in-hampton-summer by IN Community Magazines

SUMMER 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Living Trends Influence Home Design

120 over 80.

What’s it worth to U?

Introducing HealthyU from UPMC Health Plan. Reaching your goals is worth more than ever. It’s worth money. That’s because HealthyU offers financial incentives for making healthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a flu shot, we put money into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that can be used to help pay for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and even surgery. To learn more about this new, one-of-a-kind plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.

upmchealthyu.com

S TA F F STAF F PUBL ISHE R

Wayne Dollard RE GION AL EDITORS

Pamela Palongue [North] p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com Mark Berton [South] mark@incommunitymagazines.com OF F ICE MANAGER

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PL ACE MENT COORDINATOR

Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTENT COORDINATOR

Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

W RIT E RS

John Barrera Jonathan Barnes Jennifer Brozak Matt Fascetti Tracey Fedkoe Mike Ference Jacob Flannick Britt Fresa Heather Holtschlage Aimee Nicolia

Nick Keppler Chelsea Kozera Leigh Lyons Dana Black McGrath JoAnne Nasser Melanie Paulick Gina Sallinger Judith Schardt

Have a great summer!

PHOT OGRAPHERS

Mark Fainstein Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer

FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the summer issue of IN Hampton magazine. This year, it seems summer started in early March. However, the warm days have given people a reason to get outside early and often. Bulbs are blooming earlier and joggers are out in force. So I hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and take advantage of the early summer, and while you’re at it, let us know what you’re up to. We try to feature as much local content as we can in each issue and hope that you enjoy that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for your stories in each issue. These features don’t have to be about you or someone you know doing something extraordinary like climbing Mt. Everest or swimming the English Channel. We want to know what makes our readers tick. It could be that you’ve always wanted a classic Thunderbird and have been restoring one for the past few years. We’d like to see it, and I’m sure others would too. So let’s start off with that, since we’re coming into car cruise season: If you or someone you know has a pretty interesting restoration project going on in their garage, let us know! Email our editor, Pamela Palongue, at p.palongue@ incommunitymagazines.com or call us at 724.942.0940. We’ll be happy to hear your story and may even send one of our photographers out to capture your work for the next issue. Keep in mind, the project doesn’t necessarily need to be current – if you’ve been cruising in your restoration project for some time now, that’s okay, too. But we’d like to know what you did at the nuts and bolts level to get your baby roadworthy. If you’re just not sure one way or the other if you think you have a good story, call Pamela and she’ll be happy to help you out! Looking forward to seeing some whitewalls and chrome in the fall issue!

Len Pancoast Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

ADVE RT ISING SALES MANAGERS

Derek Bayer Tom Poljak

Tamara Myers

ADVE RT ISING SALES

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

Aimee Nicolia Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson on Sophia Alfaras

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without out written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012. CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www. incommunitymagazines.com

Fall 22 Fall content contentdeadline: deadline:July 8/16/12

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Do you have a classic car that you’ve restored? If so, we’d like to hear about it. Email your name and contact information to mark@incommunitymagazines.com.

You don’t have to live with painful varicose and spider veins. Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?

Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at the end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answer questions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were very important as were the answers that were given. Here are some examples:

What is Phlebology?

Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement of this field are The American College of Phlebology and the American Venous Forum.

Why should I see a boardcertified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins

When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important to be proactive in the choice and research of who will become medically responsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venous disease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision. Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who has taken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often a member of organizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additional requirements set by the certifying board. After meeting these requirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him or herself as board-certified.

Is membership the same as board certification?

This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many different organizations, these organizations only require an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification where qualification is determined through training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology and those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”

I had a free screening at a health fair and was told that I don't have venous disease, but I still have aching, pain and discoloration at the ankles. What should I do?

While free screenings can be informative, remember that this is just a brief glance into a patient's venous system. A complete venous exam and venous mapping by a boardcertified phlebologist is best to determine if a patient has venous disease. Since a proper venous ultrasound is such an integral part of this evaluation, the American College of Phlebology has set requirements for it that include the following: • A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician. • A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may result in outright treatment failure. • Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters. • A ve nous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and then interpreted by a physician.

If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office?

Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ because patients are often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, most insurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questions about the second opinion being covered, contact member services on the back of your insurance card.

This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider.

724-934-VEIN (8346)

Terrance R. Krysinski, MD General Surgeon Board Certified Phlebologist Vein Institute of Pittsburgh 724.934.VEIN (8346)

INSIDE

IN Hampton is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Hampton 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.

IN Hampton | SUMMER 2012 |

FEATURES

St. Vincent de Paul ........................ | 12 Pine Creek Cleanup ....................... | 30 Olé 5K Race .................................... | 38 Real Estate

Hampton High School Rowing Club competes in North Allegheny Indoor Rowing High School Championships. Story on page 6.

Home Trends Finding the Right Mortgage The Library at Home .............................. | 42 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Bill Few Associates ....................... | 29 Dr. Depaoli ...................................... | 37 State Farm ....................................... | 42

COMMUNITY INTERESTS

Senior Citizens Swing into Spring ............................................ | 4 Rev. Brian Wallace The Value of Summer Camps ..................................................................... | 17

Hues and Harmony .................................................................... | 18 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ....................................... | 21 Children’s Heritage Day ................................................................... | 34 Hampton Athletic Association Teaching the National Pastime .................................................................... | 40 FEATURES

Ready to Rock and Row Hampton High School Rowing Club Competes in Championships ............ | 6

Talbots Earns WIPAL Silver .................................................... | 8 Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Senior Citizens

g n i r p S o t n i g Swin

at Annual Breakfast

By Dana Black McGrath Nearly 80 area senior citizens celebrated the change of seasons as Hampton Middle School hosted its annual “Swing into Spring” breakfast. Held April in the school cafeteria, the event provided guests with a delicious breakfast as well as entertainment by middle school students. “This year we hosted about 80 to 90 seniors, but we have had up to 100 in the past,” said Michele Hurst, activities director at the school. The breakfast is an event that the school has hosted for many years, Hurst explains. There had been a hiatus for a few years, but the decision was made to bring the event back. In previous years, the event included a luncheon, but the switch to a breakfast better accommodated the school’s cafeteria schedule. Each year, the cafeteria is decorated in keeping with the theme of the event, which usually spotlights a specific decade, added Hurst.

4 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

The decade is chosen to appeal to those guests who enjoyed that era. As part of the event décor, the tables are graced with fresh flowers. Hurst said Giant Eagle usually donates the gift card used to purchase the flowers, which are sent home with a lucky guest seated at the table. Also, to appeal to the seniors attending, Hurst visited a specialty candy store in Pittsburgh’s Strip District and bought nostalgic candies that were popular during the chosen era, such as Mary Janes or Teaberry gum. The candies were

part of the favors given to guests to enjoy. During the breakfast, guests were served by students. Hurst credits the help of Janeen Bentz, student council sponsor. Student council members served as the wait staff, and the school’s Helping Hands Club acted as greeters, guiding guests along the long walk from the front of the school to the cafeteria. Parents from the school’s PTO also pitched in to help. While the cafeteria staff cooked the food, which was donated by the food service, parent volunteers worked to plate the dishes for serving by the students. Hurst said about 10 to 12 parent volunteers helped out with the breakfast, getting the cafeteria set up the day before the event and helping out on the day of the festivities. After breakfast, guests were led to the auditorium for a special performance by the school’s seventh and eighth grade jazz band. This year, in addition to the band’s performance, six acts from the school’s February talent show

were invited to perform as well. “The seniors really got a chuckle out of that and enjoyed watching the students,” said Hurst. “I think we will add on to that next year because they really enjoyed it.” Attendance at the senior breakfast is open to those living within Hampton Township. For more information, visit the school district’s website at www.ht-sd.org.

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

PHOTOS BY GARY YON

Ready to Rock and Row Hampton High School Rowing Club Competes in North Allegheny Indoor Rowing High School Championships

ccording to the U.S. Rowing Association, rowers have been referred to as some of the fittest athletes in the world, because the sport involves all major joints and muscles in the body. It is also ideal for Hampton High School athletes who want to stay in shape for the entire school year, with practices starting in the fall, continuing in the winter, and the season starting in the spring. In preparation for the spring season, indoor competitions using rowing machines known as ergometers measure the amount of energy that the rower is generating. Then, in the spring when the main season starts, the rowers may compete in “fours,” boats that hold five people, “eights,” boats that hold nine people, or double or single boats. Local competitions against 16 area high school clubs are held on the Allegheny River and practice is held at the Millvale boathouse of Three Rivers Rowing Association, also located on the Allegheny River.

