IN Moon Township by IN Community Magazines

FALL 2011

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Thank you, Pittsburgh. At UPMC Health Plan, we don’t set out to win awards. We simply focus on doing what’s right for our members. Like providing them with access to world-renowned UPMC doctors and hospitals as well as outstanding community hospitals and physicians. Giving them the tools and programs they need to live a healthy lifestyle. And offering them a personal Health Care Concierge and online chat capabilities to answer all of their questions. So when J.D. Power and Associates ranked us Highest in Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania, we don’t see it as adding another award to the trophy case. We see it as doing our jobs.To learn more visit upmchealthplan.com.

“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania” UPMC Health Plan received the highest numerical score among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Member Health Insurance Plan StudySM . Study based on 33,039 total member responses, measuring 11 plans in the Pennsylvania-Delaware Region (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed December 2010-January 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

FALL 2011 Welcome to the Fall issue of Moon Township Magazine. As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go back to school, I sincerely hope that you and your family had some time to get away from it all and relax. It seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids with their sports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an ever more elusive “lazy summer.” Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around a family table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyone remember board games? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then you might be trapped in the 21st Century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I think that life should be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spend some time with each other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Family time is an important part of being a community. And every community should value quality time with their families – it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and more importantly, how to participate in a family structure so they can pass on to their kids what you worked so hard to build. Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut off the main power to the house so that the family could enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook was closed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask what happened. While the commercial was pushing some tasty dinner product, the message was more palatable – you have to make family time. I would take that message one step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours. Have a great Fall!

IN Moon Township is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the South Fayette 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. PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com R E G I O N A L E D I TO R

Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Pamela Palongue GRAPHIC DESIGN

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Gail Murray Tamara Tylenda

A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

FROM THE EDITOR While my boss waxes poetic about family time, I’d like to address something along a similar line – neighbors, or your family outside of your family. My wife and I recently bought a house and moved from the one-bedroom condo that I had lived in for nearly 10 years. While it was good for a bachelor, it quickly became small for a married couple looking to start a family. During those years in the condo, I shared a building with nine other neighbors, most of whom were friendly and good-natured people like Don who lived across the hall from me. Don enjoyed going to the high school football games on Friday nights, watching the races at the racetrack in Imperial and fishing. More often than not, he would bring over a couple of extra fillets that I would season up and devour. He had a nephew that re-shafted golf clubs as a hobby and gladly delivered my broken clubs to him for repair at a more than reasonable price. Then there were some cranky people who just looked out for themselves. They would gawk from their windows into the parking lot to see who was walking by or what was going on, convinced that they were up to no good; would complain about everything from the height of the grass to the paint job on somebody’s car; and really never knew what it was to be part of a community where other people also had a voice and an opinion. Sure, Don would complain if the stock market was down or the price of gas was up, but he never complained that someone left their holiday decorations up a few days longer than everyone else or that the community dues were going up because natural gas was rising and landscapers won’t work for free. He knew how to be a neighbor, and I appreciate that. Now we have new neighbors. All of which are friendly and what every new couple hopes for when they move into a new neighborhood. We hope that we can be the same to them. Because in the end, I didn’t consider Don just a neighbor, I considered him a friend and friends are what neighbors can eventually turn into if you let it. Don asked us when we were selling our condo to sell it to a “pretty, young blonde.” I couldn’t come through for him, but Don – I’m still looking for you, buddy. Don’t lose hope!

Brian McKee Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki CapezioWatson

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Brad Lauer Gary Yon This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Fall content deadline: 11/6/11 www.incommunitymagazines.com

Mark Berton PS – If you have an exceptional neighbor you think we should profile, drop me a line at mark@incommunitymagazines.com. There are more Don’s out there who deserve to be recognized.

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Derek Bayer Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes John Gartley Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Rita Lengvarsky Connie McDaniel

Moon Township

To see all of photos from events go to our facebook page at facebook.com/icmags

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Contents Moon Township | FALL 2011 |

18 COMMUNITY INTEREST

| 40

BUSINESS INSIGHTS

| Pediatrics South | 17 | Culligan Helps You Drink in Facts about Your Water | 20 | At Pittsburgh CLO Academy We Believe in Kids! | 29 | Canella Financial Group | 34 | Choice Chiropractic and Wellness Center | 35 | Vein Institute of Pittsburgh | 37 | Copeland Funeral and Cremation Services | 39

ON THE COVER

| Joggers enjoy a serene afternoon along the Montour Trail’s Panhandle Trail. The Trail will find many bicyclists this fall for the annual Tour the Montour Trail. Photo courtesy the Montour Trail.

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Valerie Snaman Wins National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship Valerie Snaman, a high school student from Moon Township has been awarded one of 650 National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarships (NSLI-Y) for 2011-2012. NSLI-Y is funded by the U.S. Department of State and provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students to learn less commonly-taught languages in summer, semester and academic year overseas immersion programs. NSLI-Y i s administered by a consortium of non-profit organizations led by American Councils for International Education and includes AFSUSA, iEARN-USA and Concordia Language Villages. The NSLI-Y scholarship enables Valerie to study Korean in South Korea for the summer. The merit-based scholarship covers all program costs for participants including domestic and international travel; tuition and related academic pr eparation; support and testing for language study; educational and cultural activities focused on language learning; orientations; applicable visa fees; three basic meals per day; and accommodations, preferably in a host family. The goals of the NSLI-Y program include sparking a life-long interest in foreign languages and cultures, and developing a corps of young Americans with the skills necessary to ad vance international dialogue in the private, academic or government sectors, building upon the foundations developed through person-to-person relationships. Launched as part of a U.S. Government initiative in 2006, NSLI-Y seeks to increase Americans’ capacity to engage with native speakers of

critical languages by providing formal and informal language learning and practice and by promoting mutual unders tanding through educational and cultural activities. NSLI-Y oﬀers overseas study opportunities for summer, semester and academic year language learning in Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Persian, Russian and Turkish. NSLI-Y scholars are between 15 and 18 years old. Through her participation in the program, Valerie will be in the vanguard of international communication and will develop the skills n ecessary to be a leader in the global community. Applications for 2012-2013 NSLI-Y programs will be available at www.nsliforyouth.org in the early fall.

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Moon Township

Moon Filmmaker Wins Award for

“Ultimate Reality” Film

A Moon Township resident’s locally produced movie, “Ultimate Reality,” has been awarded Third Place in the Drama/Comedy category at The Indie Gathering International Film Festival. The festival will be held August 2628, at the Westlake Holiday Inn, in Independence, Ohio. Pittsburgh filmmaker, Joe Giacobello, wrote and directed the feature-length film, a dark comedy about a bizarre reality TV show that gets completely out of control. He also acts in the movie, alongside actress Barbara Winters and a variety of other local actors. Giacobello’s last film, “Doing Therapy,” won Best Romantic Comedy at the same festival in 2006. “Ultimate Reality” portrays a reality TV contest in which people are placed in isolation to see who can last the longest without human contact or mental stimulation. The show, which becomes a worldwide sensation, includes ten offbeat contestants who sit alone for years, in hopes of winning a 10 million dollar prize. Add a bit of drama and a touch of romance, and the result is a fun, thought-provoking film that Giacobello hopes will be a “hit” with audiences across the country. Giacobello says the movie operates on multiple levels, with the real message being about America’s obsession with work. “During this long, tedious contest that drags on for years, the contestants are forced to choose which is more important,” he said, “a large sum of money, or their time with family and friends.” For more information about the festival, visit www.theindiegathering.com. To learn more about “Ultimate Reality,” visit the Bello Films website at www.bellofilms.com.

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

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f you are into bicycling, you know about the Montour Trail. Miles upon miles of trail, the Montour Trail not only is good for walkers, rollerbladers and joggers, it’s a nice trail for pedalers as well. , starting at Mile 0 off of Route 51, the 9th Annual Thermo Fisher Scientific “Tour the Montour Trail Ride” will take place and is open to riders of all calibers. The ride starts at 7 a.m. and is finished at 3:30 p.m. The 9th Annual Tour the Montour continues the tradition as one of Western Pennsylvania's finest Fall rides. For men, women, and children, it includes rides of 6, 12, 24, 44, and 62 miles on the beautiful Montour Trail. The ride has become well known for its sumptuous lunch as well as its unique t-shirts. T-shirts are only guaranteed for riders who pre-register by Sept. 9th. All riders have the option to be timed individually up a 7/10ths of a mile hill (Hassam Rd - closed to traffic, not part of the main Trail Ride). At an average of an 8% grade, the man and woman with the fastest times will truly be the "King" and "Queen" of the Mountain and will receive a special bicycling jersey for their effort. The rides start time depends on how far you plan on riding. The 62-mile ride begins at 7:45 a.m.; the 44-mile ride starts at 8:15 a.m.; the 12- and 24-mile rides start at 8:30 a.m.; and the 6-mile ride begins at 9 a.m. Registration for all rides begins at 7 a.m. Post ride amenities include lunch and refreshments available at Brothers Grimm at Mile 3 of the Trail (Old Beaver Grade Road). Then it's a leisurely 3 miles downhill back to Mile 0. There also is a King and Queen of the Mountain Challenge.              

