WINTER 2010
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Green Tree Celebrates 125 Years! Pipe Organs Provide Wholesome Entertainment Blanket Night Provides Comfort to Children in Need
Holiday
Cheer!
Contents Keystone Oaks | WINTER 2010 |
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W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 -1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Here’s to a Happy, Healthy Winter If winter isn’t your favorite season, look inside for some great ways to keep your health and spirits intact.
What’s Inside
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Publisher’s Message FEATURE
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© 2010 UPMC
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Falls Are No Laughing Matter
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The Difference a Number Can Make New UPMC Rehab Institute President
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Be Happy and Healthy this Winter Are You Sad? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
page 5
New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
page 6
When Kids Get Hurt, We’re Ready
page 7
UPMC Offers Expanded Imaging Services in South Hills
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Those Unwholesome Christmas Memories | 3
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By Pamela Palongue COMMUNITY INTEREST
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Green Tree’s 125th Anniversary By Pamela Palongue | 4
COMMUNITY INTEREST
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Pittsburgh Theater Organ Society By Jonathan Barnes | 6
FEATURE
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Cardio Exercises
FEATURE
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Back Pain — Many Causes, Few Cures
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9th Annual Blanket Night
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UPMC
COMMUNITY INTEREST FEATURE
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Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 13
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FEATURE
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In Kids
COMMUNITY INTEREST
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Dormont Historical Society
COMMUNITY INTEREST
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Older Adults in Keystone Oaks
REAL ESTATE
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Schools Don’t Just Teach, They Sell | 28
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By Josh Wetmore
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FEATURE
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Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down
COMMUNITY INTEREST
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The Saint Winifred Story
DINING OUT
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Someone Else’s Bar
ON THE COVER
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Children at St. Margaret Church participate in the 9th Annual Blanket Night.
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Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
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Welcome to the premier issue of
Keystone Oaks!
You may be asking yourself, “What is this new magazine and why am I getting it?” Allow me to answer that. I founded IN Community Magazines over a decade ago with the belief that people want to read news about their community and the people who live and work there. They want positive, uplifting news, and information about their municipalities and schools. We are supported entirely by advertising, not taxpayer dollars. While we do offer school districts and municipalities the opportunity to purchase pages in our magazines, we give them rates that, in most cases, are less than what they are paying to put out their own newsletters to constituents. We accept no advertising for alcohol, tobacco or firearms. We can guarantee that what you read in our pages will be family-oriented, upbeat and something that you can be proud of. In fact, we encourage you to submit your ideas for stories to our managing editor, Marybeth Jeffries, at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. What’s a good story? That depends on you! We routinely cover nonprofit organizations and the good they do in the community. We cover fundraising events. We feature local houses of worship. We want to know about the Boy or Girl Scout troop that’s working on a community project. We want to feature the team that makes WPIALs. We want to feature the team that is just starting out as a club sport. We’ve done features on centenarians, librarians and veterinarians. If you think hard enough, I bet that you can think of at least one person who’s making a difference in your community. That’s what we want to know about. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with you,
Keystone Oaks!
WINTER 2010 IN Keystone Oaks is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Dormont, Green Tree, and Castle Shannon communities 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. PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard AS S I STA N T TO T H E P U B L I S H E R
Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com E D I TO R I A L AS S I STA N T
Jamie Ward j.ward@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS
Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue GRAPHIC DESIGN
Wayne Dollard Publisher As the holiday season approaches, I hope you'll step away from the l ist making and cookie baking for just a few minutes to enjoy the information we have compiled for this edition of Keystone Oaks. As always, our goal is to offer a bit of insight into the community. Some of our most interesting features focus on residents and their passion in all things "community." As you are going through your bu sy days (and holiday parties) please don't forget to let us know about any person or organization who you feel would be interesting for us to feature. We get some of our best story ideas and are so inspired, by our readers! The amount of good will and charitable activity that seems to flow from the Dormont, Green Tree and Castle Shannon community is amazing and awesome. From all of us at In Community Magazines, we hope your holiday will be filled with a good dose of peace and a little bit of joy, and that you're surrounded by the love and companionship of those who mean the most to you.
Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor
Michael Andrulonis Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Susie Doak Pati Ingold
Bill Ivins Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
Nicholas Buzzell David Mitchell Brian Daley Tamara Myers Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Robert Ojeda Rose Estes Annette Petrone Beatriz Harrison Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Jessie Jones Michael Silvert Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.
CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968
www.incommunitymagazines.com Spring Issue Deadline: January 5, 2011 2
Keystone Oaks
ost childhood Christmas memories are of joyful occasions with precious family-bonding moments: mom and dad singing Christmas carols; children with happy, angelic faces gazing up at them in tranquil adoration. My own memories are also quite happy. But after comparing notes, I have slowly come to realize that my entire family is quite possibly out of their spruce tree. So, for an inside look at how a dysfunctional family spends its Christmas, please read on… Immediately after Thanksgiving, a disturbing lunar phase would always begin at our house. My otherwise fairly normal, career-oriented mother would begin to clean our house in anticipation of my grandparents’ arrival for Christmas. Not the normal tidying up one might do for a family visit. No, this was more like a murder had been committed at our house and my mother’s cleaning was the frantic attempts of the killer to remove every shred of DNA evidence. My mother would methodically begin to disinfect every object in our house, including the dogs. Not even my toys, which were thoroughly soaked in bleach, were spared, resulting in my Malibu Barbie turning into a white-haired old lady in need of a sunbed. I have never been sure why my mother was so intimidated by her mother-in-law, but she apparently lived in fear that the frail, gray-haired woman would somehow drag a stepladder into the kitchen and, risking hip fracture, stand on the top rung to inspect for dust above the cabinets. My father’s style of celebrating the holidays was the polar opposite of a Brady Bunch Christmas. Less than enthused about stimulating the economy through gift-giving, he wasn’t terribly fond of the Christmas tree either. So in their new house, he ingeniously designed a special closet where a fully decorated Christmas tree on rollers could be wheeled out Dec. 1 and neatly rolled back into the closet on Dec. 26. Surely, he must be at least partially responsible for my quirky and oftentimes odd behavior. December 18 my grandparents would arrive. My grandfather would wheel into the driveway, screeching tires, and jump out of their Buick proudly announcing, “Made it in 6 hours and 15 minutes,” the goal being to shave minutes off of last year’s time. My grandmother, still whitelipped from the G-forces, would peel herself off the car seat and wobble in, complaining that my grandfather had driven 85 mph all the way.
