FALL 2012
ars Area COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Back to School Safety
Acres of
plus
Southern Butler Garden Club
safety-driven
Inspiration
Car Buffs Abound in the Region safety-driven
“I’d like to have my questions answered in just one phone call.”
Here’s the Plan At UPMC Health Plan, we believe customer service should be a service to you, not a headache. That’s why we offer you a personal health care concierge. A live person who lives here and can answer all your questions in just one phone call. Sure, we win awards for our customer service. But it’s the reaction we get from satisfied members that we find most rewarding.
To find out more visit upmchealthplan.com
The faces of experience at
NORTHWOOD Meet Gail and Steve Carpenter. Gail and Steve have been Northwood agents for over 10 years. They have raised 2 daughters in the Mars community, and Steve is an active board member with The Chamber. Gail and Steve enjoy camping, biking, reading and traveling. Stop by their real estate cafe to talk with Gail and Steve, Come meet the New Face of Northwood.
- Gail & Steve Carpenter Office • 724.741.2111 Cell • 412.585.1153 (Gail) Cell • 412.585.4460 (Steve) gailcarpenter@northwood.com scarpenter@northwood.com
w w w. n o r t h w o o d . c o m
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1
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Mars Area
INSIDE
IN Mars Area is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Mars 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.
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FEATURES
The Perfect Pet
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Back to School
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Car Buffs Abound in the Region
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS ON THE COVER
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Northwest Savings Bank
Mars Area students Caelan Barry, Amelia Haley, Shawn Barry and Thomas Haley are going back to school! Photo by Gary Yon.
Lending a Hand
|
9
Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
UPMC TODAY
You Don’t Have to Live with Painful Varicose and Spider Veins
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Get Ready for Fall
| 39
Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
What’s Inside 2
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
A Better Plan of Care for Spinal Tumors
3
Give Your Back a Break
4
A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
6
Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
7
Welcoming New Physicians
Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
King Orthodontics
What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant
12
© 2012 UPMC
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
TOC PLACEMENT:
Southern Butler Garden Club: Acres of Inspiration
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It’s Applefest Time Again!
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11
The History That Lives Among Us in Mars Area
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12
The Cat That Never Left
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UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use
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21
more on xx Mars Back learn to School Safety is page for Everyone
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TYPEFACE: TRAJAN PRO 12 PT. Mars Middle School Seventh Grade Medieval Fair
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CHANGE PAGE NUMBER ADD THE FOLLOWING TEXT LINE BELOW LOGO
safetydriven learn more on page 14
IN Baldwin-Whitehall
IN North Allegheny
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IN Bethel Park
IN Penn Hills
IN Canon-Mac
IN Peters Township
IN Chartiers Valley
IN Pine-Richland
IN Fox Chapel
IN Plum
IN Hampton
IN Ross Township
IN Keystone Oaks
IN Seneca Valley
IN Mars Area
IN Shaler
IN McKeesport Area
IN South Fayette
IN Mercer County
IN Upper St. Clair
IN Monroeville
IN West Jefferson Hills
IN Mt. Lebanon
IN West Mifflin
IN Murrysville
IN Woodland Hills
WINTER CONTENT DEADLINE 11/10/12
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Mars Area
Lady Planets Claim Section by Heather Holtschlag
C
Title
ongratulations are in order for the Mars Area High School Lady Planets softball team, who scored big in 2012 and were named section champs. But holding this title is nothing unfamiliar as the program has claimed three other section titles in 14 seasons: 2004, 2005, and 2006. “This ride took us into the first round of the playoffs and the Lady Planets beat West Allegheny 6-2. For our next opponent, we were off to a turf field taking on Greensburg Salem in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, we fell short that game losing 5-2, and our season came to a close [but still] finishing on such a high note…this was our first time back into the playoffs in five seasons,” said Michele Goodworth, head coach. “The only WPIAL championship in our team’s softball history was in 2006.” The team finished 8-2 in their section and 12-7 overall, and trained hard from March to May, though several players play travel ball all year long. The team begins conditioning for the season in January with Coach Goodworth, Mike Delduca, assistant coach, and Rich Schoeffel, junior varsity coach. The team beat some tough opponents, including a 2-1 win over Knoch, a 3-1 win over Kittanning, and a 4-2 win over Highlands. “Knoch is always a section rival, and Kittanning and Highlands are always tough teams to compete against,” Goodworth noted. Other victories included games against Hopewell, Central Valley, Avonworth and Valley. There were 13 girls on the varsity team, led by seniors and varsity letter winners Alyse Ciafre, Randi Francis, Clare Galabinski,
Kady Huber, Haley Jones, Taylor Leslie, Ashley Matoka, and Emily Quail. Although these girls have graduated, Goodworth is looking forward to the five returning starters who will play next year. Other players who were varsity letter winners are junior Taylor Rotz, sophomores Erin Hershman and Kasey Jones, and freshmen Suzanne Papik and Kieran Salada. “Obviously, the most memorable moment of the season was clinching the title of section champs 2012, but in addition, as a coach, it is rewarding to see your players be successful after seasons of rebuilding the program,” Goodworth noted. “There also is a strong bond among the girls when the team is winning.” Goodworth, a 1992 graduate of Mars Area High School, became involved with the program when she played on the school’s first softball team. She attended Washington and Jefferson College for four years and then returned to the school to teach and coach. “It is such an honor to be part of a program in which you once played,” she noted. “I take pride in being a Mars alumna. My family resides here. My husband and I both teach in the district, and our children attend Mars as well.” Goodworth said that the focus for next year is continuing to build on the team’s success this season.
ADVERTISE
HERE! ars Area Reach over 22,490 potential customers in the Mars area
Call 724.942.0940
sales@incommunitymagazines.com Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
Lisa King, Garden Host
Karen Faust and Rose Romboski, Garden Tour Co-chairs Gina Bianchi, Garden Tour Co-chair 6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Mars Area
Acres of
Inspiration Southern Butler Garden Club
by Kathy Rudolph
W
hen you turn the corner and walk into the back of Lisa King’s house in Valencia and take in the vast four acres that are filled with flowers, trees and shrubs, it’s like a surprise party for the senses. A country garden that instantly melts your stress away, it is complemented by original works of art that Lisa created from old chairs, doors, and fences painted in bright colors. Her garden was part of the Southern Butler Garden Club (SBGC) Summer Garden Tour. “A good friend talked me into being on the garden tour and I felt that my garden was not ready because I tend to see what still needs to be done, rather than what is already done,” said King, who owns Freedom Farms on Route 8, along with her family. A mom of 10, she has been growing flowers for 29 years. “But I enjoy gardening and making people happy and that is why I am glad to be doing it.” The self-guided tour of six area gardens kicked off at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building. The tour’s proceeds benefited VOICe, a nonprofit organization that “provides free and confidential services to individuals and families who are survivors of crime.” The SBGC has been working on the construction of a serenity garden for those survivors in collaboration with the organization since last year. Part of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, the SBGC’s mission is to share its members’ interest and knowledge of gardening with the public through participation in community service, beautification projects and encouraging a healthy respect for our environment. If you would like to find out more information about the SBGC, contact Rose Romboski by visiting http://www.ctcchest.org/content/southernbutler-county-garden-club.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
College & Career Fair Mars Area High School will be offering its annual College and Career Fair on Sept. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria. This event is open to students from surrounding schools and their parents, and will feature representatives from several colleges and universities, as well as businesses, technical schools and military recruiters. For more information on attending the event, please call 724.625.1581.
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Mars Area
Lending a Hand How one local bank’s history of service, award-winning track record, and desire to make responsible loans is making the difference right here in Valencia.
“While many other banks continue to find it challenging to help customers get the loans they need, we are actively lending,” says Frank Girardi, Manager at Northwest Savings Bank in Valencia. “Northwest is an experienced, local bank with expert lenders. Our low rates and fees make it easier to do what you need to do, with monthly payments to fit your budget,” Mr. Girardi adds. “Best of all, we can make it happen right here in our Valencia office.” Northwest Savings Bank prides itself on local decision making, quick turnaround, and competitive rates on: • Mortgages* with fast, free pre-qualifications so you can qualify before you buy. • Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit* to use your home to pay for the things you need. • Personal Loans* for other necessities, such as purchasing a car, consolidating debt, or paying for medical expenses.