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Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

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Moon Township

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for Mooncrest Children’s Program By Kelli Murphy It started with a newsletter, and it ended with a waiting list. A small, six-student, afterschool and summer program has blossomed into a neighborhood renaissance thanks to the hard work of the Felician Sisters of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Convent. Sister Rene Procopio, along with Sister Mary Clarence, Sister Theresa Marie and Sister Mary Mildred, who have been doing mission work in Moon for more than a decade, extended that work to the Mooncrest area in the early 2000s, eventually purchasing a renovated apartment complex in the area to further their commitment to the ministry in 2005. In March of 2004, the Township of Moon showed their immense support by giving the convent use of the Mooncrest Community Center for a newly developed after-school program. The use of the center eliminated the sister’s need to rent a facility from a nearby Baptist church which limited their program to just six children. By receiving use of the community center from the township, they were able to attract more participants and volunteers to their new program. Currently, the program is assisted immensely by Robert Morris University staﬀ that commits many hours a week into helping the kids, provide screenings and other health assistance. The program is also assisted by local volunteers in the community. During the program, children are given a snack, get their homework done and have a supervised

area to play. The children do many projects with Procopio said that the program is structured to keep the kids focused. That structure helps keep order, and while there may be some pouting over that structure, the neighborhood has seen a dramatic positive impact – crime is down and parents have commented that overall family life has been better. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the teens meet to get their homework completed and children meet in the park in the back of the community from 6 to 8 p.m. under supervision by volunteers from St. Phillips. In the summer, they also go on many field trips, including day camps to Youthtowne and Gilmary Center. However, the more activities planned for the children, the more time, money and space the Sisters need. “We average about 50 volunteers per week from RMU,” said Sister Rene. But we also get volunteers such as retired teachers, and high school seniors from various neighboring high schools. Up to 35 kids and 50 volunteers is a bit of a tight squeeze for the community center. As of now, the Sisters had to put many children who wanted to sign up for the program on a waiting list. There is simply not enough room to have that many people occupy the center. “We want to provide, but we need the space for it,” Procopio said. The Sisters are looking feverishly to expand so they can allow more kids to join the program. They are hoping to extend the back of the building to add on another room that will include a deck with sky lights. The extension will cost around $150,000, and through their grant writer, Donnie Pomeroy, the program is right on track to raising enough money to fund the expansion. The program has received grants from foundations for the building expansion, including the

Weisbord Foundation, Cestone Foundation, Massey Charitable Trust and the Felician Sisters. They are still seeking funding for programming in addition to their capital campaign. “When I add up the numbers, we’re there,” said Pomeroy. With the new space, they hope that they may accept the many children currently on the waiting list. Along with accepting more children, they hope to get parents more involved with the program. Starting in the fall, their new Health and Wellness program for the many adults living in the area will be launched in an attempt to bring families closer together, helping parents work as a unit. The Health and wellness program will function through Dr. Shashi Marwah and the nurse practitioners from RMU. The new program, called the Discover Program, will aid parents into healthy lifestyles by providing family counseling, money management, GED preparation and resume writing. There might

Continued on page 13

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

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Moon Township

Continued from page 11 even be room for yoga and exercise classes in the back of the building. Although the program is ready to get underway, the staﬀ believes that it will take a while for the program to flourish. “It takes a while to build up trust, families don’t just turn out,” said Pomeroy. If the Discover Program works just as well as their children’s programs, the program will show improvement in no time at all, just like the area itself. “There has been a lot of improvement,” said Sister Rene. Since the program has been running in the area, she believes that crime in the area has dropped significantly. Parents say they are just happy the children are getting their homework done and with every little step they take forward, the lives of families in the area are sure to improve.

“We started with six kids, and now we’re up to 50,” said Sister Rene. And, hopefully, it doesn’t stop there. “She loves these kids,” said Pomeroy, “and these kids love her.” For more information on the Mooncrest outreach visit www.mooncrestoutreach.org or call Sister Rene at 412.600.5849. Looking for a job? Sister Rene is looking for three tutors, five days a week from 3-5:30 p.m., working with kids, no degree required.

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Moon Township Garden Club Juried Flower Show 2011 A Movie Themed Garden Show was held at Robin Hill Cultural and Environmental Center including ‘South Pacific’, ‘Breakfast at Tiﬀany’s’, ‘Avatar’ and Horticultural Categories. Each themed room oﬀered guests and garden lovers inspiration and ideas. The show was hosted by The Moon Township Garden Club, a non-profit organization of gardeners. “It took two years to plan the flower show,” said Janet Love, Volu nteer Co-Chair of “Lights, Camera, Action” and Moon Township Garden Club Member. “After brainstorming at a meeting we chose the theme in January,” Love continued. “The goal of our show and our club is to promote the knowledge and love of gardening.” In all of the Movie Themed categories, fresh, dried or treated plant material could be used. One of the more unique categories was the ‘Avatar’ Category which showed sculptural foliage displays in motion and suspended from a frame. “This is my interpretation after watching the movie,” said Merrianne Cacali, ‘Avatar' Category Winner and Garden Club Member. “I wanted it to represent the two beautiful and colorful worlds in Avatar coming together.” The solid, hydrangea circular bases surrounded by ethereal and vibrant twigs and butterflies achieve the goal. Anot her winner for the ‘Peter Pan’ Category was Sue Vandertie, Moon Township Garden Club President. “I had my ruler out because I had to make sure that my design did not exceed eight inches in width, height and depth,” said Vandertie.

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Her clever, fanciful miniature arrangement featured driftwood, live foliage and treasure displayed on a map of Netherland reminding one of Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a chi ld’s imaginative adventure. The show was held at the Robin Hill Cultural and Environmental Center. It is a 52 acre estate with a 24 room mansion that was willed by Francis B. Nimick in 1971 to Moon Township to be used as a nature preserve. The home and surrounding gardens are the perfect and inspirational place for the garden club to hold their meetings and shows. “We are so appreciative of Moon Townsh ip for letting us hold our meetings and our show here,” said Nancy Alstadt, Vice President of Garden Club. “Besides holding meetings here at Robin Hill, we also take care of the herb garden which is located on the property.” The Garden Club also welcomes new women and men to join. They meet on the second Wednesday of each month from March to December at Robin Hill Park. “Our club covers all phases of hort iculture from growing vegetables to floral arranging. The club has many members that are experts in these areas,” said Vandertie. “We try to incorporate National and State goals in our club and our meetings include programs, speakers and field trips. For more information, please email your questions to moongardenclub@comcast.net.

'Peter Pan' Category Winner, Sue Vandertie, Moon Township Garden Club President Moon Township

'South Pacific' Category Winner By Doris Jockers

'Breakfast at Tiffany's' Category Winner, Pamela Krug

Masonic Lodge Donates to Charities, Awards Scholarships EACH YEAR, THE MEMBERS OF COraOPOLIS MASONIC LODGE 674 IN MOON TOWNSHIP AWARD $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS FROM LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AS PART OF ITS WILBERT M. KIRWIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Students are selected according to their QPA, community involvement and Masonic aﬃliation through friends or family members. This year’s scholarship recipient was Elizabeth G. Grambo of Avonworth High School, where she served as student counc il president and Key Club charter member. Grambo will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania to major in pre-pharmacy. Returning scholarship recipients included: 2010 recipient, Joe Andros (University of Pittsburgh); 2009 recipients, Joe Pickens (University of Toledo) and Shaley Scott (University of Pittsburgh); and 2008 recipient Sophia Bender (University of Pittsburgh). In all, Coraopolis Lodge awarde d $4,000 in scholarships to the students. During the same June 13 meeting, the

For more information about Coraopolis Masonic Lodge 674, go to www.coraopolislodge674.org. lodge donated $200 to both the Coraopolis and Moon Township police departments DARE programs, as well as $200 to local Boy Scout troops. The DARE donates were accepted by Captain Ron Denbow of the Coraopolis Police Department and Sgt. Steven Pletcher of the Moon Township Police Department. Finally, the lodge raised $1,000 amongs t its members to award a donation to Kelli Murphy of Moon Area High School who applied for the Kirwin Scholarship, but did not have a tie to the lodge. Murphy’s grades, dedication and letters of commendation from her school, as well as a letter of application that demonstrated a great deal of personal fortitude, appealed to the members of the lodge, who decided that making a donation to Murphy would be th e right thing to do. “We as Freemasons believe in helping each other as a fraternity, as well as our neighbors and the community in which we live,” said Robert Litterini, worshipful master of the lodge. “Helping others is a privilege and a basic tenet of our Masonic beliefs.” Murphy will be attending Point Park University for journalism, where she achieved a certificate for outstanding achievement at the univ ersity’s 2010 Print Journalism Workshop.