6 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

The 2012 North Allegheny (NA) High School Rowing Championships was just one of the indoor rowing competitions in which the Hampton rowers competed. Besides Hampton and NA, high school competitors included Allderdice, Fox Chapel, North Catholic, PineRichland, Pittsburgh Rowing Club, Shady Side Academy, Shaler, Three Rivers Rowing Association, Upper St. Clair and Winchester Thurston. Karin Campbell is the Hampton High School Rowing Club coach. “I am a new coach to Hampton rowing and am so glad because rowing is the ultimate team sport and it is what I love most about it,” said Campbell. “It is a great group of kids and they are passionate about rowing and work very hard. Days like today are really exciting because you get to see the Pittsburgh rowing community coming together [and] it’s been a long time coming. The rowing

community is growing and becoming stronger every year.” The club includes around 25 girls and boys. “Being a smaller club allows us to give personalized attention to each of the kids,” said Campbell. “We also have different types of kids on the team and that has been fantastic.” A club sport that receives no financial support from the school district, it is funded through dues and fundraising, but competes at the varsity level. Candy sales, flamingo flocking, lottery tickets, hoagie sales, Hampton concession stands, PNC Park events, Heinz Field events and a Night at the Races event help to offset costs. These fundraisers are planned and executed by the Parent’s Association and the rowing club members. Students attending Hampton High School are welcome to join. To find out more information please visit the rowing club’s website at www.hhsrowing.org.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a year-round sport that takes ultimate commitment and requires serious time management, but if kids start rowing when they are young it is something that they can do for the rest of their lives; [itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s] a life sport.â&#x20AC;?

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Talbots

Earn

WPIAL

SILVER

Dominate Section 1 with 14-0 record; Advance to PIAA Semifinals By Stephen Jeffries The 2011-12 version of the Hampton Talbots boys basketball team looked to improve upon their second-round playoff exit in 2010-11. Led by an offense that averaged nearly 67 points per game, the Talbots ran away with the Section 1 championship. The defense was a force as well, only allowing 48 points per game. Individually, Ryan Luther, Collin Luther, and Mark Pilarski all averaged double figures in scoring. Ryan Luther led the team with 16.4 points a game and also led in rebounding with 6.6. Collin Luther facilitated the offense with a total of 95 assists. As a whole, the team had a very good 1.3 assist-to-turnover ratio. That was a key reason the team rolled through the regular season with a 19-3 record. That record earned them the number three seed in the

8 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

PHOTOS BY GARY YON

Class AAA playoffs. After receiving a first round bye, they faced 15th-seeded Elizabeth Forward in the second round. Pilarski had 20 points and 6 rebounds as the Talbots raced to a 54-37 lead after three quarters. They held off a late rally to advance to the quarterfinals with a final score of 68-59. The surprising 11th seed, Central Valley, was in the way of a spot in the semifinals. Pilarski (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Ryan Luther (15, 11) both had double-doubles as the Talbots earned a spot in the final four after winning 47-39. Hampton would have to get past the number two seed, Montour, to land in the championship game. The team fell behind 21-20 at halftime but turned it around in the third quarter. Hampton outscored Montour 18-2 and entered the fourth quarter with a 38-23 lead. Pilarski led the charge with 18 points in the eventual 52-42 victory. Ryan Luther chipped in 13 and David Huber added 10. The win vaulted them into the AAA title game at the A.J. Palumbo Center. Their opponent was the top seed and undefeated New Castle Red Hurricane. The two teams matched up back in December at New Castle when the Talbots fell 78-61, but did not have Pilarski available in that contest. The crowd packed the Palumbo Center on Friday, March 3, for the rematch. Ryan Luther

hit a three-pointer to give Hampton an early 5-2 lead. The Talbots led 10-7 before New Castle went on a 7-0 run to close the quarter leading 14-10. The Red Hurricane extended the lead to 24-12 halfway through the second quarter. The Talbots were moving the ball well and generating good looks, but could not knock the shots down until Collin Luther hit a three-pointer with 1:20 to play in the half which cut the lead to 28-17. New Castle answered with a layup to enter halftime with a 30-17 advantage. The Talbots continued to battle, but each time they tried to make a run, New Castle players responded with a big basket of their own. It was 42-30 after three quarters. Hampton got no closer than 10 points down the stretch and ultimately fell 57-44. Ryan Luther led the way with 14 points, Pilarski had 12 and Collin Luther added 10. The Talbots’ season was not over however. They entered the PIAA Class AAA playoffs as the number two team from the WPIAL with a sterling record of 22-4. In round one of the PIAA playoffs, the Talbots defeated Warren 60-41. The Luther brothers combined for 38 points to lead the way. Next up was Johnstown,a game in which Pilarski contributed 25 points for the 77-63

win. They were now three wins away from state gold. It wasn’t easy as they narrowly escaped Archbishop Carroll with a 45-44 win. Senior forward David Klodowski had 16, while Collin Luther had 12, plus 3 blocks. Only Montour stood in the way of a trip to Penn State. The Spartans employed a ballcontrol offense to keep the Talbots’ attack in check and led 10-4 at the half. Hampton could never get going offensively, shooting only 25% (9-36) from the floor. Montour prevailed 45-29, ending the Talbots’ season at 25-5. Looking forward to 2012-13, the Talbots Continued on page 10

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Continued from page 9 return all but two players on the roster: graduating seniors Pilarski and Klodowski. Both were key starters on a team that had a very successful season. Both playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; production will need to be replaced if the Talbots want to replicate their success from this season.

10 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

Poff Students and Secretary Get a Roaring Ride to School by Dana Black McGrath wo lucky first grade students at Poff Elementary had a memorable ride to school this spring.Instead of the usual big yellow bus, they pulled up to school aboard a shiny red fire truck, courtesy of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department. The students won the opportunity to ride in the fire truck during a special raffle held at the Poff Spring Carnival and Auction, hosted by the Poff Parents Association on March 16. But, those lucky students weren’t the only ones who had a special event in store for them that day. School secretary Colleen Drzemiecki had no idea that she too would get to join in the fire truck fun that day. “It was a big surprise,” she says. “I was completely floored.” At the carnival, Drzemiecki bought numerous tickets for the fire truck raffle in the hopes she would win the ride. “I bought a whole bunch of tickets and told the students I really wanted to win,” she says. “When I told my son, he was shocked and said, ‘That is so unlike you,’ and it was because I like to stay under the radar.” Many of the students heard her talking about how much she wanted to win the ride. But, when the winners were announced, her name was not called. “It was kind of cute because they remembered hearing me and said they were sorry I didn’t win.” But, Drzemiecki was unaware that there was a movement afoot to get her on that fire truck too, and to keep it a surprise. On the day that the fire truck was scheduled to come to the school, the winning students were picked up at their homes by the fire truck, and driven to school, where their classmates were outside awaiting to cheer their arrival. Drzemiecki was at the back door of the school that morning, directing those students who were being dropped off to go out to the front of the building so they wouldn’t miss the excitement. But Principal Dr. Michael Mooney took over her duties and directed her to go to the front of the school. But, the camera-shy Drzemiecki, realizing there were photos being snapped all around, chose to stay to the back of the crowd. “I really hate to have my picture taken. It is a real hang-up of mine,” she says. So she stayed to the back of the crowd until a colleague physically pushed her to the front of the crowd near the fire truck. When she made her way to the front lines, she was stunned to see that the fire fighters were holding a sign naming her an “honorary winner” and offering to take her on a ride on the truck. “It was so exciting,” she says. “It was just incredible, and all the kids being there was the best part. The kids were all jumping up and down; it was really fun.” She climbed the big step into the truck, and even got to sound the horn before going for ride around town. “It really blew me away. They kept it such a secret,” she says. “But the best part was sharing that experience with the kids.”

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

The Mysterious Society of

St.Vincent de Paul By Pamela Palongue

lthough the Society of St.Vincent de Paul has a conference in Hampton Township, most people know very little about the organization or what it actually does in the community. Removing the veil of mystery requires a look at the man who inspired the societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation.. St. Vincent de Paul, a Frenchman of Gascon origin, was born in the late 16th century. He initially joined the priesthood more for his own financial security than for humanitarian reasons. However, after witnessing the extreme poverty of the peasants in the small village of Picardy, he was genuinely moved by their struggles and worked passionately to serve them, which changed the course of his life and that of history. His compassion for those less fortunate was even extended to convicted criminals, which was unheard of at the time of his ministry. He ventured down into the belly of the great ships that were propelled both day and night by oarsmen sentenced to 10 years of constant rowing for their crimes. These forgotten souls subsisted on a diet of black bread and water, with sores and infestations covering their bodies. St. Vincent de Paul went down into the depths of this earthly hell to take food, water, medical attention and friendship to these men who would likely die before their term of punishment ever ended.

oday, this spirit of humility and service to neighbors in need is the driving purpose behind all 112 Society of St. Vincent de Paul conferences located throughout Allegheny County. The society operates several food pantries throughout the region that serve hundreds of clients each month and are staffed entirely by volunteers. The conference in Hampton Township is located at St. Catherine of Sweden Church. It has approximately 14 members who work to help those in economic hardship in Hampton. The conference has seen former clients who were unemployed recover financially with the help of St. Vincent de Paul. These same individuals, once destitute, have become contributors and supporters of St. Vincent de Paul. Sometimes all that is needed is a little help and encouragement during the rough times of life.

