IN Carlynton-Montour by IN Community Magazines

• Carlynton School District • Special Section: Home Improvement • Polish Falcons of America • A Doll Of Their Own

! k c o R s Croc SPRING 2013

“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

INPERSPECTIVE S TA F F

FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the spring issue of Carlynton-Montour magazine! I hope that you are as anxious as I am to get the cold and snow behind us and get busy planning projects around the house. This issue is dedicated to home-improvement projects great and small. Some projects will give you curb appeal, some will increase your home’s value, and others are for the sheer enjoyment or luxury of it. Regardless of your aims with your home, whether gutting the walls, or just planting the perfect tree in the yard, our homes are a source of pride for us, and not in a status sense. They are where we raise our families, where we feel safe, and where we invite our friends and loved ones for parties and fellowship. Our homes are where our children play, and where oftentimes, we tend to sick loved ones. They are where we try hardest in life, and where the challenges of life hit us the most. Our homes bear witness to our triumphs as well as our sorrows, and they are as much a part of our personalities as what we choose to wear or adorn ourselves with. So, with so much importance placed on the walls that contain us, we hope that you can find at least one project within these pages to be fodder for your next project around the home. Have a wonderful spring! Wayne Dollard, Publisher

WE WANT TO KNOW:

How did you get into

Gardening

Gardens are commonplace in Western Pennsylvania, but why? What’s the allure of gardening that prompted you to first turn the dirt? , Was it a relative who first helped you plant your first or was it your spouse who first introduced you to succulent, vine-ripened ? homegrown Let us know how you first got into gardening and send us some pictures of your garden as well! Email your submissions to: mark@incommunitymagazines.com and please indicate which of our magazines you receive so we know where to place your story.

tulip bulb

tomatoes

Spring content deadline: 5/6/13

2 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

INSIDE

IN Carlynton-Montour is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Carlynton-Montour area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

IN Carlynton-Montour | SPRING 2013 |

FEATURES

Home Improvement ...................... | 38 Crocs Rock! More Than A Swim Team...It’s A Lifestyle .. | 50 ON THE COVER

The Crafton Crocodiles are all the rage among Carlynton-Montour residents. See story on page 50.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Ingram Family Dentistry ............. | 18 Julian Gray Associates ................ | 59 Robinson Chiropractic ................ | 60 State Farm Insurance ................... | 61 4

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

COMMUNITY INTERESTS

The Missing Semester ................. | 25

Carlynton School District .............................................................. | 4

JT Landscaping LLC ..................... | 40

St. Philip School ................................................................................. | 14

South West Communities Federal Credit Union ..................... | 43

St. Malachy School ........................................................................... | 15 Tomosynthesis Offers Women Greater Detection of Breast Abnormalities .......................................... | 26

Cover photo submitted

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ..................................... | 29 Technology Education ..................................................................... | 45 New Advanced Treatment for Skin Cancer .......................... | 49 FEATURES

A Doll Of Their Own ................................................................... | 19 Polish Falcons of America: Advancing Beyond the Circumstances ......................................................... | 22 WE WANT TO COVER YOU! Do you have an event coming up that you’d like to publicize? Do you have an event that you want us to cover? Let us know! Go to www.incommunitymagazines.com/events and fill out the form. Events will be announced in the upcoming issue. If our deadlines don’t match yours, we may decide to send our photographers to cover the event for an upcoming issue. We’re looking for fundraisers, charity drives, social functions, class reunions, church festivals, awards presentations and more! If you’re not sure you have an event worth featuring, give us a call at 724.942.0940 and we’ll help you out! Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

•

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Adventures with

Flat y e l n a t S 2

arnegie Elementary fourth graders in Ms. Julie Lewis’ class have been on an adventure. The journey began by reading “Flat Stanley: His Original Adventure” by Jeff Brown. Intrigued by Flat Stanley’s excursions, the students asked if they could draw and send out their own Flat Stanleys. Lewis sent papers home with the children, asking for addresses and permission to begin the escapade. “The willingness to help was more than I ever expected!” Lewis said. “I wanted my class to learn more about the world we live in without having to leave Carnegie. Traveling is so educational, and I was hoping they would have the opportunity to see the world!” The students were eager too. Each one colored and cut out an image of a Flat Stanley look-alike, wrote letters to family, friends and alumni, addressed envelopes, and mailed out hundreds of letters.

nthusiasm was high as letters began to return with pictures and stories of Flat Stanley’s adventures. A world map was donated to the classroom to chart the travels. Ms. Lewis used the map to spotlight the hemispheres and the students learned about the equator and prime meridian and mapped out Flat Stanley’s travels in the north, south, east and west. They discussed weather and climate in the places Stanley visited. They also researched and discovered the culture and popular landmarks. Through reading, the youngsters compared Stanley’s visits to events in a book. In one instance, students read “A Cricket in Times Square.” The story took place in Times Square and in the subway stations of New York City. Stanley’s visit to Bridget Herrmann (‘01) in the Big Apple took him to Times Square with a ride on the subway to meet former Jets quarterback Boomer Eiasion. While in Manhattan, Stanley went shopping in Soho to buy a souvenir t-shirt for the author of his letter, Anthony Sheers. 4 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

hile every adventure has brought something interesting to the classroom, some stand out more than others. Students enjoyed learning about Stanley’s trip to Hilpoltstein, Germany to visit with Emmaline Steven’s Opa! Stanley was invited to go on the air with Star 100.7’s Melanie Taylor, the Bubba Show and KISS FM’s Morning Freak Show. Stanley went to visit Robby Heinrich’s family in Fayetteville, North Carolina. While there, he became a Green Beret for the day with Robby’s uncle and brought back Army medals for everyone in the class! Stanley went to college at Purdue University and sat quietly in class with Meg Henke’s cousin, Lily. Stanley took in the beautiful landscape of Seattle from the observation deck of the Space Needle and toured the State Capital Building in Harrisburg. Stanley’s adventures have offered a real life connection for the students. His documented travels across the United States, from Maine to Washington and Florida to Texas, have fortified lessons in all aspects of geography, math, reading and writing. More about Stanley’s escapades can be found at: 202lewis.blogspot.com.

1. Flat Stanley visited Grete Luxbacher (01)* in London and toured the great city. The students were thrilled when this photo of Buckingham Palace arrived. With a little research they discovered the flag over the grand manor is flown only when the royal Queen is in residence. 2. The Flat Stanley adventurers: (front) Jaleesa Griffin, Meg Henke, Anthony Scheers, Tyree Dillard, Melvin Hutchinson and Emma Weiland; (back) Bianca Shannon, Andrew Pinchot, Bryan Lee, Madison Ciabattoni, Robby Heinrich and Megan Paterson. Missing: Emmaline Stevens. 3, 4. While visiting Bridget Herrmann (’01)* in New York City, Flat Stanley traveled on the subways to visit many sites in the Big Apple including Times Square. 5. Flat Stanley visited alumni Deana Jirak (’01)* in Seattle, Washington and saw the sights from the observation deck of the Space Needle. *Ms. Lewis graduated from Carlynton High School in 2001 and remains friends with several of her former classmates who were happy to spend some time with Stanley.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

STEAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Creative Collaboration Crafton Elementary students are steamed. Not in the context of a heated debate or boiling water. Rather, they are being launched into new dynamic learning paths like a steampowered locomotive, barreling down a track. Inspired by local and national think tank laboratories for kids, Crafton Elementary School principal Dr. Jacie Maslyk and staff introduced a STEAM Studio to the school in December. The studio is designed for student-centered exploration and to further develop connections between the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. This dedicated classroom provides students with opportunities to engage criticalthinking skills by working collaboratively and producing authentic products in a technology-rich environment. The studio focuses on the following areas: mechanics and structures, scientific exploration and data collection, publishing and multimedia, robotics, circuitry and computer simulations. Maslyk took some time to answer a few questions to provide a greater understanding of the purpose the STEAM Studio: Q: How/when did the plans for the STEAM room begin to develop? A: Three years ago we were awarded our first STEAM grant from the Grable & Benedum Foundations. At that time, we were participating in E-Missions through Wheeling Jesuit University for a few years. We used our first award to purchase video-conferencing equipment. The remainder of the grant was used to pay for the fees to conduct the E-Missions. Students loved the opportunity to participate in this computer simulation that incorporated science, math and technology. The following year, we applied for additional funding and were able to continue our E-missions while also adding other great technology tools including, Activote systems (Promethean interactive whiteboards), document cameras, and FlipCams. Putting these tools in the hands of our teachers and students ignited a much greater interest in STEAM. To capitalize on this interest, I knew we had to take a step to another 6 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

level. While I was out on maternity leave I read about places like the MAKESHOP in Pittsburgh and the Ignite Creative Learning Studio in California. I knew that we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to create something quite as big as these, but we could create a dedicated space within our building where students could explore using a variety of different materials. We were lucky enough to have an empty classroom to plan our STEAM Studio. On December 19th we opened the room to the public. The open house was a huge success! Q: Who benefits from the room and how often is it used (grades/age of students)? A: The STEAM Studio is open to all students in grades K-6. Students can attend lunch groups held in the studio. Teachers can also schedule time in the studio for their classes. In the future, we are looking to have more lunch clubs and maybe an after school program that would focus on STEAM.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH 4

The [STEAM Studio]… is designed for studentcentered exploration and to further develop connections between the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

We also hope to provide an opportunity for students in Carnegie Elementary to visit the STEAM studio this spring. Q: What are the opportunities available in the STEAM room (the stations – the activities and applications)? A: Our goal was to create opportunities in the following areas: mechanics and structures, scientific exploration and data collection, publishing and multimedia, robotics, circuitry, and computer simulations. Students are using K’Nex materials to build bridges, vehicles and amusement park rides. They are working collaboratively on these long term projects. Students also explore systems and circuitry using Snap Circuits. We have a variety of sets for pupils to build including one that uses green technology to power the circuits. Some students are working on robotics kits, in which they select and build a model and then create the code to program the model with the use of a computer. For example, one group of students

built a model of windshield wipers and then programmed them to start on a delay, wipe at a certain speed, pause, and then start again. This is all done by connecting the model to a desktop and creating the program. We recently purchased some LEGO kits that will allow students to further engage in robotics and programming as well. Youngsters in grades 3-6 are planning their E-missions which will include a lot of data collection and problem solving. These simulations will occur in April. Thursday, April 25, 2013 will be our annual STEAM Showcase of Learning. We will highlight the STEAM Studio at this event, as well as presenting STEAM concepts for all grade levels. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Q: What cognitive and thoughtprocessing skills are challenged through the use of the STEAM room? A: The STEAM Studio focuses on studentcentered exploration to develop connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and math. We provide opportunities for students to think critically, collaborate, and create authentic products in a technology-rich manner. The opportunities we provide promote creativity, open-ended exploration, problemsolving, and real-world investigations. Students are fully engaged in hands-on learning that is fun, too. Without realizing it, students have learned concepts of design and engineering, geometry and angles, force and motion, and basic programming vocabulary. Fifth grade classrooms have expanded

1. Dr. Jacie Maslyk offers some guidance to fifth graders Olivia Robb and Hannah Clark as they follow precise instructions for building a motorized Ferris wheel with K’nex. 2. Abby Lherbier, grade 5, Julia Roussos, grade 6, and Morgan Hrinda, grade 6, display a circuit program they designed while working in the STEAM Studio. 3. Mathias Spragg, grade 5, demonstrated robotics through the operation of a simulated amusement park ride. The direction of the robot could be reversed or changed with the use of a programmable application on the computer. 4. Earlier in the school year, Maslyk and Superintendent Gary Peiffer accepted a check from Kelly Beeson of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Center for Creativity. The grant funds, channeled from the Grable and Benedum Foundations, were essential to implementation of the STEAM Studio. Sixth graders Gabe Prepelka, Andrew Weimer and Morgan Harding were excited to witness the presentation. 5. Pre-schooler Caroline Choate visited the STEAM room during the grand opening and was soon fascinated with an iPad app while fifth grader Anya Carrasco watched over her shoulder and offered some guidance. The iPads appeal to all ages and the resources available to them through applications are endless.

a graphing lesson into an interior design workshop. Three dimensional models were developed to replicate designs on paper and samplings of fabric, color palates, wall coverings and furniture placement within the room completed the project. Q: What future plans do you have for this room? (upgrades, enhancements) A: So much of our future plans depend on funding. I’d love to purchase more iPads so we could have enough for an entire class to use them. From kindergarten to grade 6, all students are thoroughly engaged in the STEAM-related apps we have. It would be great to have multiple iPad mobile carts so classes could take advantage of this tool. We are receiving a donation of iPad protective covers and cases and are really excited about that! Robotics and programming also seem to be of interest to many of our students. I’d love to purchase more resources for students in this area including hands-on tools and software applications. Q: Who oversees the upkeep of the hardware/software, erector sets, applications, robots, etc.? A: This has been a team effort. I have taken primary responsibility for the room and all of the materials; but the students have really taken ownership over it. They make sure the iPads are organized and charged each day. Just last week a group of 5th graders inventoried all the K’Nex materials so that each set was ready for another group to use. Some of the technology issues require support from district personnel, but the students are pretty good at resolving these problems, too. Q: Do you plan to seek funding in the years ahead? How can you improve the room? A: We are always looking for additional funding sources to support STEAM education in our schools. We have been so fortunate to receive funding from the Grable and Benedum Foundations to enhance the education of our students. Increasing access to many aspects of technology will be a focus of this room. We would love to build a curriculum that supports STEAM education at all levels. If anyone has any ideas for our studio or can contribute to our efforts in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Maslyk.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH In the Spotlight

Hooping It Up

Four students from Carnegie Elementary competed in the Carnegie Elks Club Hoop Shoot contest in January. Charles Gladny and T’rell Gibbs competed in the nine yearold boys division and Mary Duffy and Ashley Roessler represented the nine yearold girls. T’rell and Ashley, pictured, brought home first place trophies for their age group. The annual contest, sponsored by the Carnegie Elks Club 831, invites students in neighboring school districts to compete in a basketball free throw competition. The first place winners will travel to Braddock next month for a second tier competition.

GLOBETROTTER VISIT

Dizzy Grant (far right) of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters visited Crafton Elementary in October to offer an anti-bullying message to all students in a school-wide assembly. Action, Bravery and Compassion, the ABC’s of Bullying Prevention, was shared with all students, along with a skilled ball-handling demonstration from the seven-year veteran of the Globetrotters. Following the assembly, kindergarten students Mateo Carrasco and Jordynn Carter were fortunate to be captured in a photo with Dizzy Grant.

Dictionary Donation Chain ReaCtion Finalists

In December, seniors Grant Schuler, Peter Muszalski, Phillip Meighan and sophomore Logan Schuler participated in the annual Chain Reaction Contraption contest held at the Carnegie Science Center. The boys’ contraption, designed to fill a container with liquid, was selected as one of eight finalists from 36 competing teams. The Carlynton contraption earned a medal for “Best Execution of Theme.” The award earned the boys a behind-the-scenes tour of Kennywood Park in the spring. The team sponsor, senior high gifted facilitator Michelle Dzurenda, joined the boys at the science center.

History in the Making Fourteen Carlynton gifted students in grades seven and eight competed in the History Bowl held at the Heinz History Center this past fall. Out of 30 teams contending in differing age brackets, Carlynton’s eighth grade team of Sofia Carrasco, Abbie Snizik, Rebecca Turske and Lorin Welsh placed third. Competition is based on creativity, writing skills and team work with activities largely reflecting Pittsburgh history. The girls won t-shirts and a certificate for their performance. The junior high gifted program is facilitated by Mary Beth Veri. 8 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

For the third consecutive year, Carnegie and Crafton elementary third graders have been the beneficiaries of beautiful dictionaries donated by the Carnegie-Collier and Crafton-Ingram rotaries. The dictionaries were given to all students as a personal gift and can be utilized throughout the school year as they are promoted to higher grades. In addition to providing a resource for spelling and definitions of words, the books contain full-colored pictures of maps, historical sites, famous statues and other artifacts. The books are truly appreciated by the youngsters and they are thrilled to receive the treasure, as is illustrated in the photo above. Pictured, Carnegie students Cameron Ward, Timmy Smith, and Bryce Rodriguez are riveted by one of the colorful maps contained within the pages of the dictionary.

Crafton Borough Council Representative At a meeting in October, Crafton Borough Council unanimously voted for Carlynton junior Jazmyn Meredith to serve as Junior Council Representative. She was sworn into office by Mayor Jim Bloom and immediately began participating in the business meeting. Jazmyn will serve a two-year term and will meet regularly with council, serving on committees and acting as a liaison between the district and the borough.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SAVE THE DATE

HURRICANE SANDY MAKE-UP DAY: Friday, February 15

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Crafton Elementary: Thursday, April 4 Carnegie Elementary: Friday, April 5 8 am-2 pm in both schools on the designated day. Please register your child in the school within the community you reside. Proof of residency, driver’s license, child’s birth or baptismal certificate and immunization records are necessary for registration. n

TIED TO THE ARTS: February 28, 6:30 pm at the high school

2013 SPRING MUSICAL: 9 TO 5, Show opens April 11 through April 14

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRAFTON ELEMENTARY: April A grand celebration is in store for this century-old building (1913-2013) to recognize the history of the school and those who passed through its doors. Building Principal Dr. Jacie Maslyk is seeking contributions from anyone who wishes to share a special story about his/her experiences in the school and memorabilia. Please call 412-922-7196 or email: jacie.maslyk@carlynton.k12.pa.us.