In addition, Northwest Savings Bank has been nationally recognized for exceptional service and trust. For the third consecutive year, Northwest was awarded “Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Mid-Atlantic Region” by J.D. Power and Associates, 2010–2012. And, for the second time, in analyzing more than 8,000 publicly-traded companies across the country, Forbes named Northwest one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies in 2012. For 116 years, Northwest Savings Bank has been committed to the communities it serves. There are plenty of them, with 167 Northwest offices across four states — 28 right here in the Greater Pittsburgh area. loan?
Need a Manager Frank Girardi and Valencia’s Northwest Savings Bank can make it happen.
Northwest customers enjoy convenient services including Online Banking and Bill Pay, eStatementsplus, Mobile Banking, GO! Rewards Check Cards, and 43,000+ service charge free ATM locations. Not yet a Northwest customer? Interested in a loan? Visit Frank Girardi at Northwest’s Valencia office to get started today.
1421 Pittsburgh Road, Valencia (724) 443-6100 Frank Girardi, Manager Northwest Direct: 1-877-672-5678 www.northwestsavingsbank.com *Credit approval required. Northwest Savings Bank received the highest numerical score among retail banks in the Mid-Atlantic region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2012 Retail Banking Satisfaction Studies.SM Study based on 51,498 total responses measuring 31 providers in the Mid-Atlantic region (DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA & Wash., D.C.) and measures opinions of consumers with their primary banking provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed January-February, 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Member FDIC
FALL EVENTS sponsored by
Middlesex Twp. Parks and Recreation October 6 —Murder Mystery Dinner Theater (“I Loathe Lucy”) bus trip to Ligonier for a day of shopping, viewing historic Ligonier and solving a mystery. The bus leaves from the township parking lot and cost is $68/per person. Registration deadline is Sept. 3. Call Lenzner Tour and Travel at 1.800.342.2349 to register. See Middlesextownship.org or call the office (724.898.3571) for more details. October 27 —Beautify Middlesex Township Day!! We all know Middlesex Township is a great place to live but we need to be good stewards of the land. Pick a section of a twp. road and bag up the garbage. The twp. road crew will gather up the bags. Sign up for the road you will beautify at the twp. office. November 3 —Scrapbooking/Quilting/Crafting at the Municipal Bldg. from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Brown bag a lunch or take a break and go out. Each person will have an 8-ft. table for working. Snacks will be provided. Call 724.898.3571 to register by Sept. 17. $5 fee December 8 —Breakfast with Santa—9:00 -10:30 a.m. Bring your child for a light breakfast with Santa and a photo opportunity. Space is limited registration is needed by Dec 2. Limit of 50 children. Call 724.898.3571.
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Mars Area
It’s
Applefest
Time Again!
W
hen the scorching, hot weather finally breaks and a cool breeze sweeps across Mars, it can only mean one thing: Applefest! The Rich-Mar Rotary Club is sponsoring its annual event October 6. According to Gary Weston, president, there are more than 100 vendors scheduled to participate in this year’s event. Live entertainment will be going on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature local bands, choruses, rock and roll and many other music genres. There will also be lots of games especially for children. The Mars Area History and Landmark Society will have a car cruise and will offer rides on an authentic hand cart or pump trolley. “All of our vendors have free things that they give away,” says Weston, making an outing to the festival definitely worth the trip. Visitors can park at Vogel Disposal located on Brickyard Road, where a shuttle will be available. The festival is always a great time for everyone, but perhaps best of all, it’s a chance to help our neighbors.
“The event is a fundraiser that helps support all of our projects throughout the year,” says Weston. Some of those projects include college scholarships for area students, a study-abroad program, the Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, South Butler County Meals on Wheels, the Richland Youth Center and the Lighthouse Foundation. “We also are very involved in the cause of literacy and distribute dictionaries to all area third grade students and help support the Mars Area and Northern Tier libraries,” adds Weston. For more information about Applefest, please visit the website at www.marsapplefest.org. For information on the Rich-Mar Rotary Club, visit www.clubrunner.ca/rich-mar.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
The
that lives among us IN MARS AREA
by Pamela Palongue
A
few years ago, Dan Cavanaugh volunteered to be the bus captain for a group of World War II veterans making the trip to Washington, D.C., to visit their long awaited memorial. During the trip, Cavanaugh paused to talk to each of the passengers and listen to their personal accounts of the war. Their stories of a war fought over 60 years ago captivated him. But he noticed something else too: relating their experiences seemed to give them a sense of peace as well. Many of the veterans in their 80s and 90s had never told their story to a living human being before. Cavanaugh, the son of a WWII veteran who served in the 3rd Army, 65th Infantry under Gen. George Patton, began to formulate an idea where veterans could come together on a regular basis and share their stories and their camaraderie. With this in mind, he organized a breakfast in the spring of 2008 with about 30 veterans in attendance and the Veterans Breakfast Club was born. Since that time, the organization has grown to include several locations in the Pittsburgh area where veterans meet on a regular basis. On July 11, veterans gathered at the Mars VFW to recount their stories of service to their country in time of war. Historian Todd DePastino, also the son of a veteran, has joined ranks with Cavanaugh to help make sure that these snippets of history are not lost. Many of the veterans are older and unable to make long trips to memorial celebrations and reunions that they may have attended in the past. The locations serve as local gathering places for them to meet, enjoy a
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Mars Area
Warren Goss and Todd DePastino meal and share their experiences. The men are encouraged to bring photos of themselves during their service time which are displayed on a projector. “Once they enter the room, it’s as if they are transported back in time,” says DePastino. Music from the 1940s is played and posters from the era are displayed. The veterans share their stories by addressing the entire group and also informally. There is a majority of WWII veterans, however the club is not limited to one war or even to veterans. Anyone who is interested in attending and learning more about our nation’s conflicts from firsthand accounts of those who were at the forefront of the action are welcomed. DePastino recalls a 22-year-old veteran who attended the breakfast to share his story and it was eerily similar to the experiences of his elder counterparts. He also remembers the story of one gentleman who attended one of the breakfasts a year ago. The former airman served in the Army Air Corps in England during World War II. He recounted how the men would all sit around playing blackjack until they would get the call to go into action. Then hours later they would return and the empty chairs around the room served as a poignant reminder of those who did not return. Another gentleman who served in the 104th Timberwolf Infantry in Holland related a story of incredible coincidences.
He volunteered as an escort taking two German prisoners of war back to their detention site. Along the way, he noticed the Germans becoming very agitated when suddenly they both jumped on him. Although he must have initially thought they were attacking him, in actuality they were attempting to save his life because they heard the German war planes in the distance that subsequently fired upon them. He escaped unharmed, but later in the war when this same veteran suffered a gunshot wound, one of the German POWs who helped save his life was working as an orderly in the hospital where he was being treated. “At first glance, although some of these men may not look as though they would be very eloquent speakers, I’ve found that everyone is an expert at telling their own story,” says DePastino. The breakfast meetings regularly draw from around 60 to 150 people. Wives, children and interested members of the community are frequently in attendance. The Veterans Breakfast Club is a nonprofit organization. DePastino, already a published author of note, is organizing a narrative collection of veterans’ stories. “The telling of these stories has a therapeutic effect for these men,” says DePastino, “and it’s amazing to see the relief they feel of having finally shared their experiences.” We honor our veterans when we listen to their stories and perhaps even more so when we refuse to forget them.
VFW Post 7005 in Mars has the honor of having as club cook Trudie Rock, who has been baking cookies at her home for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning of the war in Iraq every Memorial Day. In 2008, to her surprise, three Marines in dress blues showed up at her door to present her with an award of appreciation. The award was presented by members of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, which flew missions to Herat and Bastion.
If you are interested in joining our veterans for breakfast, you may visit the Veterans Breakfast Club website at www.VeteransBreakfastClub. com for a schedule of upcoming events. Veterans, their spouses and all interested members of the community are welcome.
