IN Mt. Lebanon by IN Community Magazines

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t. Lebanon COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Back to School

Education for All Ages

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Introducing a health plan option for small business designed to save green. asy to use, conomical and Environmentally friendly.

Enjoy a discount and the ease of 24/7 on-line access for all of your health plan needs. Has there ever been an easier business decision? At UPMC Health Plan, we want to make it that simple. That’s why we’ve introduced the region’s most comprehensive all-electronic option. It’s called and it’s an easy-to-use, paperless option that complements any of our Small Business Advantage health plans. With , all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providing you and your employees with greater convenience. Your employees also enjoy easy access to all their health information, wellness tools, and health support. And, as always, you and your employees have access to our network of more than 80 hospitals and 7,000 physicians, and the award-winning member service you expect from UPMC Health Plan. In other words you get more for less. To learn more about how you can save, go to upmchealthplan.com.

Shouldn’t the people who insure your health understand it? This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.

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Contents Mt. Lebanon | FALL 2010 |

Publisher’s Message FEATURES

Education Section

Planning Your Way to College | 6 Alternatives to College | 8 Secrets of the Successful Middle School Student | 10 Moms Returning to School Face Uphill, but Not Impossible, Battle | 11

COMMUNITY INTEREST

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

| | |

Mt. Lebanon High School Project | 12 Costa Homebuilders | 20 The Garden Club of Allegheny County

| | | |

Older Adults in Mt. Lebanon | 30 In Kids | 57 Mt. Lebanon Public Library Events Special Values | 78

A Realistic Perspective on Risk | By Tracey Smith | 45 Take the Hearing Health Quick Test

By Dolores Y. Payne, M.A., CCC-A, Audiologist | 46 | | |

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

| | | | |

DINING OUT

Bado’s Pizza Grill and Ale House

ON THE COVER

Students walk home from Mt. Lebanon High School at the beginning of the school year. The school is scheduled for major renovations. Read the article on page 12.

75 Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

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t. Lebanon F A LL 2 0 1 0

Welcome to the fall issue of Mt. Lebanon. As summer winds down, I hope that you and your family had some time to get away and enjoy yourselves—even if it was for the day at some local hidden treasure spot. Those are the places we love to highlight in these pages. I met one of our readers while I was finishing up some business with one of the municipalities we serve. He was sitting at a picnic table near a veterans' monument under a pristine blue sky on a quiet and hot July day. The man recognized my photo from the magazine and said his dad used to enjoy reading about local things. He explained that his father had passed away several years ago. He pointed to the monument and said his father never spoke about the war, but always talked about some close friends he served with that didn't come home. “I come by here about once a week or so to enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the birds,” he said. “We miss him, but here I know that he's catching up with some old friends.” To say that I was touched would be an understatement, but you can see how this one little area can mean so much to someone. Tell us about places that are special to you – places with history and a story behind them. Send your story to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com or mail them to Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

Wayne Dollard Publisher

I N M t. Lebanon is a non-partisan community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Mt. Lebanon Area School District and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard AS S I STA N T TO T H E P U B L I S H E R

Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue Sandy Trozzo Josh Wetmore GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoy Susie Doak Joe Milne Pati Ingold Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Garyyonphotography.com Schoolhouse Photography A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

Welcome to this edition of Mt Lebanon Magazine. In this issue, we address education as it relates to kids, adults, and other facets that involve the community. Over the last several months, we have fielded phone calls from so many of you regarding the High School Renovation Project. As the voice of the community, we at In Community Magazines are aware of our obligation to provide information that is straightforward and fair. We hope that through our coverage of this issue, residents will have a better understanding of the scope and cost of the project. As always, we appreciate your input in this matter or any other issue that affects the community at large. Please email your comments and suggestions to me at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.

Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor

Nicholas Buzzell David Mitchell Brian Daley Linda Mitchell Gina D’Alicandro Tamara Myers Liz Dodson Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Annette Petrone Rose Estes Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Jessie Jones Michael Silvert Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010. C O R R E S P O N D E N C E All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: I N C om m u ni ty M ag az i nes Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Winter Issue Deadline: Nov. 20, 2010

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Ann Taylor Anthropologie Aurora’s Fine Jewelry Bravo! Cucina Italiana Caché Carmike Galleria Cinemas Chico’s Coldwater Creek Crabtree & Evelyn Footloose & Footloose Etc. Godiva Chocolatier Gymboree Gymboree Play & Music H. Baskin Clothier Houlihan’s Janie & Jack Jernigan’s Tobacco Village Jezebel Larrimor’s Learning Express Mark Pi’s China Gate Mimi Maternity Mitchell’s Fish Market Panera Bread Piano Piano Pottery Barn Kids Restoration Hardware Signatures Starbucks Coffee Talbots/Petites/Woman/Shoes Today’s Tiffany Lamp Co. Track ’n Trail Tutto Bella Williams-Sonoma

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Shakespeare once said, “The object of art is to give life a shape.” Indeed, life would be not only be shapeless without art, it would be colorless and barren as well. On the first weekend of October, artists are coming to Mt. Lebanon to sell their wares. It will be an opportunity to support the arts, and to help sustain a host of worthy local organizations.

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semi-precious stones and glass beads she produces in her own studio. The event is like a homecoming for Rutherford who says, “her kindergarten teacher comes to see her at Art in the Park,” along with friends of her parents and from school. A yearly participant of the event since its inception, Rutherford has seen Art in the Park grow over the years. “Last year’s show

and live music should make a wonderful autumn outing. Some of the recipients of the event’s fundraising efforts will be the Mt. Lebanon and Dormont Public Libraries, Mt. Lebanon Parks and Recreation, the Greater Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education, Paws with a Cause, and, for the

Mt. Lebanon Sunrise Rotary Club & Mt. Lebanon Police Assoc. Present the 9th Annual Art in the Park, Sponsored by Bill Few Associates by Pamela Palongue

Photographs by Robert C. Schwartz, copyright 2010. Art in the Park was the brainchild of Elaine Rosenfield, who pitched the idea to her fellow Rotarians in 2001 and convinced them to give the idea a try. Since then, the event has grown exponentially, with $23,000 raised last year for local organizations. According to John Dike, co-chairman of the event, they have had to turn away more exhibitors than ever, due to the vast following the event now attracts. Over 50 artists were carefully chosen based on the quality of their work and the originality of their ideas. One of the artists exhibiting will be Mt. Lebanon’s own Jessica Rutherford, a jewelry artist who creates her work from

was the best yet,” she says, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to support her hometown of Mt. Lebanon. A board member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh, Rutherford was chosen from hundreds of artists to design handmade cufflinks for presentation to the dignitaries attending the G-20 conference held last September. Her work is both contemporary and unique. Rutherford views her handmade pieces as an extension of herself–a piece of her personality. Variety of art media represented including painting, textiles, glass, and woodcarving. A delectable menu of refreshments will be available,

first time ever, the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society. According to Dyke, local organizations come to the Mt. Lebanon Sunrise Rotary Club and make a presentation to the club to be considered for funding. After reviewing the presentations, the board of the Rotary Club decides which organizations may be benefitted. This year’s Art in the Park event will be held at Mt. Lebanon Park on Cedar Boulevard behind Mt. Lebanon High School, October 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the website at www.mtlebanonsunriserotary.org and click on the Art in the Park link. Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

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college Planning Your Way to H

ow important is involvement in extracurricular activities? Is doing volunteer work important? How do GPA and SAT scores factor into acceptance? These are the questions many teens and their parents are pondering as they look into the next phase of the education process â&#x20AC;&#x201D; college. By Karen Ferrieri

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There are a ton of resources out there to guide you through the process of ‘getting ready for college,’ but the process can still be very overwhelming. Many people search online for answers, and you can definitely find a number of websites such as www.ehow.com to help guide you through the process. Ehow.com reads like a how-to manual for getting into college. #1: Work with your school guidance counselor to plan your classes. #2: Plan out your classes carefully.

#3: Take the most challenging course work you can, because college admission counselors would rather see you tackle harder courses than settle for easier courses just to get higher grades. They look for overall grade trends and class rank. Be careful, though, not to take too many and set yourself up for failure. #4: Nail your PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.

#5: Get involved in extracurricular activities in your school and community. Stay committed to following through for a few months or years with that activity. #6: Develop a theme that runs through your high school years with the classes and activities that you participate in. For instance, if you love to paint, take art classes at school, volunteer with organizations that promote art awareness, etc. #7: Plan your summer with college in mind. Stay active and consider what your theme is, and stay involved with things that are in line with the theme. #8: Get to know key people at the college that you want to attend.

school guidance counselor is there to assist you throughout the process as well. Peter Berg, superintendent of guidance for the Mt. Lebanon schools, tells students to make sure they have a target list of schools that contains Con three tiers that they go after. Bob Atkins, director of admissions for betw sider a ba ee la “Your first tier is your safety Washington and Jefferson College, summed being n academi nce cs an i nvolv schools, those that you feel it up pretty simply. “Most colleges are comm d ed in unity t strongly you will get accepted to.” h looking for the best fit for the college,” he e – whe sport t s h , e The second tier on the list contains e said. “While academics are important, r m it or vo lunte ployment ’s your target schools, those schools extracurricular involvement, being able to , er act Stude i v i that you really would like to go to; n t show leadership ability, employment be ov ts should ies. e however you have to be really certain n history, and progression of grades are also their rwhelmed 't to meet the grade requirements, etc. plann equally as important.” i n ing well-r to make sure that you stand out Atkins also recommended getting a ound , but ed. against applicants to get accepted. face-to-face interview with someone And, finally, the third tier is your reach within the college. “Consider when you apply for schools, those schools that really are a any college program that the majority ofapplicantsareall4.0highschool far stretch for you, but that you’d like to studentswiththeSATscoresnecessarytogetthemintoagreatcollege.” at least try to get accepted to. Berg says having this tiered list of So,whatwillmakeyoustandoutagainstthem?Then,gooutanddowhat schools that you are applying to will ensure acceptance to a ittakestoprovethatyouhavethenecessarymeanstoshowmotivationto school that you are interested in. succeedandtheabilitytocontinuetogrowwithinany program.And, Once you have a career path in mind and a few colleges/ whilecollegesareseeingmore‘GapYear’admissionstudents[thosewho universities that you are considering, do your research and do not be havechosentotakeayearoffafterhighschoolbeforeenteringcollege] afraid to consult with your guidance counselor, college admission theylookatthoseapplicantstoseewhatthey’vedoneduringtheoffyear staff, and others who currently work within the profession that you thatshowsproductivity.” are interested in. You’ll be amazed at how much information and While all of the information out there is readily available, if you assistance is out there to help you prepare for college entrance. have questions or run into stumbling blocks along the way, your high Following these steps will enable you to have a college application worthy of acceptance.

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Alternatives to

By Jonathan Ba

rnes

orking as a fraud investigator for Mellon Bank, Ann Flasck was following the career path she had chosen when she had decided years before to study Criminology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. But Flasck, of Peters, through no fault of her own, lost her job and was given severance pay several years ago. The change opened her eyes to other potential opportunities. Flasck used her time on severance pay to take a welding class. “I wanted to learn how to weld to make furniture and artwork,” she said. “Then I found out about the trade unions and in 2005 I took the steamfitters’ [apprenticeship] test.” Flasck, 44, a South Park High School graduate, has had steady work with the union ever since she joined the group. The pay is high—$30 per hour—and a Steamfitters union member can get as much work as she wants, Flasck said, noting that she has become certified as a welder and obtained other skills to increase her ability to be hired for jobs. As many in Western Pennsylvania are learning through the hardships of the recent recession, work in the trades can be a high-paying career, bereft of work stoppages. Trade work provides steady employment that is fulfilling to people who don’t enjoy work in an office setting. College is not for everyone, and the cost of such an education is becoming more and more difficult for many families to bear. Newspapers and magazines are full of stories of students who took on the burdensome college debt that they are struggling to pay off. But for those with a strong work ethic, some mechanical aptitude and a desire to be a part of building something, becoming a member of a union could be an ideal career choice. Fortunately for those in the Pittsburgh area, the chance to work with the insulators, electricians, laborers,

Only about 5 “percent of college graduates make more money than people in the building trades.

”

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carpenters, or other unions is greater than ever, due to the state-of-the-art training programs these and other local unions provide. “It’s neat to build things—to see something you’ve worked on turn into something,” Flasck said. The time commitment to becoming a full member of a union might not be for everyone, though. Steamfitters Local #499 takes in anywhere from 12 to 30 new members each year, a group that is winnowed from about 300 who take the initial test and interview for a slot with the union, said Ken Broadbent, business manager for Steamfitters Local #449, located along Woodruff Street in the South Hills. Unlike some jobs, there is no age discrimination in the union apprentice selection process—twenty-somethings and older folks starting a second career have an equal shot at union membership. The Steamfitters apprenticeship program requires 1,000 hours of schooling at night for each apprentice, as well as 2,000 hours per year of guaranteed employment over the five-year apprenticeship. Those man-hours are paid, along with full benefits. Apprentices start at $12 per hour and eventually make $30 per hour as steamfitters, but you have to be fit. “You have to be physically able to perform the work because there’s lifting and climbing, and working in the cold and in the heat,” Broadbent said. “For every hour a journeyman works, we take 50 cents out of his pay to put towards the training program.” The average age of an apprentice is actually 27 years old, said Jason Fincke, executive director of the builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania, a labor/management organization that includes both contractors and unions. Apprentices earn between $10 and $15 per hour their first year, receiving average yearly raises of $3.50 annually during their training. The average building trades worker earns $45,000 per year, Fincke noted. Western Pennsylvania has 17 union apprenticeship schools and all are tuition-free, he said.

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a myth “outTheres there that to be

successful you have to go to college… Building trade work can provide a very good living.

”

Studies have shown that a college education might actually be a waste of money for many of those who attend, Fincke said, and so union membership is an increasingly smart career choice. “Only about 5 percent of college graduates make more money than people in the building trades,” he said. While work in construction is hard and physically demanding, the industry isn’t affected in the same way by economic conditions as other industries are impacted, Fincke added. “You can’t outsource construction,” he said. With union workers averaging wages of $25 to $35 per hour, unions are many smart workers’ choice for gainful employment, Fincke said. “There’s a myth out there that to be successful you have to go to college… Building trade work can provide a very good living and a very good wage,” he said. For more information on apprenticeships in the trades in the Pittsburgh area, visit the Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania’s website, at www.buildersguild.org.

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Mary Eve Kearns Sells Homes in Mt. Lebanon

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PINEBRIDGE COMMONS, SUITE 110 1580 MCLAUGHLIN RUN ROAD, UPPER SAINT CLAIR, PA 15241 Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

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By Kelli McElhinny

When a preteen leaves elementary school behind to move on to the middle grades, the transition can be a daunting one. The buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bigger, and it houses more students. All of the new experiences can add up to a trying time for incoming students.

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Most middle graders are anxious about the change that is coming. Going beyond the safety net of elementary school is sometimes hard for a child. Along with the physical, emotional, and social changes they bring, the middle school years can be difficult for a child. Experts agree that a middle school program that emphasizes the importance of addressing any remedial needs is important. The opportunities to do so beyond middle school are few and far between. Honing basic math and reading skills are particularly important. Reading is really the first step towards independent learning. In addition to taking more challenging classes, middle school students also get instruction from a wider variety of teachers, an experience many students relish. Middle school also gives students the chance to explore extracurricular activities like athletics and the arts. Middle school brings adjustments beyond the classroom as well. Changes in the brain can prompt changes in behavior and emotions. The social climate evolves as well, with students meeting an entirely new pool of classmates. Fortunately, parents can take steps to make the transition to middle school a smooth one. The first step is to help students build a good foundation for keeping track of assignments and completing them. Students need to develop a set of study and organizational skills at this age. Students can build those skills by using the assignment book theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re given on the first day of class, for starters. It is also suggested that parents schedule one hour of non-negotiable homework time. Even if a student doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any assignments on a particular day, that time can be used to plan ahead or review the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lessons, for example. Goal-setting, with a focus on short-term objectives rather than longterm ones, also is a priority. As far as the social changes go, parents should be accepting as their children place a greater emphasis on relationships with peers rather than those with family members. Parents should be available, but not nosy, regarding a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business. In helping their children conquer middle school, parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; efforts will endure beyond the eighth grade. Students who are successful in middle school generally can go on to be successful in high school and beyond. Mastering the social and organizational skill set is of utmost importance to a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success.