COMING TO CARLYNTON:

THE WEATHERBUG Carlynton High School is being outfitted with the WeatherBug system in conjunction with KDKATV news and weather. The system will be placed on the corner of the building facing the interstate and parkway. Watch KDKA-TV in the near future to track weather and traffic alerts courtesy of Carlynton’s own WeatherBug.

In addition, WeatherBug Achieve will provide an online educational tool with some amazing features for teachers and students of all ages. This tool will be accessible in the classroom or from home via the web with a simple log-in. Classroom resources will include a weather tracking system with radar and satellite maps. Stay tuned for more information about logging on to WeatherBug through the district website.

All in the Timing A collection of six-one act plays written by David Ives was the setting for this year’s fall drama series, All in the Timing. Performances in late November and early December were well-received by audiences who were amazed by the creative and unexpected accounts portrayed in each act. Pictured, Aidan Kalimon, Marin Exler and Aidan Meyer performed in “The Philadelphia,” where unfortunate circumstances became perfectly normal when a world of opposites unfolded in a

restaurant setting in New York City. The fall plays are produced and directed by English and drama teacher Tonilyn Longo.

A Rare Biology Lesson A dozen high school gifted students with an interest in medicine were granted the rare opportunity to witness an aortic valve replacement earlier this year at Allegheny General Hospital. The eye-opening experience gave students the chance to watch the procedure and address medical staff afterwards. Students and chaperone/ teacher Michelle Dzurenda were able to see this surgical procedure from an observation room and by watching an overhead digital camera and flat screen monitor in the surgical room. During the experience the cardiologist and anesthetists explained the procedure and gave a biology lesson as the aortic valve was replaced on a patient. The open-heart surgery observation program through AGH offers school districts throughout the tri-state the opportunity to watch the procedure which often comprises an integral team of 10-15 doctors and nurses. Many students credit it with guiding them toward careers in health care. This is the second year Carlynton students were afforded the opportunity. Last year they witnessed an open heart procedure.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Lessons in

Goodwill

The word “good” has again become the ubiquitous term for student and staff activities this school year.

In October, the district celebrated #SPREADTHEGOOD through an Olweus anti-bullying campaign. In November and December, the concept of “goodwill” was embraced by all district staff and students through various events. Elementary students held fundraising activities for Children’s Hospital and Make a Wish, to name a few, and collected food to restock the shelves of local food banks. Thanksgiving Baskets, Toys for Tots and Breakfast with Santa 2 were three major activities coordinated at the

high school. The Breakfast with Santa event, in particular, raised funds to operate a Back Pack for Kids program during the second semester of the school year. This program will privately provide disadvantaged children with back packs filled with food every weekend, such as soups, cereal bars, peanut butter and crackers. The bags are to be returned every Monday and refilled for take home on Friday. Spreading good through giving or gifting can be rewarding for both the receiver and the giver. The word gift, or to voluntarily transfer something from one person to another without compensation, was the key message passed on to students and staff. In the same spirit, the school community gained a sense of community service and appreciation for one another.

10 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

4 1. Baskets and boxes were decorated and filled with provisions for a Thanksgiving meal. The food and items were collected through a homeroom contest at the high school. Forty baskets were made and delivered. 2. Holiday crafts were a feature of the Santa breakfast, in addition to 26 gift basket raffles, a coloring contest and writing letters to Santa in the North Pole. 3. Santa was the highlight of the Breakfast with Santa – to mostly everyone! The Vayanos brothers, Michael and Constantine, were among those who sat on the jolly man’s lap (aka Chris Colonna, high school World Cultures teacher). 4. Joe Baldanzi, Caleb Richardson and Fred Carini were among those who carried the Thanksgiving boxes and baskets to cars for delivery. Many of the high school teachers personally made the delivery to disadvantaged families within the district. 5. Entertainment was included during the breakfast and featured performances by the boys’ and girls’ ensembles, the band, and dancers from the Prunzcik Broadway Dance Academy. Performers above were Crafton fourth grader Hannah Post at microphone, Shane Treloar, Rylan Kadlecik and Brianna Patterson. 6. A whole ham was also delivered to homes along with the Thanksgiving baskets. Dan Doyle helped to load the boxes of hams onto a cart. The hams were generously donated by Giant Eagle. 7. The Breakfast with Santa meal was enjoyed by some 300 guests, including this toddler Eamon Temme. The menu included eggs, French toast

sticks, sausage links, fresh fruit, juice and milk. 8. Teachers from all three buildings collaborated for weeks to make plans for the Breakfast with Santa. On the eve of the event, high school teachers Rachel Foltz, Tracy Post and Annemarie Bunch prepared signs for hanging. Some 85 teachers, staff members and students volunteered at the four-hour breakfast, which raised over $3,700. 9. A Toys for Tots campaign sponsored by the National Honor - Junior Honor Societies gathered more than 150 toys. The toys were delivered to Carnegie Police Chief Jeff Harbin and transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps for distribution to children. The honor societies also sponsored a Hat Day and collected $100 for Heavenly Hats, an organization that benefits children with cancer.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

he names of band members proudly representing Carlynton at festivals this winter and spring are listed below. The hosting school and the dates of the events are included as well.

Sr. High District Band: Baldwin, January 24-25 Madigan Greiner, 11 grade, trumpet Aidan Kalimon, 11th grade French horn Carey Ousley, 11th grade, clarinet WAMS (Western Area Middle School): Montour, January 31-February 2 Kalista Heidkamp, 8th grade, flute Lorin Welsh, 8th grade, flute Hanna Diulus, 8th grade, clarinet Katelyn Kelly, 7th grade, clarinet Natalie Quinn, 8th grade, alto saxophone Matt Popichak, 8th grade, tenor saxophone Andrew Clark, 8th grade, trumpet Tyler Smith, 8th grade, trumpet Riley Post, 7th grade, trombone WACA (Western Area County): Moon, February 4-5 Carey Ousley, 11th grade, clarinet Dean Chubarov, 9th grade, bassoon Grant Schuler, 12th grade, alto saxophone Joe Baldanzi, 10th grade, alto saxophone Jeff Henke, 11th grade, baritone saxophone Aidan Kalimon, 11th grade, French horn Madigan Greiner, 11th grade, trumpet Jennifer Hirschinger, 12th grade, tuba Jr. High District Orchestra: Bethel Park, February 15-16 Dean Chubarov, 9th grade, bassoon Riley Post, 7th grade, trombone Jr. High District Band: South Fayette, February 22-23 Dean Chubarov, 9th grade, bassoon Rebecca Turske, 8th grade, flute

Members of the Cougar Marching Band performed in the homecoming parade in October.

Music Honors Band and Chorus

embers of the Carlynton High School Cougar Marching Band manage a busy schedule throughout the school year. While maintaining and meeting academic standards, these students rehearse on a regular basis for performances at football games, area band festivals and local events. This past fall and winter, band members performed in the Kennywood Fall Fantasy parade, Crafton and Carnegie Memorial Day parades, the My Macys Holiday parade, and played the National Anthem at a Pirates game. They were invited to several local band festivals and hosted their own at Honus Wagner Field. For a week in late March, they will travel to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, to perform in the Magic Kingdom and participate in a number of music-education workshops. Additionally, various members of the band are selected by merit to participate in county and regional band festivals in a concert setting. The honor grants them the opportunity to travel to other schools, network with other students, rehearse and perform in concert with 100-plus other individuals. The concerts are generally led by well-known and renowned conductors and the repertoire of music is often challenging and unique. The festivals are coordinated through the efforts of teachers and other musical professionals in conjunction with the statewide Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). Both band and choral educators are affiliated with this elite association.

Students selected for these concerts can advance to the regional and state level based on performance and skill. In the past, Carlynton has been fortunate to have several students advance beyond the local level.

In the same manner, choral students can be selected to perform with others in local concerts in the county and beyond. Choral students hold a bustling schedule as well, especially when they travel for performances and are required to make-up missed school work. Carlynton High School chorus and ensembles have been featured at the Carnegie Rotary holiday luncheon at Nevillewood, Kennywood Park’s Holiday Light Festival, Children’s Hospital and Station Square. Those selected by audition to perform in local choral festivals include: Sr. High District Chorus: Quaker Valley, February 6-8 Rachel Hedges, 12th grade Daniel Doyle, 10th grade Jr. High District Chorus: Upper St. Clair, April 12-13 Stuart Dougherty, 8th grade Mia Notaro, 9th grade Alex Pollak, 9th grade Skyler Sevacko, 8th grade

The Girls’ Ensemble performed at the Breakfast with Santa in December in the high school cafeteria. 12 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

Elementary students are also selected to perform in district band and choral festivals. The names of these students will be shared in our summer issue.

Crafton Latest Community to make Parks and Playgrounds Tobacco-Free PROTECTS KIDS FROM DANGERS OF SECOND-HAND SMOKE WHILE THEY PLAY

www

.incommunitymagazines.com

he Allegheny County Health Department and Tobacco Free Allegheny are pleased to announce that Crafton is the latest municipality in the County to join Pennsylvania’s Young Lungs at Play program by making its parks, playgrounds and outdoor recreational areas tobacco-free. “We commend Crafton for creating a win-win situation for its youth. It gives children an opportunity to be physically active, which is important to their overall health and development, and takes away the poor example adults set by smoking in front of children,” said Acting Health Director Dr. Ronald E. Voorhees. “Our goal is to get every municipality to join Young Lungs at Play so every community park, playground and outdoor recreational area is tobacco-free and a place where

Current issues of this magazine are also available online.

children can breathe fresh air and not be exposed to second-hand smoke,” said Cindy Thomas, Executive Director of Tobacco Free Allegheny. Second-hand smoke is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a class A carcinogen known to cause cancer in humans and can also cause serious illnesses in children such as asthma, respiratory infections and cardiovascular disease. Children exposed to second-hand smoke inhale many of the same cancer-causing

substances as smokers. There is no riskfree level of exposure, and even brief exposures can be harmful. A 100% smokefree environment is the only way to be fully protected from second-hand smoke. Municipalities can obtain advice and assistance on adopting a tobacco-free ordinance for parks, playgrounds and outdoor recreational areas by contacting Tobacco Free Allegheny at 412.322.8321 or www.tobaccofreeallegheny.org. In addition, Young Lungs at Play signage is available free of charge for communities that join the program to post in their tobaccofree play areas. Thirty-five municipalities are now part of the Young Lungs at Play program. The 34 others are Aspinwall, Baldwin Borough, Brentwood, Dravosburg, East McKeesport, Emsworth, Findlay, Franklin Park, Forest Hills, Glassport, Harmar, Harrison, Heidelberg, Liberty, McDonald, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Monroeville, Munhall, North Versailles, Ohio, Pitcairn, Reserve, Robinson, Scott, Springdale Township, Stowe, Tarentum, Upper St. Clair, Wall, West Homestead, West Mifflin, Wilkins and Versailles.

DIAGNOSE YOUR CAREER PLAN IN HEALTH ASSISTANT and you can make up

to 40k or more in the health care field! As a high school student, learn anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. Observe real health care professionals at Ohio Valley Hospital, West Hills Health & Rehab Center, and other local professional facilities. Earn advanced standing at CCAC! Go to www.parkwaywest.org for more information!

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

St. Philip School A Robot named PETE St. Philip 6th graders Maddie Hoff, Corinne McDevitt, Elias Ward, 7th graders Erin Sheedy, Louis Worrall, and 8th graders, Evie Hoff, Joey Kretz, Andrew McDevitt, and Miranda Thompson, took part in the BEST Design contest sponsored by the Grove City College Engineering Department. The competition asked the students to build a robot that would ascend a 10’ tower and carry a variety of objects up and down its expanse. In addition to building the robot, the students had to form a company to market their invention, keep an engineering book, make a live presentation, and set up a display to promote it. At the competition held at Grove City College which included 21 middle and high school teams, St. Philip placed 4th overall for the BEST award, made it to the last round of semi-finals in the robot game, 2nd in the marketing presentation, 6th in the team exhibit, 6th in the engineering notebook and 7th in spirit & sportsmanship, and earned the 1st Place Middle School Team Award. The team named its robot PETE – the Philips Extraterrestrial Elevator.

7th grader wins Fairfield Challenge St. Philip 7th grader Jack Shorthouse took 3rd place in the Phipps Conservatory Fairchild Challenge entitled “Found Objects Sculpture.” The students were challenged to repurpose found, throwaway or recyclable materials into a three-dimensional sculpture representing some aspect of nature. Jack Shorthouse’s Blowfish made from an old light globe and empty coke cans placed 3rd

14 724.942.0940 to advertise

among the entries from the 17 participating schools. The Fairchild Challenge is a free, multidisciplinary, standards-based, environmental education outreach program designed to give high school and middle school students an opportunity to learn, to investigate the thorniest environmental issues, to devise imaginative and effective responses to these issues and to take action – at any level – to address them. St. Philip Middle School students are participating in the six monthly challenges that the contest provides. Jack was featured on the “Saturday Light Brigade” radio program on 88.3 WRCT Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon University. Homelessness was the topic of the poster designed by St. Philip 8th grader Alyssa Smith which took 2nd place poster in the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Poster Contest sponsored by the Homeless Children’ Education Fund. Alyssa received a $250 scholarship and attended a very unique awards ceremony which included an opportunity to “work” at the Red

Carlynton-Montour

dik sh ənerē dā (Dictionary Day) St. Philip 3rd graders were the proud recipients of their very own dictionaries which were donations from a special project sponsored by the Crafton-Ingram Rotary. Through the Dictionary Project, over 15 million children have received a dictionary. The goal of this program is to assist all students in completing the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing students with their own personal dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come. The Crafton-Ingram Rotary, an organization of business and community leaders in our area, is the local sponsor of the Dictionary Project and members Dennis Joyce, Tom Knight, Charles Sakai, and Ed Henke personally came to St. Philip School to present the dictionaries and encourage the children to develop good reading and writing habits.

Door lunch program by making sandwiches for the homeless in Downtown Pittsburgh.

St. Malachy School News

by Amy Maxin

School Places Fifth in Forensics Meet Fourteen St. Malachy students recently competed in their 3rd Forensics Meet at St. Teresa of Avila School. Months of practice paid off for these students. Each child received a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in both the 1st and 2nd round of this tournament. Because of their high scores, St. Malachy School received their first certificate of placement. The school placed 5th out of 13 competing schools. This was a great honor for the hardworking St. Malachy students. They are anxiously awaiting their last meet of the year at Holy Trinity School on Saturday, February 23rd.

Students Go to the Science Center

The Kindergarten, First and Second Grade students recently went on a field trip to the Carnegie Science Center. The children explored all four floors of the hands-on exhibits. They had a great time at the Highmark Sports Works. Everyone stopped in to see the amazing train display and also viewed the Omnimax presentation entitled “To the Artic”. The children packed their lunches and enjoyed sharing their adventures with each other while they ate. It was an exciting day filled with fun and new discoveries.

Front Row from left to right: D’Itri, TJ Harbaugh, Christina Trocchio, Emma Tomei, Abby Messner, Marissa Bordas. Back Row from left to right: Hannah Hathaway, Shelby Blair, Becca Richardson, Jennie Falgione, Alyssa Brinza, Nya Patterson, and Isabella Kessler

Published Authors

Mrs. Corona’s fourth grade recently received their published hard back book, “SMS is Front row: Mariah Jones, Kathryn Warner, Gianna Bofo, a Special Place.” After Marissa Trocchio, Mario Rump, Zachary Schaffer “brainstorming” ideas on Back row: Danny Farrell, Nicole Fish, Mark Polar, Gage what makes St. Malachy Keefe, Brandon Halbedl, Patrick Dhanse, Ryan Mahoney special, each student teachers, Mass, and field trips. Each picked a different topic to include student then illustrated their page. on their page of the All the pages were combined to book. Students wrote create a special class keepsake. about sports, friends,

Front row: Taylor Hogan, Mikayla Mycka, Luke Rotellini, Bobbi Crawford, Johnny Stanko, Gabriella Rump, Londyn Monk Back row: Sydney Athanas, Daniel Pryle, Madisyn Phillips, J. J. Hancock

Cross Country Team Volunteers at Frigid Five Miler A big thanks goes out to all of the parents and students that came out to North Park and volunteered at the Frigid Five Miler. The St. Malachy School volunteers helped with photography, videography, water stops, pancake cooking, kitchen cleaning, finish line chip collection, and whatever other need arose during the day. The race director said it was the smoothest FFM that he has ever run and was home much earlier than ever before. And this was accomplished with a record number of racers to take care of. Special thanks to the following students who volunteered for the

first time: Brigham Karlik (who also took a medal for second place in his age group home), Cole Karlik, Natasha Karlik, Grant Karlik, Isabella Szurlej, Hogan Shirnhofer, Kaylee Scott, Jacob Scott, and Mara Tucci. A big thanks also goes to some veteran volunteers; Vincent Frank, Marissa Trocchio, Christina Trocchio, Mark Polar, Andrew Polar, Elena Polar, Tyler Veal, Frankie Impavido, Marissa Bordas, Joseph Rees, and Matthew Rees. All of these volunteers contributed to a new record. Thirty-eight parents and students volunteered and that is a new high.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

St. Malachy School News

by Amy Maxin

Talking Statues Projects

Officer Phil Visits School The Officer Phil Safety Programs recently visited St. Malachy School. The program teaches children about stranger danger respect for authority figures. It also encourages positive behavior like honesty, friendship, being a buddy not a bully, civic responsibility and knowing what to do in an emergency just to name a few. During the live presentation, magic, games and ventriloquism are used to engage the children and keep their attention while they learn. To reinforce what the children learned in the live presentation each child is given a grade specific activity book and other interactive materials to take home to work on with their parents or guardians.