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

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Can

Breakfast Really Make or

Break a

Student’s Day? By Leigh Lyons

The question of whether breakfast really does impact a student’s school day has been around forever. Studenties have been tested in studies since the early 1950’s, and ever since then, it has been widely accepted that students who eat breakfast perform better academically. If you look at the idea of eating breakfast before school simply, it seems pretty obvious as to the benefits. You go to bed at night on a relatively empty stomach. You sleep roughly eight hours without consuming any food, and then wake up for school in the morning. If you don’t eat breakfast, then you are going into a full day without replenishing your body. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, does it? Terrill Bravender is a professor of pediatrics at Duke University, and Bravender he breaks it this down in simple terms: . “Without glucose, our brain simply doesn’t operate as well. People have difficulty understanding new information, they have a problem with visual and spatial understanding, and they don’t remember things as well.” Glucose is the brain’s basic fuel. You wouldn’t take your car on an eight-hour road trip without filling up the gas tank first, would you? The next step is to maximize your breakfast potential by choosing foods that will allow you to raise your blood -sugar level, but won’t cause a dramatic fall after a few hours. Most experts agree that any breakfast is better than no breakfast at all, but there are certain types of breakfast foods that will raise your blood -sugar levels slowly, and therefore will give you enough energy to last the entire morning. Sugary cereals are usually a favorite among young children, but these cereals will quickly raise the blood -sugar level, andbut then drop off a few hours later, leaving children sluggish before lunch. On the other hand, oatmeal contains roughly the same amount of sugar, but it also has more protein and fiber, and therefore has an overall lower glycemic index. The oatmeal will raise the blood-sugar levels for the

student andwhich will will last them throughout show that students do better academically when they choose to start their day with breakfast. the morning. Next time you wake up a little late, or think that Now, I have to admit, I was never a breakfast is not as important as everyone says, “morning” person,” and I always preferred sleeping in to having breakfast. My mom always think again. Go ahead and grab a yogurt on made me eat breakfast as a child, but when I was your way out the door, because, remember, any breakfast is better than no breakfast at all. old enough, I chose to opt out of itbreakfast. I did well academically, went on to college, and then graduated from law school. I figured Citations: “A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child’s breakfast really wasn’t as important as everyone Brainpower” – Allison Aubrey, August 31, 2006; npr.com always thought it was, and I was sure many other people agreed with me. I conducted my own small survey with of friends and acquaintances onf whether they all ate breakfast every morning growing up before school. To my surprise, out of twenty 20 men and women that I surveyed, I was one of only two people who responded that I did not eat breakfast 5676 Steubenville Pike on a regular basis. Suite C&D Eighteen others McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania 15136 responded that they Location Hours: ate breakfast every 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday single day growing up, (WELL VISITS BETWEEN and still do to this day. 1PM-2:40PM)* 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday These eighteen 18 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday people are all very Phone: 412-494-9588 successful and have Fax: 412-490-9046 jobs ranging from Janet Breslin, M.D. being psychologists to Scott L. Tyson, M.D. lawyers to fashion Sharon Wolkin, M.D. merchandisers. Lisa M Zoffel, C.R.N.P. Linda Range, M.D. Clearly, most http://www.pediatricssouth.com people agree with the years of studies that Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 17



  

few years ago, Dan Cavanaugh volunteered to be the bus captain for a group of World War II veterans making the trip to Washington D.C. to visit their long awaited memorial. During the trip, Cavanaugh paused to talk to each of the passengers and listen to their personal accounts of the war. Their stories of a war fought over 60 years ago captivated him. But he noticed something else too; relating their exp eriences seemed to give them a sense of peace as well. Many of the veterans in their 80s and 90s had never told their story to a living human being before. Cavanaugh, the son of a WWII veteran who served in the 3rd Army, 65th Infantry under Gen. George Patton, began to formulate an idea where veterans could come together on a regular basis and share their stories and their camaraderie. With this in mind , he organized a breakfast in the spring of 2008 with about 30 veterans in attendance, and the Veterans Breakfast Club was born. Since that time, the organization has grown to four locations where veterans meet on a regular basis. Historian Todd DePastino, also the son of a veteran, has joined ranks with Cavanaugh to help make sure that these snippets of history are not lost. Many of the veterans are old er and unable to make long trips to memorial celebrations and reunions that they may have attended in the past. The locations of Bethel Park, Coraopolis, Penn Hills and the North Hills serve as places for them to gather, enjoy a breakfast and share their experiences. The men are encouraged to bring photos of themselves during their service time which are displayed on a projector. “Once they enter the room, it’s as if they are transported back in time,” says DePastino. Music from the 1940s is played and posters from the era are displayed. The veterans share their stories by addressing the entire group and also informally. There are a majority of WWII veterans, however the club is not limited to one war or even to veterans. Anyone who is interested in attending

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and learning more about our nation’s conflicts from firsthand accounts of those who were at the forefront of the action are welcome. DePastino notes that recently a 22 year-old veteran attended the breakfast to share his story and it was eerily similar to the experiences of his elder counterparts. ePastino remembers the story of one gentleman who served in the Army Air Corps in England during World War II. He recounted how the men would all sit around playing b lackjack until they would get the call to go into action. Then hours later they

If you are interested in joining our veterans for breakfast, you may visit the Veterans Breakfast Club website at www.veteransbreakfastclub.com for a schedule of upcoming events. Veterans, their spouses and all interested members of the community are welcome.

would return and the empty chairs around the room served as a poignant reminder of those who did not return. Another gentleman who served in the 104th Timberwolf Infantry in Holland related a story of incredible coincidences. He volunteered as an escort taking two German prisoners of war back to their detention site. Along the way, he noticed the Germans becoming very agitated when suddenly they both jumped on him. Although he must have initially thought they were attacking him, in actuality they were attempting to save his life because they heard the

German war planes in the distance that subsequently fired upon them. He escaped unharmed, but later in the war when this same veteran suﬀered a gunshot wound, one of the German prisoners of war who helped save his life was working as an orderly in the hospital where he was being treated. “At first glance, although some of these men may not look as though they would be very eloquent speakers, I’ve found that everyone is an expert at telling their own story,” says DePastino. The breakfast meetings regularly draw about 150 people at the Bethel Park location and around 60 at the other locations. Wives, children and interested members of the community are frequently in a ttendance. The Veterans Breakfast Club was granted non-profit status in July and DePastino, already a published author of note, will organize a narrative collection of these stories. “The telling of these stories has a therapeutic eﬀect for these veterans,” says DePastino, “and it’s amazing to see the relief they feel of having finally shared their experiences.” We honor our veterans when we listen to thei r stories and perhaps even more so when we refuse to forget them.

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

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FA L L 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

What’s Inside

page 2

Serious Games for Stroke Recovery

page 3

Use Your Head to Stop Strokes

page 4

Healthy Eating for Busy Families Achoo! Don’t Get the Flu

page 5

Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves

page 6

A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly

page 7

Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously

Serious Games for Stroke Recovery Robotics and gaming offer fun — and effective — therapy for patients in rehabilitation It’s hard to resist playing video games that allow us to escape from the ordinary. That bit of fun and distraction is exactly what doctors are prescribing for patients at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation — and the results are impressive. Located at UPMC Mercy, the center regularly uses robotics and gaming technologies, along with traditional therapies, as part of its treatment plan.

An individualized approach “Because strokes result in a loss of important physical and mental abilities, they can be devastating to patients and their families,” says Jennifer Shen, MD, the center’s medical director. “No two stroke patients are alike, so we create a specific multidisciplinary treatment plan for each patient that can include speech, occupational, and physical therapies.” The one common element in stroke rehabilitation is repetition, which is essential to increased strength, motor learning, and recovery. But while repetition is key to the healing process, it can soon lead to boredom.