InMt.Lebanon-Fall2010:09McKeesport_winter

By Pamela Palongue

MOMS

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FACE UPHILL, RETURNING TO SCHOOL

BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE, BATTLE With the high rate of unemployment, it will not come as a shock that many mothers are returning to school for more education in order to be more employable and to be able to provide better benefits for their families. What might surprise you is that more than ever, universities, trade, and specialty schools are offering extremely flexible schedules and payment plans for the special challenges that moms face in furthering their education. One of the major drawbacks to attending college is the loss of income while in school. Although night classeshavebeenavailableatmostuniversities for years, Saturday classes are now becoming more common, and many of the schedules include meeting every other weekend. This gives working moms the ability to hold down a day job for 40 hours during the week, and still retain the all-important health insurance benefits for their family while attending college on the weekends. More classes than ever are being offered on

One of the major drawbacks to attending college is the loss of income

tight budget. Many mothers have the advantage of family members close by to pitch in with child care duties, but this may not be practical for some mothers whose parents or in-laws live hours away. One great way to resolve this issue is to trade babysitting time. When mothers coordinate their class schedules, they can attend classes at opposite times so the other mother can babysit both mothers’ children. Another great way to overcome the high cost of daycare is to trade services. An individual may be willing to provide child care in exchange for house cleaning or having errands performed. Retired individuals who have the most flexible hours are a great solution in this arrangement.

busy moms and most offer payment options so that upfront payment of full tuition is not required. Each woman’s path to educational advancement is different, but perseverance is the common denominator. With dedication and hard work, every woman can accomplish her goals. And now, more than ever, there are many avenues to achieving your dream.

For some, completing a four–year college may not be practical either for time considerations or financial reasons. There are many careers available with educational programs that are less than two years. Education and the medical field consistently rank highest for career fields experiencing the most growth. For individuals who already have a four–year degree, universities offer a teaching program that can be completed in one year.

Saturdays. And, of course, night classes offer greater flexibility for employed mothers as well.

Although a bachelor of science in nursing is a four–year degree program, some local hospitals offer two–year nursing programs sans the degree. Some of these facilities offer free education in exchange for two years of devoted service at their facility. For even shorter programs in the medical field, medical assistants and emergency medical technicians offer alternatives. Local EMT programs last approximately four months and the tuition is under $200.

Another challenge for moms attempting to advance their education is finding care for their child while they are in school. The high cost of daycare can be prohibitive for those already on a

In addition to the above-mentioned career fields, informationtechnology,massagetherapists, barbers, cosmetologists, and medical insurance billing all offer programs with shorter duration for Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 1 1

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Mt. Lebanon High School S i nc e w e s tar ted p u bl i s h i ng IN Mt. Lebanon Magazine, r ead er s h av e c al l ed , w r i tten and e- m ai l ed u s abou t th e th e M t. Lebanon H i g h S c h ool r enov ati on p r oj ec t, r eq u es ti ng u s to c ov er i t. W h i l e I N C om m u ni ty M ag az i nes tr ad i ti onal l y s tay s ou t of c ontr ov er s i al i s s u es , w e d ec i d ed th at i n ad h er i ng to ou r m i s s i on of s er v i ng th e c om m u ni ty , w e w ou l d be p r ov i d i ng a s er v i c e to y ou by p r es enti ng both s i d es of th e s tor y i n th ei r ow n w or d s . H er e, w e p r es ent th e S c h ool D i s tr i c t’ s r eas ons f or th e p r oj ec t. I m m ed i atel y f ol l ow i ng , w e p r es ent th e A l l eg h eny

I ns ti tu te’ s c r i ti q u e of tax i m p l i c ati ons f or M t. Lebanon, p r ov i d ed by J ak e H au l k , P r es i d ent of th e A l l eg h eny I ns ti tu te f or P u bl i c P ol i c y . W e p r es ent th i s s p ec i al s ec ti on to y ou , and th ank both s i d es f or tak i ng th e ti m e to p r es ent th ei r v i ew p oi nts i n an ef f or t to br i ng th e c om m u ni ty tog eth er i n u nd er s tand i ng of th e bi g p i c tu r e, w h i c h , w h i l e i t m ay not al w ay s be c l ear , i s v i tal f or c i ti z ens to d r aw th ei r ow n i nf or m ed , and eq u al l y v al i d , c onc l u s i ons . 1 2

An Investment in Education and the Community

t’s August 5 and custodial service crews are working hard in anticipation of the first day students return to class. Floors in some parts of the building that have supported the trampling of millions of steps each day for more than 80 years, glisten with fresh wax, a polishing that can’t hide the fact that beneath their veneers is a toxic concoction of asbestos. A small air conditioner cools Superintendent Dr. Timothy Steinhauer’s office because building air conditioning shuts off at 5 p.m. There are no cooling or heating zones in the high school, so it’s an all-ornothing proposition when it comes to climate control.

That condition is made worse in the wintertime by windows that are woefully inefficient, letting in drafts of chilled air, despite the strips of yellowing tape around their frames. Parts of the building leak so bad, in fact, that the plaster has wilted into soft, crinkled patches that custodians have to flake away and refinish before the students arrive later this month. To any visitor, the question begs, why wasn’t the renovation done sooner? And, in the opinion of district officials—Steinhauer and School Board President Ed Kubit—this project is the culmination of a decade of renovating the district’s seven elementary schools and two middle schools. “I’m aware that previous administrations worked hard to maintain the high school while they performed renovations to all of the elementary schools,” Steinhauer said. “That was a very aggressive schedule,

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and now, we are able to look at the high school. The board took a comprehensive look at the whole plan to meet the needs of the community and the kids for decades to come.” Bringing the building up to standards, not just meeting the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements for minimum classroom sizes, but also meeting modern-day standards for technology, energy efficiency, and student safety and security, became a priority of the school board, Steinhauer said. In keeping with Mt. Lebanon’s tradition of excellence, some areas of the project will exceed minimum requirements, but also will pay dividends in the decades to come, such as the commitment of the board to achieve LEED Certification. When all of the construction is complete, the high school will be a LEED “Silver” certified school for energy efficiency— one of the first high schools in the state. That certification means lower utility bills than those that are currently being paid. Other aspects of the project, such as the third auxiliary gym and eight-lane pool, were amenities Kubit said people and community groups “pushed hard for,” and will be open for school and community use once complete. The school currently has three gyms and was aiming to keep gym space, which is at a premium, the same. “The pool right now is inside the building; the new design puts the pool and gyms in a separate location, zoned off from the school to allow greater community access,” Kubit said. “I think the new design will give us new opportunities for students and residents that currently just don’t exist.” Other aspects enjoyed by modern schools that Mt. Lebanon High School has had to compromise on are technology and basic security. Because of antiquated classrooms and hallways, hardwiring for today’s networking needs is difficult, necessitating ceiling bridge conduits to run cables, because creating permanent systems would require removing and abating toxic asbestos. Not having proper connections limits the district’s ability to take advantage of revenue-generating opportunities, Steinhauer said. “With online learning capabilities, our students could participate in a Chinese 4 language class in any classroom, or we could export our AP Statistics class to other districts, which don’t offer the class,” he said. “We can sell our offerings to other districts if we had these capabilities. With integrated technology, we can explore these capabilities in more depth.” As far as security, most current school buildings

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Project Tiles in the high school contain inert asbestos and need to be removed.

In order for the orchestra to practice efficiently, ceiling tiles in the practice room have been removed, exposing bare rafters and ductwork.

Leaking and inefficient windows create annual challenges for maintenance workers to remedy before the start of each school year.

have one or two “captured vestibules,” or main points of ingress/egress, where access to the building is monitored. Mt. Lebanon High School has 44 entrances, many located in remote areas that cannot be monitored. Kubit said the safety conditions at the high school are of concern to the school board and a major priority for him. “If a student is injured because of the condition of the school at this point, I will take that very personally,” Kubit said. So given its long punch-list of inadequacies, the Mt. Lebanon School Boards have been pursuing options for the high school for nearly a decade. So far, a $75 million bond has been borrowed for the project, and an “all-in” project cost of $113,274,765 was authorized by the school board. The price tag came in less than the $115 million benchmark which would have triggered a referendum on the project by the residents. Although the two numbers are close, Steinhauer said there were no attempts to deny a referendum vote. “That [referendum] number changes as we pay down our debt service, so the referendum number may be higher now,” he said. Nonetheless, the cost of the project has reverberated through the community, causing the formation of grassroots community groups, vocal bloggers, and online forums for discussion of every aspect of the project. While those who oppose the project tend to grab headlines and petition signatures, Kubit said that there are people out there who felt that the project should have had an even broader scope than it already has. “There were people who wanted a $157 million, all-new building,” Kubit said. “In the end, we decided upon the $113.2 million building. That’s an all-in number, and we’re still finding efficiencies to get the total project cost less than that.” Getting the project out to bid quickly also will lock in pricing, Steinhauer said. However, the project is currently winding its way through a long and thorough appeal of a decision by Mt. Lebanon’s Zoning Hearing Board, which denied two variances needed for the project. The project also came under the scrutiny of the Mt. Lebanon Planning Commission as

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Greenville, Pa. 16125 Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 1 3

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Continued...

Mt. Lebanon High School Project well. When submitted, project plans, while reducing current lot coverage from 54.57 to 54.43 percent, still exceed Mt. Lebanon’s requirements of no more than 50 percent total lot coverage; and the plan lacks 23 parking spaces needed to meet Mt. Lebanon’s building code. “Our position is that we’re taking two pre-existing, nonconforming elements of the project and actually making them better,” Kubit said. “We’ve appealed [the zoning hearing board’s] decision and are waiting on the decision of the appeal.” Other critics cite the efforts of other school districts and their building projects, which came in significantly less in cost compared to Mt. Lebanon. Steinhauer said there are a number of apples to oranges issues going on with that comparison, mainly, programming. “Mt. Lebanon offers programming that other schools don’t come close to,” he said. “Our science programs include more offerings and require more labs than many other districts. We have an outstanding dance program, and we don’t have enough space, so they practice in the hallways. Our theater program is another large program. We’re really enhancing the academics as well as fine arts offerings.” District officials note that other building projects in other districts did not have to account for asbestos abatement and removal. Asbestos exposure has been linked to multiple health conditions, namely mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. While

“It’s the quality of the education that students receive in Mt. Lebanon that adds value to the homes of the people living here” all asbestos in the school currently is inert, construction would disturb it, creating a hazard. As for critics pointing out that Mt. Lebanon enrollment is down, district officials contend that the enrollment numbers are stable. Staffing is at the same level as it has been, and Steinhauer said the new building configuration will allow the district to continue doing more with less as faculty and staff are repositioned in the new facility. High school administration, a nurse’s office and guidance offices all will be centrally located, which will result in staff efficiencies. “There are long-term savings that we hope to realize—a cost savings by grouping people together,” he said. “There may be a 1 4

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Antiquated boilers pump heat throughout the school without the ability to control climate zones. The result is waste of energy and cost.

Lack of practice space forces students to practice in locations never designed for activity. Wrestlers work out in this area.

savings in manpower. We have a responsibility to maintain an adequate amount of programming in a fiscally responsible manner. It’s my belief that we continue to attract new residents to this community based on the quality of our schools.” “It’s the quality of the education that students receive in Mt. Lebanon that adds value to the homes of the people living here,” he said. Kubit said that it’s the board, in the end, that weighed all of this information and made a decision that they believe is the right one for Mt. Lebanon’s students—a decision that has taken many years and hours upon hours of public comment. “There are more than 30,000 residents, and I’m sure there are 30,000 different opinions, and I don’t think one person speaks for all. There are a lot of concerns of costs. This is a huge project. There are concerns of people on fixed incomes, and there have always been people living on fixed incomes. These are significant considerations, and the board had to thoroughly consider the best opportunities for Mt. Lebanon’s students with what the community can afford.”

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Mt. Lebanon High School Project Mt. Lebanon Schools Becoming a Taxpayer Nightmare

t. Lebanon taxpayers, like many taxpayers in Pennsylvania, are facing a shocking increase in school taxes over the next five years. Between now and 2015, property tax collections in Mt. Lebanon are projected to rise 45 percent as the millage rate is boosted by over 40 percent and earned income tax collections are slated to rise 19 percent. These figures are taken from the School District’s February 2010 out-year budget forecasts. The coming real estate hikes are said to be necessary to cover an enormous 120 percent jump in fringe benefit expenditures from $13.2 million to $29.7 million, a nearly $8 million rise in debt service to cover the new high school and normal increases in other expenses. Fringe benefits will surge largely as a result of the jaw-dropping leap of required payments into the teacher pension fund. In this budget forecast scenario, a Mt. Lebanon household with the municipality’s 2008 median income of $77,167 and owning a home with the median value of $190,000— that is correctly assessed—will see school real estate taxes go from the current $4,580 to $6,437, assuming the home’s assessed value stays at its current level. This will be accompanied by a $385 per year earned income school tax, more if the household is fortunate enough to have its income increase over the next five years. Then there is the earned income tax paid to the municipality along with property taxes to the municipality and county—another $2,400 per year—assuming municipal and county tax rates do not rise. In sum, under the projected tax increases, the owner of a median value house could be facing well over $9,000 in local taxes each year by 2015. Now consider the other revenues being budgeted to meet the 2015 spending of $103.9 million. The drafters of the out-year budget projections show the state allocation increasing sharply from this year’s $12.25 million to $21.59 million in 2015, a rise of 77 percent. However, in view of the tremendous fiscal problems facing the state over the next several years, including the state’s own large pension payment increases, the Commonwealth will be hard pressed to find funds that will nearly double Mt. Lebanon’s allocation. Moreover, Mt. Lebanon will not be the only school district needing additional

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funds to meet the gigantic swelling of required pension payments. If Mt. Lebanon schools do not receive the $21.59 million state funding level being forecast in the budget document, there will either have to be substantial expenditure cuts or additional hikes in taxes. If property owners are forced to ante up say, $5 million more, then millage will have to be raised to 36.18 mills, pushing total real estate taxes to 45.86 mills, or 4.59 percent. Bear in mind that the average millage rate for real estate taxes nationally is around 13.4 mills. Thus, Mt. Lebanon’s total real estate tax is already far above most areas and with the contemplated increases, the gap with the nation will widen further. The projected budget scenario is not a sustainable situation. Note that over the period 2009 to 2015, the total level of real estate taxes collected based on budget forecast figures will rise over 45 percent. However, the earned income tax collections—a fairly good indicator of income growth—are projected over the

by Jake Haulk, President of Allegheny Institute for Public Policy

taxable property in the district. In 2008, Mt. Lebanon’s school tax burden ratio was 2.58 percent. By comparison, the Mars Area ratio was 1.37 percent, Seneca Valley 1.47 percent, and Peters Township 1.7 percent. Clearly, Mt. Lebanon compares very unfavorably to other districts in the area. Note too that Peters Township’s students scored at almost the same level of advanced and proficient as Mt. Lebanon on the state’s PSSA tests. There are two further major points to be made in this analysis. First, Mt. Lebanon’s housing stock is quite old, with 73 percent of homes over 50 years old and 35 percent over 70 years old. Fewer than 5 percent are less than 20 years old. Older homes often require more maintenance than newer homes unless they have already had substantial and costly upgrades. Second, properties in Allegheny County will be reassessed in 2012. And while on average, tax bills may not rise in the district as a result of re-assessment, homes that are

“Could there be connection between high taxes and the declining population and enrollment figures?” same 6–year period will rise only 19 percent, assuming the forecast is anywhere close to accurate. In this regard, note that earned income tax collections rose a mere 12.9 percent between 2000 and 2007. Even if the 19 percent increase forecast is accurate, the expanding burden on property taxpayers is far outstripping the ability of taxpayers to pay. As a result, the impact of the tax hikes will begin to have major detrimental consequences for the housing market in Mt. Lebanon. Bear in mind that according to census estimates Mt. Lebanon’s population fell by almost 8 percent from 2000 to 2009, and school district enrollment dropped by over 5 percent over the same period. Could there be connection between high taxes and the declining population and enrollment figures? Another way to look at the school tax situation is to compare Mt. Lebanon taxes to other school districts. The State Tax Equalization Board calculates for each district the ratio of property taxes paid to the market value of

significantly under assessed will be in for a double surprise. In addition to the coming millage rate hikes, these properties will see their assessed values jump as well. For example, a $300,000 market value house that is currently assessed at $250,000 and is correctly re-assessed in 2012 will see its school tax bill rise from $6,028 in 2010 to $10,164 in 2015. There are some homes that might see some reduction as a result of the re-assessment, but those getting hit with the increase such as the example above will undoubtedly find it much harder to sell their homes for the $300,000 they expect to receive. In a word, a perfect storm is developing for some Mt. Lebanon property owners. And it is too late to do anything about it, unless the school board starts to make significant spending cuts, and soon. It will be very interesting to see if the teachers’ union is willing to work with the district to hold down personnel expenses in this year’s contract negotiations.