16 724.942.0940 to advertise

Logan Kunes, Jannah Berecky , Officer Dan

Science students at St. Malachy School recently did projects on inventors. The students then became â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talking Statuesâ&#x20AC;? by choosing an invention and either dress up as their inventor or invention. Their eight-minute PowerPoint presentations covered a brief history of the inventor and what effect their invention had on culture. They were also required to write a three page typed essay discussing what our lives would be like if their invention did not exist. Kayla White representing American Martin Cooper who worked for Motorola and invented the first cell phone

Owen Tomei, Marissa Trocchio, Officer Dan

Carlynton-Montour

Shawn Faraoni as a copy machine. Inventor is James Watt

Crafton Service Award Winners Recognized I

ED STEWART

COM M UNITY

VICE AWARDS By Elvira Hoff SE R t was a packed house at the Crafton Community Center September 19th when the Borough recognized the firstever recipients of the Ed Stewart Community Service Awards. A born and bred Craftonian who served as Mayor of Crafton for 16 years (four consecutive terms beginning in 1986) and thereafter continued to serve on Council till his death last November, Mr. Stewart set a formidable precedence for community service that both inspires and challenges the next generation. Mayor Stewart was a former FBI agent and corporate security specialist who was as adamant about re-equipping the Crafton police department and starting a crime watch, as he was about opening a library and instituting community clean-up days – all while helping his wife, Mary, raise 11 children in his beloved hometown. The 11 area residents recognized with the award bearing his name have set about leaving their own marks in the Crafton annals. Carl Hunt played an integral role in the Carlynton Save our Schools movement that allowed Crafton Elementary to stay open and continue to

Choice Chiropractic

& Wellness Center, P.C.

COMPLETE NEW PATIENT EXAM including any necessary X-rays for

The inaugural recipients of Crafton’s Ed Stewart Award help make Crafton a better place to live. Pictured L to R Back Row: Betsy Martin, Linda Breeden, Carl Hunt, Mary Luxbacher, Diane Milliken and Perry Kizina. Front Row, L to R: Mary Tremblay, Steve Palchowski, Alice Pescuric, and Bill O’Connell. Not pictured: George Day.

thrive as a rare neighborhood school in an age of sprawling K-12 campuses. Bill O’Connell served as volunteer bookkeeper and usher for St. Philip Parish for a quarter century and also volunteered at the food bank for two decades. Perry Kizina keeps soccer thriving in the district through his dedication to the Carlynton Soccer Association while Dianne Milliken has been doing the same for Carlynton Girl Scouts – both of them for the past 15 years and counting. Also honored for initiatives that enhance Crafton’s quality of life were Steve Palchowski, who has been running the popular Movies in the Park program for 10 years and Linda Breeden, who coordinates (and cooks for) the monthly senior citizens dinner, one of the longest running service programs in Crafton. Mary Luxbacher was recognized for her 10-year stint on the Crafton Public Library Board including oversight of the new children’s room wing, and for her continuing commitment through Friends of the Library. Honorees Alice Pescuric, MaryTremblay and Betsy Martin were all referred to as the ‘backbones’ of a myriad of community service initiatives and events year in and year out. Alice was noted for her work with the Crafton Historical Society for over a dozen years as well as service to the Crafton-Ingram Fire Consolidation Commission; Mary Tremblay as vital to the Crafton Celebrates Festival held each July 4th weekend, and Betsy Martin, who could “write the book on Crafton,” was praised for her work on the Park & Shade Tree Commissions. George Day rounded out the distinguished group of inaugural awardees, recognized for his long service tenure with American Legion Post #145. Mayor Stewart’s son Tim, still a resident of Crafton today, served as emcee.

($150 value) S U FREE ROLL-ON BIOFREEZE PL OFFER EXPIRES MAY 15, 2013

CALL (412) 424-0019 TODAY

to schedule your initial consultation. Please mention this ad when scheduling appointment *Restrictions apply to Medicare, Federal or State Insurance plans.

993 Brodhead Road #50, Moon Township 15108 (412) 424-0019 • www.choicechiropractic.net Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

INdustry Insight

e s r t u o t n a e d r u o y t r e v on Non-Removable

Tired of your conventional removable dentures? Exhausted by the use of denture adhesives and the constant, nightly removal of your teeth to avoid a “denture sore” mouth? Now with the advances in implant dentistry it is possible to restore your mouth with a permanent, non-removable, fixed prosthesis. This new procedure is made possible with as little as four implants per arch and in many cases your current denture can even be altered to become that new non-removable smile you’ve been waiting for! Finally, the fear of having to wear dentures can be eliminated with a relatively new dental procedure known as “All-On-4.” The All-On-4 procedure was created, studied and researched in the mid nineties by the leading implant company Nobel Biocare and dentist Paulo Malu, a globally recognized leader and educator of Advanced Oral Rehabilitation. Dr. Malu and Nobel saw a need for a procedure for patients who have experienced significant bone loss due to missing teeth. This advancement allows almost all patients to have a fixed dental arch in as little as one day. All-On-4 utilizes the dense bone that is located in the upper arch, from the “eye tooth” region to the front of the mouth just below the nasal cavity. Commonly seen in edentulous (toothless) patients is the loss of bone, which makes the traditional approach to multiple individual implants for full mouth rehabilitation difficult. When “traditional” treatment planning, for implant placement, is done for someone who has little bone to work with there is always the need for bone grafting and possible sinus lifts. Following the research completed by Dr. Malo and Nobel, it was found that as few as four implants can be used, if placed properly, to support an entire dental arch. This takes advantage of the dense bone that is remaining in the mouth by placing two of the implants at an angle opposed to the traditional placement of being perpendicular to the jaw line. Dr. E. J. Hester, of Ingram Family Dentistry, considers All-On-4 one of the best new procedures for patients with dentures or patients who need dentures. The benefit to All-On-4 significantly outweighs the single implant approach for full mouth rehabilitation. By reducing recovery time, overall costs, the need for bone grafting as well as relieving the frustration of removable appliances All-On-4 has become a procedure that is appreciated and favored by all edentulous patients. For more information on how you can enhance your self-confidence, restore your ability to 18 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

Smile!

eat all types of food and renew the smile of your youth through All-On-4 visit IngramFamilyDentistry.com and call 412.922.9292 to schedule your consultation today!

Need a reason to smile? Let us give you a smile that will bring you happiness for years to come. E.J. Hester and his staff are a group of caring dental professionals that have your best interests at heart. Ingram Family Dentistry can assist you, comfortably, to achieve your greatest dental desires.

Now, relax and smile. MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED AND FINANCING AVAILABLE

• All-On-4 Fixed Prosthesis • Cosmetic & Restorative Procedures • One Day Cerec Crowns

• Root Canals • Bone Grafting • Implants

• Dentures • In-office Whitening • Snap-In Dentures

E.J. HESTER, DMD 2725 Center Street Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412.922.9292 www.IngramFamilyDentistry.com A Comprehensive Dental Solutions Location

Doll of Their Own… A

By Elvira Hoff ine-year-old Hannah Feda was perplexed. She and her six-year-old sister, Theresa, were flipping through a popular catalog that advertises “literally billions” of combinations for customizing a doll to look almost exactly like you. Pick your own hair color and style, your eye color, face shape, skin tone – even add freckles and birth marks if you have those. Yet with each turning page it became increasingly clearer to Hannah that none of the endless possibilities of feature blending would likely result in a face that looked like her own. “These dolls all look like Theresa,” she told her Mom, dejected. “There’s no doll in here like me.” Hannah Feda has Down Syndrome. As you can imagine any mother would, Connie Feda quickly turned to the internet to search for “just like me” dolls for girls like Hannah. Though she found a few, she was disappointed in how limited and stereotypical her choices were. “The thing is, when you walk through a toy store or browse through a doll catalog, all the dolls are beautiful. Any girl would want to play with them and show them off,” says Connie. “I wanted the same kind of beautiful doll for Hannah but nothing I could find represented what I feel a child with Downs looks like.” Rather than settle and buy a doll she would ultimately be dissatisfied with, Connie decided to take things one leap further. “I had a small laser engraving business at the time, so I already had some experience in getting items manufactured for me,” recalls Connie, a Robinson Township mother of six. “That, and the belief that I was not alone in wanting a product like this for my child, gave me the impetus to try and see if I could get a doll manufactured.” Thus was born the labor of love – four years in the making – that will launch its first 300 dolls this spring: Dolls for Downs. Where to get started on realizing such a lofty goal? “I had no idea,” kids Connie. “I just started starting!” First thing she knew for sure was that she would need initial funding. Through her engraving business, she started selling items she could make herself, such as Downs Syndrome

Robinson Mom launches

Dolls for Downs

Awareness ribbons and custom-engraved Italian charm bracelets to raise money. Then came pie sales and other traditional fundraisers, support from the tight-knit Down community, and

donations generated by her web site and Facebook page. Soon, she had the financial confidence to contract with a doll manufacturer. After talking to two companies who couldn’t do what she needed, she found the perfect match in a manufacturer that also makes some of the country’s most

popular, high-quality dolls. “He seems genuinely just as excited as I am to produce the first set of Downs dolls,” says Connie.

ext on the checklist was finding a sculptor. Since her manufacturer is based in China, there were many challenges in trying to communicate the precise facial characteristics to the company’s sculptor. In the end, the language barriers and cultural differences proved insurmountable. “Where God closes a door, he opens a window,” Connie says, with a smile in her voice. “Losing our first sculptor may have been the best thing that ever happened to this project.” Enter Karen Scott of Grand Blanc, Michigan, who for the past 12 years has been sculpting dolls for the Marie Osmond collection. “From the very first phone call, I felt like I had known Connie

Continued on page 20

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

Continued from page 19 my whole life,” recalls Karen fondly. It’s hard to argue the point when you consider how perfectly Karen’s background meshes with how Connie visualizes her dolls. Karen had only been sculpting for a year when her innate talent was recognized by collectibles industry giant, The Danbury Mint, which quickly contracted with her to sculpt for their doll collection. The ensuing 10 years with The Mint proved a “wonderful learning period” for Karen during which she mastered the art of capturing personality and spirit in her dolls. “The Mint wasn’t interested in making just pretty dolls. They wanted their dolls’ faces to pop out of their ads and quickly grab people’s attention,” says Karen. To hear Connie and Karen banter back and forth about the tweaks they’re making to the doll, their relationship seems almost telekinetic. “When I say to Karen, ‘can you add a little spunk,’ she can instantly envision what I mean,” says Connie.

he Downs doll will stand 18 inches tall (the same height as American Girl dolls) but will have a slew of characteristics distinctive to DS. The doll’s hands will have one line across the palm, known as a Palmer crease, (a non-Downs child typically has three creases resembling a letter “M.”) There will be a noticeable gap between the big toe and the second toe known as a “sandal gap.” The arms and legs will be 10% shorter in length and the torso a tad thicker in the middle. The pinky finger will be bent inward, which is another common DS trait. Foot and leg braces will be sold as accessories since so many DS children have poor muscle tone and require these supports. To aid the child developmentally, the doll’s clothes will have buttons and zippers sized more closely to those in human clothes so children can practice fine motor skills. To accommodate sturdier play, hair will be rooted all around the 20 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

value of the dolls. “So many kids with Downs have dual diagnoses, such as an Autism Spectrum Disorder or congenital heart defects,” explains Tatyanna. “In fact, many of the people who have already pre-ordered are therapists.” Therapists use a very specific tool known

all photos subm itted

head. DS children learn sign language at a very early age since so many learn to speak much later than their typical peers. That’s why one of the doll’s hands will be posed making the “I love you” sign. The list goes on, but certainly the most painstaking task of bringing the doll to life was perfecting the face. “Karen pored over hundreds of photos of children with Downs just to make sure that each doll would feel individual to each child,” says Connie. Just one example of the many challenges Karen confronted is that in a DS child, the jaw and the corners of the mouth tend to be relaxed. Therefore, creating a joyous yet authentic smile for the doll requires precision artistry. And Connie was determined to avoid the over exaggerations she found in some existing dolls such as slanted eyes, unnaturally flat faces, and protruding tongues. “I think one of the best compliments Connie gave me is that the doll does not look unintelligent,” says Karen. “This is a doll we want girls to be able to take to an American Girl Doll party and feel happy and comfortable that their doll fits right in with the others,” says Tatyanna Fox, Connie’s oldest daughter and an Occupational Therapist who has consulted heavily on the project. “You will be able to notice she has Down Syndrome, but you won’t see that same level of obviousness that you do with similar dolls on the market. We hope this spreads acceptance among typical children because our dolls will be just as lovely to look at and play with as their own dolls are.” As if these rewards aren’t gratification enough, Connie and her team are also driven by the enormous therapeutic

as “social stories” to help teach age-appropriate behavior to Downs and autistic children. So a therapist might say, “Ellie is on her way to recess,” or “Ellie is going to a birthday party today,” and then be able to use the dolls to demonstrate ageappropriate behaviors for that specific setting. “All of the therapists I have spoken to about this doll are very excited,” Tatyanna says. “There’s nothing else out there that fills this niche.”

he initial release of 300 dolls slated for spring will include 100 Caucasian girl dolls, 100 Caucasian boy dolls and 100 African-American girl dolls. “The name for the initial Caucasian girl doll is

going to be ‘Ellie’ because when I was pregnant with Hannah, I had planned on naming her ‘Ellie.’ But when she was born, a friend said she looked more like a ‘Hannah,’” explains Connie. The Caucasian boy doll will be named Robbie after a cousin with Downs who passed away last year. The AfricanAmerican girl doll will be named Nikki, after Connie’s niece. “She was the first family member to see Hannah, fall in love with her, and encourage me in the beginning. She later went on to marry an African American man and she is my resource for a multitude of cultural questions that I am not always sure how to ask,” says Connie. Slated for a later release date will be an African-American boy doll, and a boy and girl doll of mid-toned skin color. But it won’t end there. Phase II is to produce dolls for children with autism, which will be roughly two pounds heavier than standard 18-inch dolls. That’s because children with autism benefit from heavier, more sensory-dense toys. Phase III would be a release for children with muscular

disorders. Dolls for these children will come with a motorized wheelchair complete with its own joystick, rather than a push wheelchair typically sold for dolls, since the motorized chairs more exactly mimic what comes naturally to these children.

f you are interested in pre-ordering a doll or making a donation to advance the Dolls for Downs project, go to www.dollsfordowns. org to learn more about how you can help. “I just know in my heart that people will fall in love with these dolls the way they tend to fall in love with the naturally sweet dispositions of Downs children,” says Connie. As one friend is fond of saying, these children “aren’t born with a mean gene.” And neither are their dolls. For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags. Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines

we get you noticed

Reaching your target audience has never been easier…or less expensive. Contact us at 724.942.0940

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

Advancing Beyond the

polsk

Circumstances By Judith Schardt he Polish Falcons of America (PFA) is a nonprofit fraternal benefit society with national headquarters in Pittsburgh (Green Tree). As a Fraternal Benefit Society, a key component of the PFA is its lodge system, which is referred to as a Nest. PFA Nests are divided into eight Districts. The Nest is the key social group bringing together Members of the Falcons at various affairs. Throughout the history of the Polish Falcons, the Nest has been at the very center of Falcon activities at the local level. Today, Nests hold regular meetings and offer a wide range of social, cultural and sports activities for the Members. Many Nests own their own buildings and offer these programs in their facilities. There are currently 85 Nests serving over 23,000 members located in Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Each Nest has a slate of Officers elected to carry on the business of the Nest. Officers include the President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Instructor. A Nest must be in “Good Standing” by meeting at least four times a year, having a full slate of Officers on the required forms at the National Office and have at least 25 benefit Members in good standing. Carnegie Nest 77, established in 1908, serves the Carnegie and Collier Township areas. Melodee Bright, President for Nest 77, said they have been in their existing building for over 30 years, but she wishes they still had the original structure from the early 1900s. It was a two story building, with a banquet hall and a gymnasium on the second floor where members could work out and get some stress relieving exercise. Sadly, that building burned down and a one level structure was built in its place with no gymnasium. The old timer members still miss the old facility and often say they miss “the old club.” Ms. Bright said that