Photos by Gary Yon
Harry Kirsch and Commander Charles Kunzler
WW II
If you are interested in joining our veterans for breakfast, you may visit the Veterans Breakfast Club website at www.veteransbreakfastclub.com for a schedule of upcoming events. Veterans, their spouses and all interested members of the community are welcome.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
DA V E B E RT O N I / F I T T E R L E A D E R
SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY Peoples Natural Gas has launched an extensive program to modernize our infrastructure. More than $100 million has been invested to replace pipelines throughout our 16 county service territory. This means replacing over 40 miles of old cast-iron pipes and hiring additional pipeline workers and local contractors to do it. Last year, we brought back 200 family-sustaining jobs to the region. This pipeline replacement program is the first major construction initiative of Peoples Natural Gas and it has been made for your safety and the need to modernize our infrastructure for the future. Safety is the number one priority of Peoples Natural Gas. Every day we strive to keep our customers, our employees and our communities safe. Peoples Natural Gas would like to remind you to help us keep your community safe. Know what’s below. Call 811 before you dig. State law requires you to call 811 at least three days before you dig.
A lot of people talk about keeping our communities safe, we’re actually doing it.
WE’RE PEOPLES NATURAL GAS. YOUR HOMETOWN NATURAL GAS COMPANY.
Peoples Natural Gas has launched an extensive program to modernize our infrastructure. More than $100 million has been invested to replace pipelines throughout our 16 county service territory. This means replacing over 40 miles of old cast-iron pipes and hiring additional pipeline workers and local contractors to do it. Last year, we brought 200 jobs back to our region. These are not temporary jobs, but family sustaining jobs – the type of jobs that generations build on. Through the end of 2012, you will see Peoples Natural Gas employees hard at work on this project to improve the infrastructure of our communities. We will replace all the cast iron pipe in our entire system and continue to modernize our infrastructure in the years ahead. This is an extensive project and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete it. Peoples Natural Gas is once again a Western Pennsylvania managed company. All our management lives in the region. Our sole priority is serving our local communities. Our new company has refocused its total efforts right here. This pipeline replacement program is the first major construction initiative of Peoples Natural Gas and it has been made for your safety, and the need to modernize our infrastructure for the future. Safety is the number one priority of Peoples Natural Gas. Every day, we strive to keep our customers, our employees and our communities safe. Here are 3 Sensible Words about Natural Gas to help keep you and your family safe. Natural gas leaks are rare. But they can happen. Your senses will alert you if a leak occurs. SIGHT - Escaping gas affects the nutrients in soil, so discolored soil or dead vegetation near a pipeline may indicate a leak. Dirt or water blowing up from the group may indicate a natural gas leak. SOUND - Natural gas leaks may make a hissing or a high-pitched whistling noise. Noises will vary based on the line pressure. SMELL - A strong odor of natural gas can indicate unburned fuel in the air. Because the gas is odorless, a sulfur based odorant is added to give it a rotten-egg smell that warns of its presence. Be alert for this odorant or any petroleum smell.
Peoples Natural Gas emergency personnel are on duty to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you smell a natural gas odor, suspect a leak, or there is a fire, leave the area immediately and call the Peoples Natural Gas emergency service line at 1-800-400-4271.
WE’RE PEOPLES NATURAL W E’RE P EOPLES N AT U R A L GAS. GAS. HOMETOWN NATURAL YYOUR OUR H O M E TO W N N A T U R A L GAS G A S COMPANY. C O M P A N Y.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
The
Cat
That
Never
by Pamela Palongue
T
he old train station where the Mars Area History and Landmark Society gathers each week, holds a mysterious secret – a strange feline haunting. A curious case of natural mummification adds to the mystery of the bizarre circumstances of “Chessie,” the station cat. In earlier times, the train transported not only people but grain and apples from the area. A cat was kept at the station to chase away mice and other rodents that might get into the produce stored in the freight room area. One day in the 1930’s, Chessie disappeared and was never seen again. That is, until the Mars Area History and Landmark Society, (MAHLS), decided to move the 1897 train depot from it’s original location to the the present one at Irvine and East streets in 2000. The station was dismantled into six large sections and moved approximately 75 yards to the new site. Upon removing the freight room walls and flooring, there in the rubble was a mummified cat, perfectly preserved in the dry air below. According to MAHLS President John Watson, the cat had apparently become trapped underneath the freight room and slowly starved to death. With no meat left on his bones, Chessie did not attract the usual scavengers and was left to rest in peace, body intact. Upon discovering his corpse, the society members took the feline and carefully placed him in a glass case, proudly displaying him on the freight room wall when the historical society settled into its new location. Soon after, mysterious happenings began to take place, especially at night. Members would see a cat darting about which would seemingly disappear into thin air. Local residents would comment on the cat that would be perched on the window sill, looking out the station windows, thinking it belonged to the historical society. The building was kept locked at all times, preventing any stray animals from entering the premises – at least those with a pulse. Then one of the strangest occurrences of all began happening, the members would find cat paw prints in the
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Mars Area
Left sawdust of the station floor. Asked if these prints could belong to rodents or other creatures, Watson vehemently shakes his head ‘no.’ “They are definitely the paw prints of a cat,” says Watson who adds that many of the society members will not go into the freight room at night. “They really don’t like to talk about it.” One of the most disturbing occurrences happened with the first heavy autumn frost when paw prints were tracked all the way from inside the station to the original location of the depot down the street where they disappeared. “It was as if he wanted to go back to his original location,” says Watson who witnessed the prints in the frost firsthand. For individuals who would like to see the mummified cat, the train depot accepts visitors every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are of course encouraged to view the little station that serviced approximately 15 to 20 passengers on a busy day. In addition to the depot, there is a gift shop located in a caboose, a late 19th century working windmill and a small trolley station from 1905. “The trolley station was located on a farmer’s land. He contacted us and we moved the station here. A week later, a tornado came through and destroyed the farmer’s barn, which would have no doubt destroyed the trolley station as well,” muses Watson. The historical society will participate in Applefest, held the first Saturday in October. “We have a handcar, once used by gandy dancers, that folks can get on and ride a ways down the track and also we will have a bouncy castle,” notes Watson. The event helps to support MAHLS, along with the RichMar Rotary Club. At Christmas, the turn-of-the-century train station will be decorated for the holidays. MAHLS has approximately 20 active members. “We would like to have enough members to keep the train station open on Saturdays. Like everyone else, we are always needing new members,” explains Watson. As the weather begins to cool and the heavy autumn frosts begin to blanket the ground, you just might see the paw prints of Chessie dotting the station sidewalks, or perhaps the curious cat might be seen peering from a century-old window. A visit to the station just might jostle the restless spirit of the illusive feline, but whatever you do, don’t go at night. For more information on the Mars Area History and Landmark Society, please visit the website at www.marshistory.org.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
By Amanda Fastuca
The prospect of bringing a pet into the family might come up every now and then in conversation, with questions still up in the air. The truth is, it all depends on which house pet is right for you. According to the 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association (APPA), in the National Pet Owners Survey, researchers found that there are about 72.9 million households in the United States that have at least one pet. That’s more than 60 percent of the U.S. population who are considered pet owners! This number has drastically increased within the last 20 years. The survey’s results also show that the benefits of owning a pet include relieving stress, creating companionship, and just making a pleasant change in your daily life. Describing only a few of the many household pets in the U.S., it’s proven that those who have a close relationship with their animals tend to live a longer and healthier life. It especially helps those who might suffer from depression or illnesses. 18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Mars Area
–––––– FISH –––––– There are currently about 151.1 million freshwater fish that are owned within the U.S., making them the number one household pet. Because of the way fish peacefully glide through the water, they are known to have a calming effect on their owners. Fish are also an easier, less expensive alternative to a larger pet. Although the prices can vary, depending on the type of fish and aquarium, fish are generally an affordable investment. Owning fish requires little maintenance; however it is very important that they are still cared for on a regular basis. The main and most important responsibilities in caring for fish are as follows: • Appropriate feeding • Checking water temperature and equipment • Cleaning the tank or aquarium when necessary
–––––– CATS –––––– Cats are the second most popular pets owned in the United States. With 86.4 million house cats, they are an affordable way to add a loving animal member to your home. For the most part, cats are easy to maintain. Because they have a natural instinct to clean themselves, frequent bathing is not necessary. Although commitment and plenty of care is essential, house cats usually don’t require too much attention, making them great pets for those who are generally busy throughout the day. Prices also vary when it comes to choosing the right cat. Some breeds range from 500-1,000 dollars, plus other expenses like food, vaccines, operations and other necessities. However, adoptions from shelters are becoming more and more popular. Cat adoption varies from about 100-150 dollars, making the purchase much more affordable. In fact, many cat lovers might agree that adoption is the best way to go.
