FALL 2012
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
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 | FALL 2012 | FEATURES
Carlynton School News ................................ | 6 Classic Cars Car Buffs Abound in the Region ............................. | 19 6
21
UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News .......... | 21 Back to School ................................................ | 32 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Northwest Savings Bank ............................. | 5 Gillece Services Home Safe Home? ............................................... | 18 Julian Gray Associates ................................. | 35 People’s Natural Gas Company .................. | 37 State Farm Insurance .................................... | 39 19
Car buffs abound in Western Pennsylvania which is home to lots of car cruise events thanks to the many gearheads who live in the region. Read about Tony Fagnilli’s 1970 Dodge Coronet on page 19.
Ingram Family Dentistry .............................. | 47 Robinson Chiropractic .................................. | 48 Cover photo by Primetime Shots
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES IN Community Magazines is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E) We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help. IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit of the Year (staff of 10 or less); Large non-profit of the Year (staff of 11 or more). Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity. Name of nominee ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit (staff of 10 or less); Large non-profit (staff of 11 or more) Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for? ___________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination ______________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or non-profit organization? (Please, submit a type written statement of no more than 600 words) Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 If you have any questions, please, contact Monica Haynes at 412-254-8704. Deadline for nominations is September 21, 2012.
Choice Chiropractic
& Wellness Center, P.C.
COMPLETE NEW PATIENT EXAM including any necessary X-rays for
25
$
($150 value) OFFER EXPIRES NOV. 30
PLUS
FREE ROLL-ON BIOFREEZE
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
2 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
Winter content deadline: 10/15/12
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
I H
Boys and Girls Club Youth Volunteer of the Year By Amanda Fastuca It’s that time again when the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania choose their Youth Volunteer of the Year. This year, Brittani Moehring, a senior at Carlynton High School, received the award. Youth Volunteer of the Year is chosen based on the amount of community service and volunteer hours that are put in; Brittini was chosen based on her responsibility and broad experience in volunteering. With the title, she received a plaque as well as a Mother Award from the FBI. Moehring has been a member of the Boys and Girl Club since she was six years old. The first time she experienced the club, she knew it was something she’d enjoy. “I was introduced to the boys and girl club when I used to go to a daycare center in the morning before school,” Moehring said. “The daycare was in the lower level of the Boys and Girls Club, so I would just walk there after school.” The Boys and Girls Club gave Moehring a variety of experiences in volunteering such as helping kids with homework in an afterschool program, raising money, helping
4 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
M
with comedy night fundraisers, scorekeeping during hockey and basketball season, and participating as a summer camp counselor. “I like helping the community out because it makes me well rounded and just helps me become a better person,” she said. Not only does Moehring spend a lot of time volunteering for the club, she is also involved in many other activities. Between playing softball and volleyball, as well as managing the high school wrestling team, she is also in the high school musicals and will be a student athlete trainer this year to prepare her for her future major. “I like having stuff to do and being busy, it keeps me in line,” she said. “Plus, I’d rather be busy and do something important than not do anything at all.” A scholar, athlete, performer, and volunteer, Moehring plans to continue her education in athletic training at the University of Pitt Greensburg.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MELANIE A. TONEY CLASS OF 2012 VALEDICTORIAN Melanie Toney remained active throughout her high school career. She was a member of the Cougar marching band, grades eight to12, co-section leader in eleventh grade, and section leader as a senior. As a gifted student, she balanced advanced placement courses with extracurricular activities. She was president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Interact Club, a student council member and she made time for Girls’ Ensemble, chorus and the high school musicals and plays where she held supporting roles in her senior year. Miss Toney was also a two-year letterman on the volleyball team. As a senior, she was awarded the Senate Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Tribune Review Outstanding Young Citizen Award, a Carlynton Federation of Teachers Textbook Grant and was a SHASDA roundtable representative. Yet, she carried a grade point average above a 4.0, surpassed 700 in math, U.S. history and chemistry on the SATs, and maintained a perfect attendance record for grades seven through twelve. In her junior year, she received a perfect score on the advanced placement exam* in U.S. history. Melanie will attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor,
Class of 2012 THE
TOP 10
H
JOHNROBERT M. MARSHALL J.R. Marshall, as he was known by his peers and teachers, was president of the senior class, president of the Interact Club and captain of the boys’ tennis team where he earned the number one spot in singles in grades nine through12. This feat also brought him some acclaim on the court, as he qualified for WPIALS each year and often advanced into the second and third rounds. A true leader at heart, he held five leading roles in high school plays and musicals during his high school career. In addition to these activities and balancing academics, he held the position of student government vice president and was a member of the National Honor Society and the Guys’ Ensemble. Moreover, he received the Outstanding Broadcast Journalism Award for the leading anchor of the morning announcement team, he was named a member of the 700 Club for scoring over 700 on the SATs in critical reading and U.S. history and he earned a perfect score
H
6 724.942.0940 to advertise
JENNIFER LYNN DESALVO SALUTATORIAN Jennifer Desalvo earned the distinction of Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. Rightly so, as a fouryear letterman of the varsity soccer team and the varsity girls’ basketball team, where she held the place of captain in her senior year. Miss Desalvo was a member of the National Honor Society, the Interact Club, president of senior high student government, and Student Leaders Improving Carlynton Education (SLICE). Jennifer also participated in chorus and was an active participant and volunteer in her church. She too was awarded a Carlynton Federation of Teachers Textbook Grant, held a 4.0 or above grade point average in grades nine through 12 and was recognized for Excellence in Advanced Placement Testing. Jennifer was accepted to University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University, Muskingum College and Grove City College before settling on St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania were she will accept a hefty academic scholarship. During college, she will concentrate in mathematics with a goal to earn a post-graduate degree in biomedical engineering.
H H
Michigan, with a generous academic scholarship. She plans to major in the sciences and pharmacy. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Pittsburgh Honors College and Duquesne University were among the other schools to offer acceptances.
H
on the advanced placement exam in U.S. history. In his spare time, he helps his dad at Bob’s Diner in Carnegie. JohnRobert will attend CarnegieMellon University in the fall with a $25,000/ year scholarship to major in Public Policy and Management. Other post-secondary schools to make him offers included Columbia University, Fordham University, New York University, George Washington University and the University of Pittsburgh Honors College.
roles in student government, was secretary of the National Honor Society and a member of the Interact Club and SLICE. Samantha was also among the first to volunteer for any schoolsponsored event. College includes majoring in Special Education and math at California University of Pennsylvania where she was awarded scholarships. She also applied and was accepted to Wilkes University, Slippery Rock and Westminster College.
SAMANTHA RINGEL Samantha Ringel has a passion for children with special needs and she intends to work in that field after graduating from college. Her passion about life in general has led her to perform well academically and earn the respect of peers and adults. Honors include a Peer-to-Peer Recognition Award, a Carlynton Federation of Teachers Textbook Grant and being named Student of the Month. She has held leadership
LAURA JONES Laura Jones will attend Robert Morris University with a $12,000/year academic scholarship. In high school, Laura was a member of the homecoming court, student government, Girls’ Ensemble, chorus and treasurer of the National Honor Society. She earned an Excellence in Advanced Placement Testing Award and received the U.S. Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence Award. Laura was also a two-year letterman in track and field.
Carlynton-Montour
H
H
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BENJAMIN D. PREVOZNAK Benjamin Prevoznak plans to attend Lafayette College in Eastern Pennsylvania to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering. The school awarded him with a $20,000 per year Marquis Scholarship. Ben considered Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before deciding on Lafayette. In high school, Ben was a member of the National Honor Society and student council. He was named a Student of the Month in his senior year. As a four-year letterman of the varsity soccer team, varsity swim team and varsity track and field team, he was named Scholar Athlete of the Year in his senior year. Athletics played an important role in Ben’s high school career. He was captain of the soccer team, voted MVP and was named to the All-Section team. He was a two-year captain of the varsity swim team and a WPIAL qualifier in 2011 and 2012. He also qualified for WPIALs in 2012 in track. Academically, Ben maintained a 4.0 or better grade point average, earned an Excellence in Advanced Placement Testing Award for perfect scores in chemistry and calculus. He was also named a member of 700 Club for earning higher than 700 on the SATs in Critical Reading, math, Level II math and he earned a perfect score of 800 in chemistry.
COURTNEY GRONDZIOWSKI Academics always held a place of priority for Courtney Grondziowski. A distinquished honor roll student and a member of the Four Seasons Club for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average or higher, Miss Grondziowski relied on good old fashioned studying to uphold her goals. Even still, she found time for extracurricular activities and volunteer work. She was a Junior Council Member for Crafton Borough for two years, learning much about local government and its inter-workings. She served on the Crafton Recreation Planning Committee and spent valuable time as a volunteer in her church. In school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Girls’ Ensemble and chorus and assisted as Peer to Peer Helper in physical education classes. Courtney will join classmate Jenn Desalvo at St. Vincent College in Latrobe where she was offered the Academic/ Leadership Scholarship of $16,200 per year. Other post-secondary schools she was accepted to included Carlow University and Seton Hill University.
DAVID P. DEDOLA David Dedola, vice president of the senior class, was well-known for his friendly smile and disposition. As a scholar athlete and letterman in varsity soccer, tennis and wrestling, he earned the title of wrestling section champion and ranked WPIAL runner-up in his weight class. His performance on the wrestling mat earned a scholarship to Clarion University where he will wrestle for the Golden Eagles. Academically, he was a member of the National Honor Society and received an award for Excellence in Advanced Placement Testing. He took part in the high school musicals, was a member of the Guys’ Ensemble and chorus and a student government class representative. At Clarion, David will be enrolled in a special threetwo math and engineering program, focusing in math at Clarion and finishing at the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in engineering. Before deciding to attend Clarion, he had offers from Gannon University, Kent State, Washington and Jefferson College and Penn State.