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On Christmas Day, my mother, who does not cook but is highly skilled at thawing and microwaving, morphed into Betty Crocker, attempting such complex dishes as green-bean casserole and congealed salad. Unfortunately with the pressure of the day, she would usually charcoalize the green-bean casserole. (I’m not sure if charcoalize is a word, but I really like it.) One holiday, my thoughtful grandfather shocked the entire village by crossing gender lines and washing dishes. Unfortunately, while dishwashing, his dentures flew into the garbage disposal as if sucked out of his mouth by an unseen evil force. He quickly turned off the disposal and pulled out a set of mangled dentures. Silently, he turned the switch back on and threw the dentures back into the garbage disposal. I miss him. Maybe we are all a little dysfunctional in one way or another. With the holidays, it’s easy for anyone to get a little neurotic. So, in between cursing the bakery for selling the last Boston crème pie and that mad dash for the last parking space at the mall, just keep saying under your breath, “Peace. And on earth, good will toward mankind.” Happy holidays. Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
GREEN TREE’S
125 ANN TH
Audrey Henn & Carl Henn
Audrey J. Mazon, Libby Feldinger
Adele Bonassi, Fmr. Mayor of Green Tree John Bonassi, Ginny & Ron Klammer
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Tree Dairy. Paul has gained national notoriety Green Tree has certainly come a long way by running for President of the United since its beginnings over a century ago when States, twice on the Libertarian ticket. Greentree Road was a Native American trail. Although Green Tree spans just two square Today, the borough enjoys two major office miles, the borough has observed its 125th complexes, eight parks, a nature center and its anniversary with major league celebrations. own library. The borough can also claim two The special events were kicked off by a balloon nationally well-known personalities, Zachary release on April 16. Each child Quinto and Ron Paul. from Fred L. Aiken School Quinto, an Zachary Quinto, who and St. Margaret of Scotland Italian-Irish actor, grew up in played Mr. Spock in the School released a balloon into the air with a tag on it explaining Green Tree. He has 2009 film Star Trek, that the person who recovered appeared in a regular occurring role on the grew up in Green Tree. the balloon should e-mail the Green Tree Historical Society TV series “Heroes” as and register the find and the number on it, the character Sylar and which represented a child. The balloon that is the replacement for Leonard Nimoy’s traveled the furthest landed the child who character of Mr. Spock in the 2009 version released it a prize. Coincidentally, on the day of the film “Star Trek.” of the release, there was a storm, and one of the Ron Paul, a republican congressman serving balloons was recovered in Wilmington, Delaware! the 14th district of Texas, attended Dormont Two children were awarded gift certificates to High School and his family owned the Green
Mary Lou Schmotzer, Ryan McGregor (representing Tim Murphy)
The White Homestead, photographed in 1900. (Present day location of the Green Tree Radisson on Western Ave.) Ralph White, the patriarch of the family, is pictured in the center in the white shirt with suspenders. Courtesy of Green Tree Historical Society.
IVERSARY Barnes and Noble for having the longest traveling balloons. President and founder of the Green Tree Historical Society, Marilyn Albitz, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the history of the borough at the local fire hall, which was attended by hundreds. Albitz also organized two concerts in the park in June featuring the Pitt Alumni Band and the Community Band South. This was the first time a concert had ever been held in Green Tree Park. Both concerts were a great success. Says Albitz, “Parks don’t have to be used just for sporting events.” In July, a gala dinner with musical entertainment and a Chinese auction was held at the Green Tree Radisson, and in August there was a community picnic at Newell Field. A presentation was made to David Newell, Jr. in honor of his father who was the first to bring Little League baseball to Green Tree. David
Samantha & Casey Fair
Newell, Jr. may be better known as Mr. McFeely, the delivery man on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The anniversary celebration culminated with exhibits presented by the historical society, the Green Tree Garden Club, Green Tree Athletic Association and other local organizations in the Green Tree fire hall on September18, with a wine and cheese party that followed in the evening. Albitz notes, “We may be small, but Green Tree has a lot to offer and is a wonderful place to live.”
Ryan McGregor, (Representative from Tim Murphy’s Office) Chuck Hammer (Mayor of Green Tree)
The West Store & Gas Station on Present Day Mansfield Ave., 1930s. Removed for Parkway West Interchange.
Mary Lou Schmotzer, Chuck Hammer & Marilyn Albitz (President of Green Tree Historical Society)
Arlene Fleck, Dr. Dorothy Fleck (first resident of Veri) & John Fleck
Carol Kosters, Peggy & John Mehal, Marge Oliver
-Photo credit: Gary Yon Photography
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
Hector Olivera playing one of the three featured organs at the September 4, 2010 concert.
By Jonathan Barnes
ith the tickling of ivories by a skilled organist alongside silent-era movies, every so often, the auditorium of Keystone Oaks High School becomes a living history lesson. Home to the Pittsburgh Theater Organ Society’s restored Wurlitzer theater organ, which was created to be played in accompaniment with silent movies, and which was replaced the pit orchestra, listeners regularly are given the chance to t ake a trip back to the past in the school. While the theater organ itself was replaced by “talkie” movies, some of the atmosphere of the era when people went to the theater for hours and saw several movies comes back regularly at the Dormont school. The organ console is unique in that it is painted white, with brightly painted and gilded-wood relief. “It’s an exciting sound and a nostalgic instrument,” said Society member Joyce Spark. “And it’s wholesome entertainment.”
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Similar to a church organ, the organ’s mechanics are invisible to the listeners, with its pipes and percussion instruments (including a snare drum) hidden behind walls flanking each side of the stage. The organ’s pipes can simulate violins, flutes, trumpets and saxophones, clarinets and other instruments. Drums, cymbals, marimbas and xylophones in the pipe chambers also can be controlled from the organ’s console. The instrument makes sounds such as auto horns, chimes, sleigh bells, thunder, train whistles, bird whistles and other noises to enhance viewing a silent movie. Formed in 1969 by a group of fans of theater organs, Pittsburgh Area Theater Organ Society in 1973 found a Wurlitzer that began its life in 1927 in the Prospect Theater in Brooklyn, N.Y. After restoring the organ, it was installed in 1978 in Keystone Oaks High School auditorium. It is the only theater pipe organ in a public auditorium in the Pittsburgh region.
It is cared for and promoted by Society members like John Gombita, a North Huntingdon resident who is president of the club. A retired UPMC broadcast engineer, he said he enjoys the tinkering with the instrument, which is why he is restoring his own organ at home. Others in the Society said all aspects of the organ appeal to them. “I love the music,” said Jay Smith, of Baldwin, noting that he visualizes the different parts of the organ moving as he listens to them played. “But I love the mechanics of it.” Those interested in hearing the Society’s organ always have another chance, since the group has a regular schedule of events. To learn more about the nonprofit group, visit the Society’s website, http://mysite.verizon.net/patos.wurlitzer. For PATOS event tickets, call 412.241.8108 or 724.446.9744, or e-mail Patos.Mail@verizon.net.