12 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

The society offers tangible assistance by providing clothing, furniture and household goods to families and individuals who have been struck by tragedy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as fire â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or those who are unable to afford the basic essentials for their residence. Although clothing and furniture are given to individuals in extreme need at no cost, many other community members benefit from the low-cost items found at the six St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores located throughout the region. A woman who had been unemployed for almost a year needed a professional-looking wardrobe for her new job. The extreme financial difficulty of being unemployed for an extended period made the purchase of clothing at retail stores impossible. But after visiting one of the thrift stores, she was able to purchase several outfits for less than $20. Likewise, families that could not hope to buy furniture at conventional stores have been able to find dining tables, bed frames, sofas and recliners from the society thrift stores at affordable prices. One might think that the furniture would be broken, poor quality or dated, however no broken furniture is accepted at the thrift stores for resale and there is generally a wide variety of furniture from different eras, including contemporary styles.

The conference has seen former clients who were unemployed, recover financially with the help of St. Vincent de Paul.

The society is also able to help individuals who are in danger of eviction or losing their utilities by acting as an advocate with the landlord or utility company. When no financial arrangement is possible, the society sometimes steps in and takes care of the unpaid bill. The organization is careful to point out that the purpose is not to sustain or continue assistance. It is a short-term solution which is followed up with helpful suggestions from the society’s members on how to avoid financial difficulties in the future along with referrals to programs or agencies that provide a more long-term solution.

ecause SVdP does not accept any form of government funding or grants, the decision on the type of help a person receives is done completely at a grass-roots level, eliminating any form of bureaucracy in helping individuals. Once the society is made aware of a person’s need (usually through a local church or from a person contacting the society), two members visit the home to speak with him/her about possible solutions to the difficulty. The “case” is then reviewed at the next society meeting with all the members. The cases are held in strictest confidentiality and after prayer and consideration, the members must come to a unanimous decision about how much help to provide and what type. Another important service of SVdP is the Indigent Burial Program. Death is always a sad subject, but never more so than when an individual dies alone, in poverty and seemingly forgotten. With help from the Catholic Cemeteries Association and local funeral directors, the society is able to provide a respectful burial for these individuals. Recently the society was able to help a middle-aged veteran who died without financial support despite working at a full-time job. With no family to assume the responsibilities of burial, this man who served his country in time of war was left without the means for a proper burial. SVdP was able to step in and help provide this final act of kindness which he so deserved.

Continued on page 14 Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Continued from page 13 Finally, just as St. Vincent de Paul helped the convicted men of his day, the society helps ex-offenders readjust to society and build a new life without dependency on drugs or alcohol. Michael’s Place is a voluntary residential program where men can transition from jail or prison to independent living. The men receive counseling and encouragement to remain sober and drug free. They are also required to work at jobs and establish bank accounts while helping with the cleaning and maintenance of the home, such as lawn mowing and snow removal. After a stay of approximately six months, the men have obtained the necessary life skills to live independently and productively. The program has a 95% success rate for individuals not returning to a life of crime.

he society has sometimes been looked upon with great curiosity because of the inconspicuous nature with which it serves the community. Since 1833, it has quietly gone about assisting neighbors in need with extreme confidentiality in order to preserve the dignity of those it serves. There are many ways to help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in its mission including donating goods to thrift stores for resale, purchasing items from thrift stores, and making monetary donations which can be made through the society’s website and also at “poor boxes” located in many of the churches throughout Pittsburgh. Burial plots are also a

14 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

welcome donation and serve to help bury the indigent. Lastly, if a person desires to be a member of the society, volunteers are needed for coat drives, delivering food from the food pantry to individuals’ homes, clothing sorters in SVdP Thrift Stores, home visits to determine the needs of clients and many, many other services. Membership in the society is open to any individual over the age of 18. Although a majority of the members of SVdP are Catholic, membership in the Catholic Church is not required, but a willingness to work and serve others is essential. As St. Vincent de Paul said, “You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humored. They are your masters...”

For more information on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, please visit the website at www.svdppitt.org. To contribute to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Hampton, checks may be accepted at St. Catherine of Sweden Church, assigned to St. Catherine of Sweden-SVdP.

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

ome fires may seem like the kind of event that happens to someone else, but the reality is, it could easily happen to you. Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Take action now to make sure your home is safer, and that your family knows what to do in case a fire does break out. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there â&#x20AC;&#x201D; share some positivity in your community by reminding family and friends to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clocks this fall.

Make a Plan When a home fire occurs, you have very little time to get out. Having an escape plan that everyone is familiar with is a critical part of saving lives. Yet only 23 percent of U.S. families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely. n Draw a floor plan of your home and find two ways out of every room. Sketch the exit routes clearly on the floor plan. n If an upstairs window is one of the escape options, make sure you have a fire escape ladder long enough to reach the ground. Make sure every adult knows how to use it. Adults should be responsible for helping younger children. n Assign an outside meeting place, so that if the family escapes from different routes, you can quickly locate each other.

Fire Facts n

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., when most families are asleep. Candles used for light in the absence of electrical power cause one-third of fatal home candle fires. Mattresses made since the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard are required by law to be Illustration courtesy of Getty Images safer. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In a garage stacked boxes, newspapers, recycling and trash can be instant fuel for a fire.

For fire safety tips, visit www.Energizer.com.

Information sourced from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, The Home Safety Council, and the U.S. Fire Administration.

16 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

TheValue of

r e m SuCmam ps

By Rev. Brian Wallace will never forget Sam. When Sam came to camp everything about him seemed out of place. He was disheveled and told me he didn’t have any friends. Sam’s mom told me, “He probably won’t make it through the first day.” But Sam surprised everyone throughout that week as he worked hard to overcome obstacles – from nightmares his first night at camp, to making it onto the ropes course, to eventually getting the courage to try putting his face in the water during swimming. Through it all, Sam didn’t just survive camp, he thrived at camp. He told me at the end of the week, “This was the best week of my summer; I can’t wait to come back!” From residential overnight camps to day camps, summer camps offer kids a wealth of opportunities. Many local camping facilities offer children and teenagers a chance to live life in a completely different way for a week, separated from their normal surroundings and some modern comforts like cell phones and game systems. Overnight camps allow kids to stay in a cabin or lodge away from their families. There is tremendous value in this experience (for both the child and the parent). People often tell me that they think their children are too young to go away to an overnight camp. My experience has taught me that this is seldom the case. I’ve had many first-time campers who were just completing second grade and camp was a great experience for them. At younger ages kids are more flexible and more taken with the entire experience, and in my experience actually have less homesickness than older campers. It’s also a good experience for parents. Sometimes parents think, “How will they ever get by without me for a week?” And yet what we learn as parents is that our kids, even in elementary school, can indeed survive (and thrive!) without us. Overnight camps and day camps offer a fun and engaging

experience for kids. Camps give kids an opportunity to learn new skills or improve on skills they already have. They also give kids a chance to get to know other kids from different geographical areas and socioeconomic backgrounds. Many camps utilize college students and young adults as counselors. There is great value, particularly for middle and high school kids, in developing relationships with individuals who can be role models for them and relate to them in a unique way. I have known a number of individuals whose lives have been radically changed for the better thanks to camping experiences. Many have discovered a talent they never knew they had and have flourished as a result. Others have met peers and role models who have helped them grow to new heights. Our region has a wealth of day camp and residential camp experiences including community-based, faith-based, and interestbased camps for a wide range of income levels. Be sure to give your children the chance to go it on their own this summer. Chances are, you’ll be glad you did (and your kids will thank you!). PS. Camps also have one other benefit – they’re tax breaks! IRS rules permit parents to deduct the cost of childcare expenses if those child care expenses are incurred so that a parent or parents can work. All you have to do is ask for a receipt for your fee. Rev. Brian Wallace is the associate pastor at Hampton Presbyterian Church and a former summer camp counselor. Currently he serves as a co-director for the Summer’s Best Two Weeks Day Camp at his church and as the chair of the ministry team for Crestfield Camp and Conference Center in Slippery Rock, Pa. Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

Hues & Harmony The Hampton Township School District recently combined art, music and dance for a three-day event called Hues and Harmony held at the Hampton Community Center. The event featured the fine art creations of both teachers and students along with a musical presentation each evening. The school orchestra performed a preview of the upcoming spring musical, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Damn Yankeesâ&#x20AC;? on one of the evenings, with the band and the choral ensemble providing entertainment for the other gatherings. The visual arts were well represented with drawings, paintings and photography on display. The free event was open to the public and reflected the standards of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Arts and Humanities.

