SPECIAL: Greensburg Salem Home Improvement
SPRING 2013
Salem Township Gymnastics Program
Inspiring Local Gymnasts to Tumble and Twirl Toward Their Dreams
INSIDE: Greensburg Salem School District News
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IN Greensburg Salem is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Greensburg, Salem Township area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
2013 SPRING
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ON THE COVER
Salem Township Gymnastics Program Inspires Local Gymnasts to Tumble and Twirl Toward Their Dreams .......................................... | 28 INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Kepple-Graft Funeral Home Why Should I Have a Funeral? ................... | 39 ON THE COVER
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Samantha Allen practices her floor routine. The Salem Township Parks & Recreation Department has offered a non-competitive gymnastics program for over 30 years.
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
Greensburg Salem School District Message from the Superintendent ................................................. | Golden Lion Art Gallery ................................................................. |
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Prom Dresses for Life .........................................................
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Greensburg Teens Honored for Achievement at 2012 Presentation Ball ..................................................
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Upcoming Westmoreland Symphony Events ..............
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Greensburg Man Receives Carnegie Medal for Act of Heroism ..............................................................
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Scouting for Food Makes an Impact in Greensburg
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Sparks of L.I.F.E. Bring Life to Nursing Homes ..........
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Greensburg Houses of Worship .......................................
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IN Greensburg Salem Welcome to the spring issue of Greensburg Salem magazine. I hope that you are as anxious as I am to get the cold and snow behind us and get busy planning projects around the house. This issue is dedicated to home-improvement projects great and small. Some projects will give you curb appeal, some will increase your home’s value, and others are for the sheer enjoyment or luxury of it. Regardless of your aims with your home, whether gutting the walls, or just planting the perfect tree in the yard, our homes are a source of pride for us, and not in a status sense. They are where we raise our families, where we feel safe, and where we invite our friends and loved ones for parties and fellowship. Our homes are where our children play, and where oftentimes, we tend to sick loved ones. They are where we try hardest in life, and where the challenges of life hit us the most. Our homes bear witness to our triumphs as well as our sorrows, and they are as much a part of our personalities as what we choose to wear or adorn ourselves with. So with so much importance placed on the walls that contain us, we hope that you can find at least one project within these pages to be fodder for your next project around the home. Have a wonderful spring! Wayne Dollard, Publisher
STAF F
PUBL ISHE R
Wayne Dollard RE GION AL E DIT ORS
Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] mark@incommunitymagazines.com OF F ICE MAN AGE R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PL ACE ME N T COORDIN AT OR
Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUN ICIPAL CON T E N T COORDIN AT OR
Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DE SIGN
Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Mike Miller
Joe Milne Melissa St. Giles Tamara Tylenda
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Jonathan Barnes Jennifer Brozak Matt Fascetti Tracy Fedkoe Mike Ference Jacob Flannick Britt Fresa Elvira Hoff
Heather Holtschlag Chelsie Kozera Leigh Lyons Dana Black McGrath Joanne Naser Melanie Paulick Gina Sallinger Judith Schardt
PHOT OGRAPHE RS
Mark Fainstein Ginni Klein Len Pancoast
Primetime Shots Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon
ADVE RT ISIN G SAL E S MAN AGE RS
Tamara Myers
Tom Poljak
ADVE RT ISIN G SAL E S
Sophia Alfaras Julie Graff Jason Kalakos Peter Leben Anna Marie Lee Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia Vincent Sabatini Mark Seamans Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2013. CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to:
Summer content deadline: April 22 IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
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GREENSBURG SALEM: WHERE
Letter from the Superintendent All across the country, whether in private or professional conversations, the talk these days seems to turn to school safety. In light of this year’s tragic events, everyone is discussing what can be done to protect some of our country’s most revered people – its children and their teachers. Greensburg Salem is no different. At administrative meetings, staff meetings, PTA meetings and board meetings the topic continues to receive a lot of attention. Although all stakeholders at Greenburg Salem agree that our primary focus must continue with providing an exemplary education for students of the district, the safety of our children and staff must be our top priority. In order to account for recent changes in the administrative and teaching ranks as well as working to learn from safety experts in our community, the Greensburg Dr. Eileen Amato – Salem School District has begun Superintendent to reorganize the Safe School Photo by Jeremy Lenzi Committee. This committee will review our current plans, revise plans as needed and allow for review and rehearsal throughout the school year. The committee will also look at the many recommendations and measures being implemented by others across the country and assess which measures may be a good fit for our community and students. As we work together with our community safety and security experts and our emergency responders, we can always find ways to improve and stay current and up to date with our practices. While several recent incidents of violence seem to have been unrelated to the setting where they occurred, we also know that frequently employees or students who are troubled may carry out such acts in the workplace or school. Schools, again, must educate the stakeholders when those around them seem to have early warning signs: withdrawing from social settings, feelings of being persecuted, bouts of anger over seemingly minor situations, or expressions of anger or violence in writings or drawings. When a person is noticed with the warning signs, early intervention is critical and a must. Greensburg Salem has many wonderful partnerships with community mental health organizations and various other community resources which can offer expert levels of assistance to students and adults and share their expertise with the schools. We will continue to encourage teachers, students and parents to come forward when they experience a situation that causes them concern. 4
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While many are somewhat apprehensive about sending children to school in light of recent events, research has shown that school can actually be a place of structure and stabilization for children, as it provides a place of security and comfort throughout their childhood and beyond. A positive school environment creates an optimal setting for wonderful encounters of teaching and learning. When students believe that adults in the school care about them, have high expectations for their education and provide the support they need to be successful, children thrive. When schools are deeply committed to creating nurturing, safe and challenging environments, their students engage in less destructive behavior and engage in more constructive behavior. One only has to walk down the hallways of a school with walls devoid of authentic student work and see fifteen posters that start with “Don’t...” and compare the difference in school climates. At the heart of school climate are the relationships that exist in three different domains: staff to staff, staff to student and student to student. At Greensburg Salem we have invested heavily in all of these domains but over the next several months we will look at each domain again with a fresh set of eyes and see if anything can be done better or determine if any student or adult who needs intervention are out there that we may have missed. Structures that we know support student connectedness to their school are small-group learning communities with low student to teacher ratios, class meetings where students share with teachers and each other, student and staff mentors and cooperative learning opportunities where students work together and have various opportunities to share their individual talents and skills with others. We will continue to explore our structures and examine what they do for our students. As a staff, we look forward to the upcoming months. We will all learn from each other and work to make our district an even safer and more welcoming place for our students and staff.
The Greensburg Salem School District pages are edited and compiled by the Community Relations Department. For more information please contact Anita Rometo, community liaison, at 724-832-2907 or arometo@wiu.k12.pa.us.
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Footloose in Rehearsal at GSHS Footloose brings rock music and dancing back to a small town and to the Greensburg Salem stage. This stage production, based on the popular 1984 movie, tells the volatile story of what happens when a young outsider challenges a town’s ban on dancing. Dancing and singing explode on the stage as 40 Greensburg Salem students assume the roles of the youth and townspeople of Beaumont to the sounds of Let’s Hear it For the Boy, Holding out for A Hero and, of course, Footloose. Big city boy Ren (Noah Telford) and his nemesis, the inflexible Reverend Moore (Brian Sweeny), go head-to-head as the teens try to convince the town council to drop the ban so the school can have a prom. Reverend Moore’s daughter, Ariel (Kira Elma), moves between the two worlds playing both the rebel and the dutiful daughter. You can enjoy Footloose on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings February 28 and March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., as well as Sunday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m. Reserved seating is only $8, general admission is $7. Tickets will be available starting February 22. For ticket information call 724-832-2960.
When in doubt, STOP!
Did you know that 1.5 million children are transported on Pennsylvania roads each day? These children are transported more than 400 million miles to school each year. Every year, children are needlessly injured or killed by drivers passing stopped school busses. Together, we can protect all of our children by following these simple rules. Regardless of your schedule, it is imperative that you slow down and follow these rules: • When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. • When you approach an intersection (from any direction) where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. • You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus. • You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving. • DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety. • You MUST STOP on roadways with painted lines. • You MUST STOP at an intersection where a bus has lights on, whether it is or is not marked with a stop sign. All traffic MUST STOP from any direction. • You MUST STOP on roadways with ridged /grooved dividers. Additional information can be found at www.greensburgsalem.org/transportation . Please help keep Pennsylvania roadways safe for all children. If you see violations, record the driver’s license plate number and report it to local authorities.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
GREENSBURG SALEM: WHERE
The LION’S PRIDE Greensburg Salem Dominates Calcusolve Competitions Calcusolve is a mathematical competition involving problem-solving across a wide variety of mathematical fields. This year there have been competitions at both the middle school and high school levels. GS students gave outstanding performances at both the team and individual levels. At the high school competition, the team of Aaron DeCarlucci, Ande Greco (1st place individual), Josh Kappel (3rd place), Sarah Mica, and Sam Wotus earned first-place honors. Taking the third-place team award were Ryan Downs (5th place), Rielly Jobkar, Riley Maruca, Jason Stofko, and Thomas Wygonic. Recognized with a fourth place individual award was John Sheffler. The middle school participants swept the team awards earning first, second, third, and fourth places. The first-place team was comprised of Kevan Downs, Tristan Elma, Asher Joy, Mary Joy and Adam Petro. Earning the second-place team award were Zach Armentrout, Noah Calisti, Nick Leo, Chris Schrecengost, and Katie Wotus. Following closely behind in third place was the team of Scott Armentrout, Jonah Faulk, Grant Hoffer, Julius McBride, and D’Angelo Rifenburgh. The fourth-place team included William Crites, Dylan Crystaloski, Coby Jobkar, Jeremy Kappel, and Maggie Nicolai. The individual awards were not nearly as clear-cut at the middle school level with several students sharing top honors. First place was a three-way tie between Tristian Elma, Mary Joy and Adam Petro. Sharing second place were Asher Joy and Chris Schrecengost. Nick Leo earned the third-place individual award while fourth-place was shared between Noah Calisti and Kevan Downs. Rounding out the individual awards was Zach Armentrout’s fifth-place finish.