the console. Michigan at m o fr ce Lu Lance
10-year o ld PATOS member St. Clair Robbie H with Pau l Roberts a the organ from Eng lpner from Uppe bench aft r la nd e Robbie p layed thre r the November 1 both sitting on 3 e , cert gran solo num 2 d piano. bers on th 010 concert. e Baldwin con-
Ken Double and Skip Stine
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Keeping the Most Important Muscle Fit
hen it comes to exercise, it’s hard to break through the hype and advertising ploys for the newest and best cardio machine or workout. However, the best cardio workout depends on engaging the heart through a multitude of levels and workloads, said Dan Griffin, general manager of Oxford Athletic Club. Griffin, who is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, said people are becoming more ed ucated when it comes to their cardio workout. “People understand you do not have to do long, slow distance exercises, to be in the fat-burning zone. The studies are showing now that low-intensity heart maintenance levels are just as efficient for calorie burn. Middle heart rates – the kind
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of exercises where you can talk to your neighbor, but can’t recite the Gettysburg Address – those work well also,” Griffin said. “The higher heart levels have a whole different physiological response and work on different parts of your body. Some who do a little bit of exercise in all three ranges lose weight quicker, and it doesn’t take more time. You take those 30-40 minutes you usually dedicate to your workout and break it up.” Griffin said there are new workout machines that take advantage of that data to help athletes meet those various heart ranges. “There always are machines that are the ‘hot machines.’ In the ‘80s and ‘90s, it was the stepper, and now it’s treadmills, ellipticals, and multi-angular training. With a treadmill, you’re in one plane, moving forward. With multi-angular and multi plane machines you’re moving forward, and you’re also going left, right, forward and back,” Griffin said. “Another hot machine right now is the ArcTrainer, which is a cross between a stepper and an elliptical. With step training, few people can last long enough to make that work right, so the ArcTrainer is a favorite among tennis players and other athletes who come in.” In addition to specialized card io machines, Griffin said circuit training still gives people a great workout. “Circuit training is still alive and well. We have trainers who take people through workouts that are as demanding as can be,” he said. “Unless you need bulk and heavy lifting, there’s a lot to be said for this functional training where you’re pushing sandbags and working out without stopping between sets. I’ve done it, and have gotten my heart rate from 130 up to 170, and it stays within that range within the whole half hour. The key though, is to do it in a circuit fashion. That way, you don’t have to stop between exercising.” Griffin said that because circuit training focuses on different muscle groups, the workouts typically are faster to get through. “Muscularly, you don’t need the rest because you’re working a different muscle group each time,” he said. “Cardio-wise, you may have to wait 30 seconds or so between sets, but you can definitely be fit by doing that.”
Not Vaccinating Puts At Risk Not Only the Individual but Their Loved Ones Too The Allegheny County Health Department is joining with the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition to remind everyone that vaccinations keep infants, children, teens, adults and senior citizens healthy across the lifespan. Diseases that once killed and disabled millions of Americans can be prevented, but only if everyone is up to date with the vaccinations needed to keep themselves, their loved ones and our entire community healthy and protected,” said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon. While most vaccines are given in the first six years of life, a number of others are strongly recommended for adolescents, adults and the elderly. But unlike younger children, these groups are much less likely to keep their vaccinations up to date. Less than 6% of adults nationally have been vaccinated against pertussis or whooping cough, and such a low vaccination rate not only puts them at risk but also endangers infants too young to be immunized who might catch the disease from them. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years old and older, but very few in that age group have received the immunization since it became available in 2006. The HPV vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus that is the main cause of cervical cancer, is recommended for females from 9 to 26 years of age, but very few of them have been immunized since the vaccine was licensed in 2006. Longer-established adult vaccines that still remain well below 100% coverage provide protection against several other diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria. Health officials also remind parents to make sure their children are caught up with the vaccines required for students in grades K-12 and have proof of vaccination for the upcoming school year. Please check with your health care provider or contact the Health Department at 412.687.ACHD or achd.net to keep yourself up to date with your vaccinations.
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
BACK PAIN Many Causes, Few Cures
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t’s the kind of thing that can come in an instant like a lightning bolt, or sneak in over the course of weeks like a persistent fog. In any form, it’s unwelcome and costs U.S. businesses millions of dollars in lost work and sick days. It’s back pain, and while it’s not totally understood, it’s totally real for millions of Americans. There are several varieties of back pain, each with their own names base d on the location on the spine from which they seem to originate. One of the more common ones that you may have heard about is “lumbago,” or lower back pain. The name stems from the lumbar section of the spine, and the condition has fueled an estimated $70 billion industry in itself in physician services, self-help remedies, ointments, devices and more. America’s obsession with lumbar and its proper sup port has led to seats with lumbar adjustments being standard in most high-end vehicles. For those who drive economy cars, there are pillows, wedges, lattices of beads and vibrating heating pads that plug into your car’s lighter socket, each proclaiming more relief than the next.
If you’re just dealing with day-to-day aches and pains, most doctors agree that compresses of warm, moist heat are the best way to cope. 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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Despite the accoutrements that one can purchase, few provide total relief. That’s because the actual causes of run-ofthe-mill, everyday back pain are largely unknown. Many reasons for serious back pain are easily diagnosed because they have a direct causal basis or present with other symptoms such as weight loss, fever or incontinence. Someone in a recent car accident, for example, would know that their current back pain is a result of the collision. However, it’s been postulated that back pain may also be the result of stress at work or at home, reasons that would not show up in an MRI or X-ray. If you’re just dealing with day-to-day aches and pains, most doctors agree t hat compresses of warm, moist heat are the best way to cope. Over the counter pain relievers are also safe, so long as you take them as directed. Chiropractors and physical therapists may be able to suggest a stretching regimen that could alleviate some of the more common aches and pains associated with the spine. In fact, more and more chiropractors have integrated techniques into patient visits oth er than the basic routine adjustment.
Exercise and patient education are the best tools out there in helping the patient in the long-term.
You might be surprised to find that your first chiropractic visit may include 15 minutes of massage therapy, where warm, moist heat compresses are placed on your back, followed by 15 minutes of TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which zings and zaps your muscles with a pleasant tingling sensation. While it all feels great, scientists are split as to whether any of it works for the long term. A study by the American Academy of Family Physicians came to the conclusion that while heat packs, deep heat, and massage are useful in the immediate relief of symptoms, long-term effectiveness is still in question, and the use of TENS therapy has demonstrated no long term effectiveness at all. What the study did conclude is that unless the pain is the result of a deeper medical condition, like cancer or infection, exercise and patient education are the best tools out there in helping the patient in the long-term.
ATTENTION MILITARY FAMILIES Do you know of someone from the Keystone Oaks area who is serving in the armed forces? We would love to highlight their commitment to our country! Send along a photo, their name and where they serve to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.
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In early November, supporters of Project Linus came together at St. Margaret's Church cafeteria for Blanket Night. Started as a company service project almost a decade ago, Blanket Night originated in the home of Lynne Gross, owner of Greentree Printing. This year's drive provided more than 150 polar fleece tie blankets to local children's homes and hospitals. All of these hand-made blankets were lovingly created to comfort those children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.
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W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 -1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Here’s to a Happy, Healthy Winter If winter isn’t your favorite season, look inside for some great ways to keep your health and spirits intact.
What’s Inside
© 2010 UPMC
page 2
Falls Are No Laughing Matter
page 3
The Difference a Number Can Make New UPMC Rehab Institute President
page 4
Be Happy and Healthy this Winter Are You Sad? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
page 5
New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
page 6
When Kids Get Hurt, We’re Ready
page 7
UPMC Offers Expanded Imaging Services in South Hills
Falls Are No Laughing Matter Here’s how you can help avoid them at any age Prat falls on TV sitcoms may make us chuckle, but in real life, they’re deadly serious. Falls are the leading injury-related reason people go to the emergency room. Each year, more than a million Americans suffer a slip, trip, or fall injury, resulting in more than 17,000 deaths. Falls don’t have to be an inevitable part of life. There are many proactive strategies you can take to prevent them from happening to you and others. “Have you ever noticed that athletes tend to be injured late in a game? That’s because they’re tired, distracted, or rushed,” says Gary P. Chimes, MD, PhD, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UPMC Mercy South Side Outpatient Center. “These same conditions are often at play during a fall. You may blame a fall on a slippery sidewalk or unstable chair, when the real underlying cause is entirely different. Knowing what causes a fall is key to addressing the problem.” Your “personal safety margin” diminishes when factors such as age, fatigue, body weakness, and chronic illness are added to the equation.