Defeating the boredom factor To keep patients engaged and involved in their therapy, the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute established the Robotics and Gaming Center at UPMC Mercy. The center’s technologies — which include the GameCycle®, Lokomat®, Nintendo® Wii , Armeo®Spring, and Armeo®Boom — allow for precise, measured, and varied repetition that can be adjusted for individualized care. The ArmeoBoom is in clinical use nowhere else in Pittsburgh, and in very few places across the country. (See the box below to learn more about some of these technologies and their role in a patient’s rehabilitation.) TM

UPMC’s Robotics and Gaming Center Robotics and gaming technology are fast becoming valuable tools in stroke rehabilitation. In addition to the ArmeoBoom, the robotics and gaming technologies available at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation include: GameCycle: A stationary hand cycle that’s used with a commercial video game to combine cardiovascular and balance exercises with flexibility and strength training. The GameCycle was invented at the University of Pittsburgh. Lokomat: A robotic treadmill for people who can’t walk on their own that allows them to build leg muscles while retraining the brain to control leg movements. ArmeoSpring: Like the ArmeoBoom, it provides fun and motivating therapeutic exercises for arms and hands to help patients relearn tasks.

www.UPMC.com/Today

Dr. Michael Boninger shows how the ArmeoBoom’s games and simulated tasks allow rehab patients to work hard and have fun.

“Rehabilitation can be tedious because it takes a lot of repetition to teach the body to move again,” explains Michael Boninger, MD, director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute. “Using robotic equipment, such as the ArmeoBoom, for rehabilitation is kind of sneaky. It allows patients to enjoy playing a game while they’re actually working very hard at rehabilitation.” To use the ArmeoBoom, patients strap their arm into a sling attached to an overhead boom. Robotic supports allow patients to move their arm while playing reach-and-retrieval computer games such as solitaire and placing apples in a shopping cart, along with simulated tasks, such as cooking or cleaning. “Besides injecting a much-needed sense of fun and adventure into the challenges of rehabilitation, the computer games on the ArmeoBoom provide quick feedback that gives patients a sense of accomplishment that is very important,” says Jaclyn Glosser, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, an occupational therapist at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute who works with patients on the ArmeoBoom. Dr. Shen agrees that instant feedback is important in stroke rehabilitation. “It can be very hard for stroke patients to see that they are making progress,” she notes, “but with the ArmeoBoom, patients see what they can do. With even the smallest movement, patients recognize that they are getting better.” For more information about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation, call 1-877-AT-REHAB (1-877-287-3422) or visit www.UPMC.com/RehabInstitute.

Use Your Head to Stop Strokes Be smart about your heart — and stroke treatment — to protect your brain The myths about stroke are numerous. Among the most popular — and perhaps one of the most dangerous — is that stroke is something that happens only to older adults. In fact, a recent report by the American Stroke Association showed a sharp rise in stroke hospitalizations among men and women ages 15 to 44, while rates declined by 25 percent among older adults. “The biggest mistake people make is thinking it won’t happen to them,” says Tudor Jovin, MD, director of the UPMC Stroke Institute. “Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age,” he says.

“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences.” — Lawrence Wechsler, MD

Lowering your risk is the best way to avoid the life-changing impact a stroke can have on you and your family. When a stroke does occur, fast action is critical to minimize damage. The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.

Think FAST

Prevention: What you can do

Use this simple acronym to help determine whether you’re witnessing a stroke:

“Heart disease increases your chances of having a stroke, so it’s important to control the risk factors,” says Lawrence Wechsler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at UPMC. While you can’t do anything about your age, family history, or ethnicity (African-Americans have a higher incidence of stroke), you can control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.

Face:

Can the person smile (or does one side of the face droop)?

Arms:

Can the person raise both arms (or does one side drift downward)?

Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?

“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences,” Dr. Wechsler says.

Time:

Treatment: Time lost is brain lost

Act FAST

Every minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death. One of the best treatments for ischemic strokes — where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain — is the quick administration of the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). While UPMC doctors have had success beyond three hours with a special procedure to retrieve the blockage or dissolve it with drugs administered directly into the clot, time is critical.

Strokes require immediate medical attention, so knowing the warning signs is crucial, says Maxim D. Hammer, MD, director of stroke services at UPMC Mercy. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:

For patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, fast action is needed to repair the leaking blood vessel.

Call 911 If you suspect someone has suffered a stroke, call for emergency medical help immediately so treatment can begin without delay. Specialized stroke centers — such as UPMC’s Stroke Institute at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, and UPMC Mercy — have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to diagnose and treat patients. The UPMC Stroke Telemedicine Program also uses technology to provide fast treatment to patients at other UPMC hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania.

Call 911 immediately, if someone exhibits any of these warning signs!

• Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body • Problems with balance or walking • Vision problems • Slurred speech • Problems communicating or understanding • Severe headache To learn more about stroke prevention and treatment, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.

1-800-533-UPMC

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Healthy Eating for Busy Families America is getting fatter and Pennsylvania is helping to lead the way as one of the nation’s top 20 “most obese” states. Our busy lifestyles encourage unhealthy eating habits, like eating on the run and high-fat/high-sugar snacking. But with a little effort, you can gradually transform your family’s diet from “fat” to “fit”!

Achoo!

Don’t Get the Flu

Start your day off right Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kids who eat breakfast — especially those packed with “brain food” like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 — are more alert and focused in school; adults have more energy and concentrate better.

Unpredictable. That’s the best way to describe flu season, which officially begins in late October and winds down in May. Winter is prime flu season, but it can peak as early as October or as late as April.

• Is cereal your family’s breakfast of choice? Look for low-sugar, high-fiber options and top with fresh fruit and low-fat milk (1% or fat-free). • Get your creative juices flowing with easy-to-make fruit and yogurt smoothies. • Crunched for time? Grab a hard-boiled egg and toast, or top an apple or banana with peanut butter for a tasty “breakfast to go.”

It’s impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in store for us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe reactions, and it can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with the flu. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year.

Think smart when it comes to fast-food lunches No time to pack your own lunch? Use these healthy strategies when dining out: • Say no to fried, sautéed, or creamy foods. Opt for roasted, grilled, broiled, steamed, or baked meals. • Beware of add-ons (like mayo, butter, and salad dressing) that quickly increase calorie counts. • Replace sodas with water or fat-free or 1% milk. Even diet sodas can be bad for you! • Go online for the nutrition information on your favorite meal. Don’t just focus on calories: look at factors like fat and sodium content.

Who is at risk? Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flu before even knowing you are sick!

Who should get the flu vaccine? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications from the flu include: • People age 65 and older • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two • People with health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as kidney, liver, and neurological disorders • Pregnant women

Make dinner a family affair

Others who should get a flu shot: • Health care workers

Eating together as a family offers countless benefits — including serving more balanced, nutritious meals and the chance for parents to serve as “healthy eating” role models.

• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as family and friends who have contact with a resident

• Talk to your children about portion control, with fruits and vegetables comprising half of every plate. • Reduce the amount of meat your family eats by gradually introducing healthy alternatives into your meals, like fish, whole grains, and beans. • Look for seasonal produce that is grown locally. In the fall, that means vegetables like pumpkins and squash, and fruits like apples and pears. Interested in learning more about nutritious eating? Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov.

• Caregivers of young children, especially infants under six months who are at the highest risk of flu-related complications

What is the best time to get vaccinated? The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you’ll be protected. However, experts agree: it’s never too late. If you have questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.UPMC.com/Today

Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have Before embolization children or who are some years away from menopause may want to consider other options.”

Robin Eberle of Butler, Pa., never had a problem with her periods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s, her periods became heavier and lasted longer. “There were times I couldn’t even leave the house,” she recalls.

Fibroids

Her gynecologist prescribed an ultrasound, then an MRI. Based on those results, he diagnosed Robin with uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referred her to the Fibroid Treatment Center at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC.

For Robin, her treatment of choice was a uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure requiring little downtime. Using a thin catheter, about the size of a spaghetti strand, Dr. Orons injected small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to stop the flow of blood to them. “The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin.

As many as three out of every four women have UFTs, but the majority never even know it. For women like Robin, though, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives.

The Fibroid Treatment Center

After embolization

Established in 2008, the Fibroid Treatment Center offers the region’s most comprehensive approach to UFTs. “We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensive expertise in treating fibroids,” says Richard Guido, MD, the center’s founder and director. “Our focus is educating women on their full options so they can choose the best treatment plan for themselves.” The center’s structure also offers women much-valued convenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.

