SPRING 2012
t. Lebanon COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
A L B E R TA M O D E R N T E E N
Mt. Lebanon Teen Salon Going Strong
PHOTO BY GEORGE THOMAS MENDEL
SPRING
INSIDE
t. Lebanon
2012
IN Mt. Lebanon is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Mt. Lebanon area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
ALBER
TA M O D ER
N TEEN
Mt. Leb ano Tee n Sal n on Goi ng Str ong
IN Mt. Lebanon | SPRING 2012 | PHOTO
BY GEO RG
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Jeff Morris Regular Home Checkups Detect Problems and Keep Homes Healthy ........................... | 14
Joy Capozzi
CPCU, CLU, ChFC
Future Dreams Take Financial Planning ........ | 69 ON THE COVER
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Larry Alberta of Alberta Modern Hair and Alberta Modern Teen.
Julian E. Gray & Frank A. Petrich Can I Save My Home for My Daughter? ....... | 73 Michael Rutkowski
SPRING 2012
Role Reversal: When Children Should Talk to Parents About Money ...................... | 74
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Dr. Jay Feuer Bruxism .................................................... | 77
Let’s Get Physical What can a daily dose of moderate physical activity do for you? Plenty! As you get older, regular exercise is a key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy. To learn more about the link between fitness and aging, turn to page 3.
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© 2012 UPMC
What’s Inside page 2
Need Quick, Convenient Care? Head to UPMC Mercy’s South Side Walk-in Clinic
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Fit at Any Age
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Surviving Allergies: What You Can Do Putting Ergonomics to Work for You
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Brightening Lives With Light
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A Walk to Remember
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A Lasting Legacy of Caring
Dr. Anna Wooten Redefining Your Waistline ........................... | 78
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Terrance R. Krysinski FEATURES
Mt. Lebanon Physician is Author of Anti-Cancer Cookbooks ..............................................................................
You Don’t Have to Live with Painful Varicose & Spider Veins .............................. | 83
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The Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store Keeping Up with the Fastest Growing Sport in America ................................................. | 85
Mt. Lebanon Rifle Team Eyes Target: WPIAL Championship ..........................................................
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High School Groundbreaking Ceremony ......................
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Mt. Lebanon is Back ............................................................
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DINING OUT
The Sensory Box Project ....................................................
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Peters Place ........................................ | 37
The Healing Power of Laughter .......................................
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Curb Appeal! More Than Meets the Eye ..........................................
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Older Mt. Lebanon Homes Have Plenty of Charm... But Some Are So Cold ..........................................................................
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UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ...........
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Mt. Lebanon Public Library Spring Events ...................
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Special Value Coupons .......................................................
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Home Improvement
COMMUNITY INTEREST
t. Lebanon PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard MANAGING EDITOR
Marybeth Jeffries m.jeffries@icmags.com
elcome to the spring issue of Mount Lebanon magazine. Hopefully, we are all enjoying the lengthening days as we forge into summer. While spring usually brings more rain to the region than we normally get throughout the rest of the year, I’m glad we’ve had a few days of nice weather to get outside and remember what the snow covered up. We’ve grown once again over the winter, and have shifted some s taff around to accommodate that growth. I want to point this out to you because you, the readers, give us many of the great story ideas that you see featured in these pages, and I want you to have the right point of contact so that your story can be heard. The editor for the South and West Regions is Mark Berton (mark@ incommunitymagazines.com). Please forward your good news to Mark, and he’ll make sur e it finds a place in the magazine. If you’re not sure whether you have a good story, give Mark a call at 724.942.0940 and ask! While our editors have re-aligned into better-organized zones, we still want everything in those zones to be 100 percent local to you. We also appreciate your feedback (good and bad) to let us know where we missed the mark and where we hit it out of the park. Lastly, it’s not t oo soon to start thinking about the rest of the year! I know we just got through the holidays, and are thawing out, but since we’re quarterly, we’re already looking ahead to fall and beyond. So if you have events planned and would like to promote them, call or email Mark. If you have an event coming up earlier, let us know so we can send our photographers and document the occasion! Here’s hoping that t he start to your year has been a good one!
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REGIONAL EDITORS
Mark Berton [South and West] mark@incommunitymagazines.com Monica L. Haynes [East] m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com NORTH ZONE COORDINATOR
Pamela Palongue p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTENT COORDINATOR
Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
WRITERS
Jonathan Barnes Heather Holtschlage Kelly Lotter Leigh Lyons
Dana McGrath Joann Naser Gina Salinger Judith Schardt
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wayne Dollard, Publisher
Jessica DeLuca Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer
Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS
hile Community Magazines is a non-partisan publication, we don’t live in a vacuum. This year is a presidential election year, and striving to keep readers engaged and active in the community is part of our mission statement. We’re not here to endorse anyone, but we are here to remind you that voting is a hard-earned right that we have as Americans. However, many people pass on that right, which is a s hame. If you view your vote as insignificant, then you are not only forfeiting your right to be counted, but also your right to be heard. Voting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about opinions as well. Your vote lends your voice to a chorus that decides who should be deciding our foreign and domestic policies, budgeting for specific social programs and who sends our young people into conflicts around the globe. These are critical issues that everyday people have to live with. If your candidate loses, you didn’t lose. The margin of loss sends a strong message to the victor as to whether people agree with their views, or found them to be less appealing. To be part of that process is something that those before us fought for through marches, protests and even death. To sit it out casts aspersions on their efforts and memory. We may not wake up happy on Nov. 7, but we should all be happy that we participated on Nov. 6. The deadline for registering to vote is 30 days prior to the next primary or general election. For more information, go to www.alleghenycounty.us/elect/registration.aspx.
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See you at the polls!
Mark Berton, Editor 4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |
Mt. Lebanon
Derek Bayer Tom Poljak
Tamara Myers
ADVERTISING SALES
Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Karen Fadzen Julie Graf Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Connie McDaniel Brian McKee Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia
Robert Ojeda Ralph Palaski Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Sophia Williard
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 2012. CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Rd. McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www. incommunitymagazines.com
Summer content deadline: 4/16/2012 Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
c o v e r
s t o r y
Alberta Modern Hair Offers Exceptional Styles for All Ages with Teen Salon
year ago, Alberta Modern Teen had just opened its doors as a new concept that owner Larry Alberta wanted to try out. Today, Alberta Modern Teen has proven to be more than a concept – it’s become a way of life among its customers and its stylists. “I wanted to develop that salon into a training facility for young stylists. As they progressed, they would move into our main salon,” Alberta said. “For our teen clients, they like to come in in groups. It’s become a place where it’s more than just about hair. They hang out together, they play music. It’s a nice space with a great sound system. It’s about having more fun while getting your hair cut, without sacrificing the quality of those cuts and color.” Away from the salon, Alberta’s clients are more ambassadors than customers. The salon grows by word of mouth and with the help of “House Models,” who apply for the privilege of wearing one of the salon’s styles. Once selected, the salon does their hair for free, and they in turn wear the look to school and promote the salon. “They can be from any school district around, and it’s been a great way to get our look into the schools,” Alberta said. The same strategy works with feather extensions and Flyties – ties to tie back long hair that can also be worn as wrist wear.
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House Models were given samples to wear to school and the results have been amazing. But while Alberta doesn’t have any problems with getting clients, getting talented individuals to tend to those clients has proven a harder get. “I’ve always been about education. I train our stylists personally. We go to the beauty schools, I’ll give a seminar, and then we’ll scout around,” he said. “I look for the ones that will come to the salon and follow up on my training. We’re always looking for that one or two each time we go, that will fit into our culture.” It’s a more difficult task than it sounds because Alberta’s not just looking for technical proficiency; he’s looking for students with a passion for hair. “There are very few that do have that passion any more, but they are there. You just have to find them,” he said. “I’m not looking for someone to work for us for a short time. I’m looking for someone who’s going to be around, work their way up to Alberta Modern Hair and be with us for the long haul.” That philosophy of education and personal growth has guided Alberta throughout his career. Never content with the status quo, Larry refined his skills along the way, and throughout his career, continued his professional education, staying current on trends,
techniques and methods. During the 80s, Larry attended the Sassoon Academy in Toronto, and continued his training in New York City, Rome, Venice and Florence. In 1998, Larry and his sister, Debi Mace, opened the Alberta Mace Salon in Peters Township, Pennsylvania. Larry continued to train with Sebastian International in Los Angeles and recently completed the strictly business seminar, learning the latest in salon management and business trends in the industry. Located at 733 Washington Road, Alberta Modern Hair and Alberta Teen share adjacent storefronts, but that’s about all. Alberta Modern Hair bills itself as “sophisticated and urbane,” while Alberta Modern Teen is “chic and carefree.” Alberta Modern Hair is now offering junior stylist pricing, thanks to Alberta Modern Teen’s stylists as well. “People can make appointments with the girls on the teen side for the teen price while the kids are in school during the week,” Alberta said. “That price structure is the $29 haircut.” For more information on Alberta Modern Hair or Alberta Modern Teen’s hair care services, including treatments, highlighting , deep conditioning, school dance styles, or onsite birthday parties, call 412.343.4200, or go to www.albertamodernhair.com.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
ix years ago, after Dr. Julia B. Greer gave a talk on nutrition and cancer, people kept approaching her and asking for materials on the subject. Some asked her to do more talks on the topic, which led the doctor in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition to gather additional information. She did more research and realized that no one had publi shed a book on the topic, and the idea for The Anti-Cancer Cookbook was conceived. Her first book sold about 10,000 copies, leading her to work on a second book, The Anti-Cancer Cookbook, which is being completed now and will be released later this year, in the fall of 2012. Dr. Greer, 41, grew up in Mt. Lebanon and
smoking, having a normal body weight, drinking alcohol moderately and engaging in daily exercise can significantly reduce one’s cancer risk. Having a good diet alone may reduce your risk of cancer by 30-40 percent. There are other benefits to eating right, too. Rather than eating too many sugars and carbohydrates as many Americans do, sticking to a balanced diet will make you feel full and more energetic, giving you energy that lasts, not just a short sugar high. Your skin can get better with the proper diet, and you will probably get fewer colds, Dr. Greer said. Eating fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids—such as salmon and mackerel—may also improve your sleep, she said, adding that people need to know how to make the right choices to create healthier lives for themselves.
“Stress affects your immune system. More irregular and larger quantities of stress are not good for you… It affects your mood and your sleep,” Dr. Greer said, adding that in addition to providing a person with more energy and lowering risk factors, a good diet can help a person to be more productive. Sharing the prevention message of her books is the most gratifying part of writing her books, Dr. Greer said. Medical professionals agree with her approach to diet. Dr. Lanie Francis, an oncologist with UPMC Mercy, said The Anti-Cancer Cookbook
“I think people are looking for better resources. There are very few good nutritional guides,” Dr. Greer said. “To me, the best food is real food that grows in the ground, comes off a tree or is raised on a farm.” Making the right diet choices also can improve a person’s sense of well-being, by giving them a feeling of having more control over their lives. “If you have a person participate in his health care, it gives him the power to choose what he’ll do. People want to be in control, and when you see the effects of proper nutrition— such as losing some weight—it ramps you up,” Dr. Greer said. Helping people to eat right also can prevent many common health problems. Due to improper diets, children are developing diabetes more, because they are overweight. Proper nutrition can prevent this debilitating and life-threatening disease, and it also can help to prevent heart disease and lower stress.
is very helpful for those who have cancer and those who are trying to prevent it. “It’s difficult to find good resources from good sources who have the scientific background. Ju lia is knowledgeable about the sources; she loves to cook and is passionate about it,” Dr. Francis said. “Julia is always trying to make connections across a lot of disciplines. To me, as a physician, that’s something we all need to strive for—ways that we can connect and collaborate.” A warm and kind person, Dr. Greer’s personal style belies stereotypes of doctors as cold clinicians who’ve been jaded by p atients who haven’t taken care of their health. Early in her medical training, she admitted a burly patient who had multiple health issues, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, chronic pain and depression. Rather than moving him along in the system under the presumption that he wouldn’t be compliant with treatment options, the good doctor asked him if he wanted to be her patient
By Jonathan Barnes
moved back several years ago. She has always liked to cook and has been interested in writing and editing since high school. She attended Mt. Lebanon High School for a year before making the transition to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, continuing a family legacy that extends for several generations. At Princeton University, she majored in English literature, and then attended Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She trained at Georgetown University Hospital and returned to Pittsburgh to study at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. The issues her cookbooks address are important to every person and every family, since cancer is such a common malady in this nation. The percentage of people in this country who will get cancer is staggering to consider: Half of men and a third of women will develop cancer. Experts know there is a relationship between lifestyle factors and cancer, and they say having a good diet, not 6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |
Mt. Lebanon
and he agreed. She started seeing him regularly, and worked through each of his problems, until each issue was well-managed and he was losing weight, working out and employed at a steady job. Shortly thereafter, his family visited her to thank her for her help. Dr. Greer’s nurturing, giving nature informs her writing style. Rather than bringing a dry, clinical approach to preventing cancer, her books capit alize on an activity everyone enjoys: Eating yummy food. The tastiness of the dishes in her first book, such as butternut squash soup, balsamic chicken with pears, and chocolate crème pots with berries, is part of what made it a best-seller. One of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s professors whose main office is in the Hillman Cancer Center, Dr. Randy Brand, said
Dr. Greer’s nurturing, giving nature informs her writing style. Rather than bringing a dry, clinical approach to preventing cancer, her books capitalize on an activity everyone enjoys: Eating yummy food. The tastiness of the dishes in her first book, such as butternut squash soup, balsamic chicken with pears, and chocolate crème pots with berries, is part of what made it a best-seller. after he and his family tried the recipes in Dr. Greer’s first cookbook, he ordered 30 copies as gifts for friends and family. “The recipes were good recipes, and it’s a way to show my friends that eating healthy can be good,” Dr. Brand said. “I have a lot of patients who are at risk for cancer. Having cookbooks like Julia’s are a great resource. It is an issue of empowerment.” A variety of factors went into Dr. Greer’s decision to move back to her hometown years ago. Being close to friends and family was a factor, as was her comfort with the feeling of Mt. Lebanon, which is laid out to be conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Some of her favorite spots in Mt. Lebanon are the library, Uptown Coffee shop, Little Tokyo, and the shops on Beverly Road. “I like it because it’s a walking community. Sometimes I just walk for no reason whatsoever. I like being right by the coffee shop,” Dr. Greer said. “I could never live in a place where I had to get in a car just to go someplace.” Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Mt. Lebanon Rifle Team Eyes Target: WPIAL Championship By Leigh Lyons
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magine a sport where one mistake could mean costing your team the match. Then add to the fact that adrenaline will get you nowhere, and perhaps, it will cost your team the match. Add in ten successful, high-achieving high school students, and you have the WPIAL sport of rifle competition. The Mt. Lebanon rifle team this year, led by Coach Dave Willard, looks to capture their first WPIAL title since 2007. Coach Willard enters his first year as head coach of the Blue Devils, though he is already very familiar with the team because he acted as an assistant coach the past two years. Coach Willard is also more than familiar with the sport. He shot smallbore rifle at Bethel Park High School growing up and then later at Duquesne University where he was the Club Champion and earned his Distinguished Expert Award in Collegiate Smallbore Rifle. Coach Willard believes that a variety of student-athletes are drawn to target shooting, but most of his athletes are high-achieving, independent perfectionists. “A student can be taught the mechanics of shooting in a relatively short time, but it takes the serious, perseverant type to excel at this sport,” Coach Willard says. Each team is allowed a starting group of 10 athletes who will compete with the 22 caliber rimfire target rifles that all WPIAL and PIAA rifle teams use. “The stocks on these rifles are adjustable to accommodate almost every size and physique of the individual competitors,” Coach Willard explains. The 10 starting athletes per team will fire at a target card that is divided into five scoring rings. The highest value scoring ring cashes in with 10 points and is only about 5/32” in diameter. The target card has a potential value of 100 points, with each athlete shooting 10 times, and a successful team will have at least 8 out of the 10 competitors accumulating all 100 points on the target. This is where the slightest adjustment or adrenaline rush can cost your team the match. Coach Willard says, “Control over mind and body is paramount for success in this game, and any excess adrenaline most assuredly does not help.” Many elite competitors try to relax their body before a match, some even going as far as to try and sleep to lower their heart rate and make their shot more accurate. Although the Mt. Lebanon rifle team has not won a WPIAL championship since 2007, last year’s squad won the Scholastic Award for having the highest GPA, and Coach Willard believes his team may win this fantastic academic achievement again this year. As far as the team this year, Coach Willard believes his top marksman will be team captain Conner Russell. Conner follows in the footsteps of his older brother and sister, Thomas and Margaret, who were both team captains at Mt. Lebanon. Another elite competitor this year will be fellow captain Quinn LaDuke who Coach Willard says “is performing admirably.” Other top athletes include Alex Draus, Jordan Staab, Koehler Powell, Lily Chen, Stephen Snow, and brother and sister tandem Ben and Emily Lackner. With so much talent, Coach Willard believes he will have a difficult time picking his starting ten for the upcoming season.