“Falls often point to other underlying health issues. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of what your body is telling you,” says Dr. Chimes.
Treating a Fall
Exercise: Exercises that promote strength, balance, and body coordination are especially important to prevent falls. Dr. Chimes recommends the martial art of tai chi, especially for older adults.
“If you’ve taken a fall and suspect a serious injury, such as a broken bone, severe cut, or concussion, seek immediate medical attention,” advises Lisa R. Blackrick, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UPMC Mercy. The Level I Trauma Center at UPMC Mercy is specially equipped to evaluate and treat serious and complex injuries.
See your doctor regularly: Schedule annual physical and eye examinations to uncover underlying medical problems that could lead to falls. Notify your doctor if you feel unstable or experience problems like dizziness due to medications.
For less serious injuries such as a sprain or pulled muscle, follow the RICE procedure, she says: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. “If your pain worsens or does not diminish within two or three days, you should contact your family doctor for what to do next.”
Check your surroundings: Clutter-proof your home, especially steps. Make sure carpets and handrails are secure. Use a non-skid mat in your bath. If you have small children, use safety locks on windows and be sure cribs, infant swings, and other equipment are placed securely. Older children should always wear protective gear when biking, skiing, or skating.
After a fall, many people — especially seniors — fear that it will happen again. “The good news is that there are many things that can be done to minimize the reoccurrence of falls, including physical therapy and exercise, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Blackrick. “The important thing is to maintain a dialogue with your health care provider.”
Three things you can do to avoid falls
To learn more about fall-related injury treatment options at UPMC Mercy, call 412-232-7865.
Quick Facts About Falls • Children under the age of five and seniors over the age of 70 have the greatest fall rates.
• Among older adults, more than two-thirds of those who fall are likely to fall again within six months.
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www.UPMC.com/Today
• The most severe falls among children are linked to baby walkers, windows, and play equipment. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control
The Difference See a Number Can Make how your numbers stack up for See how your numbers stack up for peace of mind — or a wake-up call peace of mind — or a wake-up call! Many numbers are part of your daily life, from your cell phone to your ATM code. But do you know the numbers that are critical to your physical health? Here are the three top numbers you should remember and monitor regularly:
120/80: Optimum blood pressure There’s a reason high blood pressure (hypertension) is known as the “silent killer.” You can have it for years and never know it. As it damages the walls of your arteries, it also can wreak havoc on your heart, kidneys, and brain. High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack, kidney failure, or stroke. When you have high blood pressure, the pressure of blood within the arteries — which carry blood from the heart throughout the body — is persistently elevated. Optimal blood pressure in an adult is under 120/80. The range for prehypertension is 120 to 139/80 to 89. High blood pressure is any reading of 140/90 or higher.
99: Blood sugar level It’s a good idea to have your blood sugar checked. High blood sugar — diabetes — can lead to a host of other medical problems if left unchecked, including vision and circulatory problems. Your optimal blood sugar level should be 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood or less. A count of 100 to 125 mg/dL is a pre-diabetes wake-up call; a level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
200: Optimum cholesterol Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver — and not all forms of it are bad. Sometimes, our bodies create too much cholesterol, which then circulates through the blood stream. To check your cholesterol levels, your doctor will ask you to fast before having blood work drawn. Your test results will show the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
It’s the bad, arteryclogging cholesterol (LDL) that puts you at risk, so shoot for an LDL of under 130 mg/dL. Conversely, the higher your good cholesterol (HDL) the better, because it helps remove harmful LDL from your arteries. An HDL of 50 mg/dL or higher is ideal. You should aim for a total cholesterol number (HDL + LDL) under 200 mg/dL. A count of 200 to 239 is considered borderline, while levels of 240 and above double your risk of coronary heart disease. Your doctor can help you learn and manage these numbers. To schedule an appointment with one of our primary care physicians, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). For more information about important lifesaving numbers like body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, grip strength, and thyroid level, visit www.UPMC.com/Today. Sources: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association
New UPMC Rehab Institute President Her position as the president of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute may be new, but Margaret (Peg) Reidy, MD, is a seasoned UPMC veteran. A physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, she began her career as a resident at the Hospitals of the University Heath Center of Pittsburgh (now UPMC). Today, as president of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, Dr. Reidy oversees western Pennsylvania’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services.
Margaret (Peg) Reidy, MD
The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute offers accredited, specialized care for patients after illness and injury, including stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputation, and multiple traumatic injuries. Services are provided in seven acute care hospitals throughout the area: UPMC Mercy, UPMC Horizon, UPMC McKeesport, UPMC Montefiore, UPMC Northwest, UPMC Passavant, and UPMC St. Margaret.
During her career, Dr Reidy has seen dramatic changes in the way physicians deliver rehabilitation services. She describes the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute as a “very different kind of institute”. Since inpatient rehabilitation services are provided at seven locations, patients can remain close to home and under the care of their physician. “Having world-class care in their own neighborhood benefits patients and their families,” she adds. As Americans live longer and healthier lives, the demand for quality, convenient inpatient rehabilitation services will continue to increase. “Baby boomers are expected to regain functional ability, whether they are recovering from surgeries or injuries, or coping with chronic illnesses,” says Dr. Reidy. “We are committed to helping them get back to a full life.” For more information on the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, visit UPMC.com/RehabInstitute.
1-800-533-UPMC
3
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Be Happy and Healthy This Winter Is your favorite winter activity staying indoors under a warm blanket in front of the television with a bag of snacks in hand? You’re not alone. Getting through the cold weather with your health and spirits intact is difficult but not impossible. Follow these suggestions for a happier, healthier winter.
Fight the flu Cold and flu season is fast approaching. Here are some ways to avoid the sniffles. • Washing your hands for 15 seconds using soap and warm water is your best defense against germs. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based antibacterial product. • Getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of infection by 90 percent. If you don’t like needles, a nasal spray vaccine is available. • Eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, getting plenty of sleep, and reducing stress will help boost your immune system.
Winterize your skin As the weather turns colder, the dry air causes itchy, dry skin. To keep skin more comfortable during the winter months: • Switch to oil-based moisturizers with a minimum SPF of 30 for your face and body, and use them frequently. • Protect your hands from the elements with a heavy-duty hand cream, and always wear gloves outdoors. • Lips need extra protection, too. A moisturizing lip balm with vitamin E will help prevent chapping. • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
Banish the winter blahs with exercise Don’t pack your exercise gear away with your summer clothes. Staying active during the winter months can lift your mood, help your immune system, and keep you from gaining weight. Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. • Walk indoors at a local mall. Need extra motivation? Join a walking group. • Check out an exercise video at your local library or borrow one from a friend. • With proper planning, walking outdoors in winter can be fun and exhilarating. Walk during daylight hours, dress appropriately, and wear skid-resistant shoes.
