FALL 2011
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Everything’s Coming Up Roses! Franklin Regional Marching Band Heads to Pasadena
&
Export Celebrates Centennial! Enter the Murrysville Photo Contest
Thank you, Pittsburgh. At UPMC Health Plan, we don’t set out to win awards. We simply focus on doing what’s right for our members. Like providing them with access to world-renowned UPMC doctors and hospitals as well as outstanding community hospitals and physicians. Giving them the tools and programs they need to live a healthy lifestyle. And offering them a personal Health Care Concierge and online chat capabilities to answer all of their questions. So when J.D. Power and Associates ranked us Highest in Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania, we don’t see it as adding another award to the trophy case. We see it as doing our jobs.To learn more visit upmchealthplan.com.
“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania” UPMC Health Plan received the highest numerical score among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Member Health Insurance Plan StudySM . Study based on 33,039 total member responses, measuring 11 plans in the Pennsylvania-Delaware Region (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed December 2010-January 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
2 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
Contents Murrysville | FALL 2011 |
FA L L 2 0 1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use For residents of eastern communities
Fall is for Families Take advantage of the cooler days to enjoy time outdoors with your family.
What’s Inside
12
6
17 page 2
© 2011 UPMC
Beating Cancer Close to Home
page 3
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes
page 4
Healthy Eating for Busy Families Achoo! Don’t Get the Flu
page 5
A Matter of Choice Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves
page 6
A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly
page 7
Committed to Building a Better Community
26
Publisher’s Message | 4 COMMUNITY INTEREST
FEATURES
|
Franklin Regional School District News | 5
|
Back to School Clean-Up | 8
|
A Letter from the Mayor of Murrysville | 11
|
Franklin Regional High School Marching Band | 12
|
Celebrating Export’s Centennial
|
Murrysville’s Photo Contest
|
Sparks of Life | 34
|
Franklin Regional Student Shines | 36
|
UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 17
|
Real Estate in Murrysville | 38
|
Murrysville Kids | 40
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS |
ON THE COVER
|
|
26
30
The Advisors, LLC | 10
|
Thiel College | 16
|
Franklin Regional High School Marching Band, which is headed to Pasadena in January for the Rose Parade
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
FALL 2011 Welcome to the Fall issue of Murrysville magazine. As the summer winds down, and the kids head back to school, I sincerely hope that you and your family had some time to get away from it all and relax. It seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids with their sports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an ever more elusive “lazy summer.” Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around a family table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyone remember board games? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then you might be trapped in the 21st century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I think that life should be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spend some time with each other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Family time is an important part of being a community. And every community should value quality time with their families – it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and more importantly, how to participate in a family structure so they can pass on to their kids what you have worked so hard to build. Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut off the main power to the house so that the family could enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook was closed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask what happened. While the commercial was pushing some tasty dinner product, the message was more palatable – you have to make family time. I would take that message one step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours. Have a great fall! Wayne Dollard Publisher While, it might not be music to the kids’ ears, I love the sound of school buses in the morning. It sounds like – education! ! I was actually one of those weird kids that loved going to school. This edition of Murrysvville magazine takes a look at what it takes to get Franklin Regional schools in tip-top shape for the start of school. We also caught up with Franklin Regional Marching Band Director Ke vin Pollock to talk about the band heading to Pasadena for the Rose Parade. In this edition, we also profile Franklin Regional senior Kara Ziringer who spent six weeks of her summer singing, dancing and acting at a pre-college program at CMU. One of my favorite subjects in school was history. In our pages this edition, we have a story on Export celebrating its centennial this year. It’s a great town w ith its roots steeped in coal mining. Did you know Murrysville had a photo contest? It does and we feature it here. As always, we want to hear from you. What’s going on out there that we should be covering? What's happening in your schools, organizations, churches? What friend or family member deserves a profile? Please, drop me an email at m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com. I’d like to take a moment to correct an error published in the summer edition of Murrysville. In a feature about the blessing of the bikes, I wrote that Pastor Dan of Murrysville Alliance Church, was a Vietnam vet. He is not. He has great admiration and respect for our service men and women, and I apologize if the error caused him any embarrassment. Yes, it’s back to school time. So parents, enjoy sending them out the door and onto the path of knowledge, and enjoy this edition of Murrysvville magazine!
