • Dental care is a vital aspect of health and wellness. Many people incorrectly believe that dental care is important for aesthetic reasons only, but this is far from the case. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a link between poor oral health and conditions such as endocarditis and cardiovascular disease, although researchers are not sure of the role that oral health plays in causing heart problems. Recent studies have also shown that women with periodontal disease are at three to five times greater risk for delivering a preterm infant than those who are periodontally healthy. There may also be a link between oral health and diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain immune disorders. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a cavity, braces, dental implants or are needing a simple whitening or cleaning, dental care is a priority for most people. Because the costs of dental care keep increasing, some are choosing to cut out dentist visits all together. This is not recommended. However, if carrying dental insurance is not an option, then an individual should still stick to routine checkups. According to ehow.com, the national average cost for a regular cleaning can range anywhere from $50-130 depending on the region in which you live. Skipping these checkups and cleanings can lead to more serious issues down the road that can cost thousands of dollars. In the meantime, as is the case with most health-related issues, prevention is the key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after every meal and you drastically increase your odds of having great oral health.
Fox Chapel Plaza 1123 Freeport Rd. 412-408-3099
Newman Chiropractic 412-781-5040
• Vision Care • Many of us take our vision for granted. But we would certainly be completely lost without it, so it is essential we take good care of our eyes with regular
Fox Chapel Family Dental 412-781-4511
Fox Chapel Oral Surgery 412-967-9200
Conceived by a close-knit group of family and friends who set out to alter the traditional ideas of a “Ski Shop,” Eastern H2O and its staff are dedicated to supplying the very best in both products and customer service. They supply the top brands for wakeboarding, waterskiing, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding. With years of experience to help you find exactly what you are looking for, they will help you start your season right. Dr. David is a Pittsburgh native who is excited to have recently returned to his hometown to serve the community with chiropractic care. He graduated with honors from Palmer College, where he met his wife Patty who is a licensed massage therapist that is also now on staff at the office. Their goal is to help you live an active, healthy lifestyle.
Johnson Family Dental is now… FOX CHAPEL FAMILY DENTAL! Located in Aspinwall for over 45 years, we have moved across the street to a new, high tech office. We pride ourselves on being a family business providing for the dental needs of you and your family. We continue to offer the same quality treatments and convenience. Our goal is to exceed your every expectation. We look forward to meeting you and your family. Welcome to Fox Chapel Oral Surgery. Our friendly and dedicated staff is pleased to help with your oral surgery needs. Whether you need dental implants, removal of wisdom teeth, dental extractions or biopsies, your comfort and care is our priority. We complete many hours of continuing education to provide you with the latest treatments. You may contact us directly or be referred by a friend, dentist or physician. For apprehensive patients, IV sedation/anesthesia is available. Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz has trained and worked for over 20 years to build a practice that exceeds your expectations. He consistently brings his patients the best that modern dentistry has to offer. His team’s top priorities are patient comfort and satisfaction. He and his staff look forward to your visit!
Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care 1144 Old Freeport Rd. 412-781-3030 Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45
Health & Wellness exams and wearing glasses or contacts, if needed. According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults need some sort of vision correction. Although drugstores sell non-prescription glasses for reading, which means anyone can buy them without seeing an eye doctor for an exam, there is no substitute for a professional vision exam by an eye doctor, with a customized prescription for glasses or corrective lenses. Approximately 30% of the American population is nearsighted and must use glasses for activities such as driving and schoolwork. About 60% of Americans are farsighted meaning that they have trouble reading or sewing without glasses, but can focus well at a distance. The majority of young people who wear glasses are nearsighted. As people age, they are more likely to need vision correction for farsightedness. About 25% of people who wear glasses to see distances will end up needing reading glasses or bifocals as they get older. The recommendations for the frequency of vision exams vary somewhat, but generally individuals are advised to have an eye exam somewhere between every one to four years, depending upon their age group.
• Podiatry • Podiatry is the specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most people log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can ensure that your feet are up to the task. With proper detection and intervention, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Many people are unaware of the many issues that can affect feet. Arthritis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy, common injuries (sprains, strains and fractures), Haglund’s deformity (bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone), heel pain and tendinitis can all create mobility problems for individuals. There are various skin disorders including athlete’s foot, corns and calluses, psoriasis, skin cancer of the feet, as well as toe joint and nerve disorders such as bunions, hammer toes and neuromas to consider. Individuals may also suffer from ingrown toenails. Some basic but effective foot care tips include washing your feet daily, making sure to rinse off all soap and water especially between the toes and trimming nails straight across and not overly short to avoid cutting or digging at corners. Over-the-counter medications are not recommended for removing corns or calluses. A qualified podiatrist should be consulted for treatment and removal. Wear clean socks or stockings changed daily and make sure that they are not too tight. Always wear properly fitting shoes.
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Dental Implants Are They Right for You? Do you suffer from the discomfort of a missing tooth or have difficulty speaking or eating because your dentures slip?
Before
Many times, a missing tooth in the esthetic area can impact a person’s confidence when speaking or smiling. It could also cause adjacent teeth to drift or shift position. For others, the irritation and pain of dentures is more than annoying. Enjoying their favorite foods is no longer a reality.
Solution:
After
Now people can put an end to these problems by choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth or provide support for dentures. Dental implants provide excellent alternatives to conventional dentures, bridges and missing teeth.
Benefits:
For over 40 years, dental implants have been used successfully in millions of people worldwide as a treatment option for missing teeth. These implant treatments are backed by extensive clinical data and documentation. Dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth and enable you once again to eat, speak, smile with confidence, and enjoy life. Take the first step. Get the facts about dental implants. Contact Dr. James N. Edmonds, Jr. D.M.D., M.P.H. who can determine if dental implants are right for you - 412-967-9200.