22 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

her members in Nest 77 try to help their own kids in the Carnegie area with fundraisers. “If any member’s child is selling something for Scouts, a sports team or for a school function, we try to buy the candy, hoagies, popcorn or whatever it is they are selling. It keeps it personal and in the community.” Ms. Bright said that the Polish Falcons is a private, nonprofit organization which has closed membership. Admittance is only allowed by sponsorship of a current member and approval of officers followed by approval of general membership and waiting period. They provide several member-only family functions throughout the year: an annual picnic; a Christmas party with Santa; a Good Friday Fish Fry and Bake Sale; an Easter Egg Hunt; a Halloween Party for the member’s children and Turkey & Ham drawings for members to win. If members need a place to go to just relax, have some fun and reconnect with each other, then Nest 77 in Carnegie is their place. It offers various activities on site like shuffleboard, darts, pool, golf tournaments and bar bingo. Steeler game day chili & soup cook offs and lots of parties with entertainment & dancing are also among the most popular activities. The most important community events that the local Polish Falcon’s Nest participates in are the clothes and food drives that benefit the Light of Life Rescue Mission and the Carnegie Salvation Army. “In faith and hope the world will disagree, but all mankind’s concern is charity.” Alexander the Great (King of Macedon, Ancient Greece).

pola

n April 3, 1917, at the Polish Falcons Convention in Pittsburgh, the renowned pianist and future premier of newly independent Poland, Ignacy Paderewski, delivered a motivating speech that ignited the establishment of an American Polish Army to fight for the Western Allies against Germany. Over 35,000 Polish-American men enlisted in the Allied war effort and fought in the famous “Blue Army” under the leadership of General Jozef Haller. When Poland regained its independence in 1918, these troops then became the core of the young country’s armed forces just when neighboring countries began attacking Poland, including the fierce Bolshevik Red Army that planned to spread communism into Europe by invading Poland. When the war ended, the Polish Falcons of America turned to improving the lives of its Members. In the early 1900s, few social services were available and working conditions, particularly for Polish immigrants, were particularly harsh and dangerous. No public health, recreation programs, social security or retirement benefits existed. Immigrant men were forced to work extremely long hours for little pay, with often

and Photos courtesy of Polish Falcons of America

life-threatening conditions. If an industrial accident injured or killed the man of the house, his surviving family frequently faced impoverishment. The PFA addressed these issues by offering affordable life insurance for the Polish American community. The Falcons also offered recreational opportunities for members’ children since most neighborhoods had no such services. “True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.” Wilhelm von Humboldt (Prussian philosopher) Through the decades, the PFA remained loyal to their commitment to protect the Polish heritage. The Polish Falcons of America is an interesting and unique organization.

If you would like to help Nest 77 by donating clothes and non-perishable food items or are of Polish decent and would like information on their organization, please contact Melodee Bright at melodee@pfanest77.com or April Miller (Headquarters Executive Assistant) at amiller@polishfalcons.org or 412.922.2244. Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

Stay Motivated All Year with These Easy

Fitness Tips Millions of people will make vows to lose weight or start a fitness plan, but many lose the motivation it takes to sustain a fit and active lifestyle within just a few weeks. With the right tools and support, though, finding motivation to stay fit can be a snap. Follow these simple tips to maintain motivation all year long: START SMALL – If you haven’t been active in a long time, don’t stress your muscles by doing too much too fast. Start slowly by taking the stairs or squeezing in a 20-minute jog on your lunch break. BUILD UP ENDURANCE – Track your progress and continue to build upon your exercise activities – whether you’re running or jogging a route, walking a path, biking, swimming or weight training – to push yourself a little further each week. GRAB A PARTNER –You can improve exercise performance by having a partner who pushes you to your limits. But if you prefer to work out solo, there are new devices that track fitness stats including time, distance, heart rate and even calories burned. MIX IT UP – It’s important to make a fitness schedule and stick to it, but that doesn’t mean doing the same routine over and over. To stay motivated, try changing your workout. From walking to running to cycling, you can always find a new activity to challenge yourself. TURN UP THE VOLUME – Creating playlists of different music that keeps you motivated for different types of activities can really help keep you going. Remember to refresh playlists, as you can quickly tire of the same music. 24 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

Business Spotlight

That Mysterious and Dollar Oscar Wilde once said, “There is only one class in the community that thinks more about money than the rich, and that is the poor.”

oney, or the lack of it, can affect every area of your life from healthcare to an individual’s peace of mind. And the lack thereof can cause it to take on an even greater significance to the point of obsession. In our society people feel that wealth is a matter of luck and happenstance, never realizing that is it actually the result of a series good financial decisions, guided by common sense and discipline. “With 7 out of every 10 American families living paycheck-to-paycheck, it’s all about changing the way that people think about money,” explains Gene Natali, co-author of The Missing Semester. “I recently spoke with a couple in their 30s who were able to save $1,000 in a 4-month period – not by avoiding big purchases, but by becoming more aware of small impulse buys that were chipping away at their monthly budget. A cup of coffee on the way to work every day, the purchase of a seldom-used kitchen gadget or the cost of those extra text messages, can all add up to hundreds of dollars each month collectively.”

he Missing Semester is a short course in making wise financial decisions that in turn can lead to financial freedom. The book offers timeless advice on money that demystifies the process of accumulating wealth. “Two things that every individual should ask themselves before making any purchase is if they actually need what they are purchasing and if so, why do they need it. It’s all about awareness and realizing that financial choices, even small ones, have consequences,” adds Natali. Although the book targets those between the ages of 18 to 30, the common sense approach can make an immense difference in

anyone’s financial status. “Take the analogy of a hammer, it works the same, no matter what age you start using it. The tools in this book work for anyone at any age. It’s never too late to start making good financial decisions, nor is it ever too early.”

he culture of living from paycheck to paycheck doesn’t have to be the norm for the masses, and there is a benefit to forming good habits and starting young. Natali has

already seen the effects of the methods described in the book on students and their new perspective of the future. Several high schools and colleges have made use of the book in their curriculum, with students as young as high school freshmen benefiting from the lessons of The Missing Semester. “We are beginning to hear more and more firsthand accounts from folks who have been positively impacted by this book. This provides a lot of energy for Matt (co-author Matt Kabala a fellow Pittsburgh native) and I to continue working hard to introduce this book across the country. We want to help a lot of people.”

“Approximately 1.7 million students will graduate from college in 2013. Another 3.2 million will graduate from high school. It is guaranteed that 100% of them will be making important financial decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.” – Gene Natali, author “The Missing Semester”

The book is currently available on Amazon, Kindle and Nook with a portion of every sale going to support charities that encourage young entrepreneurs and educational initiatives that bridge the knowledge gap among students. The book will also be carried at select Hallmark stores this spring for graduation season Visit the Facebook page for “The Missing Semester,” for helpful daily tips on money management and making smart financial choices. Gene Natali, Jr. is a Senior Vice President at C.S. McKee, L.P., a Pittsburgh-based investment firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Allegheny College, and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He is currently a Level III candidate for accreditation as a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Tomosynthesis Offers Women Greater Detection of Breast Abnormalities Donna Peters, 46, was told she had breast cancer in July 2012 – a diagnosis that almost had not happened, had it not been for tomosynthesis, a revolutionary three-dimensional mammography imaging technology being used at Magee-Womens Imaging. Peters explained that she had a standard mammogram at a local hospital in March, only to be called to have a second one a few weeks later. “My doctors said that my breast tissue was dense, but they were not sure if something else might be going on,” she explained. She returned for the second mammogram, and had a sonogram immediately after, as her physicians were still somewhat unclear of what they were seeing.

“This is the biggest advance we’ve seen in breast imaging in a long time, and we are excited to provide it to our patients.”

A few weeks later, she had an MRI, which concluded a possibly benign tumor, so another MRI was performed, but this time with a guided biopsy. The results were in and showed no cancer. That is when Peters took matters into her own hands and sought a second opinion.

“I knew in my heart that they were wrong, so I called Dr. (Marguerite) Bonaventura’s office at Magee and made an appointment for a second opinion,” Peters said. “Thank goodness I did! She and Dr. (Denise) Chough saw something that my previous doctors had missed.”

- Dr. Margarita Zuley

Dr. Chough ordered tomosynthesis for Peters, who said that it did not feel any different from that of a standard mammogram. The diagnosis was confirmed. Peters had infiltrated ductal carcinoma, the most common kind of breast cancer. “Tomosynthesis provides physicians with the ability to improve upon the limitations of the standard two-dimensional mammography, which will hopefully allow us to find more cancers with fewer false-positives and limit the number of additional workups and potentially unnecessary biopsies,” said Margarita Zuley, M.D., director of breast imaging at Magee-Womens Imaging. 26 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

“And although tomosynthesis currently does not replace traditional 2-D mammography, especially in women with dense breast tissue, it does reduce the recall rate of patients by 30 to 40 percent.” The technology uses precise 3-D digital imaging to create a complete reconstruction of the breast, which gives radiologists the ability to identify certain abnormalities which can be more difficult to detect with traditional 2-D digital mammography screening. One of the main differences between tomosynthesis and 2-D mammography is its ability to capture 60 to 100 pictures through use of an advanced digital platform, compared to two pictures produced by the standard mammogram. Although the test can be performed on anyone, for now, tomosynthesis is used for patients who have an inconclusive mammogram or for patients who request it, according to Dr. Zuley, who does feel that it will eventually replace the two-dimensional test. Dr. Zuley also stressed that the radiation levels in tomosynthesis are equal to that of traditional two-dimensional mammography. Much of the research on tomosynthesis was conducted at Magee-Womens Imaging, and researchers there are the most widely published group in the country on the technology. “I am so grateful for this new technology,” Peters said. “I feel it was a big part in my diagnosis, because it gave my doctors a clearer image of what was going on inside my body. But the equipment is only as good as the doctors who know how and when to use it, and when Drs. Bonaventura and Chough saw something that they did not like, they immediately opted to use tomosynthesis to verify their suspicions. They made the process easy!” “This is the biggest advance we’ve seen in breast imaging in a long time, and we are excited to provide it to our patients,” Dr. Zuley said. Tomosynthesis is currently available at Magee-Womens Imaging locations in Oakland and Monroeville and at the Magee Breast Center at UPMC St. Margaret.

Students Take the Lead on Road Safety

Lectures and scare tactics by well-meaning adults have not yet transformed this nation’s teen drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Thankfully, students—the people best positioned to make change—are taking note and taking a stand against this startling statistic. As one teen states: “Teenagers do not listen to safety messages from their parents as well as they do when those messages come from their friends. It is easier to relate to advice from fellow teens.” Here’s the advice proactive students commonly share:

Plan Ahead

• Designate someone to text for you, and hand over your phone. Or, better yet, turn your phone to silent and lock it in the glove compartment until you arrive safely at your destination. • Connect with your parents on ground rules for driving. Know what the consequences will be if the rules aren’t followed. • Prepare a driving playlist. Don’t let your driving be distracted while trying to find the perfect song.

On the Road

• Use your head. Remember that there is absolutely no text, song, call or distraction that is more important than your life or the lives of others. • Drive defensively by keeping your full focus on the road and other drivers so you can react to changing situations. • Be prepared with a strong, clear statement to stand up to a peer who isn’t driving safely. Say something like, “We both want to live, so let me answer your phone or text while you focus on driving.”

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

m o d e r o B sting Bu

Tips

for Kids

To beat the boredom blues, here are a few tips and activities to keep kids entertained all year long for when your kids say those dreaded words – “Mom! I’m bored!”: Monogram Art Kids love things that are personalized, so why not make a crafty monogram? Help your children trace their first initial in block letters on a piece of poster board. Then, use glue to fill in the letter with colorful buttons, crayons or even shells. Create a Time Capsule Preserve some of your favorite family memories with a time capsule. Start with a sealable plastic box and have each child contribute a few items with a note about why those items are special to them. Don’t forget to include several family photos. Bury the capsule in the backyard (or a far corner of the basement) and set a date to“uncover” the capsule.

28 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

Painted Glass Jar/ Pencil Holder Clean and dry an old glass jar. Add white glue to acrylic or liquid tempera paints so the color sticks to the glass. Help kids paint a design on the jar using brushes or cotton swabs. To erase a mistake, just use a paper towel to wipe off the paint before it hardens. After the paint dries, seal the masterpiece with a coat of clear glaze. Cardboard Cuckoo Clock Encourage kids to draw a house on a piece of paper and color it in with markers. Next, glue the paper house on a piece of cardboard and cut it to fit the shape. Using a clock kit (available at many local craft stores), cut a hole in the middle of the house and fit the clock-face according to its instructions. Before you know it, you’ll have a working clock that kids created. Recycled Sprinkler Start with an empty, clean 2-liter soda bottle and use scissors (or a drill if you have one) to poke small holes in the bottoms and sides of the bottle. Next, connect a hose to the bottle using duct tape or pick up a converter at your local hardware store. Turn on the hose and have fun in the yard. Scenic Snow Globes Start with a small, empty jar; such as a clean baby food jar. Remove the lid and glue a small figurine to the underside of lid and allow to dry. Fill the jar with water and add some glitter and a little glycerin. Add a drop of food coloring to the water for a more unique globe. Encourage kids to think of fun themes, like under the sea. Screw on the jar lid tightly and turn over the jar to complete the snow globe. When crafting with children, take care to supervise them with sharp objects, and use non-toxic ingredients.

UPMC TODAY

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Spring 2013

What’s Inside 2

When It’s More than Just Heartburn

3 4

Hope and Healing A Healing Touch Food in a Glass

Clinical Trials Can Change Lives

6 7

Depression and Older Adults Comprehensive Care for Today’s Urology Patients

When It’s More Than Just Heartburn UPMC Mercy offers comprehensive testing and minimally invasive surgery for complex problems of the esophagus.

Most of us can count on an antacid or two to tame a bad case of heartburn. But acid reflux, of which heartburn is a symptom, can lead to a far more uncomfortable and potentially dangerous condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Large hiatal hernia (also known as giant paraesophageal hernia) repair • Achalasia (a rare swallowing disorder) surgical therapy • Esophageal diverticulum repair and removal “Patients travel hundreds of miles, and most have had prior surgeries,” notes Dr. Awais. “Before and after operating, we use a quality of life test to measure a patient’s degree of reflux. We’ve learned that our patients typically experience better outcomes, less pain, and faster recovery times through our efforts. We also work with patients on long-term lifestyle changes to maintain their health.” Linette says her re-operation “saved my life. I feel like a new person.” She has lost weight and no longer takes medication for diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Testing is key A variety of tests are needed prior to any esophageal or gastric surgery. At UPMC Mercy, patients can get these tests done quickly and efficiently at one location, including: Endoscopy — Allows a doctor to use a thin, narrow tube with a camera and light to view the inside of the throat and stomach Motility testing — Identifies how well the muscles of the esophagus are functioning

Linette Johns of Upper Burrell first underwent surgery for GERD in 2000. But in recent years, severe heartburn and other symptoms reappeared. “I knew the success rate of a repeat surgery on the esophagus wasn’t good, so I was hesitant to have it done,” says Linette. “But my son, Jeff, who’s studying to be a doctor, told me that I could be at risk for esophageal cancer. That motivated me to take the next step.”

Tackling complicated cases In March 2012, Omar Awais, DO, chief of thoracic surgery at UPMC Mercy, performed the repeat surgery on Linette. Under his expertise, some of the region’s most complex, minimally invasive esophageal surgeries are taking place at UPMC Mercy, including: • Minimally invasive surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus to treat esophageal cancer • Repair of recurrent hiatal hernia • Repeat esophageal surgery

UPMC.com/Today

Acid ph testing — Measures the amount of acid exposure into the esophagus Impedance testing — Measures the frequency and amount of gastric fluids (both acidic and non-acidic) entering the esophagus and larynx from the stomach

Are you at risk? “Certainly not everyone with GERD requires surgery. Most cases can be controlled through medical therapy, weight loss, modified diet, and medication,” says Dr. Awais. “But early detection and treatment of GERD is key because of its associated risk with esophageal cancer.” At greatest risk are men over the age of 50 who are obese and have suffered from heartburn three or more times a week for five years or longer. To learn more about UPMC Mercy’s programs to diagnose and treat complex problems of the esophagus, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Hope and Healing UPMC is leading the way with new treatment options for hepatitis C.

Decades after receiving a childhood blood transfusion, Chris Sosinski was shocked to learn he had the hepatitis C virus, which had led to cirrhosis and the prospect of a liver transplant. Today, Chris remains hepatitis C negative, thanks to a new direct-acting antiviral therapy he received at the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases last year. Months after ending treatment in October, his viral load remains at zero. “That means it’s gone,” says Chris, 49, of Jeannette. “No more medicine and — if I take care of myself — no transplant.”