JENNIFER BERTOCCHI Jennifer’s bubbling personality was fitting in her roles as captain of the varsity cheerleading squad and a member of the homecoming court. As a cheerleader, she was named Varsity All-American in her senior year. She was also involved in a Best Buddies** program at Duquesne University and was implemental in bringing the program to Carlynton for the 2012-2013 school year. Jennifer was vice president of the National Honor Society, held a role in student government, participated in the Peer to Peer program and received recognition for her involvement. She was also recognized for scores on the Advanced Placement exams. Miss Bertocchi was a member of the Girls’ Ensemble and chorus and was awarded the Spirit of the Ensemble Award for participation in the musicals. She also won the Kurt Cerny Scholarship for her role in theater arts. Jennifer was accepted to Fordham University, Case Western Reserve, American University, Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh. She has decided to stay near home at the University of Pittsburgh to major in education.
H
H
MARISSA LYNN KUTRUFIS Duquesne, Seton Hill and the University of Pittsburgh offered hearty scholarships to Marissa Kutrufis. Nevertheless, she accepted a $13,500/year Academic Excellence Scholarship to Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania to begin her post-secondary studies. A textbook grant from the Carlynton Federation of Teachers will come in handy when purchasing books. In high school, Marissa was treasurer of the senior class, a member of the National Honor Society, a Peer to Peer Helper, band manager and vice president of the Interact Club. She participated in Girls’ Ensemble, chorus, student government and the high school musicals. It was her involvement in the musicals that earned The Crescendo Award. She also received a certificate of merit from the Society of Women Engineers and she was named a member of the Four Seasons Club for maintaining a grade point average of 4.0 or higher during her senior year.
HH
H
* Scores on advance placement exams reflect only those from the students’ junior year. The most recent scores were unavailable at the time of printing. **Best Buddies works handin-hand with Special Olympics by pairing a student with a special need with another individual in a classroom to serve as a mentor.
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Class of 2012 Reaps $3,740,000 in Scholarships
T
he bright sunshine beaming down on the 100 members of the Carlynton High School Class of 2012 may have
caused some squinting but did not deter the grins on the faces of those who earned their high school diploma on June 8, 2012.
Seated in the middle of the grassy Honus Wagner field, the graduates applauded on cue and offered due respect to those giving speeches, knowing it was the last time the group would assemble as a whole. Following the commencement ceremony, hundreds gathered on the sidelines for handshakes, hugs and photographs, simply to create a permanent snap shot of the momentous occasion. Among the top in the class were those who stood out academically and athletically.
1 3
2
1. Waiting their turn to exit the field at the close of the ceremony, Ciara Scott points to her parents in the bleachers with friends Melanie Toney and Marissa Kutrufis looking on. 2. Danielle Lukaszewicz and Johnathan Snatchko were awarded the distinguished South Hills Area School Districts Association (SHASDA) award. 4 3. Class officers Marissa Kutrufis, Ciara Scott and David Dedola offer smiles of encouragement to classmate Ian Murphy as he motors toward the podium in his wheelchair to receive his diploma. 4. Following the ceremony, graduates, family and friends gathered to offer congratulations. Graduate David Dedola is flanked by brothers Guy and Dean, also CHS grads. Guy is now a marketing executive for ADP in Robinson Township and Dean is in dental school at the University of Pittsburgh. 5. “Big man on campus” Alex Verikas gives Acting Superintendent Dr. Joseph Dimperio a handshake and pat on the back before accepting his diploma. 6. Senior Class President JohnRobert “JR” Marshall provided opening remarks at the beginning of the commencement ceremony, highlighting accomplishments of the class and 8 724.942.0940 to advertise
encouraging each one to continue to work hard to reach goals. 7. Salutatorian Jennifer Desalvo was one of the featured speakers on the eve of commencement. 8. With glee, graduates toss caps into the air to signify the traditional graduation rite of passage. 9. High school principals Dr. Robert Susini and Laura Burns, Director of Pupil Services Lee Myford and Carnegie Elementary principal Carla Hudson, turn in their seats to watch a brief performance by the Guys’ and Girls’ Ensembles. 10. Following the formal procession on to the field, graduates Emma Bobeck, Kasey Gilpin, Laura Blackwell, Nicole Gerhart, Jennifer Bertocchi and Trevor George look for family members in the audience before receiving direction to be seated.
Carlynton-Montour
5
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Others will be remembered for being kind, bossy, funny or the class-cutter. Yet, the camaraderie was evident in a way that is often rare among larger high schools. Recognition and honors bestowed on the Class of 2012 were well-deserved. Classmates received scholarship offers to post-secondary schools in excess of $3,740,000. Many received medals, certificates or plaques to recognize achievements. Two separate ceremonies held at the end of the school year
recognized scholar athletes and academic accomplishments. Among some of the top awardees were Shaquille Wilson and Sierra Conley, male and female athlete of the year, respectively. Sierra was also a Wendy’s High School Heisman nominee. Distinguished athletic awards were presented to Trevor George and Ciara Scott by the U.S. Marine Corp. Amanda Huddart, as a member of the auxiliary band, earned kudos as winner of the Linda Beck Memorial Scholarship
Award, and Jessica Grills was recognized with The John Philip Sousa Award for her talent in the band. Jarrett Klapach, Melanie Toney and Mikel Phillips were recognized for the perfect attendance track records. The distinguished SHASDA award was presented to Danielle Lukaszewicz and Johnathan Snatchko. This award, given to students in school districts in the South Hills
Continued on page 10
6
7
8
9
10
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Continued from page 9 area, is limited to those who show marked improvement and growth throughout their high school career and/or have overcome an obstacle in life. Johnathan was also recipient of the Arion Award for musical talent, as was Connor Brady. In addition to noted recognition of those in the top ten in the class, others to earn honors for scores on Advanced Placement Exams included Jessica Grills, Derek Lee
and Matthew Walker. Matthew, furthermore, was a member of the 700 Club with a top score in Critical Reading on the SATs and he received the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award. Nathan Harlich was recognized for his math score on the SATs as well. There were also those who were recognized for academic improvement due to the ability to significantly raise their grade point average in grades nine through 12. They were Emma Bobeck, Jacob Davis, Brittany LeDonne, Michael Miklos, Ian
Murphy, Stephanie Ritter and Johnathan Snatchko. The mission of the Carlynton School District, in part, is to provide a challenging educational program for all students within a safe, nurturing environment, which will enable them to function as productive, ethical and responsible global citizens. As graduates travel near and far to attend college, find employment or offer service in the military, they will leave prepared.
Best wishes to the Class of 2012!
11
11. James Hill, Assistant District Director for Congressman Tim Murphy, presented the State Leader of Tomorrow Award to Melanie Toney at a senior recognition ceremony held May 31. 12. Everyone applauded for one another as each name was called forward for a diploma. When William Numer heard his name, he fist-bumped the air as if to say, “Yes! I did it!” 13. Acting Superintendent Dr. Joseph Dimperio and School Board President David Roussos congratulated each of the graduates as they came forward for diplomas. Jarrett Klapach receives a firm handshake from President Roussos. 14. Peer to Peer awards were given to Robert Yanke, Sierra Conley, Chris Baker, Amanda Huddart, Nickalaus Sappie, Jennifer Bertocchi, Samantha Ringel and Paige Bogats. These students offered guidance and tutoring services to students with special needs.
10 724.942.0940 to advertise
12
13
Carlynton-Montour
14
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH The Dolphin Project in
I
Retrospect
n ongoing efforts to engage students in rigorous and relevant learning, elementary teachers use technology to enhance instruction and increase student learning. This year, one unit of study did just that by engaging students in virtual field trips, online discussions with experts outside school, and other technology applications. Led by reading specialists Susan Kosko at Crafton, and Lori Zimmerman at Carnegie, the Dolphin Project in the past school year increased student motivation through technology while also addressing important components of reading.
The Dolphin Project gave students the opportunity to connect with The Dolphin Explorer, a sight-seeing vessel on Marco Island, Florida. The local gulf waters contain a population of 60 to 70 bottlenose dolphins. Captain Chris Desmond and biologist and researcher James Livaccari shared information via Skype with district students regarding their longterm study to track the movement and behaviors of bottlenose dolphins in Southwest Florida. The team gathers information on a daily basis through an eco-tour along the coast. They have named nearly all the dolphins in the area. Two newborns were named Carnegie and Crafton. This year, the team also rescued an injured dolphin named Seymour. Seymour’s injury was very similar to that of the dolphin from the movie, “Dolphin Tale.” Students followed the excursion on the vessel and Seymour’s story through the interactive learning program with The Dolphin Explorer. With concerns about the mammal, Crafton Elementary students began to brainstorm ways to help. Through local fundraisers at Pizza Hut and Barnes and Noble Bookstore, students raised $625 to donate to the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. Interaction with the Dolphin Project has brought positive results in both reading comprehension and conservation of wildlife. Using Skype, James Livacarri called the Title I classrooms from the boat several times a week. He talked with students about different aspects of bottlenose dolphins and their habitat. Sometimes the classroom was fortunate enough to spot or see the dolphins while Skyping. Mrs. Kosko and Mrs. Zimmerman aligned lessons to the science content, as students engaged in real-time learning. Students also read “The Dolphin Tale” and learned challenging vocabulary. Kosko reported, “This could change the future of teaching! If the right partnership is established, the amount of embedded learning is endless. Not only are my students
One full wall in the Crafton Elementary reading classroom was filled with student writings and information about the Dolphin Project.
finally enthusiastic about reading, along the way they are gaining an understanding of their place in the world, how they affect the future of our planet and their responsibilities to dolphins. This has even had ties with treating each other with kindness.” Parents of the students in these reading classrooms have seen a difference as well. Some have taken their children to Marco Island to physically visit the Dolphin Explorer. Those who couldn’t travel took time to say goodbye to Captain Chris and James on the last virtual exploration at the close of the school year. Most of the children hugged the Promethean boards to express thanks. Many had tears in their eyes. What started as a simple use of classroom technology has turned into a unique learning experience for the students of Carnegie and Crafton Elementary School. Visit www.dolphin-study.com/Home.htm to learn more about this project. Read the team’s blog as they reference the work of Crafton Elementary students. The Greiner brothers, Jamison, Pierce and Maclaine, Skyped with Captain Chris Desmond during an interactive session on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) night. They were fortunate to visit the Dolphin Explorer in Florida during the spring break.