–––––– DOGS –––––– Number three on the list of the most-owned house pets belongs to “man’s best friend,” a dog. There are about 78.2 million domestic dogs in the U.S. With their energetic personalities and great sense of companionship, dogs require the most attention. Depending on the breed, grooming and hygiene care must be taken with full responsibility. Along with grooming comes time and commitment to training and building a strong relationship. Training can be time consuming, but is well worth it when accomplished. As most of us already know, dogs are known to be quite active and playful. According to the previously mentioned survey, 40 percent of dog owners say that they are more motivated to exercise on a regular basis than those who do not own a dog. Like cats, dogs can get quite expensive as well, depending on the breed. Purchasing a pet-quality puppy can be anywhere from about 300 to over 1,500 dollars. However, adoption can go as low as 60-70 dollars. Additional costs also must be kept in mind. When the topic of animal shelters and adoption comes about, certain points should be highly considered. With such a low percentage of rescued pets being returned to their original owners, about 5-7 million animals are kept in a shelter or rescue society.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
s r ry a a Mbr i is L
Out of This
World R
ecently, local kids got the opportunity to learn about our solar system when the Carnegie Science Center partnered with the Mars Area Library. The children represented the different planets to learn how they revolve around the sun and the different speeds at which they travel. They also learned about spaceships and science topics related to space.
Zachary Weber
Photos by Ginography 20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Mars Area
UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Get Ready for Fall Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
What’s Inside 2
A Better Plan of Care for Spinal Tumors
3
Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
4
A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
6
Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
7
Welcoming New Physicians What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant
© 2012 UPMC
A Better Plan of Care for Spinal Tumors At UPMC Passavant, a team of experts stands ready to care for patients with spinal tumors — from diagnosis to recovery.
Bill Marticorena says he was a lucky man when a gallbladder attack took him to UPMC Passavant’s Emergency Department (ED). “An ED doctor noticed a shadow on one of the imaging tests taken. Just before my gallbladder surgery, I learned it was a spinal tumor that probably wouldn’t have been caught until much later,” says the Butler resident.
The difference at UPMC Passavant “Neurosurgeons typically operate on tumors contained in the spinal cord. But depending on their type, size, and location, other specialists are often needed,” explains Dr. El-Kadi. Under his direction, UPMC Passavant has developed a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals for spinal cord patient care. Specialists include neurologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists. “We each tackle the problem from our different areas of expertise, eliminating the need for patients to travel to multiple locations for care,” says Dr. El-Kadi. ”Our approach also helps eliminate duplicated tests and medications, things that can occur when patients are treated by multiple doctors.”
A record of excellence Dr. El-Kadi enlisted Rodney Landreneau, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at UPMC Passavant, to assist in Bill’s surgery. Dr. Landreneau provided access to Bill’s spinal tumor and helped minimize the disturbance to key organs and critical blood vessels in the thoracic cavity. Together, the two physicians have treated many patients with cancerous spine tumors for more than 15 years.
UPMC Passavant’s Spine Center specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery, performed in an operating room with state-of-the-art navigation.
Spinal tumors are rare. They can affect the bones in the spinal cord or the spinal canal, leading to pain and paralysis. They’re often misdiagnosed because the symptoms — such as lower back pain (especially at night) and numbness in the feet that can work its way up the leg — mimic other medical problems. “Bill’s case was unusual, because he was virtually symptomless. Though it was caught early, his tumor was large and potentially life-threatening,” says Matt El-Kadi, MD, chief of neurosurgery at UPMC Passavant. “It started in the spinal canal and grew toward the thoracic cavity where the heart and lungs are located. The tumor was next to the aorta, the largest artery in the body.”
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“Thanks to Dr. El-Kadi’s leadership, UPMC Passavant is recognized as a leading regional and national center for complex spinal surgeries that require open spinal exposure,” says Dr. Landreneau. The hospital’s achievements have been documented in the Journal of Surgery and other major medical publications. “We’re able to give patients comprehensive care, from initial diagnosis and surgery to post-op rehabilitation,” adds Dr. Landreneau. “All the tools needed for quality care are located here, including physical therapy, oncology services, and connections to community services.” Bill’s good luck continued after surgery. His tumor was benign, enabling him to return to work full time. He’s now looking forward to retirement next year. “Dr. El-Kadi and Dr. Landreneau made a great team,” he says. “I’m very grateful to them, and to the careful eye of the ED doctor who first caught my tumor.” For more information about the Spine Center, visit UPMCPassavant.com.
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Give Your Back a Break Tips that can help you avoid back pain. Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away. Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.
Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.
What is PRP therapy? PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
Who should use PRP therapy? “PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds. To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following: Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier. Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles. Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either. Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load. Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt. Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if: • You have pain after a fall or injury. • You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. • The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. • The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss. Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today. Source: National Institutes of Health
It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including: • Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.
Is PRP therapy covered by insurance? Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.” For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.
1-800-533-UPMC
3
A Partnership of Hope and Transformation Every year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.
Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cuttingedge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).
A network like no other UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC Passavant — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients. “One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”
Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts “Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.
p UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.
“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter. “From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”
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“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”
Pillar I: Clinical Care From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include: • Conventional chemotherapy • Stem cell transplants • Biological therapy
• Targeted therapies • Hormone therapy • Perfusion therapy
Pillar III: Research UPCI physicians and scientists are recognized leaders in molecular and medical oncology research. Their primary goal is to discover new ways to prevent, treat, and cure all types of cancer, particularly those with the lowest survival rates. Working hand-in-hand with UPMC CancerCenter, UPCI’s investigators strive to translate their research into actual treatment. More than 300 clinical trials now underway at UPCI give patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they are broadly available. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 12th most-funded cancer research institution, UPCI received more than $174 million in support in 2011. UPCI is also western Pennsylvania’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. p Mark Sosinski, MD, a nationally recognized lung cancer specialist who joined the UPMC CancerCenter and UPCI team in 2011, says “This was a good fit for me and my research, but the strong leadership really stood out.”
The UPMC CancerCenter radiation oncology network includes 16 community-based radiation oncology centers and 10 dual radiation and medical oncology centers. Many of these sites offer innovative, advanced technology that allows for more precise tumor imaging and radiation treatment. The surgical oncology network specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including many rare and difficult tumors. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians has attracted national attention for work in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery; specialized procedures, such as the pancreatic Whipple; and regional perfusion therapy, which directs high concentrations of chemotherapy to the tumor site.
Pillar II: Specialized Care For patients with challenging or late-stage cancers, UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center is a beacon of hope and innovation. It is home to internationally regarded surgical, medical, and radiation oncology specialists who perform treatments and procedures unavailable elsewhere in the region. Hillman also has the area’s most advanced imaging technologies to detect cancer and monitor treatment. Nationally ranked Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features dedicated and comprehensive women’s cancer care, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. For patients with hard-to-treat cancers, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter offer disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics called Specialty Care Centers (SCC) designed to provide quick access to leading specialists. Many SCC reviews are done over the Internet, eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer is provided at the highly-ranked Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
Hillman Cancer Center Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary When the Hillman Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002, it was hailed as an architectural gem — its spectacular, glass-block walled atrium serving as a symbolic link between research and patient care. Today, Hillman Cancer Center is the treatment and research flagship of the growing UPMC CancerCenter network. A 350,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center, Hillman is home to UPMC CancerCenter’s pre-eminent clinical care for patients and UPCI’s internationally recognized academic and research programs. Here, patients and their families have access to specialized cancer diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment, including multidisciplinary outpatient stem cell transplant services. Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under construction at Hillman Cancer Center. u
Opening in January 2013, the new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans, and long-term follow-up services to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood malignancies. For more information, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests New state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.
It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care. That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.
“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”
Emphasizing patient and family-centered care Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television. “Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”
p The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.
“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.” Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent. “Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.