Short Story Yields Recognition Rachel Krunszyinski accepted the Spooky, Scary Story contest challenge to write a story set at the historic Fort Ligonier and featuring at least two people from the fort’s history. Set in modern times with visitors from the past, her story Friendly Fire Incident was one of more than 200 entries and earned her 2nd place in the high school division.
Fifth Graders Rule in Math Thinking Games Grade 5 elementary SEAL Program students from all three buildings joined students from neighboring school districts at the Math Thinking Games. The 120 students in attendance competed in four mathematics games – 24, Set, Number Junctions Puzzles, and Equate. Teams of Greensburg Salem students displayed their math expertise by finishing first, second and fourth. Leading the way was Metzgar Elementary student Megan Shissler who won the overall “Math Master” title by placing first with the highest individual score. Members of the first-place team were Chase Clemence, Josh Klueber, Madison Rugh, and Sophia Watt. The second-place team was comprised of Elizabeth Armentrout, Jack Maruca, Megan Shissler, and Tyler Vanderburg. Earning fourth-place honors were Lien Ferry, Ben Petro, Morgan Poole, and John Zuccher. 6
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High School Students Qualify for State Competitionsolve Competitions Two members of the GSHS TSA (Technology Students Association) have advanced to the state competition at Seven Springs. Josh Ferguson designed, produced working drawings for, and built a CO2-powered dragster which took second-place at the regional competition. He will be joined by Abby Parrish who earned a fourth-place in Photographic Technology. In that event, students capture and process photographic and digital prints depicting the current year’s published theme – Courage. Other students awarded recognition in Photographic Technology were Sarah Howarth (5th place) and Colton Hearn (6th place).
GS Students at Art Museum Mrs. Audia’s Advanced Art and Portfolio Preparation class held their annual portfolio exhibition at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Twenty-one student artists presented their artwork for family and friends. Open to the public, the museum offers GS students gallery space for 2-3 days as the museum changes its featured exhibitions.
Funky Snowman Wins First Place
“Not Your Ordinary Snowman” was the theme of the sculpture competition, and Greensburg Salem Middle School eighth grader Katie Wotus rose to the challenge, earning first place. With a paddle ball for his head, the snowman seemed to arise from the bottom of a toy chest, pulling playing cards, toy soldiers, blocks and crayons as he grew. If you look closely, you will see that his Slinky midsection contains a matchbox size race car.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
GREENSBURG SALEM: WHERE
American History Curriculum: Out With the Old, In With the New This time last year, American History students and teachers were coping with the well-worn textbooks available for class use. Years of bumpy backpack rides, desk dives, and multiple rebinding attempts left the books hopelessly falling apart. Missing pages were an ever-growing epidemic -- something had to be done. A group of teachers and administrators previewed and trial tested the TCI (Teacher’s Curriculum Institute) History Alive! series. The TCI program was already in place for social studies students in kindergarten through eighth grade. American History teacher Aimee Manning said, “I think the consistency of using the same program across all grade levels is helpful to students.” The implementation of the TCI program seemed like a natural fit for the high school and another way to smooth the transition for the incoming freshman. Unlike the old text and program materials, the TCI program focuses on building specific skills emphasized in the Common Core Standards and works to create twenty-first century citizens. This is accomplished by introducing students to specific skillbuilding tasks, such as political cartoon analysis and creation and role-playing political debates. Tenth-grade teacher Adam Jones commented, “TCI allows students to experience history, as opposed to being given the history.” With TCI students perform each skill, with varying content, multiple times throughout a semester to encourage growth and mastery of the each skill.
The TCI program provides a variety of activities and materials to the teacher and, with minimal tweaking, they are easily put into practice. Although the availability of new resources and materials are great for the American History teachers, the group benefitting most by the materials are the students. In the TCI program, students are not only being exposed to the historical content, but they are learning skills which transcend subject matter and grade level. They are learning to solve problems, create new products, and analyze information from a historical perspective, and throughout the process, they are becoming better, more prepared learners. Tommy Lowden, a ninth-grade student, said, “TCI allows the student to receive the basic understanding of the topics, and go into greater depth.” Lowden went on to say, “I feel I have learned more in the present year than past, and I’m more successful in the classroom.” As the school year, and time itself, begins to press on – the GSSD American History students and teachers are experiencing the past in new ways. by Mr. Brandon Roberts
Mr. Roberts moves around the classroom answering questions as students in his American History I class work on completing projects. Pictured (l-r) Selina Ramos, Kris Dick, Levi Kinney and Lawson Monta.
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‘ e f f o r t c r e at e s a b i l i t y ’
Golden Lion Gallery
Students in Mr. Audia's 6th grade art class learned about landscape painting in their "Nature" unit this year. The unit involved a special community program with the Westmoreland Museum of American Art called ArtConnect, where students from the middle school visit the vast collection at the WMAA and make work inspired by their visit. This piece is a landscape painting by Morgan O'Leary - Grade 6, created with tempera paint on canvas.
Pottery students in Mrs. Hajdukiewicz’s Pottery II class were assigned the task of creating a piece that combined two concepts in the clay medium. Gabrielle Walton’s piece “Mad for You,” featuring an open mouth and exploding head, combines two feelings.
Kaidyn Gonder, a second grader in Mrs. Carnicelli’s art class at Hutchinson Elementary School, painted this winter cardinal composition. Students concentrated on painting different visual textures while creating a balanced composition with only a few elements.
Third graders at Nicely Elementary were able to "shed new light" on what they understand about nature's landscapes. After viewing inspiring images dealing with sunsets, silhouetted figures, birch trees in winter, and interesting horizons... Miss Alberth helped students to blend pastels for a majestic sky, paint objects in silhouette, and decide how to cast shadows on the ground. Artist Raegan Shaw proved that winter can be colorful.
In Miss Alberth's art class, 5th graders have been applying new vocabulary and skills related to weaving, and other fiber arts. Here, you see a stuffed and sewn pillow with a woven front. The artist, Twyla Crawford used a hand-made cardboard loom, dark purple yarn for the warp, several bright colors for the weft, and black felt for the back of the pillow. This project is truly from scratch! We enjoy learning about weaving because it is an ancient craft that started not as an art form, but for survival.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
GREENSBURG SALEM: WHERE
Winning Ways of GS Wrestling
After the ceremony, several coaches affiliated with the program gathered in the new Wrestling Room, under a mural painted by Shane Stofko (2011) as part of his Senior Project. Pictured (l-r) are George Carter, Rob Waller, Randy Parsley, G. Daryl Kelvington, Bill Alexander, Joseph Nava, and Kevin Johnson.
Greensburg Salem recently topped 700 victories in its Wrestling Program with three victories at the North Hills Duals Tournament on December 15, 2012. Wrestling at Greensburg Salem has a long and rich history – dating back to 1936. Throughout that time GS has been a perennial powerhouse boasting numerous state title winners and placeholders. Past coaches and wrestlers joined the current team at a match in late December to commemorate passing the 700 milestone. The former coaches that were in attendance and recognized for their contributions were Joseph Nava (1959-62), Jim Salathe (1962-66), Daryl Kelvington (1970-75 and 1995-98), Rob Waller (1975-81), Bill Alexander (1987-95), and Randy Parsley (1998Present). Among the past GS wrestlers in attendance were several that became PIAA State Champions while wearing the brown and gold including Phil Detore, 1965; Mickey Kenney, 1970; Ken Parsley, 1978; Brian Kapusta, 1989 & 1990; Jeff Kaputsta, 1992; Vertus Jones, 1995; Greg Jones, 2000; and Donnie Jones, 2003 & 2004.