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Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Photos by Gary Yon
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January 26 marked the day that Mt. Lebanon officially began work on its high school renovation project. The project is expected to last 3½ years and cost nearly $110 million. District officials contend that the renovation is necessary to the future growth of the district, while detractors continue to question the high price tag of the project. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
one are the days when Mount Lebanon’s business district was mostly a collection of hairdresser salons, a department store, podiatrists, ophthalmologists and neighborhood bars, anchored by the small Dennis Theater, long since closed. The Touch of Class salon, smelling of Alberta VO5, cigarettes and donuts, kids riding their bikes up the street, and a quarter buying lots of candy at the local pharmacy, a re things of the past. Goodbye old Mt. Lebo and hello cool, trendy Mount Lebanon. These days, the borough’s business district is showing off its new facelift, with way-finding signs that tell you where you are and an improved streetscape, including many upgraded shop facades that have been repainted and which are sporting new awnings. Anchored by cozy cafes, trendy restaurants and more, Mount Lebanon h as never looked better. Though local eatery Molly Brannigan’s is gone, Walnut Grove moved
“Every restaurant that comes up here does really well.A’Pizza Badamo is phenomenal. Between them and Mineo’s we’re really spoil ed,” Ravita said. “My Big Fat Greek Gyro is great… If you’re going to do something average, you can get average anywhere. Our shops are specializing in higher quality products—it’s the one way you’ll survive.” Restaurants such as Bistro 19, which specializes in unique American fare, and Il Pizzaiolo, with its Italian pasta and brick oven pizza, are so unique that they are making the business district a destination point, Ravita said. “They’re done at such a high level, they could be anywhere. Il Pizzaiolo has the best Italian food in the city… I think Walnut Grove will be a good addition to the business district,” he said. Anthony Badamo, 29, owner of A’Pizza Badamo, is one of a growing number of young entrepreneurs who’ve located in Mount Lebanon. A South Hills native, Badamo remembers coming to the town as a kid, to the
By Jonathan Barnes
into the space quickly. My Big Fat Greek Gyro is a new addition to the town, and a SpringHill Suites hotel is being built across from Rollier’s Hardware, a longtime fixture of the business district. Betsy’s Handmade Ice Cream is locating along Washington Road, and the Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt chain is moving a franchise into 695 Washington Road, former home of Anne Gregory Bridal Shop. Mineo’s Pizza is a beloved member of the old business district that is still thriving, and it has been joined in recent years by hotspots Bistro 19, A’Pizza Badamo, and Il Pizzaiolo, as well as Avalon Exchange, a trendy used clothing store. Joe Ravita, 32, owner of Empire Music in the business district, has had his business in the borough business district for a decade. He and his family have been merchants in Mt. Lebanon for nearly three decades, since his parents located Ravita’s Music there in 1984. Business at Empire Music is good, and the changes along Washington Road are very encouraging, he said. 12 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |
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very spot where he now does business, when it was called Caruso’s. A few years back he was trying to open up a restaurant in Lawrenceville, and he saw that Caruso’s had closed, and things fell into place from there. He’s found a niche with his pizza, which is different than Mineo’s and other pizzerias in the city. “We like to cook our pizza darker than the rest. It’s more of a crisp pie,” Badamo said. “Everything is fresh. The sauce and dough are made daily. Our pizza is cooked right off the pecil (the wooden plate inserted into the oven).” A’Pizza Badamo is constantly creating new patrons. “We’ve found a balance between crispy crust and the right sauce, cheese and fresh ingredients. We’re feeding new people every day. We have good foot traffic and our delivery business is growing. It’s all by word of mouth,” he said. While the business district is not entirely filled to capacity, it seems to be doing well indeed, Badamo said. “There are
some vacancies, but things seem to fill up fast,” he said. B DeFrancis, 47, owner of Bistro 19, at 711 Washington Road, located her business in Mount Lebanon five years ago. A native of Beechview, DeFrancis has always lived in the South Hills and thought Mount Lebanon would be a good place for an upscale restaurant. Bistro 19 specializes in contemporary American fair and has an atmosphere that DeFrancis calls “casual elegant.” Patrons of the restaurant say the place could be in New York or any of the largest cities in the country. Indeed, that was part of DeFrancis’s goal when she devised the place’s décor. “Our design is inspired by New York-style bistros,” DeFrancis said. Bistro 19’s signature dish is Chilean Sea Bass with an oriental marinade and horseradish—one of many dishes that are American classics with a contemporary twist. “We’re always busy here,” she said.
From her perspective, DeFrancis sees the Mount Lebanon business district getting better each day. “I think that the uptown district offers what most small towns would like to offer in terms of a variety of dining fare. There’s a variety of ethnicities represented, and also many boutiques here,” she said. More changes in the borough are on the horizon, and that future looks very bright. The local development group Mount Lebanon Partnership is working to develop the area around the T station. Mount Lebanon Partnership is working in conjunction with officials from Dormont, Port Authority Transit and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on a comprehensive plan for that section of town. The Denis Theater Foundation has been raising money for the past couple years to restore and re-open the long-closed landmark. The group is hoping to open the old theater in a year or two. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
yearly checkup is vital in maintaining your home. Undetected problems can weaken your home’s integrity, cause a loss of value, and even put your life at risk. The trend of annual inspections or checkups keeps your home healthy and can help you plan future home remodels. Problems such as moisture can go undetected for years. A slow drip from a roof leak may not be visible under quality paints or in attics; damp basements can lead to rot in the foundation; and exterior
cracks, gaps around windows, or small holes can lead to mildew and mold. Mold can be a trigger for allergies and asthma attacks and has been linked to a variety of serious health issues. Waterlogged or rotted floors can even give way. If you’re thinking of remodeling, knowing your home needs repairs or improvements can sometimes help you make the decision. Mold or mildew must be rectified and can often lead to whole walls being opened. Without an annual home inspection, your home is susceptible to many unseen problems. Every homeowner should know the health status of his or her home. Homeowners need to be in the mindset that the health of their home is comparable to their own individual health. Just as preventive maintenance does wonders for the human body, it also has a positive effect on the health and wellness of your largest purchase. A home inspection identifies potential problem areas and offers immediate solutions to prevent further damage.
This Industry Insight was written by Jeff Morris, owner and CEO of Case Handyman & Remodeling, located at 2335 Washington Rd. in Canonsburg, PA. Case offers a variety of home repair services, from full-house remodeling to simple handyman jobs. For more information, visit www.caseremodeling.com or call 724.745.9888.
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Here is a ten point check-list to help ensure that your home has a clean bill of health: 1. Check attic for proper insulation and adequate ventilation 2. Ensure crawlspaces are well ventilated and protected with plastic sheeting 3. Test function of kitchen and bathroom exhaust systems 4. Inspect windows and doors for signs of cracks 5. Survey the exterior for damaged siding, brick, stucco, paint, trim, or wood 6. Inspect the home’s perimeter, looking for signs of water settling or voids 7. Ensure proper ventilation of exhaust fans, clothes dryers, and combustion appliances 8. Check your home’s gutter system 9. Survey your roof for missing or broken shingles 10. Inspect your home’s heating and HVAC system
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Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
By Pamela Palongue
avid Hudak needed a service project to complete his requirements for Eagle Scout, the highest ranking honor in the Boy Scouts of America, requiring 21 merit badges and numerous other prerequisites. The 17-year old Mt. Lebanon resident had begun scouting at the age of 6 and now needed to complete a service project for the final requirement. After much thought, he decided to tackle a project that was personally meaningful for him and held great purpose. Hudak’s younger brother Stephen who has autism actually inspired the project. Hudak had watched his brother struggle with sensory related issues through the years and wanted to do something to help children with autism. Individuals with autism sometimes feel bombarded by lights, noises or the physical sensation s around them, since they are often hyper-alert to all stimulus in their environment. This can be a very frustrating and even scary experience. Fortunately, sensory integration activities can help the person to remain calm by re-focusing their attention on to objects with interesting textures and away from the onslaught of sights, sounds and sensations around them. Hudak decided to focus on creating sensory boxes which would be the approximate size of a toy chest and would be filled with tactile objects. Joyce Salls, an occupational therapist helped Hudak compile a list of items to include that would work well for calming children suffering from sensory overload. Balls for squeezing to relieve stress, fur, brushes and weighted vests and pads all made the list. Now that Hudak’s plan for the project was complete, he had to raise funds to purchase the boxes and the items. He enlisted the help of his
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Mt. Lebanon
parents, to raise the money. E-mails were sent to his mother, Martha’s fellow book club members and his father, David’s fellow professors at Robert Morris University. The funds were quickly raised to begin this important project to help serve the community and to bring Hudak closer to fulfilling his dream of achieving Eagle Scout rank. Once the boxes were assembled, Hudak took them to the seven Mt. Lebanon elementary schools, where he gave a short presentation about the use of the boxes to the teachers and students. At Washington Elementary School, 12 area educators were invited to hear his presentation and afterwards he was presented with a plaque honoring his work which was followed by a short reception. Hudak completed his paperwork for the Eagle Scout designation in November and was awarded the honor in December after presenting it to the Boy Scouts of America Board of Review. Hudak’s brother Stephen, who is now a freshman at Mt. Lebanon High School, was happy to have inspired his older brother and Hudak’s parents were especially proud of their son’s accomplishment. Only about 5% of Boy Scouts each year attain the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Hudak, who is a senior at Mt. Lebanon High School advises other aspiring Eagle Scouts to begin their service projects early. “I actually could have begun my project in 2008, but I waited,” admits Hudak. The extra time to complete the extensive project helps to relieve some of the pressure of completing it on time. Also Hudak adds, “Choose a project that is something important to you.” Picking a subject that has personal meaning helps inspire passion about the project and the commitment to see it through to completion. Hudak, a member of Boy Scout Troop #65, credits the Boy Scouts of America with teaching him leadership skills, which he has put to good use as a section leader with the Mt. Lebanon High School Marching Band where he plays the saxophone. Hudak is considering a career in electrical engineering. “The Boy Scouts are a great organization,” adds Hudak. If you would like more information or are interested in joining the Boy Scouts of America please visit the Laurel Highlands Council website at www.lhc-bsa.org for contact information and troop locations. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
t. Lebanon resident Heather Arnet is a woman on the move, not only on the streets of her own neighborhood, but also as a wife, mother, and chief executive officer of the Women and Girls Foundation (WGF) of Southwestern Pennsylvania. And in the unlikely event that you have not yet met her, there is a good chance you would have recognized her “girlcott,” when, in 2005, she took a stand against retailer Abercrombie & Fitch for their sale of T-shirts that displayed what was considered sexist messages. “It was fall 2005, and we had just launched our teen program at WGF. We talked about the T-shirts at a work retreat and the ‘girlcott’ campaign was born,” Arnet explained. “But we certainly did not expect the national – and international – media coverage that followed. We hosted a press conference on a Sunday, and the next day, Katie Couric’s office called to invite us on NBC’s Today Show. By Wednesday, we had been featured on a number of national networks and in several major newspapers across the country. At the heart of it all were 24 teenage girls from Allegheny County using their voices to encourage other women and girls to use their voices, and the power of their purse, to stop some pretty sleazy retail sexism and racism. And we won!” Arnet’s passion for women’s issues became apparent at a very early age. “My mother tells stories about how the first school essay I wrote was on how it was unfair that girls could not play professional baseball. And I was always reading biographies of amazing women in history like Beryl Markham, Alice Paul, Gloria Steinem, Amelia Earhart, Sally Ride, and Shirley Chisholm.” Arnet explained that her mother had a difficult life. She had been married and divorced three times by the time she reached her late 20s, and raised two young children, mostly on her own. Her mother attended school at night to get her college degree and worked fulltime during the day. “As I watched her struggle to make ends meet and work her way off of food stamps to be financially independent, and then struggle with sexism in the workplace, I learned why it was important to have a social safety net and strong unions to protect workers’ rights. We also needed a vocal women’s movement, as there were a million issues relate to being a woman and mother in the United States that were still unresolved,” Arnet said. Through her role at WGF, she is able to satisfy both her professional goals as well as her personal interests. “I engage women and men in social change philanthropy by encouraging them to invest their charitable donations in WGF, and I get to flex my creative side by working with my team on our website and marketing materials, special events, and speaking engagements,” she explained. “My job involves a good deal of analytical thinking as we consider grantee proposals and systemic solutions to the root causes of inequity. And I also serve as a public resource and advocate for gender equity on behalf of WGF, which means speaking with members of the media, elected officials, business leaders, and community members about how the policy decisions they make everyday have a real world impact on women.” Arnet’s other passion for the theatre stems from her childhood years and her first paid acting job when she was only in first grade. The interest continued through school and, although she was born and raised in North Miami Beach, Florida, landed her at Carnegie
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By Heather Holtschlag
Mellon University, where she received a bachelor’s in drama and literary and cultural studies. And, as a student, she had even worked to combine her two biggest interests. “When I started college, my interest in theater shifted from acting to directing,” Arnet said. “During a freshmen directing class, we were asked to draft our vision and mission statement as a director. Mine was ‘To promote women’s voices and perspectives by engaging audiences in stories of contemporary women’s issues.” Arnet has put her knowledge in directing to use with some plays she wrote and directed that performed in Pittsburgh and in cities across the country. “Yo’ Mama” features the joys and challenges of modern motherhood, and “Root” is a spoken word opera performed by artist and poet Vanessa German. “I love everything about the theatre – the lights, the drama, the props, the language, the rhythm and the team building,” Arnet explained. Working on a new play, or film project, or even just being on stage makes me feel alive. It always has. I love directing because it involves a deep reading of text, and then closing my eyes and imagining a full vision of the story I want to tell.” Not surprising, Arnet attributes her mother and grandmothers as her role models and sources of inspiration. She said that her father’s mother, Vivien, is the daughter of a suffragette, and she grew up hearing stories from her of how women are needed to vote in every election because ‘other women had fought and died for us to have this right.’ Her maternal grandmother, Fran, is an orthodox Jew who taught Arnet about family and community, but most of all, about philanthropy. “She was always raising money and volunteering her time for at least several different women’s groups at her temple,” Arnet said. “She taught me that philanthropy was one’s responsibility to their community, and my grandmother, Vivien, taught me that participating in the political process was one’s responsibility as a citizen.” Besides her work and passion for the theatre, Arnet is a devoted wife of David Shumway, a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon, and a mother of 9-year-old son, Travis, who clearly has his mother’s sense of compassion and hunger for justice. “During a recent outing to see “Billy Elliot,” Travis sobbed because he was brokenhearted that the miners’ strike was unsuccessful and that they would be out of work. He is well on his way to continuing the family legacy!” she said.