Baby boomers beware Chris is one of a growing number of baby boomers diagnosed with hepatitis C, a problem so serious that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for the virus. The CDC estimates that more than 75 percent of the nation’s 3 million adults currently living with hepatitis C are baby boomers — and most don’t know they’re infected. “Hepatitis C is a silent disease; most people have no symptoms,” says Kapil Chopra, MD, director, UPMC Center for Liver Diseases. “But if diagnosed early, it can be cured or managed successfully before it can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.”

A new era of treatment Thankfully for Chris and other hepatitis C patients, two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 ushered in a new era of treatment, delivering improved cure rates and shorter treatment time for the most prevalent — and hardest to treat — strain of the virus. Playing a critical role was the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases, where specialists have been at the forefront in the evaluation and clinical trials of promising new therapies.

Hundreds of UPMC patients took part in groundbreaking clinical trials for those new drugs. (Turn to page 5 to learn about other clinical trials and how they are affecting patients’ lives.) Today, even more are participating in clinical trials of new therapies at UPMC with the potential for even better results in fighting chronic hepatitis C infections. “These are exciting times. Over the next few years, we expect to have several new options that will eradicate the hepatitis C virus in most patients without side effects,” says Dr. Chopra. “It’s a new era of treatment and hope for our patients.”

A leading resource for complex care Treating and managing hepatitis C can be complex for both patients and health care providers. In the tri-state area, UPMC is the leading provider of comprehensive and advanced specialty care for patients with the virus. “Our multidisciplinary specialists are involved in researching and evaluating new treatments. They bring a unique perspective for managing these complex therapies,” explains Dr. Chopra. These specialists work together to assess patients, select appropriate antiviral therapies, educate patients, monitor for adverse effects and drug interactions, and provide support for patients and family members. “They are familiar with the latest, cutting-edge therapies and developing new ones,” adds Dr. Chopra. For those patients who don’t respond to treatment and are experiencing liver failure, the program also provides seamless transition to UPMC’s internationally renowned transplant program. To read about the risk factors for hepatitis C and what you can do, visit UPMC.com/Today. For more information about treatments for hepatitis C, contact the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases at 1-800-447-1651.

1-800-533-UPMC

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

A Healing Touch There are ways to relieve pain and nausea through alternative medicine. A growing number of patients are adding acupuncture and other alternative therapies to their medical care.

“You don’t have to be a believer for it to work,” says Betty Liu, MD, a physician and acupuncture specialist at the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “I’ve seen dramatic reductions in pain and nausea — some instantaneous, some after multiple sessions.”

Who uses it? Patients frequently turn to acupuncture and other therapies to control pain, including arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and spasms, or to ease nausea due to pregnancy or chemotherapy. Integrating these therapies with conventional medicine can help patients find relief more quickly, or continue making progress toward their goals.

What are some treatments? Acupuncture, one of the most popular therapies, uses thin needles to stimulate various points around the body. “We’re not certain how it works, but we know it releases endorphins, which act like opiates to relieve pain,” Dr. Liu says. Massage therapy uses acupressure and deep tissue massage to increase blood flow to an injured area and release endorphins.

What is alternative medicine? If you visit an acupuncturist or chiropractor, you’re seeking treatment in the field of complementary and alternative medicine — an increasingly mainstream tool for doctors.

Chiropractic medicine adjusts the spine through manipulation to put the body into better alignment. For more information about alternative treatments, visit UPMC.com/Today.

Food in a Glass Choosing the best milk option for you. Are you lingering longer in the dairy aisle, pondering your ever-increasing options? Should you reach for your usual skim milk — or be adventurous and try rice, almond, or soy? Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, UPMC’s director of sports nutrition, says making the right choice is this simple: “Essentially, milk is food in a glass. Choose the drink that offers the best nutrition for your needs.” Not all milk and dairy alternatives are equal: read labels carefully, comparing the fat and carbohydrate contents. “For example, to reduce soy milk’s ‘beanie’ taste, sugar is added,” explains Ms. Bonci. “That can jump the carbohydrate count from 12 to 24 grams.” Look beyond just calories, too: milk is rich in protein, calcium, and minerals. “An 8-ounce serving of milk has 8 grams of protein, compared to 6 grams for soy milk and just 1 gram for almond and rice milk,” she adds. Unless a food allergy is present, the best choice for most of us is cow’s milk. “For children under two, select whole milk,” says Ms. Bonci. “Otherwise, reach for 1 percent or skim milk — both offer a lower saturated fat content and higher calcium. Enhanced or ‘super’ skim milk features a richer texture many people prefer.” And if you’re debating about organic versus regular milk, Ms. Bonci advises that your pocketbook be your guide. “There’s no nutritional difference between the two,” she says.

UPMC.com/Today

Clinical Trials Can Change Lives Bringing patients, physicians, and researchers together to change the future of medicine.

Research opens the door for new possibilities in patient care. But long before a drug, medical device, treatment, or surgical procedure becomes widely available, it must first be proven safe and effective.

therapy from a patient’s own fat tissue,” explains Dr. Rubin. “By harnessing the body’s own regenerative capabilities, we’re applying new technologies and scientific advancements to restore both form and function in patients.” For more information, visit UPMC.com/restore or call 412-864-2587. Solutions for out-of-control blood pressure. Of the 67 million Americans with high blood pressure, more than half fail to keep it under control. Many have difficulty battling the disease despite taking three or more medications, a condition known as treatment-resistant hypertension. As part of the body’s sympathetic nervous system, our kidneys play an important role in regulating long-term blood pressure. In most patients with hypertension, the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, thereby increasing blood pressure and causing heart, kidney, and blood vessel damage.

At UPMC, clinical trials are the bridge between research and the future of modern medicine. As one of the nation’s top-ranked health care systems, UPMC annually directs or participates in hundreds of groundbreaking clinical trials in virtually every medical specialty. Some are offered only at UPMC, while others are part of national and even international trials. Each is carefully monitored and measured by expert UPMC physicians who are leaders in their fields. For a patients whose illness has no cure or no longer responds to current treatment, UPMC’s clinical trials offer potentially life-saving medical breakthroughs. Other patients enroll in clinical trials with the hope of finding a better or more costeffective treatment. The following three UPMC trials currently are seeking qualified patient volunteers: Healing soldiers disfigured in battle. A flash of light, the sound of an explosion … and a soldier’s life is forever changed by a traumatic facial injury. But thanks to two government-funded clinical trials, efforts are under way at UPMC to improve the lives of wounded soldiers through facial reconstruction using the person’s own tissue. The study is enrolling military and civilian patients with visible deformities of the head or face following trauma, applying minimally invasive therapy to restore a more normal appearance. These trials are led by J. Peter Rubin, MD, director of UPMC’s Center for Innovation in Restorative Medicine and an expert in adult stem cells derived from fat. “We’re using stem cell

John Schindler, MD, an interventional cardiologist with UPMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute, is participating in an industryfunded clinical trial in which a device is placed in an artery leading to the kidney. “This therapy uses a catheter to deliver low radiofrequency energy to destroy or disable the renal nerves,” says Dr. Schindler. “If effective, this device could be a valuable alternative to medications for patients with resistant hypertension.” For more information, contact Lisa Baxendell, RN, at 412-802-8672. Eliminating blood clots. In 2013, nearly a quarter-million adults will be diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which blood clots form mainly in a deep vein in the leg. DVT can result in persistent leg pain and swelling; if the clot breaks loose and moves to the lungs, a potentially deadly pulmonary embolism can occur. Conventional treatment involves blood thinners and wearing compression hosiery. “We want to dissolve the clot to eliminate its consequences,” says Rabih Chaer, MD, a UPMC vascular surgeon. Dr. Chaer is participating in a national, multidisciplinary clinical trial to determine if DVT patients would benefit from a more aggressive treatment involving the use of an image-guided catheter to dissolve the clot. “In vascular surgery, our work is technology driven; medical devices are constantly changing,” says Dr. Chaer. “By testing innovative devices, we offer our patients new opportunities to alleviate or resolve their illness.” For more information, contact Susan Tamburro at 412-623-8452. For a complete list of clinical trials now available, please visit UPMC.com/Today. To learn more about the benefits of clinical trials in patient care, please turn to page 3 and read about UPMC’s advancements in the treatment of hepatitis C.

1-800-533-UPMC

Depression and Older Adults While it may be common, it’s important to know that depression is not a normal part of aging.

Its services include: • Preventive services, evaluation, and consultation • Treatment through therapy and/or medication • Participation in innovative research studies • Educational support • Referrals for assistance

Research studies benefit patients today and tomorrow Among the center’s current research studies are efforts to improve sleep patterns, lower stress levels, promote brain health, and reduce pain as a way of preventing depression among adults age 60 and older. These include: RECALL: A study about reducing stress among seniors experiencing mild memory, language, or judgment loss RAPID: A study for adults with osteoarthritis knee pain More than 6.5 million Americans over age 65 experience latelife depression that can last for months and even years. But many older adults and their caretakers don’t seek treatment because they think depression is inevitable as we age. Its symptoms — irritability, social isolation, poor sleep, loss of appetite, and memory loss — also are easily mistaken as signs of other illnesses. “Depression erodes our quality of life, our productivity, and our ability to have fulfilling relationships,” explains Charles Reynolds III, MD, director, Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh. He also is director of the Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research at the University of Pittsburgh. The center is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Untreated, late-life depression puts older adults at risk for significant declines in their mental and physical health. It can be so debilitating that it threatens their ability to live independently,” he notes. “But the right professional help and medications can be life changing for these individuals.”

A wide range of support The center offers expertise in the detection, prevention, and treatment of depression, stress, complicated bereavement, or bipolar disorders in older adults. Through its research focus, all visits and medications are provided at no cost.

UPMC.com/Today

Addressing Pain and Depression Together (ADAPT): A study for adults living with both depression and back pain Healing Emotions After Loss (HEAL): A study for adults ages 18 to 95 who are experiencing prolonged or acute grief lasting six months or more over the loss of a loved one

One of the nation’s leading programs of its kind The Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research is located in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh at both the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. It is one of only three centers of excellence in geriatric psychiatry funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the John A. Hartford Foundation. To learn more about the center’s services or to participate in one of its current research programs, call 412-246-6006 or visit latelifedepression.org.

Comprehensive Care for Today’s Urology Patients From medication to radiation to surgical robotic technology, the new UPMC Mercy urology center offers tailored, cutting-edge care for patients.

Whether you need medical care for bladder cancer, an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infection, or sexual dysfunction, UPMC Mercy offers comprehensive care to treat the special urological health needs of both men and women.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy — A highly specialized, minimally invasive keyhole procedure to remove large kidney stones by using high frequency sound waves to break them down and a vacuum to quickly remove fragments.

“Our urologists are experts in caring for even the most complicated and difficult cases,” says Ronald Benoit, MD, a urologic surgeon and director of the UPMC Mercy urology center, where he leads a team of highly trained specialists in general urology, urologic oncology, reconstructive surgery, and kidney stone removal.

To schedule an appointment with a urologist at UPMC Mercy, call 412-232-5850.

As a Center of Excellence in Urologic Care, UPMC Mercy features a skilled multidisciplinary team of urologists trained in treating patients who have disorders and diseases of the kidneys, bladder, or prostate.

The latest in diagnosis and treatment techniques According to Dr. Benoit, the hospital’s urology specialists use advanced technologies, medical equipment, and treatments — including minimally invasive surgical technology and robotic surgery — aimed at reducing postoperative pain, recovery time, and side effects. “Robotic urology uses endoscopic techniques, so patients have smaller incisions and a faster recovery time,” says Dr. Benoit. This technology is ideal for complex and delicate urologic surgeries, such as a prostatectomy, where doctors must operate in a tightly confined area surrounded by nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function. Special procedures at UPMC Mercy’s urology center include: Robotic-assisted prostatectomy — A minimally invasive, nerve-sparing procedure for prostate cancer that preserves potency and urinary control. Laparoscopic nephrectomy — A minimally invasive procedure that allows all or part of the kidney to be removed through a keyhole procedure instead of a large open incision. Prostate brachytherapy (seed implants) — An effective treatment for patients with prostate cancer where seed implants are used to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor while reducing the risk of complications to surrounding tissue. UPMC Mercy is the only Pittsburgh hospital using Cesium-131, a newer compound that does not remain in the body as long as traditional treatments, resulting in faster resolution of side effects.

Leaders in urologic care As a Center of Excellence in Urologic Care, UPMC Mercy has recently recruited several prominent experts — all of whom earned medical degrees at the University of Pittsburgh, including: Mang Chen, MD, a reconstructive urology specialist, completed a fellowship in urologic trauma and reconstruction at the Detroit Medical Center. Michelle Jo Semins, MD, a kidney stone specialist, completed her residency in urology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where she also underwent special training in endourology, a minimally invasive technique to treat kidney stones. Tatum Tarin, MD, a urologic oncology specialist, completed his residency in urology at Stanford University Medical Center and a urologic oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC Mercy

1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for 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.

Care that women can believe in as strongly as their Catholic faith.

UPMC Mercy provides a full range of women’s health services rooted in the Catholic tradition. From prenatal education, to menopause diagnosis and treatment, to complete oncological care, and much more, UPMC Mercy strives to ensure the comfort of patients in body, mind, and spirit. This holistic approach is the foundation of more than 150 years of women’s health services. To learn more about UPMC Mercy OB/GYN services, or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/Mercy.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Pet When it comes to caring for your pet, you do everything you can to ensure they stay happy and healthy. And while there are a variety of pet foods on the market boasting recipes made using wholesome ingredients, if pets aren’t digesting that food correctly, they may as well be eating the inexpensive fillers you’ve been trying to avoid. In fact, many pet owners don’t know their dogs and cats have sensitive stomachs, which may make it hard for pets to properly digest their current food, and could lead to a host of problems. Pets need consistency; they need to eat the same food every day to avoid digestive upset. If pets can’t absorb the nutrients in the food they eat, it can lead to malnutrition, lethargy, frequent vomiting and worse. There are pet foods on the market that offer wellbalanced, easily digestible nutrients. Here are some tips for choosing the right food for your pet:

Check the Label

Look for natural, wholesome ingredients and avoid fillers. Remember, while proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals all play an important role in the health benefits of your pet’s diet, there are other ingredients to consider to help ensure your pet is properly absorbing these key nutrients.

ARE YOU OR A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE? Do you need help coping with issues like depression, excessive anger, anxiety or grief? Holy Family Institute offers individual and family mental health counseling and SHORES substance abuse counseling at a variety of locations throughout Allegheny County. Third party insurance is accepted or fees are based on a sliding scale. Call now and take the first step toward a more healthy and happy life today! Holy Family Institute: 412-766-4030.

Probiotics

Prebiotics stimulate the growth and maintenance of good bacteria, like probiotics, in your pet’s digestive tract. Your pet’s digestive tract requires a careful balancing act of bacteria. Probiotics – or good bacteria – help keep your pet’s immune system healthy. There are cat and dog foods that contain live probiotics added to the food after it has been cooked and cooled. This process assures maximum survival of the probiotics, so that your pet reaps the full benefits of their food.

Natural Fibers

Just as fiber plays an important role in human digestive health, it also plays an integral role in your pet’s digestive health. Fiber-rich foods such as oatmeal and flaxseed promote digestive regularity. Flaxseed, for example, helps with the movement of food through your pet’s digestive tract, is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and offers benefits for your pet’s cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems.