Students MARCHing along at GSMS MARCH – it is more than just a month of the year at Greensburg Salem Middle School. MARCH is the after-school program that provides students with Math And Reading Content Help. The middle school attendees of this interactive program are assisted by education majors from Seton Hill University, Saint Vincent College, and The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. MARCH is supervised by language arts teachers from each of the three middle school grade levels. One of the elements of MARCH is the use of the sophisticated computer program, Achieve3000. The program offers tens of thousands of non-fiction Associated Press articles, enabling students to read about topics of interest. The philosophy of Achieve3000 is that every student is working at his or her individual reading level. Initially, students take an assessment that determines this level. As the students progress
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through the computerized program, the levels adjust to indicate their reading growth; as a result, more challenging articles are provided. The program and the tutors provide one-on-one instruction with content that meets each student’s needs by utilizing before-, during-, and after-reading strategies. The Achieve3000 reading program even offers mini lessons in geography and math. Mrs. Barb Garofola, program coordinator, commented, “I truly enjoy spending time with our MARCH kids. They work hard and are very proud of their achievements, which makes me proud of my participation in the program.” In addition to the reading portion of the MARCH program, students receive help with homework in any content area. Seventhgrade math teachers are also on hand to help students. Snacks are provided and limited busing is available for students. Though data shows improvements in the reading ability of the students involved in the program, there is another benefit, as well. MARCH students enjoy the mentoring provided by the college students and the teachers, and the adults, in turn, enjoy this small-group setting with middle school kids.
‘ e f f o r t c r e at e s a b i l i t y ’
Making a Difference at GS All you have to do is walk into any of Greensburg Salem’s school buildings to see a strong commitment to helping other people and the community. From the Student Athletic Trainers sponsoring “Pink Week” at the high school in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to a lone student deciding to collect blankets for victims of Hurricane Sandy – students are spearheading fundraising and collection projects. Volunteering to help others teaches children and teenagers to look beyond themselves and understand the role they play in their community and country. While any community service is a good thing it is at its best when it also involves service learning – that is, providing a context for the students to understand the situation their service is addressing. When students at Hutchinson Elementary collected school items for Hurricane Sandy victims their efforts were related back to the reading lesson Stone Soup. It is an old folktale that, in the words of teacher and project organizer Jen Tucci, “shows caring and helping others is what it means to have a rich life.” Since sending the supplies in late November, students at Hutchinson have started corresponding with the children in Oceanside, N.Y., who were the recipients of their generosity. New friends, even miles away, are another characteristic of a rich and flavorful life. Often the service project is built into the curriculum. Promoting fitness in the PE classes through the “Kids Walk” activity at Metzgar Elementary raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Additionally, the annual “Jump Rope for Heart” activity at Hutchinson adds a fun competition while teaching about an important health issue. At Metzgar and Nicely Elementary, older students give up their recess time once a week to assist in computer class. The fourth grade students at Metzgar share their computer expertise with first graders while some Nicely third graders help Mrs. Sparrow prepare her classroom for the kindergarten computer class.
Sometimes the whole school gets involved in a project, like “Penny Wars” at the middle school. Here grade levels compete against one another raising money to support the school’s holiday Giving Tree. For one week students bring in spare change. Each homeroom has a container for collecting coins or dollar bills. The value of any pennies collected by a group count positively toward that group's point total, while the value of other coins or dollar bills are subtracted. Dozens of students volunteer to stay after school to count the change so daily updates can be given to the student body. The grade level that has the highest “positive” score is the winner – along with the students whose Christmas is a little brighter thanks to their classmates. Eighth grade won this year and was rewarded for their generosity with a movie. By high school, volunteering is second nature for many students and is a big part of the district’s culture. Organizations with service components like Student Council, National Honor Society and Interact (Rotary for youth ages 12-18) all thrive. Opportunities to make a difference in their community while learning about themselves and social issues abound. From mentoring to taking a community service class as an elective to senior projects built around supporting their community, Greensburg Salem students make a difference every day.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Prom Dresses for Life By Jennifer Brozak
It started with a simple idea. In an eort to raise money for her American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life team, Greensburg resident Kristin Poppa wanted to collect gently used prom dresses and resell them. That simple idea? Well, by 2012, it had grown to a collection of 1,000 dresses and more than $15,000 in donations to the ACS. In 2006, Poppa, 30, and her 25-year-old sister, Katie, were looking for fundraising ideas for their Latrobe Relay for Life team that they formed in honor of their mother, Cindy Rothwell, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 after the birth of their sister Whitley. “At ďŹ rst, Katie and I tried to consign our old prom dresses,â€? said Poppa, “but that wasn’t working out the way we had hoped. So we started talking to friends and even local bridal shops about donating their gently used prom dresses.â€? Poppa said she tapped into a conviction that any woman who owns a formal dress can relate to. “We always say, ‘We’ll wear these dresses again,’ and then we hang them in the closet,â€? she said, laughing. “But you know you’re never going to wear them again, no matter how much you think you will.â€? By the end of that ďŹ rst year, Poppa and her team had amassed a collection of 200 donated dresses. Now they were faced with the task of cleaning them, organizing them by size and color, ďŹ nding a place to resell them, and, ďŹ nally, pricing them. Poppa distinctly remembers how diďŹƒcult it was to ďŹ nd the money to attend her high school prom. “It was hard to make your own money to buy your tickets, let alone ďŹ nding the money to buy your dress, and get your hair and nails done,â€? she said. “After doing a lot of research, we decided that we would sell the dresses at half the cost of retail. We wanted to make the prices reasonable, so no dress would cost more than $250.â€? The prices, however, are negotiable; if a girl comes in with a strict budget or if she’s trying to pay for the dress on her own, Poppa will work with the parents or teen so that the price of the dress falls within her budget. In March of 2006, Poppa’s team set up the very ďŹ rst “Prom Dresses for Lifeâ€? event at the Greensburg Courtyard Marriott. They advertised the event in local media outlets, online on social networking sites, and through local high schools. The ďŹ rst year, the group sold 10 dresses and made $500. By the second year, the idea had taken o, and Poppa found that more and more local businesses were willing to contribute to the cause. 12
Greensburg Salem
Over the years, local bridal and formalwear shops have oered to donate brand-new dresses from “last seasonâ€? to the event. Local dry cleaners oered to clean the dresses for free. Claire’s and Icing boutiques donated more than $3,000 worth of costume jewelry, tiaras, purses and gloves to the cause and last year My Sissy’s Closet donated 40 pairs of shoes to the event. In addition, Poppa, who works full time as a manager at Valley Pools in Greensburg, said that the company lends its clothing racks from Halloween costume displays to the event and her team snagged clothing racks from stores that were moving or going out of business. Dress donation locations now span Route 30 from North Versailles to Latrobe. One of those locations, Sisters II, has been involved since the beginning. The boutique’s owner, Robert Kolbosky, said that throughout the year his store will save dresses for Poppa’s fundraiser that otherwise might be put on sale in his store. “Sometimes, if we’re pricing a dress for sale, we’ll tell ourselves, ‘No, we’re going to give it to Kristin to make sure she has enough merchandise for her fundraiser.’â€?
Like other dress shops, Sisters II donates brand-new dresses and shoes that are simply being retired because they have been discontinued. Poppa also enlists the help of her family. Her stepfather, Randy, built her first set of clothing racks and a platform for girls to stand on while they’re trying on dresses – and she says they deliberately place those platforms outside of the dressing rooms so that her team can “ooh and aah” as girls consider various dresses. Her brother, Randy, Jr., and stepfather also help out with the transporting of the dresses to and from the event. “We get a lot of help from the community, and are incredibly thankful,” said Poppa. She added that the fundraiser’s main goal is to raise money for cancer research because of her mother’s ongoing battle with the disease, but she also wanted to showcase the other services that the American Cancer Society provides to families like hers. For instance, Poppa said that the ACS provides rides for patients to attend chemotherapy appointments, which was especially helpful because of her family’s work commitments. She’s also thankful for the society’s team of educational resources, which helped her understand a doctor’s medical jargon while her mother was undergoing treatment. “I can’t tell you how many times I called [the ACS staff] because I had no idea what the doctor was talking about,” she said. “And my stepdad, of course, wanted to do everything he could to help her. They would put the information in layman’s terms for us, and tell us where we could go to find more information.” She also appreciates the “esteem-boosting” activities, including its “Look Good…Feel Better” seminars in which cancer patients are taught how to apply makeup and wigs and get to take home product goody bags. As her mother continues to fight and recover from breast, liver and brain cancer, Poppa remains focused on her goal of raising money for Cindy’s Angels through Prom Dresses for Life. At the same time, she’s helping area teenagers fulfill their wishes. “We’ve helped a lot of girls who otherwise could not afford the prom of their dreams,” she said. Unfortunately, personal commitments are hindering Poppa’s ability to organize the event for 2013, and she is currently looking for another individual or group to take the reins. “Prom Dresses for Life has not only raised funds for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life over the past six years, but has also helped hundreds of teenage girls by giving them confidence, happiness and a glimmer of what it’s like to be a princess for a day,” she said. “I would love to see Prom Dresses for Life take on new life so it can continue spreading the good that so many people desperately need in their lives.”
