in-keystone-oaks-spring by IN Community Magazines

SPRING 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Presto! But it’s not Magic… Lady Golden Eagles Benefit from Veteran Player’s Coaching

INSIDE

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

SPRING 2012

COMMUN ITY MAG AZIN E

Pres to! But it’s Mag not ic… Lady Gol den Benefit Eagles Veteran from Pla Coachi yer’s ng

IN Keystone Oaks | SPRING 2012 |

FEATURES

Friends of the Hollywood Theater Receives 501(c)(3) Status .............. | 4 New KO Coach Has Help ............... | 6 Lost Pet Project Saves Lives ........ | 8 Resident Profile: Harry Munson .. | 10

ON THE COVER

JCC South Hills to Host Jewish Federation Centennial Display .... | 21

Lady Golden Eagles Coach Nikki Presto surveys the court during practice. Photos by Jessica DeLuca

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Green Tree Council News ...................................................

Green Tree Events & Library Happenings .....................

Green Tree Women’s Civic Club .......................................

Dormont Events ....................................................................

Special Value Coupons .......................................................

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Laura Lorenze Judge / Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists Working Out: The Good, the Bad and the Necessary .......................

PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth Jeffries m.jeffries@icmags.com

elcome to the spring issue of Keystone Oaks magazine. Hopefully, we are all enjoying the lengthening days as we forge into summer. While spring usually brings more rain to the region than we normally get throughout the rest of the year, I’m glad we’ve had a few days of nice weather to get outside and remember what the snow covered up. We’ve grown once again over the winter, and have shifted some sta ff around to accommodate that growth. I want to point this out to you because you, the readers, give us many of the great story ideas that you see featured in these pages, and I want you to have the right point of contact so that your story can be heard. The editor for the South and West Regions is Mark Berton (mark@ incommunitymagazines.com). Please forward your good news to Mark, and he’ll make sure it finds a place in the magazine. If you’re not sure whether you have a good story, give Mark a call at 724.942.0940 and ask! While our editors have re-aligned into better-organized zones, we still want everything in those zones to be 100 percent local to you. We also appreciate your feedback (good and bad) to let us know where we missed the mark and where we hit it out of the park. Lastly, it’s not too soon to start thinking about the rest of the year! I know we just got through the holidays, and are thawing out, but since we’re quarterly, we’re already looking ahead to fall and beyond. So if you have events planned and would like to promote them, call or email Mark. If you have an event coming up earlier, let us know so we can send our photographers and document the occasion! Here’s hoping that the start to your year has been a good one!

REGIONAL EDITORS

Mark Berton [South and West] mark@incommunitymagazines.com Monica L. Haynes [East] m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com NORTH ZONE COORDINATOR

Pamela Palongue p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTENT COORDINATOR

Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Heather Holtschlage Kelly Lotter Leigh Lyons

Dana McGrath Joann Naser Gina Salinger Judith Schardt

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer

Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS

hile Community Magazines is a non-partisan publication, we don’t live in a vacuum. This year is a presidential election year, and striving to keep readers engaged and active in the community is part of our mission statement. We’re not here to endorse anyone, but we are here to remind you that voting is a hard-earned right that we have as Americans. However, many people pass on that right, which is a s hame. If you view your vote as insignificant, then you are not only forfeiting your right to be counted, but also your right to be heard. Voting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about opinions as well. Your vote lends your voice to a chorus that decides who should be deciding our foreign and domestic policies, budgeting for specific social programs and who sends our young people into conflicts around the globe. These are critical issues that everyday people have to live with. If your candidate loses, you didn’t lose. The margin of loss sends a strong message to the victor as to whether people agree with their views, or found them to be less appealing. To be part of that process is something that those before us fought for through marches, protests and even death. To sit it out casts aspersions on their efforts and memory. We may not wake up happy on Nov. 7, but we should all be happy that we participated on Nov. 6. The deadline for registering to vote is 30 days prior to the next primary or general election. For more information, call the Washington County Department of Elections at: 724.228.6750.

See you at the polls!

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Derek Bayer Tom Poljak

Tamara Myers

ADVERTISING SALES

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

Robert Ojeda Ralph Palaski Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Sophia Williard

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

Summer content deadline: 5/11/2012 Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

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The Friends of the Hollywood Theater Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has been granted 501(c)(3) charitable organization status by the Internal Revenue Service. The Friends was formed with the mission of operating the Hollywood Theater in Dormont as an independent, non-profit film theater and community center to help combat community deterioration and serve as a key contributor to the economic vitality of both the neighborhood and the region. The theater also functions as a community resource to educate community members in the art of film. Now that the nonprofit status has been granted, the Friends’ next goal is to purchase the building to ensure the future of the theater, which is one of the last surviving single-screen theaters in Pittsburgh. The theater originally opened in 1933 as an RKO Stanley theater; it closed in 1998 and experienced two failed reopening attempts in the 2000s. In May 2011, the Friends of the Hollywood Theater reopened the theater with a screening of The New Metropolis, a PBS documentary film and community engagement project. Since the opening, the theater has been used for location filming of the upcoming motion picture The Perks of a Wallflower, has hosted premieres of independent films such as It Came From Yesterday and the