IN Murrysville is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Murrysville area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com R E G I O N A L E D I TO R
Monica L. Haynes m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS
Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny
Pamela Palongue
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
ginography Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
Derek Bayer Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes John Gartley Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Rita Lengvarsky Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki CapezioWatson
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968
Winter content deadline: October 21 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Monica L. Haynes Eastern Regional Editor Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
4 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
SUPERINTENDENT’S
MESSAGE
e are anxious to commence another new school year and to re-focus our mission of providing a comprehensive educational program that meets the needs of all student learners. The core of our educational program is guided by specific goals that are outlined in the District’s Strategic Plan. We continually monitor the progress in meeting these goals and engage in the development of corresponding strategies that are targeted to improve student learning. This information is shared annually with the public through this publication. The goals identified in the Strategic Plan are: (1) To reach 100% proficiency and to maintain or exceed each student’s current growth pattern in reading and mathematics as measured by the student’s performance on the PSSA and other standardized testing by the year 2 014; (2) The four-year graduation rate will maintain at its current level or show growth by the year 2014 as measured by the common formula determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; (3) Student attendance rates will maintain at their current levels of exceeding 94 percent or will show growth in the elementary and middle schools as measured by the Average Daily Attendance formula and rep orted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the year 2014; (4) 100 percent of all eligible students will continue to participate on the PSSA’s in reading, math, writing, and science through the year 2014; (5) To maintain and improve upon a diverse and challenging curricula by providing positive learning opportunities for all students, consistently delivered K-12, using best teaching p ractices as measured by students’ performance on local and standardized assessments; and (5) To increase the students’ exposure to global cultures, to understand diversity and encourage tolerance, and to continue to support students’ opportunities to reach proficiency in a second world language. More detailed information regarding the School District’s Strategic Plan can be found at www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us under the “School Board” link and on the State Report Card at http://www.education.state.pa.us. In the fall 2010 edition of this publication, I shared our vision regarding our strategies of reaching our goals and increasing student learning through a research based strategy known as a Professional Learning Community (PLC). The Professional Learning Community (PLC) model has been developed by one of the most respected educators in America, Dr. Richard DuFour. The PLC model is also supported by many of the foremost educational practitioners in our country. The primary purpose of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model is a shift from a focus of “what is taught” to “what the student has learned.” In a PLC, collaborative teams of teachers work interdependently to achie ve common goals that are linked to monitoring progress in student learning. This collaboration represents a systematic process in which teachers analyze student test data from common assessments that have been administered across various classrooms in identical courses. The results from the common assessment data is used to identify an individual student’s areas of strengths and weaknesses. As a r esult, students receive remediation or acceleration based on the individual test data. Teachers also benefit by learning effective classroom strategies from each other during the analysis of the common assessment data. The ultimate goal at Franklin Regional is to grow as a PLC for the purpose of MISSION improving instructional pedagogy and establishing best practices in student learning. It is our intent to transform this collaborative practice over time to a STATEMENT: practice that is consistent at all levels in our school district. More information We, the Franklin regarding the Professional Learning Community initiative can be found at Regional School http://www.allthingsplc.info/ In closing, I am extremely proud of the Franklin Regional School District. I community, congratulate the students for their outstanding accomplishments, thank the parents strive for excellence, and community for their support, appreciate the dedication of the professional staff, and thank the members of Board of Directors for supporting public education. learning, It is an honor to serve the Franklin Regional School District.