Prom Dresses for Life has not only raised funds for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life over the past six years, but has also helped hundreds of teenage girls by giving them confidence, happiness and a glimmer of what it’s like to be a princess for a day.
Readers who may be interested in joining the cause should contact Poppa at promdressesforlife@hotmail.com.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
By Kathy Rudolph
The hard work and dedication of eight African-American high school juniors and seniors were recognized at the 2012 Jack and Jill of America Inc., Pittsburgh Chapter Presentation Ball held at the Omni William Penn Hotel. The theme was “Our Journey: Creating Our Legacy.” The teens were honored for their “outstanding academic, athletic and community service achievements” while they waltzed the night away. The proceeds from the ball benefited a local food bank. Greensburg area brother and sister, Forrest and Olivia Barnes were presentees at the ball. Their parents are Rufus Barnes of Cranberry Township and Stephanie Barnes-Jones of Greensburg. It took approximately one year for them to prepare for the ball; participating in various seminars from community service to leadership along with many other subjects. Organized in 1944, the non-profit Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Pittsburgh Chapter is one of the oldest African American family organizations in the United States that was founded by the late Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938 in Philadelphia. It provides social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of two and nineteen. Dr. Rhonda Johnson has been a Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Pittsburgh Chapter member since 1994 and was a volunteer at the ball. “The Pittsburgh Chapter is the second oldest in the nation,” said Johnson. “We have a rich history. I have two daughters that have been presentees
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in the ball in the past and have one son remaining that will be a presentee next year. There are so many opportunities for the children. They have cultural, educational, recreational and social activities and most importantly, community service. We believe in giving back to the Pittsburgh community and give throughout the year to charities such as the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.” to learn more about Jack and Jill of america, inc., Pittsburgh chapter, visit the website at www.jackandjillpittsburgh.com.
Young People’s Concerts
Hold on to Your Hat!
Storm Chasers!
e Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra will present the 11th annual Hat Luncheon on June 1, 2013. Champagne reception at 11 a.m. and Luncheon at noon. Call 724.837.1850 for an invitation.
e Westmoreland Symphony will present its annual Young People’s Concerts on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. at Greensburg-Salem High School. is event, which has taken place every year since 1977, will be a wonderful opportunity to hear a live orchestra playing classic works by Beethoven, Vivaldi and Debussy. Artistic Director Daniel Meyer speaks with pianist Sasha Voinov during the Young People’s Concert.
e concerts center around a theme and in the past have included Peter and the Wolf, Musicolympic, Music from Outer Space, e Bird Catcher, Music of the Dance, Cowboys and Indians, Music from Around the World and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. e concerts will be conducted by Daniel Meyer, Artistic Director.
is fun event brings out attendees dressed in their finest attire, including the most fashionable hats for an elegant fund raising event with live orchestral music.
Daniel Meyer, Artistic Director and his wife Mary Persin (far right) and co-chairs Candace Cassidy and Jill Briercheck.
Last year’s event was held at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center and guests were entertained by students of the Academy of Music.
e event is underwritten by several area businesses and organizations, as well as individuals with a desire to support the arts. For more information on the upcoming event, please visit the website at www.westmorelandsymphony.org, or call 724.837.1850.
Program: Wagner: Flying Dutchman Overture Debussy: Nuages (Clouds) Vivaldi: “Winter” Concerto from the Four Seasons Beethoven: Pastorale Symphony (understorm) Grofé: Cloudburst and On e Trail from Grand Canyon Suite Strauss: under and Lightning Polka Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Greensburg Man Receives Carnegie Medal for Act of Heroism By Autumn A. Altieri
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Monday, July 11, 2011, should have been a relaxing day for Greensburg resident Michael Ledgard. He was planning to play a late game of golf with his good friend Kirk Haldeman at the Ligonier Country Club and then grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. Little did Ledgard know that the day would prove to be anything but relaxing. Ledgard and Haldeman were unable to play golf due to rain, but still decided to have dinner at a restaurant and bar in Ligonier. After circling the full parking lot and briefly considering eating elsewhere, they found a parking space and entered the bar area. Shortly after ordering their meals, Ledgard noticed a man who walked into the bar and ordered a beer. Another bar patron, Donald Holler, with whom Ledgard was casually acquainted, was watching a television show about the Iraq/Afghanistan war. The man at the bar said he had a problem with the show that Holler was watching and wanted it to be turned off. Holler, along with some other bar patrons, refused to change the channel. The man then left the bar and returned a few minutes later with a semi-automatic rifle and shot Holler. While most of the people in the bar scattered and some took shelter in a nearby walk-in cooler, Haldeman immediately jumped into action and grabbed the shooter, forcing his second shot away from the bar patrons. Ledgard then tackled both men to the ground in an effort to help Haldeman protect the other people. At that point the two were able to get the rifle away from the shooter and hold him down until police arrived. Sadly, Holler was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooter was later identified as Army veteran Stephen Fromholz of San Antonio, Texas. His trial took place in August, 2012, with both Ledgard and Haldeman as witnesses for the prosecution. Fromholz was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, though his sentence is currently under appeal. About six months after the incident, which received extensive local news coverage, Ledgard and Haldeman were contacted by the Carnegie Hero Fund, which awards medals and financial grants to those throughout the United States and Canada who have risked their lives to an extraordinary degree to save, or attempt to save, the lives of others. Since its inception in 1904, the fund has recognized 9,539 heroes (44 in 2012). The fund was established by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and has provided $34.4 million in one-time grants, scholarships, death benefits and continuing assistance. In yet another selfless act, Ledgard and Haldeman used their monetary prize from the Carnegie Hero Fund to hold a memorial party for Holler at the bar where he was killed on the anniversary of his death. They provided an open bar and appetizers to anyone who wanted to join in celebrating Holler’s life, and Ledgard says that it was a very special night
with many in attendance. He and Haldeman attended a Board of Directors meeting for the Carnegie Hero Fund where they were awarded their medals. Ledgard notes that while he does not feel like a hero, the events of that night did change him. He is much more guarded about possible altercations when he is out in public and he catches himself wondering if the tragic events of that night could have been avoided by trying to keep the shooter calm or by simply changing the television channel. Ledgard thinks about that night often, especially when he hears about other public shootings and altercations such as the Colorado movie theater massacre. He also thinks about the others in the bar that night and sees them occasionally. Just this past September, one of them took Ledgard and Haldeman on a golf outing to show his appreciation for their heroic deeds that night. Ledgard humbly attributes his heroic actions that night to Haldeman, and says that he is not sure whether he would have acted so bravely if not for the concern for his friend’s welfare. He and Haldeman met through work and their friendship quickly transcended the workplace as the two joined golf leagues and golf clubs together. They started to travel on golf outings together and have remained close for two decades. While Ledgard does not like to speculate about whether Fromholz would have continued shooting bar patrons that night, he does acknowledge that Fromholz fired a second shot after killing Holler and cannot deny the possibility that many more people might have been killed or injured if not for himself and Haldeman. Ligonier Borough Police Chief John Berger has been quoted as saying that if not for Ledgard’s and Haldeman’s quick actions, Fromholz might have attempted to hurt or kill everyone in the bar that night. Ledgard, who was previously a resident of Ligonier for more than eight years, currently works as a contractor and lives with his wife, Virginia Tuscano, in Greensburg. The two have five children and six grandchildren. Ledgard is humble to a fault when discussing his involvement in helping to save the lives of many innocent people that night, and though he immediately called Virginia after the incident, he initially did not tell many of his family members about his actions. Most local news broadcasts did not mention his name, so when his family members found out about his involvement their reactions were most often disbelief that he didn’t tell them sooner. No one quite knows how they will react in a life-threatening situation until presented with one. When the time came for Michael Ledgard, he thought not about himself, but about the welfare of those around him.
“Join us for an afternoon delight with a wonderful performance, great food and fun on Sunday, February 24 at 2 p.m. Start at the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center in Greensburg with a performance of “Little Women,” and then walk across the parking lot to The Supper Club for gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a gelato bar, coffee and cash bar. And for more fun, there is a silent auction with awesome jewelry and amazing sports paraphernalia, and the amusing treasure chest game and great door prizes. Just a wonderful way to spend the afternoon; bring friends and family to share the event that supports senior citizens in your community with Forbes Trail Faith in Action.
Event: Fundraiser for Forbes Trail Faith in Action
General Description:
Performance, food and friends
Date:
sunday, february 24
Time:
2 p.m.