The center offers a full range of other options, including pain medication, hormonal therapy, and surgery. It also has a research component that includes trial procedures unavailable elsewhere.

To learn more Women are encouraged to first have a conversation with their doctor if they think they may have UFTs. If you’re looking for a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). You can also visit the Fibroid Treatment Center’s webpage at www.UPMC.com/Magee. The center also will host a Community Health Talk at Magee on Thursday, Sept. 29. For details, call 412-641-4435.

Do You Have UFTs? Chris D’Amico, RN, MSN, CRNP, UPMC Mercy’s obstetrics/ gynecology administrator, says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a marble or as large as a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” she explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.” She advises that women be alert to these early symptoms: • Heavy bleeding • A sense of pelvic pressure • Pain during intercourse

“Symptoms usually appear in the late 30s and 40s, and they often can be controlled through hormonal therapy or other medication,” says Ms. D’Amico. “But others require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or uterine fibroid embolization.” For most women, the symptoms of fibroids significantly diminish during menopause. It’s important to know that other conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of UFTs. That’s why it’s vital to have regular checkups, and keep an open line of communication with your gynecologist or family doctor. For more information, visit www.UPMCMercy.com.

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A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly TrueBeam allows UPMC cancer specialists to enhance treatment and patient comfort TM

Martha Makin of Somerset, Pa., says she’s “done it all” since being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Not a candidate for surgery, the 69-year-old grandmother first received chemotherapy, followed by multiple radiation treatments that required her to remain still on a hard surface for long periods. But her most recent radiation treatment in April used a new form of technology that left her impressed and enthusiastic. “I was amazed at how fast and comfortable it was,” she says. “It’s definitely my choice for future treatments!”

Determining the right treatment “We see many cancer patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery, particularly among the elderly,” explains Neil Christie, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UPMC. “Additional medical complications or hard-to-reach tumors just make surgery too risky.” Radiation therapy is often used in such instances to shrink or eliminate tumors. For Martha, her age and type of tumor made her a good candidate for the Novalis® powered by TrueBeam STx system, selected by UPMC cancer specialists for the precision, speed, and comfort it offers patients. TM

“TrueBeam is one of the most advanced radiation technology available,” says Dwight E. Heron, MD, FACRO, professor of radiation oncology and otolaryngology, and vice chairman for clinical affairs, Department of Radiation Oncology at UPMC Cancer Centers. “It’s letting us treat challenging cancers of the brain, lungs, spine, neck, and prostate with much greater precision.”

Another UPMC first When UPMC introduced TrueBeam STx to Pittsburgh last November, it became one of the first 20 medical centers worldwide to do so. But like all technologies, TrueBeam is just a tool. Its real potential is realized through the talents of those who use it. “In the late 1980s, UPMC was the first center in the United States to use Gamma Knife® technology for radiosurgery of the brain. Since then, we’ve advanced our knowledge through research and the innovative use of technology,” notes Dr. Heron. “Our multidisciplinary team approach gives patients a highly individualized plan of treatment based on their specific needs. TrueBeam now extends the kind of care we can offer them.”

www.UPMC.com/Today

How it works Some cancerous tumors are located in a hard-to-reach part of the body, while others “float” in an organ, or shift position when a person breathes or coughs. Just like a sharpshooter often struggles to hit a moving target, such cancers make it hard to directly aim radiation at a tumor. “But TrueBeam’s built-in imager produces sharp, ‘real-time’ 3D images that fine-tune a patient’s position during treatment, even while breathing,” explains Dr. Heron. “It’s able to track a tumor’s exact location within a millimeter.” UPMC specialists are combining TrueBeam technology with RapidArc®, another radiotherapy technique that delivers a powerful, faster, more uniform dose of radiation. Radiosurgery and other radiation treatments can now be accomplished two to eight times faster, with fewer side effects reported by patients. “These and other minimally invasive treatments are really redefining how we treat cancer,” notes Dr. Christie. “We’re no longer limited by conventional procedures.”

To learn more The TrueBeam system is housed at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside. UPMC provides access to a number of physicians that can refer interested patients to the center. For a list, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously UPMC Mercy is focusing on athletes, parents, and coaches as the front line in building awareness In 2010, an alarming number of professional athletes from a variety of sports were diagnosed with concussion, with some top players forced to sit out important games or their entire season. When a high-profile professional athlete suffers a concussion, it makes front-page news and raises awareness of the dangers of concussion to any athlete in any sport.

It can happen to anyone “A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI),” says Cara Camiolo Reddy, MD, medical director of the brain injury program at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Mercy, and medical advisor to the Sports Medicine Concussion Program at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. “And it can happen to anyone at any age — from elite athletes to weekend warriors, high school athletes to grade-school soccer players.” Most mild concussions go unreported or undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which estimates at least 10 to 20 percent of all individuals involved in contact sports suffer some type of concussion. But the majority of sports- and recreation-related concussions happen at the high school level. “As doctors, we’ve learned significantly more about concussions over the past 20 years,” says Dr. Camiolo. “As a result, everyone — athletes, parents, coaches, trainers, and sports fans — is more aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions than ever before.”

A heads-up for athletes No two concussions are alike and symptoms aren’t always definitive, so young athletes may just shrug them off. Peer pressure can also be especially strong motivation for a teenager to hide the symptoms of a concussion. When an athlete suffers a broken leg or a broken arm, it’s obvious the player is hurt. “But a concussion isn’t visible, so it’s hard for a player to be sidelined with an injury that no one can see,” says Dr. Camiolo. “That’s why it’s so important to provide an atmosphere where young athletes are comfortable admitting their symptoms and asking for help.”

Did You Know? • You do not have to experience loss of consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most concussions, even ones with serious lingering effects, do not involve loss of consciousness. • Any athlete thought to have sustained a concussion should be removed from practice or the game, and a medical evaluation must be done before that athlete can return to the sport. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, referral to a concussion specialist is warranted. • At last count, 27 states had passed concussion legislation, and in several others (including Pennsylvania) legislation is pending.

Education is key The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program has been at the forefront in educating athletes, families, coaches, trainers, and health care professionals on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to a concussion. “We take advantage of every opportunity to talk about how serious concussions are, and how devastating this injury can be,” she says.” During a recent visit, a young patient explained his injury to Dr. Camiolo saying, ‘I got hit, but thought I was okay — until my teammates told me I wasn’t acting right and said I should go sit down.’ “If young athletes are educated about concussions to the point where they are looking out for each other, it tells me that we’re getting the message across,” she adds. She also stresses that the effects of having another concussion in close proximity to the first can be very dangerous. Her advice to coaches and parents of young athletes? “When in doubt, sit them out!”

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

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From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, Megan was always up for an adventure. But an unfortunate ATV accident left her with a broken back and neck, and unable to move her legs. After recovering from 17 hours of surgery, Megan elected to go to the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute for inpatient rehabilitation. It was a daily struggle, but working with world-class doctors, therapists, and state-of-the-art equipment, she worked to sit up, stand, and walk again. She’s come so far, in fact, she’s not only riding her horse again, but she is soon jumping into life’s ultimate adventure. This October, Megan will be, quite literally, walking down the aisle to be married.

To learn more about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s seven locations, including UPMC Mercy, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/MyRehab. Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

At Pittsburgh CLO Academy, We

Believe In

Kids!

s Pittsburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier Musical Theater training academy, the Pittsburgh CLO Academy is dedicated to celebrating talent, encouraging dreams, and helping develop the abilities of area students. By providing the finest training in dance, voice, and acting in a positive fun-filled class setting, the CLO Academy encourages both an appreciation of musical theater and a well-rounded education. AďŹ&#x192;liated with one of the nati onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected musical theater organizations, the CLO Academy provides students with an exciting curriculum taught by university instructors and experienced industry professionals. Recently, seven Pittsburgh CLO Academy students enjoyed the

incredible opportunity to perform in Pittsburgh CLOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of The Sound of Music. Appearing on the Benedum Stage as Captain von Trappâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

preparing for and performing in an exciting musical theater production. Pittsburgh CLO Academy also offers New Horizons, a program specially created to give students with physical or developmental disabilities an encouraging environment to explore music, movement and drama. Whether a child is hoping to connect with new friends or meet professionals who can help them pursue a career on stage, Pittsburgh CLO Academy is the place where dreams can come true. For more information, visit pittsburghCLO.org.

obedient brood, these Academy students took the chance to put what they learned in class to the test alongside some of Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading performers. This fun and unique experience taught these students valuable lessons about Academy Academy of o Music Musical al Theater Theater theater and provided them with memories to last a lifetime. In addition Stta art here Start h to the opportunities to perform with Pittsburgh CLO at the Benedum Center and Byham Theater, the To get there Pittsburgh CLO Academy also offers students special community connections that provide opportunities for commercial, film and television auditions. The CLO Academy offers eegi Register R for the NEW Semester! ggii professional quality courses designed to fit the needs of individual students. Three diverse programs: the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School (5-11 year olds); the Student School (12-18 year olds); Âˇ Âˇ Âˇ Âˇ and the Pre-Professional School (10 18 year olds interested in exploring

Âˇ Âˇ

musical theater) allow every child to find the program thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for them. After the school year concludes, the fun continues all summer long with the Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer 15* Performance Camps and PreV $1 A VE SSA Professional Performersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Intensive COMMUNITY ! Camps (PPI). Pittsburgh CLO Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer performance 412-281-2234 camps allow students to work with a director, music director and

choreographer to experience Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

Imperial Landfill

It takes in 1,700 tons of garbage every day from 220 trucks.