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
T
he Carlynton Junior-Senior High School seventh graders used the last week of school to present final projects. With a theme of Ancient Greece, the pupils culminated year-long projects with skits and demonstrations. Works of related drawings, research and essays were documented on tri-fold boards and utilized during the final presentation, followed by participation in a Greek Idol competition. The acrossthe-curriculum project incorporated nearly every aspect of the students’ lessons. In math, pupils developed a Sieve of Eratosthenes and applied the theory of Thales to determine the height of buildings. Science classes focused on planetary moons bearing Greek names and reported the findings in Power Point slides that accompanied three-dimensional models. During World Cultures, students created a wide array of projects from model chariots to weaponry. Student-published newspapers with articles,
editorials, advertisements and cartoons, all relative to Ancient Greece, were generated in reading classes. And finally, in English, seventh graders researched a Greek god and reported findings in an essay. The production of Greek Idol at the close of the school year was met with excitement as small groups worked together to design Jacob Elias, Shania Turner, Asante costumes and scenery, Jankowski, Eli Kajinic and Hannah Diulus perform in a skit during Greek write scripts and Idol. rehearse. Twenty-five groups of students presented acts, ranging from talk show interviews, magic performances and new myths to scenes from traditional mythology. The efforts of the students’ work paid off with accolades from peers and teachers. And just as legends of Ancient Greece remain with us today through cultural artifacts, literature and art work, many of the legendary performances will be remembered for years to come.
Junior High Final Projects Delved into Mythology
Sixth Grade Citizenship Awards The sixth grade recognition ceremonies at the end of the school year recognize the hard work and effort of the elementary students who will “commence” from elementary school to the junior-senior high school. The ceremonies have become quite the affair as students dress in their finest and parents pack the auditoriums. Awards and due honor is given for academics, physical fitness, participation in organizations and clubs and for being a good citizen. It is this honor, The Citizenship Award, which deems the most notoriety, as only one or two from the entire class merits the accolades.* The criterion for the Citizenship Award is stringent. To be considered, one must be kind, respectful, encouraging to others, illustrate academic achievement and leadership, and never be disciplined for breaking a school rule or policy. The selection process and voting is done by the administrators, teachers and staff in the building. The proud winner of the Citizenship Award from Carnegie Elementary was Robert “Bobby” Chapman. Crafton Elementary selected two; a male and female counterpart. This year’s honored recipients were Alexis Stewart and Jonah Schriver. As these fine students move to the high school, there is little doubt their names will be heard again. Maybe when they are again recognized as part of the Carlynton High School Class of 2018! *Carnegie Elementary promoted 69 sixth graders; Crafton, 48 students. 12 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
Carnegie Elementary teachers and staff selected Bobby Chapman as the 2012 Citizenship Award winner.
The Crafton Elementary Citizenship Award winners were Alexis Stewart and Jonah Schriver.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Dictionary Donation Prompts End-of-Year Spelling Bee
Rotarians presented the ribbons and gift cards to winners of the spelling bee at Carnegie Elementary. Pictured are Mary Lou Kientz, Anthony Sheers, Sue Kelly, Jalessa Griffin, Breanna Ault and Kay Phanse.
Student Named
National Merit Contender Carlynton high school soon-to-be senior Elleanna (Lana) Meyer has been named a Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Qualifier in The National Merit Scholarship Corporation for showing outstanding academic potential. Lana’s performance on the SAT has met the requirements to enter the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes those with the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. She is among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants of some 1.5 million program entrants. Lana will learn next spring if she has advanced to the Semifinalist group. From this group, 15,000 with very high academic standards and other requirements will advance to the Finalist level of the competition.
Elleanna Meyer
On May 21, Carnegie Elementary School held a third grade spelling bee in the school’s auditorium. The top five spellers of each of the three third grade classes were selected to participate in the final bee. These 15 finalists earned a spot in the bee after a spelling bee competition within each room. The fifteen finalists included (Mrs. Heidi Aitken’s classroom) Shane Jennings, Natali Lutsiv, Brooke Martineck, Riley Neil and Evan Yaros; (Mrs. Deborah Bombich’s room) Breanna Ault, Madison Ciabattoni, Jalessa Griffin, Rob Heinrich and Megan Henke; and (Mrs. Lynsie Merglowski’s room) Mike Constantine, Noah Hutton, Heaven Kiefer, Anthony Sheers and Kevin Zhang. The contest was conducted in the formal spelling bee fashion, with the student hearing a word from the facilitator, pronouncing the word, asking for a definition, if needed, spelling the word, and repeating the word once again. Challenge words from grade three language curriculum were presented, followed by words selected at random from the dictionary given to third graders at the beginning of the school year by the CarnegieCollier Rotarians. Prizes for the bee were sponsored by the Rotarians and several members were present for the event. The prizes were gift cards to Barnes and Noble: $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. The first round of the spelling bee went smoothly with all 15 students spelling the given word correctly. As subsequent rounds were held, students were stumped by words such as ‘cultural’, ‘director’ and ‘cornfields’ though words such as ‘characters,’ ‘orchestra’ and ‘debt’ were spelled without hesitation. At the 45-minute mark, only seven students remained in the bee; on the hour, four spellers continued in the competition. Breanna Ault, Jalessa Griffin and Anthony Scheers soon found themselves as the three finalists. In the final round, Anthony Scheers came out on top. Breanna captured second place, with Jalessa close behind in third place. The three students received a standing ovation from peers, parents, teachers and members of the Carnegie-Collier Rotary. Certificates were presented to all the finalists and ribbons and gift certificates were presented to the top three winners. A sounding round of applause was given to Anthony who covered his mouth in surprise.
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Do you qualify for free or reduced lunch? The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally-assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools throughout the nation. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals (breakfast and lunch) to qualified children each school day. The program is intended to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the nation’s children and support domestic agricultural production. Carlynton School District children can qualify students for free or reduced priced meals. A child’s eligibility for the NSLP is determined by Federal Income Guidelines and is based on a household’s size and household’s income. At the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, information about the NSLP will be mailed home with the schedules of students in grades seven-12 and sent home on the first day of school with students in kindergarten through grade six. If you do not receive an application, please contact Michelle Weaver (NSLP Facilitator) at 412. 429.2500, ext. 1104, or via e-mail at michelle. weaver@carlynton.k12.pa.us to request an application. Families who participated in the NSLP last year must reapply for the upcoming school year. New applications must be submitted to Miss Weaver by Friday, September 21. Some families may receive a letter prior to the start of the new school year to indicate a child has been directly certified for free meals; if this is the case, reapplying is not necessary. Parents can also apply for the NSLP online through COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services) at www.compass.state.pa.us. Federal Income Guidelines are available at this site. The district cafeterias use a computerized Point of Service (POS) system to pay for meals. With this system, the confidentiality of a student is maintained and no one can discern if the lunch is free, reduced or paid. If a family is not eligible for the free or reduced program now, but realizes a decrease in household income, a parent becomes unemployed, or there is an increase in household size, consider reapplying for benefits. 14 724.942.0940 to advertise
r e i h t l a He at a
Lunches
Minimal
Increase
At the start of the 2012-2013 school year, the Carlynton School District Food Services Department will be introducing a new and improved menu at the junior-senior high school and elementary levels. This menu will include more whole grains items, a larger variety of fruits and vegetables, and more stringent calorie requirements. These new menus were adopted to be compliant with the USDA’s Final Rule which made some significant changes to the nutritional content of school lunches. In efforts to fight childhood obesity, Food Service Director Deena Mitchell says she is looking forward to the healthy changes to come. The addition of these more costly and healthier food items will increase lunch prices slightly. This price increase will be minimal at $0.10 for a regular high school lunch and $0.05 for a premium lunch. These new costs will be $1.85 for full paid lunch, $2.40 for premium full paid lunch. At the elementary schools, lunch prices will increase by $0.05 or $1.70 for a full paid lunch. Reduced priced lunches will remain the same at $0.40 per day and free meals will be available for those who quality. Changes are also being made to the high school serving lines. A few walls have been removed to create more open space for serving, which will allow students to easily “grab” a lunch, pay and go. With the addition of a new high school serving area, students can be excited to embrace the new look and taste of the Carlynton Junior-Senior High School cafeteria when returning to school in August.