documentary My Tale of Two Cities, and has brought the wildly popular midnight movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show back to life with bi-weekly showings that feature the Junior Chamber of Commerce Players shadow cast. Friends of the Hollywood will be kicking off a capital campaign in 2012 to raise funds to purchase the theater building. Contributions to the theater are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Donations may be sent to Friends of the Hollywood Theater, PO Box 7902, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 and may be designated for the capital campaign or general operations. In addition, the theater offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for interested individuals, schools, and community groups such as working at the concession stand or assisting with programming, marketing, and fund raising. Interested parties may request a volunteer application by emailing fohvolunteer@hotmail.com. The Hollywood Theater is a 280-seat single screen theater with balcony located at 1449 Potomac Avenue in Dormont. The theater is located two blocks from the Potomac light rail transit station, with ample public parking lots nearby and access to bus routes from West Liberty Avenue. The theater operates from Wednesday through Sunday featuring repertory and independent films as well as special events such as art shows and fundraisers. Contact the theater at 412.563.0368 or www.thehollywooddormont.org for details on upcoming shows or to inquire about renting the theater for party, event or business meeting.

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hen taking on a new job, it’s always nice to have a helping hand in getting familiar with the work. Keystone Oaks girls’ basketball coach Nikki Presto, 23, is lucky to have the help of experienced players and the former coach while leading the team in her first year. Presto coached her alma mater Thomas Jefferson’s junior varsity team last year, and is a former point guard who played at Slippery Rock in college. So while she is knowledgeable in all aspects of the game, capitalizing on the strengths of her new team has been a learning experience that’s been eased somewhat by two senior starters on the Golden Eagles— shooting guards Alexa Xenakis and Taylor Brownlee—and senior regular Olivia Lippert, who plays off the bench in a variety of spots. “Olivia can play any position. She’s a real valuable asset to have,” Presto said. A permanent substitute physical education/health teacher at Baldwin, Presto is no stranger to teaching. But heading up a team that already has its own rhythm has been a challenge, albeit a gratifying one. “I’ve told the players they need to talk the talk and walk the walk… We’ve had a tough stretch of games recently,” Presto said. “I tell them if you’re going to say it, you have to do it.” They face tough competition, playing against top teams Plum and Steel Valley, and AA girls’ basketball leaders Seton LaSalle, which is ranked second in the state, and high-ranking Canevin. Section 5-AA is the best AA section in the WPIAL, Presto said. By early January 2012 the team was 8-4, about on par with its record in 2011, when the Golden Eagles were 16-8 and went to the playoffs for the first time in many years. Part of the team’s success is due to the leadership of the more experienced players, who set the pace. Those players push the younger players and pull the team together, their coach said. Presto is not so far removed from playing high school basketball. A 6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

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By Jonathan Barnes Photos by Jessica DeLuca

2006 graduate of Thomas Jefferson, she replaced former girls’ basketball coach Gene Mercuri, who currently coaches Keystone Oaks boys’ basketball team. Presto is excited to be able to coach the team, which was a chance she hadn’t expected to have. “The opportunity kind of arose to coach. It’s way more gratifying than playing,” Presto said. “It’s nice to see your players play well and do well.” Prior to the start of this year’s season, Presto conferred with Coach Mercuri. They talked about how to plan practices, and about upcoming opponents. “He’s been a voice of reason,” she said. The girls’ basketball team’s style of play has changed little since their new coach took her post. “Gene liked to push the ball in transition. We do a lot of that. We do a lot of trapping, too,” she said. Presto expects her team to perform as well this year as they did in 2011, in no small part because there are so many experienced players. Sisters Taylor Brownlee and freshman Kayla Brownlee provide cohesion to the team, as does senior guard Mara Scanlon, who Presto called one of the team’s best defenders. Sophomore post Holly Kendall hasn’t been playing as much as expected, having issues with a back injury. Xenakis also is one the team’s top defenders, as well as being a returning top scorer. She also leads the team in steals. Last year, Xenakis averaged 17.8 points per game and this year she is averaging 15 points per game. “Her game has kind of changed a bit. She’s passing the ball a lot, which takes the pressure off of her some,” Presto said of Xenakis. Starting sophomore forward Maryssa Agurs, and freshman forward Lexy Mercuri (daughter of Gene Mercuri), lend balance to the team. Another key contributor is Jillian Welch, who Presto called one of the team’s only true post players. “She’s a good rebounder, and at 5’11” tall, she’s our tallest player,” Presto said. The new coach said leading the

team is a learning experience for her, in which she is navigating players’ issues on and off the court. She’s learning how to manage players’ attitudes and how to handle problems in practice, as well as gauging how the girls respond to things she says or doesn’t say. The Golden Eagles are a guard-oriented unit because, in part, of their small stature. But they are also a team comprised of good ball handlers who are comfortable attacking the hoop, which makes the style of play a natural thing. In addition to the leadership of the team’s experienced players, Presto gets a lot of help from assistant coaches Bill Isbit, Chris Walket, and Jena Rascur. The essential ingredient of the team’s success is the motivation of the players, their coach said. “They really are a hardworking group. They like to have fun and really enjoy each other. They come to practice to get better every day,” Presto said.