FUN FACTS

t seems oxymoronic to describe a landfill as “clean.” If you’re a resident of the Moon Township region, all of your non-recyclable garbage leaves the curb via hardworking trash haulers, travels down the road to Imperial and is dumped at the Imperial Landfill, which is run by Republic Services. That’s the image in your head, probably, and it would be correct, except “dumped” is a misleading term. There’s n o mountain of trash surrounded by swarming birds picking open sun-baked trash bags. In fact, the reality is, well, clean. Brett Bowker, general manager for Republic, said the reason for the landfill’s cleanliness isn’t just for public relations, but for efficient landfill management surpassing what’s expected of them by agencies such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Allegheny County Health Department, both of which inspect the landfill regularly and permit the site for operations. From the moment one of the more than 200 garbage trucks enters the site to deposit their haul, they are met with multiple systems tasked with keeping the landfill as clean and orderly as possible. The first thing that happens with every truck is that it is weighed at a scale house at the front gate. The entire truck rolls onto a giant scale. As the driver checks in with the scale house operator, the scale reads the tonnage of the truck. After the truck deposits its trash, it’s weighed upon exiting the landfill and the difference in the before and after weights is recorded. The trash hauler’s operating company then pays fees to the landfill based on that number. But not only is the truck weighed at the gate, it’s also scanned for radioactive materials. Bowker said the detector is so sensitive that it has been known to pick up radioactivity from the disposable undergarments of people who have undergone chemotherapy, which uses radioactive chemicals to fight cancer. If anything radioactive happens to be detected, the truck is parked and searched by authorities to uncover the cause and remove the offending matter for proper disposal.

nce a truck has been checked in, it makes its way down a long, winding road to the day’s active work site – a section of the landfill that’s about the width of six garbage trucks parked side by side. Each truck will back into the site, dump their hauls and head back down the road. What happens to the trash next is key to the landfill’s organization and success. A bulldozer pushes the dumped trash into a mound, on top of which, a 55-ton compactor – a giant machine with spiky, steel

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Moon Township

It collects gas from hundreds of wells onsite for renewable energy.

It’s estimated to be in operation for another 39 years before reaching capacity.

cover the day’s trash with a layer of dirt, to alleviate odors and keep trash from blowing about the site. Once it reaches its maximum height, it is capped with the same liner, covered over with dirt and seeded just like a field. With the passage of time, the landfill begins to look more like natural, rolling hills. In 40 years, if it’s decommissioned, the site may become home to passive recreational facilities such as a golf course, or simply green space. Gas from decomposing garbage is collected via a system of hundreds of interconnected wells, refined onsite by a contracted refinery, and sold to various outside interests. Literally nothing is wasted, and the site is able to actively contribute to the energy needs of the region.

tires – drives over and over the trash, flattening it as far as it will go. At the end of each work day, the active work site is covered with a layer of dirt and another site is made ready for the next day’s haul. All of this activity starts below ground, where the landfill is excavated to about 30 feet deep. A thick plastic liner is laid into the pit, ensuring that no trash or leachate seeps into the soil.

The liner is described by Bowker as a giant trash bag that the garbage sits in. However, the material is thick, rigid and practically impervious to ripping, tearing or puncturing. For added security, a base of 8 feet of dirt is laid over the liner before garbage starts filling it in. As it fills in the hole, it’s covered with dirt and more garbage, eventually growing to about 30 to 40 feet high. Each night, workers

avid Borowicz, environmental manager for the landfill, said the amount of gas collected via the site’s 339 wells for 2010 was 900 million standard cubic feet of gas. That converts to the equivalent of 155,070 barrels of crude oil. A sister Republic landfill in Loraine County provides enough power to meet the needs of 8,500 homes with the gas collected from its wells. “It’s enough to power a small town or city,” he said. “It’s not just one home’s worth of power generation, it’s thousands.” Jeff Kraus, spokesman for Republic Services, said the company, which is based in Phoenix, has 30,000 employees servicing 193 landfills in 40 states. It also operates 76 recycling centers as well, and is very innovative when it comes to green technology and programs. “We have landfill gas-to-energy programs all across America. Anheiser-Busch in Houston and General Motors in Fort Wayne use our landfill gas for electricity in their plants,” he said. “When visitors come here, they always go away

Continued on page 32

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

Imperial Landfill

FUN FACTS

It takes in waste from most of Western Pennsylvania.

Continued from page 31 impressed with our operations. We actually have people on site who will go and pick up litter. These are extra steps that we do to help keep our site clean and efficient.” Borowicz said that the site also has 32 groundwater monitoring wells that are tested quarterly, with results reported to multiple regulatory agencies. “These facilities are very monitored,” Kraus said. “A lot of data is collected on landfills. Landfills are the most sanitary and best way to dispose of waste. Because of our professionals, every day of their lives are devoted to the operations of our landfills. We take pride in our operations. We also take pride in our employee safety here. That’s very important. Safety is something that everybody from office to operations are conscious of safety and it’s reinforced here.”

n their way back to the weigh-house, the trucks pass through an automatic rinsing station, which is essentially a drive-in bath tub with six automatic spray nozzles that wash the lower half of the truck and undercarriage, guaranteeing that no loose garbage finds its way on the roadway leading to and from the facility. Water trucks also routinely drive up and down the road leading up to the dump site, spraying water to eliminate dust and particulates from becoming airborne. The work is endless, starting at midnight each night. Trucks end their deliveries by 3 p.m. to allow landfill workers to cover up the day’s active work phase and start a new phase for the next day. While it might be endless, not to mention thankless work, Krauss and

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Moon Township

Bowker said the work does have peaks and troughs just like any other industry. “Typically your summer months are heavier than your winter months because construction’s going on, people are cleaning their houses, things like that,” Bowker said. Kraus added that the economy also has impacted the garbage business. “People are buying fewer things and they’re disposing of fewer things, and I’ve observed that at some of other landfills, like in Ohio, that has resulted in a decrease in garbage at those sites,” he said. When the site finally does wind up its life of operations 39 years from now, it will continue to be monitored and regulated for decades to come. Borowicz said the closure period on landfills in Pennsylvania is 30 years, so during that time, while there won’t be any new garbage added to the site, wells will continue to collect gas, and officials will continue to monitor groundwater, storm water runoff and numerous other indicators to ensure the site remains properly capped. Republic will continue monitoring the site as well, during that closure period. After that time, Kraus said anything could happen. “There are former landfill sites that are golf courses. Others have been turned into nature areas,” he said. “It takes a while to get there, but over time, uses can be found.”

Young authors local winners of the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Local competition fosters reading, writing and creativity Among 25 students selected by WQED as winners of the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, Emily Zomp of Crescent Township, took first place for the first grade level with “Magically Mixing Animals.” Carson Dominick of Moon won Honorable Mentions for the best local connection for “The Awesome Score.” The winners were chosen from over 600 local entrants by a panel of judges that included WQED education, development, marketing, a nd sales staﬀ members and interns; EQT employees; and Reading Is FUNdamental Pittsburgh representatives. The contest encourages children grades K-3 to celebrate the power of writing and illustrating by submitting their own original storybooks. Each child who entered the contest received a Certificate of Achievement. Firstplace winners received a Nook Simple Touch Reader and all winners will receive literacy p rize packages courtesy of WQED and EQT Corporation. In addition to the first-, second-, and third-place winners, several other students were recognized with honorable mentions in new categories for: • Best Illustration • Best Message • Best Local Connection • Best Rhyme • Most Original • Most Heartfelt • Chris Fennimore Award This year’s winners created stories featuring magical animals, superheroes, ordinary kid s doing extraordinary things, and many more creative topics. The winners along with all entrants and their families were invited to be honored during the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 11th annual Summer Reading Extravaganza! in Oakland on June 12. Writers Contest participants and winners were recognized by grade and presented with their prizes during a ceremony which was held in the Carnegie Library’s Lec ture Hall. Hosting the event was WQED’s storyteller the Queen of Hearts, who shared stories and fun.