Where:
Greensburg, Pa Starting with performance of “Little Women” at the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center THEN after the performance moving across the parking lot to The Supper Club for gourmet hors d’oeuvres, dessert and coffee with cash bar AND Silent Auction, Treasure Chest Game and door prizes
Cost:
$60 each ticket donation or $110 for two tickets
For Information:
ftfiaevent@comcast.net or 724-327-3353 (faith in action office) FTFIA is a local service provided by local volunteers with the goal of assisting seniors over the age of 60 to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of live by providing FREE non-medical services including, transportation to doctors‘ appointments, shopping escort, handy-man repairs, home safety checks and caregiver relief. All services are free and there are no income requirements for this United Way of Westmoreland County Program. Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
By Matthew J. Fawcett
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Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
By Jennifer Brozak
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Young children often wish that the characters from their favorite stories could come to life to talk and play. Through the ingenuity of a program known as Books Come Alive – and the talents of its local student actors, their wishes can be fulfilled. Books Come Alive is a series of live producMarino said. For instance, in a recent holiday tions presented by Greensburg’s Stage Right School adaptation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” for the Performing Arts & Professional Theatre one of Santa’s elves causes an explosion at an Company. The series transforms beloved children’s Xbox factory – a detail that was obviously not stories into live performances at area libraries, included in the original 1939 version of the story. including the Greensburg Marino relies on the library Hempfield Library. It gives staff to give input about which children a chance to see and books are “hot” and oftentimes These young experience live theater for ties the productions into the free, which is presented by Summer Reading themes of the performers get young actors in a familiar library. Stage Right has been the opportunity setting. producing Books Come Alive Cesare Muccari, director for nearly 10 years. Marino to think on their of the Greensburg Hempfield said that the Books Come Alive feet, to interact Area Library, was series is part of Stage Right’s with the audience, instrumental in developing Outreach productions and the Books Come Alive requires a special commitment and build their program and said that the from its young actors because improvisational response to the program of its short, two-to-three day has been “fantastic.” rehearsal process. skills. “I see the faces of The Books Come Alive these children during the events are “a unique performances, and they’re performance experience,” really excited about it. The he explains. “It truly is a point of the program – of any baptism by fire in a really children’s library program – exciting way for these young is to encourage kids to read. performers. They get the The Books Come Alive opportunity to think on their program has been incredibly feet, to interact with the successful,” said Muccari, audience, and build their noting that the program has improvisational skills. They’re even encouraged children going for it right off the bat.” who were once audience The performances are members to join Stage Right tailored to children ages 3-11. as performers. Lasting only 30 to 40 minutes Tony Marino, the artistic each, they are enhanced director at Stage Right, said with costumes, props, singing that his company works with and dancing and are set before local librarians to determine a large, colorful backdrop. The which books they would like to main goal of the program is see and then adapts them to stage performances. to foster a love of reading and literacy in young All of the Books Come Alive actors are Stage children. Oftentimes a child will want to read Right students. the book if they were not familiar with the story “Some of the scripts are tightly based on the before viewing the play. original story, and others are loosely adapted,” To learn more about upcoming Books Come Alive productions at The Greensburg Hempfield Library, please visit the website www.ghal.org. For more information on Stage Right, please visit the website www. stagerightgreensburg.com/outreach.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
By Jennifer Brozak
Some people say there are no second acts in life. Members of The Sparks of L.I.F.E., a group of Greensburg-area amateur musicians, would beg to dier.
The Sparks of L.I.F.E. is comprised of nearly two dozen area senior citizens, all of whom are amateur organists and students of the Lowrey Organ at Trombino Music Center located in Westmoreland Mall. The group is a local chapter of the company’s recreational music club known as L.I.F.E., an acronym for “Lowrey is Fun and Easy.â€? According to Sparks of L.I.F.E. President Don Rose, 74, L.I.F.E. chapters were founded as a way for those involved in the program to collaborate and reach out to the community. “Our primary mission is to have fun and to share the ease of playing the organ, as well as the therapeutic benefits gained in the process of learning how to play,â€? he said. The volunteer group performs on a regular basis at venues such as nursing homes, senior citizen centers and senior assisted-living facilities. Each event usually lasts around one to one-and-a-half hours and features performances by about 10 members on a rotating basis. This allows performing members – some of whom have their own health concerns – to play two or three songs, and Rose said that members who can’t play still assist with the events in other ways. The group’s vice president, Richey Eberman, begins a typical performance by playing “I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do,â€? during which Rose introduces the club and its sponsorship. Rose then introduces each of the performers as they play, and Eberman closes the show by playing “It Seems Like Old Times.â€? Rose said he encourages the members to play what they enjoy, and since the members play at dierent skill levels, each performance features
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Greensburg Salem
a variety of music, including country, polka, swing, Latin, show tunes, light jazz, old standards, patriotic tunes and gospel. Sparks of L.I.F.E. member Jo Hursh, 62, said that she prefers to play upbeat big band and rock ‘n’ roll songs like “In the Mood,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Hursh, who not only performs with the group but also serves as its reporter and photographer, said that one of her proudest moments since joining took place at an Alzheimer’s care home in Irwin. “There was a gentleman sitting in the front row with a vacant stare in his eyes, showing no emotion,” she explained. “As the music was playing, I took his hands and we swayed to the music. Suddenly, he stood up and started shuffling his feet, still holding my hands. The staff in the room could not believe that was happening. This man, who had not shown a reaction to anything, was on his feet, lost in the moment of the music.” “Seeing the smile on the residents’ faces gives me the greatest thrill,” said Rose. “It means that we have accomplished something for them – their smile and laughter mean everything.” In addition to performances, the group is also committed to helping the community at large. “Last year, we held a food drive for the Westmoreland County Food Bank,” said Hursh. “This year, in lieu of a Christmas grab-bag exchange, all members made a monetary donation to buy essential paper products for three local church food pantries.” The group’s current incarnation is a far cry from what it was when Rose took the lead in 2006. At the time, the chapter had only five members (including the store manager) and was not performing at all. Rose took over the group and changed its name from the L.I.F.E. Chapter of Southwestern Pennsylvania to The Sparks of L.I.F.E. – a name that, for Rose, has a significant double meaning. Prior to taking over the club, he underwent extensive abdominal surgery due to an infection in his abdominal wall that was leading
to septicemia (blood poisoning). About a month later, he was about to be released from the hospital when he suffered a cardiac arrest. “I literally died on the floor of that hospital room,” Rose says. “The attending physician was able to bring me back to life by hitting me with the paddles 12 times. This led to quintuple bypass surgery in June 2006, and another month of recovery.” “I asked the doctor why he hit me 12 times with the paddles, knowing that 3-4 times is par for the course. He told me that every time he would use the paddles, he would see a spark of life in my eyes, and that as long as he was seeing those sparks of life, he was going to continue trying to revive me. Thank God he was persistent.” Today, the club has 22 members, all of whom are students at Trombino Music Center, and each of whom, Rose says, “represents a spark.” Most of the group’s members initially learned how to play through Trombino’s Quick Start program, in which the music center loans students a small beginner organ for six weeks. During that time period, students are required to attend a lesson for an hour each week, and the music center guarantees that students will learn six songs in six weeks. After the six-week period ends, students continue taking weekly classes at the store. Rose continues to take a weekly class to hone his skills. “Each of us joined [the group] because of loving to play and wanting to give something to the community,” he said. “None are professionals. All are hobbyists, some with prior experience, but many with only a love of music and a desire and willingness to learn.” Because the group is near capacity, it is not actively seeking new members. However, Rose noted that it could accommodate two or three new performers. Anyone who is interested in learning more about The Sparks of L.I.F.E. can contact Don Rose at 724.689.2248 or Richey Eberman at 724.836.8602.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
american baptist church 1228 Brinkerton Rd, Greensburg, PA 15601 first baptist church 1228 Brinkerton Rd, Greensburg, PA 15601 Grace baptist church 4463 State Route 136, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-863-3032 church of brethren 554 Stanton St, Greensburg, PA 15601 Greensburg church of the brethren 554 Stanton Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.834.2130
st. Nicholas (byzantine) 622 E Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.0295 st. Paul 820 Carbon Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 834-6880 lifespring christian church 314 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.832.7514 lifespring christian church 314 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.832.7514
blessed sacrament 300 N Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.834.3710
first christian church RR 15 Box 1, Greensburg, PA 15601
blessed sacrament cathedral 300 N Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601
life church Carmike Cinemas, Westmoreland Mall, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.832.1404
our lady of Grace 1001 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.838.9480
Greensburg alliance church RR 6 Box 63a, Greensburg, PA 15601
Seton Hill University Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.830.1075 st benedict's church RR 8 Box 560, Greensburg, PA 15601 st bruno church 1707 Poplar St, Greensburg, PA 15601 St Paul's Church 820 Carbon Rd, Greensburg, PA 15601 st. benedict Bruno Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724. 834.9045 st. bruno 1707 Poplar St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.0690
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Greensburg Salem
laurel Highlands church of God 103 Westminster Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601
charter oak United Methodist RR 7 Box 353a, Greensburg, PA 15601
church of christ-christian RR 12 Box 193, Greensburg, PA 15601
first United Methodist church 15 E 2nd St, Greensburg, PA 15601
christ episcopal church 145 N Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601 724. 834.4750
otterbein United Methodist church 111 College Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601
evangelical lutheran church 501 Fairfield Dr, Greensburg, PA 15601
south Greensburg UMc 411 Sheridan Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601
first evangelical lutheran church 246 S Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601
trinity United Methodist church 210 W 4th St, Greensburg, PA 15601
Herald Zion lutheran church RR 6 Box 64, Greensburg, PA 15601 st Matthias evangelical church 100 Chapel View Dr, Greensburg, PA 15601 Zion's lutheran church 140 S Pennsylvania Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601
calvary chapel of Westmoreland 500 Chestnut Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 412.779.4649 church of the open Door 970 N Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601 Covenant Church East 623 Highland Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601 Moving Waters Ministries 724.516.7622 sonrise church RR 7 Box 258a, Greensburg, PA 15601 Victorious life church 214 Frye Farm Rd, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.6308 Word of life Ministries RR 6 Box 59m, Greensburg, PA 15601 st Michael's orthodox church 601 Wirsing Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601 The Salvation Army Po Box 945/ 131 E. Otterman St, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.834.3335 First Presbyterian Church PO Box 1038, Greensburg, PA 15601
This issue is also available online www.incommunitymagazines.com
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Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
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Greensburg Salem
How I Met My Spouse –
The Perfect Timing... -Submitted by Kelly Zundel
My name is Kelly and my husband Robert and I met in April of 2011. It was a beautiful spring morning and I was enjoying my new home with my three daughters, Alicia, who is 17, Erica, 16, and my eight-year old Shana. The girls had left for school and I was outside spraying the hedges when I noticed a few men in brightly-colored T-shirts across the street. A few minutes later I heard a soft voice ask me what I was doing. I turned around and there he was...the man of my dreams. He had a sweet smile and kind, gentle eyes. I explained to him that we had just moved in and he said, “You have beautiful eyes.” I thanked him, but immediately replied, “I just ended a bad relationship and I'm not ready to move on.” I later thought about this man who spoke in such a kind tone... The next day he was working on the street again and I gave him a note. It included my phone number and I told him that I would welcome his friendship. We texted each other that very evening and a friendship began to grow as well as romantic feelings, although I didn't let him know. My heart was still too fragile to let him in. My kids got to know him as my new friend and he was wonderful with them. Despite all of this, I would sometimes push him away for no reason. But over time, I saw the compassion and caring attitude that I had never known and eventually I let my guard down. He stood beside me and never gave up on me. He saw in me what I couldn't see in myself. We were married a year later and we are truly a happy family. We are building a house and are getting a puppy, but more importantly, we have the love that we always needed and are a family. It took months to find a place that would rent a house to a woman with three kids, but I think that was because God was working on a way for us to meet.