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oo many times, animal control officer Roy Hayward kept a dog longer than usual because his gut told him it was someone’s pet. Rather than euthanizing the canine, Hayward kept the dog in South Hills Cooperative Animal Control’s kennel for several weeks, hoping its owner would turn up. Finally he had to euthanize the animal, only to have the owner inquire later and learn the dog had been put down. The former ga me warden and animal lover realized the system had to change. “I knew I had to do something about the situation,” Hayward said. So, four years ago he came up with a plan to see that it didn’t happen again—the Lost Pet Project. Green Tree Borough is the birthplace of this cutting edge program to save lost pets from being euthanized and reunite them with their owners. The Lost Pet Project was started throu gh cooperation between borough officials and SHCAC, and the program goes to great lengths to ensure that such heartbreaking scenarios never happen again. While state law mandates that a dog picked up as a stray can be sent to a shelter and euthanized within two days if an owner isn’t found, the Lost Pet Project uses technology and networking with animal advocacy groups to reunite pets with their owners, or find adoptive owners for them before the pets are euthanized. Hayward is not a pet owner, but he considers each pet his company picks up to be at least temporarily his pet and, like his colleagues, he walks the dogs daily, even after his shift, rather than leaving them constantly in a cage. He started the Lost Pet Project out of a feeling of responsibility to the pets and their owners. “My goal was to limit the amount of euthanasia. It seemed to me we weren’t doing enough,” Hayward said.

t c e j o r P t Lost Pe s e v i L s e v Sa arnes

By Jonathan B

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Operating under the auspices of Mt. Lebanon Police Department, South Hills Cooperative Animal Control is a 30-year-old cooperative effort of eight communities in South Hills. Green Tree, Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Heidelberg, Scott Township and Whitehall share the $350,000 annual cost of the program, which provides four animal control officers, three vehicles, an animal holding facility and seven day a week operations in those communities. Since its inception, the Lost Pet Project has been very successful—in 2011, about 90 percent of the 153 dogs SHCAC picked up were back with owners, and just two dogs were euthanized. According to state law, a dog that is picked up as a stray by animal control officers becomes the property of the state after 48 hours. And while some animal control ser vices follow the letter of the law and euthanize animals that have no identification after just days, after holding a pet for 48 hours, SHCAC animal control officers take photos of the animal and send a photo along with a description of the animal and where it was found to all of the communities in the cooperative, as well as to the Animal Rescue League, Animal Friends and the Western Pennsylvania H umane Society. They also notify officials of other South Hills communities whose borders touch the communities in the cooperative. “We basically want to get the animal back to the person who owns it. We are not an agency. We have limited resources to hold animals,” Hayward said. “The Lost Pet project is a way to let the public know we are in possession of a pet. Green Tree was the forerunner of the pr oject.” Prior to the start of the project, SHCAC euthanized dozens of dogs each year because they couldn’t find owners for them. In 2011, 12 dogs would have been euthanized by SHCAC, if not for the Lost Pet Project. For the past four years, the group has euthanized four or fewer dogs each year. In a region where thousands of pets are needlessly euthanized annually, the Lost Pet Project serves as the mo del for how animal control services should be done. Sometimes SHCAC officers pick up a pet that is injured, but the group doesn’t always have the funding to care for the animal. In such cases, Castle Shannon Animal Hospital works with them to care for the pets. Animal lovers who want to help with the effort to care for and find the owners for the strays can make a donation to the Animal Rescue League, Animal Friends, the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, or the Mt. Lebanon Animal Control Injured Animal Fund. Ensuring that your dog has a license and that it is secured to the dog’s collar is a simple and legally required way to prove that the animal is your pet. Dogs that are licensed can be reunited with their owners fairly quickly. Dogs and cats also can have a microchip placed in them that will cause them no harm, but could save them from being euthanized, by having their identifying information contained within the chip. Animal control officers can scan the chip and quickly locate the owner. “It’s a public safety issue. And it helps us protect dogs that aren’t being cared for properly,” Hayward said. Pet owners have financial reasons to follow the law and license their pet. Every time your dog is picked up by animal control officers, it will cost you money. For the first offense, it will cost a $100 fine and $123 in court costs if you fight the charge. A second offense within six months of the first offense will cost a $500 fine. A third offense within six months could carry a fine of up to $1,000. Those kindhearted types who want to save their feline and canine friends from the indignity of an untimely death should put their money where their hearts are, and help those who help the animals. “Supporting the shelters is probably one of the biggest things you can do to help,” Hayward said. “If an animal doesn’t go to its owner or to a shelter, it goes to a needle.”