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aughter is fun, but there are many more benefits to laughter than just having a good time. Laughter helps heal the body, but it also helps heal the soul and calm the heart. Julie Ann Sullivan is making it her personal mission to help bring therapeutic laughter to the world, one person at a time. Sullivan is what’s known as a Certified Laughter Leader, having specialized training in teaching individuals different techniques for producing true, mirthful laughter. Sullivan is quick to point out, “I’m not a stand-up comic. I don’t tell jokes.” This type of laughter which is usually the result of watching a comedian or a situation comedy, is called ‘stimulating laughter.’ Although this type of laughter can be beneficial to your health, it generally involves making fun of a particular individual or idea. The mirthful laughter that Sullivan teaches removes this negative focus. One of the most immediate benefits of this non-judgmental laughter is the relief of stress. Laughter relaxes muscles and has even been demonstrated to lower blood pressure. It increases airflow to the body, increasing oxygen intake which is good for healing. Although Sullivan declines to say that laughter cures any disease, she does acknowledge that it “assists in the natural healing process.” Many studies have been done on the effects of laughter on the physiology of human beings which show that laughter increases the circulation of blood, bringing much needed oxygen and nutrients to the various tissues and organ systems of the body. Laughter also increases endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote a feeling of general wellbeing. Laughter also aids in digestion and according to some of the latest research, may lower cholesterol. Drs. Lee S. Berk and Stanley Tan, researchers at Loma Linda University have been studying the effects of mirthful laughter on the body. Apparently repetitious mirthful laughter has an effect that is similar to actual physical exercise which lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol or high density cholesterol. Additionally, the research reveals that laughter triggers the immune response of the body, increasing production of antibodies and activating natural killer cells which destroy tumor cells.
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Although science is just now recognizing the benefits of laughter, the concept of laughing for health is not new. Norman Cousins was one of the first people to recognize the possible benefits of laughter in the 1970s. Cousins suffered from an autoimmune disease and documented his use of therapeutic laughter in treating his disease. His groundbreaking results are published in the New England Journal of Medicine and his work is one of the earliest to acknowledge the mind-body connection in the healing process. In addition to having a wonderful physical effect on the body, Sullivan also points out that laughter strengthens marriage and family relationships and work relationships. Oftentimes in the work place, the administrative staff may feel a bit disconnected from the sales staff. And the sales staff may feel it has little in common with the technicians. Participating in laughter together can help to remove some of the “us and them” mentality that is counter-productive to work. “It diffuses conflict and encourages teamwork,” says Sullivan, “… something positive to focus on rather than the negative.” Sullivan uses laughter for expressing conflict in high pressure situations. Two individuals sit across the room from each other and point at the other, while laughing, “Ha! Ha! Ha!” in a somewhat accusatory manner. This laughter exercise gets the tense feelings out and since laughter is being used rather than hurtful words, the conflict and tension is diffused. Sullivan has also seen laughter help grieving individuals. Although people have to move through the grieving process, laughter can sometimes function as a welcome respite to the grief. Sullivan recently had a father and daughter attend one of her seminars who had lost their wife/mother. Grief can be exhausting and draining and even a second or two of relief from the heavy emotion of grief can be helpful in emotional healing. Sullivan has another exercise called “Laughing Your Gripe Away” in which the participants state what is irritating them and then follow it with laughter. For example, a woman attending her class stood up and said, “My 40-year old son is moving back in with me.” She then laughed.
The laughter actually helps release the tension and stress that has been created by the internal conflict. Although Sullivan’s Laugher Seminars follow a basic framework, no two classes are ever the same. Sullivan explains, “I deliberately study human behavior every day; I’m learning new things all the time, so my classes are always evolving.” Sullivan also adds that the classes are a great way to get strangers to connect. “The [social bond] that is created by participating in laughter together lasts. When you see someone from the class later in the community, they remember you.” Indeed laughter does bring strangers together and it may really be contagious. On Sullivan’s Facebook page is posted an actual video of two women on a subway train in New York City who begin laughing. Before the end of the video, the entire subway car is laughing with them, connected through the joy of laughter. “I leave my classes feeling so great. It’s so much fun,” says Sullivan. Her Laughter Clubs last for approximately one hour and will be held at Sunnyhill Unitarian Universalist Church at 7 p.m. on January 23, April 23, July 30 and October 22. Sullivan will also be holding the Laughter Clubs at the Peters Township Library on March 15, June 21, September 20 and December 13 at 10 a.m. She is hoping to sponsor a program called “The Joy of Laugher” with 1,000 participants sometime next year. Julie Ann Sullivan is the author of Life Lessons and A Pocketful of Inspiration Cards, both available on her website at www.LearningNeverEnds.com. Her newest book, Shape Up for Success, which focuses on mental and emotional fitness, will be available later this year on You can register by contacting Amazon.com. A full Julie Ann Sullivan at 724.942.0486, listing of Sullivan’s julieann@julieannsullivan.com or appearances and classes www.LearningNeverEnds.com available are listed on Bring a can of food for her website.
the food bank.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
Started in 1955, Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club has been a leader in youth swimming in Southwestern Pennsylvania for nearly all of its history. It is the largest competitive swimming team in Western Pennsylvania, having 160 members. Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club is a member of United States Swimming, which is the national governing body for competitive youth swimming in the United States. The local swim committee is Allegheny Mountain Swimming, and is comprised of 50 USS clubs in Western Pennsylvania, including MLAC. Many area residents know of or have had children use the club’s community swimming lesson program. In the program, youngsters learn to swim on Saturdays throughout the year, at various area pools. MLAC members train at the Mt. Lebanon High School pool, which is a five-lane 25yard-long pool. Some of the club’s competitive team’s practices are held at the Chartiers Valley High School, which has an eight to sixteen lane 25-yard-long pool. During the summer season, MLAC also uses Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department's 50-meter, 9 lane outdoor pool for practices and swimming lessons. While the club is a competitive one and does hold tryouts, any swimmer of any level of ability can join. The group is open to kids ages 5 through 18, who will be placed on one of the club’s teams, such as at the entry level on the Piranhas summer swimming team, depending upon their skill level and age. A young swimmer might join the club’s Minnows team, which practices one or two days a week, from September through March, as opposed to the competitive swimmers, who are in the water five days a week, during 10 months of the year. The local swimmers take to competition like ducks to water. “Our summer league team has been very competitive. Our main goal is for the students to enjoy the sport at a young age and become knowledgeable of the sport,” said Kevin Hartbaurer, head age group coach for MLAC. MLAC’s many coaches have helped to produce nationally and internationally ranked swimmers, and also have helped teach many kids who have mastered basic swimming skills and who wanted a bigger
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challenge in swimming. While the majority of the club’s swimmers compete, it is not required to join the club. In its year-round competitive swimming program, students are placed in swimming classifications including Novice, Age Group I, Age Group II, Junior, and Senior. A swimmer’s placement is based on his/her age and ability. Though practice times vary from group to group, most of the groups practice at least three times weekly. The club’s more advanced swimmers practice more often, but all team members are encouraged to attend at least 80 percent of all practices, to get the most out of the program. MLAC’s Minnows program prepares swimmers for year-round competitive swimming by emphasizing their stroke technique and stroke development. The program is run by the MLAC coaching staff
Mt. Lebanon
and is divided into two levels, which practice one or two hours each week. The Minnows program is best for children who want to improve their swimming skills but who may be unsure about swimming competitively. Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club is a non-profit group that was formed to teach children to develop their competitive swimming skills, first and foremost. Even so, 95 of the club’s swimmers were on both its regular and summer swim teams last year. Competitiveness isn’t stressed with the swimmers until they are older, Hartbaurer said. “We try to get them to be their fastest in high school… We want swimming to be a lifelong sport and enjoyable. We try to push technique and having fun at a young age,” he said. MLAC has members from all over the South Hills, said Hartbaurer, a former member of the club who grew up in Crafton Heights. “I became a coach because I really enjoyed the sport. It’s really something I’ve loved, and giving back to the sport is natural,” he said. The WPIAL swimming championships is one of the most exciting meets in all of high school swimming, Hartbaurer said. Last year, one of MLAC’s swimmers, Katie Ford, won the 50 Freestyle race in the AAA division, he noted. “We are hoping to make a big splash again at WPIALs this year. We’ve had some scholarship-winning athletes come out of our program,” he said. The club’s biggest event of the year may be its Summer Celebrity Swimming Meet, which is held in the summer for USA Swimming A-standard swimmers. For Hartbaurer, seeing his swimmers improve is the neatest part of his job. “Helping kids get faster—seeing them accomplish things that three months ago they had no idea they could do—that is the best part,” he said. To learn more about Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club, visit the group's web site at http://mlacswimming.com.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
T
oo many times, animal control officer Roy Hayward kept a dog longer than usual because his gut told him it was someone’s pet. Rather than euthanizing the canine, Hayward kept the dog in South Hills Cooperative Animal Control’s kennel for several weeks, hoping its owner would turn up. Finally he had to euthanize the animal, only to have the owner inquire later and learn the dog had been put down. The former ga me warden and animal lover realized the system had to change. “I knew I had to do something about the situation,” Hayward said. So, four years ago he came up with a plan to see that it didn’t happen again—the Lost Pet Project. Green Tree Borough is the birthplace of this cutting edge program to save lost pets from being euthanized and reunite them with their owners. The Lost Pet Project was started throu gh cooperation between borough officials and SHCAC, and the program goes to great lengths to ensure that such heartbreaking scenarios never happen again. While state law mandates that a dog picked up as a stray can be sent to a shelter and euthanized within two days if an owner isn’t found, the Lost Pet Project uses technology and networking with animal advocacy groups to reunite pets with their owners, or find adoptive owners for them before the pets are euthanized. Hayward is not a pet owner, but he considers each pet his company picks up to be at least temporarily his pet and, like his colleagues, he walks the dogs daily, even after his shift, rather than leaving them constantly in a cage. He started the Lost Pet Project out of a feeling of responsibility to the pets and their owners. “My goal was to limit the amount of euthanasia. It seemed to me we weren’t doing enough,” Hayward said.
t c e j o r P t Lost Pe s e v i L s e v Sa arnes
By Jonathan B
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Operating under the auspices of Mt. Lebanon Police Department, South Hills Cooperative Animal Control is a 30-year-old cooperative effort of eight communities in South Hills. Green Tree, Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Heidelberg, Scott Township and Whitehall share the $350,000 annual cost of the program, which provides four animal control officers, three vehicles, an animal holding facility and seven day a week operations in those communities. Since its inception, the Lost Pet Project has been very successful—in 2011, about 90 percent of the 153 dogs SHCAC picked up were back with owners, and just two dogs were euthanized. According to state law, a dog that is picked up as a stray by animal control officers becomes the property of the state after 48 hours. And while some animal control ser vices follow the letter of the law and euthanize animals that have no identification after just days, after holding a pet for 48 hours, SHCAC animal control officers take photos of the animal and send a photo along with a description of the animal and where it was found to all of the communities in the cooperative, as well as to the Animal Rescue League, Animal Friends and the Western Pennsylvania H umane Society. They also notify officials of other South Hills communities whose borders touch the communities in the cooperative. “We basically want to get the animal back to the person who owns it. We are not an agency. We have limited resources to hold animals,” Hayward said. “The Lost Pet project is a way to let the public know we are in possession of a pet. Green Tree was the forerunner of the pr oject.” Prior to the start of the project, SHCAC euthanized dozens of dogs each year because they couldn’t find owners for them. In 2011, 12 dogs would have been euthanized by SHCAC, if not for the Lost Pet Project. For the past four years, the group has euthanized four or fewer dogs each year. In a region where thousands of pets are needlessly euthanized annually, the Lost Pet Project serves as the mo del for how animal control services should be done. Sometimes SHCAC officers pick up a pet that is injured, but the group doesn’t always have the funding to care for the animal. In such cases, Castle Shannon Animal Hospital works with them to care for the pets. Animal lovers who want to help with the effort to care for and find the owners for the strays can make a donation to the Animal Rescue League, Animal Friends, the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, or the Mt. Lebanon Animal Control Injured Animal Fund. Ensuring that your dog has a license and that it is secured to the dog’s collar is a simple and legally required way to prove that the animal is your pet. Dogs that are licensed can be reunited with their owners fairly quickly. Dogs and cats also can have a microchip placed in them that will cause them no harm, but could save them from being euthanized, by having their identifying information contained within the chip. Animal control officers can scan the chip and quickly locate the owner. “It’s a public safety issue. And it helps us protect dogs that aren’t being cared for properly,” Hayward said. Pet owners have financial reasons to follow the law and license their pet. Every time your dog is picked up by animal control officers, it will cost you money. For the first offense, it will cost a $100 fine and $123 in court costs if you fight the charge. A second offense within six months of the first offense will cost a $500 fine. A third offense within six months could carry a fine of up to $1,000. Those kindhearted types who want to save their feline and canine friends from the indignity of an untimely death should put their money where their hearts are, and help those who help the animals. “Supporting the shelters is probably one of the biggest things you can do to help,” Hayward said. “If an animal doesn’t go to its owner or to a shelter, it goes to a needle.”