18 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

Now Accepting Registration or Fall 2012

"Potty Training" is NOT required

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

New Book on Hampton History by Local Authors Historic Hampton Township, a book by Lib Hunter and Debbie Rassau, recounts the story of the settling of

the township from Depreciation Land Grants which were awarded to Revolutionary War veterans. The book has interesting, little-known facts about the area and is filled with photos that give a pictorial history of Hampton Township since 1861. The first edition of the book sold out in just a few weeks! The book is currently available in limited supply in a deluxe hardback edition from the Hampton Township Historical Commission for $35 and can be purchased at the Municipal Building on McCully Road or at the Depreciation Lands Museum Gift shop on South Pioneer Road. Get to know your town in a whole new way.

20 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

UPMC TODAY

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Here Comes the Sun It’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

What’s Inside 2

New GI Center Merges High-Tech Tools with Patient Comfort and Privacy

3 4

Exhausted and Sleepy? Pamper the Skin You’re In Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 6 7

Your Health Care Goes Mobile Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss Welcoming New Physicians What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant

New GI Center Merges High-Tech Tools with Patient Comfort and Privacy Beautiful, comfortable, and private. That’s how Andrea Morse describes the new GI Center at UPMC Passavant after having a colonoscopy performed there in March. “I was so impressed,” she says. “I have to admit I was a little nervous, since it was my first time having the procedure, so I was thrilled to relax in the privacy of my own room.”

Where high-tech care and comfort meet Providing state-of-the-art gastrointestinal care has always been the goal of the GI Center. Now it’s done in a more patientfriendly setting. One of the busiest in the UPMC system, the GI Center at UPMC Passavant performs both routine and complex procedures, including: • Colonoscopy • Endoscopic tumor removal or bypass • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) • Endoscopy • Esophageal manometry • Flexible sigmoidoscopy • Ileoscopy • Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) • Pancreatic function test The new center has eight procedure rooms — twice as many as before. “Our expanded capacity gives patients more options when scheduling procedures,” says James Celebrezze, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon at UPMC Passavant. Easier scheduling gets high marks from Patty O’Neil of Shaler, whose doctor recommended annual colonoscopy screenings because of a family history of colon cancer. “Now I don’t have to wait for an appointment, and I have more options to choose from,” she says.

Making a good first impression

Demonstrating patient-caregiver interaction in a new GI Center patient room.

A few months earlier, the Bradford Woods resident had a much different experience when she accompanied her mother-in-law to have a colonoscopy at the former GI Center location. “The beds were just separated by curtains, so there was no privacy when the doctor came to talk to us about the results,” recalls Andrea. The new GI Center features 26 private patient rooms, each with a television and warming blankets. “Patient comfort and privacy was our top priority when we designed it,” explains Andrew Thomas, MD, chair, Division of Gastroenterology.

UPMC.com/Today

Dr. Thomas and his staff take pride in combining the best in quality care and personal service. With the GI Center’s new comfort and privacy features, Dr. Thomas expects service will be even better. “That’s very important, because when patients have a positive experience, it makes them feel much better about coming back for follow-ups,” explains Dr. Thomas. Just ask Andrea. Although her colonoscopy was performed at UPMC Passavant, her follow-up for an abnormality was originally scheduled at a different location. Andrea changed the appointment. “I really wanted to go back to UPMC Passavant,” she says. “It’s beautiful, and the people there were kind and very reassuring. I’m definitely going back — and I’m not nervous at all.” To learn more about the new GI Center and all of the other services available at UPMC Passavant, visit UPMCPassavant.com.

Exhausted and Sleepy? At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, doctors can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, often with surprisingly fast results.

Overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and an irregular heartbeat, Robert Guthrie underwent a sleep study at UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center to evaluate his pulmonary function and suitability for gastric bypass surgery. He was shocked to discover he had sleep apnea so severe he actually stopped breathing 147 times per hour. Affecting 12 million Americans, sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt sleep. Untreated, it can cause serious health problems and lead to deadly accidents due to exhaustion. “I was totally clueless. It was serendipity that took me to a sleep expert, and it probably saved my life,” says Robert, 65, who immediately began using a nighttime breathing apparatus known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Within a week, he was sleeping soundly for the first time in six years. “It was life changing,” says the Hopwood, Pa., resident. “I feel 20 years younger.” Most people don’t know they have obstructive sleep apnea, usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly. With each interruption, the drop in oxygen levels prompts the brain to send a surge of adrenaline to kick-start breathing, which also leads to a spike in blood pressure. “This can happen 600 times a night. It’s a burden on the cardiovascular system and affects the quality of sleep,” says Patrick J. Strollo Jr., MD, medical director of the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center. According to Dr. Strollo, if you snore loudly, wake up exhausted despite a “good night’s sleep,” or feel tired or sleepy during the day, you should talk to your primary care physician. Since sleep apnea cannot be detected while you’re awake, your doctor may ask you to participate in an overnight sleep study.

At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, patients stay in a private bedroom where a sleep technician applies sensors that measure breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and other body functions during sleep. A team of specialists diagnose sleep apnea by looking at the test results and reviewing medical history. Treatment options may include a CPAP machine like Robert uses, which blows air through a special mask worn over the nose. “I wasn’t wild about wearing the mask. But staying on it was a no-brainer — it’s worth it for a good night’s sleep,” says Robert. For information about the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center, visit UPMC.com and click Our Services for an alphabetical listing of departments and services.

Other health consequences of sleep apnea According to Thomas Schauble, MD, a pulmonologist at UPMC Passavant, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory problems, weight gain, and daytime sleepiness. “Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea — but almost everyone with sleep apnea snores,” notes Dr. Schauble. “This is not a problem to keep from your family doctor. Sleep apnea can have significant health and safety consequences, but it usually can be treated effectively and inexpensively.” The services of the UPMC Passavant Sleep Center are available at the hospital’s McCandless and Cranberry locations. For more information or to schedule a sleep study at either location, call 412-367-6496.

1-800-533-UPMC

Pamper the Skin You’re In Your skin is a multitasking marvel. Soft, pliable, and strong, it protects your organs, regulates body temperature, detects and fights off infection, and even repairs itself.

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

But most of us take our hard-working skin for granted. A little TLC will help keep it healthy and looking good from the inside out.

They’re more common — and easier to treat — than you think.

Keep it clean Daily cleansing can take a toll on your skin, so be gentle. Take shorter baths or showers using warm water, choose a mild cleanser, pat or blot skin dry, and apply a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type.

Eat, drink, and be healthy Feed your skin from the inside for a healthy glow on the outside. Experts recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking plenty of water keeps skin hydrated.

Get moving Regular exercise promotes circulation that energizes skin cells and carries away waste products. It also promotes the restful sleep that’s needed to rejuvenate skin.

Be sun smart Small amounts of daily sun exposure add up, so protect skin from the sun’s rays whenever you’re outdoors — even in wintertime. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it liberally and often. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants provide even more protection.

Check it out Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, and hands. Mohs micrographic surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for most skin cancers. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible and is often used to remove skin cancer on the face. Regularly checking your own skin can help find cancers early, when they are easier to treat. You’ll find the American Cancer Society’s skin self-examination guide and other sun safety tips at cancer.org. Sources: American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

UPMC.com/Today

They can be tiny or bulging, painless or throbbing. But nearly half of us can expect to get spider or varicose veins, especially after age 50. “The good news is that many techniques now make vein treatments more safe, comfortable, and effective,” says Ellen D. Dillavou, MD, a vascular surgeon at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

What new treatments are available? Among the newest is the injection of polidocanol for the treatment of spider veins. “It’s a cosmetic procedure that works much better than saline to collapse surface veins,” says Dr. Dillavou. “Spider veins do reoccur, though, so expect to do ‘touch ups’ periodically.” Injections also are used for larger veins and may replace older procedures like a “vein stripping.” For treating varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation (a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy seals the vein closed) is a popular treatment among her patients, says Dr. Dillavou, “because it’s comfortable and effective.”