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Harry, Kristie and Tami Munson plant their family tree. Their son, Harry, is overseas, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

or Harry Munson, Castle Shannon is the community he and his family started out in, but found it so comfortable they never left. Settling in the borough 27 years ago with his wife Tami, the Munsons bought their first home as a starter home, and they never moved. Those deep roots were strengthened with the birth of their two children, but Munson also has spread his love for the community in ways his neighbors might not realize. The borough didn’t have a community day until a few years ago, after Munson spearheaded an effort to create the Memorial Day celebration. “Harry worked to get advertising, sponsors, on maintaining the grounds, and putting together our sponsors booklet and signage,” said Castle Shannon councilman Mike Warhold. “We turned this event into one of the largest in South Hills.” Munson, 57, is an Information Technology consultant and consults Castle Shannon borough and other clients. He and his family have been involved in several efforts to enhance the borough, including creating an online portal to borough businesses— www.cscommerce.com. He and his wife created the site for the local business community as a way to attract more patrons and visitors to the borough. Through the site, they were able to promote the first community day, which was a success. The event has grown since that time, and is in its fourth year. The May 27 event will feature a disc jockey, four bands and

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fireworks. Local merchants also will set up booths, and refreshments will be available. Munson also created the soldiers Banner Project. The focus of the effort involves placing large vinyl banners with local soldiers’ names and ranks, and when they served, in public places

Keystone Oaks horticulture students. The 25 foot by 10 foot garden plot is located at the intersection of Rt. 88 and Sixth Street. It is filled with pine and cherry trees, as well as three planting areas. Munson helped with his labor, as did his wife, and he also created the layout for the plot.

in the borough. People in the borough embraced the idea, which was applauded by the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. “We have about 150 banners of people who served in the military or are serving in the military. The emails and responses we get from people are amazing,” Munson said. “It’s a big deal because it’s emotional to so many people.” His family created and maintains a community garden—a project that was led by his daughter, Kristie, in 2010. The effort was her senior project, and was boosted by the hard work of

His latest pet project is Operation Troop Appreciation, the borough’s effort to show soldiers the people at home care about them. Through that project, volunteers create care packages and sign cards to send to troops overseas. Operation Troop Appreciation, a national effort with a local component, has provided more than 100,000 care packages to soldiers in war zones. People around Castle Shannon can easily help, Munson said. “Stop into Century III Mall, outside the J.C. Penny, and sign a card for the troops,” Munson said.

  The Good, the Bad and the Necessary BY LAURA LORENZE JUDGE

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h, spring! With longer days, warmer weather, budding tulips, Mother Nature becomes more active, and hopefully, so do we. According to Dr. Gregory F. Habib, of Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists on Mt. Lebanon Blvd., this lure to get outdoors and “play,” to move our creaky joints and stretch away the chill, is a very good thing. No matter what age or what fitness level, the ability to move is an important contributor to overall health. From simple stretching and bending, to walking, to running, to climbing Mt. Everest, “It’s all relative,” he says, “just get out and do it.” “But,” he adds, “you need to learn to listen to your body.” In essence, people need to learn to distinguish between “good pain” and “bad pain” especially when beginning a new activity. It is well known among athle tes that some discomfort is part of athletic activities and is necessary for the improvement of performance. For muscle strength to increase, the muscle must see some increase in stress over what it is used to. This stress is usually perceived as the “burn” during a workout and is what we call “good pain.” It should be short lived, occurring during the activity and only shortly thereafter. “Bad pain,” on the other hand, should not be expected. As in the case above, a good “burn” may go too far and may result in extended pain that peaks around two days after, known as “delayed onset muscle soreness.” To minimize this, it is recommended that you start an exercise program very slowly and build gradually. In a similar fashion, the tendons, cartilage or bone may get irritated if they see too much stress too rapidly. In the case of a tendon, this is called tendonitis. For example, patellar (kneecap) tendonitis, frequently seen in athletes who do jumping or squatting activities, may result in recurring pain when simply climbing stairs or getting out of a chair. Similarly, cartilage – the white tissue on the ends of the bones at the joint which allows the bones to glide and move smoothly over one another – can be damaged by seeing stress too rapidly. The result is often fluid in the joint or swelling and is a sign that the joint should be rested. Bones respond to an increased amount of stress, such as an increase in running when preparing for a marathon, by putting more bone in the area of that stress. This response, called “remodeling,” is meant to strengthen the bone, however too rapid of stress can cause what is known as a “stress fracture.” So what’s the goal? According to Dr. Habib, it obviously isn’t to avoid exercise, but rather to avoid injury. This can be done first and foremost by taking a few precautions when beginning an exercise program such as making sure to warm-up before and cool down after exercising. Make sure you ease into a new routine and learn good form by working with a professional especially when weight training, which, according to Dr. Habib, cannot be underestimated because muscles weaken and are lost with age. The quadriceps, for example, are great protectors of the knees, acting as a type of “shock absorber.” Finally, it is also a good idea to vary your routine from time to time to help prevent