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Costa Homebuilders F or Jeff Costa, owner of Costa Homebuilders, building a custom home is more than picking countertops and

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clients he builds for. “We get to know our clients as individuals and study their lifestyles,” Costa said. “This provides unique insight into a client’s true needs and desires.”

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process is enjoyable because of its organization,” Costa said.

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Creating a home with the lifestyles of the clients in mind gives homebuyers not just a house, but a destination, making every turn into the driveway the last turn before a peaceful respite from the world. Whether you want to escape the concept of the formal dining room to opt for a large kitchen and informal dining room, or you simply want to eliminate a living room in favor of a den, Costa can work with you to bring your dreams into design.

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Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 2 3

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JEFF COSTA Builder

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REAL ESTATE Mt. Lebanon

Schools Don’t Just Teach, They Sell by Josh Wetmore

here your child goes to school involves a lot more than whether her QPA can get her into the right college. It also is a huge factor when people are shopping for an existing home, or looking to build a new home altogether. Jeff Costa of Costa Home Builders said his clients look for top-performing school districts to build in. “With new home construction in some of the top school districts, like Upper St. Clair or Mt. Lebanon, they don’t have a lot of land to build houses. People would love to build a home there, however the land is usually not in the best shape or there’s already a house on it,” he said. “Coming down the list a little bit, where people are building homes is in the best school district where there are nice lots available. It definitely plays a role in where people want to build.” Costa said that places like Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair average for around $200,000 to $225,000 each, and it’s not uncommon for someone to buy a lot, tear down the existing house, and build a new house where the old one stood. Mary Lou Hagman, a Peters Township based Realtor, said a lot of people whose children are out of school downsize their home and are willing to move into a district where the school’s reputation or success may be less prestigious. “It’s the number one priority for those with children,” she said. “Then, what’s happening in the better school districts, is the people who have raised their children and are looking to downsize are moving to the areas where the schools don’t matter. So you have both ends: you have people looking for them and you have people looking to get out of the better school districts once their children are off to college and gone.” A great, non-biased tool for potential homeowners to access information on school districts is Standard and Poor’s www.SchoolMatters.com, where any schools can be compared based on a variety of factors. It’s a comparison that could give you the edge when it’s time to your property value when it comes to buy or sell. “There are a ton of places that have lots available, where their school districts are not as successful with test scores and different reputations, so the lots sell for a lot less money,” Costa said. “The school district, I believe, is the driving force of the real estate market. I get calls all the time where people don’t have to be in the number one or the number three school district, but they do want to be in the top 20. If you’re looking at the hundred school districts in the Pittsburgh Business Times, the top 20 is probably where you’re going to see the people building houses.”

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THE GARDEN CLUB OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Creating Beauty and Preserving it for Future Generations A Garden in Every School

he Garden Club of Allegheny County has been helping to create beautiful outdoor surroundings and educating all ages about the importance of conserving our natural spaces since 1914. Some of their projects in the recent past include supporting the program that will connect the Montour Trail with the Three Rivers Heritage Trail via the County Sports Legacies Project. This will enable people of the South Hills to commute to work by bicycle or on foot without having to deal with vehicular traffic. The group also contributed funds to help repair the Montour Trail following Hurricane Ivan in 2005. Approximately 10 miles of the trail were impassable following the torrential rains, but the trail was reopened less than a year later, thanks in part to funding from the Garden Club of Allegheny County. Conservation is a core objective for the club, and they have supported many local

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Mt. Lebanon

projects in an effort to educate our youth about preserving our natural environment. One program in which they have been actively involved is “A Garden in Every School.” This initiative helps schools to create vegetable gardens on campus where the children can learn about growing their own produce, which is then served in the school cafeteria. The Garden Club of Allegheny County was also instrumental in marketing for PASA, (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) and is supportive of their initiatives. In addition to the wonderful local projects, the Garden Club of Allegheny County has been able to contribute to vital research that is effecting positive global change. Longtime club members Paula Sculley and Susan Clancy launched a program in 1995 called “Botany in Action.” The program was in direct response to the concern for our vanishing rainforests and the loss of indigenous plant species. Many of these plant species are indispensable in the treatment of certain diseases. The Botany in Action program sponsors graduate students who are working in endangered hotspots, such as the South American rainforests, to aid them in continuing their education and the groundbreaking research that they are conducting. Some of this research has led to the discovery of using plants for medicinal purposes such as saw palmetto to treat an enlarged prostate, and a plant commonly known as dragon’s blood to promote faster healing. Although the Garden Club turned the Botany in Action program over to Phipps Conservatory in 2000, they still actively contribute to its funding. Without fundraising, the Garden Club of Allegheny County would not have been able to support so many meaningful projects. Surprisingly, the club holds only one major fundraiser a year called Pizzazz. Sculley and Clancy were also the catalysts in launching this event in 1995. Sculley explains that her daughter was weaving beautiful shawls at the time and Clancy’s daughter was crafting monogrammed duffel bags. The two women got together and decided to hold a trunk show selling the hand-crafted wares to benefit the Garden Club. When other club members learned

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the G GARDEN ARDEN C CLUB L U B of A LLLEGHE LEGHENY C CO OU UN N T Y presents

A D DISTIN ISTINC CT T IIVE V E B O U T IQU IQUE SSHOPPIN H O P P I N G E VE VEN T NT

Foxx Chapel Golf Club Fo Club, b, 426 Fox Fox Chapel Road, Pittsb Pittsburgh, urgh, PA

Wednesday, W eednesday, Octob October ber 20 • 5:00 p.m. p.m. – 9:00 p p.m. .m. PPreview review Party, Party, $$50. 50. Reservations Reser vations required. required.

of the idea, they quickly contacted other vendors to participate. The first Pizzazz event was held at Clancy’s house and, according to Clancy, was a rainy, stormy, horrible day. “It was terrible weather for getting outside, but wonderful weather for shopping.” In just a few hours they had made $17,000 to sponsor their projects! “There were so many people we had to have them come in and shop in shifts,” says Sculley. This one-day trunk show has evolved into a three-day boutique shopping event. Pizzazz 2010 will be held at the Fox Chapel Golf Club, from October 20–22. Admission to the event is just $10 for daytime shopping. A buffet luncheon is included for a $25 admission price. This will be a unique opportunity to shop for exclusive items and Christmas gifts from 34 vendors from various parts of the U.S. Proceeds this year will help benefit local projects and the rooftop garden of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes Building at Phipps Conservatory. This rooftop garden will be beautifully landscaped and contain an edible vegetable garden. Several different green building methods will be used to generate energy onsite and to treat and re-use all water used in the building in an attempt to conserve our natural resources. Sculley adds, “A lot of people think of the outdoors as a dangerous place. But in fact it’s very healing and stress–relieving. Nature gives us a different perspective on human life.” If you are interested in attending the event or would like more information on the activities of the Garden Club of Allegheny County, you may visit their website at www.gcacpgh.org.

Thursday, Thursda ay, Octoberr 21 • 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. p.m. $10 admission; $10 admission; $25 $25 admission admission with with buffet buffet lunch lunch 1 11 1 aa.m.–2 .m. –2 p.m. R eser vations rrequired. equired. Reservations

6:30 p p.m.– .m.– 8:30 p.m. p.m m. “Bring “Bring a Friend Friend ffor or Free” o $30 for $30 for one one or or two. two. Enjoy Enjoy a glass glass of of w wine ine and and munchies! munchies! FFor or dinner dinner rreservations, eser vaations, gguests uestss may may call call 4 12-967-9081 412-967-9081

Friday, Frida ay, October 222 • 9:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. p.m. $10 admission; $10 admission; $25 $25 admission admission with with buffet buffet lunch lunch 1 11 1 aa.m.–2 .m. –2 p.m. R eser vations rrequired. equired. Reservations For reser reservations vations onl only: y: Jennifer Jeenniffer Muse at 412-422-0921 or jjm use5437@gmail.com om jjmuse5437@gmail.com inquiries: info@gcacpgh.org Other inquir ies: inf fo@gcacpgh.or o@gccacpgh.org or pizzazz@gcacpgh.org pizzazz@gcacpgh.orrg Visit www www.gcacpgh.org, w.gcacpgh.orrg, Facebook, Twitter Tw witter

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Graciously Serving Mt. Lebanon for 86 Years; THE MT. LEBANON

By Pamela Palongue

here are few clubs in all of Pittsburgh that could equal the honorable heritage of the Mt. Lebanon Woman’s Club and accomplishments. Organized in 1924 and chartered in 1930, the club was formed to serve the community in civic, educational, and philanthropic activities. Through the years, they have assisted the Red Cross in disaster relief, planted trees in our parks, prepared food baskets for the needy, and enriched our community with music and the arts. In 1931, the organization founded a scholarship program that awarded $500 to graduating seniors of Mt. Lebanon. That program has continued to the present day with as many as four Mt. Lebanon students per year receiving $3,000 for their college education. The Mt. Lebanon Woman’s Club was instrumental in the original organization of the Mt. Lebanon Library. Since then, they have devoted many hours of service to the daily functions of the library, including sorting, cataloguing, and repairing books. In 2002, the club

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Mt. Lebanon

WOMAN’S CLUB placed a book in honor of each of its members in the library. A memorial book is also placed in honor of deceased members. In 2003, the adult and children’s libraries received a contribution of $8,000 from the club. At one time, the organization maintained its own clubhouse on Hollycrest Drive, complete with a full-size auditorium. The impressive structure was used for many wedding receptions and other community events. The club also held teas,

These photos were taken at a Tea given for the Mt. Lebanon Woman’s Club by the Mt. Lebanon Library in appreciation for their donation of books for the library.

sponsored dances each year for local high school and college students, and held an annual luncheon on the veranda as a fundraiser. The high cost of maintenance eventually led to the sale of the property in 1995, but the club now meets at a local church. While they no longer don hats and white gloves for meetings, the members of the Mt. Lebanon Woman’s Club continue to serve the community with gentility and grace. If you would be interested in contributing to their philanthropic activities or would like information on becoming a member of this prestigious organization, please contact the club’s president, Jane Morton, at 412.831.9625.

s t or non

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Outstanding Outstandin g Performance. P erformance.

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Hard Work and Determination Bring Positive Results Howard Hanna Real Estate and Mortgage Services 412.833.3600 ext. 244 412.491.2741 cell janethensler@howardhanna.com

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Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation

Older Adults inMt. Lebanon by Josh Wetmore

survey conducted by the Investor Protection Trust in May 2010 revealed that over 7.3 million senior citizens in the U.S. have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.” That equates to about one in five senior citizens who have been scammed. Mary Bach, a member of AARP’s Pennsylvania executive counsel, said that fraud against senior citizens can come in just about any form. Some of the more popular scams include lottery scams, sweepstake scams, e-mail scams, charity scams, and even jury duty scams. “Caution and moving slowly are paramount in any of these situations,” said Bach. “And not allowing yourself to be pressured into giving

either personal information or any amount of money without doing your own personal due diligence or homework on the issue.” Here are some other tips Bach gives to help senior citizens better avoid scams and fraud:

• Don’t give money to a charity over the phone. Ask them to mail you something. This gives time to research the charity. Chances are, if the charity is just a scam they won’t send you anything anyway.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commission at 1.877.881.6388 or the Pennsylvania Securities Commission at 1.800.600.0007.

• Always be wary of any letter, e-mail, or phone call that requires an immediate or quick response. If there isn’t enough time to carefully consider a proposition before committing to it, there is probably a reason.

• Discuss what you are thinking of doing with a trusted friend or family member before • When dealing with a financial planner or making any final decisions. Two heads are retirement advisor, make sure that both they better than one, and someone might recognize and what they are selling are registered with the a red flag that you didn’t see. state of Pennsylvania. To check on the • Sign up for both the state and national ‘Do registration and history of a salesperson, Not Call’ lists. These will weed out most financial plan, or product, call either the legitimate solicitors, so if a soliciting call gets through, there is already a warning sign. • Remember the adage “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

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it’s a stage of life

that many people look forward to. It’s a chance to relax, and finally accomplish lifelong goals. It can also be an opportunity to make up for lost time with family and friends. For many, however, retirement can mean having so much time with so little to do, and often no longer having a job can lead to no longer have a sense of accomplishment or self worth. There is a solution to the problem though. Volunteering can not only give retired senior citizens a new sense of purpose but it can also help the community, the economy, and the future of the country. “There is just talk about, as the economy continues to be on a bit of a downslide, how important volunteers are,” said Mary Bach, a member of AARP’s Pennsylvania executive counsel. “Lots of older consumers have really wonderful skills and backgrounds that can be of benefit.” Volunteer opportunities for senior citizens in the Pittsburgh area can range from helping deliver mail at a hospital to working with high school students in a classroom environment through the University of Pittsburgh’s “Generations Together” program. “Volunteering makes people feel good, but it not only is self serving to that degree that you’re happy about doing something

that you enjoy personally, but the beneficiaries of that

Senior Agencies

ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984 ACCESS is door-to-door, advance reservation, sharedride transportation provided throughout Port Authority’s service area. It serves primarily Mt Lebanon Village senior citizens and persons info@mtlebanonvillage.org with disabilities. There are no 710 Washington Road, restrictions on the purpose or number of trips which may be Pittsburgh, PA 15228 taken by riders, except that 412.343.4054 riders are required to share their vehicle with others Transportation For traveling in the same direction Older Adults and at the same time. There are several agencies that offer free or reduced rate Older Persons transportation services to Transportation individuals who qualify. Transportation for medical appointments, grocery Medical Assistance shopping, senior center Transportation Program activities and other needs (MATP) throughout Allegheny County 1.888.547.6287 is available to adults 60 years Provides non-emergency of age and older who live in medical transportation to Allegheny County. Call residents of Allegheny County SeniorLine at 412.350.5460. who have a valid Pennsylvania

Chabad of the South Hills 1701 McFarland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15216 www.chabadsh.com 412.341.1494

Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance Card.

volunteerism gain so much,” said Bach, a senior citizen herself. Some other ways for senior citizens to get involved are through senior citizen organizations such as AARP and The Senior Source. Many local libraries also offer volunteer positions. AARP’s “Create the Good” program is focused on helping senior citizens find volunteer opportunities that will fit their schedule, meet their personal interests, and help their community. To get involved with “Create the Good,” go to www.createthegood.org or call 1.800.556.0242.