W
Dr. P. Emery D’Arcangelo Superintendent Shelley Shaneyfelt Director of Instructional Services and Public Relations Dr. Charles Koren Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Jon C. Perry Director of Financial Services Linda Miller Assistant to the Director of Financial Services Frank J. Muto Supervisor of Technology Services Dennis Majewski Director of District Services Zachary Kessler Director of Athletics & Student Activities Richard E. Regelski, Jr. Director of Special Education Allan Mikach Director of Counseling Services Karen Cadwell School Board Secretary/ Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Ronald Suvak, Principal Senior High School Chris Kelly, Principal Middle School Tina Gillen, Principal Heritage Elementary Judith Morrison, Interim Principal Newlonsburg Elementary Tina Burns, Principal Sloan Elementary
Sincerely, Dr. P. Emery D’Arcangelo Superintendent – Franklin Regional School District
achievement, and citizenship in all we do.
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
Did you know the monarch butterfly has a wingspan of 3.7 to 4.1 inches? Did you know that the monarch butterfly has a life span of 6 to 8 months? Did you know the monarch butterfly can travel 50 to 100 miles a day?
Well, the students in Margie Ritson’s sixth grade class at Franklin Regional Middle School know that and much more about monarch butterflies. They learned so much about these regal creatures that they created diaries for them, chronicling their journey from North America to Mexico. Date: September 17 Place: PPG Monroeville Climate: Cloudy “I just got [out] of chrysalis and I started flying to Mexico. It’s really cloudy. I think it might rain. I was flying all day, am exhausted. I’m still in Pennsylvania, though. I haven’t met any friend yet.” – by William Constantin But what created the buzz of excitement in Ritson’s classroom on a warm spring day near the end of last school year were not the journals her students had written, but the ones they received from their fellow students in Mexico, who had also written their own diaries of a monarch. Date: February 01st Place: Distrito Federal Climate: Hot, and cold “I feel very bad. I feel I’m going to die here. I can’t breathe, pollution is killing me. There aren’t trees or flowers; all the rivers are polluted. I can’t drink water or drink nectar, but I luckily survived. I’m going out of here – it was horrible.” – by Valentina Valdes Ritson’s students, who had visited the pollinator garden at PPG’s Wildlife Habitat at the company’s Monroeville Chemical Center, wrote the diaries as part of their lesson. This is an annual trip that her students take. However, this year, the students’ journals were sent to the students of Naomi Suss, a seventh grade teacher and coordinator of English at Colegio Real de Querenda in Mexico. The students in Mexico wrote journals that completed the journey of the monarchs. The letters from Suss’s students were sent to Daniela Alvarez, a PPG employee in San Juan. She in turn mailed the journals to Maria Revetta, PPG’s Monroeville Chemical Center Optical R&D administrator and events coordinator. Revetta visited Ritson’s classroom on the day the students received the journals from the students in Mexico. “It’s a wonderful experience,” she said of the children’s visit to the wildlife habitat and the journal exchange. Franklin Regional has been involved in PPG’s “Wings of Wonder” since the program was established at the Monroeville Chemical Center in 2001. Now, a decade later, students have a hands-on environment to learn about the monarch. “It taught a lot about how they flew to Mexico and then how they laid their eggs and their whole life cycle,” said sixth grader Danielle Farabaugh. “It’s wonderful to have cultural exchange,” Ritson said.
6 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
ertain times of the year evoke a sense of starting fresh – a new year, the warmth of spring, and fall when the thoughts of parents, children, teachers, administrators and staff turn to the start of another school year.