over-use injuries as well as boredom, and to be sure to rehydrate your body after your cool down to replace the lost electrolytes. Lastly, whether you are a seasoned tri-athlete, a weekend warrior, or a fitness first-timer, don’t be afraid to seek the advice of a professional if pain exists. “Many people wait until their pain is unbearable, and their lifestyle greatly aﬀected before coming in, especially when they hear the word ‘surgeon,’” said Habib. “However, not only may there be many nonin vasive, conservative treatments available, but education and long term planning can actually help prevent or delay further injury. Getting a proper diagnosis and developing a relationship early on with your physician is one of the best things you can do for your long term health.” So, as Dr. Gregory Habib likes to say, “get out there and move.” Enjoy the lengthening sunshine and get to know your body as the magnificent machine that it is.

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New Green Tree Borough Council Members Sworn In Green Tree Borough welcomed Rino Lindsey, and welcomed back incumbents Ron Panza and Art Tintori as council members. The board reorganized at a meeting held Tues., Jan. 3., according to the borough charter. Members were given their oath of office by the Honorable Judge John T. McVay

Borough Council of Green Tree

Photos by Deborah Gawryla

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GREEN TREE EVENTS Body Effort Green Tree Municipal Center Gym Mondays & Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Pilates Type Exercises Upper Body Strengthening Lower Body Toning Yoga Type Stretches Tighten | Firm | Tone Abs, Hips, Thighs Energize | Revitalize | And it’s fun!

GREEN TREE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS Morning Preschool Story Time Thursdays; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Join us for preschool story time! We’ll hear stories, dance, sing songs and even make a craft as we explore important concepts that help prepare your child for kindergarten. After story time the Green Tree Borough will open its gym so preschoolers can run and play. Feel free to bring your own toys, but keep in mind that wheels are not allowed in the gym. This story time is recommended for ages 3 through 5. No registration necessary.

New Student Offer: One FREE class anytime Plus if you register for a full session (2 months) you save $20 $88 Full Session | New Students Pay only $68 Ongoing registration - Join anytime Bring hand held weights, bring a mat, bring a friend or come and make new ones! Register at the class For more information call Patti at Body Effort - 412.341.0911

Afternoon Preschool Story Time Thursdays; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Join us for preschool story time in the afternoon! We’ll hear stories, dance, sing songs and even make a craft as we explore important concepts that help prepare your child for kindergarten. The afternoon program is a repeat performance of the morning story time. Afterwards, the Green Tree Borough will open its gym so preschoolers can run and play. Feel free to bring your own toys, but keep in mind that wheels are not allowed in the gym. This story time is recommended for ages 3 through 5. No registration necessary.

Wednesday French – Beginner Lessons Wednesdays, March 21 and 28; April 4, 18 and 25 (No Class April 11); May 2, 9 and 16 7 p.m. Our French-Language Course has been so popular that we’re bringing it back for another 8-week course! The Green Tree Public Library is excited to present an 8week Beginner French-language course on Wednesday evenings this spring. If you’re ever wanted to learn a new language, plan on traveling abroad, want to brush up your French learned long ago, or even consider yourself a Francophile then join us on Fridays this winter! Our certified instructor, Hallie Pritts, has experience teaching foreign languages and even lived in France for a number of years! This program is open to all adults ages 18 and up. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration must be done in-person at the Green Tree Public Library by Wednesday, March 14. A $20 non-refundable fee is required upon registration. No late registrations will be accepted.

Dek Hockey Tournament March 3 & 4 Green Tree Dek Hockey Rink Green Tree Park Adults-only tournament Free for GT residents / $10 per non-resident Register by February 24th. Must register as a team with a maximum of 12 per team. No individual registrations. All team members must be 18 years of age or older.

Book Donation Drop Off Day Saturday March 3 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Drop off your used book donations at the library today between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Donated items need to be in good condition. Cookbooks, works of fiction (especially mysteries), paperbacks, children’s books, and gently used CDs and DVDs are greatly appreciated. The library will not accept sets of encyclopedias, Readers Digest condensed books, textbooks, or books that are damaged. All donations become the property of the Green Tree Public Library and may be disposed of at the discretion of library staff. A receipt may be obtained upon request at the time of donation.

Required Equipment: Gloves, Stick, Shin Pads Helmets and In-Line Skates Optional

Michelle and Jacek Shuey at the Snowflake Story-time photo by Jessica DeLuca

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412.921.9292

10 W. MANILLA AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA 15220 Books and Blocks Monday March 5, 19 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Ages 2 - 5) What goes better with stories than imagination! Books and Blocks story-time is a special story-time that will nurture both preliteracy and fine-motor skills in young children ages 2 to 5. Each story-time will have books galore focusing on a single theme... and then we’ll break out the blocks! After the stories, children and their caregivers will be encouraged to use their imagination, and a little inspiration from the stories, to play and create with an assortment of blocks. No registration is required.