Free Bus Pass for Senior Citizens The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtain identification cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you.

Are you a nonprofit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Please contact Marybeth Jeffries at Marybeth@incommunity magazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.

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Mt. Lebanon Village Combines Hands to Help Seniors

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By Jonathan Barnes

ith a driver providing the service of a vehicle while an elderly Mt. Lebanon woman shopped, did errands, visited the doctor, and took other trips several days a week, the costs were ballooning. At $18 per hour and a three-hour minimum, the woman’s family was alarmed. Fortunately, the nonprofit group Mt. Lebanon Village stepped in to help. This four-year-old organization is focused on helping senior citizens in the community. “As people get older, they often get very lonely,” said Pat Gallaway, founder of Mt. Lebanon Village. “Our primary focus is getting seniors connected to the community, by helping them stay in their homes.” The aforementioned elderly woman’s son actually called Gallaway to thank her organization for its help. "He said we had saved the family thousands per month," said Gallaway, who got the idea for her nonprofit after her son sent her an article about the Beacon Hill Village nonprofit in Boston. After reading the article, Gallaway got together a few friends and began to organize her group. They went to St. Clair Hospital and asked for the hospital’s help. St. Clair Hospital granted them $18,000 for a professional survey of every resident in the community. The survey received an 8 percent response rate, which is high for that type of survey, Gallaway said. The responses were overwhelmingly in favor of the village concept. Mt. Lebanon Village raises its funds through membership dues and donations. Annual membership costs $400 for an individual or $600 for a couple. You must be a member to receive services

Mt. Lebanon

from the group, which include rides to shop, of course. The all-volunteer organization is run by a 12-member board of directors. The group has received support from St. Clair Hospital, Asbury Heights, Baptist Homes, Carnegie Mellon University, Wagner Family Trust, and other groups. The essence of the village concept is to provide support and services to people as they age, to help them live independently in their homes. Mt. Lebanon Village provides support to people age 50 and older. In addition to helping those in its own community, Mt. Lebanon Village hopes to inspire others, said Executive Director Ann Bateman. “Part of our mission is to become a model for other communities to start their own villages,” she said. Bateman said her group is in greatest need of contributions from people and companies, but they also need more people to get involved. “We need volunteers as badly as we need members,” she said. Like many communities in and around Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon has a high percentage of senior citizens. About 20 percent of the community’s populace is comprised of senior citizens, Gallaway said. Mt. Lebanon Village has been providing services to seniors in the community since August. Its offices are in space donated by the municipality, located in the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building. The volunteer organization has grown so fast that it now needs to hire a paid executive director. That hire will call for more funding. The group offers a monthly calendar of events to its members, including theater and restaurant trips, shopping trips, and get-togethers at volunteers’ homes. “One woman said [our group] had saved her life,” Gallaway said. To donate, volunteer, or to get more information on Mt. Lebanon Village, visit the group’s website at www.mtlebanonvillage.org.

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r & o i C aregiver n e S Reso urce E o xp George & Betty Vagionis Gail Brenkus & Manette Sykes, LSP Board Members

Kim Imler & Bonnie Sopko of The Devonshire

Life Service Providers (LSP) hosted the Senior & Alice & Gene Caregiver Resource Expo at Schnelbach The Galleria on Friday, June 4. Full of helpful resources and ideas for seniors and their caregivers, the event presented a multitude of vendors, organizations like MRTSA, local politicians, the Area Agency on Aging, Veterans Affairs Administration, Social Security, local hospitals and more. Visitors also received discounts from various merchants throughout The Galleria, as well as giveaways and raffles. LSP is a free information and referral service that assists families in finding senior care services in Pittsburgh. For more information on this organization, visit www.lifeserviceproviders.org. Pat Flanigan & Pat Sublette

Dept of Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Affairs Manager Ronald Conley & Christina Gilfoyle

Beverly Galbraith, Judy Kaczmorski & Marilyn Adamek Kathleen Oberst, Betty Karleski & Meghan Remington

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Complete Family Care a satellite office of Claysville Family Practice

Comprehensive Friendly Progressive Special Care by Special People J a y M . Zie gle r, M.D. Fr e d e r i ck J. Lande nwitsch, M .D. J a n i ne K . Rihm land, M .D. Jo hn D. Six , M.D. A b i g a il Te m ple to n, M .D. El i z a be th O shno ck , D.O. W i l ma D. Gro e the , CRNP

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Complete Family Care Comes to Waterdam “Ever wish you had a doctor who specialized in you?” This is a slogan of the American Academy of Family Physicians. At Claysville Family Practice, this slogan has been in action for the past 30 years. Now, with the opening of Complete Family Care, our new satellite office, we are thrilled to bring our patient-centered, common sense medical approach to the McMurray area. While it is the job of most specialists to focus on a particular organ such as the heart or kidney, it is the role of the family doctor to specialize in the whole person–body, mind and spirit. This begins with good preventative care such as appropriate screenings and vaccinations. It extends to wellness issues such as healthy eating, happiness and vitality. We help you manage chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and depression as well as transitional issues such as menopause, andropause, situational anxiety and grief. Family Medicine is about developing relationships. We provide care to persons of all ages from newborns to grandparents. This generational approach is rewarding to us and enhances the quality of care for our patients. At our Claysville office we have been developing these relationships for three decades and we look forward to doing the same at our new McMurray office.

Complete Family Care and Claysville Family Practice are comprehensive Family Practice Centers that will care for your entire family. We are proud of the care and services we offer and strive to be flexible, open-minded, and respect your individuality. We vow to maintain high standards of care and to keep learning and changing to best meet your needs. The Family Practitioners of Complete Family Care and Claysville Family Practice bring to bear unique attitudes and skills to provide health care to the entire family. Our role is to serve as the patient’s advocate in health related matters, including the appropriate use of consultants and community resources. We are privileged to impact and share in the lives of our patients and thank you for this enriching opportunity!

4000 Waterdam Plaza, Suite 280 McMurray, PA 15317

724-663-7731 Call us today!

www.claysvillefamilypractice.com Mt. Lebanon 3 4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Successful medicine is a combination of science and art. It begins with a thorough history. We ask, but more importantly, we listen. Understanding your wishes and needs is at the core of our approach. We keep up to date on the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities so that you will have the best available information with which to make decisions regarding your health. But we realize that those decisions are ultimately up to you. We respect your individuality and realize that not everyone’s choices will be the same. This approach allows our patients to achieve a very satisfying experience with successful outcomes. Our doctors, Jay Ziegler, M.D., Fred Landenwitsch, M.D., Janine Rihmland, M.D., and John D. Six, M.D., and nurse practitioner Wilma Groethe, CRNP, are all Board Certified in Family Medicine. In August 2010, we will be joined by two more Board Certified Family Doctors: Abigail Templeton, M.D., who is also certified in Acupuncture Therapy, and Elizabeth Oshnock, D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, additionally skilled in musculoskeletal adjustments. Family Medicine is unique in its focus on the whole person and the development of long-term, generational relationships. At Claysville Family Practice and Complete Family Care, we know that helping our patients achieve their individual health goals comes from listening, understanding and connecting. To be good at family medicine, you have to enjoy your patients. We certainly do. We look forward to forming new relationships at our McMurray office with you. – Fred Landenwitsch, M.D. & Wilma Groethe, CRNP

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business spotlight

Kitchens and Bathrooms – Improvements You Can Appreciate While They Appreciate No matter how much you paid for that new car, once you drive it off the lot, its value goes down. But if you put that same money into a kitchen or bathroom project for your home, you can actually increase its worth and recoup more than 30 percent of the investment back in some cases. You’ll also have a new, better designed and more useful space to cook in or luxuriate in every day. Laura Reid Riggin at Premier Home Design Center says that the best returns on investments are kitchens, but a lot of the returns can’t be measured in dollars. “All designs are limited by space and budget, but an easy, quick facelift can create a more modern, and cooking-friendly kitchen,” Riggin says. “Replacing counter tops is very popular, as is upgrading appliances to stainless steel. Islands are popular, so long as there’s room to accommodate them. It is important, when you’re focusing and working with an existing structure, to design for the space. It’s not so easy to go into an existing kitchen and add recessed lights, but pendant lights over an island are still a hot accessory, and easily accomplished.” Premier offers clients the ability to work with true designers, not just a person behind a computer screen with the latest home-design software package. The results are nothing short of spectacular. “It’s really important to emphasize the value of using a kitchen designer because anybody who’s been in this business knows that there are so many ways we can help plan and help them work within budget,” says Riggin. “We’re not whipping walls out at the computer. We’re designers. You’re talking a lot of money and a major investment in someone’s home. For some people, that can be a little scary. We help them every step of the way from concept to construction.” But once you decide to call Premier, you’ll be amazed at all of the options that open up to you. Not only are kitchens born again, but bathrooms that are now blasé, can find new life through walk-in showers, luxury shower heads and body sprays, rain showers and his–and–hers vanities.

Some clients choose to install heated floors. Riggin the sky’s the limit. “Bathrooms typically cost more to do because of the amount of labor involved— removing old tile work, laying new plumbing,” she says. “But in the end, kitchens and bathrooms are two rooms that people spend a lot of time in, so you’re not only increasing the home’s value, you’re increasing your family’s ability to enjoy the home.” Riggin says that Premier also does work for homeowners looking to get their home ready for the market. “It’s different when you’re working with a

homeowner who plans on living in the home and one who wants to update the home to sell,” she says. “Both look at the projects differently and have different budget expectations. Those who plan on living in the home after the upgrades put a lot of thought into their master baths and kitchens because their wants and needs are coming first. It’s more about creating a truly personal space, and we’ve been doing that successfully for homeowners for quite a while.” Premier Home Design Center can be reached at www.premierhomedesigncenter.com or by calling 412.276.5650. They are located at 1597 Washington Pike in Bridgeville.

I Chose Concordia Jean Grabow, Mt. Lebanon Concordia of the South Hills allows you to enjoy your retirement years to the fullest. Visit us at our Open House on SEPTEMBER 19, OCTOBER 17 or NOVEMBER 21 from 1-3 p.m. to ask about our special introductory pricing or call us at 412.278.1300 to arrange a private tour.

1300 Bower Hill Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15243 1.877.220.7906 • www.concordia-southhills.org Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3 5

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There’s Ther e’ss nothing mor e’ moree frustrating than thinking you’re you’re getting one thing only to find out afterwardd (typically after it’s afterwar it’s too late to do anything about it) that you got another

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FA L L 2 0 1 0

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

What’s Inside

Play It Safe Kick off the fall sports season and keep your kids in the game with this guide to help prevent sports injuries. (page 3)

page 2

A Fast Start to a Speedy Recovery ‘Super Track’ design delivers emergency care improvements

page 3

Play It Safe No One Dies Alone

page 4

Are You Concussion-Savvy? School Lunches That Make the Grade

page 5

Who Knew Rehab Could Be So Much Fun?

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A New Era of Treatment for High-Risk Pregnancies

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Women’s Health Through the Years

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A Fast Start to a Speedy Recovery ‘Super Track’ design delivers emergency care improvements Thanks to a major $13.2 million expansion and renovation project, and an innovative ‘Super Track’ concept at UPMC Mercy’s Emergency Department (ED), patients will find shorter wait times and streamlined care for minor illnesses or injuries. Although the project won’t be completed until October 2011, many “patient friendly” improvements are already in place. One improvement features a reception area staffed by a clinical nurse who makes quick assessments and assigns patients to one of three levels of emergency care. The new system takes Super Track patients — those with minor injuries and illnesses needing less urgent care — through treatment and discharge. This frees up space, beds, and resources for patients with more critical needs. “We’re speeding up the front-end process by diagnosing and treating quickly,” says Thomas Gronow, executive director of UPMC Mercy’s Emergency, Trauma, and Burn Services. “We’re targeting patients who have had to wait the longest in traditional ED treatment models. Our goal is to get them in and out within an hour.”

Three Patient Tracks for Customized Care When patients arrive at UPMC Mercy’s ED, they are assessed by the clinical nurse who assigns them to one of three areas: • Super Track offers speedy care for less-acute, “treat-and-release” patients with earaches, broken wrists, cuts and scrapes, and other minor problems. • North Track treats moderately ill patients who may be treated and released — or possibly admitted. These patients need more attention, testing, and diagnosis in order to determine the care needed. Examples include patients with abdominal pain, asthma, or severe headaches. • South Track is for patients with life-threatening or limb-threatening injuries or illnesses, such as crushing chest pain or traumatic injuries. Immediate treatment is provided. This area also houses the region’s only combined Level I Trauma and Comprehensive Burn Center. “We’re treating patients more effectively and more appropriately. The whole point is to get patients to the practitioner as soon as possible, which initiates care more quickly and puts us in the best position to optimize outcomes,” says Michael A. Turturro, MD, chief of Emergency Services at UPMC Mercy. That means less waiting and frustration for patients.

New Technology and the Latest Amenities Work on the 18-month ED project, which began in February, is taking place in phases to minimize disruption. A new 128-slice CT scanner was recently added to provide the latest imaging technology with faster scanning capability. By the time the project is completed, 11 beds will be added to the ED. In addition, patients and visitors will be able to access the Internet on laptops, and watch shows on high-definition, flat-screen TVs.

Fast Fact: There’s a Growing Need for Emergency Care UPMC Mercy’s Emergency Department (ED) has been treating approximately 45,000 patients annually. Last year, the ED reported 60,000 patient visits, an increase of 25 percent.

www.UPMC.com/Today

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Play It Safe Many youth sports injuries can be prevented by following these practical suggestions Sports and exercise offer undeniable benefits. But for millions of young athletes, they also bring risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports injuries among high school athletes alone are on the rise, accounting for nearly two million injuries, 500,000 doctor visits, and 30,000 hospitalizations every year. Injuries range from strains, sprains, and fractures to concussions and heat stroke.

Freddie H. Fu, MD, chairman of the UPMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and renowned sports medicine expert, blames much of the increase in injuries on today’s trend of kids focusing year-round on one sport.

Experts attribute the high rate of youth sports injuries to:

Dr. Fu says it’s important for parents and coaches alike to understand the dangers and take steps to keep children safe. He recommends the following:

• overuse • trauma • lack of preventive measures (including proper equipment, training, and conditioning) The CDC estimates that more than half of all sports injuries involving children and teens are preventable.

“Kids are doing too much. Now, there’s no off-season. When they’re not playing, they are practicing and at a very intense level,” he says.

Keep Your Kids in the Game

1) Cross-train and avoid specializing in one sport to create balance and avoid breakdowns in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. 2) Take time off from competition to allow muscles and joints time to rest and recover.

3) Use the right gear and make sure it’s in good condition and fits properly. Insist your child uses the recommended safety gear. 4) Ensure proper techniques are used for throwing, running, and swinging. 5) Take time to stretch before a workout/game and cool down after. 6) Maintain good hydration when playing to avoid fatigue and keep the body cool. Remember, playing sports should be fun. Check out our website at www.UPMC.com/Today for details on the top four injuries that occur among young athletes.

Mercy Volunteers Are Making a Difference in a Patient’s Final Hours Compassionate care has been at the heart of UPMC Mercy’s mission since it opened its doors to the community in 1847. In the next few months, the hospital will take its mission of mercy to a new level with the launch of No One Dies Alone. Since it was created in Oregon in 2001, the No One Dies Alone program has been adopted for use in more than 300 hospitals worldwide. UPMC Mercy is the first hospital in the Pittsburgh region to offer this initiative.