Industry Insight written by James N. Edmonds, Jr. D.M.D., M.P.H., Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. After graduating from Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, Dr. Edmonds obtained a Masters of Public Health degree at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Subsequently, he received his degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Allegheny General Hospital. Dr. Edmonds is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Edmonds is also on the staff of a number of area hospitals including Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC-St. Margaret and Ellwood City Hospital. Dr. Edmonds lives in Fox Chapel with his wife Harriet and has two children, Jamie and Harry.
l Maintain anatomy: Missing teeth cause bone to shrink over time. This can make your jaw bone recede and change your facial structure. Implants help prevent this deterioration. l Keep your teeth healthy: Implants eliminate the need to grind down healthy teeth to make bridges. l Security: Implants do not slip or move. This eliminates problems like denture slippage, causing pain and irritation. The dentures are more comfortable and reliable.
The Treatment Procedure Usually Follows Several Steps: l Initially, a thorough oral exam is followed by x-rays to evaluate the condition of your bone tissue. l A discussion between your dentist and implant surgeon regarding the types and number of implants. l Models of your mouth are made to plan a surgical guide to be used at the time of surgery. l In some circumstances Three Dimensional CT Scans are completed to better evaluate the structures and allow for computer guided surgery. l Depending on your tissue situation, implants are placed utilizing one or two stages. In a one-stage procedure, the implant is inserted and a temporary abutment is attached. Possibly a crown can be placed the same day. In a two-stage procedure, the dental implant is inserted, covered by the gum tissue and allowed to heal. l After several months, the implant has fully integrated with your bone tissue and construction and placement of the restoration is completed. l Proper maintenance with careful oral hygiene and normal regular visits to your dentist.
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
Health & Wellness If you do suffer a foot ailment, there are various ways to treat them. Prescription, custom orthotics, which are specially-made devices, are designed to support and comfort your feet and may correct the problem. For more severe issues, surgery may be needed in cases when pain or deformity persists.
• Audiology • Audiology is the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. It is an important component to health and wellness, yet it tends to be ignored unless there is a noticeable problem. Individuals should get their hearing checked yearly to ensure that everything is as it should be. An audiologist, commonly called an ear doctor, prescribes and fits hearing aids, assists in cochlear implant programs, performs ear or hearing related surgical monitoring, designs hearing conservation programs and provides newborn screening programs to test hearing levels. Audiologists may also provide hearing rehabilitation such as auditory training, speech reading and listening skills improvement. What many people don’t realize is that almost all types of hearing loss are treatable by an audiologist. No one should ever feel there is no hope with hearing loss. Some hearing related problems include occupational; earwax blockage; hearing loss related to aging; acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor on the hearing nerve;
Meniere’s disease, a serious tumor on the nerve ending; ringing in the ears; and fluid on the ear. Most hearing-related procedures and tests will be covered by most insurance companies.
• Family Medicine • According to the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFP), family practice is health care for the individual and family that integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes and every organ system of the body. Common services provided in family medicine include bone density screenings, EKGs, hospital care, immunizations and flu shots, lab services, minor surgery (warts, lesions, stitches), newborn health, gynecology and obstetrics, school and sports physicals and preventive visits. Family Medicine physicians work closely with patients to prevent disease and offer them a long and healthy life. Healthy lifestyle, exercise and weight control are often points that are stressed to all members of the family. For those with a personal history of chronic disease, specific measures are taken to ensure that they are being monitored and that their disease is being managed effectively. This is usually achieved with regular health maintenance exams and by keeping up with what is going on in their lives. The main focus and advantage of family medicine is the very personal and intimate care that is normally received. The attending physician almost becomes a member of the family. Another particular benefit of family medicine is that it concentrates on education as well. Everyone in the family should understand what good healthy living is and all the ins and outs of how to achieve health goals. This is done with open discussions with your physician.
• Pediatrics • Arguably, pediatric medicine is one of the most important areas of medical practice because it involves our children. This branch of medicine deals with the care of infants, children and adolescents. The ages treated usually range from birth to 18 years. According to www.news-medical. net, pediatrics differs from adult medicine in many aspects. The obvious body size differences are paralleled by maturational changes. The smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance and developmental issues are areas of greater concern for pediatricians. Treating a child is not like treating a miniature adult. A major difference between pediatrics and adult medicine is that children are minors, and in most jurisdictions, cannot make decisions for themselves. The issues of guardianship, privacy, 48
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business spotlight
L
ocated in Aspinwall for over 45 years, we have moved across the street to a new office that is state-of-the-art. We hope to continue to serve the Aspinwall, Fox Chapel and greater Pittsburgh area for many years to come. Our new office is located on Freeport Road with convenient parking on the Emerson Ave. side of the building. We pride ourselves on being a family business providing the dental needs of you and your family. Come see our welcoming waiting room with television, free Internet, coffee bar and a kids play zone. Watch TV or stream your favorite music from the flat-screen TVs located in every operatory. These monitors also greatly improve patient education and communication when viewing X-rays or intraoral pictures. We are very excited about our new technologies which include: • Digital, low dose radiology. Most x-rays can be taken with NOTHING in your mouth. • With CAD CAM machining, crowns can be produced in just one visit! We continue to offer the same quality treatments and convenience: • Cosmetic dentistry • Dental implants • Orthodontics • Dentures • Invisalign • Kid zone • Emergency treatment • Variety of sedation options • Root canal • Flexible hours, including Saturdays • Extractions • Most insurance accepted We stress prevention, risk assessment and levels of care. Please see our website, www.FoxChapelFamilyDental.com for further information. Our goal is to exceed your expectations. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 49
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Ask the Dentist
I’ve been told that my dentist can help relieve the jaw soreness and headaches I’ve been having. How is this possible? Answer:
This is a great question and know that you are not alone. Many patients present with the same problems that you do, but are hesitant in believing their dentist plays a role in the solution. Typically, they will go see their physician for these types of symptoms. There are many systems that control the function and position of your jaw. These include the teeth, the muscles of your head and neck, and the joints of your head and neck. The overall goal of treatment is to have these three systems working in balance. The way that your teeth come together when you close, referred to as your bite, seems like a very simple idea but it can actually affect your well-being in many ways. The muscles of the head and neck have many roles, but a few important ones are opening the mouth, closing the mouth, biting, chewing, and swallowing. These muscles are normally at rest when the jaw is not moving. However, if your teeth do not properly come together, your muscles are forced to work harder to close, causing them to fatigue. The joints of the head and neck work like a ball and socket. The jaw portion sits within a depression in your head in between a soft pad called a disc. The position of the jaw in relation to the depression relies largely on where the muscles are holding the jaw. If these systems are in harmony, the joint will be centered. If the muscles are accommodating, the jaw is more than likely being held in an abnormal position affecting its function. This causes the joint to resist movement causing a popping or a clicking some patients may notice.