4
www.UPMC.com/Today
Are You Sad? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
If the darker, shorter days of winter really get you down, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that begins in the fall and gets better in the spring. “Seasonal affective disorder is directly related to a decrease in sunlight during the winter months,” says Edward S. Friedman, MD, a psychiatrist at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. The lack of sunlight disrupts the body’s internal clock, which can lead to feelings of depression. In addition to seasonal onset, SAD sufferers experience what Dr. Friedman describes as a kind of hibernation. “They stay indoors, conserve energy, eat more, and sleep more,” he explains. Those behaviors can distinguish SAD from other types of depression. And individuals who already suffer from clinical depression may feel worse in the fall. If you are diagnosed with SAD and your symptoms are severe enough to affect your daily life, your doctor may recommend antidepressant medications, light therapy, or psychotherapy. While it’s normal for anyone to have a down day occasionally, don’t brush off those feelings. “Anyone with symptoms of depression that last more than two weeks should see their doctor,” advises Dr. Friedman.
Did You Know? • People with SAD are more likely to have a blood relative with the condition. • More women than men are diagnosed with SAD. • Exercise can help boost your mood, and relieve stress and anxiety.
Innovation at UPMC
New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Robotic technology revolutionizing Whipple surgery When Coy Smith* found out he had pancreatic cancer and needed a Whipple procedure, he started getting his affairs in order. He even considered going without surgery. “It occurred to me that I might not come back home,” says Mr. Smith. Although he left most of the worrying up to his wife, a licensed practical nurse, he knew enough to realize the surgery would not be a simple task. Whipple surgery — one of the most complex surgeries performed — involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, part of the stomach, and small intestine. But the 58-year-old Altoona-area resident was lucky. He was one of the first patients at UPMC Cancer Centers to undergo a non-invasive version of the Whipple procedure using state-of-the-art robotic technology. He was operated on in October 2009 by the surgical team of A. James Moser, MD, and Herbert J. Zeh, MD — co-directors of the Pancreatic Specialty Care Center and two of just a handful of surgeons worldwide who perform the Whipple procedure using robotic surgical technology. Mr. Smith woke up in recovery and immediately began joking with the nurses. After a week’s stay in the hospital, Mr. Smith began six months of chemotherapy. One year later, he is cancer-free. “I’m healthy and very fortunate,” Mr. Smith says. * Mr. Smith’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.
“This is pioneering technology — the first major innovation in pancreas surgery in more than 100 years — and UPMC is considered among the world’s leaders,” says Dr. Moser.
Potential Benefits of the Robotic Whipple Procedure • smaller incisions • minimal scarring • reduced blood loss and need for transfusion • less pain • shorter hospital stays • faster recovery time and start of treatment
Precise robotic technology Surgeons use the da Vinci® Si Surgical System, a robotic surgical device that allows them to operate through a series of small incisions (including one to accommodate a miniature camera) with greater dexterity and range of motion, plus a magnified threedimensional view of organs on a large, high-definition screen. Instead of the “chopsticks” used in laparoscopy, robotic surgery equipment allows for more natural movements, including wrist function, explains Dr. Zeh. “It has a 360-degree range of motion, which has much more freedom of movement than your own hand,” says Dr. Zeh. “You can get into places where your hand can’t go.” The robotic technology enhances the surgeon’s ability to see detail and manipulate anatomical parts with great precision. Like conventional laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery is minimally invasive.
Patients benefit The two surgeons have published papers on the robotic Whipple procedure and have spoken at conferences around the world. They are now compiling data on patient outcomes.
While it is not yet clear whether this approach produces better surgical outcomes, both surgeons say it is clear that patients may benefit in many ways, including less pain, reduced recovery time, minimal scarring, and reduced need for blood transfusions. That means patients can begin chemotherapy sooner. “We are pleased to be able to offer this new technology,” Dr. Zeh says. “The data shows that as a whole, patients who undergo the robotic-assisted Whipple procedure do as well as patients who have the traditional open surgery.” Perhaps the biggest benefit is reducing fear in patients. According to Dr. Moser, as many as one half of all pancreatic cancer patients choose not to have surgery to remove their tumor because they are afraid of a large incision and the long recovery time associated with traditional surgery. “We hope that by minimizing the trauma of surgery we can get more people to select this treatment and continue on with chemotherapy,” Dr. Moser says. “Not everyone with pancreatic cancer is doomed. This procedure is giving patients hope.” For more information about the robotic Whipple procedure or any of UPMC's pancreatic cancer treatments, call 1-888-623-PANC (7262).
1-800-533-UPMC
5
When Kids Get Hurt, We’re Ready Children’s Express Care Centers open in Pittsburgh’s North and South Hills It never fails. Just as you settle in for a relaxed evening or weekend, your child suddenly develops a painful earache or takes a nasty tumble and breaks an arm. Thankfully, parents in the North Hills and South Hills now have convenient “after hours” access to the pediatric specialty care found at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. The new Children’s Express Care Centers in Wexford and Bethel Park offer expert care for minor injuries and illnesses. “All we do is take care of kids — that’s our specialty. That’s important because kids are different from adults. Their illnesses and injuries are different and their medicines and treatments are different,” says Raymond D. Pitetti, MD, medical director of Children’s Express Care.
Urgent care just for children Some pediatric health concerns are urgent but not life threatening. Those are exactly the types of cases that the Children’s Express Care Centers are designed to handle, says Dr. Pitetti. The Express Care Centers provide exclusively pediatric-focused treatment in offices that are specially designed for children. Staffed by pediatricians, emergency medicine physicians, physician’s assistants, and nurses who are specifically trained to care for kids, the Centers operate evenings and weekends when pediatricians’ offices are closed. “The entire experience is geared toward kids — from the size of the equipment, to the medications and staff, and even the décor. We also know how to interact with kids and their parents to make them feel at ease,” Dr. Pitetti says.
After-hours service, convenient locations The new centers in the North Hills and South Hills — Children’s North in Wexford and Children’s South in Bethel Park — are open 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. No appointments are necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. Parking is free. A third location will open in the Monroeville/Murrysville area next spring.
6
www.UPMC.com/Today
Children’s Express Care Centers Can Help The pediatric specialists at the centers can treat a wide range of illnesses or injuries in children and teens, including: • animal bites • bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma attacks • colds, fevers, flu, and other viral illnesses • cuts, bumps, lacerations, abrasions, and splinters • ear, throat, and sinus infections • incisions and abscess drainage • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration • rashes, poison ivy, and allergic reactions • simple fractures, twists, sprains, strains, and dislocations • splinting • cyst removal The Express Care Centers also offer on-site x-ray services, EKGs, blood tests, urine and throat cultures, and urinalysis.
If necessary, children with more serious conditions will be fast-tracked to the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital, or referred to pediatric specialists. If follow-up care is needed, children will be referred back to their own pediatricians along with a report on their visit to the Express Care Center.
Children’s Express Care Wexford Children’s North 2599 Wexford Bayne Road Sewickley, PA 15143 Phone: 724-933-3644 Monday through Friday: 5 to 9 p.m. Weekends: Noon to 8 p.m. No appointments needed. Walk-ins welcome. Children’s Express Care Bethel Park Children’s South 1300 Oxford Drive Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: 412-692-3145 Monday through Friday: 5 to 9 p.m. Weekends: Noon to 8 p.m. No appointments needed. Walk-ins welcome.