Are varicose veins dangerous? “Varicose and spider veins typically don’t pose a health risk, but they can point to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI),” says Luke Marone, MD, a vascular surgeon at UPMC Passavant. “It’s a visual cue that blood may not be optimally flowing to and from the feet and legs to the heart, which can lead to more serious problems.” Other CVI symptoms include painful, tired, restless, achy, itchy, or swollen legs or ankles. In more advanced cases, skin changes and ulcers can develop. “The problem becomes more difficult to treat as it advances, so it’s important to always share your symptoms with your doctor,” says Dr. Marone. To learn more about all the vascular services at UPMC Passavant, visit UPMCPassavant.com.

Your Health Care Goes Mobile It’s now easy to manage your medical records or get automatic access to select test results — because HealthTrak has an app for that.

Need to keep track of your elderly parents’ appointments and test results? Want instant access to your children’s immunization records? Run out of medicine while traveling and need a refill? Have a follow-up question for your doctor after office hours? All are available with a click of your mouse — and most with a tap on your iPhone®, iPad®, or Android™ — via UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that allows patients, and approved family members, to receive and manage information about their health. Recent upgrades include a new mobile HealthTrak application that provides patients with secure access anytime and anywhere.

HealthTrak also provides patients with automatic access to certain test results, including x-rays, lab, and pathology tests, with links they can use to help interpret information. This makes it easier for patients to keep track of their cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar levels, and other important health numbers. UPMC hopes to add cardiology test results in the near future. Also on the horizon are plans to use photos to identify some skin conditions or diseases.

“We’re giving people what they want — even when they’re on the go. It’s a convenient, safe, and free way to manage their own health,” says G. Daniel Martich, MD, UPMC chief medical information officer.

Going mobile is fast and easy To access HealthTrak data using a mobile device, you must first secure a HealthTrak account through UPMCHealthTrak.com. You should then download the free “MyChart app” from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Google Play (formerly Android Market). The mobile app provides access to everything except eVisits, or online doctor visits. According to Dr. Martich, more than 100,000 patients have signed up for HealthTrak — and nearly 6,000 are mobile app users. Online medical care is seen as the wave of the future. The number of HealthTrak users is expected to increase dramatically once word spreads about its overall convenience and newest features — including access for authorized family members.

More patient-centered solutions HealthTrak gives users immediate access to a wide range of personal medical information, which allows them to take a more active role in managing their health.

Adults juggling the health care of their children and aging parents can use the “proxy access” feature to keep track of health records and appointments, refill prescriptions, communicate with doctors, and ask billing questions.

Easy, direct signup for HealthTrak is available online by going to UPMCHealthTrak.com and clicking “Sign up now” under New User. Follow the steps to complete an online application and answer personal questions designed to ensure that you, and not another person, are creating the account.

Parents will especially appreciate having instant access to a child’s immunization record when they need it. Approved caregivers find eVisit, the online doctor visit service, very useful for the diagnosis of common, non-urgent ailments in their elderly relatives.

If you have difficulties, email healthtrak@upmc.edu or call the UPMC HealthTrak Support Line at 1-866-884-8579.

1-800-533-UPMC

Talent + Imagination + Learning =

Events You Won’t Want to Miss UPMC Senior Communities’ year-long calendar of entertainment, movies, and educational seminars aims to enrich the lives of seniors — and delight the public, too.

What do Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, a Meryl Streep movie, and acupuncture have in common? All are among UPMC Senior Communities’ upcoming 2012 Legacy Lineup. “We’re committed to providing residents at all our senior communities with activities that will capture their interests, generate conversation, and stimulate their minds,” says Nanci Case, vice president for sales, marketing, and activities for UPMC Senior Communities. “Through The Legacy Lineup and other programs, we’re bringing seniors — and people of all ages — together to relax, laugh, and learn together.” Open to the public, The Legacy Lineup programs are offered at UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village, UPMC Senior Communities’ independent living facility located on the UPMC Passavant campus. “You can attend a Legacy Lineup event every week of the month, with many events offered at no charge,” says Greta Ceranic, marketing director for Cumberland Woods Village. The Legacy Theatre is part of a state-of-the-art conference center and 247-seat amphitheatre funded through a generous $16.5 million grant by the Passavant Hospital Foundation. One of the Foundation’s primary goals is public education and outreach. UPMC physicians, nurses, and other medical staff members also use the facility for professional development training. “And funds raised through The Legacy Lineup support UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund,” adds Ms. Case, “providing financial assistance and other support services to residents in need at all 17 UPMC retirement communities.”

UPMC.com/Today

Productions showcase local and national talent “Each month, The Legacy Lineup features at least one major production featuring a band, soloist, or performance troupe,” says Ms. Ceranic. “Earlier this year, the Tamburitzans appeared to a sell-out crowd. Later this year, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand impersonators will perform with a full orchestra.” The 2012 lineup also includes the Jaggerz and the Fabulous Hubcaps, as well as a major holiday production in December. Because seating is limited, advance tickets are recommended. Group discounts and ticket packages are available.

Spend Mondays at the movies From cinematic classics like Citizen Kane to recent blockbusters like Iron Lady with Meryl Streep, seniors can enjoy free matinee movies every Monday at 2 p.m. at the Legacy Theatre.

Explore your interests at learning seminars On alternating Tuesdays at 11 a.m., The Legacy Lineup offers educational programming that covers a wide range of subjects, from tips on aging, caregiver support, health and nutrition, history, and local topics of interest. The seminars are free and open to the public, but advance reservations are requested. For the full 2012 calendar of activities, or to make reservations, call 412-635-8080 or visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

To learn about the independent living, personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing options offered by UPMC Senior Communities, call 1-800-324-5523 to schedule a tour. Locations include Allison Park, Cranberry, Fox Chapel, Greensburg, Lawrenceville, McCandless, Monroeville, Penn Hills, Scott Township, and Washington, Pa.

Welcoming New Physicians To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Meghana Amit, MD Hospitalist Medicine

Jaya Prakash Buddineni, MD Hospitalist Medicine

Brian Thomas Kazienko, MD Cardiology

Bryan Paul Negrini, MD, MPH Internal Medicine

Vinay Badhwar, MD Cardiac Surgery

Stacey J. Carlitz, DO Gynecology

Margaret M. Moon, DO Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation

George S. Tunder, DMD Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant These free events are offered by UPMC Passavant and the Passavant Hospital Foundation. Chamber Music Community Concert

How’s Your Hearing?

Friday, July 13, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 15, 12:30 p.m.

Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre, Cumberland Woods Village

Senior Center Cranberry Township Municipal Building

Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Music Series and the Center for Young Musicians present a concert featuring the works of Seitz, Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, and more. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Speaker: Jonathan Urffer, MD

For more information, please call 412-367-6640.

Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

Advances in Conservative & Surgical Knee Treatments

Dr. Urffer, an ear, nose, and throat physician, will discuss the causes and effects of hearing loss, when to have a hearing test, and what to expect. Free hearing screenings will be available.

Heart Health & Exercise for Seniors Wednesday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, July 18, 12:30 p.m.

Zelienople Senior Center

Senior Center Cranberry Township Municipal Building

Speakers: Staff from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant

Speaker: William Abraham, MD TriRivers Surgical Associates, Inc.

Heart disease is America’s leading killer, but few people really understand how the heart and vascular system work. Learn how to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle at any age.

An orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Abraham will discuss advancements in surgical and conservative knee treatments, joint fluid therapy, arthroscopic knee surgery, and minimally invasive knee replacement. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

Managing Dizziness & Balance Disorders Wednesday, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m. Auditorium Sherwood Oaks Senior Community 100 Norman Drive, Cranberry Township Speakers: Susan Whitney, DPT, Centers for Rehab Services Balance/Vestibular Rehab and Tracy Spitz, MPT, Outpatient Physical Therapy, UPMC Passavant Balance disorders are a common problem with potentially debilitating effects. This seminar will help increase your awareness of these disorders, treatments, and therapies so you can return to a safe and active lifestyle. Please call 1-800-642-2217 to register. 2012 Diabetes Symposium Thursday, Sept. 27 Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center and Legacy Theatre, Cumberland Woods Village

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 12:30 p.m.

This day-long event features free screenings, exhibitor displays, informational tables, and presentations on a variety of diabetes topics.

Senior Center Cranberry Township Municipal Building

Please call 412-367-6640 to register or for more information.