Volunteers in the program are trained to be with a dying patient when friends or family are unable to be there. Not surprisingly, a large portion of the inaugural volunteer group is comprised of Mercy staff, says Denise Verosky, director of the No One Dies Alone program. “Plans for this program have been in the making for 10 months, and the people at UPMC Mercy have championed it every step of the way,” she says. “It coincides beautifully with the culture and mission of the hospital.”

Volunteers work together to sit with dying patients around-theclock for the last days or hours of life. Comforting measures that volunteers provide can include playing soft music, reading aloud, or just sitting together quietly. “It’s a wonderful comfort for dying patients and their families to have this optional service available,” says Ms. Verosky. To learn more about the No One Dies Alone program and other volunteer opportunities at UPMC Mercy, call 412-232-8198.

1-800-533-UPMC

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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Are You ConcussionSavvy? Measure your understanding of concussions with these five questions. Most of us think of a concussion primarily as a sportsrelated injury — and statistics show that one out of every five reported concussions is sports-related. But any violent shaking or blow to the head can lead to a concussion. “A suspected concussion should be taken seriously — whether it happens on the playing field, in your home, or on the job,” says Michael (Micky) Collins, PhD, assistant director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. A nationally recognized expert in sports-related concussions, Dr. Collins co-created — along with Mark R. Lovell, PhD, director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and Joseph C. Maroon, MD, vice chairman of Neurosurgery at UPMC Presbyterian and neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers — the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) “Concussion Tool Kit for Physicians.”

How much do you really know about concussions? Take this true-false quiz to test your understanding of this common but potentially life-threatening injury: 1. A concussion is a brain injury. True or False 2. Signs and symptoms of concussion can develop right after the injury or even hours or days later. True or False 3. Concussions occur even if the person has not been knocked unconscious. True or False 4. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of long-term problems. True or False 5. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young, developing brain. True or False If you answered “true” to all five questions, you’re ahead of the game — but there’s more you should know. Get the facts about concussion symptoms and treatment at www.UPMC.com/Today.

Did You Know? ImPACT , the concussion evaluation system most widely in use worldwide by professional, college, and high school sports teams, was developed at UPMC by Dr. Lovell, Dr. Collins, and Dr. Maroon. TM

www.UPMC.com/Today

School Lunches That Make the Grade Kids need more than pens, pencils, and notebooks to successfully get through a day at school. They also need healthy lunches. Here are some tips on how to make sure your child eats healthy foods while at school: • Get your child involved with the planning and packing of lunches. • Acknowledge his or her likes and dislikes. • Assemble lunch the night before to avoid morning delays and/or hurried choices. • If your child buys lunch at the school cafeteria, make sure he or she knows the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods. • Teach your child about portions and portion control. • Think healthy and think light. • Teach your child to eat until no longer hungry, not until “stuffed.”

Stumped for ideas on what to pack? Try these healthy options: Main dishes Sandwich made with wholegrain bread, lean meat, and low-fat cheese; or peanut butter and all-fruit jelly on whole-grain bread Pita pocket stuffed with shredded turkey, chicken, or light roast beef; or grated vegetables, low-fat cheese, and light salad dressing Mini pizza, whole-grain English muffin, or bagel topped with turkey pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and garlic herb cream cheese Low-fat tuna or chicken salad on a mini bagel Fruits and vegetables Red pepper strips, carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, or green beans with salsa or light ranch dressing Fresh fruit Fruit cups Applesauce

Healthy snacks Low-fat yogurt, either in a cup or a tube Wheat crackers with peanut butter or low-fat cheese Cottage cheese, with or without fruit Pudding made with skim milk String cheese Salsa with baked chips Peanuts Small bag of light popcorn Occasional treats Baked or low-fat potato chips Fun-size candy bars Low-fat cookies Foods to limit Regular snack chips (potato, tortilla, etc.) Full-size candy bars Regular cookies Canned fruits in sweetened syrup

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Innovation at UPMC

Who Knew Rehab Could Be So Much Fun? Last November, John Rizzi,* 50, noticed numbness and tingling in his feet. A few weeks later he suddenly fell while hunting. By January, he was paralyzed from the chest down — only able to move his head and shrug his shoulders. Eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that damaged the protective covering of the nerves (myelin sheath) and interfered with the signaling process, John arrived in March at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and its Gaming and Robotics Center for intensive therapy. “When I saw the advanced equipment, I was amazed. It inspired me to do whatever I could to walk again,” John says. Playing computer games and doing simulated tasks using robotic devices such as the Armeo Boom enabled John to move his arms and regain fine motor skills. A robotic treadmill called the Lokomat made it possible for him to walk. “I started seeing gains right away. That made me want to work even harder,” he says.

Fun and Games for Effective Rehabilitation The Armeo Boom — available for clinical use at UPMC and nowhere else in the nation — is one of several cutting-edge devices used in rehabilitation at the center. To use it, 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. “Rehabilitation can be very tedious and painful. A lot of repetition is needed to teach the body to move again,” says Michael Boninger, MD, director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute. “Using this technology is kind of sneaky. It’s great to see patients enjoy playing a game when you know they are actually working hard at rehabilitation.” * Mr. Rizzi’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

John, who has regained most of his abilities, agrees. “It was more like playing a game. You’re working, the sweat is running down your face, but it’s fun. You’re getting the movement and the repetition you need, but you’re laughing,” he says. Dr. Boninger says patients benefit from using the very latest technology. UPMC researchers have developed their own designs, and companies often send their prototypes here for evaluation. Other innovative devices used at the Center include the GameCycle , a machine invented at the University of Pittsburgh that combines a stationary hand cycle with a commercial video game; the Armeo Spring — a companion to the Armeo Boom; and several Nintendo Wii systems. “Technology is very important in rehabilitation. Having a therapist move a patient’s arm repeatedly works, but not nearly as well as having the patient move his own arm while it is supported by a robot and while he is playing a game,” says Dr. Boninger. “Computer games also provide quick feedback and measure improvement, which adds to the sense of accomplishment.”

Virtual Therapy at Home The Nintendo Wii can be a useful tool for patients as they maintain their physical rehabilitation program at home. It’s relatively inexpensive, and many of the games incorporate the repetitive motion required in ongoing therapeutic exercises. “We can tell patients to do an exercise 500 times in the next week,” said Dr. Boninger. “But many people just won’t do it. Tell them to play Wii Tennis and they’ll do it and have fun.”

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

1-800-533-UPMC

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A Pioneering Force in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

A New Era of Treatment for High-Risk Pregnancies Having a baby is one of the most natural things in the world, but it’s not risk free. For some women and their unborn children, the risks can be especially great, with potential for the development of life-threatening complications. Transforming their treatment and medical outlook is the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. The program has long been recognized as a leader in MFM, an obstetric subspecialty focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of expectant mothers and their fetuses who may be at high risk before, during, and after pregnancy. Many conditions can potentially put women at higher risk during pregnancy, including: • Pre term labor • Becoming pregnant after age 35 • Multiple birth pregnancies (twins or triplets) • Family history of birth defects or genetic disorders • Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid or kidney diseases, and pre-eclampsia Working Together for Mother and Child “Many MFM programs nationwide are available only at children’s hospitals. At UPMC, our comprehensive program of caring for mother and fetus is offered through Magee,” explains Stephen P. Emery, MD, director of the division’s Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center. “The maternal component is central to our mission; it’s a natural extension of our hospital’s historic focus on women’s health.” The center’s MFM physicians are supported by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals with expertise in high-risk pregnancies, including anesthesiologists, geneticists, radiologists, and bioethicists. “We work together and apply our collective knowledge to find solutions for each patient’s needs,” says Dr. Emery.

www.UPMC.com/Today

The goal is to give women and their families the information they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancies. The center then provides critical counseling and planning support, and state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services. Magee’s close partnership with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC also links newborns with congenital abnormalities to neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and other specialists for ongoing care after birth. “Thanks to the tremendous technological advancements in MFM in recent years, we get to know an unborn child inside and out during a high-risk pregnancy — from his or her chromosomal makeup to cardiac anatomy. We’re prepared to quickly address any health care needs immediately after birth — or even in utero if needed, ” says Dr. Emery. “Just as importantly, we’re also able to ensure that the mother’s continuing health needs are met.”

Typically, an obstetrician, gynecologist, or midwife will refer a woman to Magee’s MFM team for initial evaluation. However, women can contact Magee directly at 412-641-3382. Learn more about Magee’s Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and its Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center at www.UPMC.com/Magee.

Did You Know? Maternal-fetal medicine services are available at UPMC Mercy (412-232-8111) and UPMC Horizon (412-641-6361).

Advancing the Quality of Care Through Research Despite major medical advancements in recent years, the causes of many fetal complications remain a mystery. That’s why research is so critical to the efforts of Magee’s Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center. “Through our research, the quality of our care extends far beyond what patients see,” says Hyagriv Simhan, MD, chief of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and an experienced investigator at the Magee-Women’s Research Institute (MWRI). “Magee is recognized for its pioneering research and medical advancements in MFM,” adds Dr. Simhan. The first research center devoted exclusively to the health concerns of women and infants, the institute’s current MFM research initiatives include preterm birth, genetics, placental function, and pre-eclampsia.

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Exclusively for Women Understanding the life stages of women’s health care You know it’s true. Balancing family life, work responsibilities, household chores, and volunteering leaves little time for yourself. Making time for routine doctor visits that can prevent illness and identify potential problems is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. “Women’s health means care throughout their lives — from beginning menstruation, to having healthy babies, to having a healthy menopause and senior years,” says Stephanie Nicholas, MD, clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UPMC Mercy and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Whatever their age or stage of life, women can depend on UPMC Mercy’s ob-gyn physicians for checkups and preventive care, testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatment. UPMC Mercy also offers specialty care, including obstetrics, gynecology, midwifery, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, and women’s cancer.

An Ounce of Prevention Each stage of a woman’s life brings different health care needs requiring gynecological and obstetrical care. For adolescents, early education, immunization, and counseling on high-risk behavior can play a vital role in their future health. For all women, routine gynecological exams are key to a healthy life, allowing doctors to tailor screening and services to their individual needs.

Adolescent Girls

Midlife and Menopause

The adolescent years can be difficult as girls undergo a series of changes, including developing breasts, beginning menstruation, and emerging sexuality. Roberta RenzelliCain, DO, an obstetrician and gynecologist at UPMC Mercy and Magee, advises that all girls receive the HPV vaccine by age 11. The vaccine — “the biggest thing to happen in young women’s health” — prevents cervical cancer, genital warts, and other serious health problems caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), she says.

Menopause, the end of menstruation and fertility, is a major transitional period in a woman’s life. While menopause is a natural biological process — occurring in most women between ages 45 and 55 — it causes estrogen levels to plunge, resulting in decreased muscle mass and bone density, plus hormonal changes that can disrupt a woman’s life and sap her energy. Doctors can help with these and other symptoms, including:

Girls should see a gynecologist once they become sexually active or for help in dealing with: • • • • • •

Onset of menstruation Managing periods Signs of infection Physical development Birth control Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Childbearing Years The 20’s and 30’s are a woman’s primary childbearing years. Preventing problems — especially taking folic acid to protect against birth defects — and promoting good health is the focus of care during this stage. Obstetric care includes preconception counseling, family planning, pregnancy, and delivery. Because bone mass peaks around age 30, doctors also emphasize bone health, exercise, and calcium intake. Other health-related issues include: • • • • •

Irregular periods Excessive bleeding Vaginal infection and discharge Pelvic pain Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• • • • • • • • •

Excessive or irregular bleeding Hot flashes Night sweats Diminished sex drive Headaches Vaginal dryness More frequent urinary urges Difficulty sleeping Fatigue and irritability

Golden Years While the senior years bring freedom from birth control and menstruation, health issues for older women can be complex. A gynecologist can help women deal with symptoms and guide them to healthy behaviors that can help prevent, delay, and control disease and protect against frailty. Common health issues for older women include: • • • • • •

Cancer Postmenopausal problems Arthritis and joint pain Coronary heart disease Urinary incontinence Osteoporosis

Learn more at www.UPMC.com/Mercy where you’ll find suggested guidelines for a woman’s good health.

1-800-533-UPMC

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UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

The name you trust in women’s health is right here at Mercy. UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services are growing to provide comprehensive women’s services by bringing you the same experts who practice at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. In addition to community-based physicians and midwifery, these expanding services for women are consistent with Mercy’s rich tradition of care. UPMC’s complete range of specialty services for women covers obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, women’s cancer, and much more. From checkups and preventive care to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatments, the superb doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercy and Magee are with you every step of the way on the path to good health. We work closely with your primary care physician to provide seamless care. And every service is backed by UPMC’s world-class care, providing peace of mind when you need it most. To learn more about UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMC.com/Mercy.

InMt.Lebanon-Fall2010:09McKeesport_winter

ow much risk are you as an investor willing to accept? This is one of the most important factors that can affect the way you structure your portfolio and your overall financial plan. Yet it is also one of the most difficult to quantify. There is no universally accepted way of accurately measuring an investor’s risk tolerance. A number of factors come into play, including the investment and economic environment you are dealing with at the moment. For example, consider how you might have answered a question about your level of risk tolerance during the record bull market of the 1990s. Given that the market rarely experienced an extended down period during that decade, many investors were comfortable implementing an investment strategy that was quite aggressive. They were convinced there was little chance that the stock market would suffer a significant setback. Things look a lot different today. We’ve had two notable bear markets in less than a decade. The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index (an unmanaged index of stocks) lost 49% from 2000 to 2002, and after recovering and reaching new highs, lost another 57% from late 2007 to early 2009. This experience has likely caused you to reconsider how much risk you are willing to accept. Today’s investor truly understands what it means to deal with investment risk. It isn’t just a theory like it was during the 1990s; it's a real possibility. Facing that reality, investors know they have to take risk more seriously, and try to determine their appropriate risk tolerance level. Assessing your own risk profile Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you define your own views about investment risk: •

•

Set proper expectations. It’s important to accept that stock investments will be subject to periodic volatility. The reward potential of investing in future growth of global businesses remains strong, but the path to wealth is not always smooth. Prepare yourself for the fact that it will get bumpy along the way. Try to maintain a consistent investment behavior. Take an objective view of your investment goals. Combine that with an honest appraisal of how much fluctuation you are willing to accept with your portfolio. Invest accordingly and stick with that strategy. Don’t let short-term swings and day-to-day headlines sway your long-range resolve as an investor. Recognize that time is one of the biggest determinants of risk tolerance. Investors with a decade or more to reach their goal have the luxury of riding out market downturns or even extended flat or negative markets. Those who expect to reach their goals in the next few years need to take steps to protect against the impact of market volatility. Your risk tolerance level may need to be adjusted as you grow older. Trust your instincts. If you have trouble sleeping at night because of concerns about the safety of your investments, it may be time for a change. But be sure that any decisions you make align with your ultimate financial goals.

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•

Explore ways to stay invested in the market while mitigating some of the risk associated with it. Dollar-cost averaging into investments rather than investing lump sums at one time is one option. Maintaining proper diversification across a variety of asset classes is another. Products (such as variable annuities) that allow you to continue to participate in the market’s growth potential while locking in gains are also worth considering. Remember other risks While the risk of losing money in an investment is always foremost in your mind, don’t overlook other potential risks. Among them: • Purchasing power risk— inflation is always a factor. Simply stated, your money won’t be worth as much in the future as it is today. It is important to own investments that can help your asset base at least keep pace with inflation, and hopefully grow faster than the cost of living. • Opportunity risk—missing out on potential profits in a specific investment by choosing to have your money in a “safe” place or being unable to access money for a period of time in order to put it to work in a more effective way. • Interest rate risk—fixed income instruments such as bonds carry their own risks, one of them being that if interest rates rise, bond values will decline. Given that yields are currently at historically low levels, this risk may be more significant today.