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hen the Mt. Lebanon Veterans Memorial is dedicated on Memorial Day, the name Dale Colby won’t be inscribed in stone, as will the names of those who died in the service. But in the phrase “for all who have served,” which will be written on the memorial, Colby and many others will be remembered. Even so, it won’t reflect the fact that Colby served as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and served two tours of duty in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was a navigator on a KC135, which is a refueling aircraft that flies at 35,000 feet. Gone a few months at a time from his new wife, Jody, and young children, Colby and his family felt the pain of separation, much as many families of those in the service now do, and always have. The best times were when he was back stateside with Jody and the kids, at the base in Loring, Maine. “It was a relief to have him home,” Jody Colby said. But former Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Dale Colby, who died in January 2010, was a lot like many of his
neighbors in the municipality and didn’t think of the planned veterans memorial as honoring himself but rather, as a reminder of those who made the greatest sacrifice. His love for his community and his dedication to making it better were at the heart of his involvement with the project and his other volunteer work. In addition to serving on the board of commissioners, he helped found the Youth Sports Alliance, and the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment. He also was one of the committee members who spearheaded the veterans memorial project, on which ground was broken last Memorial Day. After Dale Colby’s passing, his wife Jody and daughter Brienne Colby Sembrat wanted to continue his legacy of service by helping to shepherd the veterans memorial project to construction. To do so, the women completed a campaign within a campaign for the memorial, raising money for the effort from students and staff at local schools. It seemed a natural thing for Jody Colby to do. “My husband was on the original committee. He was a
By Jonathan Barnes
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
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commissioner at the time. He and other commissioners pushed this idea, which came from a local veteran,” she said. But the idea of taking the fundraising for the memorial to Mt. Lebanon’s schools was Jody’s, which might not come as a surprise to those who know the former schoolteacher. She was a first grade teacher at Foster School for many years, and is comfortable talking to students and working with administrators. She asked her daughter Brienne to help her with the project, and the two became part of the veterans memorial committee in August 2010. From that involvement sprouted their effort to fundraise in the schools, bringing more people into the community project, just as Dale Colby had worked with so many other people to help the community. Numerous people contributed to the veterans memorial project to honor Dale, including Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment, which gave $1,000 in his honor. And many others have given to this cause to remember those who died protecting the freedoms of all of us. But Jody and Brienne’s story is really the larger story of the memorial project, writ small, since so many people have connections to veterans and the military and lost loved ones which made them want to contribute to the monument. So the two decided they would visit all of the schools and raise money for the memorial. But how, Brienne wondered. “The question is, what do you do in the schools? We wanted to get the message out to everyone without being burdensome… It was one of those things that just worked out,” she said. Beginning in February 2011 and ending in May, Jody and Brienne gave presentations to students at each of Mt. Lebanon’s 10 schools. Wearing Mt. Lebanon sweatshirts, the women showed students a short video and talked about what a veteran is, and about those who’ve given their lives for their country, and about the memorial. They had a goal of bringing in $10,000 from the 10 schools and raised $12,796, which will cost more than $420,000 when it is completed and which Duquesne Light contributed $220,000 towards, in addition to $200,000 from the community. The monument will have a maintenance fund that donors can still help to build. The mother-daughter duo had the help of teachers, administrators and parents at the schools who served as contacts for the Colby campaign. Donations came in ones, fives and ten dollar bills. “We wanted to make it possible for as many people to contribute, so it would be something people would know about,” Jody said. “That’s why it helped, taking it to the schools.” “She really led the way,” Brienne said. The memorial will be made of stone walls laid out in an oval shape. Inside the walls will be the names of veterans who died in action. A flagpole will center the memorial, and in-the-ground lighting will illuminate the structure at night, so that people always are aware of it and can always see it. Much of the expense for the monument will be the electrical work. The monument will be Mt. Lebanon’s first major memorial honoring veterans, but it will always have a special meaning for Brienne Sembrat, because of the connection to her dad. He was a man who worked for the good of the community, and who was interested in doing what was good for Mt. Lebanon, Brienne said. “To carry on something that was so important to him and others was great. It ended up being just wonderful. A lot of things came together to make it a worthwhile experience that we had a lot of motivation for,” she said. While the money for the memorial’s construction has been raised, upkeep of the highly visible structure, which will be at the entrance of Mt. Lebanon Community Park, will go on for generations. Those interested in contributing to the memorial can do so by sending a donation to Mt. Lebanon Veterans Memorial, Mt. Lebanon Municipality, 710 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. To learn more, email Mt. Lebanon Public Information Office at veterans@mtlebanon.org, or call the office at 412.343.3407.
Academically Speaking what’s going on at
Our Lady of Grace School
A Foundation in Gospel Values, Service to the Community, and Academic Excellence. 1734 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 • 412.279.6611 www.olgscott.net
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ox Chapel
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Photos by Gary Yon The North Ice Hockey Team battled the Pittsburgh Celebrity Hockey Team this February at the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center. All proceeds benefited Crisis Center North. The evening also featured entertainment by Skeeter John and a prize raffle! Prizes included tickets to local events, games, museums and parks, restaurant gift cards, and sports merchandise. To see more photos of this event, visit our website at www.facebook.com/ICMags
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
The Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club is all about “Good Work and Good Friends.” Lisa Sweeny, 3-year member and Public Relations Chairperson of the Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club, emphasizes that the non-profit is focused on many areas in the South Hills, not just Mt. Lebanon. It was started by two local women in the Peters Township Community. “We help contribute to causes that benefit women and childr en around areas in the South Hills, and we focus on furthering good things,” she said. “A large part of our members are not only from Mt. Lebanon but also from Peters Township, Bethel Park, and Upper St. Clair. The organization has been in existence for close to 50 years, since 1968, and they have around 100 members throughout many areas of the South Hills. We try to impact areas beyond Mt. Lebanon.” Th e Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club gives back to the community through “civic, philanthropic, and social activities that focus on improving the lives of women and children.” Sweeny explained, “Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club is compromised of a dynamic group of women accomplished in career, family, and community involvement.” With approximately 100 members, MLJWC invites women living in Mt. Lebanon and surrounding communities to join the club. Membership is open to women in the South Hills area who are committed to the goals of the organization. Membership is accepted at any
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point during the year. Meetings occur on the 4th Monday of every month at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. They have a wide variety of presentation topics including educational aspects, self defense, and breast cancer awareness. Pros pective members may attend two general meetings and review the Club's Standing Rules, By-Laws, and Charitable By-Laws before considering membership in the organization. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m., but women can come early for appetizers, desserts, and drinks. New members are asked to: participate in Meals on Wheels twice a club year, purchase one ticket to the annual benefit, and help plan the May Mem ber Dinner. If they join May through January, annual dues are $50. Dues for new members who join January through April are $28. Special events occur throughout the year to help new members familiarize themselves with the club. Sweeny explained the expectations of a potential member in the organization. “One must have a combination of interests in social and charitable activities and be driven to help t he community; one must have the desire to do these things along with participating in social events.” There are certain club requirements and members must participate in various activities. The Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club holds in various events throughout the year. Their goal is always to “further good things.” There are many small charitable events. For instance, this year they hosted a holiday s hopping and food market and helped support the Women’s Center and
Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Members willingly donate their time to the organization to better their surrounding communities. The Women’s Club’s biggest annual event is the Gala which is taking place in Fairmont this year. It is a “Toast for the Cure” with a wine theme. Some proceeds from this benefit will go to help the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. There will be a silent auction an d a luxury basket raffle. The host and emcee again this year is Andrew Stockey from WTAE. The organization also has an annual scholarship to support a Mt. Lebanon high school senior girl. The Women’s Club supports the Mt. Lebanon Library and the Mt. Lebanon Veterans Memorial which is being established now. For additional information including membership please visit www.mljwc.com or contact Lisa Sweeny at lpsweeny@me.com.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
The Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park (Breakfast) started off the new year with a new home – Kings Family Restaurant on McMurray Road. “We have enjoyed a 20-percent growth in our membership in the past 6 months and show no signs of stopping. In most respects this is good, but the sudden growth had caused parking and overcrowding issues at our previous location,” said President Brian Schill. “Kings store manager, Carla Newbegin, has been very accommodating in every aspect.” Hartley King, Founder, President and CEO served as the inaugural speaker. Other speakers for the month include George Matta from The Rivers Casino, Jake Sullivan from the Pittsburgh Power and Vince Gastgeb from Allegheny County Council. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 7 – 8 a.m. The Rotary Club of Upper St Clair-Bethel Park is one of three area Rotary clubs in Upper St Clair and Bethel Park. The clubs are part of Rotary International, which has 1.2 million members worldwide who remain dedicated to volunteer community service, promoting high ethical standards in all vocations and furthering international peace. In addition to thousands of volunteer hours, each year Rotary contributes millions of dollars in humanitarian aid and relief around the globe, funds 1,200 international scholarships and provides cross-cultural exchanges for
Club president Brian Schill (center) presents meeting plaque to store manager, Carla Newbegin and Kings President/CEO, Hartley King.
7,000 young leaders. Through its flagship program PolioPlus, Rotary has contributed more than $600 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. If anyone would like information regarding Rotary, please contact Brian at 412.833.6229, BLSchill@aol.com or check out their web site at www.clubrunner.ca/upperstclair.
Mt. Lebanon Women’s Golf League invites you to join us every Tuesday from mid-April through September at Mt. Lebanon Golf Course. Membership is open to all skill levels of women golfers who are residents of Mt. Lebanon and also non-residents. For more information call 412.344.6511.
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Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
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ometimes a restaurant has been around for so long, it becomes an institution, and that’s exactly what happened in the case of Peters Place. Started by brothers Bill and Mike Peters more than 25 years ago, Peters Place is a destination restaurant known for its fresh, unique recipes and calm, warm atmosphere. “We’ve always offered good food at a reasonable price,” said Mike Peters. “That’s why we’re still here. We make all our food from scratch with no canned or frozen desserts.” The restaurant’s menu is so good, Peters Place has carved out a niche as the place to go for wedding receptions. “We do more than 50 weddings a year and can hold anywhere from 30 to 300 people in our banquet rooms,” Peters said. “Our wedding packages start at $29.95 per person and include a complete dinner, 4-hour open bar, champagne toasts and custom wedding cake.” If you have your own hall, Peters Place does offsite catering as well. But for everyday lunch and dinner, you can’t go wrong at Peters Place. Open seven days a week at 11 a.m., patrons can get a typical lunch entrée for around $8, and a dinner entrée for around $18. Menu items range from their famous Orange Glazed Salmon, Virginia Spots, Seafood Bisque and Chocolate Mousse Pie, to seasonal favorites such as wintertime Maple Glazed Salmon, Pretzel Crusted Trout, Black and Blue Scallops, and Chicken Ravioli Asiago. “We also do daily specials,” Peters said. “We typically have six lunch specials and six dinner specials every day.” We had the opportunity to sample the Orange Glazed Salmon, which arrived at the table a feast to the eyes as well as the palate. Visually, the pink salmon covered in a thick layer of orange marmalade, was served with a side of fresh, crisp green beans and a strawberry garnish. The salmon was moist, supple and perfectly done. The glaze complemented the salmon and the
green beans for a savory, fruity mix that recalls the fresh bounties of the fall farmers’ markets. To say our chocolate mousse was decadent would be cliché, but very apropos. Fluffy and thick at the same time, the mousse was sweet, but not too sweet, and covered with a blanket of whipped cream streaming with chocolate sauce. This is a dessert that merits a trip to Peters Place on its own. Peters Place and their experienced chefs never hesitate to take on a challenge. So if you like your meal prepared a certain way, just ask and they’ll do their best to accommodate your needs and flavors to your liking. No challenge is too great for their more than 70 years of combined culinary experience. Peters Place is conveniently located at 1199 Washington Pike, just off the I-79 exit before the Great Southern Shopping Center. With plenty of on-site parking, you and your party will never want for a space. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. weeknights, 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 8 p.m. on Sundays. Peters Place also does off-site catering for showers, anniversaries, corporate events and more. For more information, go to www.Petersplacerestaurant.net, where you can view banquet room design plans, wedding menus and more. Or you can call 412.221.5000 to make reservations, although they are not required. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
racticing reading in front of a teacher, class or tutor can sometimes add pressure and nervousness to a kid who needs assistance in strengthening his or her reading and comprehension skills. The Mt. Lebanon Public Library is helping to take this stress away by providing a reading-to-adog program called Tail-Wagging Tutors. Because of the calm and non-judgmental atmosphere that the dogs provide, the kids can relax and read with more ease and confidence. Not only is it useful for a young reader to hear a story read aloud, but allowing the young reader an opportunity to practice reading aloud to others is also a key component in becoming a fluent reader. Reading aloud in a classroom setting can be quite intimidating especially to lesser skilled readers. Giving children an opportunity to practice reading
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out loud to a dog, one that is trained to remain calm and friendly around children, means they have a chance to practice an important skill that improves fluency and comprehension, in a non-judgmental and fun setting. A 2010 study by the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation of Walnut Creek, CA, revealed that reading to dogs helped children improve their fluency by up to 30 percent. All dog listeners are trained by Therapy Dogs International. There are other library programs for every age group and they can be found on the library’s website at www.mtlebanonlibrary.org. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
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SPRING 2012
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Let’s Get Physical What can a daily dose of moderate physical activity do for you? Plenty! As you get older, regular exercise is a key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy. To learn more about the link between fitness and aging, turn to page 3.
© 2012 UPMC
What’s Inside page 2
Need Quick, Convenient Care? Head to UPMC Mercy’s South Side Walk-in Clinic
page 3
Fit at Any Age
page 4
Surviving Allergies: What You Can Do Putting Ergonomics to Work for You
page 5
Brightening Lives With Light
page 6
A Walk to Remember
page 7
A Lasting Legacy of Caring
Need Quick, Convenient Care?
Head to UPMC Mercy’s South SideWalk-in Clinic Open days, evenings, and weekends, it’s the solution of choice for busy patients As a single, working mother of two, Joanne Krapp feels fortunate to have the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic available close by. She doesn’t have a car, but the clinic is just a 10-minute bus ride from her Carrick home. “It’s so convenient. You don’t need an appointment, and you’re in and out in no time,” says Joanne. “They treat you like you’re the first patient of the day, no matter what time you go.” Joanne first went to the clinic two years ago when she woke up with a burning rash all over her body. Diagnosed with multiple skin allergies — including sensitivity to various metals — she now takes precautions but periodically experiences allergic reactions. She’s been to the clinic for treatment about a half dozen times in two years.
A board-certified physician is on site at all times, along with nurses and other highly trained staff. Patients of all ages are accepted at the clinic, and walk-ins are welcome. Parking is free and plentiful.
A neighbor you can count on Kelly Sassaman, administrator of UPMC Mercy’s South Side Outpatient Center, says the clinic provides x-rays, sutures, blood work and screening, physical exams, and vaccinations, plus immediate care for such conditions as: • Colds and flu • Sore throats and earaches • Minor cuts and scrapes • Minor broken bones • Sprains and strains The clinic also serves as a primary care provider. Staff can refer patients to specialists, and they can provide a fast track to emergency services at UPMC Mercy, a Level 1 trauma center, she adds.
“I’m often treated by the same people when I go there. For someone like me who has a fear of hospitals, that’s important because it makes me feel very comfortable,” she says.
“We’re not an emergency room, but we handle many conditions,” explains Ms. Sassaman. “We’re meeting the needs of the community. Our neighbors don’t have to cross the river, deal with traffic or parking, or wait in an emergency room for treatment of minor injuries or illness. We can do that here.”
The Walk-in Clinic, located on the second floor of the UPMC Mercy South Side Outpatient Center at 2000 Mary St., is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Joanne hopes she won’t have to return for treatment anytime soon. “But, if I do, I know I’ll be in good hands,” she says.
Quality care in a comfortable setting
Pain Management and More In addition to the Walk-in Primary Care Clinic, the UPMC Mercy South Side Outpatient Center offers a comprehensive range of outpatient services. The convenient, one-stop location also provides everyday care ranging from EKGs and laboratory work to same-day surgery, as well as pain management services. At the center’s Pain Clinic, specialists work with patients to diagnose the source of chronic pain, and then reduce it using interventional treatments. Specially trained surgeons perform procedures, including injections and radiofrequency ablation.
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“We provide excellent care, and it’s so convenient for our patients. Most people are treated within a half hour,” says Jacqueline Belton, director of the Pain Clinic. The Pain Clinic, located on the ground floor of the outpatient center, is open weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m. To learn more about the UPMC Mercy South Side Outpatient Center and all the services available, visit UPMC.com and click on Hospitals and Facilities.