It was time to grow my business and reach more customers, but baking a cake that would fit into a mailbox was impractical. Until I found the next best thing... My IN Community Magazines campaign remains my single most cost-effective method of advertising.
IN Greensburg Salem reaches directly into 13,907 households
CALL 724.942.0940 Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
By Jennifer Brozak
Nadia Comaneci. Mary Lou Retton. Shawn Johnson. Gabby Douglas. For decades, superstar Olympic gymnasts have been capturing the hearts of the public – and inspiring thousands of young children around the world to pursue the sport of gymnastics. Locally, for more than 30 years, the Salem Township Parks and Recreation Gymnastics Program has been helping area children of all ages learn to flip, tumble and twirl in the spirit of their own gymnastic idols.
Run by head coach and administrative director Rebecca Peiffer, along with coach Melissa Miller, the program offers six different classes, which are all geared to a child’s experience level and ability. Children as young as 3 or 4 years old can enroll in Kinder-gym before progressing through the ranks, which include Basic Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Pre-Team and Team classes. The program is designed to be recreational, not competitive, so that “every kid can be a star,” according to Peiffer. “Not every child is going to want to compete, or will have the ability to compete,” she says. “Competing is expensive and time consuming, and if you’re a competitive gymnast, it’s the only activity you’re going to be able to be involved in. We’re much more flexible.” For instance, Peiffer said that if a child is interested in joining the program but is involved in other activities or sports, the coaches will work around the child’s schedule. Instead of competitions, gymnasts participate in an annual exhibition at Greensburg-Salem High School that showcases the individual classes as well as graduating seniors.
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“We’re very much like a family,” notes Peiffer. So much so that oftentimes former gymnasts will come back to visit – sometimes with their own families in tow. We’ve been to bridal showers, weddings, baby showers [of former students] – you name it,” she said. Peiffer, 46, became head coach in 1982 when she was just 15 years old. At the time, her father was the Salem Township supervisor and asked her to help out with the program. When the man and woman running the program resigned, she took over and has been serving ever since. Prior to joining the Salem Township program, she had been a competitive gymnast with the Greensburg and Scottdale YMCAs. “I’ve been here so long that I used to coach the coaches. And every year I check to make sure I can still flip,” she said, laughing. “And I still can.” At the start of her leadership, Peiffer said there were only 40 gymnasts enrolled. Today, there are 125 girls and 4 boys in the program, and she tends to see a peak in interest every time the summer Olympic Games take place. The gymnasts participate in dance, tumbling, uneven bars, beam and vault so that they “get a taste of everything,” explained Pfeiffer. The practices take place in a multipurpose room at Greensburg-Salem’s James H. Metzgar Elementary. Most participants come from the Greensburg-Salem area, but the program has also attracted students from the Derry, PennTrafford and Apollo-Ridge areas. In addition to Peiffer and Miller, Peiffer’s sister, Rachel Grant, and Leandra Allen, a GreensburgSalem High School senior, serve as coaches. “Every year we have a junior or senior come in to help us coach,” Peiffer said. Allen will be graduating and moving on to college to pursue a nursing career this year. After being a part of the gym for 12 years, she said it will be “very hard to leave.” “This place is like my home,” continued Allen, 18. “I came here every day as a student before I started coaching. It’s a great program, and it appealed to me because it’s like a big family.” The Salem Township program begins in September and culminates with the gymnastics show in June. Annual fees vary by class and range from $125 for Kinder-gym to $230 for Team. Non-resident fees are slightly higher.
anyone interested in signing up for the salem township recreation Gymnastics Program can visit www.salemtownshippa.com/gymnastics.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
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Greensburg Salem
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Greensburg Salem Tech Ed Studies Real World Physics Cody Pfeifer loads sand into bucket as he tests his cantilever in Advanced Discovery Lab at Greensburg Salem High School. Students build cantilevers, a beam anchored at only one end, as part of their study of structural design. The goal was to build a structure that can support 33 lbs of weight.
Advanced Discovery Lab is intended for students who wish to expand their knowledge in technology. Group projects and hands-on activities help students explore technological systems while thinking critically by designing future projects. They also research automobile design and structural engineering. In ADL, students not only use their hands to enhance their education, but their writing and sketching skills too. - Marjorie Aaron
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SPECIAL SECTION
IN GREENSBURG SALEM
If you have a home, you know how challenging it is to maintain it. Roofs leak, landscapes need weeding, and kitchens and baths need facelis. If you’re handy, you can get by with your own sweat equity. However, most people don’t have the skills, let alone the time, to tackle major household projects – many of which will require you spending more time at the office just to be able to tackle the price tags such projects come with. Here, we try to cover it all for you – from financing your project to enjoying it when it’s complete. Building a home addition can be a good alternative to buying a new home or building a house from scratch. Besides saving money, it can be a means of investing in your home and customizing your home to serve your family’s specific needs and desires. But additions also bring up potential problems that may not make them the best option for everyone. An addition can drastically change the way a house looks from the road or yard. An addition that isn’t well planned can look like it doesn’t belong or doesn’t match the rest of the house in terms of style or overall shape. Planning an addition carefully with a skilled architect is the best way to ensure that the house looks as good, or even better, than it did before the addition. An architect should be able to produce sketches that give a sense of how the finished addition will look. To minimize the appearance of an addition, homeowners can usually choose to build onto the back of the existing house, thereby hiding the new construction from the road. Depending on the size of an addition and the construction schedule, it may take weeks or months before an addition is completed. Bad weather can cause unanticipated delays, and working with an unreliable contractor can prolong the process even further. If a homeowner can’t afford to be patient during the planning and construction process, moving into a new, larger home may be a better option.