However, before the ringing of school bells and the clanging of locker doors, there is much work to be done. In the Franklin Regional School District, all that’s necessary to make sure the district’s buildings are in tip-top shape falls to Director of District Services Dennis Majewski, his maintenance and custodial staffs, and the contractors the district uses when needed. You didn’t think those hallways and classrooms maintain themselves, did you? The district employs 32 full-time custodians, seven substitute custodians and eight maintenance workers. Franklin Regional has five schools: Franklin Regional High School, Franklin Regional Middle School, Sloan Elementary, Newlonsburg Elementary and Heritage Elementary, plus two auxiliary buildings. During the summer break, the work done to those buildings falls into three different categories, according to Majewski. “The first is when you just go in and clean all the schools and the same things get done to each school,” he said. “We send our custodians in and they essentially go through and they clean every inch of the school – walls, windows, all the desks, anything you can possibly think of.” In this stage, everything is disinfected and floors are stripped and waxed. This is done room by room. “We do one school at a time in three shifts, 24 hours a day, six days a week, from the last day of school until school starts,” Majewski explained. In the second category, “we have our maintenance people go around and fix things they couldn’t get to while school’s in session,” he said. This year, that includes replacing a water fountain in one of the high school gyms. The routine work includes replacing all the filters in the heating and air conditioning units in each classroom. “Then we replace window blinds, bulletin boards, chalk boards.”
8 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
Thirdly, the district hires contractors to come and do major renovations when necessary. This year, the district is relighting three gyms with high-efficiency energy lighting, repainting the hallways at Heritage Elementary School, redoing part of the roof at Sloan Elementary School and repairing cracks and potholes. It’s also regrinding the terazza. “It’s a hard concrete floor,” Majewski explained, “but after a while [the floors] get pitted and worn, so we brought in a contractor to handle that…We’re spending roughly $450,000 this summer on contractors.” That’s actually a lower figure than in previous summers when there have been major projects. “We don’t have one big project going on; it’s a bunch of little ones,” Majewski said. “We usually spend about $800,000 on average.” In addition to the regular maintenance and custodial staff, the district also hires student workers for the summer. "They do some painting and they clean lockers and they do the grass cutting and weed whacking," Majewski said. Franklin Regional also holds an auction almost every year to get rid of surplus equipment, old textbooks, desks, etc. “The turnout depends on what we have,” Majewski said. “We get anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 a year. It depends on what we’re auctioning off.” One of the highest bids they have received in recent years was $2,500 for a machine tool. Money raised from the auction goes into the district’s general fund, according to Majewski. Asked if he’s ever worried about not having schools ready by the first day of school, he replied, “I’m concerned if we don’t finish three or four days ahead. I’ve never missed a day since I’ve been here and I’ve been here seven years. We’ve always been ready.”
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Tips for Transitions: Make the Most of Your Retirement Account Options t's a fact: The average American holds nine different jobs before the age of 34.* It's also a fact that the decisions you make about how to manage retirement assets when changing jobs can have a direct impact on your future financial health. Case in point: "Cashing out" retirement plan assets before age 59½ (55 in some cases) can expose your savings to immediate income taxes and a 10% IRS early withdra wal penalty. On the other hand, there are several different strategies that could preserve the full value of your assets while allowing you to maintain tax-deferred growth potential.
I
longer have that money earmarked for retirement in a taxadvantaged account. *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. **Withdrawals will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Early withdrawals may trigger a 10% penalty tax. ***You will receive credit for the withholding when you file your next tax return. Š 2010 Standard & Poor's Financial Communications. All rights reserved.