A realistic perspective on risk © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. This I nd u s tr y I ns i g h t was provided by Lloyd & Smith. A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. One Altoona Place, Carriage House, First Floor, Mount Lebanon, PA 15228 Office: 412.440.4480 | Fax: 412.440.4488 X Mobile: 412.537.4849 | Tracey.X.Smith@ampf.com

Managing risk in an effective way will play a role in determining your ultimate investment success. It is an issue to take seriously and to deal with honestly. This communication is published in the United States for residents of Pennsylvania only; and this advisor is licensed only in the states of PA, FL, OH, AZ and ME. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500® Index), an unmanaged index of common stocks, is frequently used as a general measure of market performance. The index reflects reinvestment of all distributions and changes in market prices, but excludes brokerage commissions or other fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Diversification helps you spread risk throughout your portfolio, so investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relatively better. Diversification and dollarcost averaging do not assure a profit and do not protect against loss in declining markets. Variable annuities are insurance products that are complex long-term investment vehicles that are subject to market risk, including potential loss of principal invested. There are risks associated with fixed income investments, including credit risk, interest rate risk, and prepayment and extension risk. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities. Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 4 5

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P ay r ol l 1 “Where Personal Service Comes First” 100 Emerson Lane, Suite 1507 Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.220.0600

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Mt. Lebanon Chapter Sandy & Leslie McKee

M c K ee O r g ani z i ng S er v i c es I nc .

Tim Bywalski

“Helping busy people, simplify their lives, save time and enjoy life more!” www.mckeeos.com 412.341.8754

E d w ar d J ones

Sam McMillen

S am & M ar y ’ s W ood w or k s “Quality through craftsmanship since 1977” 550 Mayer Street Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.221.1477

Stuart Fox

H eal th I ns u r anc e & E m p l oy ee B enef i ts “Medical benefit plans for you or your business” 412.341.0848

“Making sense of investing.” www.edwardjones.com 412.343.1660

Diane Wright

D i ane W r i g h t D es i g ns “Unique and original handcrafted jewelry” www.dianewrightdesigns.etsy.com 412.781.4818

F or m or e i nf or m ati on on B N I M t. Lebanon C h ap ter , g o to w w w .bni – w es ter np a.c om C ontac t C y nd i S anbor n 7 2 4 .9 4 1 .0 1 0 1 c y nd i @ bni – w es ter np a.c om

BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. We offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. BNI was founded in 1985. The organization has over 5,500 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world. Last year alone, BNI generated 6.2 million referrals resulting in $2.6 billion worth of business for its members. In Western Pennsylvania, over 700 members participate in 31 chapters covering 20 counties.

Harmony Singers Launch New Season The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh, a South Hills choral group, will launch their 2010-2011 season at 7:30 p.m., September 7, with an ice cream social for members and prospective members. The event will take place at the Brightwood Christian Church, 5044 West Library Road, Bethel Park. Weekly rehearsals are held at the church during the concert year. The Harmony Singers perform a wide variety of music—Broadway show tunes, swing, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and comedy. The group is available to perform for civic, social, church, or business organizations. All ages and voices are welcome to join the Harmony Singers. Performance experience and the ability to read music are preferred but are not required. The Harmony Singers will participate in Macy’s “Shop for the Cause,” culminating in a performance

in Macy’s at South Hills Village on October 16. For information about the group or to reserve them for an event, call Judy Quashnock at 724.941.0768 or visit www.harmonysingers.org. Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 4 9

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business spotlight

Andrew John Salon

It works. Most of Andrew John Salon’s clients have been with them for over 20 years or more. Whether it’s the atmosphere, where everyone joins in with the conversation, the collaboration between Andy and Tracey on style, color, or hair care, or the fact that the salon uses environmentally responsible and organic hair care products, once you try their salon, you’ll be a client for life. “We offer a very high quality certified organic line of hair care products—Onesta and All-Nutrient— and can offer clients certified organic hair color and keratin hair treatments,” Tracey says. “What’s great is they are both made in the United States, use wind power, all natural ingredients, and Onesta even donates 10 percent of their sales to cancer research. The Onesta hair care products are amazing, they leave the hair very shiny and soft without sacrificing style support. The All-Nutrient organic hair color is formulated to have an increase in pigment, which prevents color fade and also leaves the hair incredibly shiny.” Brazilian keratin hair treatments are extremely popular right now in the hair care industry. Not only does it benefit those who struggle with frizzy, dry, and unruly hair texture, it helps heal damaged hair and Andrew John specializes in this innovative treatment. “It’s new technology that helps renew hair that’s been difficult to manage or damaged by the effects of the environment, heat-styling

Mt. Lebanon

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tools and chemical treatments,” Tracey says. “The hair becomes very dry and damaged. The Keratin penetrates and actually repairs the hair. It doesn’t make it straight, but it makes it more manageable and smoother. It gets rid of the frizz that most people complain about , and it helps control the texture of the hair, especially in humid weather. I looked at a range of products, and we chose the AllNutrient organic for its quality and because there are no concerns about toxicity or fumes. Our clients don’t have to worry about wearing a mask, and we don’t either. This product is odorless, gentle, and contains all natural ingredients. We took into consideration what was best for our clients.” Andrew John Salon welcomes new clients, but by appointment only. And with the current AF availability, it is best to book appointments a few weeks in advance. The salon operates Tuesday through Saturday and offers evening appointments. Clients who can make appointments during a weekday will find more options available to them simply because it’s a less busy time for the salon. “We could get bigger to accommodate more clients, but we would be sacrificing the privacy and intimacy that we’re known for, and we’re not about volume, we’re about quality,” Andy says. “We want to ensure that our clients have beautiful, natural-looking hair color and great haircuts. That’s what makes us unique. What we do is great hair that is right for each client.” Andrew John Salon is located at 1 Altoona Place in the Carriage House in Mt. Lebanon. There is free, onsite parking. To make your appointment today, call 412.571.9377 or visit: www.andrewjohnsalon.com.

5 0

BE F

If you’ve had too many haircuts that you felt weren’t quite right for you, or the look and feel of your hair isn’t doing as much for you as it could, maybe you should visit Andrew John Salon. Nestled in a small, comfortable artist’s loft in Mt. Lebanon, Andrew John Salon is the culmination of Andrew and Tracey Valko’s 30 years in the hair care business. “Personal attention and individual lifestyle needs are what we’re all about,” says Andy. “Our vision is that great fashion is very individual—it is what makes you look good and feel great. Bigger salons take more of an assembly line approach. It takes away from the personalization of the style and service. When you get a great haircut, it can change the way you feel about yourself. So we start with what is unique about each client, and apply our skills, in an unparalleled environment. That’s what makes us different.”

Where Your Style is Unique

Please look for our “special invitation” in the coupon section on page 78.

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A c ad em y of P od i atr y i ntr od u c es “ T h e F oot S tor e” Located in Bethel Park, The Foot Store offers brand–name shoes, diabetic socks, insoles, and heel cups. The store features top brands like New Balance, Saucony, Birkenstock, Hush Puppies, Clarks, Propet, Dr. Comfort, and Aetrex.

M ed i c ar e’ s D i abeti c S h oe P r og r am Studies have shown that 25% of people with diabetes develop foot problems related to the disease, and that up to 15% of those with diabetes develop foot ulcers. Medicare has covered certain therapeutic shoes, inserts, and modifications for diabetic persons who meet qualifying requirements. Let us help you to see what’s covered. We know that each person has different needs when it comes to footwear. The Foot Store strives to provide adults of any age with quality shoes that are a perfect fit for their feet. Drs. John Snyder and Jason Hughes invite you to stop in today for your FREE foot scan to evaluate the size, width and pressure areas of your foot. We are located at 5851 Library Rd. (Rt. 88) Bethel Park and are open six days a week. Phone 412.831.3719, or visit our website at www.aoppa.com.

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Mt. Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen & Bath Design Center

In this ec economy, onomy, an in investment vestment in yyour our home is one of the safest safest in investments vestments yyou ou ccan an mak make. e. W Whether hether yyou ou plan ttoo liv livee in yyour our home long tterm erm or ar aree planning ttoo sell yyour our home within the ne next xt 5 yyears, ears, a new kkitchen itchen and bath ba th ccan an off offer er a 30% rreturn eturn on yyour our in investment. vestment. PPremier remier HHome ome DDesign esign Center Center off offers ers eexpertise xpertise and pr products oducts designed ttoo fit yyour our budget budget.. CCall all PPremier remier no now w for for an eexcellent xcellent rreturn eturn on yyour our biggest in investment. vestment. DDesign esign & Planning SServices ervices â&#x20AC;˘ A Merilla Merillatt SSignature ignature Sho Showroom wroom â&#x20AC;˘ CConsultations onsultations bbyy appoin appointment tment 412-276-5650

CCollier ollier Town Town SSquare, quare, 1597 Washington Washington PPike, ike, Bridgeville, Bridgeville, PPAA 15017 â&#x20AC;˘ 412-276-5650 email: email: ppremierkitchenandbath@verizon.net remierkitchenandbath@verizon.net www.premierhomedesigncenter.com www.premierhomedesigncenter.com

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Changing the way you think about your Attorney

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McMullin & McMullin, LLC Attorneys At Law

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Mt. Lebanon Lions Club Bill Baldwin, past president of the Mt. Lebanon Lions Club, congratulates Melvin Jones Award winners Sam DePiero (left) and Kurt Warmbein (right). Barbara Nelson accepts the award for her deceased father, Herb Grau.

The Mt. Lebanon Lions Club announces the awarding of Melvin Jones Fellowship awards to long-time local Lion Club members: Bill Baldwin, Sam DePiero, Bob Souders, Kurt Warmbein, Sam Vance, and Herb Grau (in memoriam). The award is Lions Club International’s highest form of recognition. Named for Melvin Jones, founder of Lions Club International, members have been acknowledged for their individual dedication of humanitarian services. Current recipients of the award have been actively involved in local Lions Club projects for the many years they have been members. The Mt. Lebanon Lions Club is part of Lions Club International, a worldwide organization whose members volunteer their time for humanitarian causes in local, regional, and global communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions help those in need, wherever the need exists, and specifically deal with the challenges of preventable blindness. For additional information, call 412-341-2824.

Mt. Lebanon Lions Elect Officers and Directors The Mt. Lebanon Lions Club has announced election of its officers and directors for 2010–2011. Nominated as president is Walter Heintzleman; vice president Alex Parrish; secretary Lou Wasserman; and Kurt Warmbein, as treasurer. Bill Baldwin, who served most recently as president of the local Lions, remains a director. Also named directors are Bud Minnick and Jim Martin, each for one–year terms, and Bob Souders and Sam Vance, two years each.

The Mt. Lebanon Lions Club is part of Lions Club International, a worldwide organization whose members volunteer their time for humanitarian causes in local, regional, and global communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions help those in need, wherever the need exists, and specifically deal with the challenges of preventable blindness. For additional information, call 412.341.2824.

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412.221.2248 724.745.7422 www.colemanmitchell.com info@colemanmitchell.com

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Mt. Lebanon

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F A L L

2 0 1 0

Back to School Jokes Adopt a Pet: T-Bone Q: What's the worst thing you're likely to find in the school cafeteria? A: The food! Q: Why did nose not want to go to school? A: He was tired of getting picked on! Q: How do you get straight A's? A: By using a ruler! Q: What did the pen say to the pencil? A: "So, what's your point?" Q: What did you learn in school today? A: "Not enough, I have to go back tomorrow!"

When you meet T-Bone, he will offer you a Beagle smile and shyly, by surely, try to climb into your lap. This gentle fellow is brimming with affection and simply needs someone to give it to. A couple months ago, T-Bone probably felt like the luckiest, most beloved dog in the world. But then, sadly, his owner passed away. T-Bone came to Animal Friends, 10 years old and hoping to find a second chance and a fresh start. T-Bone is calm, lovable, and simply wants to share your company. He is curious and friendly around other dogs

and enjoys peaceful rides in the car. He is crate trained and always polite. But most of all, T-Bone is lovable. He adores people and constantly wants to cuddle. While it’s obvious that he loves all women, we’ve noticed that he is particularly drawn to men. Perhaps they remind him of his dad, who he misses so much. If you are looking for a companion who’s more interested in cuddling and relaxing than playing, T-Bone could be the one for you. T-Bone is currently in foster care. If you can help a loving and deserving dog, call Animal Friends at 412.847.7002.

on the go...

find these things hiding in this picture.

Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 5 7

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R G R O U N D Rules for Being Home Alone L So E S

you and your mom or dad have decided you're mature enough to take care of yourself after school. Every weekday, you'll come home, let yourself in, and then what? Good question! This is why you'll need to set up some rules—before you're home alone.

Some families put up a list of rules where everyone can see them, like on the refrigerator door. Other families write out a contract and have each member sign it, saying they agree to the rules. Or a family might just

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Think Calabria’s when it comes to fine dining With two locations to serve patrons, Calabria’s makes it easy to enjoy fine quality food in a casual atmosphere. Whether it is a business lunch with clients or one with that special someone, Calabria’s will surely be impressive. Special occasions can be accommodated in an elegant private banquet room with seating up to 65 guests. Semi-private facilities in the dining room will accommodate up to 45 guests. Let Calabria’s host your office party, graduation, birthday, anniversary, funeral luncheon, or business meeting. Calabria’s at Frosty Valley offers semi-private accommodation up to 45 people in their newly remodeled dining room. Inquire for availability. Let Calabria’s deliver lunch to your business with their full–service catering. A minimum order is required. Call 412.885.1030 for our Castle Shannon location or 724.260.0760 for our Upper St. Clair location at Frost Valley Golf. Two great locations—one great menu.

Maureen Voigt and Bonnie Houy Beacon Insurance Associates, Inc. 91 Fort Couch Road, Suite 2B Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412-851-9732 voigtm1@nationwide.com ©2010 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Home office: Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Not available

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Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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vaccinate HEALTH DEPT. URGES EVERYONE TO KEEP VACCINATIONS UP TO DATE Not Vaccinating Puts At Risk Not Only the Individual but Their Loved Ones Too The Allegheny County Health Department is joining with the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition to remind everyone that vaccinations keep infants, children, teens, adults, and senior citizens healthy across the lifespan. “Diseases that once killed and disabled millions of Americans can be prevented, but only if everyone is up to date with the vaccinations needed to keep themselves, their loved ones and our entire community healthy and protected,” says County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon. While most vaccines are given in the first six years of life, a number of others are strongly recommended for adolescents, adults and the elderly. But unlike younger children these groups are much less likely to keep their vaccinations up to date. Less than 6% of adults nationally have been vaccinated against pertussis or whooping cough, and such a low vaccination rate not only puts them at risk but also endangers infants too young to be immunized who might catch the disease from them. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years old and older, but very few in that age group have received the immunization since it became available in 2006. The HPV vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus—the main cause of cervical cancer, is recommended for females from 9 to 26 years of age but very few of them have been immunized since the vaccine was licensed in 2006. Longer-established adult vaccines that still remain well below 100% coverage provide protection against several other diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria. Health officials also remind parents to make sure their children are caught up with the vaccines required for students in grades K-12 and have proof of vaccination for the upcoming school year. Please check with your health care provider or contact the Health Department at 412-687-ACHD or www.achd.net to keep yourself up to date with your vaccinations.