Pain in the head and neck area can be very simple, or very complex and complicated to treat, depending on each patient’s circumstances. For more information you can log into our website or as always, be sure to check with your dentist in regards to any other questions or concerns about your bite!
Sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry 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.
Now that it is established there is disharmony, your dentist will work with you to evaluate your bite and find out where it is most relaxed. Or he can refer you to someone who can help, usually an orthodontist, because they specialize in the way the teeth come together. “This involves a few steps. First, you will have impressions of your teeth taken. The impressions will be used to make a model, replicating the way your teeth come together. The next step will differ from professional to professional. We at Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care are trained in a process known as neuromuscular dentistry. Our goal is to relax the muscles and hold your teeth in that position. We can then monitor the muscle function to confirm this position. This will also give the patient temporary relief from pain by giving those muscles in your head and neck a break.”
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A Part of the Community M
att Vasil, a family practice physician saw the need in this area for hospice care to help patients and their families with the often difficult decisions and care related with a terminal disease. There were many therapies and practices that he wanted to implement that he felt could be of great service to patients. He partnered with his twin brother Mike, who has an extensive financial background, to found Heritage Hospice in 2010. The innovative approach to patient care of Heritage has created an environment that has touched many lives with their caring staff. Grateful family members are amazed at the level of consideration and compassion of employees. Recently, a Heritage caseworker was shopping for Christmas. The store clerk happened to see the name tag of the employee under her coat. She was moved to tears as she described how her mother had received care from Heritage Hospice that was above and beyond the call, hugging the caseworker. Janet Berdar, Executive Director at Heritage, exemplifies the passion that Heritage characterizes when ensuring all patient needs are being met by recruiting and maintaining the most qualified staff in the health care industry. Janet has the same beliefs as Matt and Mike, which is that employees are what separates a good hospice company from a great hospice company. The employees truly are an integral part of the organization, with 75% certified or pursing certification in hospice care. The ratio of caseworkers to patients is also much lower than the norm, which allows staff to spend more time with patients to meet their individual needs. Physicians make home visits for the convenience
Dr. Matt Vasil
Mike Vasil
of family members and patient comfort, another unusual service in today’s world of hospice care. Heritage Hospice also has a certified music therapist as part of their team to meet patients’ needs. Music can positively impact a person’s mood, reducing anxiety, providing relaxation and assisting with pain management. Certified music therapists create individualized programs based upon the patient and their needs. There have been instances of improved patient outcomes including reduced anxiety and pain solely based on music. In addition to providing the best care for their patients, Heritage Hospice is dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteerism. They recently sponsored a 5K Walk/Run for families which supported local schools and also sponsored a softball tournament last summer with all proceeds benefiting the Lower Kiski Ambulance Service. It is important to Matt and Mike Vasil to not just be in the community, but to be a part of the community as well. With many of the staff living within 5 miles of the Heritage Hospice office, staff are motivated as well to give back to the local community and make the events possible. When choosing hospice care for a loved one, the people make the difference between care that is adequate and care that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Heritage Hospice staff provide exceptional care every day to every patient. For more information, please visit the website www.HeritageHospicePa.com or call 1-877-886-4044. Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurances accepted including UPMC, Health America, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.
Janet Berdar, Executive Director
When we enter this world, we are surrounded by love, comfort and care... don’t we deserve the same when we leave?
Heritage Hospice does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, andicap, or national origin in any manner prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
“Hearing Aid” On Being A
For A Loved One
F
rustrated with a loved one who you know needs hearing help, but that person refuses to admit there’s a problem? One of the best things that you can do to get that person to get some help is to stop being their “hearing aid.” So many people tell me that their spouse or their parent cannot hear but refuses to do anything about it. This is frustrating for everyone involved. The TV is blasting, the person with a hearing loss withdraws from conversations and then from social activities, and the spouse or child becomes that hearing impaired person’s mouthpiece and interpreter. This is not only enabling the hearing impaired person to continue their denial, it is making others question the mental capacity of that person.
I am not suggesting that you deny your loved one any assistance – just make them aware that assistance is being provided. You could preface the repetition of what’s been said with the phrase “hearing help.” If your spouse or parent is being asked a question and is not responding, you could say, “hearing help” before repeating the question or answering for them. After a while, he/she should notice how many times you are saying “hearing help” and get a better idea of how much is being missed. The hardest step is getting your loved one to an audiologist or ear, nose and throat doctor for an evaluation. A good audiologist will be able to convince the person who is in denial to try a hearing aid to see what he/she been missing. It’s hard to know what you’re missing when you’re not hearing properly. Hearing loss
typically comes on gradually and it’s easy to blame other things or people for your not hearing well. At Eartique, we offer a FREE 30-day trial period. We have many different hearing aids to choose from. All hearing aids are very discreet and some are even invisible! Give us a call today at 412-422-8006 to schedule an appointment. This Industry Insight was written by Debra L. Greenberger, owner of Eartique. She received her master’s degree in audiology (hearing science) from Washington University in St.Louis, Missouri, and she is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. Debra has been diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids for over 25 years.