Carlynton-Montour
Work is progressing in the high school cafeteria, with plans to offer open serving lines with “grab, pay and go” service.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
What’s New
for the 2012-2013 School Year
When students return to school in August, some essential changes will greet them. Some of these changes will not be visible to the human eye, concealed within the walls, ceilings and deep recesses of the buildings. A new roof at Crafton Elementary may not be obvious, but the additional insulation is hoped to keep children cooler in the classroom. At the high school building, a new hot water heater should provide warmer water for restroom sinks and locker room showers and a new cooling tower should moderate the classroom temperatures. Carnegie Elementary is getting a new sanitary tank and sump pump; by no means cosmetic, but it will make necessary improvements to the plumbing and drainage system. Other upgrades throughout the district will be more recognizable. Carnegie Elementary will no longer have a large mound of dirt in the front lawn as the new front wall will be in place and provide a safer environment for those having lunch in the cafeteria. The high school weight room has been moved to the auxiliary gym, allowing for a larger, better-lighted space. The former weight room is now the wrestling room. Classrooms and hallways in all three school district buildings were cleaned, floors were waxed and all the desks will be in perfect rows. Fifteen elementary classrooms will be installed with new Interactive White Boards. And thanks to a generous gift from the Carnegie Elementary PTA, students will benefit from a mobile lab equipped with 25 iPads. The Technology Department has been busy this summer working on a virtualization project. This will include virtualization of all district servers and 82 virtual desktops in the high school and elementary labs. Virtualization is the creation of a virtual (rather than actual) version of the servers and operating systems, as well as network resources. With virtualization, the district will move from 11 physical servers to four with virtualized server images. This will reduce overhead costs, thus saving money for the district, and ultimately, the taxpayer. The district will also be moving to Google Apps for Education which will include the suite of Google Apps: docs, spreadsheets, calendars, Google drive, Gmail and more. This will enable each student to maintain an e-mail account and a 5GB online storage space called a
Google drive (no more flash drives!). Staff e-mail for administrators, professional staff and others, will shift from Outlook Exchange to Gmail, allowing teachers to utilize all of the same. In addition, the entire district will be upgraded to Office 2010. With this improvement, all full time teachers and staff will receive a copy of Office 2010 for home use as well. The district has also purchased and will be utilizing On Hand Schools to help teachers gauge PSSA and other standardized testing results when evaluating students. Incoming seventh graders will take part in a “Cougar Buddy” program. Each seventh grade student will be paired with a sophomore or junior. The older students will serve as helpers or mentors throughout the school year to enable a better first year experience for the newcomers. The new superintendent, Mr. Gary Peiffer, and the Carlynton School District Board of Education has many additional plans and ideas for upgrades to district facilities and for maintaining smoother, more efficient operations. Throughout the process, the focus will remain on the student for a better environment and more effective education. Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
SPORTS SCHEDULES VARSITY SOCCER (GIRLS) 2012–2013
H Carnegie Elementary Kindergarten Orientation AUGUST 14 H Crafton Elementary Kindergarten Orientation AUGUST 15 H Seventh Grade and New Student Orientation AUGUST 15 H Cougar Community Night AUGUST 17 H First Day of School AUGUST 27 H District-wide Olweus (Anti-Bullying) Kick-off Day SEPTEMBER 7 H Elementary Open House SEPTEMBER 13
VARSITY FOOTBALL (BOYS) 2012–2013
E SAVE TH E DAT H Cougar Band Festival SEPTEMBER 29 H High School Open House OCTOBER 11 H Homecoming OCTOBER 12 H Senior Athlete Night OCTOBER 26
FYI: School bus schedules will
be published in the local newspapers and can be downloaded from the district website. A full listing of Athletic Schedules will also be available on the district website: www. carlynton.k12.pa.us. Student schedules for those in grades 7-12 will be mailed out the week of August 13. 16 724.942.0940 to advertise
VARSITY SOCCER (BOYS) 2012–2013
Carlynton-Montour
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL (GIRLS) 2012–2013
Home Safe Home? Whole-House Safety for the Entire Home
W
hen it comes to the safety of you, your family, and your home, there are some things that you might just simply overlook. We go about our days turning on and off light switches, plugging in and unplugging appliances, adjusting our air conditioning and heating, starting and stopping water flow from our faucets, etc., while never stopping to think if the equipment and piping is properly installed; what condition things are in due to wear and tear; if our home needs more electrical AMPS (power); and the like. If we’re comfortable in our home, then we assume that we are also safe. Generally, we are- but not 100% of the time. Gillece Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, and Waterproofing Services teaches consumers about safety for the entire home. Our stance is to consider “WholeHouse Safety” for a healthy, happy home and family. Of course, our business is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, around the clock, all year long, for home emergencies and repair, but our WholeHouse Safety approach is a proactive strategy that area homeowners appreciate and ask for. We know that sometimes even the simplest minor annoyance- like a slow draining sink or a cracked outlet- can and often does turn into something much worse, damaging your home and your wallet, and that it is far better to stop these potential hazards before they spiral out of control. PLUMBING: Your home’s plumbing systems involve and/or are related to household sewer lines, drains, water heater, washing machine, sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, garbage disposal, and more. Slowed or temporarily stopped drains, sewers that occasionally start to show back up, small water leaks, slightly cracked pipes, low water pressure, poorly heated water, etc., are just some of the warning signs that may lead to a greater problem. HEATING AND COOLING: The heating and cooling comfort system of your home- typically a furnace and central air conditioner- is something to look after, much in the same way you manage your vehicle. Equipment, parts, and components need checked and require annual maintenance for best use of operation and safety. Start-up safety checks cover all of this and more. Let’s not forget about the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, either. ELECTRICAL: Exterior and interior electrical systems related to your home are associated with anything and everything electrical, including outlets and light switches. Outlets and switches that are cracked or make noises may lead to electrical fires. Your meter base may require upgrading, service panel (circuit breaker) may be rusted or corroded, or a worn, water-damaged weatherhead could lead to problems with electrical flow. WATERPROOFING: Your basement or home’s lower grounds are susceptible to water damage. Water can collect near the perimeter of your home and seep into your basement. An overly moist or damp basement is a bad sign, as well as puddles on the floor; cracks in the walls or ceiling; bugs; unpleasant odor; mold; mildew; rotted furniture; rusted metals; etc. This may be an area that a homeowner overlooks the most and ultimately pays for the most- particularly through the loss of irreplaceable, sentimental personal items. Certainly everything can’t be perfect 100% of the time- that’s not how life works. However, there are ways to make your home safer and more comfortable for you, your family, your loved ones, and even your 18 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
pets. Gillece Services has Whole-House Safety Protection Agents who can review your home for potential risk. They include skilled Plumbers for Plumbing, talented HVAC Technicians for Heating and Cooling, technically-certified Electricians for Electrical, and Waterproofing Specialists for waterproofing your basement and lower grounds.
Call Us Today – 24/7
412-347-3590
Car Buffs
ABOUND
Last issue, we asked readers to submit ideas about their classic cars and restoration projects. So this issue, we’re happy to feature Tony Fagnilli’s 1970 Dodge Coronet.
in the Region
Story by: Brady Ashe Photos: Submitted
1970 Dodge Coronet Having grown weary of the laborious daily maintenance required of drag racers, Kennedy Township repairman Tony Fagnilli began his search in 2007 for a classic street car that he could restore and take for the occasional spin. Fagnilli, a long-time admirer and customer of Chevrolet and General Motors, enigmatically chose to forgo both car lines when he purchased a 1970 Dodge Coronet in Leechburg via eBay despite the perceptively unattractive exterior body. The motor enthusiast wanted something that could accommodate a hemi engine. “It really is an ugly car,” he said. “But it grows on you. I think I made the right decision. You go to these car shows and all the Chevelles and Camaros have the big block engines and they’re a dime-a-dozen. When you pop the hood, people like seeing the hemi.” The International Car Show Association judges at the Pittsburgh show last year probably agreed that Fagnilli made the right decision as he earned a first-place trophy and “best in show” award. The 1970 Coronet also took second place last year at the annual Cleveland Auto Show classic car competition which draws thousands of participants. Fagnilli’s Dodge protruded from the crowd of thousands of classic cars because of years of manual restoration and an undisclosed sum of money invested in the car’s new parts and labor. “I don’t want my wife to know how much I’ve put into this thing,” he said. “She would kill me.” Since purchasing the vehicle for $7,000 in 2007, Fagnilli has completed a two-year, frame-off restoration. In that process, the repairman has completely removed and replaced the car floor and narrowed its frame rails. He’s also installed the widest wheels possible for the vehicle, tilt wheel steering, power seats and a stereo system with XM Radio. The car spent almost a year in a Montour body shop where it was repainted with a spit-fire
orange finish before Fagnilli installed a new 528-horsepower hemi engine and transmission system. The transmission, which operates on a unique system of pull-out clutch action to shift gears, is Fagnilli’s favorite feature on the classic car and the main reason it doesn’t collect dust in his garage. Fagnilli prides himself on using welding techniques only when working on the Coronet’s curvaceous body in the restoration process. “I didn’t use a single screw or rivet in the restoration,” he said. “It looks great. It looks like something Dodge would’ve made today with an old-style body.” The ’70 Coronet is the first full restoration on a classic street car that Fagnilli, who grew up drag racing with his brother, has ever done. He also owns a “six-second” Twin Turbo Firebird that he used to drag race but hasn’t kept up with the daily maintenance required to keep the racer up to speed. The Greentree native works fulltime at the family-owned Gino’s Auto Service in Crafton Heights with his father and nephew. He lives in Kennedy Township with his wife, Erin, of 18 years and a German shepherd. Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
2012 Golf Stimulus
Receive a
“FREE BALL”
every time you Open Year Round-Morning till Dark play WHP-3 Come Enjoy Our 1300 Yard Course in 2012 Featuring Long Holes (210, 175, 150, 145, 135, 135, 130, 120 & 100)
2012 Green Fee
PLAY ALL DAY $4.50/Person for 2 or more
$6.50/Single
Club Rentals for Ladies, Men and Children: $1/Day (includes 3, 5, 7, 9 Putter & Wood) Cart Rental: 50¢/Day
Best Par-3 Greens in W. PA FREE Putting Green
571 Moon Clinton Rd., Moon Twp., PA 15108 Next to Dependable Drive In Theater Between International Dr. & Flaugherty Run Exits of Business 376 (Old Business 60)
412-262-9331 • www.westhillspar3.com
Real Practice for the Big Courses!