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Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact. “We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.” Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee. The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing. q
Welcoming New Physicians To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Gwynne Bragdon, MD Orthopaedics
Erek Matthew Lam, MD Neurology
Brian Thomas McLaughlin, MD Oncology
Patrick McGraw Kortebein, MD Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation
Chetan Malik, MD Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation
Kathleen M. Meehan, MD Family Practice
Neeta P. Pathe, MD Oncology
What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant These free events are offered by UPMC Passavant and the Passavant Hospital Foundation. Peripheral Artery Disease. . . Are You a Risk Taker? Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CCAC North Campus
Four out of five adults will experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. Dr. Mustovic will discuss the common causes and treatment of back pain in seniors and answer your questions.
Sounds of the Season Holiday Music Concert Legacy Music Series Friday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.
Speaker: Luke Marone, MD, chief of vascular surgery, UPMC Passavant
Please call 412-367-6640 to register.
Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre, Cumberland Woods Village
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common yet serious disease that occurs when extra cholesterol and fat circulating in the blood collects on the walls of the arteries. Individuals with PAD are at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Get more information about PAD diagnosis and treatment at this seminar.
Food Busters – Debunking Common Food Myths
The Passavant Hospital Foundation invites you to enjoy this special holiday program. Reservations suggested.
Please call 412-369-3701 to register for this free course #YEB-254-1450.
Food and nutrition myths have been passed around for ages. Find out about food myths that are old wives’ tales and not actual fact. Space is limited.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Back and Neck Pain Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CCAC North Campus Speaker: Scott G. Rainey, DO, orthopaedic spine surgery specialist, Tri Rivers Surgical Associates Dr. Rainey will discuss back and neck pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spinal arthritis and answer questions. Space is limited. Please call 412-369-3701 to register for this free course #YEB-254-1450. Common Causes and Treatment for Back Pain in Seniors Wednesday, Oct. 17, 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: Ellen Mustovic, MD, UPMC Rehabilitation Institute
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CCAC North Campus
For more information, please call 412-367-6640.
Speakers: Caroline Claus, MS, RD, LDN, and Samantha Mendelowitz, RD, LDN, Nutrition Services, UPMC Passavant
Bridge to Hope Family Support Group Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center, Cumberland Woods Village
Please call 412-369-3701 to register for this free course #YEB-254-1450.
The Bridge to Hope support group provides education and support to families touched by addiction. Anonymity respected. No registration necessary.
Healthy Living with Diabetes
Please call 412-367-6640 to register.
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 12:30 p.m.
Beyond the Bridge to Hope Bereavement Support Group
Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: Patrick McCarthy, RN, manager, Healthy Lifestyles Center; diabetic educator, UPMC Passavant Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. One in three has diabetes but hasn’t been diagnosed. This informative session will cover the basics: what is diabetes, medicines available for treatment, and current recommendations for staying healthy with diabetes. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.
Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Conference Room #2 Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center, Cumberland Woods Village A monthly support group for adult family members who have experienced the death of a loved one due to drug or alcohol abuse. Meetings are facilitated by a certified grief counselor. Free of charge. No registration necessary. For more information, please call 412-367-6643.
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC Passavant 9100 Babcock Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
Follow UPMC on Facebook.
One place for world-class spinal care in your neighborhood. If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, put your trust in the experts at UPMC Passavant. Our world-class, specially trained surgical team delivers high-quality care for spinal injuries and painful disk conditions, including highly advanced fusion techniques and the latest in minimally invasive procedures. And with the addition of several high-tech operating rooms in our new pavilion, our surgeons have access to real-time, integrated, 3-D imaging. This can increase the accuracy of stabilization techniques, minimize operating time, and enable surgeons to perform more complex procedures closer to your home. We even offer a full range of nonsurgical options, including on-site physical and occupational therapy programs. It all adds up to the premier spine care center north of the city.
Call us at 1-800-553-UPMC or visit UPMCPassavant.com
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. 820-56_UPMC_Spine_7.5x7.25.indd 1
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King Orthodontics:
Changing
the Impression of
Orthodontic Treatment
O
rthodontic treatment is seldom described as comfortable. In fact, often people will forego treatment because of how uncomfortable the procedures or appliances can be, but that is all changing. Today’s orthodontic treatment reaches far beyond expectations of patients and offers many more comfortable alternatives to some traditional procedures. Once you agree to orthodontic treatment, normally a team member would take an impression or mold of your teeth using a gooey material and trays. This procedure tends to makes patients anxious and can be uncomfortable. Today, with the use of cutting edge technology like the IOC Scanner, orthodontists are able to virtually eliminate those types of impressions. King Orthodontics is the first orthodontic practice in Western Pennsylvania to implement the scanner for use in orthodontic treatment.
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Mars Area
With the IOC Scanner their technician uses a wand to take digital snapshots of your teeth and then strings those snapshots together to create a 3-D image that the doctors can use in the same way they would traditional models. This process takes no longer than tray impressions and is much more comfortable for many patients. Joan, an adult patient who had put off treatment due to the uncomfortable impression process, said, “When my friend told me that King Orthodontics used a scanner instead of the ‘goop’ I called right away. I am so glad I did. I have seen such a difference in my smile in just a few weeks.” The IOC Scanner has allowed King Orthodontics to treat many patients in a new way. The digital impressions are used to help produce everything from expanders and retainers to Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. When discussing the accuracy of the scans, Dr. Bryan King has said, “we are noticing that the scans provide a much more accurate starting point for the production of the appliances. We are finding that the Invisalign aligners and all of our appliances in general are fitting much better. This means much less discomfort for the patients at the time of the initial insertion.” Being highly trained and proficient with new technology has been something the doctors and team at King Orthodontics have always strived for. In January 2012 the doctors were ranked among the Top 1% of the nation’s providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. This experience, which is unmatched in Western Pennsylvania, allows the doctors of King Orthodontics to treat some of the most difficult orthodontic cases with Invisalign. That means patients receive a more comfortable and convenient treatment that works with their lifestyle when compared to traditional bracket and wire treatment. For over 30 years King Orthodontics has been a technology driven practice. “We try to be in touch with what the newest technology is out there. We do our research, get the training and evaluate the results before we bring it to our patients. So that by the time patients are in the chair for treatment they know that we have done all we can to provide the best possible result,” said Dr. Earle King. “Our patients are pretty savvy nowadays. They can do a web search for orthodontic treatment and get so much information. It is our responsibility to keep abreast of the latest technology, which is something we take very seriously.” King Orthodontics has two locations in the Greater Pittsburgh area—11200 Perry Highway, Wexford and 951 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information about orthodontic treatment including Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, visit www.kingorthodontics. com. Call today and set up a free consultation at Wexford: 724.935.5323 or Pittsburgh: 412.246.0600.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
T
he fall is not just a time of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s a time when the dormant diesel engines of the school buses fire up, SAT applications and college inquiry letters are sent, and students return to college campuses across the nation. In the United States, education is a $900 billion a year business, and that investment, by federal and state government along with parents and students often via loans, is a testament as to how important learning is to making a name for yourself in the world.
★ Trade Schools and Vocational Careers: While vocational training can start in high school, thanks to regional vocational/technical centers that serve school districts, post-high school programs can take graduates from apprentices to masters of their field. What’s more, vocational programs aren’t like they used to be in the latter half of the 20th century. Today’s vocational schools still cover trades such as carpentry, plumbing and stonemasonry, but they also excel in specialty fields such as computer networking, HVAC, and robotics.
Fortunately, for individuals and the economy as a whole, everyone is different and educational opportunities abound for people no matter what their interests or aptitudes.
★ Online Learning: Online learning is a relatively new form of degree program using the power of the Internet to bring students and schools together. Also known as E-learning or distance education, online programs have brought some big names into the fold as Harvard and MIT recently joined forces, offering a variety of free, online courses. Online education typically costs less than bricks-and-mortar schools.
★ College: College remains one of the most traditional avenues for graduated high school students to pursue. Colleges can be public or private and offer two-year or four-year degrees. While post-secondary education is not a requirement for securing work, those who obtain a college degree can expect estimated lifetime earnings of $2.1 million, according to the US Census Bureau. A master’s degree boosts that to $2.5 million, a professional degree averages $4.4 million, and a doctoral degree $3.4 million. High school graduates are estimated to earn just $1.2 million over the course of their lifetime, according to the same report. With over 80% of Mars Area High School graduates continuing on to college, choosing the right institution of higher learning is a must.