Allison L. Chase, Au.D., CCC-A earned her Master of Arts degree in audiology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 2004. She completed her clinical doctorate in audiology from Salus University in 2008. Allison is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has been practicing in the field for seven years.
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Continued from page 48
legal responsibility and informed consent must always be considered in every pediatric procedure. In a sense, pediatricians often have to treat the parents and sometimes the family, rather than just the child. Adolescents are in their own legal class, having rights to their own health care decisions in certain circumstances.
Our Health & Wellness
Partners
C-MITES Fun Classes for Bright Kids
Pediatrics is a fairly new practice, only becoming a specialty in the mid-19th century. Today it is one of the biggest medical specialties in the United States, mainly because individuals tend to care more for their children than they do themselves and are therefore more likely to seek regular and consistent medical care for their children.
• Geriatrics • Geriatric medicine is quite unique because it usually deals with health issues related to age such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and more. Despite these challenges, geriatric wellness is better than it has ever been before. People are living longer and taking better care of themselves.
Celebrating 20 Years!
412-268-1629, ext. 1 www.cmites.org
Retirement goals for the senior citizen of today differ widely from the objectives of retirees in years past. Today’s senior has a desire to not only stay healthy and prevent disease, but is passionate about living an active lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to increase longevity and quality of life.
C-MITES at Carnegie Mellon University offers programs for gifted students in kindergarten through 10th grade including Weekend Workshops, Summer Programs, and above-level testing. C-MITES classes are purposefully challenging, meant to stimulate the minds of bright students. They are filled with captivating hands-on activities that are both informative and fun! Topics include creative writing, mathematics, robotics and chemistry. For more information, go to www.cmites. org or call 412-268-1629, ext. 1. Heritage Hospice is a family-owned hospice that takes pride in providing our patients with comfort, dignity and peace within the comfort of their own home or a skilled facility of their choice. We have registered nurses available and on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
According to livestrong.com, the five categories of fitness include aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility. For the geriatric exercise participant, balance also plays a huge role in the development of a wellness program. For example, working on strength and balance to prevent falls is important, but in reality a trip, slip or fall will eventually happen. Exercises that build bone density and joint integrity along with flexibility are important to prevent fractures and other injuries. The American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for men and
1-800-426-9601 veinhealth.com
At Circulatory Centers, you are in good hands. Over the past 30 years, we have specialized in treating only vein issues and vein disease. Our board-certified doctors and vascular surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating circulatory issues caused by vein dysfunction. Patient advocates assist with insurance coverage, often handling the claim process from start to finish. We stand by the quality of care we provide. After all, we are the vein treatment provider doctors recommend most! Are you frustrated with struggling to lose weight? Our professional medical specialists will craft a personalized, safe weight loss management program designed to help you find success. Now is the time to be who you wish to be, start your New Year’s Resolution early by calling Medical Group Robinson today!
Medical Group Robinson 412-490-2500
Starlight Dance Academy Emmerling Plaza Route 910 412-767-0400
Offering dance and fitness classes for ages 2 through adult since 1997. We offer fun, engaging classes for all ages. Our children’s dance programs run on a school-season schedule. New students are accepted for the current school year through December. We offer Zumba and tap for adults. Adults can join anytime. Beginners are welcome. Your first adult class is always free. Give the gift of dance and wellness to your child or yourself today!
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 53
Health & Wellness women 65 and older include cardiovascular exercise at a moderate pace for 30 minutes, five days a week to improve aerobic fitness. It is also recommended that older adults engage in strength training two days per week. The focus should be on large muscle group exercises that mimic activities of daily living, such as standing, reaching overhead and pulling. It is also suggested that flexibility exercises be added at least two days per week. One should also utilize balance exercises to create a well-rounded program that focuses on both performance and prevention. The bottom line is, today’s world offers better opportunities than ever before for seniors to live and be healthy for many years to come.
• Hair Restoration • It is no secret we live in a society where looks are important to many people. So, naturally, hair replacement has become more and more popular. According to www.plasticsurgery.org, hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging, a change in hormones, and a family history of baldness. As a rule, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become. Hair loss can also be caused by burns or trauma, in which case hair replacement surgery is considered a reconstructive treatment, and may be covered by health insurance. Baldness is often blamed on poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies,
dandruff, and even excessive hat-wearing. All of these theories have been disproved. It’s also untrue that hair loss can be determined by looking at your maternal grandfather, or that 40-year-old men who haven’t lost their hair will never lose it. Hair replacement surgery can enhance your appearance and your selfconfidence, but the results are not always what you envisioned. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. It’s important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for existing hair. Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Donor areas are the places on the head from which grafts and flaps are taken. Other factors, such as hair color, texture and waviness or curliness may also affect the result. Transplant techniques such as punch grafts, mini-grafts, micro-grafts, slit grafts and strip grafts are generally performed on patients who desire a more modest change in hair fullness. Flaps, tissue expansion and scalp reduction are procedures that are usually more appropriate for patients who desire a more dramatic change. Remember, there are limits to what can be accomplished. An individual with very little hair might not be advised to undergo hair replacement surgery.
• Cosmetic Surgery • Cosmetic surgery is very popular in the United States these days. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent a staggering $10.7 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2010. According to www.cosmeticsurgery.com, the most popular cosmetic procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, BOTOX®, eyelid surgery, thermage, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and buttocks implants. While cosmetic surgery is generally safe, when it does go bad, results can be disastrous. The key is to research your doctor thoroughly, making sure he/she has extensive experience and many references from satisfied patients. Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery, so it is a rather expensive, completely out-of-pocket expense. For example, a liposuction can cost around $10,000. The only kind of cosmetic surgery that is generally covered by insurance is for conditions that may interfere with someone’s overall health and wellness. Good health is not just a linear concept of adhering to a rigid routine for everyone. Each individual is different, and his/her personality, lifestyle and priorities must be taken into account.