20 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
www.incommunitymagazines.com
West Hills Par-3
View magazines online Leave comments
Stay in touch with your neighborhoods from a distance
UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Get Ready for Fall Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
What’s Inside 2
Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level
3
Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
4
A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
6
Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
7
Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship
© 2012 UPMC
Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level Robotic surgery is transforming the treatment of gynecologic cancers with minimally invasive techniques that offer greater precision and promote faster healing.
For women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial (uterine), and early ovarian cancer, the use of minimally invasive robotic surgery is offering impressive results. “The robotic surgical system is truly revolutionizing the way we operate on certain cancers,” says Alexander Olawaiye, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and director of robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy. Also certified to perform robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy is gynecologic oncologist Wayne Christopherson, MD.
Enhanced clarity and precision With robotic surgery, surgeons also get a magnified, threedimensional view of the inside of the body — up to 12 times what the human eye can see. “That enhanced vision allows us to navigate with far greater precision around delicate internal organs, nerves, and large blood vessels,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “We’re able to see and dissect tissue and lymph nodes more thoroughly, which allows us to do a better job of removing any cancerous growths.” While surgeons applaud the robot’s surgical applications, patients appreciate the benefits it offers after surgery. “Because the incisions are small, there is less bleeding, less pain, and less risk of infection,” explains Dr. Olawaiye. “Most patients go home the day after surgery and return to their regular activities in a week or two.” The most advanced surgical care for all types of cancers is available to patients at the UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC Mercy. To learn more about all the cancer services and treatments offered at UPMC Mercy, visit UPMCMercy.com and click Our Services.
How robotic surgery works
Traditionally, women with gynecologic cancers faced a 12to 14-inch open incision that often involved weeks of recovery. Laparoscopic surgery offered patients a less invasive option, but its stick-like instrument often limited a surgeon’s range of motion. With today’s robotically assisted surgery, the robot becomes an extension of the surgeon’s hands, offering flexibility and a 360-degree range of motion that’s virtually impossible for humans to achieve. “We’re able to manipulate the tips of the surgical instrument at highly unusual angles,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “That gives us critical access to very compact and limited areas of the body.”
2
UPMC.com/Today
Once you are put to sleep, your surgeon generally makes a series of small incisions (“ports”) in your abdomen. The number and size will vary based on your condition. A surgical cart is then attached to the ports, and specialized instruments are inserted into your body. Your surgeon controls the movements of these instruments from a nearby consol, using controls to guide the surgery. Your surgeon is always in charge — the robot moves only as directed.
Typical benefits of robotic surgery for select gynecologic cancers • Smaller incisions • Minimal scarring • Reduced blood loss
• Less pain • Shorter hospital stays • Faster recovery
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Give Your Back a Break Tips that can help you avoid back pain. Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away. Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.
Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.
What is PRP therapy? PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
Who should use PRP therapy? “PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds. To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following: Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier. Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles. Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either. Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load. Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt. Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if: • You have pain after a fall or injury. • You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. • The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. • The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss. Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today. Source: National Institutes of Health
It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including: • Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.
Is PRP therapy covered by insurance? Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.” For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.
1-800-533-UPMC
3
A Partnership of Hope and Transformation Every year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.
Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cuttingedge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).
A network like no other UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC Mercy — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients. “One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”
Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts “Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.
p UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.
“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter. “From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”
4
UPMC.com/Today
“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”
Pillar I: Clinical Care From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include: • Conventional chemotherapy • Stem cell transplants • Biological therapy
• Targeted therapies • Hormone therapy • Perfusion therapy
Pillar III: Research UPCI physicians and scientists are recognized leaders in molecular and medical oncology research. Their primary goal is to discover new ways to prevent, treat, and cure all types of cancer, particularly those with the lowest survival rates. Working hand-in-hand with UPMC CancerCenter, UPCI’s investigators strive to translate their research into actual treatment. More than 300 clinical trials now underway at UPCI give patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they are broadly available. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 12th most-funded cancer research institution, UPCI received more than $174 million in support in 2011. UPCI is also western Pennsylvania’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. p Mark Sosinski, MD, a nationally recognized lung cancer specialist who joined the UPMC CancerCenter and UPCI team in 2011, says “This was a good fit for me and my research, but the strong leadership really stood out.”
The UPMC CancerCenter radiation oncology network includes 16 community-based radiation oncology centers and 10 dual radiation and medical oncology centers. Many of these sites offer innovative, advanced technology that allows for more precise tumor imaging and radiation treatment. The surgical oncology network specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including many rare and difficult tumors. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians has attracted national attention for work in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery; specialized procedures, such as the pancreatic Whipple; and regional perfusion therapy, which directs high concentrations of chemotherapy to the tumor site.
Pillar II: Specialized Care For patients with challenging or late-stage cancers, UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center is a beacon of hope and innovation. It is home to internationally regarded surgical, medical, and radiation oncology specialists who perform treatments and procedures unavailable elsewhere in the region. Hillman also has the area’s most advanced imaging technologies to detect cancer and monitor treatment. Nationally ranked Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features dedicated and comprehensive women’s cancer care, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. For patients with hard-to-treat cancers, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter offer disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics called Specialty Care Centers (SCC) designed to provide quick access to leading specialists. Many SCC reviews are done over the Internet, eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer is provided at the highly-ranked Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
Hillman Cancer Center Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary When the Hillman Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002, it was hailed as an architectural gem — its spectacular, glass-block walled atrium serving as a symbolic link between research and patient care. Today, Hillman Cancer Center is the treatment and research flagship of the growing UPMC CancerCenter network. A 350,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center, Hillman is home to UPMC CancerCenter’s pre-eminent clinical care for patients and UPCI’s internationally recognized academic and research programs. Here, patients and their families have access to specialized cancer diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment, including multidisciplinary outpatient stem cell transplant services. Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under construction at Hillman Cancer Center. u
Opening in January 2013, the new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans, and long-term follow-up services to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood malignancies. For more information, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
5
Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests New state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.
It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care. That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.
“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”
Emphasizing patient and family-centered care Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television. “Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”
p The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.
“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.” Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent. “Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.
6
UPMC.com/Today
Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact. “We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.” Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee. The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing. q
Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship Whether you have a minor concern or a more serious medical issue, your primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense in getting well and staying well. If you don’t already have a PCP, it’s best to find the right one before you get sick.
A trusted partner in your good health “It’s important to have a relationship with a PCP you trust and are comfortable with, even when you feel great,” says Jorge Lindenbaum, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and medical director of the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic. By getting to know you and your health history, your PCP can provide you with the best care possible.
Someone to watch over you Research indicates that people who have an ongoing relationship with a PCP are healthier than those without one. “Personalized care leads to patient trust, and that is vitally important in the doctor-patient relationship,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Patients who trust their doctors are shown to have improved outcomes, such as better control of their diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. If you need advanced care, your PCP is the most effective and efficient link to medical specialists, or advanced services or treatments. “For patients and their families, having a PCP to coordinate their care with specialists and other providers is a huge relief,” adds Dr. Lindenbaum. Since early detection can minimize the impact of many illnesses, your PCP will recommend screenings, including annual physicals, Pap tests, breast examinations and mammograms; prostate screenings, and colonoscopies. “Without a PCP, you might ignore important health maintenance issues,” he says.
Finding Dr. Right A PCP can be a family medicine physician, internal medicine specialist, pediatrician, or obstetrician/gynecologist. With so many types of PCPs, how do you choose? For many adults, internal medicine specialists or family practitioners are their PCP of choice. These physicians are equipped to deal with all kinds of health problems, whether simple or complex. “The benefit of having access to highquality, comprehensive care at one convenient location is something patients really appreciate,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Two new physicians recently joined Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and are accepting new patients. Kelly Chaney, DO, an internal medicine specialist, earned her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisberg, W.Va., and completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. John Wohar, DO, also completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaney, Dr. Wohar, or any UPMC physician, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Did You Know? Back-to-school and sports physicals as well as vaccinations for children of all ages are available at the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic, located at 2000 Mary St. Appointments aren’t needed, and parking is free and plentiful. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 412-488-5705.
1-800-533-UPMC
7
UPMC Mercy
1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for 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.
The name you trust in women’s health is right here at Mercy. UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services are growing to provide comprehensive women’s services by bringing you the same experts who practice at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. In addition to community-based physicians and midwifery, these expanding services for women are consistent with Mercy’s rich tradition of care. UPMC’s complete range of specialty services for women covers obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, women’s cancer, and much more. From checkups and preventive care to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatments, the superb doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercy and Magee are with you every step of the way on the path to good health. We work closely with your primary care physician to provide seamless care. And every service is backed by UPMC’s world-class care, providing peace of mind when you need it most. To learn more about UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMCMercy.com.