Foot Care for Seniors

Speaker: Mike Ryan, DPM Experts say that foot problems can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders. Dr. Ryan, a podiatrist at UPMC Passavant, will discuss foot care for seniors. Free foot checks will be available. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC Passavant 9100 Babcock Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237

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

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

To get world-class care, your heart’s in the right place. The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute is one network of Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, and Vascular professionals right here in western Pennsylvania. With experts who are internationally renowned. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC among the best hospitals in the country for cardiology and heart surgery. But more important than these accolades is the trust thousands of people place in UPMC every year, for everything from simple screenings to highly advanced heart care. Put your heart in the hands of the experts. Call 1-855-UPMC-HVI for information or to make an appointment, or visit UPMC.com/HVI to learn more.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

PART OF THE UPMC HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE UPMC.com/HVI

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

KEEPING

PINE CREEK CLEAN

The Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club (APSC) sponsored its annual cleanup day of Pine Creek March 31. This event was started over 43 years ago to help maintain the Pine Creek Watershed system. “Forty-three years ago there were no septic systems on the Pine Creek Watershed. The first year we found washing machines and whole cars in the creek,” said Joe Landefeld, vice president of the APSC. Gradually, the stream has been transformed to a wonderful natural area, however it still requires regular maintenance to remain pristine. Cleanup day has not only helped maintain the stream, but has greatly improved it. Over the years, 40 devices to promote stream bank stabilization have been placed in the creek, which help to preserve the land and vegetation close to the water and reduce the sediment load to the stream. It also enhances the stream as a fish and wildlife habitat. The creek has been stocked with trout for 35 years by Trout Unlimited with the help of APSC members who assist in the stocking.

30 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year we had a record turnout [of volunteers] for the cleanup,â&#x20AC;? said Landefeld, who explained that several Boy Scout troops stepped in to lend a hand. APSC sponsors several events throughout the year that provide an opportunity to reconnect with the natural surroundings. On May 12 the group hosted its annual Dan Wagner Memorial Fishing Day at North Park Lake for kids age 2 to 12. The pond near Rochester

Grove was stocked with trout purchased from Green Spring Trout Farm. Bait was supplied by the North Park Sports Shop and kids who attended received a free lunch and prizes were awarded. This event was a fundraiser to help stock Pine Creek with trout. The APSC meets the third Thursday of each month at the Depreciation Lands Museum. For more information on the group and their events, please contact Lee Stauffer, at 412.784.0459.

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

412.670.5496 crescentbathsandkitchens.com 412.782.3300

Dare to Dream...

A Quality Home

a Great Neighborhood

“Creating a home with the lifestyles of the clients in mind gives home buyers not just a house, but a vacation, making every turn into the driveway a peaceful retreat from the world” – Jeff Costa

www.premierdrywallservices.com 412.833.8131

www.cardellolighting.com 724.745.1541 / 724.742.9777

Visit our website and take our Costa HomeBuilders New Life™ Questionnaire

www.84lumber.com / 724.938.6102

osta Homebuilders is a fourth generation, family-owned construction company based in Pittsburgh, PA. At Costa Homebuilders, our goal is simple: Provide our customers with the most positive experience possible throughout the building process. We are one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading building companies, and our clients receive the finest product at the greatest value possible.

Elegance Mastered

www.pella.com Matt Guido â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 724.448.5876

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to go directly to our website.

Legendary Quality

Positive feedback and customer referrals have helped Costa Homebuilders achieve its solid reputation. We have built our reputation by making the process as worry-free as possible, and by using only the finest quality materials and craftsmanship.

Personal Design

Showroom: 600 Hayden Boulevard (Rt. 51), Elizabeth, PA 15037

www.CostaHomebuilders.com 412.384.8170

www.belskyltd@comcast.net 412.670.3471 / 412.760.9131 Adam Joe

Timeless Beauty 412.849.8225

he Depreciation Lands Museum hosted a very special Children’s Heritage Day on Sunday, May 6. It was a wonderful opportunity for local children and their families to enjoy the sunshine and learn about their 18th and 19th century counterparts. Many times history focuses on major events and the culture and pastimes of the day to day lives of individuals is lost or forgotten. The heritage day explored the play of children past, including games like Skelly, Duck-Duck-Goose, Huckle-BuckleBeanstalk and Pigs to Market. Besides games, another activity that occupied a great deal of children’s time was school. Visitors were able to explore a one-room school to witness how generations of children were educated before the modern consolidation of school districts. Costumed docents imparted information in the blacksmith shop and the old fashioned mercantile where children’s toys and candy were sold. Foods from the past were served and “pioneer” women demonstrated the use of kitchen utensils and cooking. The Depreciation Lands Museum will host “Adventures in Pioneer Living” on June 18 through June 22. The featured era of history will be the late 1700’s, which will take visitors back to a time when the Iroquois still inhabited the area. The event will explore the lives of the Native Americans, soldiers and hearty pioneers who dared to settle the area. The museum hosts events throughout the year and also has facilities for rent on the museum grounds. Please visit the organization website at www.depreciationlandsmuseum.org for more information.

34 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

The St. Paul Players Dinner Theater

By Pamela Palongue One local church has found a unique way to raise funds to help local charities: dinner theater. The St. Paul Players Dinner Theater of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has been around for decades and presents several productions each year. The upcoming comedy The Ransom of Miss Elverna Dower will be a fun event that is family friendly — and tickets include a delicious dinner served at table. Producer Laura Montgomery says, “It’s a hilarious comedy about a group of students who kidnap their teacher.” Written by Laurie Bryant, the play is a loose parody of the O. Henry classic, The Ransom of Red Chief, and will feature 19 cast members, age 13 to adult. The performances will benefit

the North Hills Senior Services and also North Hills Community Outreach. The church also produces a musical each year and just finished Always...Patsy Cline. Montgomery played the title role in the production which was attended by approximately 350 people. “There was nothing religious about it, although it was something the whole family could attend. We felt it would be a fun event that could bring the whole community together,” says Montgomery. The money raised from the musical will be used for the church’s music ministry to purchase new material for the choirs and maintenance of the church organ.

The Ransom of Miss Elverna Dower will be presented June 12 through June 16 at the church located at 1965 Ferguson Road. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 412.486.7006 or visiting the website www.stpaulsumc.org.

36 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, killing roughly one person per hour. The number grows to approximately 54,000 diagnosed a year if the larynx, otherwise known as the voice box, is included. There is a worldwide rate of 640,000 oral cancers diagnosed yearly. The death rate is high not because oral cancer is hard to discover, but rather due to late stage diagnosis. Early stages may not be noticed by the patient and can prosper without symptoms. Often oral cancers are discovered when the cancer has metastasized, spread, to another location such as the lymph nodes of the neck. Signs and symptoms may include lumps or masses felt inside the mouth or neck, pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking or chewing. Hoarseness or a unilateral persistent ear ache may also be warning signs. Any sores or discolorations in the mouth lasting longer than 14 days should be evaluated by a professional. Patients 40 years of age and older have increased risk factor for oral cancer. Some of the culprits are tobacco, alcohol, and HPV16. HPV-16 is sexually transmitted and is just one of 120 different types of human papilloma viruses. Oral cancers occur in 25% of Americans who do not smoke and have no other risk factors. For the last 13 years April has been Oral Cancer Awareness month. It is important that patients realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer just about fillings, crowns and cleanings, but is a matter of life and death. Dental exams when done properly including oral cancer screenings will save lives.

MS SIGNS AND SYMPTO OF ORAL CANCER n Sores in the mouth

that do not heal

ontaneously bleed n Mouth sores that sp es kled persistent patch n White, red or spec in the mouth ions, or hard areas on n Lumps, crusted les r areas in the mouth the lips, gums, or othe ing in the mouth n Unexplained bleed swallowing, speaking n Difficulty chewing, or moving the tongue

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Olé 5K Race

Provides Runners and Supporters

un Muy Buen Momento By Kathy Rudolph

ver 400 runners and walkers joined together in North Park to participate in the Olé 5K, a race benefiting the Anna Seethaler Hospital in Oaxaca, Mexico. Larry Richert, host of the KDKA-AM morning news, gave a fun, motivational send-off speech to the racers and prizes were awarded to the top three female and male racers. The fiesta continued after the race with Mexican music, a delicious Mexican buffet and raffles. Organized by Father Scott Seethaler, a local Capuchin Franciscan preacher, the Bish family and many volunteers, the race is in its fourth year. “The excitement is fantastic; we have all ages here,” said Father Scott during the event. “It is a great turnout of people today and I am so grateful for their support of my ministry. My heart goes out to them.” The hospital was founded by Father Scott in 2000 after visiting friends in Oaxaca where he saw a need for quality health care for the poor, according to the race website. It was named after his mother, Anna Seethaler, whom he cared for at the end of her life for five years until she passed away in 1995. “For the people to turn out for this race to help the poorest of the poor in Oaxaco, Mexico, where the hospital is located, touches my heart profoundly,” said Father Scott. “[The hospital is] seeing 2,000 people a month. Some travel six to eight hours from the mountains because [the staff] treats them with great dignity and compassion.” Donations are always welcome and you can learn more about the hospital by visiting Father Scott’s website at www.fatherscott.com. “We have a 13-minute virtual tour video of the hospital on fatherscott.com so that people can see the hospital, see what we are doing and the type of people that we helping,” said Father Scott.