Over the past 55 years, Brother’s Brother Foundation has connected over $4 billion in people’s resources with Connecting People’s Resources people’s needs across 146 with People’s Needs countries. BBF supplies hospitals with vital medication and equipment, supports hand-carried medical mission groups, funds the rebuilding of schools and fills them with donated books across the world. 1200 Galveston Ave. Pittsburgh, PA, 15233 54
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Phone: 412-321-3160 http://www.brothersbrother.org
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Venous Stasis Ulcers:
Presentation and Treatment An ulcer, as it relates to skin, is a break in the continuity of the normal layers causing a void. There are different types of ulcers but one of the most important types is related to increased pressure created from venous insufficiency. These are called venous stasis ulcers and the following article is limited to this topic. Venous stasis ulcers result from a poorly functioning venous system. The veins of the legs are not efficiently or effectively pumping blood back to the heart and this creates elevated pressures under the skin. Venous stasis ulcers are commonly seen in people with a history of leg and feet swelling. The likelihood of developing a venous stasis ulcer increases as a person ages. Underlying venous system deficiency may be related to varicose veins during pregnancy, obesity or hereditary factors. In addition, prior blood clots, a history of phlebitis or lower leg trauma can also increase the likelihood of developing ulcers. Incidental trauma is a common cause of venous ulceration. Underlying stasis and soft tissue tension makes seemingly incidental trauma significant. Inflammatory diseases such as vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma or other rheumatologic diseases can aggravate venous insufficiency and alter skin texture which increases the potential to develop venous stasis ulcers. Inactivity, such as sitting or lying in one position for extended periods of time may also precipitate the formation of a venous ulcer. Venous stasis ulcers are commonly found on the inner part of the lower leg, just above the ankle. They can occur on either or both legs and
one leg may have multiple ulcers. Symptoms include edema of the foot, ankle and lower leg, leg fatigue and heaviness, burning or itching. Ulcers may be accompanied by a rash, redness or brown discoloration. The ulcer usually presents itself as an open sore in an area that already typically exhibits a red to brown discoloration that has probably been present for some time. Prior to actual ulceration, the skin may have changed texture and become flaky and itchy. This pre-ulceration condition is referred to as stasis dermatitis. This is a type of eczema which results from blood flowing through and settling into the layers of skin. This causes a break down and deposition of hemosiderin and melanin. This results in a brownish discoloration of the skin. Antibiotics are not routinely administered for venous stasis ulcers unless the wound is grossly infected. What may appear as an infection to the layperson may be nothing more than inflammation. An experienced physician must examine the ulcer and determine the extent of inflammation or infection. Venous stasis ulcers are treated by compression stockings or wraps of the affected leg to minimize swelling. If the swelling cannot be reduced, the likelihood of the ulcer healing is unlikely. People with varicose veins will notice that their feet and ankles are generally normal in size in the morning but get progressively more swollen as the day goes on. Many people will develop venous stasis ulcers from simply sitting a majority of the day with their feet in a dependent position. Poor arterial circulation can aggravate venous stasis. With poor arterial circulation, the skin will become very thin and slight trauma to the area can precipitate ulcer formation. Compression of the affected limb can be done with compression stockings, Ace bandage or Unna boots. Patients with venous stasis ulcers AND arterial insufficiency, must avoid excessive compression therapy as it can restrict blood flow to the foot. Compression therapy has been the “gold standard� treatment. However, emerging treatments and the poor long term results associated with compression have given rise to more effective and better tolerated treatments. The use of lasers to treat saphenous vein insufficiency has emerged as an effective treatment in patients who also have venous stasis ulcers. The mainstay of ulcer management is to reduce the underlying high pressures in the soft tissues of the lower leg. By using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treatments to the insufficient saphenous veins, the venous pressure can be reduced in the dependent soft tissues and subsequent compression and debridement of the ulcers is more effective. By eliminating the underlying venous insufficiency with EVLA, once an ulcer is healed, the chances or recurrence are greatly reduced and the long term success of ulcer management is improved. This Industry InsIght was provided by Circulatory Centers. For over 30 years, Circulatory Centers has specialized in the treatment of vein issues and vein disease. Their board-certified doctors and vascular surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating circulatory issues caused by vein dysfunction. Circulatory Centers are the vein treatment provider doctors recommend most. For more information, visit www.VeinHealth.com or call 1-800-426-9601. Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 55
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 57
Helping Students Manage Money Money management is one skill that can be difficult for young adults to master as they head off on their own. But no matter what stage of life – whether they’re entering college or the workforce – every young adult should learn how to handle money.
Establish a Budget. Sit down together with your student and map out all monthly expenses including room and board or rent, books, supplies, food, personal care and medications, transportation, gas, entertainment and payment for phone, mobile devices, cable and Internet access. Stick to the budget. Prioritize needs vs. wants. Have your student do the math on how much some of the “necessities” will cost, and then talk about how to weigh purchase decisions. Find ways to spend less. A little planning can help young adults spend less and get more value for their dollar out of cellphone use, food, clothing and entertainment. Be smart about credit cards. Make sure your student understands the impact of interest rates; discuss setting limitations on using a credit card to avoid non-academic debt (emergencies, travel, school expenses, etc.). Equipping your students with some basic financial skills will help them make wise money choices now and for the rest of their lives. 58
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EVENTS
A “Desperate Housewives Homecoming” Girls Just Wanna Have Fun... and Build a Riverfront Park Too! By Kathy Rudolph
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M
ost of us have a favorite character from the “Desperate Housewives” TV show. Many can identify with comedic Susan or the embattled mother, Lynette. Others may see a side of themselves in Bree, the crazy hostess, or the opportunistic beauty queen Gabrielle. Some of us can even channel Mrs. McKluskey, the nosy neighbor that we love to hate. At the “Desperate Housewives Homecoming” fundraiser in Aspinwall, 75 women were able to do just that: choose their favorite housewife character and dress up like her for a fun night out with the girls. Held at the Aspinwall Marina, the celebration benefited the Aspinwall Riverfront Park Project. Featuring all the must-haves that a girl needs for an evening of fun, the event included libations served by Ryan Costello and delicious cuisine by the Cornerstone Restaurant. Along with picturesque views of the Allegheny River, the fundraiser also had a handyman auction, which kept it exciting. Finally, DJ Jazzy GC got the “housewives” moving on the dance floor with his mix of current and favorite tunes. The Aspinwall Riverfront Park Project “is an organized, grassroots campaign to acquire the Aspinwall Marina property and develop it into a public riverfront park, and is a critical link in the trail system,” according to the website. After successfully raising the $2.3 million needed to purchase the property last October, the organization now needs over $3 million to develop it.