Julia Havko Receives Girl Scout Gold Award GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA WAS HONORED TO PRESENT JULIA HAVKO WITH THE GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD, THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN GIRL SCOUTING. The Gold Award Ceremony took place at the Cranberry Marriott on May 19. Julia, daughter of Jim and Christine Havko, was a 2011 graduate from Montour High School and also served in a leadership position as president for Academic Games. Julia was involved in NHS, Interact, SADD, Math Team and was a member of the bowling team. She is currently attending Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, majoring in chemistry and biology with mathematics and physics minors. Her goal, after obtaining her B.S. degrees, is to further her education to become a veterinarian. As a Girl Scout member for more than 13 years, Miss Havko was a Girl Scout Ambassador of Troop 50395 and was supported in her Gold Award by her parents; Girl Scout leader, Della Wozniak; and project advisors, Margie Freehling and Mardelle Kopnicky. Julia continues to assist with her two younger sisters’ Troops, and she has enrolled to be a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. Julia’s Gold Award project began in January of 2011 and was completed in August 2011. Her project was to help Harrison Hills Park educate the children of the community about local birds and their wingspans. With this project, she hoped to give the children of Harrison Hills a quick and easy way to learn about some of the birds they might see in their neighborhood, as well as show them the wingspans, through a concrete, hands-on display. The reason she chose to undertake this project was because no easily accessible records about the birds that live in and near Harrison Hills Park were available. She addressed the issue by researching birds of western Pennsylvania to discover the habitats where each species might be found, their diets, the number and color of the eggs, average size and weight of the birds, and the lifespan and wingspan of each species. After collecting this information, she created cards for 42 different species of birds that can be seen in
western Pennsylvania. On one side is a picture of the bird. The other side contains the facts about each type of bird. Next, the cards were laminated, and grommets were added to provide durability. Julia initially presented her project to a group of incoming kindergarten students. She used everyday items, such as a calculator, cookie sheet, towel, ruler, yardstick, etc., to concretely show the children the wingspans of the different species. The children named some birds they knew and discussed what the birds might eat, and where they might be seen. As the premier leadership experience for
girls in the United States, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information visit www.gswpa.org.
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
Union Presbyterian Church Offers Unique Children’s Worship By Matthew J. Fascetti The Union Presbyterian Church on Route 60 in Robinson Township has recently completed their first year of the DiscipleSHIP Children’s Worship program. After a successful first year, plans are in place to continue the program through the summer and start up again this fall with a second year of the DiscipleSHIP. The program is designed for children kindergarten through 5th grade to learn about Jesus and the Bible in a fun environment with kids their own age. The program takes place every Sunday for one hour during the 9:15 a.m. worship service; the service changes to 10 a.m. during the summer. Parents drop their kids off at the church youth room and proceed to the contemporary service. It’s a win-win situation for both parents and kids; the program gives kids a fun learning environment while the parents can enjoy service without having the distraction of tending to their children. The program is the brainchild of Pastor Billy Younger. When Pastor Younger came to Union
Presbyterian Church, one of the first things he wanted to do was improve the Sunday school program because he didn’t believe the children were getting enough out of it. Pastor Billy visited many churches in the Pittsburgh area before finding a church in Plum that had incorporated a children’s worship program that captured his attention. After learning more about the program, Pastor Younger made the decision to implement something similar at Union Presbyterian. That is when he asked parishioner Joan Maple if she would be willing to help. “At first no one wanted to head up the program because it was new, and change can be difficult,” said Maple. “I was reluctant also, but I did it because it is a great program and it was important for the kids.” With that, Maple became the program director and soon the church recruited teachers to help Maple. Michelle
Sekelik, who teaches in the North Hills School District, and Joan Banker teach the kindergarten and 1st grade class; Kathy Pechorka and Sandy Nekos teach 3rd and 4th grade; and Cherri Bittner, a retired 5th grade teacher, and Amy Reed, a 5th grade teacher for PA Cyber School, teach 4th and 5th grade. The program has had as many as thirty children in a class, and averages about twenty children per week. DiscipleSHIP uses the 252 basic online curriculum for the program, which is Bible based and not exclusive to the Presbyterian faith. Each week the entire class sees an educational video, then the children separate
Current issues of this magazine are also available online. www.incommunitymagazines.com
30 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
into groups by age for age-appropriate learning activities…a small snack is also provided each class. “I am very proud of the program,” Maple explained. “Each month we have a virtue that is featured such as trust, faith and love. The basis of the curriculum is that you love and trust God no matter what.” In the first year of the program there has been tremendous feedback by both parents and children. “The children are excited to come to the class, “ said Maple. “That is half the battle. If children don’t like to do something, they won’t get anything out of it. You have to make it interesting and exciting for them. Pastor Younger made a great decision to forego the normal Sunday school curriculum and take a more modern approach. I think this program is laying a tremendous foundation for the young children of this parish, and I’m excited to be part of it.” Parents acknowledged that they see a new enthusiasm from their children about coming to church on Sunday, as well as a new knowledge about the Bible, Maple added. There is little doubt that the DiscipleSHIP Children’s Worship program is the future of what used to be traditional Sunday school, and the children at Union Presbyterian Church are well on their way to becoming God-fearing and Godloving young adults.
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
The Fall is not just a time of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s a time when the dormant diesel engines of the school buses fire up, SAT applications and college inquiry letters are sent, and students return to college campuses across the nation. In the United States, education is a $900 billion a year business, and that investment, either by the federal and state government, parents and students themselves via student loans, is a testament as to how important learning is to making a name for yourself in the world. Fortunately, for individuals and the economy as a whole, everyone is different and educational opportunities abound for people no matter what their interests or aptitudes. H★ College: College remains one of the most traditional avenues for graduated high school students to pursue. Colleges can be public or private and offer two-year or four-year degrees. While postsecondary education is not a requirement for securing work, those who obtain a college degree can expect estimated lifetime earnings of $2.1 million, according to the US Census Bureau. A master’s degree boosts that to $2.5 million, a professional degree averages $4.4 million, and a doctoral degree $3.4 million. High school graduates are estimated to earn just $1.2 million over the course of their
32 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
lifetime, according to the same report. H★ Trade Schools and Vocational Careers: While vocational training can start in high school, thanks to regional vocational/technical centers that serve school districts, post-high school programs can take graduates from apprentices to masters of their field. What’s more, vocational programs aren’t like they used to be in the latter half of the 20th Century. Today’s vocational schools still cover trades such as carpentry, plumbing and stonemasonry, but they also excel in specialty fields such as computer networking, HVAC, and robotics. H★ Online Learning: Online learning is a relatively new form of degree program using the power of the Internet to bring students and schools together. Also known as E-learning or distance education, online programs have brought some big names into the fold as Harvard and MIT recently joined forces, offering a variety of free, online courses. Online education typically costs less than bricks and mortar schools. H★Financing Education: No matter where you end up after high school, chances are you’re going to need to take out a few loans to make your goals attainable. Student loans come in a variety of forms ranging from federal to private. Scholarships often are attainable for eligible students, and are nice to have, but realistic students shouldn’t expect to garner enough scholarship money to cover their entire academic career. Programs such as the Federal Stafford Loan can offset up to $23,000 of tuition, which can be increased to $46,000 if parents do not qualify for the Parent PLUS program. The downside to student loans is that you will be graduating with substantial debt to pay down. The upside, however, is that student loan interest rates are generally low, tax deductible and the loans themselves can be deferred until you are in a position to make payments on them, such as the time necessary for you to find a job.
Our Back to School H★ Benefits of tutoring services: One of the keys to acquiring scholarships is good grades. While that’s totally on the student to achieve, there are many services available that can help that student put in the extra effort to make the grade. From SAT preparation centers to study centers that cover a broader range of curricula, these investments are well worth the cost if the result is several thousand dollars coming off your tuition bill because you got a 4.0 versus a 3.8 GPA. H★ Private Schools: Private schools are a popular option for parents when it comes to picking an education for their child. A study found that students who attend private school tend to score higher on standardized tests, and sends more graduates to college than public schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools also tend to have a lower number of students, leading to a more effective student-teacher relationship. If a student tends to seek more attention or one-on-one help from teachers, private schools might weigh in more benefits. Private schools also create their own funding, including tuition, grants, and fundraising. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of private school tuition tends to be around $17,441. H★ Benefits of Preschools: When it comes to early cognitive development, researchers have found that that children who attend preschool tend to show higher intelligence quotients than those who do not, according to Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Although sending your child to preschool can help them academically, it also improves their early social skills. Preschool is the time when children become aware of sharing and learning how to interact with one another. The classroom gives the young students a friendly, safe environment that allows them to grow and prepare for the later education in kindergarten and Grade School. Children who attend preschool are usually between 3-5 years old.
PARTNERS
Cheryl’s Daycare 412.788.4930
Parkway West CTC 412.923.1772
No matter what your path in life may be, being prepared academically for that path is the key to future success.
All 3 locations of Cheryl’s Daycare provide an educational curriculum for all ages. Infants and young/older toddlers are introduced daily to sensory stimulating activities which include stories, songs, flashcards and more. The preschool curriculum is based on Pre- Kindergarten activities. We focus on all subject areas, creating a pace developmentally appropriate for each child. Overall we strive to create a fun and hands on learning environment for all children. Parkway West Career and Technology Center offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate employment and the ability to earn advanced placement credits at many community colleges, technical schools, colleges and/or universities. Students from 12 sending districts can attend half-day sessions at no cost. Benefits for students include the ability to earn industry certifications, membership in nationally recognized organizations, and co-operative education. Go to www.parkwaywest.org for more information!
CHERYL’S DAYCARE BEGAN AS A SMALL CHILDCARE GROUP HOME IN 1993, which eventually blossomed into multiple centers in 3 convenient locations. We owe our success to a dependable, dedicated, loving staff and heart-felt devotion we receive from the wonderful parents and children (past and present) enrolled in our centers. THE BACKBONE OF OUR PHILOSOPHY is to create the best environment possible for each child. Our nurturing team-oriented staff is committed to the growth and development of a happy child. Our goal is to make learning fun, at a pace that is comfortable for each individual child, according to their ability and readiness. The children explore and discover the world around them through a safe and stimulating environment. Your
children will begin to learn valuable skills such as communication & listening, socializing, and problem solving. Learning such skills will have a positive impact on your child’s confidence and self-esteem. We at Cheryl’s Daycare are dedicated to you and your child by providing the care necessary for a happy and healthy future.