38 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

3 4

6 5 8

11 10 7

Olé

1. Father Scott Seethaler, Ole’ 5K Organizer 2. Owen Dwyer, Cesar Gatete, Ole’ 5K Race Winner and Mike Heins 3. Larry Richert, host of the KDKA AM morning news 4. Keith Bish, Ole’ 5K Organizer 5. Cesar Gatete, Ole’ 5K Race Winner in Orange 6. Wendy and Julia Maletta and Lucky 7. Rachel and Ava Klayton 8. Katie Schurter, volunteer 9. The Marshall Family 10. John Holmes, D.J. 11. Kevin Thayer, volunteer 12. Owen Dwyer 13. Jeff Van Kooten and Jess Bish, volunteers 14. Suzy Klann and Maria Noel 15. Theresa Doerfler, Julie Bish, Madeline Malone, Race Organizers 16. Courtney Wolfe, Natalie Nye, Taylor Spann, Arica Sager, from Mohawk High School

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Hampton Athletic Association

National Pastime

Teaches

By Jonathan Barnes he 10-year-old boy concentrated as he stood at the plate, gripping his baseball bat with the intensity of a young Willie Stargell. His bat connected with a pitch, and the ball flew high into the outfield as he rounded first headed for second base. Arriving at second, the player participating at the “Mustang” level of competition in Hampton Athletic Association (HAA) raised his arms and shouted, “Yeah!” It’s moments like those—when young baseball players connect the instruction they receive with their play on the field— that HAA volunteer Tom Falso works toward. Falso, currently a Mustang-level manager, has been involved with the group for close to two years. His 14-year-old daughter, Sarah, and his 10-year-old son, Nick, both play in the HAA, but their enjoyment is just part of the fun Falso gets out of helping out. He became involved in the organization at the T-ball level after his kids became interested, but he’s become more involved out of a desire to see the group become even better. “The thing I enjoy the most is the improvement from the kids that you wouldn’t expect,” Falso said. “Boy, when you see the light go off, that’s what makes it worthwhile.” Like many of the volunteers for HAA, Falso also is involved in other aspects of the organization like working with the concession stands. “Everybody wears multiple hats,” he noted. To many people in the township, they just may look like a blur of activity happening regularly on the baseball field at Hampton Community Park, but the players and coaches of HAA are a longstanding community tradition enjoyed by hundreds of kids and parents each year. Practicing

40 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

1 at the McCauley Field Complex in the township’s main park, the co-ed baseball/ softball organization provides kids from four to 18 the opportunity to learn to play ball with kids their age. Registration in the organization has slipped some in past years, when it declined from a peak of 900 to 1,200 youngsters involved each year to about 750 per year. Of that group, about 500 are boys, and about 200 are girls. For boys, teams in HAA are broken up into Shetland (4- to 6-yearolds), Pinto (7- and 8-year-olds), Mustang (9- and 10-year-olds), Bronco (11- and 12-year-olds), Pony (13- and 14-year-olds), Colt (15- and 16-year-olds), and Palomino (17- and 18-year-olds). Girls teams include fast-pitch and slow-pitch teams at each age group: U8 (girls 8 and under), U10 (9- and 10-year-olds), U12 (11- and 12-year-olds), U15 (14- and 15-year-olds), and U18 (17and 18-year-olds). The Pony group at HAA has three teams, which are part of the North Suburban Baseball League. The NSBL has an 18game schedule. HAA’s 12-year-olds also compete in the North Hills Federation Bronco League. Two of HAA’s Pony teams compete in the

NHFBL, and the 14-year-olds play a 22game schedule with the league. One of the two teams of 15- and 16-year-olds plays in the North Hills Federation League and the other competes in the Quad North Junior Palomino League. The 17- and 18-yearolds also compete in the Quad North Jr. Palomino League. All of that competition, playing with teams as far away as Pine, Butler, Zelienople, and others, requires much travel. “We have a lot of carpooling going on,” said Eric Marsonek, president of HAA. Marsonek’s 17-year-old son Brandon, 16-year-old daughter Bria, and 13-year-old son, Jordan play with Hampton Athletic Association as outfielder, second baseman and infielder, respectively. Their dad got involved with the organization a dozen years ago to encourage their interest in the sport. Over the years he has seen the group evolve with the times. Until several years ago, the group allowed only Hampton residents to join. Now any youngster can join, but even so, about 95 percent of the players are still from Hampton. Other changes have come over the

1. Angelica “Gel” Brennen cracking a hit for the girls 12U slow pitch softball. 2. Coach Mike O’Rorke coaching Riley Kern at first after reaching safely for the 12U girls slow pitch softball team. 3. Hannah MacAfoose going for the catch to try to get an out in the inning for girls 12U slow pitch softball. 4. Josh Wineck pitching a night game at McCully 3 for the 10U Mustang league.

years, too. Having always followed the rules of Little League Baseball, a few years ago HAA changed its rules to conform with Pony Baseball rules. “We thought that for the development of the players, Pony league rules were better,” Marsonek said. While his children’s interest in playing ball were what initially drew Marsonek to Hampton Athletic Association, other less tangible benefits also keep him excited about the group. “Nothing’s greater than being up at the field and the sun is shining and the kids are all screaming,” he added. With all of those players vying to play and practice at Hampton Community Park’s

2 McCauley Field Complex, combined with the need for teams from the school district to play there, HAA stays in close contact with the school district’s baseball program. “We work hand in hand with the school district,” Marsonek is pleased to note. Despite all of the moving parts of fielding so many teams and setting up schedules for practice and competition for them, HAA tries to be very inclusive of all youngsters. The group tries not to turn anybody away,

4 Marsonek said. Seeing the group in play is something of a reward in and of itself for those who volunteer with the group. “What keeps me going is just putting the kids on the field playing baseball and softball,” Marsonek said. “And being surrounded by a great group of parents who step up to help makes my job easier.”

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

Real Estate

Hampton

By Dana Black McGrath

t used to be that a first-floor laundry or home office was among some of the hottest home construction trends. Now that these are considered standard rather than a luxury, new home trends are emerging that reflect our changing needs as our lifestyle, culture and economy change with the times.

Outdoor living spaces are quickly becoming a design essential for all regions. In our region, many have embraced this trend by enhancing their outdoor space with comfortable outdoor furnishings and even outdoor kitchens. Another way to experience nature while still in the comfort of your home, is the increasingly popular indoor/outdoor room. The home featured on our cover allows for multiple uses, no matter what the weather outside. The space is heated and cooled, but with large-scale windows that seem to bring the outdoors inside. Real estate agent Diane DeLuca of Coldwell Banker has seen many variations on this theme of outdoor living. “The indoor/outdoor room functions almost like a great room, with separate areas for dining, television viewing and social gatherings,” explains DeLuca. “One of the homes I sold was even equipped with an indoor barbeque pit! These rooms are very versatile and serve as entertainment areas for the whole family.” The latest trends in design are a classic, yet contemporary look that blends both modern and traditional elements to create timeless, elegant spaces with clean lines and good lighting. Many homeowners are removing interior walls, which usually opens up the room making it appear larger and exposing the rooms to more sunlight. Formal dining rooms are tending to disappear,

42 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

with the kitchens being opened up to the dining area for a more casual feel. Another room that is rapidly disappearing is the formal living room in favor of a more flexible space such as a den or family room, which is a more effective use of space. Consideration of costeffectiveness in building is another new trend. For instance, many new homes are rectangular because they are less expensive to build, innovative designs are cost-effective and efficient, and the trend is moving away from multiple odd roof lines that create unnecessary interior volumes; these are examples of ways to reduce construction and system costs for homeowners. These principles can be seen in many of the new construction developments around the Pittsburgh region. Accommodations for multi-generational living have also emerged as a result of a downturned economy and other cultural factors. Young adults are remaining with their parents longer. Also, older retirees are choosing to move in with their adult children. Both scenarios are frequently seen in our region, especially with the elevated population of senior citizens. Examples of this trend include homes equipped with two master suites, often with one of the suites situated on the ground floor to accommodate the mobility problems of the elderly residents. Kitchens, long known to be the heart of the home and one of the most important design

elements of any house, are also being impacted by new trends. The judges noted that many designers are coming up with creative storage solutions to allow windows above the counter tops rather than cabinets, thus keeping the kitchen light and bright. Green design concepts are important to most families and individuals who want to save energy and reduce home operating costs. Home construction and renovation projects embrace improvements such as energy-efficient appliances, use of recycled building products, solar elements, more efficient windows and even site considerations that take advantage of natural sunlight for the use of passive solar techniques. Our homes reflect our need to be more cognizant of the environment, the time we spend with our families and the desire to find ways to be closer to nature.