Benefits of the Express Care Centers include: • access to treatment when your primary care physician is not available • quality pediatric care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries for children and teens • convenient locations • free parking • no appointments needed • referrals for further evaluation and treatment • access to lab tests and diagnostic imaging
UPMC Offers Expanded Imaging Services in South Hills UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills, located just off Route 19 in Bethel Park, has become a convenient choice for area residents. With MRI and more breast imaging services now available, the South Hills center is even better prepared to provide for your imaging needs. UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills offers the following services on-site: Radiology • MRI • general x-ray Magee-Womens Imaging Services • digital mammography • ultrasound • DXA bone density testing UPMC Cardiovascular Institute • nuclear medicine • echocardiography • peripheral ultrasound • vascular studies
“We recently added MRI, digital mammography, and on-site breast biopsy, to give South Hills residents more services right in their neighborhood,” says Lori Collins, director of imaging services at UPMC Mercy. “With our advanced, state-of-the-art technology, our staff can provide fast, high quality images,” she adds. Imaging services, especially for children, are now available at the new Children’s Express Care center, located in the same building as UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills. “When a child needs an x-ray, it’s reassuring for parents that it can be done nearby instead of driving to another location,” adds Ms. Collins. (Read more about the Children’s Express Care Center and its hours of operation on page 6.) UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills participates in most insurance plans. The center also offers comfortable and private waiting rooms and testing areas, as well as free parking and valet service.
UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills 1300 Oxford Drive Bethel Park, PA 15102 Radiology Services (x-ray and MRI) Phone: 412-851-8740 Hours for x-rays Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Same-day appointments available. Hours for MRI Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m to 4 p.m. Same-day appointments available.
Magee-Womens Imaging Services Phone: 412-833-9000 Hours Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
UPMC Cardiovascular Institute Phone: 412-347-3240 Hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about all imaging services at UPMC, visit www.UPMC.com/Imaging.
1-800-533-UPMC
7
UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
Follow UPMC on Facebook.
Time to Take Care of You Holidays are for celebrating all of the things that make life special. Don’t let a major illness, injury, or even a sore throat keep you from enjoying them. UPMC Mercy physicians’ offices are open and conveniently located near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients, and in most cases even offer same-day appointments. Just call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit www.UPMC.com/PatientCare, and we’ll get you an appointment with one of our doctors. It doesn’t matter why you need us; it matters that we’re here if you do.
W I N T E R
2 0 1 0
on the go...
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
Adopt a Pet Red
Winter Weather Safety Tips Have a snack before going outside. It will give you energy and keep your body warmer. Make sure to wear sunscreen on your face. The snow can reflect up to 85% of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Dress in layers of clothes. Waterproof pants and jackets will keep you dry and warm! Never go sled riding alone. Always have a parent supervise. When you’re playing outside, go inside every once in a while to warm up. If you start to shiver or feel numb, go inside right away and tell an adult. 22
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE Keystone Oaks
Sophie
It’s the Holidays! Find each of these words in this puzzle.
Pine Cone Christmas Tree Ornament
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
Allegheny County’s seventh annual phone card drive for U.S. troops who are stationed overseas is underway ran through December 9. Residents donated international phone cards at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland, Boyce, North and South Park offices, and at the Office of the County Executive in Room 101 of the County Courthouse. “This drive is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who are protecting our freedom far away from their families and friends,” said Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato. “I encourage everyone to join in our effort to connect troops with their loved ones during the holidays.”
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Do you know someone who is doing something good for the community? Hurry offer expires 12/31/09
ur Mom – Maybe it's yo er with a nte does she volu ization? an rg o le ab it char volunteered d il Has your ch e mewhere? W their time so d an it t u o w ab want to kno mitment! com honor their
Are you h avin fund-rais g a ing event ? We love p arties!
rmation Send us the info best to and we'll do our tion get your organiza ed some well-deserv recognition.
Email marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com
24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Keystone Oaks
THE
DORMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Dormont Historical Society was founded in 1999 to preserve the borough’s history, and its volunteers are kept busy fulfilling that purpose. With the interest and help of past and present residents and the backing of Borough Council, amazing progress has been made. Donated items and furnishings fill the two rooms and connecting hall that the Society occupies in the lower level of the Dormont Municipal Center, the former Hillsdale School building, 1444 Hillsdale Avenue. Pictures, artwork, yearbooks and memorabilia of all kinds from businesses, organizations, schools, individuals, police and fire departments are displayed. Besides maintaining those displays, the volunteers update the veterans registry, which goes back to World War I; file real estate transfers and death notices/obituaries; keep faculty lists for all the schools in the Dormont/Keystone Oaks School District; and record former and present businesses. The Society’s meetings, which are open to the public, are held at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in our museum in the Municipal Center, except for the following months: March, September and November, during which we feature our Speakers Series, free and open to the public, in the Dormont Presbyterian
Church; an annual dinner is held in May and a field trip in July. Everyone is invited to enjoy the programs, attend the meetings, and visit the Society’s headquarters in the Municipal Center, on Thursdays from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Arrangements can be made for other times by calling Muriel Moreland, 412.341.3667, or John Cunningham, 412.343.0635. You can also contact them if you have questions, items you would like to donate or memories to share. Membership in the Society costs $10.00 a year for an individual or family; $25.00 for a business, which includes an ad in our annual “Dormont Memories” calendar. Filled with interesting pictures of bygone times, the calendar costs $5.00, $6.50 if mailed. Members receive bimonthly newsletters previewing the programs, updating Society news, relating facts and stories from the borough’s past, and telling the recent acquisitions added to our various collections.
If you are a part of Dormont or are interested in its history, why not become a member of the Society? Just send a check to Dormont Historical Society, 2832 Espy Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216.
Full-time, full-service agent, servicing the South Hills and surrounding areas. I’m able to assist with all your real estate needs, whether buying or selling, including free market analysis. I’m a consistent multi-million dollar producer and market share leader, and I received Pittsburgh Magazine's 5 Star Agent Award. I have been a South Hills resident for over 30 years. Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation
Older Adults in Keystone Oaks
by Jamie Ward mericans filing federal returns can Marzina says that the question many So you could give gifts of up to expect year-end tax planning to be a $13,000 to 15 grandchildren and not pay people are asking is, if you have assets bit more complicated this time around that have significant capital gains built in, a tax on it. According to the IRS, You because we don't know what the tax rates can't deduct the value of gifts on your income tax return unless they are left to a will be for 2011 just yet. The current charitable organization. rates, known as the “Bush tax cuts” from Federal estate taxes may have been 2001, are due to expire on Dec 31 of repealed for 2010 but they are set to return this year. on January 1, 2011, and will tax up to 55% So when the new rates get passed, taxpayers won't have a whole lot of time to on estates valued at more than $1 million. plan. Jeff Marzina, executive vice president In 2009 the rate only imposed a 45% tax on estates in excess of $3.5 million, and all at Bill Few Associates says that the best plan of action here is to be prepared. assets got a “step-up” in basis when “For this year," says Marzina, "I think I someone died. This meant that no tax would have to be paid on appreciated think its very important that people be assets like stock and real estate. But under paying attention to what happens in the political spectrum in terms of tax rates for new laws all assets inherited may be subject to the capital gains tax. the new year and to make sure you have should you accelerate taxes and sell those If the current administration's your advisers lined up so when rates are assets in 2010 to ensure 15% tax rate, proposal to allow rates to expire and set, you don’t wait.” instead of waiting for 2011 and having the rate jump to 20%? return to 2009's rate, the “step-up” in Each year, an individual is allowed to The problem here is that taxpayers basis will return. Another proposal is to give a financial gift of up to $13,000 to any or as many individuals as they want to have most of the current brackets stay but wont have a lot of time to make these without being subject to a gift tax. If you raise tax rates of the highest bracket, and decisions. According to Marzina, if the give beyond this, you must fill out a gift taxes on dividends and capital gains jump new tax laws are in place by Dec 1, there will only be a 30-day window to tax return, which goes against the unified from 15% to 20%. The Republican proposal is to extend current tax rates for make any decisions this year. So the best credit amount that they are allowed to give at their death. Right now, this is not a period of 2 years and cap dividends and thing to do is make those decisions as capital gains at 15%. quickly as possible. determined. 26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Keystone Oaks
by Jamie Ward
ith the winter months approaching, it's time to put away the golf clubs and short sleeve shirts and break out the
jackets. It's also time to start thinking about safety. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 65 slips and falls each year. It's the number one cause of injury related deaths. So with snow and ice just around the corner (and if moving to Florida is out of the question), it's a good idea to review some
tips on keeping yourself safe this winter. • Buy shoes with a non-skid sole or with good traction to get a better grip with the ground. Leather- and plastic-soled shoes have the worst traction in winter weather. • Check for icy railings and avoid icy and uncleared sidewalks and walkways. • Take your time to map out the best route to get wherever you are going and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you feel you may need it. • If you have to walk over an icy surface, bending your knees and taking slower steps can reduce the risk of falling.