An addition can be a good investment, helping to increase the value of a home. Using a home equity line of credit or getting a new mortgage that includes money to pay for the addition can be a wise financial decision, especially when interest rates are low. However, if the expected value of an addition – which a homeowner can estimate by studying the sale prices of nearby homes with similar characteristics – is less than its cost, it may be a poor investment. An addition is likely to raise the value of a home. After the addition is completed, a new assessment will raise property taxes. Prior to adding on, homeowners should estimate the value of their home with the addition and compute a new annual tax liability based on current tax rates. Building an addition is an ideal time to invest in energyefficient fixtures and construction. Windows that prevent hot or cool air from escaping and low-energy-consuming appliances can minimize the cost of an addition by reducing energy bills and its environmental impact. Remodeling your bathroom is another popular way to jazz up your home as well as build equity. In some cases, not only is remodeling the bathroom an aesthetic choice but a functional choice as well. Giving your bathroom a boost doesn’t always have to require a boatload of cash or space – just a little planning and creativity before you get started. continued on page 34 Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
HOME IMPROVEMENT IN GREENSBURG SALEM
Refresh your bath’s look with a wow-worthy makeover that improves its style and function. Perhaps you have an old toilet that you want to replace with a high-efficiency model that will lower your water bill. Or perhaps the old tile is falling off your shower and you need to replace it. Whatever your situation is, there are many options to choose from, including do-it-yourself options. One popular and inexpensive option is to have a theme for your bathroom. Examples could be a Disney theme for a child’s bathroom, or perhaps a beach theme. This can be accomplished by painting the walls, adding a wall border and by well-placed décor. Some larger and more costly bathroom updates include new flooring, new sink and vanity and a new bathtub or shower. These improvements will get even costlier if you paid someone to do it for you. Decks on the rear or side of homes have become extremely popular in the United States. Used for entertaining or just relaxing, decks come in all shapes, sizes, designs and material. The most popular, and least expensive, deck material is treated wood. It is durable, however it will need to be painted or stained yearly or every other year depending on your climate.
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Composite decking products are building materials manufactured using a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. Composite decking materials are very popular because they require less maintenance than wood and often use recycled materials. Composite decking is easy to install and is guaranteed with a 20-year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering or termite damage. However, composite decking can be very costly. Vinyl decking made from Cellular PVC is a great choice for decking because it is essentially resistant to stains, mold, insects and fading. PVC material is low maintenance and is a sustainable building material. But like composite, it can get costly. Powder coated aluminum decking can be used to create a watertight floor for your deck. This unique material will never splinter, rot or rust. LockDry Aluminum decking is cool to the touch and is available in five colors. Aluminum decking is strong and lightweight. The LockDry system can be used to create a dry space to use under your deck on rainy days. Decks can built right on the ground, or be elevated high in the air, depending on the design of your home. If you are building a deck yourself it is very important to check all local building codes and follow all of the guidelines very closely to ensure the safety and long-term durability of your deck. Bringing your family together is often difficult. A family game room is a fantastic way to upgrade your home and bring the family together. Whether you have an unfinished basement,
an unused attic room or an empty garage, you can transform it into a fantastic oasis where your family can spend countless enjoyable hours. There are many aspects to making your game room remodel a success. First you should talk to a Design/Build contractor about water access, waste lines and additional electricity needs. The contractor can also offer advice on any changes that might be necessary to update the space, whether it be additional insulation for a garage or attic room or waterproofing for a basement room. Water access could also be an important aspect if you plan to have a bar or sink area. A Design/Build contractor can offer advice on what needs to be done to make the area completely usable. You might also want to speak with the contractor about creating an additional half bathroom for guests and family members to use when you’re entertaining. Electricity for lighting and appliances is also incredibly important. If you are updating an unused area of your home, the current electric wiring may not be able to handle the additional demands of a game room. The Design/Build contractor can guide you through what will need to be updated and how much it will cost. If finances are an issue there are definitely still projects you can complete yourself including painting, laying carpet, adding shelves or simply updating the décor. Gone are the days when it was frowned upon to bring work home. Today a home is not a home unless it has a home office. Whether you are turning an extra bedroom into a workspace with store-bought furniture or constructing a full-scale two-level library and office, home offices are a regular part of what makes a house a home in 2012. Making the space your own is essential to effective use of a home office. Create a space that makes you more productive and relaxed at the same time and that is a winning combination. A desk is an essential part of most offices. Choose one that meets your needs. If all you need is a work top to use your laptop from, consider a computer cart and save the space for a comfortable chair or small sofa. If you are in the market for a larger desk, consider office furniture resellers. They sell executive-grade used furniture for a fraction of the cost. Bookcases or other storage can be a nice addition. Not only can they store books, but they are also great places to display awards or showcase your favorite collection of nicknacks or memorabilia. Decide whether you prefer furniture pieces or built-ins. Antique shops have great deals on beautiful bookcases, and most local cabinet shops can design and install custom built-ins. If you have a closet in your office, visit your local home center for a plethora of storage and organizing options. A comfortable chair or two is a necessity. Choose long-lasting fabrics and sturdy frames. Go with classic styles that won’t end up as next year’s garage sale item.
Test out the chair before you buy it. Desk chairs especially need to provide good support and be comfortable. We live in a society of over-indulgence. Nothing shows this like the home theater. So many popular home magazines have a page dedicated to converting your basement into a home theater, or something similar. The HGTV website has 16 home theater features alone. But how doable is the home theater in reality? First, you need a fairly large space, either a big family room or a basement. Second, you need to budget for all the furnishings including, of course, the stars of the show: home theater equipment – a big-screen TV, DVD player and speakers – and comfy seating. Also very popular for home theaters is floor and aisle lighting similar to real movie theaters, and perhaps even an old-fashioned popcorn maker. Frankly, home theaters are generally for those with deep pockets because there really is no way to make a home theater cheaply. Still thinking of taking the plunge? The home improvement website Home Time has a really useful feature on home theater planning. It covers everything you’ll need to consider, like the space you’ll need and even suggested room layouts, to maximize your viewing pleasure. Kitchens are the most popular room in the house to remodel. Many people consider the kitchen to be the center of the home and its most important component. Another reason it is so popular to remodel is there are so many things in the kitchen that can be remodeled…. cabinets, cabinet hardware, countertops, floor, appliances, lighting, walls and sinks. There is very little right or wrong when it comes to remodeling your kitchen; it comes down to personal taste. There are so many choices when it comes to style, design and type of material for every component of your kitchen. When remodeling there is much to consider: cost, what is your goal, what is your situation (pets or small children could help decide what type of flooring to use, for example) and what is the cost vs. equity value of the remodel. If finances are an issue and you are not the handiest individual, there are still many simple and easy things you can do to add pizzazz and value to your kitchen. For example, you can paint your cabinets and add new handles rather than buying new cabinets. Adding a stylish splashguard behind your stove and sink is easy to do and adds great appeal. Painting the walls can also make a huge difference in your kitchen, as can changing the light fixture. continued on page 36
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
HOME IMPROVEMENT IN GREENSBURG SALEM
If done well, landscaping can completely change the character and perception of a home. Landscaping encompasses anything on the outside of the home including grass cutting, plants, flowers, rock, mulch, borders, vegetable gardens and more. Beyond the aesthetics, landscaping can be beneficial to a property if designed properly. Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase cooling costs, and incorporating shade from landscaping elements can help reduce this solar heat gain. Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9°F (5°C). Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F (14°C) cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop. Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your shading device casts. Also, homes in cool regions may never overheat and may not require shading. Therefore, you need to know what landscape shade strategies will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate. Also, if you can determine how much water your plants actually need, then you won’t overwater them and waste water. It is important to not only understand a plant’s particular watering requirements, but also evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration (Et) is the amount of water that is evaporated from the soil and transpired through the plant’s leaves. This amount of water needs to be replaced through watering. If you know your area’s Et rate, you can plan the amount of water to be replaced through irrigation. It’s best to water or irrigate your plants in the early morning when evaporation rates are low. This also provides plants with water before midday when the evaporation rate is the highest. Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cast an enchanting spell on any outdoor space. It is also very effective for safety and security purposes. Examples of exterior lighting include: torches, candles, lanterns, solar ground lighting, flood lights, lamp posts, landscape lighting and general light fixtures. For setting a mood the most popular lighting is candles or small lanterns. For security and safety purposes, it is critical to have flood light or lamp posts or ground solar lighting or all. A burglar is much more likely to enter a home without a lot of light on the outside illuminating the property. With countless styles and options available, there are no
right or wrong choices. The outdoor lighting a homeowner will choose will come down to budget and personal preference. Many of us take pride in our homes, investing countless hours rearranging and remodeling the interior. But it can also be refreshing to step out of the confines of the inside and spend some time outside. It’s especially enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall months. When the weather is favorable, it’s difficult to miss out on a nice day outside. But spending time outside doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your creature comforts. With a few small adjustments you can make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. Turning a yard, patio, porch or other outdoor area into a functional living space can be a rewarding task, and will expand your living space to the outdoors. With the right setup, you can spend more time in the sunshine and fresh air, and host events al fresco for friends, family and neighbors. Options for outdoor living include outdoor kitchens, dramatic lighting, fireplaces or fire pits, a water feature (like a fountain), outdoor living rooms, gazebos and pavilions. With so many options to choose from, for most people it will come down to price, climate where they live and available space in which to be creative. Ponds can be a wonderful addition to your property’s outdoor experience. Surprisingly, they are not as difficult to build as one might think. Before you start, call 811 or your local one-call center to have electric and gas lines marked so you know where to dig to steer clear of them. Then, when you map out the location of your pond, put it where it will be noticed – visible from a window, off a patio, or along a walkway – but away from the play areas of small children or pets. Keep clear of major root systems or mature trees, which can block too much of the sunlight plants and fish need. You’ll also need to be within reach of a grounded exterior outlet so you can plug in a pump, an essential tool for keeping the water aerated; most pumps come with a maximum cord length of 25 feet, and extension cords are not recommended. You may need to bury the power cord a few inches down in PVC pipe to hide it. Space permitting, you need at least 40 cubic feet for your pond – about 7 feet by 4 feet – to keep the water clean. An initial shallow terrace just inside the perimeter of the pond holds rocks that conceal the liner edge and keep it in place. A second, deeper terrace supports plants that live in the water and help balance the pond’s ecosystem. As you dig, you must slope the sides of the pond so that if the water freezes, the ice will push up instead of against the liner. Even in warmer climates, small ponds can change temperature rapidly, so if you’re adding fish you’ll want a deeper pond that will maintain a more consistent temperature and accommodate the fish – 18 to 24 inches for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi. continued on page 38
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Greensburg Salem
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Crosby Garage Door, est. 1946, offers only the best service and quality products. When your garage door won’t open, call Crosby’s! We offer 24 hour emergency service. Our experienced installers will repair or replace your residential, commercial or industrial garage door or opener with quality parts and professional workmanship. Visit our showroom and experience the beauty and quality that distinguishes us from all the rest.