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

your wealth compass

Deciding When To Retire:

Timing is Critical

Deciding when to retire involves a series of decisions. Estimate your anticipated expenses, sources of retirement income, and how long you need your retirement savings to last. You need to take into account your life expectancy and health as well as when you want to start receiving Social Security or pension benefits in addition to tapping into retirement savings. Each of these factors may aﬀect others as part of an overall retirement income plan. THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT? An early retirement means fewer earning years and less accumulated savings. The earlier you retire, the more years you need your retirement savings to produce income. According to a National Vital Statistics

Report, people today can expect to live 30 years longer than they did a century ago. That means, not only do you need your retirement savings to last longer, but inflation will have more time to eat away at your purchasing power. If you factor inflation into your retirement equation, you will probably need your retirement income to increase each year just to cover the same expenses. Take this into account when considering how long you expect or can aﬀord to be retired. DELAYING RETIREMENT Postponing retirement lets you continue adding to your retirement savings. That is especially advantageous if you’re saving in a tax-deferred account and/or receiving employer contributions. Even if no longer adding to your retirement savings, delaying retirement postpones the date you need to start withdrawing, enhancing your nest egg’s ability to last throughout your lifetime. You may consider another endeavor such as a part-time job or opening a small business as a new career. Postponing full retirement also gives you more transition time in considering these options. PHASED RETIREMENT Some employers oﬀer phased retirement programs, allowing you to receive all or part of your pension benefit once reaching retirement age, while continuing work part-time for the same employer. Phased retirement programs are gaining more attention as baby boomers age. Traditional pension plans generally were not allowed to pay benefits until an employee quit working completely or reached the plan’s normal retirement age. Phased retirement can benefit both employer, by retaining an experienced worker at a part time level, and employee, allowing for a more flexible schedule and smoother transition into retirement. CHECK YOUR ASSUMPTIONS The sooner you begin to plan the timing of your retirement, the more time you will have to make adjustments to make your retirement years everything you hoped for. SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH SECURITIES AMERICA, INC., MEMBER FINra/SIPC AND ADVISORY SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH SECURITIES AMERICA ADVISORS, INC., SARVEY G CANELLA, REPRESENTATIVE. CANELLA FINANCIAL GROUP AND THE SECURITIES AMERICA COMPANIES ARE SEPAraTE ENTITIES. SECURITIES AMERICA REPRESENTATIVES DO NOT PROVIDE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE.

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Moon Township

Caring for

 Athletes are a special breed of people. Whether they’re kids in school, world class competitors, or seniors; their bodies need special attention to last. Because of the physical conditioning necessary to play a sport at a competitive level, athlete’s can experience wonderful benefits that last through a lifetime…if they avoid injury and abnormal wear and tear. Often, people start in their sport of choi ce as kids. Continuing with an active lifestyle into our senior years has been shown to have significant health benefits including lower rates of diseases (like heart disease and diabetes), less depression, and longer periods of independent living. We have treated many young athletes over the years. Often their parents will consult with us for preventative care. Other times it’s for a specific injury or p roblem. Some of the most common problems we see young athletes with include: • Sprain/strain injuries to the spine and extremities • Postural abnormalities like scoliosis • Repetitive motion trauma (from using the same muscle groups over and over) Parents will often choose chiropractic care over traditional medical care because it does not rely on drugs and gets the body back to a natural balance by correcti ng structural problems. When the structure is corrected the joints and muscles can work in a balanced way, decreasing future problems. In fact, many of the spinal problems we deal with in adulthood start as childhood injuries or bad body habits. In adulthood, our bodies become less elastic and our potential for injury becomes a lot higher. Working with some of the following tips can help decrease you r risks: • Exercise through the year, not just during your competitive season and use a cross-training approach that combines endurance, strength, and flexibility • Update your gear as it wears out or more “body friendly” options become available • Eat right and supplement if necessary We recommend that adult athletes get chiropractic check-ups. Keeping a healthy spine and nervous system becomes crucially important if you’d like to continue enjoying sports. Some of the benefits of chiropractic care for athletes include: • Taking less medicines and having less surgery • Faster healing with less restrictions • Studies have shown improved balance, reaction time, and muscle strength after people’s spines are adjusted. If you’ve ever thought about using chiropractic to improve your Dr. Leah Gallucci earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Neuroscience and minor in Chemistry. She attended Palmer Chiropractic College in Florida where she gained her extensive knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Chiropractic adjusting techniques. Formerly, she practiced at the Choice Chiropractic McKnight location and is now accepting new patients at the Moon Township location.

health or your competitive edge, you’re on the right track. We’re here to help you enjoy your sports and leisure activity. Have a very healthy and safe Fall sports season! Brought to you as a public service by: Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Leah Gallucci and Dr. Shannon Thieroﬀ www.choicechiropractic.net Moon Twp (412) 424-0019 McKnight (412)364-9699

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993 Brodhead Road #50, Moon Township 15108 (412) 424-0019 • www.choicechiropractic.net Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

Living Happily Ever After? Fact: A recent study showed that by 2020, approximately one in three workers will be faced with providing some form of long-term care for their boomer parents* Fact: 75% of people 65 and older will eventually need long-term care** Many retirees turn to their families for long-term care needs and financial support. Others may consider variable annuities with living benefits to address these financial concerns.

Who will fund your long-term care expenses, you or your children? * According to LTCTree.com ** “Will you need long-term care?”, LTCTree.com, June, 2010

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Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

CREATING BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY SMILES

DEL R. BONI, D.M.D. Specialist In Orthodontics Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics For Children and Adults

Boni Orthodontics is pleased to announce the opening of their newest location at 995 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township.   FREE CONSULTS • NOW ACCEPTING THE CHIP PROGRAM

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I HANDLE ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENT & INJURY CASES, INCLUDING: • Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents • Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims • Dangerous and Defective Products • Medical Malpractice • Slips, Trips, & Falls • Workers Compensation

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William E. Gladstone, 19th Century Prime Minister of Great Britain.

COPELAND  R.D. Copeland LTD and INC. funeral homes, family owned and operated, is located in three communities – Coraopolis (since 1954), Moon Township (since 1969) and Sewickley (since 1998). Founder R.D. Copeland – born in 1920, graduate of Sewickley High School, U.S. Navy veteran, graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science – has provided us with a rich history and love for the community. Staﬀ members serve in the local fire department, attend local churches and have graduated area high schools and post-secondary schools. We are your neighbors and friends, and we support our community. ur funeral homes provide an atmosphere of caring – showing honor and respect to families and loved ones. We create meaningful ways to celebrate a life; our services have included collages, music, dvds, dove release, mili tary honors and gun volleys to honor those who have passed. Funerals and memorial services provide a way to say goodbye and to celebrate life. Having our friends and families gather to express their sympathy makes our loss real, but with the support of friend and family, our time of sadness and loss is made more bearable.

ith our gentle guidance, we help you with choices, trying to alleviate your concerns and meet your needs by scheduling, ordering and planning. We are by your side as you take your first steps through grief, always listening to your needs.

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ver 80 Holy Trinity Parish School Parents and Parishioners volunteered for four evenings to show their love for Holy Trinity Catholic School. The Holy Trinity Parish Festival provided something for everyone in the

    family. Amusement rides, a Chinese auction, casino and bingo, delicious foods and live entertainment were just some of the attractions. Celebrity Impersonators, N2O2R and Verna's Caribbean Vibes Steel Band kept the crowd amused and grooving. Sponsors for the festival were Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, Chick-

fil-A, Joseph Randazzo and Associates, UPMC Urgent Care in Robinson and many other local businesses. All of the proceeds from the festival went to the school to keep tuition costs aﬀordable for families. “This is the school’s largest fundraiser which we started planning in M arch,” said Jan LaBarge, Volunteer Festival Coordinator that planned the event, along with Sandy Maggi. “It is a great event for the community. We’ve added on to it this year such as having chefs in the kitchen so people don’t have to wait long to get their food. It is a lot of work, but if you look at the back of our festival volunteer t-shirts they say our motto: “Parish, School and Family – together we can accomplish anything,” said Ms. LaBarge. Established in 1953, the school has approximately 296 students from

photos by Kathleen Rudolph

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To find out more about the Holy Trinity Parish Festival or Catholic School, please go to their website at http://www.holy-trinity-school.org.