Possible ideas for the park, which is located on eight acres of land along the Allegheny River, include walking and biking trails, river access for boating and fishing, playgrounds and picnic areas. Other plans may include two retention ponds that will manage storm water runoff and a walking ramp over the railroad tracks and Freeport Road to make it safe for families to cross over to the park. Organized by Jennifer Willford and a team of volunteers, including Jenny Ellermeyer, Sandy Regan, Susan Crookston, Ginny Merchant, Genevieve Kirk and Cheri Gardiner, the
Desperate Housewives Homecoming raised over $6,000 toward the development of Aspinwall Riverfront Park. Willford is a transplant from Ohio and moved to Aspinwall after graduate school to take a job in the Pittsburgh area. She saw the potential of riverfront recreation from the start. “I was always taken aback, being someone new coming in,” she says. “I wondered why we weren’t taking advantage of our river resource. I understand Pittsburgh industrial history, but the rivers are what make Pittsburgh so amazing. This is something that other
places don’t have. I think it’s so exciting for us to have a park that we can walk to and take our kids to, where we can exercise and have parties. There are so many fantastic things that we can do right on the river. I have kids and I want it for them.” After becoming involved with the riverfront project early on, Willford was asked to host a coffee fundraiser at her home. “I laughed because having a ‘coffee’ at my home is not really my style,” said Willford, who is also a professor of psychology at Slippery Rock University. “I said that I would rather throw a party.” And that’s just what she did. Last year, Willford kept it current and embraced the 2011 pop culture trend of hosting a “Mom Prom” as a fundraiser. It went so well that she followed it up with the Desperate Housewives Homecoming this year. “Last year the Mom Prom was really fun and everyone had a
good time so we decided to do it again this year,” says Willford. “We wanted to change it up so it would be something new and exciting that would bring in new folks. I also wanted to have an event that was focused on women. Women make such a difference in their communities. When you get a group of women together, it is amazing what they can accomplish and still have fun at the same time. That was the premise that I was working from. I came up with the ‘Desperate Housewives’ theme and everyone seemed to like the idea.”
She was glad that the committee chose the Aspinwall Marina as the venue for the fundraiser. “That night was the first time that many of the women had visited the marina and were able to see the property where the park would be,” said Willford. “You don’t know how fantastic it is until you lay your eyes on it. Being in that party room at the marina and dancing on the deck out under the stars was very magical. Everyone that was there had a blast. They were surprised what a fantastic resource the park was going to be for our community.” To learn more about how you can donate to the Aspinwall Riverfront Park or for more information, visit the website at http:// aspinwallriverfrontpark.org.
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O’Hara Township Songwriter Focuses on Children By Kathy Rudolph
S
ome of us with “tweens” or teens can still remember the painful memories of listening to a certain purple dinosaur sing “The Wheels on the Bus” or the horse character belt out “This is the Song That Never Ends.” Years later, we still remember the lyrics and melody because of the brainwashing effect of singing the songs with the kids over and over, or—even worse—by ourselves. But Kelsey Friday doesn’t want to do that to parents. The former lead singer of the popular 1990s band Brownie Mary, Friday is remembered for her unique and distinctive vocal performances that didn’t need big hair or props to be successful. Today, she fronts the band Kelsey Friday and the Rest of The Week, performing with band mates Rick Witkowski, Jennifer March, Skip Sanders and Jamie Peck. Friday formed the group inspired by her young sons and also because she was tired of listening to bad kids music with them. She decided to write and perform songs in her alternative rock style that appealed to both kids and their parents. In 2008, the band put out their first album, titled “Kelsey Friday and the Rest of The Week,” and has another one in the works for release in the near future. Friday resides in O’Hara Township with her husband, Johnny, and sons Cooper and Mason. Moving around the country as a child because of her father’s job, she graduated from high school in Texas and then attended Bethany College in West Virginia. “I went to Bethany College, a small liberal arts school, and fell in love with the area,” said Friday. “That is where I started my band Brownie Mary and met my partner and friend Rich Jacks and my husband. After graduation, I contemplated whether I should go to Nashville, or stay with my band, and Johnny, which made my decision to stay a little easier. We chose Pittsburgh because it was so close to Bethany and we had already started to play and record there. I lived in Aspinwall and then moved to O’Hara Township and have been here for over 20 years.” She made an effort to make the area her home. “I love living in O’Hara Township. It seems like a community and like home to me,” said Friday. “I’ve got the best friends in the whole world. At first, making friends outside of my band was something that I had to work at. My identity was ‘Kelsey Barber from Brownie Mary’ and we toured and traveled so much for a while, it felt more like my husband’s town. I had to make the commitment to turn it into my own. Now my life feels so full because of my family and friends and because of where I live.” After watching current videos of Friday’s music such as “Happy” and “Afraid Parade,” both featured on Nick, Jr., it’s clear that her eclectic and fresh musical style is still present. Complemented by her strong vocals, the songs are a well-choreographed blending of the guitar, drums, keyboard and other instruments. The band members look like your best friends as a kid: approachable and wearing friendly smiles, but ready to have fun and be silly at a moment’s notice. There is a variety of songs with positive messages—from how to deal with facing fears to accepting others—while the members encourage you to get up and dance, or to sing along. “Writing and performing the songs was such a natural and easy transition for me,” said Friday. “It wasn’t anything that I had to work at. My song writing through the years has led up to the simpler, more melodic, catchy material.”