Toddler Story Time Tuesdays; March 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Get ready for a fun filled half-hour of singing, dancing, playing and listening to stories. We’ll even make a simple craft! This is a highly interactive story time that is meant for children between the ages of 2 years through 3.5 years. So, come prepared to participate and make new friends! No registration is required. The Green Tree Borough will open its gym so toddlers can run and play after story time. Just remember to bring your own toys and do not bring anything that would scratch the gym floor (i.e. anything with wheels). No registration required. Location: Sycamore Room Mystery Crafts Tuesdays; March 6 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. (All Ages) Join us once a month for Mystery Crafts at the library! Stop into the Children’s Section of the library between 3:30 and 6:30 on Mystery Craft days to get creative. We’ll have a mystery craft set out in the Children’s Section for you to enjoy... you just won’t know what you’re making until you get here! It’s fun for all ages! Crafts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required. Tuesday March 13, The library will close at 7 p.m. today for a staff meeting.

First Wednesday Book Club Wednesday March 7 7 - 8 p.m. Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity when you join our book club! This informal group gets together at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month to chat about the current book selection. At the conclusion of each book club, participants get to select the next month’s title. Read ahead of time by ordering the book through the library’s catalog; stop by the front desk if you need assistance. Or, you can always just drop in to see what the club is all about. Everyone is welcome and the discussion usually lasts about one hour. The First Wednesday Book Club selection for March is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Location: Poplar Room Woodland Creatures Story Time Monday March 12 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (PreK - Grade 2) Owls, squirrels and raccoons, oh my! At this evening story time, we’ll step into an enchanted forest that’s filled with critters, mushrooms and maybe an elf or two. We’ll make crafts, sing songs and hear stories about our favorite woodsy animals. This program is open to children in preschool through second grade. Pre-registration is required. Location: Poplar Room Book Babies Story Time Wednesdays; March 14, 28 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. This story time is geared with babies and young toddlers in mind. We’ll sing songs, learn some fun finger plays and nursery rhymes and, of course, read books! Book Babies is a special time set aside for babies and their caregivers as an introduction to the library and the wonderful world of reading. Children ages 0 months to 2 years-old and their caregivers are invited to come. No registration is required. Location: Sycamore Room Library Board Meeting Tuesday March 20 7 - 8:30 p.m. Location: Poplar Room

Friends of the Library Meeting Wednesday March 21 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Friends of the Green Tree Library is a non-profit service organization dedicated to increasing, improving and advertising the resources and services of the library. The Friends support the library through volunteering, fundraising and making donations. Their biggest fundraiser of the year is the Annual Friends of the Library Book Sale, which is held every September. Friends membership is open to anyone who has paid their dues - $5 for a single membership and $8 for a family membership. Stop by the front desk to join! Location: Poplar Room

Hannah Zurcher at the Snowflake Story-time photo by Jessica DeLuca

Poppin’ Popcorn Party! Monday March 26 7 - 8 p.m. (Grades K - 3) Pop on into the library for this tasty program in celebration of everyone’s favorite snack! We’ll pop up some popcorn experiments, play popcorn games, and finish it all off with a popcorn taste test. Come ready to munch the night away with fun! Registration is required. Children in Grades K - 3 are invited to attend. Location: Poplar Room

WWW.GREENTREELIBRARY.ORG

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                       

   For the second consecutive year, teams from Keystone Oaks High School swept the top two spots in the regional competition of the Stock Market Game, amassing a $26,519.47 profit in digital dollars among the two respective student investment teams.

  (From Left) Hannah Tobin, Sydney Cowan, Bailey Collins, Miranda Snell

  (From Left) Alyssa Sabo, Jessica Long, Katie Boyle, Miranda Gales

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                           Effective December 8, 2011, Kathy Foster will serve as the acting superintendent in addition to her assistant superintendent role. She will remain in that capacity until a permanent replacement is hired sometime in 2012 at which time she will resume her role as assistant superintendent. During her distinguished 36 year career, Foster has held a number of district posts including director of pupil services at the elementary level as well as a reading specialist and as an instructional support specialist. For the past year-and-a-half, Foster has served as the assistant superintendent where she has focused on curriculum development and implementation. Because of her familiarity with the district and its people, Foster expects a relatively smooth transition. “I anticipate that I’ll have the full support of the board, administrators and staff as we all do our best to best serve the students of the district,” said Foster, adding that she has no intention of pursuing the permanent position.