Donahue’s inc. Heating and cooling 535 Rugh St., Greensburg, PA • (724) 834-9178 www.donahues-inc.com
Donahue’s Heating and Cooling is family owned and operated. Offering fast, dependable service to Westmoreland County since 1962. Call us for all your home comfort needs. Heating, air conditioning, heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, ductless systems, air purifiers, duct cleaning, maintenance, installation and 24-hour service. We treat you like family!
Valley Pools Hempfield Plaza (next to Sam’s Club) (724) 837-7030 www.valleypoolspa.com
Valley Pool & Spa is your community, family owned Pool & Spa superstore since 1967. We pride ourselves on creating a unique shopping atmosphere with a huge product selection in our stores. Ditch your pool boy! Valley’s experts will teach you how to do-it-all-yourself! With free computerized water testing and pool experts on staff, we can help with your every need. Visit one of our stores today in Monroeville, North Versailles, or Greensburg and experience the Valley difference.
country farms 1909 Route 119, Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 837-4650 www.countryfarmsinc.com
Country Farms is a family-owned garden center and landscape contracting company, proudly serving southwestern Pennsylvania for over 32 years. We are a service-oriented organization, offering our clients a very personal and unique landscape experience. Our garden center is known for its huge selection of plant material, as well as an extensive array of landscape materials and supplies for homeowners and contractors alike.
Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
HOME IMPROVEMENT IN GREENSBURG SALEM
To maintain the consistent depth of the water, you need to line the pond. A thin layer of sand and old newspapers or burlap bags softens the jagged edges of rocks and roots. But over that you will need to put a waterproof skin. There are several types of flexible liners meant for small ponds – made from polypropylene and EPDM, among other materials. Look for one that’s weather-resistant, so it will stand up to UV rays and freezing temperatures. It should also be rated “fish-safe� if you plan to stock your pond and come with a warranty of 10 to 20 years so your pond will be watertight for many years to come. Remodeling your home can generate tremendous equity for the future, as well as personal enjoyment in the present. Remodeling projects come in all shapes, sizes and costs. Projects can range from replacing flooring or a faucet, to installing new trim work or tile and replacing windows and doors. Remodeling can also take on the form of revamping or adding a bathroom, redoing a kitchen, overhauling your home’s exterior for improved curb appeal, or completing an addition to increase your home’s square footage and add valuable space. Big and small changes can both have an impact and will improve the way your home looks and functions, increasing its value and making it more enjoyable for you and your family. The key to any remodeling job is to make sure it makes sense financially. Not all remodeling jobs are cost-effective.
For example, it is possible to pay $75,000 for a new addition, but an appraiser may be of the opinion that it only raised the value of your house by $50,000. It is very important that you do as much research as possible and talk to as many experienced professionals as possible so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.
Financing Remodeling Projects While home sales may be sluggish, home remodels are roaring. In the second quarter of 2011, Americans were expected to spend $132.8 billion on remodeling – up 12.8% over the previous year, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. And it’s no surprise that these projects aren’t cheap. In fact, the same studies report that 57% of home-remodeling projects cost at least $20,000. Since saving your pennies in a pickle jar is probably not enough to update your master bathroom with a slate walk-in shower or add granite countertops to your kitchen, explore these options to finance your new-and-improved home.
Purchase a Variable-Rate CD What it’s good for: Projects that can wait until a fixed time in the future with a price tag you can pay by saving. If you plan to pay for the kitchen of your dreams the old-fashioned way – by saving for it – consider a variable-rate continued on page 40
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Greensburg Salem | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
HOME IMPROVEMENT IN GREENSBURG SALEM
certificate of deposit. This savings vehicle is similar to a traditional savings account in that you can add money to it at any time (a fixed-rate CD does not allow additional deposits during the term of the CD). In return for an interest rate that may go up or down, the interest rate often is slightly higher than a traditional CD when you buy it. You make a low minimum deposit and lock in your money for a fixed time – usually at least six or 12 months. If you withdraw your funds before then, you pay penalties and lose the interest.
Open a Home Equity Line of Credit What it’s good for: Long-term projects that can be paid off over five or fewer years. The beauty of using the equity in your home is that you write yourself checks from a line of credit and pay interest on only what you borrow. Plus, the interest is typically tax deductible. While current low interest rates add to the allure, these credit lines can be tough to come by in this climate of lowered home values and tight credit. When interest rates rise, your home improvement project may become more expensive than you anticipated.
Refinance Your Home What it’s good for: Larger projects for a home you plan to live in for the long term. A “cash-out” refinance allows you to refinance your mortgage for an amount that is larger than your current mortgage. You get the difference in a check – effectively rolling the sum into a newly financed 15- or 30-year mortgage. This can be an attractive option, as mortgage rates have hovered at historic lows in recent years. The downsides include closing fees that can be in the thousands of dollars. Plus, the threshold to qualify, including income and home-value requirements, can be high – both of which can pose a challenge in this economy.
Return on your Investment Thinking about adding a deck or revamping the kitchen so you can up the price of your home before you sell? You might want to crunch the 2010-11 Cost vs. Value numbers, compiled by Remodeling magazine, before you do. Projects with highest return on investment • Replacing entry door with steel door (102%) • Garage door replacement (84%) • Adding a wood deck (73%) • Minor kitchen remodel (73%) • Vinyl siding replacement (72%) • Wood window replacement (72%) • Attic bedroom addition (72%)
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Greensburg Salem
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“At Juniper spirit is key Village we believe that to of your age,” living the best, most nurturing the body, fulfilling mind and says Bonnie life possible, for Juniper Prisk, Director “Juniper Village Village regardles of Commun s And, an engaged at Forest Hills. ’s College ity Relations Programs mind, a healthy “Education is of Lifelon increase your empower were g Learning body and ment. quality of a fulfilled Juniper Commun life. Our opportunity designed to provide spirit all ities’ signature College of Lifelong you with the to live fully, residents Learning , but for everyone program to remain to celebra is a continuo alive in all te, to grow, in the commundesigned not only us learning for our seasons of and ity who has and whole Similar to your life!” person wellness. an interest a continuin in colleges, Juniper Village’sg education program ” variety of offered at general interest College of Lifelong commun ity Alive in All Learning programs hosts a Seasons program as well and connecte . “Our courses as ones themed to d within their focus the commun 55 years of age or ity, and are on staying healthy older,” Painting, designed Basic Compute states Ms. Prisk. for students Courses Taiji and such as Portrait Qigong, Yoga, r and Internet Classes, related topics and education Creative Crafting, al presentat and Pulmona such as Alzheimer’s ions on health Disease, ry Health Diabetes have been All of these , Depressi offered. activities on or spiritual whether they be physical, can physical fitness help older adults education enhance al can help their lives. and help with moods, us feel raise self-confi Improved taking a languagebetter emotiona dence, Indep class or workinglly. Learning new seniors build and Wellsendent Living, Assist on the compute information, new And, exploring pathways in the pring Memo ed Living r can help brain and Spacious studios, spirituali ry Impairment remain sharp groups can ty suites and help seniors through religion, mentally. Care education and find On-site nursing one-bedroom apartmen inner peace. feel more optimisti , or staff and ts available c about their social A variety with daily 24 hour assistance future of Structured Village each classes and presentat activities and care needs month. For ions programs Lifelong more informati are offered at Juniper Learning seven days Delicious on about education meals a week or to request the College al courses Housekeeping and snacks daily your free of Forest Hills course catalog, offered at Juniper and laundry Village at Conveniently services assisted living 412-244-9901. Juniper contact Juniper Village located in Forest Hills and Village is at memory commun For more a senior living, impairme ity located nt care assisted schedule information or in Forest your personal to Hills, just living contact off of Ardmore tour, Juniper (412) 244-9901Village at Boulevar d. today!
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