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Mars Area
★ Financing Education: No matter where you end up after high school, chances are you’re going to need to take out a few loans to make your goals attainable. Student loans come in a variety of forms ranging from federal to private. Scholarships often are attainable for eligible students, and are nice to have, but realistic students shouldn’t expect to garner enough scholarship money to cover their entire academic career. Programs such as the Federal Stafford Loan can offset up to $23,000 of tuition, which can be increased to $46,000 if parents do not qualify for the Parent PLUS program. The downside to student loans is that you will be graduating with substantial debt to pay down. The upside, however, is that student loan interest rates are generally low, tax deductible, and the loans themselves can be deferred until you are in a position to make payments on them, such as the time necessary for you to find a job.
Our Back to School ★ Benefits of tutoring services: One of the keys to acquiring scholarships is good grades. While that’s totally on the student to achieve, there are many services available that can help that student put in the extra effort to make the grade. From SAT preparation centers to study centers that cover a broader range of curricula, these investments are well worth the cost if the result is several thousand dollars coming off your tuition bill because you got a 4.0 versus a 3.8 GPA. ★ Private Schools: Private schools are a popular option for parents when it comes to picking an education for their child. A study found that students who attend private school tend to score higher on standardized tests, and private schools send more graduates to college than public schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools also tend to have a lower number of students, leading to a more effective student-teacher relationship. If a student tends to seek more attention or one-on-one help from teachers, private schools might have more benefits. Private schools also create their own funding, including tuition, grants, and fundraising. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of private school tuition tends to be around $17,441. ★ Benefits of Preschools: When it comes to early cognitive development, researchers have found that children who attend preschool tend to show higher intelligence quotients than those who do not, according to Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Although sending your child to preschool can help academically, it also improves his/her early social skills. Preschool is the time when children become aware of sharing and learning how to interact with one another. The classroom gives the young students a friendly, safe environment that allows them to grow and prepare for the later education in kindergarten and grade school. Children who attend preschool are usually between 3-5 years old. ★ Special Needs Education: Technology has opened many educational doors to children with disabilities. Alternative solutions from the world of technology are accommodating physical, sensory, communication or cognitive impairments in many ways. Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. It can include mobility devices (walkers and wheelchairs), as well as both low and high-tech solutions that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or general education materials. For example, children with limited hand function may use a pencil grip for handwriting or an adapted keyboard to use a computer. Children with a speech/language impairment may use a high-tech solution such as a speech generating device to communicate.
PARTNERS
The Linda Lanham Zeszutek School Program provides comprehensive special education and therapy services individually designed to meet the needs of children ages 3-8 with special needs. Four community locations (North Hills, Strip District, Baldwin and Easter Seals Western Murrysville) offer small class sizes and a Pennsylvania Linda low staff-to-student ratio. Full-day program Lanham Zeszutek provided during the school year with School 412-281-7244 X 269 additional summer programming available or tmori@westernpa. for qualifying students. Disability awareness and inclusion education is provided through easterseals.com preschool integration opportunities. Since 1878, MHY Family Services (MHYFS), formerly Mars Home for Youth, is committed to providing a sanctuary to help youth (ages 9-18) heal and cope with psychological and social traumatic experiences. Through the MHY Family Services implementation of Sanctuary Model, MHYFS 724-625-3141 provides a safe and connected community for clients to actively engage in treatment and programming that encourage healthy recovery, and growth. Located in Mars, visit www.mhyfamilyservices.org. MHYFS is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.
St. Alexis Catholic School 724-935-3940
Saint Alexis Catholic School provides a faithbased, student-centered learning environment from age two through eighth grade. Pre-school programs and an accredited elementary and middle school are offered with full and half-day kindergarten. Our middle school students score significantly above national averages on Terra Nova standardized tests. Students receive instruction in Spanish, computers, music and art beginning in kindergarten. Extracurricular activities include forensics, Girl and Boy Scouts, afterschool art programs, a variety of athletics and cheerleading.
An Assistive Technology Team consists of specialists with backgrounds in occupational therapy, physical therapy, education and speech-language pathology. They strive to provide best practice to support the success of special education students in the areas of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Services may include training and support for AT and AAC systems and strategies, as well as for the adaptation and modification of curriculum. The AT team works in partnership with the educational team which includes families. No matter what your path in life may be, being prepared academically for that path is the key to future success. Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
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Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
Mars Back
to School
by Pamela Palongue
C
hildren everywhere are dreading the sound of those three little words that mean that summer vacation time is over : “back to school.” Though they may be a bit resistant to returning to the daily grind of rising early, most kids love school after they get over the initial shock of being awake before 8 a.m. But the difference in routine is not just about kids, it’s about everyone who will be out on the roadways when children are scattered around the area. The safety of our school children is especially important for the Mars Borough Police, who held a bicycle safety program this summer for local residents. They would encourage all drivers to remember that school areas will once again be full of life and to take a little extra precaution when approaching them.
✐ According to SafeKids.org, drivers should slow down, taking
extra time to watch for kids at intersections and on medians. Many children will linger on the curb of the street, dangerously close to traffic. Be sure to give them a wide berth.
✐ It goes without saying that drivers should be especially alert in
school zones, but kids will fan out in every direction for several blocks, so it’s important to watch for one or two children who may be easily missed because they are a good distance from the
Everyone Has a Story Would you or someone you know like to be featured IN Mars Area Magazine for our newest feature - Resident Profiles? Please suggest a resident for the community to get to know! Email our editor at p.palongue@ incommunitymagazines.com
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Safety is for Everyone school. It’s important to keep an eye on the time, and if it’s earlier than 9 a.m. or later than 2:30 p.m., there’s a good chance that children may be out on the streets.
✐ Exit driveways slowly, since many times sidewalks cross the
driveway. Although many children are excellent at looking both ways before crossing a street, they frequently forget to watch for cars backing out of driveways when on the sidewalk.
✐ A great tip for anyone of any age is to avoid cell phone usage altogether while driving.
✐ No talking or texting while the car is in motion. While a person
drinking is five times more likely to have an accident, a person texting is 23 times more likely to have an accident, according to The NoPhoneZone.org. In fact, even talking on the cell phone is dangerous because the driver is likely so engrossed in the conversation his/her level of alertness is greatly diminished. If you must use your cell phone, pull over in a convenient parking lot.
✐ Parents can help prevent accidents from happening by walking
the route that children will be taking from school. By actually walking the same path with them, parents can make children aware of possible dangers and also familiarize them with the safest
STOP
route possible. SafeKids.org recommends that children be accompanied by an adult when crossing the street until they are 10 years old.
✐ Children should only cross the street at
corners and use the traffic signals. They should NEVER run out into the street or enter the roadway from between parked cars. When exiting the school bus, they should always walk in front of the bus so that the driver is aware that they are there.
✐ Drivers should ALWAYS stop when the school bus stops, whether
you are behind the bus or meeting the bus on the roadway. This is a state law which carries hefty fines for violation of it.
With a little effort on our part, these safety precautions will very quickly become routine and make the streets a little safer for everyone.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
Haunted Halloween
F
at the Adams Township Park
or the third year, the Parks and Recreation committee will be hosting its Haunted Halloween event. Residents are invited to the Rotary pavilion on October 27 at 1:00 p.m. to take part in spooky fun! Wear your costume for the costume contest and take part in scary fun crafts. There will also be games such as pumpkin bowling, bean bag toss and bobbing for apples with a twist – there’s no bucket of water here – you have to eat the apple off of a hanging string with no hands! But the fun doesn’t stop there… Weird Eric will mystify everyone with his own magic styling. If you haven’t seen him before, you are in for a trick and a treat! His use of comedy, stage magic, sleight of hand and even mind reading will keep everyone – including the biggest critics – on their toes. This is surely an event you don’t want to miss! Look for registration information on the website and in fliers closer to the event.
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You don’t have to live with painful varicose and spider veins. Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?
Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at the end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answer questions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were very important as were the answers that were given. Here are some examples:
What is Phlebology?
Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement of this field are The American College of Phlebology and the American Venous Forum.
Why should I see a board-certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins?
When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important to be proactive in the choice and research of who will become medically responsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venous disease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision. Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who has taken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often a member of organizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additional requirements set by the certifying board. After meeting these requirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him or herself as board-certified.
Is membership the same as board certification?