Easily Digestible Enzymes

Several organs such as the pancreas help break down food within the digestive process by producing enzymes. Adding enzymes to pet food actually helps with this process by ensuring your pet is getting the nutrients from their food, while reducing stress on their organs. This is especially crucial for aging pets. When it comes to choosing a pet food for your dog or cat, keep in mind that more than just the main ingredients matter. Ensure your pet is getting the maximum amount of nutrition from every bite by purchasing quality food that supports the digestive system. Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Home

Improvements In Carlynton-Montour If you have a home, you know how challenging it is to maintain it. Roofs leak, landscapes need weeding, and kitchens and baths need facelifts. If you’re handy, you can get by with your own sweat equity. However, most people don’t have the skills, let alone the time, to tackle major household projects – many of which will require you spending more time at the office just to be able to tackle the price tags such projects come with. Here, we try to cover it all for you – from financing your project to enjoying it when it’s complete. Building a home addition can be a good alternative to buying a new home or building a house from scratch. Besides saving money, it can be a means of investing in your home and customizing your home to serve your family’s specific needs and desires. But additions also bring up potential problems that may not make them the best option for everyone. An addition can drastically change the way a house looks from the road or yard. An addition that isn’t well planned can look like it doesn’t belong or doesn’t match the rest of the house in terms of style or overall shape. Planning an addition carefully with a skilled architect is the best way to ensure that the house looks as good, or even better, than it did before the addition. An architect should be able to produce sketches that give a sense of how the finished addition will look. To minimize the appearance of an addition, homeowners can usually choose to build onto the back of the existing house, thereby hiding the new construction from the road. Depending on the size of an addition and the construction schedule, it may take weeks or months before an addition is completed. Bad weather can cause unanticipated delays, and working with an unreliable contractor can prolong the process even further. If a homeowner can’t afford to be patient during the planning and construction process, moving into a new, larger home may be a better option. 38 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

An addition can be a good investment, helping to increase the value of a home. Using a home equity line of credit or getting a new mortgage that includes money to pay for the addition can be a wise financial decision, especially when interest rates are low. However, if the expected value of an addition – which a homeowner can estimate by studying the sale prices of nearby homes with similar characteristics – is less than its cost, it may be a poor investment. An addition is likely to raise the value of a home. After the addition is completed, a new assessment will raise property taxes. Prior to adding on, homeowners should estimate the value of their home with the addition and compute a new annual tax liability based on current tax rates. Building an addition is an ideal time to invest in energy-efficient fixtures and construction. Windows that prevent hot or cool air from escaping and low-energy-consuming appliances can minimize the cost of an addition by reducing energy bills and its environmental impact. Remodeling your bathroom is another popular way to jazz up your home as well as build equity. In some cases, not only is remodeling the bathroom an aesthetic choice but a functional choice as well. Giving your bathroom a boost doesn’t always have to require a boatload of cash or space – just a little planning and creativity before you get started. Refresh your bath’s look with a wow-worthy makeover that improves its style and function. Perhaps you have an old toilet that you want to replace with a highefficiency model that will lower your water bill. Or perhaps the old tile is falling off your shower and you need to replace it. Whatever your situation is, there are many options to choose from, including do-it-yourself options. One popular and inexpensive option is to have a theme for your bathroom. Examples could be a Disney theme for a child’s bathroom, or perhaps a beach theme. This can be accomplished by painting the

walls, adding a wall border and by well-placed décor. Some larger and more costly bathroom updates include new flooring, new sink and vanity and a new bathtub or shower. These improvements will get even costlier if you paid someone to do it for you. Decks on the rear or side of homes have become extremely popular in the United States. Used for entertaining or just relaxing, decks come in all shapes, sizes, designs and material. The most popular, and least expensive, deck material is treated wood. It is durable, however it will need to be painted or stained yearly or every other year depending on your climate. Composite decking products are building materials manufactured using a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. Composite decking materials are very popular because they require less maintenance than wood and often use recycled materials. Composite decking is easy to install and is guaranteed with a 20-year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering or termite damage. However, composite decking can be very costly. Vinyl decking made from Cellular PVC is a great choice for decking because it is essentially resistant to stains, mold, insects and fading. PVC material is low maintenance and is a sustainable building material. But like composite, it can get costly. Powder coated aluminum decking can be used to create a watertight floor for your deck. This unique material will never splinter, rot or rust. LockDry Aluminum decking is cool to the touch and is available in five colors. Aluminum decking is strong and lightweight. The LockDry system can be used to create a dry space to use under your deck on rainy days. Decks can built right on the ground, or be elevated high in the air, depending on the design of your home. If you are building a deck yourself it is very important to check all local building codes and follow all of the guidelines very closely to ensure the safety and long-term durability of your deck. Bringing your family together is often difficult. A family game room is a fantastic way to upgrade your home and bring the family together. Whether you have an unfinished basement, an unused attic room or an empty garage, you can transform it into a fantastic oasis where your family can spend countless enjoyable hours. There are many aspects to making your game room remodel a success. First you should talk to a Design/Build contractor about water access, waste lines and additional electricity needs. The contractor can also offer advice on any changes that might be necessary to update the space, whether it be additional insulation for a garage or attic room or waterproofing for a basement room. Water access could also be an important aspect if you plan to have a bar or sink area. A Design/Build contractor can offer advice on what needs to be done to make the area completely usable. You might also want to speak with the contractor about creating an additional half bathroom for guests

Our Home Improvement Partners In 1987 Inks Installations, a home remodeling business was established by Michael T. Inks. Today, Inks Installations is ranked at the top of the businesses involved in home remodeling. Inks is family owned and operated, serving Allegheny County and the surrounding areas, specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, additions, game rooms, roofing, siding, and other small jobs. For more information call or stop by the showroom! Inks Installations and Remodeling 724.776.0805 • www.inksinstallations.com

Action Builders is a Design Build company. We believe in listening to our customers and designing within a budget. We pride ourselves on professionalism, quality and total commitment to your project. We back our projects with 30 years of experience and a five year warranty. Check out our website for more details. AB Builders www.pittsburghadditions.com

Apple Lawn Service, started in 1992 in Sewickley, provides landscaping and snow removal services in the Sewickley and Moon Township areas. In 2011 we added the creation of custom made boulders to our business profile. Utilizing proprietary cement and steel we create boulders based on the unique designs submitted by our customers. Boulders can be viewed at our store at 101 McGovern Blvd in Crescent. Apple Lawn Services 412.741.1610 • www.applelawn.com

and family members to use when you’re entertaining. Electricity for lighting and appliances is also incredibly important. If you are updating an unused area of your home, the current electric wiring may not be able to handle the additional demands of a game room. The Design/ Build contractor can guide you through what will need to be updated and how much it will cost. If finances are an issue there are definitely still projects you can complete yourself including painting, laying carpet, adding shelves or simply updating the décor. Gone are the days when it was frowned upon to bring work home. Today a

Continued on page 41 Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Business Spotlight

JT Landscaping LLC

Keeping Properties Looking Great for more Years than

or more than 20 years, Joe Tortorea has been improving properties with quality landscaping services. From basic lawn mowing and regular maintenance, to high level design strategies, and professional landscape installation teams; there is nothing JT Landscaping LLC cannot accomplish. With tree pruning, retaining walls, French drains, full landscape renovation, hardscaping and excavation, JT Landscaping LLC has grown into an allinclusive landscaping enterprise. This year, JT Landscaping LLC will have even more to offer its customers by way of greenhouse and nursery facilities. “A few years back, we bought four acres of land in Oakdale and have been developing it ever since,” Tortorea said. “First we built our warehouse for our equipment and offices, and then we opened up our repair center to the public to service their lawn and garden equipment. Now we’ve developed a nursery with several greenhouses where you can purchase nursery goods, flowers, perennials, shrubs and ornamental trees. Customers can buy mulch, top soil, and decorative stone in bulk. We stock firewood, boulders and more.” If you’re overwhelmed by all of the landscape upgrades you can buy, JT Landscaping will gladly deliver and plant your new yard.

40 724.942.0940 to advertise

“All of our planting material is guaranteed for 90 days,” Tortorea said. “So people know when they buy from us, they’re getting superior plant stock. So often, I see people going to a big box store to save a buck, only to see their plants die off in the same season. Our growers, the distributors we go through, take the extra steps to ensure you’re getting a quality product that will thrive in your yard for years to come.” If you are the type of person who wants to landscape your home, but doesn’t know where to start, JT Landscaping offers “DigiScaping” services just for you. The free consultation includes coming to your home to discuss your needs, taking digital photos of your yard, and creating new landscaping using digital software. Once completed, the pictures will show the homeowner what potential their property could have without ever sticking a shovel in the ground. The before and after visual representation of the property takes the guesswork out of what to plant and where. JT Landscaping will gladly recommend plantings that are ideally suited for your location and design, to give you a manageable, maintainable yard. For the homeowner who just wants to live with a nice yard, and not worry about it,

Carlynton-Montour

JT Landscaping can set you up with an annual maintenance plan that can take care of mowing, fertilizing, pruning, aerating, reseeding, weeding, snow removal, salt spreading and winterization. “We can provide as many or as few services as you need to enjoy your yard to its fullest,” Tortorea said. “Homeowners are proud when their yards look good, and we’re just as proud to make them look that way. Our staff strives to make each of our customers’ homes look their best year round so that they can enjoy coming home to a house and yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood.” For more information on JT Landscaping and to see a complete overview of all the services they can provide to help you keep your landscaping looking great, go to www.jtlandscaping.com. To set up a DigiScape consultation or to have any of your questions answered by their knowledgeable and courteous staff, call 724.693.2793 today! Their tool repair shop and nursery are open to the public daily and can be found at 7231 Noblestown Road in Oakdale.

Home Improvements In Carlynton-Montour Continued from page 39 home is not a home unless it has a home office. Whether you are turning an extra bedroom into a workspace with store-bought furniture or constructing a full-scale two-level library and office, home offices are a regular part of what makes a house a home in 2012. Making the space your own is essential to effective use of a home office. Create a space that makes you more productive and relaxed at the same time and that is a winning combination. A desk is an essential part of most offices. Choose one that meets your needs. If all you need is a work top to use your laptop from, consider a computer cart and save the space for a comfortable chair or small sofa. If you are in the market for a larger desk, consider office furniture resellers. They sell executive-grade used furniture for a fraction of the cost. Bookcases or other storage can be a nice addition. Not only can they store books, but they are also great places to display awards or showcase your favorite collection of knicknacks or memorabilia. Decide whether you prefer furniture pieces or built-ins. Antique shops have great deals on beautiful bookcases, and most local cabinet shops can design and install custom built-ins. If you have a closet in your office, visit your local home center for a plethora of storage and organizing options. A comfortable chair or two is a necessity. Choose long-lasting fabrics and sturdy frames. Go with classic styles that won’t end up as next year’s garage sale item. Test out the chair before you buy it. Desk chairs especially need to provide good support and be comfortable.

Our Home Improvement Partners In 1991 when owner Joe Tortorea founded JT Landscaping LLC, he never thought the industry would have provided such a diverse set of opportunities for growth. Over the past 22 years, the business has grown from a small one bay garage, to a flourishing four acre parcel that is comprised of a warehouse building, a retail nursery, and a nursery bulk supply yard. JT Landscaping 724.693.2793 • www.jtlandscaping.biz Whether you own a newly built home or a 40-year-old fixer-upper, there’s always a project to do. SouthWest Communities FCU SouthWest has home equity loans for projects from painting a bedroom to adding an in-law suite. Using your home’s equity can be a smart move. It’s your house; let SouthWest Communities help to make it your home. COMMUNITIES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

SouthWest Communities Federal Credit Union 412-276-5379 • www.swcfcu.org

We live in a society of over-indulgence. Nothing shows this like the home theater. So many popular home magazines have a page dedicated to converting your basement into a home theater, or something similar. The HGTV website has 16 home theater features alone. But how doable is the home theater in reality? First, you need a fairly large space, either a big family room or a basement. Second, you need to budget for all the furnishings including, of course, the stars of the show: home theater equipment – a big-screen TV, DVD player and speakers – and comfy seating. Also very popular for home theaters is floor and aisle lighting similar to real movie theaters, and perhaps even an old-fashioned popcorn maker. Frankly, home theaters are generally for those with deep pockets because there really is no way to make a home theater cheaply. Still thinking of taking the plunge? The home improvement website Home Time has a really useful feature on home theater planning. It covers everything you’ll need to consider, like the space you’ll need and even suggested room layouts, to maximize your viewing pleasure. Kitchens are the most popular room in the house to remodel. Many people consider the kitchen to be the center of the home and its most important component. Another reason it is so popular to remodel is there are so many things in the kitchen that can be remodeled… cabinets, cabinet hardware,

Continued on page 42 Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

Home Improvements In Carlynton-Montour Continued from page 41 countertops, floor, appliances, lighting, walls and sinks. There is very little right or wrong when it comes to remodeling your kitchen; it comes down to personal taste. There are so many choices when it comes to style, design and type of material for every component of your kitchen. When remodeling there is much to consider: cost, what is your goal, what is your situation (pets or small children could help decide what type of flooring to use, for example) and what is the cost vs. equity value of the remodel. If finances are an issue and you are not the handiest individual, there are still many simple and easy things you can do to add pizzazz and value to your kitchen. For example, you can paint your cabinets and add new handles rather than buying new cabinets. Adding a stylish splashguard behind your stove and sink is easy to do and adds great appeal. Painting the walls can also make a huge difference in your kitchen, as can changing the light fixture.

42 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

If done well, landscaping can completely change the character and perception of a home. Landscaping encompasses anything on the outside of the home including grass cutting, plants, flowers, rock, mulch, borders, vegetable gardens and more. Beyond the aesthetics, landscaping can be beneficial to a property if designed properly. Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase cooling costs, and incorporating shade from landscaping elements can help reduce this solar heat gain. Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9째F (5째C). Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25째F (14째C) cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop. Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your shading

Continued on page 44

Business Spotlight

South West Communities Federal Credit Union More Neighbor Than Bank

rust is one of the most important things you need to have when it comes to your money, and at South West Communities Federal Credit Union, trust is in no short supply. South West Communities Federal Credit Union was established in 1939 as the Union Electric Steel Federal Credit Union, which served company employees exclusively. In 2000, the credit union reorganized, opening up membership to residents of the Carlynton School District under the name UES Federal Credit Union. This past September, the decision was made to open membership up to even more of the community so that more people can enjoy the advantages rates and services South West Communities Federal Credit Union has to offer. Today, if you reside, work, worship, attend school in, or do business in Crafton, Carnegie, Rosslyn Farms, Bridgeville, Heidelberg, Collier, Scott, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Green Tree, Robinson, Kennedy Township, Ingram, Thornburg, Pennsbury, Stowe, McKees Rocks or Mt. Lebanon, South West Communities Federal Credit Union is there for you. Membership with South West Communities means members can enjoy higher dividends than banks, lower loan

rates than banks, low or no fees, and more personalized service. Members also can enjoy the same conveniences that banks offer such as online banking, mobile banking, free bill pay services, free checking accounts, specialized checking accounts, CDs, Christmas and vacation clubs, traditional and Roth IRAs, health savings accounts, and more. They offer the same great auto loans, home equity loans, personal loans and credit cards to suit your needs at rates that can’t be found in retail banks. And, once you’re

Membership with South West Communities means members can enjoy higher dividends than banks, lower loan rates than banks, low or no fees, and more personalized service.

a member, your membership is good with South West Communities Federal Credit Union in case you would ever move out of their service area. Unlike banks, your membership deposit entitles you to have your voice heard directly. You have a say in who runs South West by voting for its board of directors, which is made up entirely of volunteers. With six employees in their main location, you will be known by your name, not a number, and you can rest assured that your Member Service Representative has your best interests in mind. Even the employees are all living within the scope of South West Communities Federal Credit Union’s service area, which makes them more like neighbors than other banks with big names and branches. By the time of printing this magazine, Southwest Communities will have accomplished the opening of a second small office branch in McKees Rocks, which will offer the same great services and rates. For more information on South West Communities Federal Credit Union, or to open a membership account today, go to 213 Pine Street, Carnegie, call them at 412-276-5379, or go to their website at www.swcfcu.org to get current rates.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

Home Improvements In Carlynton-Montour Continued from page 42

and security purposes.

device casts. Also, homes in cool regions may never overheat and may not require shading. Therefore, you need to know what landscape shade strategies will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate.

Examples of exterior lighting include: torches, candles, lanterns, solar ground lighting, flood lights, lamp posts, landscape lighting and general light fixtures. For setting a mood the most popular lighting is candles or small lanterns. For security and safety purposes, it is critical to have flood light or lamp posts or ground solar lighting or all. A burglar is much more likely to enter a home without a lot of light on the outside illuminating the property.

Also, if you can determine how much water your plants actually need, then you won’t overwater them and waste water. It is important to not only understand a plant’s particular watering requirements, but also evapotranspiration.

With countless styles and options available, there are no right or wrong choices. The outdoor lighting a homeowner will choose will come down to budget and personal preference.

Evapotranspiration (Et) is the amount of water that is evaporated from the soil and transpired through the plant’s leaves. This amount of water needs to be replaced through watering. If you know your area’s Et rate, you can plan the amount of water to be replaced through irrigation. It’s best to water or irrigate your plants in the early morning when evaporation rates are low. This also provides plants with water before midday when the evaporation rate is the highest. Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cast an enchanting spell on any outdoor space. It is also very effective for safety

44 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

Many of us take pride in our homes, investing countless hours rearranging and remodeling the interior. But it can also be refreshing to step out of the confines of the inside and spend some time outside. It’s especially enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall months. When the weather is favorable, it’s difficult to miss out on a nice day outside. But spending time outside doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your creature comforts. With a few small adjustments you can make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. Turning a yard, patio, porch or other outdoor area into a functional living space can be a rewarding task, and will expand your living space to the outdoors. With the right setup, you can spend more time in the sunshine and fresh air, and host events al fresco for friends, family and neighbors.

practical skills and core concepts:

TECHnology EDucation

n option available to Carlynton seventh and eighth grade students as a Humanities course is Technology Education. This eight week course gives young teens a flavor for certain career fields that incorporate technology. The classroom contains 13 separate modules or stations. Each station contains a computer, software and machinery or equipment to allow experimentation, creative thinking and application of practical skills. Upperclassmen can elect to enroll in Tech Ed to focus on a particular area of interest. A sampling of the modules in the classroom includes a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling lathe, Flash software for animation, AutoCAD design and VEX robotics. Students can explore at least five of the 13 stations during a nine week period, based on interest. While enrolled in the course, eighth grader James Vrana has discovered a penchant for drafting or Auto CAD design. Within two weeks, he produced a detailed computer-aided drawing (CAD) of an alarm clock and also designed a battery-operated three-ring binder. “Large binders tend to make noise when you open and close them in class,” James said. “The big rings can also pinch fingers.” His invention, designed on the computer, uses a small concealed battery to quietly open and close the binder rings, hands free, with a simple click of a button. James admitted, “I think I might want to explore drafting and Auto CAD as a career. This class helped me realize that.” Working at a nearby station, Ryan Pollack was rotating a motorized robot to pick up a tennis ball with the click of a mouse. The VEX robot was assembled by older students weeks earlier. Younger students can experiment with the bot by manipulating a programmed cortex on a computer. The software dictates

v u

Continued on page 46 1. With the click of a mouse, Ryan Pollack could manipulate a Vex robot to pick up a tennis ball. The programmed cortex on the computer enables the robot to move and transport the tennis ball. 2. Pollack illustrates how this is done by moving the mouse. 3. Pollack uses a wireless remote or joystick to move the robot across the floor while teacher Bill Harris watches the action. Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

y 4. Eighth grader James Vrana calibrated the size of an alarm clock with a rule and reproduced it in AutoCAD. 5. James put some thought into the design of the “Easy Binder,” a battery operated three-ring folder, and replicated his idea using AutoCAD.