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
PRECISION MACHINING! Prepare for a high-skill, high-wage career in automated manufacturing or industrial maintenance. Good jobs are going unfilled because of a lack of qualified workers. Learn how to design, build, and program robots to do battle or perform automated manufacturing tasks! Operate and program CNC mills, lathes and routers. Prepare for further education in electronic, mechanical, computer or control systems engineering. Go to www.parkwaywest.org for more information!
WE WANT TO KNOW:
How did you meet your spouse?
34 724.942.0940 to advertise
Some of the best stories we hear are how two people happened to get together. Some met in bars, some in supermarkets, others met in more unique circumstances. Send us your story of how you met your spouse. We’ll run the best ones in the next issue. Also include a photo of you and your spouse, how many years you’ve been married and when your anniversary is. Send your story to mark@ incommunitymagazines.com or mail them to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. You can also fax us at 724.942.0968. Carlynton-Montour
Will You Have to Pay for Your Parents’ Nursing Home?
W
hile many people never plan until a crisis occurs, there are still usually some planning options that one can engage at the last minute although, perhaps not always the best ones. However, planning ahead clearly pays off (and, can help ease one’s mind). Much of the crises are created by the need to finance extremely expensive long term care costs, such as nursing home care, which now runs almost $100,000/year in Pennsylvania. While many people who fail to address this issue risk “losing it all”, it may get even worse than that. Now, families are facing financial pressures beyond just the loss of the assets of the person needing care because a little known law, dating back to colonial “poor laws”, in Pennsylvania now opens the door to financial liability to pay for such care for other family members, by individuals such as the children of a nursing home resident. In July, 2005, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed an unpublicized “Filial Support Law”, commonly known as Act 43. As we approach the seven year anniversary of the re-codification of this law (it previously existed in the Welfare Code from the 1930’s and was re-codified in the Domestic Relations Code for modern usage), there have been increasing instances of facilities pursuing family members to pay for care, usually for parents’ care in a long term care facility. Act 43 does provide some defenses but could be difficult to prove and would assumedly require a child to engage in expensive litigation to protect himself. Consider that in a Pennsylvania Superior Court case decided on May 7, 2012, a son was held liable to pay for his mother’s $93,000 nursing home bill. This is just one example of the potential liability to children of parents needing expensive long term care. There are many others and it appears to be an increasing trend. In all fairness to long term care facilities, they are providing necessary care and should be paid for their services. The problem occurs when families fail to recognize the risks involved and either ignore the problem or obtain incorrect guidance on how to avoid it. There are numerous options to deal with these
situations and it should never rise to the level of family members being sued, unknowingly, to pay for their relatives’ long term care expenses. Interestingly, Pennsylvania is now considering the repeal of Act 43. House Bill 321 was introduced on January 31, 2011 and may provide relief. Until and if that happens, families need to consider carefully the risk of filial responsibility and take measures to reduce or eliminate the financial exposure.
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
This INdustry Insight was written by Julian E. Gray and Frank A. Petrich, Certified Elder Law Attorneys and VA Accredited Attorneys with over 50 years of combined elder law experience. Julian Gray Associates is the only law firm in the United States with six Certified Elder Law Attorneys. Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
St. Philip School
H H
St. Philip Graduates Battle of the Books Its 97th Class The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Awards for Scholarship and Citizenship from Frank R. Kirk Post 145 were awarded respectively to St. Philip 8th graders Kevin Costantino and Lauren Kanavy Kanavy. Christian Leadership awards went to Jodie Mulcahey, Trevor Hipkiss, Molly Maloy, and Zachary Balobeck. Maura Sheedy, Lauren Kanavy, and Kevin Costantino were presented the Principal’s Award for a perfect 4.0 average all 4 quarters this year. A reception for the students and their parents followed the graduation.
Three St. Philip teams competed in the second annual Battle of the Books hosted by Crafton Library. Two St. Philip teams took 1st and 2nd place in a tight-scoring competition. 1st place winners included Ella Wrabley, Arabella Sargent, Elias Ward, Brendan Callahan, and Maddie Hoff while Erin Sheedy, Briana Patterson, Emily Costantino, Tyler Gura, and Matthew Mell took 2nd place The St. Philip teams then moved on to the AIU Children’s Choice Awards/Battle of the Books. Competing against hundreds
of students, the team of Carmen Worrall, Matthew Mell, Maeve Callahan, and Emily Costantino led by team captain Louis Worrall placed 3rd in the event, answering dozens of specific questions about the eight books in the Choice Awards list. In addition to the competition, the students met two authors of children’s books and took a tour of Soldier’s and Sailors’ Hall where the Battle took place. A special thank you to Carolyn Rosenberg of Crafton Library who sponsors the event and Carlynton Gifted teacher Mary Beth Veri.
Rockin’ Snow White
e-Mission
After a very successful run at St. Philip School, the cast of Rockin’ Snow White took the show on the road to Marian Manor where the production got rave reviews. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade actors got had a rockin’ good time meeting and greeting the residents after the performance.
Around the World in One Day St. Philip 5th graders located a lost ship near the planet Saturn and rescued its two crew members in their Distance Learning adventure Moon, Mars, and Beyond. The students learned planet facts, mapping skills, and cargo logistics to prepare to fly the NASA sponsored mission from the Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling Jesuit University. Connected by teleconferencing equipment and computers, the students received messages from the ship, tracked its course, supplied and launched a rescue ship, and retrieved the astronauts! 38 724.942.0940 to advertise
A group of 8th grade Thinking Caps students attended the World Affairs Council Program - Around the World in One Day held in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Folk Festival. The students attended a panel discussion on the importance of learning a second language entitled “An Interconnected Globe and Your Future: Do You Know Where You’re Heading?” A member of the Peace Corp, Congressional Foreign Policy Aid, and International Business Consultant encouraged the students to broaden their horizons by traveling and studying abroad as well as taking formal study and informal cultural immersion in a foreign language. The students also took part in a Mini WorldQuest quiz session and visited the food bars and country displays presented by the Folk Festival and enjoy the International entertainment.
Carlynton-Montour
Who’s Your Beneficiary? IT’S SIMPLE: Fill in the blank on the account application and you’ve named a beneficiary. But don’t write off the task as unimportant. Naming the right person to receive the proceeds of an account is an important decision that could have long-ranging effects on your loved ones. Here’s what to know: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT n Certain accounts ask you to name a beneficiary, such as life insurance policies, pension plans and retirement accounts. n Upon your death, proceeds from these accounts will typically go directly to the beneficiaries and bypass probate, which helps your beneficiaries avoid some red tape.
you risk leaving the proceeds to an ex-spouse or someone who has predeceased you. n Get specific information about beneficiaries from a legal or tax advisor and your State Farm agent. The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. The information is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.
WHAT TO CONSIDER n Age: Most insurance companies, pension managers and retirement accounts will not pay benefits to someone under age 18. A better option? Create a trust for the minor and name a trustee to manage the account until the child reaches the age you specify in the trust. n Ability to manage money: If your beneficiary is not able to manage money, name a trustee to invest and disburse funds on his or her behalf. n Contingency: Name a secondary beneficiary so that if your first beneficiary predeceases you, the account proceeds pass directly to the secondary beneficiary without probate. n Options: Your beneficiary can be a spouse, child or other individual(s); a trust; a charity or organization. If you don’t specify a beneficiary, your assets will go into your estate and be distributed according to your will. WHAT TO KNOW n Regardless of what you’ve specified in your will, assets that have beneficiary designations will pass as provided in those designations and not how they’re set out in your will. n It’s rarely recommended to name your estate as a beneficiary, since doing so means those assets will pass via probate. n Review your beneficiary designations every few years—and always after a life event such as a marriage, the birth of a child, adoption, divorce, remarriage or death—to make sure they’re current. Otherwise, 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 | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
Current issues of this magazine are also available online. www.incommunitymagazines.com
40 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
MATTEOS
Bringing a good vibe to Voices Carry
W
By Jonathan Barnes hen Mark and Sabrina Matteo perform with the musicians at Auberle’s upcoming Voices Carry fundraiser, it’ll probably take them a bit less time to get in synch. That’s because two of the musicians they’ll play with in the house band during the event are from the Matteos own group, the well-known 8-piece band No Bad JuJu. This year, the Ingram couple will be performing in Auberle’s biggest fundraising event for the fourth time. They originally were asked to help out by event organizer Derrick Bayer and also guitarist Rick Witkowski, who leads the 4-piece house band that performs during the event. This is the eighth year for Voices Carry for Auberle, a show which helps to support the McKeesport school’s services, which focus on at-risk children and families. Last year about 600 people were entertained at the event, which raised $88,000 to support the Auberle Foundation. During the fundraiser, a house band led by Witkowski will be joined alternately by different musicians and singers, each playing a couple songs with the band. Several iconic Pittsburgh performers including Joe Grushecky, Donnie Iris, BE Taylor, Sputzy Sparacino and others will be performing at the event, as well as other well-known performers from the region such as country singer Sarah Marince. Additionally, event attendees will hear testimony of how Auberle has helped students to set greater goals and create more meaningful lives for themselves. The idea of having so many different performers come together for a good cause is extraordinary, said Matteo, a singer/guitarist. The quality of the performers that will play at the event also sets it apart from other fundraisers, he added, noting that some are
Pittsburgh legends. “It’s a really cool concept, and it gives all of us performers a chance to bond together,” Matteo said. “We’ve got somewhat of an advantage [over other performers at the event],
because we’ll have two band members in the house band. It makes it a little bit easier.” No Bad JuJu’s bass player, Tom Bellin, and the band’s drummer, Rick Dickerson, will be part of the house band led by Witkowski. Mark and his wife, Sabrina, who sings and plays percussion for No Bad JuJu, will take to the stage and sing a song or two each at the event. As is typical for the show, they will join the rest of the performers onstage at the end of the show in a couple of songs with the house band. The house band is very practiced and
Continued on page 43
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
ADVERTISE HERE! Call 724.942.0940
sales@incommunitymagazines.com
42 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
Continued from page 41 professional, and does an amazing job, Mark Matteo said. Proceeds from the event will benefit Auberle’s many great programs. The McKeesport-based school is a faith-based Catholic agency that helps troubled children and families. Auberle was founded in 1952 through the generosity of Pauline Auberle, a McKeesport resident who willed money and land to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh to start a home for boys. Since the 1980s, the nonprofit also has offered other programs that aid girls, adults and families. The school’s focus has broadened over the years and these days, more than two-thirds of the nonprofit’s clients are served in their homes, schools or in their communities, rather than at Auberle’s McKeesport campus. “This is an amazing event all around. Most importantly, it’s for an awesome cause,” Matteo said. “We like to help, and we do other fundraisers for children. Whenever you can give back, it’s awesome.”