Fit atAnyAge Comedian George Burns — who lived to be 100 — often advised his audience to “Look to the future, because that’s where you’ll spend the rest of your life.” Vonda Wright, MD — a practicing orthopaedic surgeon at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine and a nationally recognized author of several books on active aging and fitness — thinks that’s sound advice. “Nothing is more natural than aging,” she says. “Adults over 40 today are redefining what it means to age. They’re looking ahead — and doing what it takes to stay fit and vital. “With just 30 minutes of daily exercise, you can minimize your risk for 35 common illnesses — including high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes,” says Dr. Wright, who also directs the center’s Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA®), which focuses on maximizing the performance of both elite and recreational athletes over age 40.
Staying fit as you age “As we enter our 40s and 50s, we’re just starting to hit our stride, with the potential for many years of wonderful living ahead of us. A well-balanced exercise plan is a key to maintaining that quality of life as we grow older,” she maintains.
Many say that 50 is the new 30 as today’s mature adults enjoy more active, fitter, and healthier lives than any other generation.
“There’s no age or activity level to prevent any older adult from being active,” explains Dr. Wright. In fact, studies of 90-year-old men doing resistance training on a daily basis showed improvements in their strength and functioning.
Getting started
Starting — and sticking with — a fitness plan initially can be hard, says Dr. Wright. “The first step is to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Schedule it on your calendar, like an appointment,” she advises. “Don’t be a weekend warrior. Instead, try to maintain a moderate activity level throughout the week, and increase your exercise level gradually to reduce your chance of overuse or injury.” She tells her patients to FACE the future with a balanced, total body workout designed to achieve maximum benefits while avoiding injury:
F — Flexibility with daily stretching exercises A — Aerobic cardiovascular exercises every other day, using interval-style training Carry a load (or strength train) to build and maintain muscles in your arms, C — legs, and core (stomach, back, and abdomen) E — Equilibrium and balance through simple exercises like standing on one foot “Whenever possible, mix up activities like running, swimming, cycling, or rowing,” encourages Dr. Wright. “Cross training helps promote total fitness while reducing the chance for injury. Most of all, take that first step!” To learn more about UPMC’s PRIMA program for mature athletes, call 412-432-3651 or visit UPMC.com/SportsMedicine. You’ll find PRIMA listed under Performance in the Our Services section.
Should you see a doctor first? You’re 50 years old and a pack-a-day smoker. You also have high blood pressure, and you haven’t exercised since Ronald Reagan was president. Should you see your doctor before hitting the local gym? “Regular exercise is the best gift you can give yourself. But it’s important to use common sense when getting started,” says Lance Brunton, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Mercy who sees patients at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. If you’re in generally good health and starting off with light to moderate physical activity, an extensive medical workup probably isn’t necessary. “But if you’ve been diagnosed with any medical condition, have been sedentary for some time, or are at risk for potential heart problems, it’s essential to talk to your doctor,” advises Dr. Brunton. “Working together, you and your doctor can create the right exercise plan based on your age, physical condition, family history, and other key factors.” If you’re over the age of 40, visit UPMC.com/Today to take the American College of Sports Medicine’s Physical Activity Readiness Self-Exam.
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Surviving Allergies: What You Can Do If you dread the approach of spring and the arrival of allergy season, here are a few ways to reduce your sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes
What to do If you take medication to control your symptoms, start treatment early — before your seasonal allergies flare up, says BJ Ferguson, MD, director of the Division of Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy at UPMC, and a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In western Pennsylvania, tree pollen starts flying around by the end of February or in early March, when it warms up enough for trees to begin budding.
Medications to take Dr. Ferguson recommends starting with an over-thecounter (OTC) medication, preferably a non-sedating antihistamine. She cautions that some products can be sedating or even result in extreme drowsiness that can impair driving. Be sure to read the accompanying instructions or ask your pharmacist about side effects. OTC decongestants can relieve nasal congestion but should only be used on a short-term basis, Dr. Ferguson says. Decongestants can cause significant side effects, such as insomnia, agitation, heart palpitations, and a rise in blood pressure. A saline nasal wash also can help relieve congestion.
When to see a doctor “If you are getting no relief and it is impairing your quality of life, you should see a doctor about more effective alternatives and testing,” says Dr. Ferguson. • A doctor can prescribe medications that can provide effective relief from chronic congestion. • Allergy testing can determine precisely what you are or aren’t allergic to. A new sublingual immunotherapy administered under the tongue is just as effective as allergy shots, and with fewer side effects, says Dr. Ferguson. • Your doctor also can determine if your nasal blockage is caused by inflammation or nasal polyps, a deviated septum, enlarged adenoids, or an infection.
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Putting Ergonomics to Work for You At home and on the job, ergonomics can help you avoid injury and discomfort — and even increase your productivity The goal of ergonomics is to make our places of work as safe, comfortable, and efficient as possible. But let’s not limit its uses to our day jobs! According to the physical therapists at UPMC Mercy, many of the aches and pains people experience can be attributed to ergonomic issues like poor posture, excessive repetitive movement, or improper lifting techniques. They advise applying basic ergonomic principles at work, home, or play to help avoid injury and perform at your best. • Use the right equipment. Make sure the tool fits the job and your body, whether you’re sitting at a desk, vacuuming, riding a bike, or swinging a golf club. • Work at the right height for you. A too-low computer chair or a too-high kitchen counter can wreak havoc on your neck, back, and shoulders. • Avoid contact stress. Wear gloves or use tools designed to reduce pressure on soft tissue to avoid blisters and other skin damage. • Keep items within easy reach. Extend your arms out on each side. Picture an imaginary arc in front of you from left to right. Place the tools or supplies you use most often within that area. • Avoid repetitive movements and working long periods in one position. Alternate tasks and change your body position regularly. Stretch every 20 to 30 minutes. Visit UPMC.com/Today where you can find more ergonomic tips to use at work and at home.
Brightening Lives with Light Light therapy is proving to be an effective treatment for bipolar depression and other mood disorders Michele Twyman of Penn Hills always dreaded the approach of winter and the holidays. As the days shortened, she grew increasingly tired, sleepy, and depressed. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed — and stay there. “I didn’t enjoy anything — from decorating to shopping. I never felt like celebrating,” says Ms. Twyman, who has a bipolar disorder and has battled depression for more than 30 years. But last Christmas was different. For the first time in years, she decorated, shopped, and made wreaths and centerpieces. “I enjoy the holidays again. I realize now how much I missed being happy about life’s little things,” she says.
New treatment shows bright promise
People with bipolar depression are especially sensitive to changes in outdoor ambient light and the seasons, she explains. The onset of fall and winter can trigger symptoms similar to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including fatigue, sluggishness, daytime sleepiness, carb cravings, loss of interest, and inability to experience pleasure. Individuals with bipolar depression also may have suicidal thoughts.
How and why it works
“There are few effective treatments for bipolar depression. That’s why we’re exploring novel approaches such as light therapy.” — Dorothy Sit, MD
Ms. Twyman credits her new outlook to an artificial light box provided by Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) of UPMC. Every afternoon, she sits in bright light for about a half hour while reading or planning appointments and activities. It took just a few weeks to feel the effects. She now wakes up feeling more rested and relaxed. She’s also better able to care for her 95-year-old father. “There are few effective treatments for bipolar depression. That’s why we’re exploring novel approaches such as light therapy,” says Dorothy Sit, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, and a researcher at WPIC who is leading an ongoing study in the use of light therapy for treatment of bipolar depression. “Most patients feel better within two weeks of starting it, and continue to improve for up to eight weeks.” According to Dr. Sit, treatment is inexpensive and effective. Patients with seasonal depression require 30 to 60 minutes of daily light therapy while patients with non-seasonal depression need 45 to 60 minutes.
Light therapy replaces lost sunlight exposure and resets the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythms — important for everyone’s general health, mood, and thinking. That’s why light therapy also can help patients with jet lag, shift workers, and people with sleep disorders.
While light therapy is generally safe, patients with bipolar depression also must be on a mood stabilizer or they’ll be at risk for manic episodes, says Dr. Sit. Other possible side effects include headaches, eyestrain, irritation, agitation, and insomnia. These symptoms normally disappear following adjustments in the time and length of treatment.
Light therapy tips • Check with your doctor or mental health professional to see if light therapy is a good option for you. • Follow your doctor’s advice concerning any special precautions you need to take. • Use light therapy only with guidance from your doctor or mental health provider to minimize possible side effects and maximize benefits. Visit UPMC.com/Today for more information on bipolar depression and the light therapy study. To participate in the study, call 1-800-436-2461. For information on light boxes, visit the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at cet.org.
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AWalk to Remember UPMC Rehabilitation Institute helps make a seemingly impossible wedding dream come true Megan Dow was an athletic, carefree 27-year-old with so much to look forward to — from her upcoming wedding to a new house and barn. But a freak ATV accident on Memorial Day 2010 changed her life in an instant, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. It took a week for Megan to realize her broken neck and back wouldn’t be a quick fix and another six months to acknowledge that her paralysis might have permanent effects. Despite the diagnosis, the Negley, Ohio, resident was determined to walk down the aisle on her wedding day 16 months later. “What means more to a girl than walking down the aisle at her wedding?” asks Megan, who became engaged just weeks before the accident.
Regaining the life she lost Initially, she couldn’t sit up without help and wore braces to support her back, neck, and legs. “I went from doing everything to not being able to brush my teeth; from being able to throw a bale of hay to not being able to pick up a gallon of milk,” Megan says. An avid outdoorswoman, Megan longed to return to her activities, including horseback riding, camping, volunteering as a 4H Club adviser, and working as an interior designer. “I absolutely loved the life I had before the accident. I had to work to bring these things back into my life,” she says.
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At the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s spinal cord injury unit at UPMC Mercy, Megan’s team of specialists put her to work four hours a day, six days a week in an intensive rehabilitation program. Luckily, she had use of her quadriceps, which allowed her to walk with the help of braces and a walker. Slowly, she relearned everyday skills like dressing herself and walking. She also learned new skills, such as transferring to a shower chair from her wheelchair, and did exercises to build her strength. Megan vowed she’d walk without the walker by that Christmas (a goal she met by Thanksgiving) and down the aisle without a cane. A few weeks before her wedding, Megan donned her gown and practiced walking in the gym with her physical therapist.
Walking happily into the future On her wedding day — Oct. 1, 2011 — Megan did walk down the aisle. Among the guests were her UPMC doctor, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. “They’re a huge part of my life and the reason I’m where I am today. They had to be there!” exclaims Megan. “I’m so grateful to everyone at the Rehabilitation Institute. They gave me the tools I needed, and they encouraged and steered me in the right direction.”
Megan and Eric Dow walked down the aisle after exchanging marriage vows on Oct. 1, 2011.
Megan and her husband Eric honeymooned in Cancún, Mexico, where they snorkeled, swam, kayaked, and even explored some ancient ruins. Today, while she still uses a wheelchair and cane, Megan is thankful she can walk up to two hours with just leg braces. She’s also driving again, riding horses, camping, and doing other activities. “It was a miracle. I’m so grateful I can still do what I used to do — I just do them differently,” Megan says. To learn more about UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and its services, visit UPMC.com/RehabInstitute. You’ll also find a link to Megan’s story and those of other patients who’ve benefited from the institute’s specialized care.
A Lasting Legacy of Caring It was 165 years ago that a small band of Irish nuns pioneered the ministry of Catholic health care in Pittsburgh — a spirit of compassionate care that is alive today at UPMC Mercy Catholic health care has a long and rich tradition in the United States, providing care to medically underserved, diverse, and poor communities. In Pittsburgh, that tradition took shape in the work of seven Sisters of Mercy who first came from Ireland in 1843 to care for the poor and sick. In 1847, those remarkable women built the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, the first Catholic hospital in Pittsburgh. Today, at UPMC Mercy — the last Catholic hospital in Pittsburgh — their legacy of giving reverent, compassionate care of the highest quality to all patients is flourishing. To Sisters of Mercy, their fourth vow — caring for the poor, sick, and uneducated — is as sacred as the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. “Scripture provides the model we follow,” explains Phyllis Grasser, vice president of mission effectiveness and spiritual care at UPMC Mercy. “The healing ministry of Christ included a commitment to the poor and vulnerable.”
Securing our mission and identity When the Sisters of Mercy began seeking a partner to help secure the hospital’s future, preserving its faith-based mission of care was of vital concern. In 2008, Mercy Hospital merged with UPMC under an agreement that assured that the hospital would retain its Catholic identity and ethics. That agreement was one of the first of its kind in the United States between a Catholic hospital and a secular health system, and has since become a model for others. Partnering with UPMC also put the struggling hospital on solid financial ground and enabled it to upgrade facilities and bring in new specialized programs and advanced technologies, says Ms. Grasser. UPMC Mercy will continue to provide the best and most advanced medical care to the region’s underserved and most vulnerable populations.
“The executive team is very supportive of the mission, and they’ve encouraged us to strengthen UPMC Mercy’s Catholic tradition,” adds Ms. Grasser.
The mission in action Mercy has always been respected for the important role it has played in the lives of people throughout western Pennsylvania. For nearly 170 years, people have trusted the sisters to care for them with respect, regardless of social status or ability to pay. That has not changed, says Ms. Grasser. Since merging with UPMC, the hospital’s charity care has doubled. While some sisters remain actively involved at UPMC Mercy, the staff is comprised mainly of lay people. Although the lay staff come from a variety of religious traditions, they have a deep understanding of and commitment to the hospital’s faith-based mission. With the support and encouragement of the sisters and the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Ms. Grasser is helping to build a generation of lay leaders to carry Mercy’s mission and values into the future. To do that, she and her staff regularly host lay leadership training programs, as well as seminars for all employees that focus on the hospital’s Catholic identity. “The qualities of trust, teamwork, forgiveness, and generosity are at the core of who we are and what we do as people and as care providers,” explains Ms. Grasser. “They bind us to each other and to our patients.” “The mission, vision, and values of Mercy have not changed. Providing quality medical care with respect and reverence for all people is our responsibility — and our legacy,” says Ms. Grasser.
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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.
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Community Open House April 19 5 to 7 p.m.