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Understanding Our Molars

ack teeth, or molars, play an important role in our health, wellness, and even our appearance. Yet many of us are likely to pay more time and attention to maintaining our front teeth, because they are readily visible to those whom we’d like to impress with a nice white smile. Understanding the true value of our molars and the consequences of living without them will encourage us to take better care of all of our teeth now and reap the benefits for a lifetime. Let us start with the form and function of our front teeth versus those in back. Our front teeth are called incisors, and they are designed to cut and tear food as we bite off (hopefully not more than) what we are about to chew. They are wide, relatively thin, and their roots are single conical structures. Molars are blunt with broad, uneven surfaces. They have two, three, or even four roots that anchor them tightly in our mouths. This is necessary for the forces they endure every day as they grind up our food into smaller pieces, making it easier for us to swallow and digest each bite. If we think about it, we notice that our first chewing motion with our molars is cautious. It’s an information gathering bite to determine the consistency of the food. Is it crunchy? Soft? Should it be chewed at all or allowed to melt in our mouths? Our tongue steps in then (the cheeks help, too) and pushes the food toward the molars, guiding it first to be chewed and then toward the throat to be swallowed. What would happen if we forced our thin, single-root incisors to chew all of our food? Incisors are not meant to occlude much, meaning the upper and lower front teeth aren’t built to withstand repeated edge-to-edge contact. In a normal resting position, the upper incisors rest just in front of the lower incisors. If we chewed all of our food with our incisors, we would notice very quickly that they are inefficient for breaking up food, and the wear and tear would damage the tooth and surrounding bone, causing the roots to become loose. The lack of molars would undeniably limit the variety of food in our diet, leading to any number of other nutrition-related problems. Sadly, this is very common in elderly patients who choose not to replace molars and for whom a balanced diet is so important. Molars also serve as space maintainers, horizontally and vertically. Horizontally, if we lose our molars, neighboring teeth will drift slowly into the vacant space and our front teeth will eventually spread, leaving noticeable gaps between them. Vertically, the space maintenance of molars contributes significantly to the shape of our face. Without molars, what’s to stop our lower jaw from bumping into our upper jaw? Gums bumping into gums might not sound uncomfortable, but consider the years that sunken cheekbones and a collapsed jaw (not to mention the wrinkles) will add to our appearance. This can be worsened by the gradual deterioration of our jaw bones that occurs without the boneanchoring roots of teeth. And don’t forget about our remaining front teeth. Think of door stops preventing door knobs from knocking holes in our walls. Allowing our incisors to clash into each other without the molars as vertical “stops” can damage the front teeth, and the pressure can cause them to become loose and fall out. Taking care of our natural molars is the best way to prevent their loss, and restoring damaged molars is always preferable to having them pulled or replaced. When the teeth we were born with are missing or cannot be

Artwork by Molly Feuer, feuerillustration.com

restored, there are many options for molar replacement. Ask your dentist about implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. These treatments can be used alone or combined in exciting new ways to provide stable, affordable, and attractive results. Now that we’ve brushed up on the benefits of molars, let’s go brush and floss them some more, and be sure to visit our dentist regularly for complete oral care. We now know that taking good care of our back teeth allows us to maintain balanced nutrition, a youthful appearance, and yes, a beautiful smile that everyone can see. Leaving our molars out of sight and out of mind (or out of mouth!) can lead to many undesirable short and long–term results.

This I nd u s tr y I ns i g h t was written by Dr. Jay Feuer. Jay Feuer D.D.S., M.A.G.D. is a family dentist practicing at 3035 Washington Road in McMurray, PA. Call the office at 724.941.2200 for more information or visit our website at www.drfeuer.com.

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Mt. Lebanon Junior Women's Club (MLJWC) recently held its 2010-2011 New Member Social on Thursday, August 26. This event allows women to learn more about the organization and meet existing members before they decide to join. There were 65 women in attendance, 28 of whom were potential new members. MLJWC is a civic, philanthropic, and social organization with an annual membership of approximately 70 women from the South Hills area. Over the past 42 years, MLJWC has donated more than $500,000 to local Pittsburgh-area charities and organizations through various fundraising efforts. General meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month (September–November and January–May) at 7 p.m., St. Paul's Church, 1066 Washington Road. Its first meeting for the 2010-2011 year is Thursday, September 23, with a new member orientation that begins at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about MLJWC, visit www.mljwc.com.

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L to R: Robin Scibek, Kim Martin, Hilary Taylor, Caroline Lascek, Linda Lanham

Sylvia Famoso, Corinna Fulton, Susan Sarkis

FREE SMOKE ALARMS FOR ALLEGHENY COUNTY RESIDENTS Focus on Homes with No Smoke Alarms or Ones Too Old to Be Reliable The Allegheny County Health Department has a free smoke alarm program for residents who have no smoke alarms or ones too old to be reliable. “Smoke alarms are proven life-savers but only when they are in good working order,” said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon. Nearly half of all smoke alarms don’t work because they have missing, disconnected, or dead batteries or are more than 10 years old and no longer reliable. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire by 50%, yet most residential fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or defective alarms. The program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, provides and installs a maximum of two battery-operated smoke alarms per home. To schedule an installation, please call the Health Department at 412.247.7800. Visit our website at: www.achd.net

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AFTER

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business spotlight

Dentistry With an Artist’s Touch When Dr. Daniel Rairigh says that he wants your smile to be a work of art, he’s not kidding. Rairigh opened Advanced Dental Solutions in Bethel Park about two years ago after working five years with another practice out of state. But toothbrushes aren’t the only brushes Rairigh is talented with. “I’ve been an artist for more than 15 years,” says Rairigh. “I like to say that ‘I’m the dentist with the artist’s touch.’” While it may seem like a whimsical statement, Rairigh says that there are many areas of dentistry where his artistic background helps him serve his clients. “With services like porcelain crowns and fillings, I’ll actually scan the patient’s tooth with an intra-oral camera and rebuild each tooth on the computer by hand,” Rairigh says. “The miller will replicate and drill the new tooth out of a block of porcelain. With veneer cases, I first will create smile makeovers out of wax on models based on the specs of each patient’s teeth. By doing this on the models first I can be sure the final result corrects all rotations, chips, and spaces, and accomplishes all the patient’s goals. That way, I can perform an overall corrective improvement of speech, function, and appearance. The trick is not to just put veneers on, but to make it look like there wasn’t any work to begin with. It should look totally natural.” But artistry isn’t the only facet of Rairigh’s practice. He also specializes in staying state-of-the-”ART” in his field. All of his equipment is cutting edge. His practice offers air abrasion, laser dentistry (for gum therapy/cavity detection/fillings), digital radiography, deep tissue oral cancer scanning, and Invisalign, and can fill your cavity with no numbing, drilling, or discomfort. Crowns and porcelain fillings can be captured, designed, milled, and placed all in one visit, thanks to a CADCAM technology called CEREC. Dr. Rairigh has also been trained by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to perform BOTOX and Dermal filler treatments such as Juvederm. Denture stabilization with mini-implants are also included in his same-day services. “We don’t mess around with temporaries,” says Rairigh. “Who has time to schedule visit after visit for a procedure that can be completed in one day?” In addition to his technology and artistry, Rairigh’s third staple is his practice philosophy. “Our whole philosophy is to treat everyone like our mom, dad, brother, whoever,” Rairigh says. “If you’re here, you’re family. We treat everyone fairly and honestly. Our patients come first.” Advanced Dentistry has seven employees and accepts most insurances. Rairigh’s office is decorated with artwork that, not surprisingly, he created himself. Many of his works have won awards through the years. And yes, there is a Wii in the waiting room for his younger clients. “When you approach things with a gentle, artistic touch, especially dentistry, you can custom build smiles from the ground up,” Rairigh says. “We take pride in that and the fact that, by using the latest

technology available to us, we can create a natural, healthy smile.” Advanced Dental Solutions is serving both new and existing patients. To schedule your appointment, call 412.854.2310 today or go to www.pittsburghissmiling.com.

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“

South Hills Church of the Nazarene o Spectacular Program s Open ity Offers Tw to the Commun t’s Night Out” ren a Occurs one Friday a month from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the P “A months of September to April. c tin Parents may leave their children (infants to 6th grade) with g Up Club” a professional, qualified staff, including a nurse, as they spend time together as a couple.

Our mission is to provide an educational and fun experience where children will: • Engage in activities that will reinforce what is being taught. • Participate in service projects that will serve the areas discussed. • Enjoy the social interaction of other children in their age group. • Have fun while their parents have an evening to themselves.

Fee is $4 for 1 Child and $7 for 2 or more children per family. Schedule for 2010/2011: September 17, 2010 January 21, 2011 October 22, 2010 February 18, 2011 November 19, 2010 March 18, 2011 December 10, 2010 April 15, 2011

To register call the church office at 412.831.6333 or online at www.shcn.org (limit is 50 children)

“ACTING UP CLUB” in its 15th season is a community drama & music club where children learn acting, singing and choreography skills.

This year’s musical is “Back to the Manger” • For grades 2 – 6 and limited to 70 children. • 12 Wednesday sessions beginning September 15, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. • The musical will be presented by the children on Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5 at 6 p.m. at the church. • Register by September 12 by calling 412.831.6333 or online at www.shcn.org • Fee is $10 for the 12 week session

Invite your friends!

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  Congratulations to students of the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, who recently had the opportunity to represent the PYB and dance with Garielle Whittle of the New York City Ballet, performing the children’s parts in Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the NYCB’s summer home, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Their teacher at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet is Jean Gedeon. Unsure of what they were getting into, the five girls left for Saratoga Springs on June 20 for three weeks. The girls included Tia Watts, age 11 from Upper St Clair; Madison Miller, age 10 from Bethel Park; Brooke Marynak age 11 from Venetia; and Erin Leach, age 9 and Grace Millett, age 8—both from Mt. Lebanon. Beginning June 21, the girls practiced with Garielle Whittle and Dena Abergel for 4-6 hours a day, including the on Fourth of July. In total, 29 children appeared in the show—24 from New York and five from PYB. There was also another past student in the company from Mt. Lebanon, Amy Barker.

The performances were held July 7, 8, and 10. Erin’s mother, Hallie Leach, said, “It was amazing to see such young dancers on stage with world-renowned dancers. I know I’m biased as a mom, but the experience was as breathtaking for me as it was for my daughter. It is uncommon for children to dance Balanchine ballets at any age, and Mrs. Gedeon has already staged many.” “This was an honor for the PYB girls,” said Mrs. Leach. “I was very proud of all five girls and I think our community would be too.”

 Wesley Spectrum’s Tour of Homes will be held on Sunday, October 10 from noon to 5 p.m. in the South Hills. Exquisite homes from Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon will be included on the South Hills Tour of Homes. Attending the tour provides homeowners with great ideas for building, renovating, decorating, designing, furnishing, and landscaping. This year’s homes include: • A white–brick colonial on Larchmont Drive in Virginia Manor of Mt. Lebanon • A patio home in the retirement community of Providence Point of Mt. Lebanon • A traditional brick home with a contemporary ambiance in the new plan of Forest Estates in Upper. St. Clair • A stunning, soft–brick colonial in the cul-de-sac of Hunter’s Path Lane • A beautiful, Tuscan-style home in the Fox Chase Plan of Upper St. Clair

Order now for your picnic or barbeque!

All proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of Wesley Spectrum Services. Wesley Spectrum provides a diverse range of education, mental health, and social services to individuals and families in western Pennsylvania. The organization currently serves more than 4,000 children and 6,000 family members. Tickets are $25 for the South Hills Tour of Homes and can be purchased by calling Wesley Spectrum at 412.347.3219. Visit www.wesleyspectrum.org for ticket outlets and further details. Watermelon Festival™ with dipped bananas

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Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 6 7

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Mt. Lebanon Public Library 1 6 C as tl e S h annon B l v d . P i tts bu r g h , P A 1 5 2 2 8 4 1 2 .5 3 1 .1 9 1 2 w w w .m tl ebanonl i br ar y .or g Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

AUTHOR VISITS: A T A LE O F T W O M Y S T E R I E S : A N E V E N IN G W IT H A U T H O R A N N E F A IG E N Tuesday, September 28, 7 p.m. Anne G. Faigen has written several young people’s novels, Finding Her Way (1997), Brave Salamander (2005), New World Waiting (2006), Frame Work (2008), and most recently Out of Turns (2009)—a mystery for adults. With a B.A. in creative writing and a graduate degree in literature, she enjoyed a rewarding career teaching high-school and college classes in literature and writing before becoming a full–time author. An abiding interest in encouraging young readers to learn about themselves and their world motivated her to write historical fiction. Copies of Faigen’s work will be available for purchase.

ACHING FOR ALWAYS LA U N C H P A R T Y : A N E V E N IN G O F R O M A N C E W IT H A U T H O R G W Y N C R E A D Y Tuesday, October 12, 7 p.m. Please help romance novelist and Mt. Lebanon native, Gwyn Cready, celebrate the launch of her fourth book, Aching for Always (Pocket Books, $7.99.) Cready writes time travel romance novels, all of which are set in Pittsburgh. Cready's second novel, Seducing Mr. Darcy, won the RITA® Award, the most prestigious award a romance novel can win, for Best Paranormal Romance of 2009. Her third novel, Flirting with Forever, is set in Mt. Lebanon and garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Gwyn will be doing a reading, answering questions about the journey on the road from unpublished to published and selling copies of her books. All proceeds from the evening's sales will benefit The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon. Registration required.

CRACK BETWEEN THE WORLDS: A N E V E N I N G W I T H A U T H O R C A R M E N S T E N H O LM Tuesday, October 26, 7 p.m. Join Carmen Stenholm, author of Crack Between the Worlds, the story of three women and their struggle for survival. A practicing psychologist and instructor at UCLA, Ms. Stenholm wrote this novel based on the women who came before her. Her book will be available for purchase.

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Fall Events

THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEBSITE IS: w w w .ev entk eep er .c om / c od e/ ev ents .c f m ? c u r O r g = M T LE B Be advised that non-library events are also included on the calendar. Some are simply organization meetings, but others may be of interest to the community.

LE A G U E O F W O M E N V O T E R S F I LM N I G H T Monday, September 20, 6:30 p.m. View the story of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, two defiant suffragist women who fought for the passage of the 19th Amendment. Starring Hilary Swank, Frances O’Connor, Julia Ormond, Anjelica Huston, Molly Parker, and Patrick Dempsey. Presented by the League of Women Voters, in cooperation with Mt. Lebanon Public Library.

T H E B R A D Y S T E W A R T C O LLE C T I O N Wednesday, September 22, 7:30 p.m. Speaker Michael Stewart will talk about and show the photographs his grandfather Brady Stewart and father, Brady Stewart, Jr., took of Pittsburgh from 1901 to 1991. Presented by The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon, in cooperation with Mt. Lebanon Public Library.

tickets given. Reservation list will be at the door. Call 412.531.1912 for more information. All proceeds from this event benefit Mt. Lebanon Public Library.

T A ILW A G G IN ' T U T O R S Thursday, September 16, October 14, and November 11, 7 p.m. Sign up to read to a dog! (dogs trained by Therapy Dogs International.) Readers must pre-register.

F R IG H T N IG H T Friday, October 29, 6:30 p.m. BE PREPARED TO BE SCARED!! Join us for our annual Fright Night, a celebration of all things spooky and slightly spooky. Costume optional, but highly recommended to increase the fun factor. Thrills and chills for the entire family. We dare you to find out what we have planned! All events are generously funded by the Friends of Mt. Lebanon Public Library.