Senior Agencies Beechview Center 1555 Broadway Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.571.3224
ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984 ACCESS is door-to-door, advance reservation, Elizabeth Seton Center shared-ride transportation 1900 Pioneer Ave. provided throughout Port Authority's service area. Pittsburgh, Pa 15226 It serves primarily senior 412.344.4777 citizens and persons with disabilities. There are no Transportation For restrictions on the purpose Older Adults There are several agencies or number of trips which may be taken by riders, that offer free or reduced rate transportation services except that riders are required to share their to individuals who qualify. vehicle with others traveling in the same direction and at Medical Assistance the same time. Transportation Program (MATP) Older Persons 1.888.547.6287 Transportation Provides non-emergency Transportation for medical medical transportation to appointments, grocery residents of Allegheny shopping, senior center County who have a valid activities and other needs Pennsylvania Department throughout Allegheny of Public Welfare Medical County is available to Assistance Card. adults 60 years of age and Free Bus Pass for older who live in Allegheny Senior Citizens County. Call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460. Are you a nonprofit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunity magazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.
And as always, safety begins at home. Make sure the areas around your home are salted and cleared. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. If needed, as a family member or neighbor to help you.
The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtain identification cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you.
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
REAL ESTATE IN Keystone Oaks
SCHOOLS DON’T JUST TEACH, THEY SELL
So you have both ends: you have people looking for them and have people looking to get out of the better school districts once their children are off to college and gone. A great, non-biased tool for potential homeowners to access information on school districts is Standard and Poor’s www.SchoolMatters.com, where any schools can be compared based on a variety of factors. It’s a comparison that could give you the edge when it comes to your property value when it’s time to buy or sell. “There are a ton of places that have lots available, where their school districts are not as successful with test scores and different reputations, so the lots sell for a lot less money,” Costa said. “The school district, I believe, is the driving force of the real estate market. I get calls all the time where people don’t have to be in the number one or the number three school district, but they do want to be in the top 20. If you’re looking at the hundred school districts in the Pittsburgh Business Times, the top 20 is probably where you’re going to see the people building houses.
3817-19 Willow Ave, Castle Shannon
129900
by Josh Wetmore Where your child goes to school involves a lot more than whether their QPA can get them into the right college. It also is a huge factor when people are shopping for an existing home, or looking to build a new home altogether. Jeff Costa of Costa Home Builders said his clients look for top-performing school districts to build in. “With new home construction in some of the top school districts, they don’t have a lot of land to build houses. People would love to build a home there, however, the land is usually not in the best shape or there’s already a house on it,” he said. “Coming down the list a little bit, where people are building homes is in the best school district where there are nice lots available. It definitely plays a role in where people want to build.” Costa said that it’s not uncommon for someone to buy a lot, tear down the existing house and build a new house where the old one stood. Mary Lou Hagman, a Peters Township based Realtor, said a lot of people whose children are out of school downsize their home and are willing to move into a district where the school’s reputation or success may be less prestigious. “It’s the number one priority for those with children,” she said. “Then, what’s happening in the better school districts, is the people who have raised their children and are looking to downsize are moving to the areas where the schools don’t matter. 28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Keystone Oaks
1611 Hillsdale Ave, Dormont Borough
139900
3225 Piedmont Ave, Dormont Borough
129900
BOB DINI 412-833-7700 x209
I live here. I play here. I work here.
Selling hundreds of properties, with over $20 Million in sales since 1989 in the Keystone Oaks school district.”
DON’T LET
Winter Slow You Down –
Winterizing Your Car Can Keep You Rolling Despite the Conditions A lot of people think that getting ready for winter simply means an annual furnace check, turning off and draining outside faucets, and some shrink wrap over their windows. However, if you don’t winterize your vehicle, you may be stuck in that comfy living room waiting for a ride to come pick you up.
W
interizing your vehicle isn’t nearly as hard as it may sound. In fact, thanks to the moderate climate of western Pennsylvania, and the expediency of our regional public works professionals, there’s little if anything for us to do to prep our cars for winter weather. But there are some things that are just good sense. • Consider changing to thinner oil for the winter. The regular oil you use in the summer can get thicker in the cold of winter, leading to longer start up times until your engine is properly lubricated. If you aren’t the type who changes your oil on your own, ask your local mechanic about changing viscosity for the winter months. • Check the basics! If you don’t do anything else, make sure you cover the basics. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full with a fluid that won’t f reeze in low temperatures, and carry an extra gallon in the trunk. When the Pittsburgh slush flies, it’s easy to go through a full container of wiper fluid. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and that you have enough tread on them. A rule of thumb for minimal thread is to stick a penny in your treads with Lincoln’s head down. If the rubber doesn’t meet his hairline, your tread’s too low. Some people switch to snow tires for the winter, which is never a bad idea. Make sure your spare is inflated properly and that you have a roadside assistance kit. Emergency blankets can easily fit in glove boxes, as do flashlights, ice scrapers and extra gloves. • If you don’t have jumper cables, get some! Most car batteries lose charge due to cold temperature. Carrying jumpers not only increases the chances that you’ll find a good Samaritan to jump a charge off of, you can also be the good Samaritan who helps others who may be in distress. Winter driving poses a multitude of challenges, but if you cover these basics, you’ll eliminate a good bit of them. However, you can’t eliminate bad driving, so be alert and keep an eye out for others on the road this time of year.
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
or the last eight years, Steel City Collision has been helping people in the South Hills get their vehicles back on the road. Conveniently located by the Killarney T-Station at 951 Killarney Drive Rear, Steve and his team have served as a full-service body collision shop with 24 hour towing service.