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The difference that the band is trying to make in children’s lives is what keeps Friday going. “This career is not making me rich and I do have a family to support,” said Friday. “But what always keeps me engaged and pursuing this dream is that I know our songs are good and we have something important to say. We travel around to the Pittsburgh Public Schools and if you were at one of these shows, you would leave thinking, ‘No wonder you do this.’ The kids are amazing and they love it. After performing for them you feel that you are making a difference. We spread the message of love, which sounds cheesy in a way but that is what is important to me. We want to promote getting back to the basics, or the golden rule: to treat people the way that you want to be treated.” Friday also volunteers to perform at the annual “Voices Carry” benefit for Auberle, a nonprofit organization founded in 1952 that is dedicated to “helping abused, neglected and troubled children and their families in Southwestern Pennsylvania.” The event has included performances from Pittsburgh greats, including her band mate Rick Witkowski, Joe Grushecky, The Clarks, Donnie Iris, B.E. Taylor and more. This past year more than 750 attended and the event raised almost $93,000. “I was asked to perform and as I started to learn more about Auberle, it was just a nobrainer,” said Friday. “How can you not want to be a part of something like that and try to make a difference in children’s lives? I also think that the talent performing there is just off the charts. “Voices Carry” has been an amazing experience.” To learn more about Kelsey Friday and the Rest of The Week, visit the band’s Facebook page. “It is sad when we perform at schools and [hear stories from kids] about not having a mom or a dad and that just breaks my heart,” says Friday. “If kids can feel better about their lives after watching us perform at their school, watching our videos or listening to our album, then we are doing our jobs.”
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feature
From Witchy to Wizardly Hartwood Acres Haunted Hat Tea
By Kathy Rudolph
I
t could have been the spooky grandeur of the Great Hall with its dark oak paneling, the Renaissance-style plaster ceiling, or the massive fireplace with carved wooden lions on the mantelpiece looking very hungry. Maybe it was the period furnishings that were left exactly as they were in the 1930s, as if the ghosts of John and Mary Flinn Lawrence were going to walk in at any moment for tea after a horse ride. Perhaps the spooky stories masterfully told by Barbara Haley and guests having their palms read by the great fortune teller Petrushka Tuscka did it. Regardless, the spooky, mysterious atmosphere created by the Hartwood Acres Mansion was the perfect venue for “The Haunted Hat Tea and Tour.” Besides the entertainment, the event included over 56 guests wearing creative, one-of-a-kind witch or Halloween-inspired hats with a prize going to the most unique. There was a delicious tea full of sweet and savory flavors by “A Fare to Remember” and a wonderful tour of the mansion. Alice Franz organized the event with the help of a dedicated team of Hartwood docents who helped to prepare the tea and serve the guests. “The docents do such a wonderful job of helping at the teas 64
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that we host,” said Franz, who has volunteered and worked at the museum for over 11 years. “I also enjoy meeting the friendly people who come; they never cease to amaze me with the hats that they wear. Every year is a little different when we have the Haunted Hat Tea. Last year the hats were horrific; there is nothing like eyeballs staring up at you when you are talking! The year before, the hats were beautiful works of art.” Hartwood Acres, originally the private estate of John and Mary Flinn Lawrence, became part of Allegheny County Parks in 1969. The 629 acres located in Hampton and Indiana Townships include the mansion with 31 rooms, public gardens, stables, riding trails, a gate lodge, an outdoor stage and amphitheater for the public to enjoy. Touring the mansion is like a walk back in time into the lives of the Lawrence family. Their home represents the way the leisure class of the early 20th century lived, including decoration, furnishings, personal family photographs and memorabilia. There are events year-round at Hartwood Acres for the entire family. To learn more, visit the website at www.alleghenycounty. us/parks/hwfac.aspx.
Houses of Worship Places of Worship in your area: Adat Shalom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.820.7000
Hoboken Presbyterian Church. . . . . . . 412.828.2611
All Saints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.0530
Holy Spirit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.821.4424
Aspinwall Presbyterian. . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.2884
Immanuel Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . 412.271.1995
Chabad of Fox Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.1800
Mt. Olive Baptist Church. . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.5554
Catholic Community Sharpsburg. . . . . . 412.784.8700
Pine Creek Presbyterian Church. . . . . 412.963.7868
Christ The Divine Teacher
Sharpsburg Family Worship Center. . 412.799.0701
Catholic Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.7927 Community United
St. Joseph O’Hara. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.963.8885 St. Mary of Assumption. . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.486.4100
Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.6951
St. Mary’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.2866
Dorseyville Alliance Church. . . . . . . . . 412.767.4600
St. Nicholas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.821.3438
Emmanuel Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . 412.781.2764
St. Scholastica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.781.0186
Faith United Methodist Church . . . . . . 412.963.8155
St. Edward Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.828.4066
First English Lutheran Church . . . . . . . 412.782.1623
St. Francis of Assisi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.828.4066
Fox Chapel Episcopal Church. . . . . . . . 412.963.8938
St. Juan Diego. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.784.8700
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. . . . . 412.963.8243
Trinity United Church of Christ. . . . . . . 412.767.4794
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. . . . 412.963.9494
Walter Chapel United
Grace United Methodist Church. . . . . 412.782.3396 Harmarville United Methodist . . . . . . . 412.828.0292 Harmarville United Presbyterian. . . . . 412.828.8232
Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 724.265.3221 If your place of worship was not on our list, please e-mail the information to p.palongue@ incommunitymagazines.com.