B A U B LE S , B O O K S A N D B U B B LY Saturday, October 9, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a fabulous evening @ the library for our annual Books and Bubbly fundraiser. This year's theme is Baubles, Books and Bubbly! You may register at the circulation desk and pay in advance ($25) by 4:30 p.m., Saturday, October 9, or pay upon entry at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9. No Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 6 9

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business spotlight

Snapology

Making Learning Fun

What happens when two science and mathematically-minded sisters combine talents to spread the message of fun and education to the community? Snapology, that’s what. Started six months ago by Laura Barrows and Lisa Coe, Snapology is the brainchild of an actuary and a pharmacist, and uses a plethora of creative programming to educate students from the Pre-K level through middle school. “We provide classes, camps and activities to children in a fun environment using creative-based play. They’re having so much fun, they don't even realize it's educational,” Barrows says. A lot of the classes are based around Lego® bricks—hence the name “Snapology”— however, class offerings for older children range from robotics to stop-action animation. Snapology also offers “Mommy and Me” classes for pre-K aged children incorporating the larger Duplo® bricks. Lego’s, however, can teach volumes. From teaching simple mechanics to harnessing solar energy, Lego bricks have come a long way since the days of just building multicolored houses.

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“We use the larger Duplo bricks to teach the alphabet, colors, and other skills that children will need before they enter kindergarten,” Coe says. “For older kids, a few activities we offer are robotics and machine classes; a stop–action animation class, where kids can make their own videos, and a class that is all about alternative energy, where students build a solar powered car, a windmill, and other items. All classes allow for creativity and teach math, science, and other skills at the same time. Currently, we’re looking into offering an advanced robotics course to expand our offerings for the older kids.” Class sizes are between 12 and 24 kids. All instructors carry current clearances and certifications, and have their teaching credentials. The classes meet many Department of Education guidelines and typically include 45 minutes of instruction with 15 minutes of exploration. Snapology focuses on group and small team building to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Their fall classes are scheduled in a number of locations throughout the South Hills, however, Coe says Snapology is in

Mt. Lebanon

negotiations for a permanent South Hills home that will be called the “Snapology Discovery Center.” However, a permanent home won’t eliminate Snapology’s outreach programs in the South Hills and surrounding communities in the greater Pittsburgh area. “We’re interested in working with any interested school, recreation center, organization or library within the region to provide our programs,” Coe says. “We’ve had many schools contact us from all over the region interested in of our class offerings, and we’ll be happy to continue working with everyone who has an interest in what we can offer to provide in-school or afterschool programs. Ideally, we would also like to expand to bring some of our solutions to area home-school and cyber-school communities.” Snapology is also available for play dates, scouting events, birthday parties, and other private events. Snapology currently has fall classes scheduled in Peters Township, South Fayette, Moon, Upper St. Clair, and Mt. Lebanon, with new locations being added regularly, so you’re never too far away from one of their fun and informative programs. To book your event or find out more about their programming and locations, go to www.DiscoverSnapology.com or call 412.295.1545.

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Tips and Solutions for the Small Business Owner An excerpt from the Small Business Owner’s Legal Handbook

ost people never think of a law firm as a business or that a lawyer running his own law firm would understand the issues that a business owner struggles with every day. Well let me clear up this misunderstand by letting you know that our lawyers understand the important issues that impact your business. As business owners, we have to deal with the issues of hiring, managing and firing employees, paying and limiting our taxes, collecting from our clients and limiting our liability in contracts. The same issues you have to deal with each day. We wanted to design a legal guide to give current business owners or those thinking about starting a business, a quick and easy handbook for answers to many questions. While this handbook addresses many legal issues, this guide should not be used as an alternative to seeking legal advice. The following is an excerpt from the Small Business Owner’s Legal Handbook:

Get Your Customers to Pay! The exciting part of sales is turning a prospect into an actual customer. The worst part is getting that customer to pay. In an ideal world, all customers would pay cash for your product or service. However, not all businesses are able to work that way. For those of you who offer your customers trade credit or credit terms, this can create a problem. While your good customers will pay you on time or contact you in advance with a reason why they are late, your bad customers (a.k.a. “deadbeats”) are those that you have to repeatedly contact by telephone or by mail to get them to pay. Sadly, those “deadbeats” usually ignore your letters and fail to return your phone calls.

What do you do now? You really have three choices. First, you could attempt to handle the issue on your own. You could take the issue before the local District Magistrate and plead your own case.

Third, the law firm becomes your “business partner” in collecting the delinquent account. A law firm will normally charge a 30% recovery fee on any amounts collected on your behalf. Therefore, you are never throwing away good money after bad.

However, do you really have the time to take Finally, the law firm will be able to enforce away from your business and spend the day in any judgment granted by the District court? Magistrate, through Arbitration Court or What happens when you obtain a judgment through the general court system and turn that judgment into cash. Something a collection from the District Magistrate against the agency is unable to do. delinquent customer? How do you make the customer pay? In addition to the topics addressed above, the Small Business Owner’s Legal Handbook Second, you could hire a collection agency. also addresses other issues including starting, For the most part, the collection agency would buying and financing a business, dealing with be doing the same thing you have been doing customers, contracts, taxes, selling a business for the past three months – sending dunning and succession planning. The handbook also letters and making calls to your delinquent contains resources to obtain additional customers. For this, if the collection agency is information, as well as our Business Start-Up able to collect you will have to pay the Checklist. collection agency some percentage of the To obtain your free copy of the Small amount the delinquent customer owes to you. Business Owner’s Legal Handbook, contact Or, you could hire a law firm that specializes our law firm, McMullin & McMullin, LLC, in collections. A law firm has several at 412.471.3011 or email us at advantages over handling the issue yourself or info@McMullinandMcMullin.com. hiring a collection agency. First, when one of your delinquent customers receives a letter from a law firm, the customer is more likely to respond to that letter – people don’t like the thought of being sued. Second, the law firm has the ability to bring suit on your behalf, allowing you to do what you do best – focus on your business.

This I nd u s tr y I ns i g h t was written by Andrew K. McMullin. Andrew K. McMullin is a Partner in the law firm of McMullin & McMullin, LLC where he practices in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, litigation, corporate transactions and real estate. Andrew is also a licensed title insurance agent and Realtor. He can be reached by email: Andrew@McMullinandMcMullin.com or phone: 412.471.3011.

Don’t they realize that you have your own bills to pay? You have payroll this week and a rent payment due at the end of the month. They bought your product/service three months ago and have yet to pay a dime. Mt. Lebanon | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 7 1

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Page 73 BEINHAUER

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business spotlight

Beinhauer Family Services If you don’t know the Beinhauer name, you must be new to the community. Beinhauer Funeral Homes have been part of the community since 1860, with six generations of

the family, nurturing and growing their business, along with operating the second oldest active crematory in the United States. The Beinhauer family strives to be a part of the communities they serve. “The family business is important to all of us, and there’s a great deal of heritage and legacy that has been established by past generations. We’re making impressions and building relationships today within our communities, continuing a legacy of heritage and trust,” says Rick Beinhauer, the company’s leader and a fifth generation family member. Beinhauer is proud to have the sixth generation currently active in the family business with Scott and Aaron Beinhauer, both licensed funeral directors, along with Justin Beinhauer. The Beinhauer family serves five communities in the South Hills—Peters Township, Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Dormont/Mt. Lebanon, and Canonsburg. Their locations are family-friendly, providing children’s rooms, cafés where food and beverages can be served, and a community room where dinners and luncheons can be scheduled.

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• CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS • Family Owned & Operated since 1860 • Personalized “Celebration of Life Services” at the area’s guaranteed lowest cost • Only Beinhauer can provide complete Cremation Services using our own Crematory operated by licensed p • Cemetery Services at Woodruff Memorial Park and new Community Mausoleum~Free Veterans Gra

the use of a password protected website, can give “We have a lot of service based groups that those with physical considerationsCARES or travel meet in our community room. A church group BEINHAUER meets at the Peters Township location every limitations the ability to attend a loved one’s funeral Sunday at 10 a.m.,” says Scott Beinhauer. service over the Internet. The decision to open up the community Recently, they conducted services for room to groups was twofold: One, it gave the Donna Mae Mims, the renowned race car driver funeral home a place for large groups to known as the “Pink Lady” of racing. Her pink assemble or hold ceremonies; second, it was corvette was placed inside the funeral home a way to give back to the community that has and, as Mims wished, she was positioned upright supported them over the decades. “We in the driver’s seat for friends and family to wanted to make available a space that anyone celebrate her life. A recent funeral for a local firefighter involved many personalized services, in the community could use; for example, educational seminars and continuing including his casket being placed onto a fire truck education courses for nurses, seniors, with his fellow firefighters escorting him to the caregivers, hospices, and veterans, to mention cemetery. No request is too difficult or unusual. a few. An annual memorial “There are a lot of little things that are done for service is held in the funerals. People create photo collages that chronicle community room for any family their loved one’s life, or bring in personal items that that wishes to attend. In represent one’s hobbies or lifestyles. You have the Bridgeville, we have a digital year of birth and the year of death, and then you resource sign that not only have the dash in the middle. We focus on the informs the community about dash—everything in the middle that that person funeral service information, but has done for their family and community. We help the family celebrate and honor the life that was also other community events, such as programs at the library, lived,” says Aaron Beinhauer. The Beinhauer family also manages Woodruff Rotary functions, community Memorial Park Cemetery, located on Route 19 in day, church fairs, and other newsworthy North Strabane Township. The newly constructed information.” Beinhauers can personalize services for their Community Mausoleum offers magnificent crypt clients in a way that other funeral homes can’t. No entombment as well as extensive cremation niches, other funeral company can provide the options they including bronze and beveled glass and a beautiful can in-house with their own staff. “We’re in the indoor chapel. Adjacent to the human cemetery, business of helping families create an event or Peaceful Pastures provides a final resting place for pets of any kind, including the area’s only pet service that is an extension of their loved one’s funeral and cremation center, which houses its own life—something that provides a meaningful experience for the family and the community,” says crematory. For more information on Beinhauer Family Funeral Homes and their cemetery and Scott Beinhauer. Some of those personal touches include an interactive website, personalized DVD cremation options, call 724.969.0200 or visit them videos, and webcasting of funerals, which, through at www.beinhauer.com.

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Bado’s Pizza Grill and Ale House

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More than a Quarter Century of Pizza Perfection

n 26 years, Frank Badolato has taken Bado’s Pizza Grill & Ale House from a small, two-chef kitchen to an expansive family restaurant with outdoor deck seating and party room. One thing that hasn’t changed in all those years is the food—from enormous Reuben sandwiches to pizza that has become an institution in Mt. Lebanon. Bado’s still uses grandma’s recipes for its addictive sauces and bread–dough pizza. For its deli-style sandwiches, Bado’s uses Boar’s Head meats exclusively. “Everything we make is from scratch,” Badolato says. “All of our sauces, all pastas, everything is homemade. Our pizza is still our number one seller since day one, and everything else has evolved around that.” And when Badolato says, “everything,” he means it. Everything that you could imagine pizza going good with is available at Bado’s. Pizza and wings? Bado’s has your choice of variations of Frank’s RedHot, homemade BBQ, garlic, and Guinness honey mustard to choose from. Pizza and beer? Bado’s has more than 20 different draughts to sample and more than 100 different beers on hand at any given time. Pizza and your favorite sport? There’s not a bad seat in the house when it comes to viewing one of the many big-screen LCD TVs at Bado’s. What’s more, Bado’s crafts food specials around every Steelers game, and has college football specials on Saturday afternoons. The secret to the pizza is the crust, Badolato says. That and knowing your pizza. “It’s my grandpa’s bread–dough recipe and we adapted it years ago for pizza.” “It doesn’t dry out like other pizza crusts do, and it makes for a great pizza—fresh or cold as leftovers.” Everything else on Bado’s pizza is fresh and natural. You won’t find any imitation cheese here. The sauce, which also makes Bado’s pizza stand out, is a concoction that Badolato said was worked on batch after batch until it was to his liking. “Some sauces are too thin, some are too

heavy. Ours is a great blend of fresh tomatoes and our pureed ingredients and spices,” he says. “I don’t go overboard with garlic or spices. It’s surprisingly basic to make.” Badolato also said the key to great pizza is in the toppings as well. “I tell my chefs not to skimp on the toppings, but not to put on too much, either. If you put too many toppings on a pizza, it’s not going to cook well. You have to have the right combination of everything to make it just right.” But don’t think of Bado’s as just a “pizza joint.” Everything on the menu is equally up to the challenge of becoming your next favorite dish. You’ll find novelties such as the Grilled Swordfish Salad, Steamed Mussels Florentine, and Angel Hair Primavera, all of which will delight. Bado’s also has great soups and desserts to choose from, and has a breakfast menu on Saturday and Sunday mornings to help ease you into the weekend with a great sit-down meal. All of this can be delivered to your door if you live in the Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, or Scott Township areas. Delivery is available to parts of Green Tree as well. For catering, corporate events, and functions, Bado’s will deliver anywhere in the Pittsburgh area. With a party room that seats 60, and a deck that seats another 50, there’s no reason to stay in where Bado’s is concerned. For up-to-date menus, upcoming events, and more, go to Bado’s redesigned website at www.badospizzagrill.com. If you can’t wait, order now by calling 412.563.5300, or better yet, stop into their 307 Beverly Road location, and bring the whole family for a dinner to remember.

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REAL WOMEN DON’T GO CAMPING By Pamela Palongue know there are women out there that, by some strange quirk of events, have somehow developed an affinity for camping. This is not directed at the three of you. As for the rest of us, when men say, “Let’s go camping,” what we women actually hear is, “Let’s spend three days loading up the SUV with practically useless equipment to drive to a remote, hostile area and spend the weekend with insects.” Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE nature. I just don’t like it when it’s biting, stinging, or trying to kill me. For one thing, camping seldom takes place when the weather is in a perfect range of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. (By the way, this is why most homes come conveniently equipped with heat and air conditioning). I celebrate the technological advancements of the 20th century—and I think heat and air are some of the better accomplishments of modern man. Why must I freeze, sweat, or be rained on in order to enjoy myself? I’m more of a climate-controlled–environment kind of person. Then there’s the normally simple act of going to the bathroom that becomes a major chore. God has blessed men with specialized equipment for urinating, so that they can do this anywhere at a

moment’s notice. (This is probably an evolutionary trait from having to urinate while hunting wild boar or fighting neighboring tribes). Women however, must walk two miles to the designated urinating area within the campground and pray that there is toilet paper or something strongly resembling it. Did I mention the bathroom usually has no heating or air conditioning? Then there’s my blow-dryer. I love my blow-dryer and being away from it gives me separation anxiety. We have a great relationship. I spend seven minutes with my blow-dryer in the morning, and I am ready for the Paris runway. Without it, my hair resembles a disheveled poodle with a nervous disorder. I don’t like looking like a poodle. Is it only me that has noticed the disparity in camping chores between men and women? The division of labor usually looks something like this: MENPitch the tent. Throw a little lighter fluid on some paper to start a fire. WOMENUnpack camping equipment. Prepare dinner over an open flame. Haul dishes to water source for washing. Wash the dishes. Haul dishes back to camp. Bring water back to camp. Gather wood for fire. Pick up trash. Lay out sleeping bags and blankets. Wash all camping equipment once home. Be impressed that your man was able to pitch a tent and start a fire. If the real purpose of the camping extravaganza is for men to impress women with their fire-starting, tent-pitching abilities, then couldn’t we just hold a demonstration in the backyard? We could compliment you without ever having to leave home. We could throw in compliments about your football-watching and record–time nacho–eating abilities if that would help. Do we have to blow a perfectly good weekend just to review your scouting skills? Why torture the whole family? Relationships are all about compromise, and there is a perfectly good compromise if you guys would like us to join you in the wilderness. Women generally enjoy the great outdoors in limited doses. And truthfully, we really don’t mind if you want to chase bears or roll in the dirt. Just rent us a mountain cabin to hang out in while you’re doing it—one with a fireplace, a hot tub, electricity, and clean sheets in a relatively bug-free area. And most importantly, don’t forget the plug-in for our blow-dryer

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Business Directory

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