Continued from page 45 the movement of the robot or it can be engaged from a distance by a wireless remote or joystick. Several other robots sat on a shelf, ready for deployment. The robots are being created by students who hope to compete in a spring competition at California University of Pennsylvania. Along the back wall of the Tech Ed classroom are two Computer Numeric Control (CNC) milling lathes. Seventh graders Zach Miller, Zach Leonhiser and Jaden Calhoun were setting up one of the lathes to engrave a fighter jet in wax. The image was designed on a computer linked to the machine. After precisely calibrating the program for cutting, the boys set the dials on the lathe and watched as the image took shape. The course is designed to unify the concepts of science, math and technology. Science comes alive through motion, forces and function. Geometric and algebraic equations are employed when applying basic engineering designs to most of the projects. Bill Harris has been teaching the Tech Ed course at Carlynton for nearly 16 years. Before that, he ran the wood and print shop and taught graphic design. He continually seeks new ideas to intrigue young minds, especially those who like to work with their hands. “Keeping up with software changes and upgrading hardware can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort,” he said. “I enjoy watching the kids light up when they accomplish something they’ve never done before. It makes me happy.”

{

6. Seventh graders Jaden Calhoun, Zach Leonhiser and Zach Miller program the CNC lathe for operation. 7. With the use of an Allen wrench, Jaden and Zach fit a piece of wax snuggly into place in preparation for cutting. 8. The boys watch as the machine cuts the shape of a fighter jet with precision. 9. The finished product, a relief sculpture of a fighting jet.

} |

photos courtesy of Carlynton-Montour School District 46 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

your refund dollars

f you get a tax refund, what will you do with it? This year, 50 percent of Americans receiving a tax refund say they plan to spend the extra money on bills or other household expenses, as opposed to vacations (15 percent), leisure activities (8 percent) or gifts (4 percent), according to a recent poll. The survey also noted that 78 percent of Americans receiving their refund will be “smarter” about how they spend it, with 55 percent pledging they are more likely to use refund dollars on practical “needs” instead of “wants.” Use the following tips to help stretch your tax refund dollars. • Set up an emergency fund Putting away 6 to 12 months of expenses can really help if you find your home equity line of credit has been reduced, or if unexpected medical fees arise. • Open a 529 college savings plan According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the cost of a college education continues to rise every year. Since 1999, prices for undergraduate tuition, room and board at public institutions rose 37 percent, and prices at private institutions rose 25 percent, after adjustment for inflation. Planning early and setting aside money for college now is the most important thing you can do for your children’s collegiate success. • Seek out classes to boost budgeting skills Taking a budget or finance class at a community college or neighborhood center can help boost the financial planning skills that you currently have or help you learn new techniques. • Research the best deals on monthly expenses There are expenses you will incur each month, such as food, transportation and cell phone costs, which are easy to re-evaluate and cut – as long as you do the right research. For example, buying in bulk, investing in a bus pass or choosing an efficient, flexible prepaid wireless provider will help you save money each year. Always shop for the best deals. Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

New Advanced Treatment for Skin Cancer Patricia Sinicki found a scratch on her nose back in 2010 and didn’t think much of it. “I thought that one of my cats had scratched me,” she said. At the time, she was undergoing total knee reconstruction followed by physical therapy, so she didn’t have time to really worry about that scratch. As time went on, however, the scratch continued to get worse. Her primary care physician referred her to a dermatologist who biopsied the lesion and confirmed the diagnosis: basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, according to Melissa Pugliano-Mauro, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at UPMC St. Margaret and Mohs surgeon. “I have a strong family history of skin cancer, so my primary care physician had prepared me for this type of diagnosis,” Sinicki explained. Fortunately for Sinicki, her dermatologist referred her to Hakeem Sam, MD, PhD, director, Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at UPMC Presbyterian and in April 2012, she underwent Mohs surgery, a procedure performed for skin cancer that offers the highest potential cure rate; 99 percent. During the surgery, Dr. Sam removed layers of tumor until it was gone. Sinicki now ranks among that 99 percent, and though she continues to visit Dr. Sam regularly for follow-up, she feels very happy with the progress she has made. “I just look at it as one more thing in my life that I have conquered,” she said. Physicians have been performing Mohs surgery for more than 50 years, according to Dr. Sam, with the majority of procedures done on non-melanoma cancers on the head and neck, specifically the areas of skin around the eyes, nose, mouth, lips, and ears. There also is a type of melanoma, called melanoma insitu, on which Mohs surgery is effective.

Dr. Sam explained that the procedure is done in stages, or layers, of tumor removal and is performed under local anesthetic. “We remove a layer of tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue and examine it under a microscope. If, upon examination, which can take up to one hour, we find more cancer, we remove another layer. This process is repeated until all of the cancer is removed. This is the most conservative way of removing the entire tumor while still leaving behind as much healthy tissue as possible.” When that part of the surgery is finished, reconstruction begins, and that could be as simple as side-to-side closures or as extensive as flaps and grafts. In cases where the tumor is more extensive, the patient also may be referred to appropriate specialists. “Patients can go home the same day with a pressure dressing applied to the surgical area,” Dr. Sam said. “Pain is primarily managed with over-the-counter medications, though patients who experience more pain can be given a prescription.” More than 3.5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, Dr. Pugliano-Mauro said, and one in five will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin cancer, with basal cell being the most common out of the two, and melanoma is the deadliest form. “There are similar risk factors for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, and those include fair skin complexion, a lot of outdoor sun exposure, or the use of indoor tanning beds, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently determined are linked to melanoma,” Dr. Pugliano-Mauro explained. “The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is to limit sun exposure. We also strongly advise using sunscreen labeled ‘broad spectrum and water resistant’ and with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours or more often after swimming or sweating.” To learn more about skin cancer and Mohs micrographic surgery, visit UPMC.com/skincancerprogram or call 855-SKN-SPOT (855-756-7768).

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 49

Crocs Rock! More than a swim team ... It ' s a lifestyle

By Elvira Hoff It starts right around the time third quarter report cards come home. The sneaking sensation that school will be letting out before you know it. That the kids will be itching to go out and play nighttime release on a school night in spring, instead of study for that Science test they have the next day. And the impetus to start planning what they’ll be doing over summer, to stay busy, safe, and out of each other’s hair. And oh yeah, have some fun too. Of course, if you’re a Crafton Crocodile family, you already know where your kids will be the very first Monday after school lets out – at 50 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

swim team practice. Older kids dive in at 9 a.m.; younger ones at 10:30. If it’s a meet day, there’s no practice and you typically avoid recreational swimming that afternoon so you’re rested and ready for the evening’s events. The meets themselves are as much about hanging out with your teammates between races as they are about putting your best fin forward when it’s your turn to swim. So you go to meets stocked with blankets and snacks, Nintendos and Nerf balls, Coleman chairs and grandparents. And always, everyone brings enough to share. And just when you’re clipping along this famously fun routine, the season’s over and you’re celebrating at the banquet in Crafton Park, held every year the last Saturday night in July. Croc families have even been known to vacation in August to work around the team’s schedule. Then by the time you get home from that, back-to-school’s around the corner and somehow

Terry O’Shea was hired as Crafton Pool Manager in 1964 and started the swim team in 1965.

those last few weeks of summer seem extra satisfying for the new friendships you’ve made; old ones you’ve rekindled; and lifelong ones you’ve fortified with new memories and tighter bonds. It’s no wonder families around here have been falling in love with the Crafton Crocodiles for generations. It’s more than a swim team, it’s a lifestyle. “At some point, swim team just became the thing to do in summer,” says Terry O’Shea, “the original Crafton Crocodile” who was hired as Crafton Pool Manager in 1964 and started the swim team in ’65. Employed at the time as a teacher, (he taught English at Montour High School for 36 years), he had swum competitively in college, and his experience and schedule lent themselves perfectly to spending his summers working at the pool. A number of local families, thrilled at having a home team to rally behind, played integral roles in jumpstarting the Crocodiles and helping to ensure its success. In addition to the O’Sheas, these “first families” included the Glasers, Rusnaks, Ravenstahls, Daileys, Donovans, Gambles, Smillers, McGinleys, Trievels, Wisniewskis, Schepners, and Collins and Koltz – just to name a few. Soon, they and their compatriots had established a familiarly fun routine for the summer months that so many local families still happily carry on to this day. It went something like this: The team would get their morning workout,

grab a quick lunch, and then head straight back to the pool for a full day of swimming. When Dads got home from work, they often joined their families at the pool for pot-luck dinners and evening swimming – unless there was a meet that night, in which case, the parents happily took on their volunteer roles, lining up for jobs like starter or timer, runner or finish judge, beach patrol or concession stand – and sometimes, even float maker. Yup, you read that right. Croc parents and cohorts Jack Rusnak, Terry O’Shea, Bernie Gamble, and Jim Glaser once fashioned a

“Swimming on the Crocs wasn’t just something you did with your friends, it was something you did with your family.”

parade float out of chicken wire featuring a six-foot crocodile on a starting block for the annual Crafton Celebrates parade. Their wives and families helped stuff the Crocodile with no less than 32,200 carnations made out of donated napkins (in the same style of those ever- popular “Kleenex carnations” that were widely used to decorate wedding-party cars in the 1970s). When he wasn’t driving around a parade float, this Great Croc was propped up on the pool bleachers for home meets, no doubt to strike an intimidating pose for visiting rivals. For away meets, Croc families would tape tissue flowers and blue and white balloons to their cars to herald the team’s arrival at opponents’ pools. Summers passed and kids got older, eventually becoming life guards, teaching swim lessons, and even taking their own turns coaching the Crocodiles. When all was said and done, time swam by more like a sprint than a relay, and so did the years. But the bonds that were forged lasted forever. Says Terry: “I can’t tell you how many prom dates and marriages and lifelong friendships came out of kids growing up together on that team.” “I joined the Crocodiles when I was five years old and it’s been a part of who I

Continued on page 52

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 51

Continued from page 51 am ever since,” says Sharon Rusnak-Gaitens, a former record holder in freestyle and backstroke with the team. Perhaps not coincidentally, she became a teacher, and was able to stay actively involved with the team and Crafton Pool to this day. She swam on the Crocodiles through high school, became a life guard, a coach, and eventually Crafton Pool Manager for the full decade of the 1990s. Locals still remark about how she and her staff transformed the pool area for an elegant farewell cocktail party before the pool closed for renovations in 1993. Pool staff hand-delivered invitations all around town and served as waiters and waitresses for the event, dressed in formal black pants or skirts, white shirts and black bow ties. Guests brought along their old photos and pool passes and other memorabilia to share. Rather than rope off the pool, staffers adorned it with floating candles and blue and white balloons donated by Dee’s Cake & Candy Supplies on Route 60. Dinda’s and Tom Witt’s Catering provided the food – cost was only $10 a head. And using the diving board as their runway, girls from the swim team put on a fashion show modeling swimsuit styles from bygone eras coordinated by Assistant Pool Manager Micky Farrand. As the ticket promised, it was truly “A Night to Remember.” Sharon now serves as League Liaison on the Crafton Crocodile Board alongside her husband, Rich Gaitens, who – you guessed it – she met on the Crocs. Together they are raising their four children in his old childhood home in Crafton. Ranging in ages from 7 to 13, all four of them are on the team. “Swimming on the Crocs wasn’t just something you did with your friends, it was something you did with your family,” recalls Sharon. “My Dad was a starter at the home meets, and now I’m the starter. It always gave me an extra boost of confidence when he would give me a thumbs-up right before I’d race, and now it means so 52 724.942.0940 to advertise

much to be able to give back those memories to my own children.” And this team has certainly earned plenty of thumbs-ups. Through some 47 seasons and counting, it has remained a powerhouse in its Conference, which for years has included Crafton, Green Tree, Scott Township, South Fayette and Mount Lebanon. “When we

“I can’t tell you how many prom dates and marriages and lifelong friendships came out of kids growing up together on that team.” first started out, we were swimming mostly against teams in the North Hills,” recalls Terry. “I’ll never forget the first time we won Championships at Bellevue pool against the Barracudas. I knew we could challenge, but I was just as surprised as anybody when we won.” Shortly thereafter, the team became dominant for many more years than not.

Carlynton-Montour

“Of course, it was always great to win at Champs, but I think winning at All-Stars always held special meaning for me,” says Mike Schneiderlochner, fondly known around here as “Coach Mike,” who served two tenures as the Crocodiles’ Head Coach, in the ‘90s and then again in the 2000s. He also started the Carlynton Aqua Club and currently heads up Bishop Canevin’s High School swim team. “The last two meets of each season are always Champs and All-Stars. The top two kids in every age group had to swim in the individual events at Championships, and weren’t allowed to then also swim at All-Stars,” explains Mike. “So winning the All-Star meets meant we were doing a very good job with developing all of the swimmers and not just the ones who were naturally talented.” Coach Mike’s teams won both the All-Star and Championship meets nine out of his 10 seasons with the Crocs. Both losses were to Mt. Lebanon. “Our big rival back when I was swimming for the Crocs was the Robinson Rays. We kept going back and forth with them – they would win one, we would win one ,” recalls Kathi Lechmanik-Lopez, the Crocs’ most recent coach who grew up a Croc herself just a few short blocks away from the pool in Crafton. She and her husband Marco are now raising their four children here – all of whom swim for the team. kathi is yet another of countless examples of how miniscule the degrees of separation are when it comes to the Crafton Crocodiles. “Sharon and Rich were my coaches when I was growing up, and now I’m coaching their kids,” says Kathi. She also coaches Montour High School’s Varsity swim team and the Carlynton Aqua Club. Terry’s daughter, Missy O’Shea-DeMark, is still a friend and helps Kathi teach swimming lessons at Carlynton High School to this day. Meanwhile, two summers back, Kathi’s daughter Kayla, along with three other of today’s current stars – Jocelyn

Every Crocodile becomes a stronger swimmer …A Crafton Crocodile can tread water till the cows come home. Gentile, Elizabeth Quinn and Nicole Stengel – were on the 13–18, 200-yard freestyle relay team that broke Missy’s old relay team record that had stood for over two decades. “But let’s talk about a record that still stands,” kids Missy, changing the subject and breaking into one of the more classic stories in Croc lore. “My brother “T” still holds the boys 8-and-under record for the 25 free. I was coaching and I didn’t have many 8-and-under boys so I forced him to swim. He was also playing baseball at the time. The day he broke the record, he had a game over at the CIT field. He wore his swim suit under his uniform, and right before his race started, he left the field, ran over to the pool, dropped the baseball uniform and spikes, swam, won, and broke the record. My Dad was waiting at the end of the pool with a towel and his baseball uniform. “T” ran back over to the baseball field while getting dried off and dressed again.” It’s a story you can’t help but smile when hearing, and also one that represents the inherent character building that naturally transpires when you’re a Croc. “The first time I swam backstroke in a meet, I got tired toward the end of the race and decided to turn around and swim the rest of it freestyle and I got DQ’d (disqualified),” says Claire Shriver, a sixth grader

at Crafton Elementary and one of the new generation of Crocs. “I felt so embarrassed afterwards and that really made me want to get

“At some point, swim team just became the thing to do in summer.”

really good at that stroke, and now it’s my best one.” Jacqueline Roussos, a junior at Carlynton High, tells a similar story. “When I first swam breast stroke when I was younger, I came in first place but then found out I had gotten DQ’d so I hated that stroke,” she recalls. “Now, it’s the only stroke I want to swim.” St. philip third grader Grace Avery debuted with the Crocs this past summer, swimming for the 8-andunder age group. Born with bilateral club feet, Grace has been taking slowly to sports having undergone three corrective foot surgeries

Continued on page 54

ORIGINAL CROCS

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 53

You pretty much race to beat your own personal best and no matter where you finish, there’s always a crowd cheering you on. “Winning the All-Star meets meant we were doing a very good job with developing all of the swimmers and not just the ones who were naturally talented.”