This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many different organizations, these organizations only require an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification where qualification is determined through training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology and those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”
I had a free screening at a health fair and was told that I don’t have venous disease, but I still have aching, pain and discoloration at the ankles. What should I do?
While free screenings can be informative, remember that this is just a brief glance into a patient’s venous system. A complete venous exam and venous mapping by a boardcertified phlebologist is best to determine if a patient has venous disease. Since a proper venous ultrasound is such an integral part of this evaluation, the American College of Phlebology has set requirements for it that include the following: • A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician. • A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may result in outright treatment failure. • Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters. • A venous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and then interpreted by a physician.
If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office? Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘free’ because patients are often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, most insurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questions about the second opinion being covered, contact member services on the back of your insurance card.
This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider. Terrance R. Krysinski, MD General Surgeon Board Certified Phlebologist Vein Institute of Pittsburgh 724.934.VEIN (8346)
724-934-VEIN (8346) Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
or some, the smell of car wax, the heat of the springtime sunshine and the strains of Fifties music take them back to their younger days. In their minds, they go back to a time when having good weather and a great car for the afternoon, and the free time to enjoy it, were all that you needed for some fun. Nostalgia lovers, dust off the Turtle Wax car polish and break out the buffer. Thankfully, it’s again the time of year when you can lower the convertible roof on the car and go cruising, allowing the wind to blow through your hair, smelling the spring flowers and watching the gawkers staring at you as you roll past them in your classic car. After all, what’s the sense of having an antique car or a classic muscle car if you can’t show it off and allow others to enjoy it? Sharing the love of design, beauty and mechanics of a classic car or muscle car is part of the joy of collecting such vehicles. It also can be a quick cure for any lingering winter blues. The weather has warmed up—prematurely, in the eyes of some weather observers—but not too early for the many car buffs in Western Pennsylvania who have been waiting for
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the Car Cruise season to begin. Car cruises are an American tradition in which owners of classic and highperformance cars meet together in parking lots and other wide-open spaces to show off their vehicles and to enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun with other car lovers. Often these events include music or entertainment and food, and sometimes, they even have races. Western Pennsylvania is home to many of these events, thanks to the gearheads who live in the region. Here is a sampling of some of the many popular car cruises in the Pittsburgh area: Mineral Beach (in Finleyville) – This popular event happens every Friday night starting the first Friday in May, and often includes motorcycles as well as cars. This larger cruise usually includes several hundred cars. Wendy’s (in Peters Township, along Rt. 19) – This cruise is every Monday night beginning April 16th, and is a smaller cruise that usually has about 50 to 100 cars. McDonald’s (Meadowlands - Racetrack Road) – This event is held every other Saturday, beginning May 5. It is a medium-sized cruise is sponsored by The Washington Cruisers Car Club (www.washingtoncruisers.com). Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise (Wexford) – Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is held every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting May 25, through Labor Day. This is one of the largest weekly cruises in the region, and usually has more than 1000 cars attending each week. The Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is free and is hosted and presented by North Way Christian Community (www. starlitecarcruise.com). Ultimate Car Cruise (Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills) – Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 16 through October. This cruise and many others can be found listed at the website www.carcruises.com. Flashlight Drags (Waynesburg) – Features a car show, a car cruise, a vendors midway,
music, food and more. The idea behind this event sprang from the need for local hot rodders to have a place to legally and safely race each other. The essence of the event is providing a safe environment in which to enjoy the excitement of street racing, with an equal measure of nostalgia— which is where the antique and classic cars displayed at the event make their greatest impact www.flashlightdrags. com. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix International Car Show (Schenley Park, Pittsburgh) – Held every July and touted by international media including National Geographic magazine, the Vintage Grand Prix once hosted competitive races between racers in vintage cars around the park’s winding roads, but for years the entire event has been for show, and as always, still benefits charity. More than 2,000 cars, many of them very high-end, will be displayed at the event, in which all makes of car are welcome. Held annually since 1983, the Vintage Grand Prix has raised more than $2.75 million to benefit autistic and developmentally disabled people. All local car cruises are weather-dependent. Check the web sites for each cruise regularly to determine if a cruise will be held when foul weather could be imminent. While each car cruise is unique in its location and the makeup of vehicles, owners, and attractions, every car buff comes to the hobby by his or her own path. It could have started with a secret childhood yearning for a hot rod, or by catching a glimpse of something extraordinary in a shop window, seen totally by happenstance. Like a lover retelling the story of his romance, each classic car owner has a tale to tell about how he and his car were united.
1957 Jee p David BrFC150, udy
By Amanda Fastuca
D
ave Brudy, CEO of the DRB Group, LLC, has found a new interest in restoring old, vintage cars. Brudy has restored four in the past and is currently working on a very rare project – a 1957 Jeep FC150. “I restore cars that are a little bit strange and off-beat,” he says. “[Most people have] probably never even seen one of these cars that I’m working on right now and I know that I’ve never seen them before in my life.” After doing research, Brudy said only about 14,000 of the1957 FC150s were made. “If I were to give an estimate, I’d say there are probably only about 50 of them left on Earth today. That’s how rare they are,” he added. The old jeep, which has been stripped down to nothing, is now being rebuilt and repainted with a similar version of the unique green color of the original. Brudy hopes to be done with the restoration within the next two months. Brudy enjoys the feeling of success after returning a run-down automobile back to roadworthy condition. However, his intentions are not to turn an old car into a completely different style. “I restore the cars that I invest in to the way they originally came off the assembly line, or better,” he says. “But I will never turn the car into a hot rod or into something that it’s not.” It usually takes several months for Brudy to complete each project, give or take. However, the time consuming process doesn’t keep him from finishing what he has started. “It’s interesting,” he says. “I found the car that I’m working on now on the Internet. I did research on it and found that it was very rare. So I decided to fix it up. It’s just something that I like to do to restore a part of history. And it feels good to be able to take something from 1957, which was before I was even born, and bring it back to life again. I think the amount of time it takes to finish each one is half of the journey. The fixing-up is more exciting than actually having it in the end.” Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
Professional Artist Hosts
Watercolor Workshop
“When I have worked with students at my studio and then here today, they persist through it and finally get that ‘Aha!’ moment. When that happens it is so joyful.” – Maria Kovalenko Leysens.
by Kathy Rudolph
A
fter 10 minutes of listening to Maria Kovalenko Leysens and experiencing her fresh, laid-back approach to teaching kids about watercolor painting techniques, you immediately want to sign up for one of her art classes. An award-winning, professional artist who has her own art studio in Mars where she teaches kid and adult classes, Ms. Kovalenko Leysens took some time to spend the day with Mars Area High School art students to help them develop their talents. “These kids are so capable and they all came in wanting to learn and have fun,” she said. “They have such a good base and we are just building on that. They learn from a nice art program here.” There is no lesson plan for what she taught them at the workshop. “Each crowd tells me what they want to learn,” said Ms. Kovalenko Leysens. “I came in here equipped with seven projects and the kids led me to where they needed to go. Today I have been giving them stepby-step demonstrations so they can see how I do it; not necessarily that I have the right way or the only way. Everyone has their own technique and we tried many different types of techniques and styles today.” Sometimes learning a new technique can be difficult and you just have to stick with it. 42 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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“When I have worked with students at my studio and then here today, they persist through it and finally get that ‘Aha!’ moment,” said Ms. Kovalenko Leysens. “When that happens it is so joyful. The entire class here has been so supportive; when somebody gets it, they all celebrate and congratulate that person.” The Mars Area High School art department is staffed by Mrs. Rita Johnson and Mrs. Erin Sloan and they came up with the idea of a workshop with Ms. Kovalenko Leysens. “My sons were in school here and I was just talking with the teachers and they knew that I was in the watercolor society, had won prizes and had my own studio,” said Ms. Kovalenko Leysens. “We discussed having a workshop and took a couple of years to get together. I am just having a blast today!” The teachers appreciate the opportunity. “Maria Kovalenko Leysens is a talented artist and a valuable resource in our community,” said Mrs. Sloan. “We are exceptionally grateful that she is willing to share her time with students at Mars Area High School. It is a rare opportunity for students to spend an entire day immersed in a visual arts experience, especially in light of recent cuts to programs and services not directly linked with state mandated testing. This serves as a testament to the commitment of our administration to educate a well-rounded student. We are very proud to be allied with leadership that is independent, creative and willing to stand up for the arts!” To learn more about Maria Kovalenko Leysens, visit the website www.mklart.blogspot.com.