  March 1 7 16 20 21

29 30

Aiken - Band Concert, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Aiken - PFO Meeting, 7 p.m. Aiken - St. Baldrick's Assembly, 2 p.m. Aiken - Kindergarten Registration, 9 - 11 a.m. & 1 - 3 p.m. Aiken - Kindergarten Registration, 9 - 11 a.m., 1 - 3 p.m. & 5 - 7 p.m. 7 - 9 p.m. Partners in Learning Improving Attention and Focus for Students With Attention Issues Dr. Carol Utey, Total Learning Center 2:30 - 3:50 p.m. Middle School - 6th Grade Social All-Day In-Service Day (No Classes)

April 2 3 5 6 9 13 26

Aiken - 5th Grade Battle of the Books Professional Training Day (Two Hour Delay) Aiken - PFO Meeting, 7 p.m. All-Day Spring Break All-Day Spring Break All-Day Spring Break 7 p.m. Middle School - 7th & 8th Grade Dance Aiken - Spring Musical, 2 & 7 p.m.

May 1 10 11 16 18 25 28

Aiken - PFO Meeting, 7 p.m. Aiken - Open House, 6-8 p.m. Aiken - JA Day 7 - 9 p.m. Partners in Learning Secondary Transitioning Dan Morgan Myrtle - 5th Grade Field Trip to Meadowcroft Village Aiken - Prime Time Reading All-Day Memorial Day (No Classes)

June 1 4 7

Aiken - Fun Day Aiken - 5th Grade Kickball Game, 3:30 p.m. Aiken - 5th Grade Farewell Assembly, 9 a.m. All-Day Final Day of Classes 7:30 p.m. Class of 2012 Commencement All-Day Kennywood Picnic

Keystone Oaks | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

  

In this economy, every dime can make a difference, especially if you’re a hard-working student paying for college. So, if you are from Green Tree, the Green Tree Civic Women’s Club has a scholarship that can help defray your school costs by $1,000. Amy Cesario, scholarship committee chairwoman, said that the scholarship has been a tradition of the club for more than 30 years. “To qualify, the student must have completed their first year of college - they can be sophomore, junior or senior, and they can apply each year through their college career,” Cesario said. “The applications are scored on a rubric. There’s a small essay, GPA component, sports and other activities such as work experience and volunteer and civic activities are taken into consideration as well.” The Green Tree Women’s Civic Club fundraises for the scholarship, as well as all of the other organizations and charities they donate money to, through their events such as their annual luncheon and annual fashion show, which will take place on April 21 of this year. With 40 active members, the club undertakes efforts such as Operation Shoebox, which collects donated items for soldiers overseas for care packages. They also donate money to veterans groups, fire departments, the library, women’s shelters, food banks, PTAs and the Girl and Boy scouts.

The Green Tree Civic Women’s Club Fashion Show will be held at Chartiers Country Club on April 21. It is a lunch and a fashion show and a great way to relax for an afternoon. Tickets are $25. For tickets, contact Chairwoman Mary Beth Kenny at mbkenny123@yahoo.com. The doors open around 11 and lunch is served at noon. Fashion show is after lunch.

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In the community, the Green Tree Women’s Civic Club chairs events including Ladies’ Night at the Pool, Spring Magic for Green Tree children, and every February, they go to Marion Manor for an ice cream social with the residents. They also host Meet the Candidates nights for candidates in local primary and general elections. “The object of the club is to develop the educational, civic and social aspects of members and to advance the welfare of the community,” Cesario said. “You have to be a woman, interested in being civic-minded to join. We meet once a month, and there’s a great social aspect to the club.” Membership fees are a nominal $20 for the year, she said, and the group meets every first Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Green Tree Fire Hall. If you are interested in joining the Green Tree Women’s Civic Club, go to www.greentreeboro.com/civicclub.html online for membership details, items the club collects for Operation Shoebox, as well as the scholarship application itself. If you are only interested in the scholarship application, you can contact Cesario at: thecesariofamily@comcast.net or by calling 412.207.9039. You can also snail-mail the club for information at: Green Tree Woman's Civic Club c/o Borough of Green Tree 10 West Manilla Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15220

  A 14-panel display depicting highlights from the 100 years of service to the community of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh will be exhibited at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh-South Hills, 345 Kane Boulevard, Scott Township, from February 1-14, 2012. Jeffrey H. Finkelstein, President and CEO, and Brian Schreiber, JCC President and CEO, spoke about the Federation’s impact on the South Hills Jewish Community at an opening reception on Wednesday, February 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the JCC-South Hills.

The event and the exhibit are free and open to the community. The display highlights the development of the Pittsburgh Jewish community, presenting an overview of each decade from the 1910s, when the Jewish Federation was founded as the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, to the present day. Included are archival photos and excerpts from historical documents. A comprehensive timeline provides greater detail regarding specific events within each decade. The display is part of a series of special programs and projects that mark the Jewish Federation's Centennial Year, which began in September. An upcoming Centennial Program will be the Israel and Jewish Community Festival on April 26, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Schenley Plaza in Oakland. The Federation is an important source of funding for the JCC. The JCC-South Hills, built in 1999, houses state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, 25-yard heated indoor swimming pool, doublecourt gymnasium, and accessible outdoor playground. Comprehensive programming includes the Early Childhood Development Center, private and group swim lessons, summer camps, group exercise classes, personal training, sports and recreation programs for all ages, and one of the largest SilverSneakers® senior fitness programs in Western Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact Dan Garfinkel, Branch Director, 412.278.1975, ext. 208, or email dgarfinkel@jccpgh.org. For general information about the JCC, please visit www.JCCPGH.org. For information about the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, please visit www.jfedpgh.org . Keystone Oaks | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