Continued from page 53 and 20+ stints in casts. Her first meet of the summer was not atypical for young first timers swimming their first race and she took over a minute to swim the 25 free. By the end of

54 724.942.0940 to advertise

the season, however, she had not only cut her time in half but had also qualified to swim in the Championship meet – a feat often not accomplished by swimmers with many more summers under their caps than she. At the banquet, she won the Most Improved

Carlynton-Montour

trophy for the 8-and-under girls group. This coveted award goes to one girl and boy in each age group who has shown the most marked improvement over the course of the season. “It was a tremendous moment,” says Grace’s dad Travis, brimming with pride. If you're not lucky enough to already be a Croc family, you should really think about signing your kids up. You don’t have to live in Crafton. Since

all photos submitted

the surrounding communities don’t have teams, the Crocodiles also regularly draw from Ingram, Thornburg, Rosslyn Farms, Robinson, Pittsburgh and even as far out as Moon and Sewickley. Unlike typical team sports, you can’t “blow the game” by striking out or fumbling the ball. You pretty much race to beat your own personal best and no matter where you finish, there’s always a crowd cheering you on. (After 25 years, Freddie Lewellyn is still in that crowd, deserving a nod as one of the Crocodile’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders ever.) And parents: no matter how your kids fare in races, every Crocodile becomes a stronger swimmer for recreational purposes as well. A Crafton Crocodile can tread water till the cows come home. For more information, send an e-mail to rpg7@earthlink.net. Sign-ups usually start midMay, and you can also register at the pool during the first week of practice. Who knows? You may win a ribbon or two. Maybe even a trophy, or the award for “Most likely to fall off the block and still win the race” like Ellie Falk proudly did a few years back. (Having since relocated to Sewickley, the Falks still drive their three children back for swim team.) One thing’s for certain if you join the Crafton Crocodiles – you’ll make new friends. And if history proves out, those ties may just run thicker than water.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 55

Three Rivers

Quilters

Show

Three Rivers Quilters will present their 30th annual Quilt Show on March 21-23, 2013 at the IBEW Circuit Center, 5 Hot Metal Street in Pittsburgh’s historic Southside. Show Dates: March 21-23, 2013 Where: IBEW Circuit Center, 5 Hot Metal Street Hours: Thursday, March 21; 10am to 7pm Friday, March 22; 10am to 5pm Saturday March 23; 9am to 2pm Admission: $7 per person Special $5 admission Thursday only 3pm-7pm

This year’s show theme is “Tesselations” and will provide for some interesting and challenging quilt designs. This judged and juried show is open to all quilt makers. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded. For more information about the show and Three Rivers Quilters Guild, please visit our website www.threeriversquilters.org.

Promote cultural awareness in your home become a Home Stay Family for an international high school student! • Gain understanding and insight into a new culture • Share your own culture with a hard-working student • Build lasting friendships • Receive compensation for additional living expenses Call (412) 766-4030 x304 Visit www.hfi-cpp.org/home-stay-family

HOLY FAMILY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM

56 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BRING CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES TO PITTSBURGH AREA FAMILIES LING ISN’T YOUR AVERAGE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT. Sure, she gets up in the morning, catches the bus to school, participates in the tennis team, and chatters excitedly to her family about her school day. But she also happens to be one of sixty enthusiastic students from China who participate in the Holy Family International College Preparatory Program (HFI-CPP). HFI-CPP is an English-immersion program that gives international students the opportunity to attend Pittsburgh-area private high schools. Home Stay Families are needed in a variety of local communities so that students like Ling can understand American culture by experiencing what it is like to live with an American family. Home Stay Families receive a stipend to offset additional living expenses, and they receive support from a student-family liaison. Families who are interested in more information should contact Lynn Guerra at 412-766-4030 x304 or Guerra.lynn@hfi-pgh.org, or visit the website at www.hfi-cpp.org/home-stay-family.

Current issues of this magazine are also available online. www.incommunitymagazines.com Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 57

Crafton Shade Tree Commission members, left to right, Judy Koeshner, Mary Luxbacher and Betsy Martin.

Crafton Earns Distinction as a Tree City USA Community

he Arbor Day Foundation has once again recognized Crafton as a Tree City USA community – one of only a handful of such designations awarded yearly in Western PA and 109 awarded in the entire state. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has driven down Steuben Street in the heart of spring, when the Bradford Pear trees lining the road virtually transform the main thoroughfare into a blooming covered bridge. Replace those blooms with a fresh fallen snow in winter and the effect is the same – it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road with such beauty all around you. This is the 23rd year Crafton has been awarded a Tree City nod – quite an accomplishment when you consider only one other community in Greater Pittsburgh even comes close. Forest Hills Borough has earned the designation for 26 years, and further west of Crafton, Beaver, PA has held the title for 15. Mt. Lebanon, (6 years), and the city of Pittsburgh, (7 years), round out the short list. Requirements include an active Community Tree Board, a Tree Care Ordinance, a Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an annual Arbor Day observance. Last year’s observance 58 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

was dedicated to former Crafton Mayor Ed Stewart, who was a passionate proponent of the Tree City USA program, and who had recently passed away. The late Tony Kueshner founded Crafton’s Shade Tree Commission and was instrumental in originating the Steuben Street plantings. “We are working with TreeVitalize in Pittsburgh to plant 25 new trees this fall,” says Mary Luxbacher, who currently heads up the Commission. “Some of these will replace the Bradford Pears along Steuben that had to be cut down or were badly damaged due to the big snowfall a couple years ago.” That storm, of 2010, dumped two feet of snow in the area in nearly one fell swoop. Mary and five other residents attended an all-day course to become certified “Tree Tenders” who specialize in growing trees successfully in urban environments. Among other stipulations, the TreeVitalize funding requires one Tree Tender per every 10 new trees planted and a minimum two-year commitment to caring for the saplings including watering in specified quantities on a set schedule. “We’ll get it done,” says Mary, with equal parts pride and determination. “We’re a very dedicated group of tree lovers here.”

INdustry Insight

Pennsylvania Death Taxes M

r. and Mrs. Adams worked their whole lives to save a modest nest egg for their golden years. However, when it came to discussing “death taxes”, the Adams were surprised to learn of the numerous potential tax liabilities at both the State and Federal level. With all the changes afoot in our country involving the economy, debt ceilings, funding wars and other financially sensitive issues, this issue invariably boils down to funding our government with taxes. The Adams are certainly aware of their obligation to report and pay their fair share of annual state, federal and local income taxes. This column is devoted to the Pennsylvania inheritance taxes that are triggered at death. Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that still imposes an Inheritance Tax at death. In fact, the last time we checked, there were less than a dozen states still levying such a tax. This means that even after a Pennsylvania resident has satisfied their annual income tax obligations, her/his assets (home, car, bank accounts, IRAs, mutual funds, etc.) are still subject to another tax at death. In our state, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is in charge of collecting this tax. The tax liability is based on the value of the decedent’s assets on the date of death as well as whom the transferee/recipient of the asset is. There is no “floor” or “ceiling” amount to this tax, although there are various deductions and credits available as well as certain assets which are exempt from this tax. Pennsylvania has four basic inheritance tax rates. They are: • 0% for assets passing between spouses; • 4.5% for assets passing to lineal relatives (children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, etc.); • 12% for assets passing between siblings; and • 15% for assets passing to anyone else. So, when Mr. Adams dies, all of his property passes to his wife free of Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax. In fact, if Mr. Adams held all of his assets jointly with his wife or named her as a designated beneficiary on his beneficiary designatable accounts, an inheritance tax return is not even required. However, when Mrs. Adams dies and leaves her estate to her children, a tax in the amount of 4.5% of the value of all the assets she had an interest in on her date of death will be levied. The Inheritance Tax filing rules require that the tax is paid and the tax return filed within nine months following the date of death. Pennsylvania gives a 5% discount on the amount of tax owed if it is paid within three months following the date of death, (called the “discount date”). Let’s assume that the Adams had no children and Mrs. Adams left her estate to her beloved sister Marge. Marge would then owe a 12% tax on the value of everything she received from her sister. Some would say this is a significant tax given that the assets that are being taxed have or will already be taxed for income tax purposes.

Suppose Mrs. Adams decides she’s going to “beat” this perceived injustice to her sister by giving her sister all of her money and home a few months before her death so that there will be no trace of the assets in her, Mrs. Adams, name. Sounds like a great strategy – but, not so fast. Pennsylvania has a one year “look back” period for transfers made by a decedent within the last year of life. This tax provision is meant to discourage “death bed” transfers by those knowing their mortality is imminent. There are some exceptions and planning opportunities, but consideration of the State inheritance tax is just one issue when planning. This Industry Insight was written by Julian E. Gray and Frank A. Petrich, Certified Elder Law Attorneys and VA Accredited Attorneys with over 55 years of combined elder law experience. Julian Gray Associates is the only law firm in the United States with six Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

The Only Law Firm in the U.S. with Six Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

South Hills Office

412-833-4400

•

Moon Township Office

412-269-9000

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 59

INdustry Insight

Why You Need Whole Food Supplements Explore wholesome nutrition and its benefits to your health Do you struggle with finding the “right” supplement? Most of us have the greatest of intentions when it comes to getting healthy for the New Year. We head to the store in search of the best supplements and healthiest foods we can find to get our resolutions launched. If you are like most, you stand in the supplement isle in amazement at the mass quantities of choices until you finally decide on one that you feel suits your needs. Generally, we take these supplements as part of our daily routine and feel good about it. But are we really getting all the quality nutrients that are missing in our diet? We all are aware of all the different varieties of supplements available to us at many chain stores, but do you really know the source

Robinson Chiropractic

Specializing in Gentle Low Force Care Physiotherapy Massage Therapy Nutritional Counseling Standard Process Whole Food Nutrition Supplements Gift Certificates Available Leslie Burns, DC SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS ::: MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

412.706.7129 3 Robinson Plaza, Suite 320, Rt. 60 & Park Manor Drive Across from Eat’n Park near The Mall at Robinson www.myrobinsonchiropractic.com 60 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

of the ingredients in these products? If you were given a choice of a supplement manmade in a laboratory which produces synthetic vitamins or would you choose one that is derived from organically farmed whole foods? I would expect that most of you answered the latter. Whole food supplementation is far superior to any manmade supplement in that they contain the nutrients plus all their synergistic cofactors. What does this mean? It means that your body recognizes them as real food and utilizes them properly and efficiently to provide you with the strongest, natural, and most well-balanced nutritional support. Our bodies treat all synthetic vitamins as foreign substances, reacting to them as if they were toxins. Once we ingest these substances, our body has to process and neutralize these “toxins”. This takes place in the liver and then the kidneys have to eliminate the byproduct. Have you ever taken synthetic vitamins and noticed the color of your urine? Bright yellow, right? We refer to this as “expensive urine.” Take a proactive approach this year and get on the right track with your supplementation. Make it effective and beneficial for your body and you will feel the difference. We choose the whole food supplementation company Standard Process. They have owned and operated their own organic farms since 1929. Whole supplements by Standard Process along with nutritional guidance for the right supplements tailored for you are available at Robinson Chiropractic.

INdustry Insight

Time for an

Insurance Check-up

hen was the last time you reviewed your insurance coverage? Just as getting an annual medical check-up is a sensible way to maintain your health, reviewing your insurance policies annually can provide peace of mind and may save you money. As you review your policies, here are some questions to keep in mind: Homeowners Insurance • Does my coverage keep up with current rebuilding costs? If your home sustains serious damage due to a fire or a severe storm, does your policy cover rebuilding costs? If not, you might want to consider increasing your coverage. • Does my recent home renovation affect my coverage? If you have added square footage to your home recently, its value may have changed. Check with your insurance agent about increasing your coverage. • Does my policy cover new purchases? If you bought a new appliance or computer over the last year, make sure your policy covers replacement costs due to a fire or theft. • When was the last time I had my luxury items appraised? If you have expensive items such as jewelry, furs, coins, artwork, and antiques that have not been appraised recently, you might want to consider doing so. Having up-to-date insurance can help take some of the sting out of replacement costs in case of theft or damage. • How can I lower my premiums? If your premiums are too high, consider raising your deductible. A higher deductible could lower your premiums, but will also make you more responsible for a greater portion of each covered loss. Auto Insurance • My teen recently got a driver’s license. How does that affect my auto insurance? If your teen is now driving, let your agent know and be prepared for your family auto insurance premiums to rise. If your teen stays on your insurance, it is still cheaper than purchasing a separate policy. But keep in mind that insurers may offer discounts to high school and college students who maintain a B average and complete driver-safety program. Students who complete a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program may get a lower rate. • Can joining a carpool help lower my rates? By driving less, you can lower your auto premiums because you are putting fewer miles on your vehicle per year. • Does my car’s value affect my insurance? If you have a much older vehicle, look up its value online to see if carrying collision and

comprehensive coverage is still cost-effective. If the car’s book value is low, it might not make sense to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage. • What else can I do to lower my rates? If you increase your deductible, you can substantially reduce your monthly premiums. Life Insurance • We’ve just had a baby. Should I increase my life insurance coverage? Purchasing more life insurance can help cover the costs of your child growing up, if something unexpected should happen to you. • Does my recent marriage affect my life insurance? If you have recently gotten married, you might want to increase your life insurance coverage or change the beneficiaries on your policy. Having more life insurance could make your family’s future even more secure. • How does my new job/layoff affect my coverage? If you recently got a better paying job and are planning to expand your lifestyle (a new home, a bigger car, etc.), then getting more life insurance might be a good idea. If your life insurance policy was tied to your old job, you might want to consider starting a new policy that suits your current needs.

This INdustry Insight is written by Paul C. Lukitsch, who has been in the insurance and financial services industry for over 20 years. His State Farm Agency is located right off the Green Tree/Crafton exit of the Parkway West and serves the Pittsburgh community. For more information, contact Paul directly at 412.921.2008 or via his website at www.seepaul.net.

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 61

A Night of

â&#x20AC;&#x2122; n i m m Ja

Rock and l l o R

photos by Primetime Shots, Inc.

62 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

’ T

he Moon Run Volunteer Fire Department held a concert fundraiser on January 19 at the Fireman’s Club Social Hall on Steubenville Pike. Bands featured included RMK (Real Man Kind), Train Wreck and Gumband. The night helped support the department’s expenses. To volunteer or make a donation to the department, call

412.787.0527.

For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags. Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines

Carlynton-Montour | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 63

Five Wholesome Snacks

for Families On-the-Go

busy family schedule means there’s less time to gather around the dinner table each night, let alone ensure everyone in the family is getting the nutrients they need to live healthy. And what convenience foods offer in terms of portability, they often lack in vitamins and nutrients. But with a little preparation, you can ensure that convenient, wholesome, on-the-go snacks are at the ready when it’s time to head to play, practice or ballet lessons. Here are a few snack ideas to keep your family happy and healthy.

Homemade Trail Mix

Smoothies While smoothies may not be the first thing that pops in your mind in terms of portability and convenience, with the right to-go cup, straw and lid, smoothies can be a great way to get some key nutrients en route. Pre-packaged smoothies, however, often contain a great deal of sugar. Ensure your family reaps the benefits of a fruit smoothie by whipping up a batch using all-natural ingredients and freezing them for later. Be sure to store blended smoothies in freezer-safe or airtight containers in the freezer, and allow for one to two hours of defrost time before grabbing them and heading for the door.

Whole Food Bars

Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t work wholesome foods in convenient, pocket or purse-sized portions into your diet. But make sure to check the labels when you grab a quick snack. While many snack bars contain few nutrients and may be high in sugar, there are many made using wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, organic soynuts and almond butter, that are not only tasty, but dairy and gluten-free, as well as vegan. These bars are great go-to options you can feel good about giving your family. Learn more about these wholesome snacks online.

For a shelf-stable snack that’s perfect for storing in the car, at the office, or in your purse, consider mixing up your favorite dry food snack items such as popcorn, almonds, peanuts, dried cranberries, raisins, banana chips and more.

Edamame

While soybeans might not be something you regularly prepare, they’re actually simple to cook, can be modified using different seasonings and are easily eaten on-the-go. The night before a busy day, simply add 1 teaspoon of salt to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and add the edamame. Cook between 4 to 5 minutes for frozen edamame, 5 to 6 minutes for fresh. Drain, and then add your favorite seasoning and store in a zip-top bag or storage container in the refrigerator until you head out the door.

Apple Chips If you’re a fan of apples, consider making apple chips. Simply cut apples into about 1/8-inch thick slices, add a pinch of cinnamon, and place them in the oven at 200°F for roughly two hours. You’ll end up with tasty, wholesome apple chips you can store in sealed sandwich bags for up to three days. Toss them in a backpack, your purse, or leave them in the car for snacking on-the-go.

Keep snacks readily available in your kitchen, such as in a basket on the counter or portioned out in a shelf within the refrigerator to ensure your family will choose wholesome foods over convenient, less-healthy snacks. With a little planning and preparation, you can save time on busy days, while ensuring everyone gets the nutrients they need. 64 724.942.0940 to advertise

Carlynton-Montour

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

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