Mars Area Middle School Student Wins State Chemistry Competition
E
van Deddo, a seventh grader from Mars Area Middle School, represented Pennsylvania in a nationwide chemistry competition which was held June 25 in Philadelphia. The National You Be The Chemist Challenge is an academic competition for students in the fifth through eighth grades, held by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF). Deddo won at the local and state levels in order to compete with 21 other participants in the national contest. According to Laurel Brent of CEF, the challenge is similar to a spelling bee format, but with questions relating to chemistry. “It truly is an honor to even make it to the national level. The amount of information that [competitors] are responsible for knowing is staggering,” she adds.
Students were questioned on chemistry concepts, important discoveries and chemical safety awareness. “The Challenge exposes students to the fascinating world of chemistry as it applies to their everyday lives, allowing them to gain a greater appreciation of how chemistry and chemicals will continue to shape their world,” said CEF’s executive director, John Rice. “I’m continually amazed by the level of intelligence we see in these young students each year.” Way to go Evan!
Evan Deddo being recognized by CEF President Rosemary Podwin during an award ceremony held at the National Challenge Celebration Dinner.
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
Thirteenth Annual Mars Middle School Seventh Grade
Medieval Fair By Kathy Rudolph
Dana McClain and Michael Baumgartel, 7th grade Social Studies Teachers
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A
pproximately 252 Mars middle school students dressed as their favorite medieval characters, such as alchemists, jesters and noblemen, while they sold period foods, services and goods. The creative, hands-on learning project was all part of the Seventh Grade Medieval Fair held in the middle school gymnasium, which resembled a loud and active medieval marketplace. Friends and family received coins to be spent on the goods and the students had fun staying in character, trying to convince them to purchase. “The fair is an ancient world history class research project that was started two months ago,” said Dana McClain, seventh grade social studies teacher. She organized the project along with Michael Baumgartel, the other seventh grade social studies teacher. “The students each research an occupation and then they have to do a PowerPoint presentation on their occupation,” says McClain. “Finally, the fair ends the project and is the fun part.” She enjoys the project and the lessons that it teaches the students. “I like the end result when the students tell me about the characters that they want to play and then bring [them] to life,” said McClain. “The project takes them back in time to see what it was like to live back then. When they bring their characters to life, they see how difficult it was to live in a time when people had to make wares and sell them in a marketplace.” The principal of Mars Middle School is Richard Cornell. “The project puts everything that they have learned into practice and the students really enjoy it,” said Cornell. “The fair has also become a community event and people who don’t even have a middle school student here attend. It is a great way to bring the community together.”
Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45
Taking PRIDE
in the Fight Against
T
hanks to the hard work and efforts of a Mars resident, a community group is taking a stand against bullying in youth sports. More than a year ago, Carmelina Vargo and her family attended a meeting for their youth sports organization. During the meeting, Vargo addressed the issue of bullying and raised some possible solutions to remedy previous incidents, hoping to ensure they would never happen again. One of her suggestions was to do background checks on the coaches and parent volunteers. Another was to make a rule against labeling the kids by criticizing their skills. After experiencing the effects of bullying on her children firsthand, Vargo decided to lead community efforts in the fight against bullying. She founded an organization called Parents for PRIDE.”
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Bullying “We teach our children to defend themselves, which is important for them to do in situations involving bullying,” Vargo said. “I turned this awful situation into something positive. My community effort to eliminate bullying in youth sports and afterschool activities has become one of my greatest achievements on behalf of my children.” Parents for PRIDE, which hosted its first meeting just this past March, is a non-profit organization consisting of parents from the Mars area who have collaborated efforts with parents from several counties in the Pittsburgh area, including Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Venango. Their sole purpose is to address bullying violence in youth sports and afterschool activities, and they may be the only such organization in the country. “The mission of Parents for PRIDE is to promote healthy practices in community youth activities, and our goal is to increase awareness of and reduce parent and peer bullying in youth sports,” said Carmelina Palumbo Vargo, president of the organization, which is supported by parents who are on the board of community youth organizations, physicians, nurses, school teachers, former professional athletes and many more parents with a compassion to help kids. “PRIDE stands for Protect, Respect, positive Influence, Develop fundamentals, and Encourage teamwork among all in a competitive team setting.” Vargo stressed that it is important for parents to support their local library, schools, teachers, guidance counselors and specialized teachers as they maintain the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. “These basics, which also include art, music, language, personal health and fitness, offer our children an outlet for creativity, healthy minds, bodies and spirits, healthy internal competition and individual successes. Implementing PRIDE within community based organizations creates a solid foundation for a
child’s first experience with organized sports while helping children and parents to have the proper perspective through their athletic years.” Parents for PRIDE makes it their role to work with parents, coaches and community organizations to create bully-free environments where all participants can learn new skills, gain self-confidence and have fun. According to Vargo, bullying presents itself in many forms and from many people, from children to adults. The group’s approach is not to criticize, change or fix any community youth organization, as it is the responsibility of the parents to make wise decisions when involving their children in these activities, but rather encourage parents to do their homework and ask questions. “Parents should want to know if the organization in which their child is participating conducts background checks on the coaches, who the coaches will be, if the organization allows other parents to judge the children when selecting the A-B competitive tournament play, for example,” Vargo explained. “Other pertinent questions to ask include what is the organization’s philosophy for ensuring the growth and development of ALL kids.” Vargo explained that parents’ expectations of youth organized sports are to provide their children with an opportunity to have fun, play with their friends, and develop skills for the game, while parents enjoy the company of each other. However, in many communities, these experiences are not quite so favorable for either the children or the adults. “We teach our children to not be afraid to speak up and to stand up for themselves and other children when they are being bullied,” Vargo said. “We should not ask any less from adults.” The goal of Parents for PRIDE is to become a national organization and lobby on a federal level for state background
checks for all parent volunteers in community youth sports organizations and afterschool activities. “We hope to receive grants from foundations and governments as well as to fundraise with the assistance of our local professional sports organizations,” Vargo said. The group is supported by James Bozigar, safe schools coordinator for Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 and Western Pennsylvania Coordinator for HALT Stop Bullying. The Parents for PRIDE board consists of Vargo; Barbara A. Darby, RN, vice president; Priscilla C. Bromley, secretary; and Christi L. Kolarcik, Ph.D., treasurer. If you have experienced or witnessed bullying, or if you are interested in joining the group, send an email to stories@ parentsforpride.com. All information is kept confidential and anonymous.
“PRIDE stands for Protect, Respect, positive Influence, Develop fundamentals, and Encourage teamwork among all in a competitive team setting.” Carmelina Palumbo Vargo, President of Parents for PRIDE Mars Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
IN Community Magazines (ICM) is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E.). We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help. IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories:
Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 or less); Large nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more). Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.
Name of nominee: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small nonprofit (staff of 10 or less); Large nonprofit (staff of 11 or more) Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for? ___________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination: _____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? (Please submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words.) Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317, or email monicahaynes2012@gmail.com. Deadline for nominations is 9/20/12. 48 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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Business Directory
Do you rely on public transportation?
How did you meet your spouse? WE WANT TO KNOW
S
ome of the best stories we hear are how two people happened to get together. Some met in bars, some in supermarkets, while others met in more unique circumstances. Send us your story of how you met your spouse. We’ll run the best ones in the next issue. Also include a photo of you and your spouse, how many years you’ve been married and when your anniversary is. Send your story to mark@ incommunitymagazines.com or mail it to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. You can also fax us at 724.942.0968.
Changing the face of
REAL ESTATE Meet Gail and Steve Carpenter. Gail and Steve are excited to welcome you to Northwood’s new “real estate cafe” at 550 Adams Shoppes, on Route 228. With a relaxed environment and free WiFi, it is not your typical real estate office. Stop by anytime for an espresso and to meet Gail and Steve. Come meet the New Face of Northwood.
- Gail & Steve Carpenter Office • 724.741.2111 Cell • 412.585.1153 (Gail) Cell • 412.585.4460 (Steve) gailcarpenter@northwood.com scarpenter@northwood.com
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