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Tragedy Comes Tragedy
TRIUMPH -By Pamela Palongue
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pr
One organization that GPBF is partnering with is called “Peace Players” which uses the sport of basketball for bringing teens together from diverse back ckgr grounds. Peace Players are currently located in Northern Ireland, South A Affrica and Cyprus, all areas of civil Sustainable peace is rrooted ooted conflicts based on ethnic, religious or political differences. Another organization called the “Seeds of Peace” holds a threein personal relationships r and-a-half week program where teens fr from Palestini - Tom Etzel backgrounds are brought together for recreation and a d hour dialogue to discuss controversial topics in orde down the barriers of prejudice. “Search for Common Ground” is an an organization th in existence for 30 years which which seeks to change the a young people through the cultural influence of radio GPBF will continue to seek out reputable organi to partner with ar around the world to promote peace at a grassroots level. Etzel describes the effect of these organizations as a r ipple which spreads ffrrom individuals to groups aand nd eventually to nations. Etzel hopes to spread the mission of peace by speak akin ing to groups aand nd organizations throughout the Pittsburgh area regarding these organizations and the success that they are achieving. “Sustainable peace is rooted in personal relationships, ships,”” adds Etzel
Forr m Fo more o re iinform information nf or m mation at i o n oonn tthe at h e oorganizati organization, rg a n i z at at i yo u m may ay vvi iisit s i t ttheir h e i r we website b s i te aatt you visit
www.globalpeacebuilding.org. www .globalpeacebuilding.org.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 51
Bringing History to Life By Pamela Palongue
t. Lebanon author Mary Calland takes historical fact and weaves fictional characters into the fabric of her books, resulting in a very personal account of events that is intriguing even to folks who don’t relish history. “I like reaching out to people who don’t really read historical accounts because they find them very dry,” says Calland, who just penned her second book, Consecrated Dust. The story centers around two historic events that deeply affected southwestern Pennsylvania residents during the Civil War and incredibly, happened on the same day. The Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single-day battle of the Civil War and an explosion at a Pittsburgh arsenal which killed 79 women, both occurred on September 17th, 1862. With over 23,000 casualties at Antietam, the arsenal explosion did not receive the amount of attention it might have, had it happened on another day. Controversy swirled around the explosion as investigators attempted to uncover the cause of the blast. One theory even suggested that perhaps the explosion was the result of a Confederate plot. Calland’s book explores the different theories and ties the two horrific events of September 17th together. Calland’s first book, Barefoot in the Stubblefield, is loosely based on the story of her mother’s childhood and her parents’ courtship, although she adds that the story has been largely fictionalized. It is set in the time period of the Depression era and World War II. The Elmira, New York native didn’t always work as a writer. After graduating with a degree in law from Notre Dame, Calland worked as an attorney for the Dept. of Labor for about five years. “If computers were as widely used as they are now, I might still be working as an attorney [from home],” notes Calland. However, after
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having children it was difficult for Calland to work away from home every Photo day and so her by Gra ce A. C law career was suspended alland by motherhood. This would turn out to be a blessing in disguise since it led to her re-discovering her love of writing. Calland had worked on the school paper and had always written, but what actually sparked her writing career was a conversation with her mother. “I was one of eight, so I don’t think I had ever actually college and helps the older children locate summer jobs. “You can see the results,” gotten to just sit down and talk with my says Calland, who adds that the program mother one on one before,” explains Calland. Her mother began relating details has a 99% graduation rate. When Calland is not writing or of her life that Calland had never heard volunteering with Crossroads, she enjoys before, including the fact that her mother was adopted by a wealthy aunt and uncle. gardening or riding her quarter horse at a farm in Bentleyville. Now that the youngest Her good fortune, however, was of her five children is in college, she’s been intermittently interrupted by summers taking classes in dressage for the past spent on a farm, living in relative poverty. The interesting existence of living two very three-and-a-half years, fulfilling yet another different lifestyles piqued Calland’s interest lifelong dream. Calland has some sound advice for and she asked her mother if she would be young writers hoping to become published. amenable to the idea of her story being “Build a resume, write for smaller told in writing. Her mother agreed and publications, even if it’s just a newsletter to Calland began writing in earnest. get experience,” says Calland. Also, she In addition to having two published recommends talking to other writers and books, Calland is also active with a local joining writers’ groups. She advises that a organization called ‘Crossroads.’ Her great deal of perseverance is also needed. husband Dean is the board president of “Don’t quit your day job – literally. You may the non-profit and Calland actively volunteers at his side. Crossroads reaches have to do a couple of jobs for a while before you can work full time as a writer.” out to at-risk teens by mentoring, tutoring “I’m amazed at the number of authors and providing scholarships for them to we have in the Pittsburgh area and study at area Catholic schools. They especially Mt. Lebanon,” adds Calland, sponsor Crossroad House in the Hill District where students in the program can who believes that it’s important to support local authors in the same way that local come to study and receive tutoring. The artists and musicians should be supported. group also takes the children on field trips, Calland’s books are available on helps them apply for scholarships for www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com and Calland’s website at www.MaryFraileyCalland.com.
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work at full-time jobs do not have enough to eat. With employee benefits such as health care decreasing, many workers are faced with the choice of paying for their health care insurance and prescriptions -or food. Wor kers have also accepted cutbacks in the number of hours worked or decreases in hourly wages in order to retain their jobs. This shortage in pay has to be made up in other areas and one way that individuals stretch their paycheck is by skipping meals to the detriment of their health. According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, since August of 2008, area food banks have been serving an avera ge of 2,500 new households every month! This dramatic increase correlates directly to the economic hard times of the past few years. The St. Winifred’s Food Pantry located at 550 Sleepy Hollow Road which serves the Mt. Lebanon area, saw their biggest increase in food insecurity in 2010. According to Director Mary Anne Stock, over 231,000 pounds of food was distributed to needy families during the year. “ We pack over 500 bags a month of groceries. Our pantry serves over 1,300 people,” says Stock. As major businesses in the area closed their Pittsburgh locations, many individuals who had never been out of work found themselves suddenly at the doorstep of the food pantry. In other situations, economic hardship can be the result of unforeseeable circumstances. “Susan” and “Bob” held good jobs and were ra ising their two children, living in an attractive cottage home. Although they were young and healthy, Susan suddenly fell ill and had to be hospitalized for several weeks. Insurance took care of the hospital bills, however the loss of Susan’s income left the family without enough money to pay for groceries. A long rehab process had to be completed before Susan would be able to return to work. For the f irst two weeks after her discharge, Bob had to stay home with Susan to care for her since she was unable to walk, cook a meal or bathe. This further depleted the family income. During this difficult time, Bob and Susan were able to receive enough groceries from the local food pantry to help sustain their family. The provisions from the food pantry were a great relief for Bob, who knew that at least his family would have enough to eat. As Susan recovered, they were slowly able to catch up their bills and get their finances back on track. Luckily, their dependence on the food pantry was consistent diet of nothing but cereal? Unfortunately, the poor are many fairly short-lived. times forced to buy what is cheap without regard for nutritional value. Many situations can cause a person or family to be in a position of Indeed, many people are lucky to ha ve enough money to buy food at all. As people age, nutrition becomes even more important to sustaining need for food. Unexpected job loss and health problems like the families previously mentioned are just a couple of reasons that indi viduals may life. For individuals with health problems such as diabetes or heart experience a food shortage. Many persons work in low-paying jobs with problems, good food is essential. To growing children, proper nutrition limited education and are unable to make ends meet even in stable times. is vitally important for optimal learning in school and normal physical Divorce often leaves mothers with small children in difficult financial development. Unfortunately, many people in our area do not have situations, unable to provide for their families, especially if child support enough food to eat, much l ess the financial resources to buy healthy, is non-existent. The death of a spouse or other wage-earner in the nutritious food. household can deal a sharp economi c blow to any family. Individuals One common misconception is that people who are hungry are unemployed. Although this is sometimes the case, many individuals who who live with very little disposable income may find themselves with food insecurity if expensive car repairs are needed in order to maintain transportation to work. The causes of food insecurity are as numerous as the people dealing with the problem of hunger. If a family is fortunate enough to have enough to eat, there are important things that anyone can do to help thos e who are hungry. One of the most obvious ways is to donate money to your local food pantry. This enables the food bank to buy the nutritious foods that are needed, rather than having to cope with limited amounts of random food items. Although many businesses and corporations support the food banks, they could not survive without help from the general population at large. The support
o many, hunger is someone else’s problem; a difficulty that will happen to someone else’s family. But according to a 2004 study by Washington University of St. Louis, at least 42% of Americans will deal with food insecurity at some time during their lives. It is interesting to note that this study was done four years prior to the beginning of the recession. It is hard to overestimate the importance of food to quality of life and overall health. Medical experts now tell us that the major factors in determining disease are DNA, exercise and nutrition. A person may be able to stay alive by eating cereal every day, but how healthy is a
Local Food Pantry Helps Fight Hunger
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of individuals in the community is crucial. For some families, a donation of $25 or $50 may pose a hardship on their budget. But even with limited incomes, there are things that almost anyone can do to help. Some grocery stores offer shoppers the opportunity to make a contribution to the local food pantry at the check-out line. If every family who is able makes a donation of $1 each week when they shop for groceries, think of the money that could be generated to help feed the hungry! By donating a smaller amount more frequently, it is less painful than writing a check for $20 or more. A small donation of one dollar will most likely not be missed in the family budget, but will help make a big impact when combined with the dollars from other area households. Although monetary donations allow the food pantry t he ability to buy food supplies to fill their particular needs, food donations are also helpful. Many times we buy things at the store with good intentions, but those items at the back of the cupboard are just not being eaten. Chances are if you take a quick inventory of your pantry, there are a few items that could be donated to your local food bank. In particular need are high fiber cereals, rice, pasta , canned beans such as kidney, black and navy which are an important source of protein. Peanut butter, canned tuna and salmon also supply much needed protein. Canned vegetables and fruits are always welcomed as well as fruit and vegetable juices, although they should be 100% juice, so be sure to check the ingredients label before donating. Chili, stews and soups are also valuable items because they offer a quick and easy way to get several daily nutrients in one, convenient source. Glass containers cannot be accepted at local food banks because of possible breakage. Although many foods remain nutritious and palatable after they expire, some do not. Therefore donated food items should not be expired. Another practically painless way to donate food is to take advantage of store specials. When your local grocer y runs a special where two items may be purchased and the third one
is free or a ‘two for the price of one’ special, consider donating that extra can of carrots to the food pantry. If this is done weekly, the items will add up quickly and the surplus will help feed hungry families. Last of all, but in no way least, if individuals cannot afford even small sacrifices of money or groceries, time is another va luable commodity. Most food banks are operated entirely by volunteers. There are many different jobs to do which allow a person to be matched with a task that fits their own unique personality. Groceries must be organized and stocked on the shelves and later packed into boxes for food pantry clients. Individuals are also needed to work directly with clients to determine eligibility and the distribution of food. Still other persons are needed for fundraising activities, food drive events and marketing duties. One of the best things about helping your local food pantry is that you are helping your neighbors. Oftentimes the hungry go unnoticed because hunger cannot be seen or felt by those around it. The person who is hungry could even be your neighbor, a co-worker or the waitress at your local coffee shop. If 42% of U.S. citizens will be visiting a food bank at some time in their lives, the hungry person may even be you or your family. Helping the food pantry to help others will build a stronger, healthier community for us all. Individuals in Mt. Lebanon needing assistance may contact the St. Winifred Food Pantry at 412.343.1915 for more information regarding eligibility.
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By Jonathan Barnes It had been nearly 40 years since Keith Apelgren had sung in a group of organized singers. In 1974, he had been a part of the Medical School Chorus—a co-ed group of singers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Medical School—and ever since, he had always wanted to sing publicly again. Within the last year, the retired general surgeon decided it was time; he had to dust off the pipes and croon again, and so he started looking for groups to join. After moving to Upper Saint Clair several months ago, Apelgren began searching online for barbershop quartet groups, and found there were six of them in the Pittsburgh region. He thought the South Hills Keystone Chorus would be a good fit for him because of its long history and proximity to his home, so he emailed the group and never heard back from them. Then he called them and got in contact with the group’s president, Stan Kleja, who gave him a ride to a SHKC rehearsal. After attending some rehearsals as a visiting singer, six months ago Apelgren, 64, decided to join the South Hills Keystone Chorus. A South Hills tradition since it was founded in 1958, SHKC has 26 members, many of whom are retired men. The youngest member of the noncompetitive singing group is 22-year-old Washington & Jefferson College voice major student Brandon Rauch, whom Apelgren sings next to. “He’s good,” Apelgren said of Rauch. “I have to stay on top of it, standing next to him.” While barbershop quartet might seem like a specialized style of singing, anyone, regardless of singing skill or an inability to read musical notes, can join the group. Members need not come from the South Hills either, though most of them do come from there. “You don’t need a great voice or know how to read music. You don’t even have to sing in tune—but don’t sing too loud, if you don’t,” Apelgren said. Apelgren said he is an example of a singer who missed many of the notes when he started with the chorus—as much as 40 percent of the notes—but he has learned from more skilled singers in the group how to carry a tune better. Now, misses just 15 percent of the notes sung in the a capella singing group. Anyone can pick it up, he said. “If you sing with the group long enough, you’re going to sing in tune. Most people can learn to sing in tune,” said Apelgren, who is chairman of SHKC’s Public Relations committee. South Hills Keystone Chorus rehearses weekly from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. or so on Tuesdays at Hamilton Presbyterian Church, along Hamilton Road in Bethel Park. Rehearsals start with a group practice of all of the members singing songs they will be performing. Next, the group breaks for refreshments like cookies and coffee, followed possibly by a brief business meeting during which upcoming performances and other matters are
discussed. Finally, quartets of men stand up in front of the group and sing different barbershop arrangements, and are cheered on by their friends. Dues for South Hills Keystone Chorus, which is part of the national Barbershop Harmony Society, are $140 per year. Most of the fee goes to cover the singer’s membership in the national society. The benefits are enjoyed immediately by any member, as he experiences the joy of singing with others in rehearsals and performances at nursing homes, art galleries, for women as singing valentines on Valentine’s Day, and elsewhere. Apelgren said he enjoys the group because of the feeling he gets from it. “It makes me feel good. Somebody said, ‘When was the last time you saw somebody who was mad singing?’ Singing raises your spirits,” Apelgren said. The Barbershop Harmony Society’s international convention will be held in Pittsburgh in 2014. Of the group’s 20,000 members, many of who sing in competitive barbershop groups, about 3,000 are expected to attend the gathering. South Hills Keystone Chorus is one of 57 chapters in the Society’s Johnny Appleseed District, which includes groups from Ohio, parts of West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania, and one from Kentucky. SHKC’s members wear gold shirts, black ties and black pants in keeping Pittsburgh sports protocol. The group is the Rome Apple division of the Johnny Appleseed District. Joining the group is as simple as showing an interest and getting involved. South Hills Keystone Chorus has a visitor’s program, wherein visitors who show up for rehearsal are given a visitor’s book of tunes and are helped by members to determine which singing part—tenor, lead, baritone or bass—is best for them. A visitor can come to four or six practices and decide whether he wants to join, though there is no pressure from members for him to do so. Those who are interested in possibly joining SHKC can simply attend one of the group’s rehearsals. Or, a prospective member can contact Apelgren or Kleja, who will give him a ride to rehearsal if the would-be member lives in the South Hills. For more information or to join South Hills Keystone Chorus, call Stan Kleja at 412.220.8108, call Keith Apelgren at 517.290.7721, or email him at apelgrenk@gmail.com. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 57
B y L e i g h Ly o n s
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Photos by Adam Piscitelli
ear after year, Coach Dori Oldaker and her team keep producing top level girls basketball teams that compete for the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Championship (W.P.I.A.L.) and Pennsylvania State Titles over and over… and over again. For a team that finished with a 25-6 record last year, and merely were the W.P.I.A.L. Runners Up and State Champions, there wasn’t a whole lot of pressure on the 2012 Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils team returning this year. Sure. Don’t forget that last year’s State Championship was their third in a row. No pressure. None at all. “There is a tremendous amount of pressure to win. We put this pressure on ourselves,” said Coach Dori Oldaker, who is in her ninth season at the helm of this storied athletic program. The standard is set very high at a program like Mt. Lebanon, and each year, Coach Oldaker expects a great deal out of her returning players, as well as the new faces to the program. From start to finish, the program relies on every single girl who walks into the gym and puts on a Blue Devil uniform. “All eighteen players on this team make our team successful. We absolutely cannot win any games with just our starting five players,” Coach Oldaker noted. With that being said, Mt. Lebanon’s starting five is one of the best around, but the special element that a coach cannot teach a team is unity, and these girls have it. “It is a total team effort. We don’t have any superstars on our team. We believe in the whole TEAM philosophy,” Coach Oldaker preached. The girls believe in one another, whether it is the leading scorer on the
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team, or the girl who comes up with a crucial rebound in a big game, or even the girl who may not ever show up in the stat sheet, but she works hard day in and day out at practice to ensure that her teammates are being pushed to the limit, therefore making her team better, one full court press at a time. So far this season, the Lady Blue Devils have been undefeated in Section play, beating perennial powerhouses like Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair, and compiling an overall record of 21-3 as they head into the W.P.I.A.L. semi-final game against the Upper St. Clair Lady Panthers. The winner will have the right to play in the W.P.I.A.L. Championship game, and for Mt. Lebanon, this would be an opportune time for redemption. Last year, Mt. Lebanon lost in the W.P.I.A.L. finals, but more than made up for the loss by winning their third consecutive PIAA State Championship in a row. “We believe in each other, and stick together like a family,” said Coach Oldaker. The team will have to continue to bring their obvious talent, and family first attitude if they hope to become State Champions for the fourth year in a row in an impressive girls basketball field littered with excellent competition. The team will rely on senior captain Liz Tommasi to help lead the squad to the Promised Land this year. She is undecided on her college choice for next year, but is sure in the fact that she will play basketball wherever she goes. Seniors Emma Pellicano, who committed to play basketball at Allegheny next year, Kelly Johnson, who is undecided but will also play next year at college, Courtney Kitchen, and Mary Mulvihill, will contribute both on the court, and through their leadership and experience. The encouraging factor to Coach Oldaker is that she still believes that her team has yet to peak. “We are trying to constantly improve, and we hope to peak at the right time.” If the Lady Blue Devils haven’t reached their peak yet this season, many a teams will have the scary thought that their next game against Mt. Lebanon could be their opponent’s peaking moment. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 59
By Heather Holtschlag
Mt. Lebanon homes have some of the best curb appeal around. Curb appeal is not necessarily something that most people will able to define in precise terms, but they will know it when they see it, whether it’s in Virginia Manor, Mission Hills or Twin Hills. Simply put, it is about making your front yard and the front of your house stand out and look better than the rest. A short drive down Morrison Drive is all it takes for examples to pop out at you. For homebuyers, if people like what they see on the outside, including potential buyers, the chances are good that they will want to see what the house looks like on the inside. But what can you do to make your house stand apart? To begin, play up your home’s doorway, one of the first areas people see when looking at your house, with color, a clean door free of nicks and clean metal fixtures. Consider adding a wreath or some other type of door decoration.