F
Now, they’ve expanded their business to include mechanical services – from state inspections, and tire a nd battery sales and installation to brake maintenance, oil changes and a whole lot more. These added services mean they can help current and new customers who need more than body repairs. Steel City Collision is a local, independently owned and operated business that provides fast, friendly service to get your vehicle running back on the road because of an accident or if you’re just getting it ready for winter driving. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Steel City Collision at 412.882.1012. We’re ready to get going to keep you and your vehicle going.
Our Gyne Girl Guide Pre-pregnancy Counseling Hormone Therapy Menopause Management 30 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Keystone Oaks
Gynecologic Surgery Bone Density Testing Aging Gracefully
Robert C. Rankin, MD FACOG & Robert H. Warner, MD FACOG 412-572-6127 www.rankinwarner.com
1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 206 Mt. Lebanon, PA Located 2.5 miles and 5 minutes from 79S
Sa in t Winifred Story
The
Between 1950 and 1960 the city dwellers of Pittsburgh started moving to the suburbs. As a result the population of Mt. Lebanon increased from 25,000 to 35,000 inhabitants. This meant the two local Catholic churches were overflowing and that a new church and school became imperative. Bishop John Cardinal Wright began the process for a new community to assist the needs of the Catholic families. With a name of a Welsh girl – Saint Winifred Parish’s birth began. A complicated and rancorous legalistic controversy preceded this birth. A site was chosen in mid 1959. But the proposal to build a religious establishment here collided with the Master Plan for Community Development drafted by the governing body of Mount Lebanon and its Board of Commissioners. It was reinforced by a strict zoning ordinance designed to hold initial construction to a minimum. In 1960 a tract of 7.2 acres in a formerly wooded area bordered by Sleepy Hollow Road and Briarwood Avenue was purchased by the Pittsburgh Diocese. At the time of purchase, owing to the zoning controversy permission to build the proposed school, church, rectory and convent lay somewhere in a legalist no-man’s land. Had the land acquisition been put off until permission to build, the land would have been divided and developed into homes. There followed a year of hearings, appeals, petitions and counter petitions. Finally in late 1960 the Mount Lebanon Commissioners announced the withdrawal of their opposition to the proposed church.
On December 1, 1960 Bishop Wright announced the establishment of the parish and placed it under the patronage of St. Winifred. He appointed its first pastor, Reverend Benedict Erkins. Father Erkins actually celebrated the new parish’s Mass in the auditorium of South Catholic High School (now Seton LaSalle) on December 11, 1960. Pastor Erkins moved into the new rectory in February of 1963. The convent was occupied by the first complement of Sisters in September, 1964
St. Winifred celebrates
50 years
All four buildings designed by Bertrand Marliere curve gracefully into a shelf cut from the hillside above Sleepy Hollow Road. Reverend Erkins conceived the interior design of the church. His idea was in keeping with the ecumenical aspiration to make the congregation full participants rather than spectators at the Liturgy. On Sunday, October 13, 1963 some 34 months after the establishment of the parish, the first Mass was offered in the newly built St. Winifred Church. Over 1,100 parishioners participated in giving thanks for the blessing received. St. Winifred celebrates 50 years as a parish serving the areas of Mount Lebanon, Castle Shannon and Baldwin. The parish also includes parishioners from Dormont, Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park. Our journey continues with excitement, life and reasons to celebrate with one another.
as a parish On behalf of current pastor Father Kevin Dominik, Saint Winifred Parish welcomes everyone to join us for a Liturgy or simply to visit our campus for prayer and meditation. During the week all are welcome to the Monday evening 7 p.m. Mass, held in the church. Daily Mass is held in the Chapel at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. There is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday from 8:45 a.m. until noon in the Chapel. Our weekend Mass schedule is 5 p.m. Saturday, which features contemporary music. Sunday morning Masses are offered at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For more details about all of our programs and activities, please visit our website at www.stwinifred.org.
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
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So whose bar is it? It’s a fair question, given that the bar that has stood at 3841 Willow Avenue for more than 60 years, in a building that’s over 100 years old, has undergone some changes in ownership in recent times. Owned by Else Franzmann, Someone Else’s Bar was better known as Weiland’s for 20 years until 2005. Then it became Mark’s Willow Inn, which closed in 2008. After months of trying to convince Mark to give it another go, Else re-opened the bar in October of 2009, bringing back some menu staples from Weiland's and adding some new taste treats. “The jukebox is 30-years old, and I like it that way. I'm old school,” says Else, age 40, who ran two bars in California before coming to Pittsburgh. "I got into this business because I enjoy making people happy. I made money for others for several years and decided it was time to do it myself. With my own bar, I can have parties and make people happy all the time.” Someone Else’s Bar is surprisingly demure. The atmosphere is dim, but classy, smoke-free and family-friendly. Else said couples with children are regulars at the bar, and while there’s no official children's menu, they are happy to downsize several menu items. Of course there are chicken tidbits, chicken quesadillas and grilled cheese that can be appreciated by all ages. For the grown-ups, the portions are anything but child-sized. Else stresses fresh ingredients in all of her menu offerings, and while you may be in a bar, you’re not getting “bar food.” Take, for example, the Tuesday night Angus burger special: a half-pound of Angus
beef cooked to order with your choice of three custom toppings, one sauce and, if you so desire, your choice of typical burger toppings – lettuce and tomato. Your custom toppings can range from bacon, sauerkraut and chili to coleslaw, potato pancake and sautéed onions, to name a few. Each week, Else offers a “Guest Topping" which, in the past, has included hot pepper cheese, baked beans and crumbled bleu cheese. Once your burger is concocted, you can smother it in your ch oice of buffalo, BBQ, honey mustard, thousand island or bleu cheese dressings. All that comes in at just $7 on Tuesday nights. Prices vary the rest of the week, based on toppings selected. With most sandwiches at Someone Else’s Bar, $3 will double the meat, taking your half-pound burger to a full pound. Other highlights on the menu include the customer-tested and -approved Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, the W illow Avenue Stacker, which is a monster hybrid between a Reuben and a Rachel on Cibrone’s marble rye; and the Viking Buffalo Chicken sandwich—a sandwich made "famous" by Weiland's, now reconstructed with two freshly-breaded, deep-fried chicken breasts on a Cibrone's hoagie roll, with lettuce and homemade buffalo sauce. For the smaller appetite, the Viking Jr. was introduced in May. All the love, only half the size. While there’s no dessert menu at Someone Else’s Bar, there’s really no need. Everywhere you turn you’ll find jars of M&M’s, Twizzlers and Hershey Kisses for the taking.
“I love candy. It brings people together. Strange as that sounds, it works. It’s my thing. Sometimes we’ll give away Klondikes or cupcakes, but there’s never a shortage of candy,” Else said. And there’s never a shortage of “Snacks,” a.k.a., appetizers. Someone Else’s Bar offers wings with homemade sauces, pierogies, potato pancakes and Nacho Nachos, to name a few. Else said that if you mention this review to her the next time you’re at Someone Else’s Bar and purchase a sandwich or burger, your “snack” of choice is on the house. Someone Else’s Bar is open MondayThursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Fridays 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sundays only during Steelers games. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m., MondayWednesday, and 11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you want to keep up with daily specials, you can get on Someone Else’s e-mail list by e-mailing someonelsesbar@gmail.com or by following Someone Else’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/someonelsesbar. For takeout, call 412.343.4332.
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
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