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    Kody Bennington Culinary Arts – AM Keystone Oaks School District

The AM student of the month for November is Kody Bennington, a senior at Keystone Oaks High School and a third year Culinary Arts student. Kody was nominated by his instructor, Mr. Timcheck, for having an excellent work ethic and being a dependable group leader. Kody was a member of the Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow up until he turned 18. Recently, Kody has worked at Eggs R Us and Mineo’s Pizza and continues to work in the Parkway restaurant for Chef Timcheck. Kody’s immediate career goal is to attend Robert Morris University in the fall of 2012 and major in Hospitality Management. Upon graduation from RMU he plans to work as a chef on a cruise line.

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       

Evin Hunter competed in the Sheet Metal competition. Because there were no other contestants from any other regional school, he automatically goes to states. States will be in Hershey, PA, this April. He is preparing for a test in which he has to precisely measure a toolbox out of aluminum sheets. The material is the same as what one would see in their home if they are looking at their ductwork. He needs to supply his own tools including vice grips, pliers, tin snips, and a drywall square, but the materials would be provided to him. Evin will need to know how to use a Pittsburgh brand stationary metal bender

Trevor Urban placed 1st out of a total of 8 contestants from other surrounding career & technology centers in the AC Unit category. In his competition, he had to recover refrigerant out of his unit, change the filter drier and replace it with a new one. He then had to conduct a pressure test using dry nitrogen and make sure there were no leaks. Next, he vacuumed the system to remove the dry nitrogen. Afterwards, he charged the unit with new refrigerant making sure there was correct pressure with a corresponding ambient temperature. By checking the temperature, this would indicate the unit is running properly. He also had to perform a solder and brazing test in which he swedged copper pipes together and then soldered or brazed the joints together.

 Keystone Oaks | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

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Senior Christina Cerezo was judged with 6 others. In her competition, contestants had to first do a basic facial. That includes

  cleansing, massaging, toning, and then finally, moisturizing the skin. Secondly, they had to do daytime make-up. The only parameter to follow was that the daytime makeup had to work with the natural skin tones of their live models. Finally, they had to do their own selected themed fantasy make-up. Her theme was ‘Zombie Princess.’

  

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 MARDI GRAS ON MAIN STREET A fundraiser for Dormont Main Street Saturday, February 18, 2012 8 p.m. until midnight Dormont Recreation Center 1801 Dormont Avenue Chinese auction; 50/50 Tickets available at the Dormont Municipal Center or by contacting Karen Coyle at 412.720.8081 or karencoyle@prudentialpreferred.com or Michelle Ross at 412.860.9035 www.dormontmainstreet.org Dormont Main Street was started in 2006 by an independent group of volunteers seeking to revitalize the West Liberty / Potomac business district in Dormont, PA. These volunteers included local business owners, Dormont’s Mayor, members of Dormont’s Borough Council, and interested residents. The Dormont Main Street Program is now organized and managed by the Dormont Community Development Corporation, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation which is in the process of filing for its 501(c)(3) status in order to accept tax deductible donations. DABA NIGHT AT THE RACES Saturday, February 25, 2012 8 p.m. until midnight Dormont Recreation Center 1801 Dormont Avenue For tickets, contact Chuck Dewick at 412.874.8217 www.dormontboosters.com It’s time to think ahead to warm days and nights filled with sports and recreation! And in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, one of the best ways to support active and healthy athletic and recreation opportunities for children and youth, is through the community-based Dormont Athletic Boosters Association (DABA). Looking for something fun to do during those cold winter nights? Try DABA’s Night at the Races! Party-goers will participate in Monte Carlo-themed activities, enjoy homemade food and drink, and learn all about the important work that DABA does to support athletic and recreation opportunities for the children and youth of Dormont. Proceeds from the events will benefit Dormont baseball, softball, t-ball, KOA fast pitch, football, cheerleading, and twirling corps (formerly Boosterettes). Party for a purpose; learn about how you can get involved in DABA and help increase opportunities for athletic and recreation for the children and youth of Dormont. About DABA DABA is a nonprofit organization that offers administrative and financial support to various activities for approximately 500 children, ranging in ages from 5-18, in Dormont and the Keystone Oaks Area since 1949. DABA is committed to helping the children of the Dormont, Pa. community to excel in life through the promotion of athletic competition. DABA is responsible for organizing the Boosterettes marching unit, baseball (ages 6 to 18), girls’ softball (ages 6-18), KO Area cheerleading and football (ages 7 to 11). It is DABA’s intention to provide both financial and administrative support to improve the safety of the games our children play, the equipment they use, and the fields they play on. For the latest information about youth athletic opportunities and DABA sponsored community events, visit: www.dormontboosters.com/.

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