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feature
Ballet S under the
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Stars P
ittsburgh Ballet Theatre took their performance outside with its 24th annual Ballet Under the Stars at Hartwood Acres. The open air performance took place in late summer with visitors seated in picnic chairs and on blankets to enjoy a mixed repertoire by choreographers August Bournonville, Dwight Rhoden and George Balanchine, famed director and co-founder of the New York City Ballet. In addition to the free performance, PBT also hosted a variety of family activities before the company took the stage, allowing children to experience ballet behind the scenes, along with a picnic dinner served in the PBT tent. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will be presenting Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” throughout the month of December at the Benedum Center. For more information on PBT, please visit the website www.pbt.org.
Current issues of this magazine are also available online. www.incommunitymagazines.com
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feature
The Santa Watch Continues in Fox Chapel Area By Pamela Palongue
A
ccording to Minnie Elfkin, public relations coordinator for Santa Claus Operations North America, the iconic Christmas figure will be keeping a dizzying schedule of public appearances this holiday season. During November and December, Mr. Claus will be visiting as many cities and towns across the U.S. as possible, including appearances in Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Indiana Township, O’Hara Township and Sharpsburg. Those wishing to consult Mr. Claus to make a particular gift request should check the local shopping malls and holiday parades. Mr. Claus may also be seen in the vicinity of 34th Street in New York City and any cold, mountainous region where reindeer may live. In other news from the North Pole, Prancer has been placed on the injured reserve list, although he is expected to be healthy for the Christmas Eve event. A young reindeer named Techno is being called up from the farm team as a possible replacement if Prancer is unable to fly by Christmas. Elfkin stresses, “Presents WILL BE delivered on time and there will be no lapse in service regardless of personnel changes.” Elfkin also reminds homeowners to leave the damper open to provide easier access through the chimney. (This season Mr. Claus is watching his cholesterol intake and low-fat snacks are appreciated.)
Elfkin also reports that the United Federation of Elves (UFE) has been working on some exciting, new toys this season that should please any toddler or preschooler. Children are alerted to be on their best behavior, now that Santa Claus has Skype capabilities. Although there have been many imposters, there is still no official Santa Claus website at this time. Santa Claus cannot be liked on Facebook or followed on Twitter due to the covert nature of his operations in the North Pole region. Those children wishing to contact Mr. Claus should send all correspondence to the usual address, Santa Claus, North Pole. All children in the Fox Chapel area are requested to go to bed no later than 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus will be arriving in O’Hara Township sometime between 2:17 and 2:18 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, and working his way south, visiting Blawnox last at approximately 2:20 a.m. In order to receive a present from Santa, children should be sure to pick up their toys and eat all of their vegetables. In the meantime, keep a sharp eye toward the northern sky and watch for flying reindeer and twinkling lights. To All a Merry Christmas and to All a Good Night!
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feature
Docents and Staff “Deck the Halls” of Hartwood Acres Mansion
By Kathy Rudolph
M
ary Flinn Lawrence (1887-1974) was a wellrounded philanthropist in all aspects of society, from the social to the political, including her charitable work for the Home for Crippled Children, being a member of the Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage Association and volunteering for many other organizations. Most would agree that she would be pleased with the docents and staff who take great care decorating her former home, Hartwood Acres Mansion, for the holiday season. Each year the holiday theme for each room is changed to keep things interesting for visitors who make it an annual holiday tradition to tour the mansion. Although the themes change, the decorators try to remain authentic to the time that the Lawrence family lived in the mansion – 1929 to the 1960s. Barb Lamendola has been a Hartwood Acres Mansion decorator for approximately four years. “We couldn’t do all that we do here without the help of the docents,” said Lamendola. “This was the first year that I decorated the Great Hall, and Erica Schnur, who is such a dedicated docent, helped me with the installation of the tree which took an entire day.” Lamendola’s theme was “Christmas at Hartwood.” She also decorated Mrs. Lawrence’s bedroom this year. “This year I had a deal with my daughter, Lauren,” said Lamendola, laughing. “I would decorate her wedding, which had a vintage theme, as long as I could take all of her decorations from the wedding to use in the Great Hall. We purchase some new decorations but reuse the decorations over and over, so I am always looking for free things to use.” Donna Lee Hanna, staff member, and Sandy Biles, docent, were responsible for decorating the Butler’s Pantry using a New Year’s 70
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Eve theme. They have worked as a decorating team for five years. “Our favorite thing to do was the research,” said Hanna. “We wanted to know what a New Year’s Eve celebration would be like in 1932 when the couple first moved into the mansion, before they had their boys and before Mr. Lawrence went off to the Second World War. We tried to find foods that would be served at an English dinner, because the family had practiced so many English traditions here, and what music would be played for the dance.” Carol Vivaldi has been a docent at the mansion for 16 years. She was responsible for decorating Mrs. Lawrence’s Morning Room and supplied many of the decorations, including a stunning Edwardian tea gown. “I really enjoy doing the staging,” said Vivaldi. “If you have something at home that can help complete the theme, you bring it with you. The room that I enjoyed decorating the most was Mrs. Lawrence’s bedroom last year. I used roses, her favorite flower, and decorated the whole Christmas tree with them.” Vivaldi was joined by her daughter, Renae Breskovich, who is also a docent and who decorated Mrs. Lawrence’s bathroom. “Having enthusiasm and wanting to share that enthusiasm and get someone else excited is why I enjoy being a docent at Hartwood,” said Breskovich. “I recently led a group of Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops through the mansion and it was fun to get them interested in what it would take to build something like this.” Hartwood Acres Mansion accepts donations of new and gently used beading, florals, fabric and beautiful decorations. To learn more about how you can help or for more information, visit the website at www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/hwfac.aspx.
EVENTS
Light Up the Wall! S
ights and sounds of the holidays filled Aspinwall on November 15 as
neighborhood shops opened their doors to merry revelers. Clothed in full holiday dress, the borough twinkled with red and green lights and carolers raised their voices in song. Visitors enjoyed rides in horse-drawn carriages, ice carvings, fireworks and last of all, but not least, the big guy himself, Santa Claus. Children put their orders in early for a special toy or bike, making their requests while sitting on Santa’s lap.
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