NAKED GRAPE WINE SERVICES & IMPORTING A NEW CONCEPT – FAMILIAR FACES A Virtual Wine Concierge Service Domestic & Imported Wines Wine Parties Wine Seminars Special Events RYTA J. MIRISCIOTTI - OWNER/IMPORTER
For more information www.nakedgrape.net 412-841-4478
Free In-Home Estimates • Fully Insured • Over 24 Years Experience • Financing Available
In House Consultation • Expert Design and Installation
AL ST
MO
Granite/Quartz Counter Tops
KITCHENS • GAME ROOMS • PORCHES • ROOFING SOFFIT & FASCIA • BATHROOMS • ADDITIONS • PATIOS • DECKS WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS • GARAGE DOORS LA TIO
N
INKS RE
and
S
IN
Distributors of
G DELIN
3X WINNER
WE DO OUR OWN WORK! PA0A6H1C372
412-653-0850 724-776-0805
Visit our NEW SHOWROOM
1100 Wilhelm Ave. in South Hills
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
HHHHHH H H H H H H Ingram Historical Society HTeaH H H H H HHHHHH HHHHHH HHHHHH 2
1
H H★ H★ H H★ H H★ H Benefits H★ H H★ Chartiers Cemetery H★ Restoration Project H★F H★ H★ H H★ H H★ H H★ H★ H★ H★ H★ H H★ H
3
By Kathy Rudolph
ifty guests enjoyed a lovely Sunday afternoon of tea,
a delicious luncheon and homemade desserts at the Ingram Historical Society Tea. Benefitting the Chartiers Cemetery Restoration Project, the tea was filled with Civil War decor, books and posters to inspire and inform the guests. Civil War reenactors, Captain and Mrs. William Andrews, General Staff, Birney Division, spoke about life in Civil War days and about their costumes. Janet Wood is the president of the Ingram Historical Society (IHS) and has been a member for over ten years. There are 25 members in the society with ten active members living in the community. Affiliated with Heinz History Center, which assists smaller historical societies, the Ingram society hopes to expand. “This is our third year of hosting the tea,” said. Wood. “We try to have a different theme for each tea but we are repeating the Civil War theme again because of its 150th anniversary in 2012. We also wanted to help repair the headstones of the Civil War veterans at the Chartiers Cemetery, located in Carnegie, that have been forgotten and any money that we make from the tea can go towards that.” The restoration project is being coordinated by the Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves. 125 Civil War and five WWI gravestones that have become illegible, damaged or have sunk into the ground will be revitalized and cost $120 each to repair, according to the IHS. Preserving the history for generations to come is important for any community. Mary Parrish founded the IHS in 1994 and was president for over 11 years.
44 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
4
“My grandparents lived in this area in 1894 and so did my parents, my family and then my daughter’s family, so I thought it would be a good idea to start a historical society,” said Parrish. “It really took off in 2002 because it was Ingram’s 100th year anniversary and I was on the borough council. We had a year of historical events to mark the anniversary. It is also nice that kids that are researching the history of Ingram can contact us and ask questions about it.” The IHS has received some historical Ingram photos and documents about former residents and places. “It is interesting who contacts you.” Parrish said. “I received photos from a woman that lives in Oregon that her grandfather had taken on Stanley Street, which doesn’t exist anymore. That is the neat part; to do research and find connections from then until now. A woman that I worked with gave me a copy of the notice that her grandparents received about her uncle that was from Ingram and was missing in action,” she said. Information about IHS, membership and meetings is available on the society’s website www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~paihs/. “Things that we see now that we take for granted need to be preserved so that in ten or twenty years we will still have information on those things,” said Wood. “Our project for next year will be a calendar of trees in Ingram, such as a tree with a historical background. An example of this would be the original tree found on Mr. Ingram’s property that is still there even though his home is not.”
HHHHHH HHHHHH HHHHHH HHHHHH HHHHHH HHHHHH 1. Vicki Mentzer, IHS member 2. Mary Parrish, founder of the IHS 3. Judi Cagley 4. Captain and Mrs. William Andrews 5. Linda Maier, IHS member for ten years 6. Beth Wheat and Fay Reynolds 7. Captain and Mrs. William Andrews and Janet Wood, IHS president 8. Sarah Berardelli, Blair Gratzer, Laura Stetz, volunteers 9. Emma Richardson
6
5
8
7
9
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45
Current issues of this magazineare also available online.
@
www.incommunitymagazines.com
Donald C. Grau, CPA Tax Returns • Bookeeping Small Business Start Up PHONE: 412.264.5151 FAX: 412.264.5110 CELL: 412.770.7202
Grau & Co., LLC 200 Commerce Dr., Suite 210 • Moon Township, PA 15108 don@graucocpa.com • www.graucocpa.com
46 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
e s r t u o t n a e d r u o y t r e onv Non-Removable
C
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 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
Smile!
enhance your self-confidence, restore your ability to 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.IngramSmiles.com A Comprehensive Dental Solutions Location
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
MASSAGE THERAPY Learn why massage is not just about a pampering trip to the spa
IS GOOD FOR YOU
M
any people nowadays consider massage therapy to be a pampering, decadent luxury, but the truth is that when you receive a true therapeutic massage, you’re taking positive steps in bettering your health, with some of the benefits being: • Less joint pain • Increased flexibility • Reduced blood pressure • Decreased stress • Improved cardiovascular health • Better sleep cycles And there’s many more benefits! Do you have arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain? Regular massage therapy will improve your circulation, release endorphins, and can help eliminate the toxins that build up in the muscles that cause so much pain. For those with depression or anxiety issues, massage is a way of decreasing the stress that can cause it, and the added endorphin release will keep the anxiety at bay as well. It can improve your quality of sleep, which is the time when your body heals itself, and will lead to more energy during the day. The more regular your massage therapy appointments are, the more benefits you receive from it. In today’s economy, it’s natural that people are concerned with saving their money, and in many instances, your massage therapy session at Robinson Chiropractic may be covered by your insurance. But matters concerning your health is not where you want to be frugal. Health problems left unchecked tend to lead to other health problems, and putting off having it cared for will make the healing process that much longer, and that much more costly to remedy. Being proactive in your healthcare now will save you that money in the long run, and living a healthy, pain-free life is priceless. Appointments can be requested by phone or by email, so contact Robinson Chiropractic today to schedule your therapeutic massage appointment, or to 48 724.942.0940 to advertise
Carlynton-Montour
purchase your gift certificate for a loved one, and come see how we can help you live a pain-free life!
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
B U S I N ESS D I R EC TO RY
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 887
603 East McMurray Road McMurray I PA I 15317 724.942.0940 www.incommunitymagazines.com | IN BEDFORD COUNTY | | IN BETHEL PARK | | IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWINWHITEHALL | | IN CANON-MAC | | IN CARLYNTON-MONTOUR | | IN CHARTIERS VALLEY | | IN FOX CHAPEL | | IN GREENSBURG-SALEM | | IN HAMPTON | | IN HARBORCREEK [Erie] | | IN KEYSTONE OAKS | | IN MARS AREA | | IN McKEESPORT AREA | | IN MERCER COUNTY | | IN MILLCREEK [Erie] | | IN MONROEVILLE | | IN MOON TOWNSHIP | | IN MT. LEBANON | | IN MURRYSVILLE | | IN NORTH ALLEGHENY | | IN NORWIN | | IN PENN HILLS | | IN PETERS TOWNSHIP | | IN PINE-RICHLAND | | IN PLUM | | IN ROSS TOWNSHIP | | IN SENECA VALLEY | | IN SEWICKLEY AREA | | IN SHALER | | IN SOUTH FAYETTE | | IN UPPER ST. CLAIR | | IN WEST ALLEGHENY | | IN WEST COUNTY [Erie] | | IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS | | IN WEST MIFFLIN | | IN WOODLAND HILLS |
IN Baldwin-Whitehall
IN North Allegheny
IN Bedford County
IN Norwin
IN Bethel Park
IN Penn Hills
IN Canon-Mac
IN Peters Township
IN Chartiers Valley
IN Pine-Richland
IN Fox Chapel
IN Plum
IN Hampton
IN Ross Township
IN Keystone Oaks
IN Seneca Valley
IN Mars Area
IN Shaler
IN McKeesport Area
IN South Fayette
IN Mercer County
IN Upper St. Clair
IN Monroeville
IN West Jefferson Hills
IN Mt. Lebanon
IN West Mifflin
IN Murrysville
IN Woodland Hills