Moon Township

Kindergarten to Eighth Grade. It also has a Preschool Program for three and four year olds and is “dedicated to providing your child with a strong foundation in the Catholic Faith.” “The most important part of doing this is that it is for Jesus,” said Renee Dugan, a parent volunteer since 1992. “So our kids can go to this school and learn about Him.”

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Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

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REAL ESTATE

MOON TOWNSHIP

IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the Moon Township real estate market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information about creating beautiful spaces to live in, and other interesting facts about your community. F E AT U R E S T O R Y

FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS When the dog days of summer are behind us and that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, energy seems to make a rebound and even the animals seems livelier, more alert. During this time, there’s nothing more wonderful than taking advantage of those last days of warmth to get outside and enjoy the outdoors by doing a little yard work. This is a great time to rake up all those leaves on the ground. But don’t just throw them into a trash bag to be hauled away. Leaves are great for composting and may have as much as three times the amount of minerals as fertilizer. They need to be shredded to be easier to work with, but this is easily accomplished by running a mower back and forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sure to add a little nitrogen to your compost pile with the leaves.

If your summer flowers have faded, be sure to trim back dead leaves and blooms and add some fall flowers for some more vibrant color. Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in pots to accent any garden with a fall palette, but don’t forget purple as a great contrasting color to oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purple accents are pansies, purple coneflowers, asters and mums. All of these will grow well in zone 6. For some green accent, you might try growing some arugula in a pot or self-watering container. This spicy, leafy plant has long been popular in France and Italy and actually grows better in the fall than in the summer. The leaves will add zest to your salads and other fall dishes. Although the planting time for arugula is in the spring, seedlings can be purchased and transplanted, however they also do well if left in containers or pots.

Even if you’re not particularly good at growing plants and flowers, there are many ways to accent your lawn and garden with minimal eﬀort and maintenance. Brightly colored pumpkins placed around pathways and steps give a whimsical touch to decorating. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight and directly on the ground and your pumpkin may well last for two to three months in the cool fall climate. Other low-maintenance decorations for fall are corn stalks and bales of hay. Hay bales also provide extra seating in outdoor areas. Summer may be over but your yard can still be a bright, cheerful place full of beautiful, living things. - by Pamela Palongue

sure you check out Buying? Make IN Moon magazine before you make your next move. Selling? Looking?

www.incommunitymagazines.com Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

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Moon Township

Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

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Moon Township

REAL ESTATE

MOON TOWNSHIP

MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENEraTIONS According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., homes where multiple generations of family have blended together under one roof are on the rise. With economic constraints and the high cost of child care, it is easy to see why children, parents and grandparents living together in one dwelling makes sense in many situations. It’s easy to see why multigenerational dwellings which appeal to the needs of all ages are quickly becoming the trend. From this perspective a ranch-style house on one floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobility problems will not have to deal with steps, but also parents will not have the added worry of their young children falling down stairs. Another important feature of multi-generational homes is the ‘mother-in-law suite,’ which could just as easily be called the ‘father-in-law suite.’ This is generally an area of the house that is designed for an aging parent, giving them

a degree of privacy and independence while still being a part of the nuclear family household. They are sometimes located in a basement for easier access for those with mobility issues and often times will have a separate entrance, giving it the appearance of a miniapartment. They usually always include a bedroom and private bath, however they may also come with kitchenettes and a small living area as well. When accessibility becomes an issue with an older adult, there are many options for making the home more accessible without giving it the industrial-style, nursing home appearance. This is an important consideration when it comes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, if an individual is wheel-chair bound, doorways must be made larger to accommodate the

chair. With a modern contemporary home, this may be accomplished by removing walls for a more open floor plan which appeals to buyers or widening doorways with attractive archways. This will make the change look more intentional and less like a temporary fix for a mobility problem. Many times it becomes necessary to install grab bars in baths and showers for the safety of senior family members. Although there are many industrial style models from which to choose, there are a few companies on the web that are sensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars and oﬀer styles in decorative brass and silver. Walk-in showers and baths can be constructed with attractive glass enclosures that fit everyone’s style and are still accessible for seniors. A few changes to your home can help make it safer for seniors and children and more valuable when it comes time to re-sell. - by Pamela Palongue

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Moon Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

Rotary of Moon Township Hosts

MOON TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS CAME TOGETHER TO ENJOY A SUMMER EVENING PICNIC WITH DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK AT MOON PARK. Hosted by The Rotary of Moon Township, Volunteer Rotarians flipped burgers, served desserts and bussed tables so that they could raise funds for community programs that they support. A 50/50 Raffle, Basket of Cheer and Money Tree Raffle were also offered to guests to help. “Thi s is our largest fundraising event and people in the community look forward to it every year,” said Bob Saveikis, Rotary of Moon Township President. “Last year we served over 400 people. The money raised goes right back to the community and funds our service projects. We give to The West Hills Food Pantry and Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs. We also sponsor Interact, which is a service club for kids at O ur Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. Other donations go to the RMU 1 [Robert Morris University] Scholarship Fund that gives a Moon student a chance to get a scholarship to RMU.” Rotary is a service club of more than 1.2 million volunteers. The Rotary Club of Moon, with 20 adult members of all age groups, brings together business and professional leaders in the community for humanitarian work. Their mo tto, “Service Above Self” reflects their dedication to work locally, regionally and nationally to help the financially disadvantaged, provide education and job training and eradicate 2 polio. “I’ve been fortunate in my life and wanted to give back,” said Raymond Lemaster, a Rotarian since 1982 and Rotary Volunteer since childhood in 1936. “My dad was in the rotary back east and I volunteered with him. He eve n met the founder of Rotary International, Paul Harris in 1905,” continued Mr. Lemaster. “I’ve been to rotaries all over the world including Morocco and Nepal. The 34,000 clubs believe the same thing which is, “Service Above Self.” We’ve helped with clean water in Haiti and have hosted foreign exchange students.” Mr. Lemaster’s wife Joyce Ann has been a Rotarian since 2007 and is a past Rotary of Moo n President. She and Mr. Lemaster are also Interact Advisors. “We are a very relaxed group that gets the job done and we enjoy what we do for the community,” Mrs. Lemaster said. Others in the Rotary enjoy the comradery. “I’ve been in the rotary for over 20 years and it has become like a family to me,” said Rodger Pogozelski. “You are with people that feel the same way that you do about service; with th e same morals. It is an ‘all-American’ organization.” 3 Dr. Curtis Weinstein of Weinstein Chiropractic has been a member since March of 2011 and summarizes what is means to be a Rotarian. “I joined Rotary because I want to give back to the community by doing service and giving to charities,” said Weinstein. Interested women and men are welcome to check out a meeting which is held at The Crowne Plaza Ho tel on Thorn Run Road every Tuesday at 12 pm.

1. Joyce Ann Lemaster, Rotarian and Bob Saveikis, Rotary President 2. Joe Korona, Rachel Lutz, Chris Lutz and Ed Korona, Rotary Volunteers and Rotarian 3. Don Hicks, of Ignite and Visiting Texas Rotarian 4. Dr. Curtis Weinstein, of Weinstein Chiropractic and Rotarian 5. Stephen Schardd and Adam Busk 6. The Moon Township Rotary 7. Raymond and Joyce Lemaster, Rotarians and Rotary Interact Advisors 8. Summer Busk and Maura Fitzpatrick 9. Enos Abel, Rotarian

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Moon Township

photos by Kathleen Rudolph

      

 

     

20%

 

20%

55%

B USINESS D IRECTORY

s n e e r Go 4 G

Donald C. Grau, CPA Tax Returns • Bookeeping Small Business Start Up

is a Well Developed and Great Tasting Super Green Foods Dietary Supplement

To order call 412.939.1910 www.go4greens.com email: go4greens@comcast.net

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

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Your first appointment for

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Haircare  Waxing Walk-ins Welcome Full Body Waxing

412.494.4455

7136 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA

Richard D. Cole ADVERTISE HERE! Call 724.942.0940 sales@incommunitymagazines.com

Funeral Home, Inc. James T. Hughes, Supervisor 328 Beaver Street • Sewickley, PA 15143

412.741.4334

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    

MOON TOWNSHIP |

Planning your vacation shouldn’t be a numbers game

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| IN WEST ALLEGHENY |

603 East McMurray Road

McMurray, PA 15317

Ph: 724.260.5341

www.threeriverstravel.com

Authorized agent for these trusted vacation specialists:

And many more.