Low-voltage landscape lightening, particularly accent lighting displayed in nearby trees or throughout other outdoor fixtures, can not only enhance a yard’s appearance, but provide a pathway of lighted safety for visitors. Potted colorful flowers can provide instant curb appeal and can be purchased already assembled at a local garden center, or you may choose to buy an empty container to fill with all of your favorite flowers on your own. On a similar note, window boxes can be filled with your favorite
to match the rest of flowers your yard’s color scheme. Consider adding some fixtures like birdbaths and wind chimes to add visual appeal to a yard, and a water fountain can sound heavenly on a warm summer day, but be sure to place them on level ground for optimum enjoyment. Shutters and trim work not only add texture and ventilation to a home, but provide added security as well says KP Builders of Pittsburgh. To achieve the best curb appeal, paint the shutters in a color that coordinates with the outside of
your house and the rest of your yard. In addition, new garden beds are always a welcome sight. Consider planting new gardens in spots that will be most pleasing to the eye, such as along the driveway and in front of the house. Adams Landscape services offers tree trimming and mulching to freshen up the whole yard. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Create a visual picture with your home. You’ll see the difference and so will your prospective buyers.
On a similar note, window boxes can be filled with your favorite flowers to match the rest of your yard’s color scheme.
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Add shutters or accent trim Shutters and trim add a welcoming layer of beauty to your home’s exterior. Shutters also control light and ventilation, and provide additional security. Exterior shutters can be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass. New composite materials make trim details durable and low maintenance.
Replace old hardware House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. If they’re out of date, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary residences.
Add outdoor art Give your yard a little spunk by adding weather-resistant artwork. Choose pieces that complement your home’s natural palette and exterior elements. Birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and wind chimes are good choices for outdoor art. Water sculptures not only function as yard art, but the burbling sounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler. Place fountains on level ground in optimum hearing and sight vantage points.
Make a grand entry Even with a small budget, there are ways to draw attention to your front door. Molding acts like an architectural eyeliner when applied to the sides and top of the doorway.
Install window boxes Window boxes offer a fast, easy way to bring color and charm to your home exterior. Choose boxes made from copper or iron for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and color scheme.
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Mt. Lebanon Public Library 16 Castle Shannon Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.531.1912 www.mtlebanonlibrary.org Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m. (Jan - May)
League of Women Voters Lunchtime Series 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 1 & April 12 Join the League of Women Voters for a discussion on current issues of interest to voters.
Tail Wagging Tutors 7 p.m. Thursdays, March 1, April 5 & May 3 Children can read aloud to a furry friend! Dog listeners are trained by Therapy Dogs International. Registration required. Landscape Design for the Homeowner 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Begins March 3 Claire Schuchman will teach this three-week course geared to the novice. We will use the concepts of sustainable design like "right plant/ right place,” shading out weeds with ground covers; use of hardy natives plants; and installing rain barrels or permeable pavement. Complete course details are given on the Events Website. Instructor teaches at Community College of Allegheny College.
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Scrabble Tournament 9 a.m. Saturday, March 3 Scrabble lovers! Test your skills in a competitive setting. Contact Bob Hagerty, South Hills Scrabble Club, bob.hagerty@wsj.com OR Terry Schroeder msch@nauticom.net for further information. Registration required. Discover Feng Shui 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 Discover the Ying & Yang of Feng Shui in a three-part series on this ancient art. Learn how to attain natural balance in your office/workplace. Take control of your stress, fortune and innate abilities by channeling the energy around you. Harmonize your environment with the deliberate placement of mirrors, crystals, stones, metals, water, plants, furniture or candles. Learn the science behind biorhythms, numerology, magnetic forces and the ways of the East. Rachna Jain teaches Feng Shui at Community College of Allegheny County. Screenplay Basics 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Begins March 6 This 6-week course addresses the fundamentals of screenwriting with an emphasis on short format storytelling. Students will concentrate on screenplay structure, formatting, character development and dialogue while creating a script for a short film or a scene from a longer film. Students will also view and discuss scenes from current films and learn about screenplay marketing. No online registration for library classes, call 412.681.5449 x 202 for information or to register. For further information, visit Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Tuition: $145 Creative Connections 2 p.m. Wednesdays March 7, April 4 & May 2 Join us on the 1st Wednesday of the month for Creative Connections, programs especially suited for adults ages 50 and over. All programs are free and open to the public. Come early and socialize! Vegetable Gardening Seed Sharing Event 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10 Join the Mt. Lebanon Public Library Courtyard Gardeners for the fifth annual Vegetable and Herb SEED-SHARING event. Participants will share the cost and assist in dividing up the seed packets of 20 or more seed varieties. Instruction will be provided on when
and how to start seedlings. Mostly organic and only non-GMO seeds are chosen for interesting variety and a well-rounded garden palette. A Master Gardener will be on hand to answer general vegetable gardening questions, but participants are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences as well. To register, please contact Mary Beth at 412.736.8216 or mbthakar@yahoo.com, leaving your name, phone number and email address. The price will be $7 (or less depending on the cost of seeds) collected at the door. Space is limited and registration is required. International Women's Conversation Circles 10 a.m. Wednesdays, March 14, April 11 & May 9 Have you recently moved to Mt. Lebanon from another country? Please join us for tea, refreshments, and conversation at Mt. Lebanon Public Library. Learn about your community while you make new friends! New women residents are welcome to practice their English while they learn about local activities and services available for themselves and their children. All women are welcome to meet their new neighbors from around the world, share information about our community, and learn more about the diverse cultures that enrich Mt. Lebanon. An Evening @ the Movies with Elaine Wertheim 7 p.m. Monday, April 23 Join Mt. Lebanon’s own Elaine Wertheim this evening for a viewing and discussion of the film Bliss, based on Zülfü Livaneli’s novel. An Evening with Robert Gangewere 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 23 Robert Gangewere, author of Palace of Culture: Andrew Carnegie’s Library and Museums in Pittsburgh, will present a program about our renowned and treasured Pittsburgh institutions. Mr. Gangewere was the longtime editor of Carnegie Magazine and an English professor at CMU. Beethoven: His Life and Music Discover Beethoven with Dr. Cleon Cornes! This 6-week series in March & April 13 will consist of lecture and discussion with audio/visual material. During each 2-hour class, we will
learn about Beethoven’s life in chronological order and listen to excerpts of his music. His life was tumultuous and his music powerful and beautiful. Questions and comments are encouraged. 10 a.m. All Fridays in March & April 13 Great Estate Book Sale The Book Cellar bookshop recently received a large estate gift of 75 boxes of books. Since it cannot all be absorbed into the shop, we will hold a special sale of more than 2,000 absolutely beautiful books on Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to add to your personal library! PLEASE NOTE: So far we have unpacked many, many cookbooks and books on travel, history, government, etc. This list will be updated as the unpacking continues! All proceeds from this sale will benefit Mt. Lebanon Public Library. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturday March 17. Ideas that Shaped Mt. Lebanon presented by John Conti. This program will focus on how the works of English landscape designers in the 17th century impacted the development of Mt. Lebanon. John is the architecture columnist for the Tribune Review, a Mt. Lebanon magazine contributor, a member of the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board and a real estate agent. This topic is very timely with the Centennial Celebration of the founding of Mt. Lebanon in 2012. The Historical Society will raffle off a copy of their latest publication: Images of America: Mt. Lebanon. 7:30 p.m., Wednesday March 28 Summer Reading Clubs for all ages begin in June. This year's themes are: Children – “Dream Big: Read!” Helps young children build reading and language skills and helps older children develop skills necessary for school success. Teens – “Own the Night” Motivates teens to read and discuss literature. Adults – “Between the Covers” Encourages adults to experience the joy of reading.
Join us on the 1st Wednesday of the month for Creative Connections, programs especially suited for adults ages 50 and over. All programs are free and open to the public. Come early and socialize!
The Graying of Flavor Presented by Marlene Parrish Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 2 p.m. Meeting Room A Whoa! As we age, most of us don’t seem to taste the flavors we once did. Remember warm tomatoes from the Victory garden? Remember Mom’s fried chicken dinners that actually tasted like chicken? What happened? Where did the taste go? We call this phenomenon “The Graying of Flavor.” In her talk, Marlene will tell us about this inevitable happening for “people of a certain age,” and that’s anybody over 30. She will give us a dozen mealtime fixes, easy enough for anyone to do in the home kitchen. And just to prove her points, there will be a tasting, but we're not telling what… Marlene Parrish has had a 50 year career in the food business. She's been a magazine food editor, a cooking school owner, a marketing director for restaurants, and a food stylist for photographers. Currently, she is semiretired, but still writes about food and travel for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Scripps Howard News Service.
www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=MTLEB 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. These are just some of the many events and programs that the Mt. Lebanon Public Library offers.
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Victory of the Allies, 1919. Oliver M. Kaufmann Photograph Collection of the Irene Kaufmann Settlement, 1912-1969, AIS.1978.12, Archive Service Center, University of Pittsburgh.
Jewish Association on Aging, Karen Meyers. Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Photographs.
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14-panel display depicting highlights from the 100 years of service to the Jewish Community community of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh was exhibited at the Jewish relations Council, Community Center of Greater PittsburghJanuary South Hills, 345 Kane Boulevard, Scott 1966. Township, from February 1-14, 2012. United Jewish Jeffrey H. Finkelstein, President and CEO, Federation and Brian Schreiber, JCC Presiden t and CEO, Photographs, Rauh Jewish spoke about the Federation’s impact on the South Hills Jewish Community at an opening Archives at the reception on Wednesday, February 1, from Heinz History 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the JCC-South Hills. The Center. event and the exhibit were free and open to the community. The display highlighted the development of the Pittsburgh Jewish community, presenting an overview of each decade from the 1910s, when the Jewish Federation was founded a s the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, to the present day. Included were archival photos and excerpts from historical documents. A comprehensive timeline provided greater detail regarding specific events within each decade. The display was part of a series of special programs and projects that mark the Jewish Federation's Centennial Year, which began in September. An upcoming Centennial Program wil l be the Israel and Jewish Community Festival on April 26, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Schenley Plaza in Oakland. The Federation is an important source of funding for the JCC. The JCC-South Hills, built in 1999, houses state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, 25-yard heated indoor swimming pool, double-court gymnasium, and accessible outdoor playground. Comprehensive programming includes the Ea rly Childhood Development Center, private and group swim lessons, summer camps, group exercise classes, personal training, sports and recreation programs for all ages, and one of the largest SilverSneakers® senior fitness programs in Western Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact Dan Garfinkel, Branch Director, 412.278.1975, ext. 208, or email dgarfinkel@jccpgh.org. For general information a bout the JCC, please visit www.jccpgh.org. For information about the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, please visit www.jfedpgh.org .
Jewish Community relations Council, January 1966. United Jewish Federation Photographs, Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center.
Free the soviet Jews protest, 1987. United Jewish Federation Photographs, Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center.
Victory of the Allies, 1919. Oliver M. Kaufmann Photograph Collection of the Irene Kaufmann Settlement, 1912-1969, AIS.1978.12, Archive Service Center, University of Pittsburgh.
Photo provided by Community Day school, undated. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 67
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I have never met a mom who wasn’t working – or any other woman for that matter. More than ever before women are handling their own or their family’s finances. It’s not about what you have; it’s what you do with it to secure your future.
We all have unique needs and resources, but everyone wants to protect what they’ve worked so hard to acquire. It’s all about taking what you have, making the most of it, and building a solid financial future that is uniquely yours. A woman has different financial needs than a man. Everyone must face the good news that women live longer and the potentially bad news that they will spend more years in retirement than the last generation.
This Industry Insight was written by Joy Capozzi, Agent CPCU,CLU,ChFC of State Farm Insurance Companies®. Joy’s office is located at 3111 Banksville Road, Suite 207, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Call the office at 412.344.3014 or email joy.capozzi.r942@statefarm.com.
Why is that bad news? More years in retirement could mean potentially outliving your nest egg. Women, having greater life expectancies than men, must place a greater emphasis on planning for retirement and long term care to ensure they have saved enough to last through their golden years. That’s why State Farm has a special website just for women called the State Farm Red Portfolio (sfredportfolio.com). It’s all about you, your finances, and your dreams for the future, and how to make the most of what you have. Whether you want to buy a new home, fund a child’s education, protect your business interests, or save for a comfortable retirement, sfredportfolio.com is a great place to start. But it’s just a start. You should work with a trusted professional who can be your long-term resource for help with your financial goals. Schedule a meeting to explore your goals and begin building a road map for your financial future. It’s never too late or too early to start securing your financial future. The sooner you develop a plan that fits your situation, the more likely you are to achieve your goals and be able to do the things you really want to do when you retire. So why wait? The clock is ticking and it is time to set your goals and achieve them! Remember, it’s not what you have; it’s what you do with it that can make all the difference.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 69
The 2012 Relay for Life of Mt. Lebanon will be held June 9-10. A kick-off meeting was held in preparation, to decide music, performers, food, special laps and themes for the relay. To learn about Relay For Life, sign up your team, meet some great people in the community, enjoy some cookies/snacks, join in the fun, and help the community in the battle against cancer, contact Kathy Noorbakhsh at 412.983.0820, noorkj@mail.magee.edu, or Brian Schieman at 412.818.0888, bjschieman@yahoo.com, or visit the Relay website at www.relayforlife.org/pamtlebanon.