By Dana Black McGrath

hether you are buying your first home, refinancing your current home, or looking to finally buy your dream vacation property, chances are you are going to be shopping for a mortgage. A mortgage is a product, and if you are going to be committed to it for 15 or 30 years, you want to ensure that you get the best deal possible. Price and terms are often negotiable. To help with the legwork of comparison shopping for a mortgage product, many consumers turn to the services of a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers do not lend money; instead they have access to several lenders and arrange deals for their clients. There are several types of loans that a consumer may consider – fixedrate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, a balloon mortgage, interest-only loans and reverse mortgages. The product that is right for you depends on your financial circumstances and goals. Fixed-rate mortgages have an interest rate that stays the same throughout the term of the loan, typically 15, 20 or 30 years, which helps protect against any rate increases over that time. But, if interest rates go down, you are still obligated to pay the higher rate. While adjustable-rate mortgages offer an initial lower rate, after that initial period rates will fluctuate over the life of the loan, so if interest rates rise, so will your monthly payment. FHA loans, available through the Federal Housing Administration, enable borrowers who may not otherwise qualify for a home loan to secure a mortgage with a low down payment, but the amount of money you may borrow is limited. Similarly, VA loans, guaranteed for eligible veterans, offer low rates with a small or no down payment, but again the amount of the loan may be limited. Balloon mortgages offer a fixed rate with low payment for a certain period,

44 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

but after that period the entire balance of the loan becomes due. Interest-only loans allow the borrower to pay only the interest on the loan for a fixed term, but after that period the entire balance of the loan becomes due. Reverse mortgages, a popular option for seniors, enable the homeowner to cash out equity. The borrower does not have to pay back the loan or interest as long as they live in the house. There are a variety of factors that can influence the type of loan for which you may qualify. One of the most significant is your credit score. Typically, the lower your score, the higher the interest rate you will pay. Conversely, the stronger your score is, the more competitive the rate you may secure. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s publication Looking for the Best Mortgage offers the following advice concerning mortgage interest rates: • Ask each lender or broker for a list of its current mortgage interest rates and whether the rates being quoted are the lowest for that day or week. • Ask whether the rate is fixed or adjustable. Keep in mind that when interest rates for adjustable-rate loans go up, generally so does the monthly payment. • If the rate quoted is for an adjustable-rate loan, ask how your rate and loan payment will vary, including whether your loan payment will be reduced when rates go down. • Ask about the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR). The APR takes into account not only the interest rate but also points, broker fees, and certain other credit charges that you may be required to pay, expressed as a yearly rate.

By Heather Holtschlag

hether your house is older and had a library already constructed when you moved in or you have plans to construct the library of your dreams in your new home, one thing is for sure: home libraries are no longer just a room of the past. When planning new construction of a library, it is important to plan ahead and determine what the purpose of the room will be and what items, beyond books, would be displayed. There are several different library styles to choose from, depending on the overall appeal of the room. A library that is to be used for simple display purposes only often contains unique, rare and first-edition books and artifacts to showcase. These are items that are primarily only for display purposes and not actually used for anything, as such items are irreplaceable. Because of the valuable possessions contained in this room, it should also include some type of security measures to protect the displays. And, because of the rarity of the books, this type of library may be best suited for people who already own the books, as it will be hard to find them to purchase. Liven up the room a bit with a touch of decoration. Adding uniquely handcrafted books and various other items, as well as some colorful paint, can make an otherwise dull-looking room look warm and inviting and encourage individuals to sit and relax with one of their books. Mixing these two styles also can create an interesting room. If choosing this option, be sure to separate the rare collectibles from the items that do not hold much worth in value, using separate pieces of furniture to display each type of item. Take time to consider the room that you will use as the library and where that room is located in the house. A room with lots of light and windows can be inviting, but also can wreak havoc on the books. The basement, on the other hand, may be at risk for flooding which could be problematic for storage. In addition, determine a classification system for the books so that you will be able to easily find what you are looking for. You may choose to alphabetize the books, or go by the Dewey Decimal System whereby each category of books is assigned a number.

The furniture that will be housed in the library can range from freestanding bookshelves to built-in, or recessed, bookshelves that run from floor to ceiling, or glass cases. Depending on the height of the shelves and the growing number of books you plan to maintain, a wall ladder may serve a useful purpose as well. Coffee tables, framed pictures and desks might also go well in the library and will create opportunities to store other items. Large comfortable sofas and pillows can serve as the invitation to come and browse and sit with a book.

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

www.incommunitymagazines.com www.incommunitymagazines.com

SPECIAL VALUES

Community Magazines

Promote your Business, Service or Restaurant on our coupon page. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an effective way of tracking your advertising investment.

CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS!

724.942.0940 46 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

A Tough Conversation

All Couples Should Have

f asked, most couples would say it’s important to protect the financial future of their families in the event of a spouse’s unexpected death. Yet 74 percent of couples rarely or never discuss the topic of life insurance as part of their financial planning strategy, according to a 2010 State Farm® Life Insurance Study. A 2011 study from finance research firm LIMRA revealed that 41 percent of U.S. adults don’t even have life insurance. That doesn’t mean it’s not on their minds. Sixty-two percent of respondents said uncertainty in the economy makes having life insurance even more important than it had previously been. Bringing up the subject can be difficult. It may be that discussing the unexpected death of a spouse is awkward. Or that one spouse already feels the pressure of being the primary wage earner. Or that a spouse who has recently lost a job will react negatively to the topic. But whatever the obstacles, talking about life insurance is critical to both partners—even if one earns substantially more than the other, or one doesn’t earn an income. To start the discussion, try these tips: • Talk before you’re in a financial crisis. Pick a time when you’re not stressed, and treat the topic as you would any other aspect of your financial planning. • Make a plan that incorporates life insurance as a primary component of your overall financial strategy. Having a plan in place can be reassuring if your circumstances change. • Set a monthly budget and learn what options you can afford. Schedule follow-up evaluations and adjust your coverage as your needs, family situation and income change. • Consult an insurance expert who can provide an outside perspective and make the discussion less stressful. • Focus your discussion on the love you have for your family and your desire to protect it from financial burdens, rather than on the possible death of a spouse.

Contact Kevin J. Slogick, State Farm agent, to learn more about the life insurance options that protect your family’s future. This Industry Insight was provided by Kevin J. Slogick. 4284 William Flynn Highway Suite 303 Allison Park, PA 15101 412.487.6711 kevin.slogick.uuah@statefarm.com

Hampton | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

B U S I N ESS D I R EC TO RY

Win This Nerf Pocket Camcorder!

HOW TO ENTER

You can be the star and the director of your own movies with this camera, so we’d like you to send us your SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE POSTER featuring you! Your design is only limited by your imagination! You can draw your poster, make a collage, or make something on the computer!

Entries should be on unfolded 8.5”x 11” inch white paper and mailed to: Nerf Contest IN Community Magazines 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Digital entries should be emailed to: mark@incommunitymagazines.com. Digital images should be hi-resolution

images for reproduction (files larger than 1MB in size). Include with your submission: Name, age, and headshot of the entrant, parental signature, and phone number where we can notify you if you’ve won. Entrants are limited to children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age.

The winning entry, as well as the first and second runners-up, will be featured in the Fall issues of IN Community Magazines. CONTEST DEADLINE IS JULY 6. No entries will be returned. Entries should not include any graphics or concepts of existing movie posters. All entries should be PG in nature.

Do you rely on public transportation?

VISIT OUR

WEBSITE www.incommunitymagazines.com

Yes No

73%

Sometimes 7%

48 724.942.0940 to advertise

Hampton

B U S I N ESS D I R EC TO RY

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 887

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

IN Baldwin-Whitehall

IN North Allegheny

IN Bedford County

IN Norwin

IN Bethel Park

IN Penn Hills

IN Canon-Mac

IN Peters Township

IN Chartiers Valley

IN Pine-Richland

IN Fox Chapel

IN Plum

IN Hampton

IN Ross Township

IN Keystone Oaks

IN Seneca Valley

IN Mars Area

IN Shaler

IN McKeesport Area

IN South Fayette

IN Mercer County

IN Upper St. Clair

IN Monroeville

IN West Jefferson Hills

IN Mt. Lebanon

IN West Mifflin

IN Murrysville

IN Woodland Hills