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s Baby Boomers grow older — and presumably wiser about economic matters — more are finding themselves in a position of financial caretaker for elderly parents. Raising the topic of money with parents can be difficult. But with the right choice of words, timing, and tone, you can open the door to a meaningful conversation. Based on working with my clients and their parents, as well as my own, here are some suggestions. Select a Representative. An initial conversation about finances should be done one-on-one. Involving too many people can be overwhelming and appear threatening. If you have siblings, select one — perhaps the oldest, most financially knowledgeable, or one with whom your parent(s) may feel most comfortable — to lead the way. Remember, this is about your parent’s money, not about yours or your children’s. Be Sensitive. To some extent, our financial lives influence how we view ourselves as independent human beings. For many, old age is a time of coping with a series of physical and emotional losses: hearing, eyesight, mobility, memory, as well as friendships. With any conversation about money, be sensitive to the fears and concerns your parents may have about their possible loss of control or independence. Break the Ice Skillfully. A subtle opening could involve an anecdotal story about a person you know in common, a news article found in the daily paper, or even about yourself. • I need help with my will. Who did you use? • How’s Aunt Mary doing since Uncle Joe passed away? • Have you seen the new Social Security statements? • What was it like for your parents during the Great Depression? • Did you watch that TV special on hospitals last week? Start Slowly. Don’t commence a dialogue during a crisis situation or try to resolve all details in one meeting. Raise questions that your parents can consider for a follow-up conversation. • I’ll stop by for coffee next week, and we can continue our talk. Your parents may actually enjoy the attention. After several informal conversations, you may want to consider the help of a financial professional. For more information, contact the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org) and AARP (www.aarp.org).
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This Industry Insight was written by Michael J. Rutkowski, First Vice President, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, South Hills Branch, 412.854.8466, www.fa.smithbarney.com/rutkowski/. Mr. Rutkowski has more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry serving both individuals and companies. His goal is to provide the highest level of service and experience to enable his clients to meet their wealth management and financial goals. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and is licensed with a FINRA Series 7, General Securities Representative; FINRA Series 63, Uniform State Exam; and Pennsylvania Life, Accident, Health, Variable Annuities & Long Term Care Insurance license. Michael J. Rutkowski is a Financial Advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in the Upper St. Clair branch. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third parties referenced in this article or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney of any information contained within the web site. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney is not responsible for the information contained on the third party web site or your use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy and completeness. The views expressed herein are those of the Financial Advisor and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates.
Dana L. Bacsi, a resident of Mt. Lebanon, is a member of Goehring, Rutter & Boehm’s Litigation Group. She has a broad civil litigation practice, which includes the areas of commercial, product liability, personal injury, nursing home defense, and employment law. She is also experienced in insurance coverage disputes. Over the course of her career, Dana has represented various regional and national clients in mediations, arbitrations, non-jury and jury trials, as well as appellate court argument. She has also authored publications and presented on topics within her practice areas. Dana obtained her B.A., with Distinction, from The Pennsylvania State University. She received her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law. Dana is a member of the American, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny County Bar Associations. She currently serves on the ACBA's Civil Litigation Section Council and as President of the Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy's Board of Directors. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 75
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FEUER ILLUSTRATION
lenching and grinding of the teeth, or bruxism, is a fairly common problem that many people are reluctant to treat, or of which they are altogether unaware. Usually occurring at night, it can certainly be elusive, but the long term effects can have permanent consequences. However, with the help of a dental professional, bruxism can be diagnosed, treated and most existing damage corrected. Tooth on too th contact may seem like a natural and therefore harmless occurrence; after all, the jaw muscles' main function is to open and close our mouths repeatedly, whether our friends and family like it or not! But on a daily basis, the occlusal surfaces (used for biting and chewing) actually make relatively little contact with each other. In fact, when the jaw is relaxed, the upper and lower teeth rest about two to three millimeters apart and don't usually come into direct contact for more than a minute or so every day, mostly when swallowing. Even while chewing, the teeth are slightly separated by food. Just one night of severe bruxism can be the equivalent of a lifetime of normal wear and tear on the teeth, and the extra contact can cause a number of problems. Many common symptoms can seem sporadic, s uch as occasional jaw pain near the ear, headaches, tooth sensitivity or muscle spasms. Other problems can be permanent and/or visible, but their onset so gradual that many fail to notice them in their early stages, such as the wearing down of teeth, the cracking and fracturing of enamel, receding gums, etc. Often the first symptom to be noticed, the jaw pain caused by bruxism is a result of giving yo ur jaw muscles too much of a workout at night. Constantly clenching can cause muscle spasms, strain, fatigue and even headaches. The extra force exerted on the temperomandibular joint (TMJ) can also cause pain, popping, clicking and damage that can lead to chronic TMJ problems, such as temperomandibular disorder (TMD). Tooth sensitivity to touch, hot and cold can be a result of the loss of protectiv e enamel by wearing it away. Abfraction is a lesser known term for the cracking of enamel at the gum line. Repeated pressure on a tooth can cause it to flex slightly, and the strong but brittle outer layer of enamel can eventually break away. This can leave the softer, yellower dentin exposed, which is aesthetically unpleasing and decreases a tooth's resistance to damage and decay. Severe bruxism, o r even moderate bruxism over many years, can wear down the occlusal surfaces of teeth enough to reduce their vertical dimension. This is called attrition and can make front teeth appear flat or square. It can also cause the lower jaw to move closer to the upper jaw when swallowing and chewing, which contributes to an older appearance with a sunken jaw and deeper wrinkles in the skin around the mouth. How can bruxism be treated? For many, clenching and grinding are unintentional manifestations of stress, and in some cases just relieving the source of that stress is enough to stop bruxism. For others, intervention may be necessary in the form of a custom night guard or other appliance. A custom night guard can maintain enough distance between the upper and lower teeth to keep the jaw muscles at rest and protect the teeth from the wear and tear of grinding. A more advanced type of mouth guard will allow only the two lower front teeth to be in contact with the mouth guard, this will prevent the person from clenching. If bruxism has gone unchecked for long enough, the damage to the teeth can be repaired. For example, teeth that have lost protective enamel on the occlusal surfaces may be treated with crowns, and the significant loss of vertical dimension can often only be restored with crowns. Such
treatments can be expensive, and some may be considered cosmetic and will not be covered by insurance plans. If a patient has jaw pain or tooth sensitivity, or their spouse has heard the sounds of their teeth grinding at night, it should be assessed by a dental professional as soon as possible. A good dentist will keep an eye out for the telltale signs of bruxism by locating wear facets, recognizing the symptoms of joint damage and assessing incidences of abfraction and enamel loss. Early treatment is the key to avoiding pain, long term damage and costly treatments. This Industry Insight 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 his website at www.drfeuer.com.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 77
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Teen Center Teen Center for Friday, March 23 will be located at JMS and will host 6, 7 & 8th grade. The event will include an inflatable obstacle course, basketball, ping pong, video games, BINGO, tattoos plus a DJ and dancing. The event is 8-10 p.m. Admission is $3. Saturday, April 21 Teen Center will be held at the indoor ice rink for 6, 7 & 8th grade. This event is 6-8 p.m. Admission is $3. A lock-in policy applies at all events. Questions and contact info: www.mtlteencenter.com
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Fish Fries By Marybeth Jeffries
W
hen I think back to my days as a young girl, Fridays during Lent meant one thing - fish. It came in many varieties, but my love of a good fish sandwich developed at a rather young age. Mostly, this was due to my dad’s love of visiting area churches. Each one had a different menu surrounding their fish fries during the Lenten season. So it is with great anticipation that we detail the amazing and delicious menus that the Mt. Lebanon area churches have put together for the community’s culinary delight! Fish fries have historically run during Lent for those who refrain from eating meat on Fridays. With all of the homemade specialties these churches are offering, there is no need to think you are doing penance! Plus, you’ll be supporting the good works of each of these parishes. St. Bernard, Mount Lebanon Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday), 4-7:30 p.m., Clairvaux Hall, 311 Washington Road. Fried and baked fish dinners, macaroni and cheese dinner, baked and fried fish sandwiches, pizza and pierogies. Nightly specials ranging from signature pasta dishes, crab cakes and soups. Also, homemade gumbo and clam chowder, macaroni and cheese, french fries, cole slaw, beer, soft drinks and desserts. New this year, fish tacos, featuring baked fish wrapped in a tortilla, topped with crunchy red cabbage, tomatoes and homemade corn and black bean salsa. Cost: $8.50 for adult dinner, $2 a slice of pizza, $6.50 for fish sandwich, $8.50 for specials, $3.50 for gumbo and clam chowder. Takeout available. Call 412.341.1565. St. Catherine of Siena, Beechview Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday), 4:30-6:30 p.m., McCann Hall, 1907 Broadway Ave. Baked and fried fish sandwiches, shrimp, crab cakes, french fries, cole slaw, soup of the day, macaroni and cheese and baked goods. Dinners and a la carte items available. Takeout available. Call 412.531.2135. St. Winifred, Mount Lebanon Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent, including Good Friday, 4-7 p.m., Benedict Hall, 550 Sleepy Hollow Road. Fried fish, baked fish, shrimp, crab cakes, pizza, clam chowder, french fries, onion rings, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese and haluski. Cost: $8-8.50 for adult dinners, and includes macaroni and cheese or french fries, cole slaw, roll, dessert and beverage. Sandwiches are $6. Takeout is available. Call 412.563.1415. Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 81
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HOUSES
We are interested in highlighting your church! If you are a member of the clergy from this area and would like to contribute an inspirational message that all of our readers might enjoy, please contact Marybeth Jeffries, Managing Editor at marybeth@ incommunitymagazines.com for more information.
“It’s Like Lasik for your Gums”
OF
Beth-El Congregation of South Hills ..................... 412.561.1168 Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church .................. 412.561.5100 Bower Hill Community Church............................... 412.561.4114 First Church of Christ, Scientist ............................. 412.561.1125 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church ...................... 412.833.3355 Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church .................................. 412.561.8113 Mt. Lebanon Christian Church ............................... 412.531.8554 Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran ................................ 412.563.0300 Mt. Lebanon United Methodist .............................. 412.531.7131 Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church ........... 412.531.3387 Our Lady of Grace .................................................... 412.279.7070 Our Savior Lutheran................................................. 412.561.1211 Southminster Presbyterian..................................... 412.343.8900 St. Anne’s Church..................................................... 412.531.5965 St. Bernard Church .................................................. 412.561.3300 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.................................... 412.531.7153 St. Thomas More...................................................... 412.833.0031 St. Winifred’s Church............................................... 412.344.5010 Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church............. 412.561.6261 Temple Emanuel of South Hills .............................. 412.279.7600 The Chabad of the South Hills................................ 412.344.2424 Unitarian Universalist Church of South Hills ....... 412.561.6277
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WORSHIP
ARMS BELLY THIGH
The Pittsburgh Lacrosse Stores-Keeping Up with the Fastest Growing Sport in America The Beginning Four years ago, anyone playing the sport of lacrosse in Pittsburgh really had no good options for buying equipment and supplies. Then in 2007 The Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store opened the first full service Lacrosse Store in Pittsburgh at the Ice Castle in Castle Shannon. “We wanted to have a full service lacrosse store, with equipment, supplies, a practice-shooting area to try out equipment, and experienced sales associates who coach or play high school and collegiate lacrosse,” says co-owner Bill Bedortha. “But we also wanted our store to act as a gathering spot for local players and coaches, a place to practice shooting, check out the newest gear and talk with lacrosse players.” With its 60 ft. by 30 ft. shooting area and radar gun with display, a “Coaches’ Room” for meetings and its custom st ick stringing station, the original Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store has the feel of a lacrosse oriented club house. “It’s not unusual for us to have a couple 6th or 7th graders, a few high schoolers and a collegiate player or two practicing, discussing equipment, tactics, the latest college and high school rankings…just talking lacrosse,” Bedortha says. “The younger players look up to and try to learn from t he older players and the older players, guys in high school and college, love to share their knowledge and experience with the younger guys. It’s really cool to see players from different generations hanging out and discussing the sport they love.” One year later, Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store opened its North Hills store in Wexford. “We heard from so many lacrosse players from the North Hills who loved our Castle Shannon store but not the drive, we decided to open our Store in Wexford 3 years ago,” Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store coowner Jay Bedortha says. “We were overwhelmed by the reception we received from the northern based lacrosse teams—they promised to support us if we opened a lacrosse store up north-and they did.” The Wexford Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store also has the feel of a lacrosse centered club, w ith friendly and experienced sales associates, a custom stick stringing service and a wide array of lacrosse equipment, supplies and accessories.
says Jay Bedortha. “The next logical step was to create Summer Travel Teams—exposing local middle school and high school players to the sport as it is played in lacrosse hot beds like Maryland, New Jersey and Upstate New York is absolutely a great way to help our players get better.” Coached by local College Coaches and High School Head coaches, the Pittsburgh Lacrosse Travel Teams compete in tournaments throughout the Midwest and Mid Atlantic including Princeton NJ, Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, Baltimore and Philadelphia. High School players receive the added benefit of not only learning about the collegiate recruiting process, but many are recruited by colleges based on their summer tournament play. “Many of our High School travel players are contacted by Division I, II and III coaches who have seen our players at the tournaments we attend. A high percentage of our high school players go on to play in college based on connections made during our Summer travel season,” says Jay Bedortha. “Our Summer Travel Coaches want to see every player improve and get the opportunity to play at the next level.” Pittsburgh Lacrosse also offers Summer Lacrosse Camps and Clinics presented by local college players as well as high school and college coaches. The common thread, not surprisingly, is to keep it fun for the players. “Lacrosse is just a great sport; it’s extremely fun to play. It teaches sportsmanship, team work and rewards dedication and hard work,” says Bill Bedortha, “but in the end, players play because it is fun.” Pittsburghlax.com
Full Service Lacrosse Stores-Leagues, Travel Teams, Camps, Clinics, Instruction According to Bill Bedortha: “We wanted our stores to be an asset for Western Pennsylvania lacrosse players, coaches and families; not only a source for equipment and uniforms, but a resource for all things lacrosse available to the community. The first step was to create off season lacrosse opportunities for local players.” Pittsburgh Lacrosse offered its first Fall Canadian Box Lacrosse Leagues at the Iceoplex at Southpointe to local middle school, high school and post graduate players in 2009. Since then, they have added a Youth Lacrosse School for younger players and also pre-season team leagues. “The best thing about Box Lacrosse is that it is so much fun, players don’t even realize they are improving their skills and getting better at lacrosse,” according to Bedortha. “There is a consistent desire among local lacrosse players to learn more about the sport and to get better at the fundamental skills required to be a successful player. Players not only want to play, but to g et better,” Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 85
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