Well Informed = Well Prepared Option #1: Leave the Money Where It Is If the vested portion of the account balance in your former employer's plan has exceeded $5,000, you can generally leave the money in that plan. Any money that remains in an old plan still belongs to you and still has the potential for tax-deferred growth.** However, you won't be able to make additional contributions to that account. Option #2: Transfer the Money to Your New Plan You may be able to roll over assets from an old plan to a new plan without triggering any penalty or immediate taxation. A primary benefit of this strategy is your ability to consolidate retirement assets into one account.** Option #3: Transfer the Money to a Rollover IRA To avoid incurring any taxation or penalties, you can enact a direct rollover from your previous plan to an individual retirement account (IRA).** If you opt for an indirect transfer, you will receive a distribution check from your previous plan equal to the amount of your balance minus an automatic 20% tax withholding. You then have 60 days to deposit the entire amount of your previous balance into an IRA which means you will need to make up the 20% withholding out of your own pocket.*** Option #4: Take the Cash Because of the income tax obligations and potential 10% penalty described above, this approach could take the biggest bite out of your assets. Not only will the value of your savings drop immediately, but also you'll no
Are You Living the Life of Your Dreams? Is your dream to travel to distant lands, send your child to college, or to simply have the financial means for a comfortable retirement? We can help you identify your dreams, values and priorities and design a comprehensive plan that targets every aspect of your life goals. If you are already living the life of your dreams, we can help you plan ahead so that it may continue. If you are still on your journey, we can design a step-by-step roadmap to help you get to where you want to be. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
SM
Independence Powered By LPL Financial
The Advisors, LLC Bryan C. Davis President 3875 Franklintowne Ct #130 Murrysville , PA 15668-1265 724 733 8564 fax 724 733 7333 office bryan.davis@lpl.com www.theadvisorsllc.com
Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC
10 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
A LETTER from the MAYOR M U N I C I PA L I T Y
O F
M U R R Y S V I L L E
Marcellus Shale and Murrysville
I
t has been reported that the Marcellus Shale Gas Play promises to bring economic opportunities for Pennsylvanians and energy independence to the United States. However, this industrial use also presents significant challenges to local communities like Murrysville. This industrial land use will impact roads, air and water quality, rural ambience, and property values. The Marcellus Shale formation is a shale rock strata running anywhere from 5,000-7,000 feet below the surface and is named after a town in the state of New York, where it outcrops. Improvements in technology known as horizontal drilling have made the production of natural gas from the shale strata economically feasible. This is known as deep shale gas drilling. The process involves drilling vertically then turning into the gas bearing rock for as far as 5,000 feet horizontally. The rock is then fractured by blasting and the injection under high pressure of a solution of water and chemicals. As much as five million gallons of water can be used during this process. The Council of the Municipality of Murrysville recognized the challenges this land use would create for the community. In June 2010, a task force of local residents representing various interests and professions was appointed and charged with developing an ordinance to regulate deep shale gas drilling in Murrysville. There were a number of challenges the task force had to deal with which included: ■ The Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act, which regulates the extraction of oil and gas; ■ The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, which regulates zoning and land use; ■ The fact that 93% of land in Murrysville is zoned residential; and ■ The Pennsylvania Supreme Court cases, which state municipalities may say “where” gas wells may be placed in a community, but may not regulate “how” companies extract the gas. The task force did an admirable job in developing a recommendation to Council. The Ordinance proposes: 1. The establishment of an oil and gas district where the surface placement of well drilling pads may occur through a conditional use application process. The outline of the district was established to: ■ Minimize impact to existing residential development; ■ To have accessibility to state-maintained roads; and ■ To have accessibility to more than 90% of the gas-bearing shale rock by way of horizontal drilling. 2. A stringent application process requiring all the necessary data for Council to make an informed decision concerning the land use; 3. A section identifying standards and the use of best management practices the community will expect of the development; 4. Sections regulating noise, air quality, hazards, screening bunk houses; and 5. Regulations governing the placement of compressor stations and gas development support facilities. Beginning in the Spring of 2011, the ordinance was reviewed by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission recommended to Council additions to the ordinance, which have been incorporated. Council began review of the ordinance in late spring and held four (4) well-attended public hearings. Comments received through the public hearing process have been evaluated and incorporated into the proposed ordinance. The citizens of Murrysville are to be congratulated for the passionate and informed input. Council is now prepared to make final changes to the ordinance and to move forward with adoption. Copies of the ordinance and the oil and gas overlay district can be found on the Municipality’s website at www.murrysville.com, under the “Resources” tab.
Robert J. Brooks Mayor Municipality of Murrysville Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Franklin Regional Band Heading West for the Tournament of Roses Parade
W
hat lover of parades hasn’t sat, eyes glued to the television, and secretly wished to be one of those high-stepping band members showing a worldwide audience just how truly talented you are.
Members of the Franklin Regional High School Marching Band don’t have to wish. That’s because come Jan. 2, 2012, this 197-member
12 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
marching ensemble will be strutting down Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif., in the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade. The band was selected from among hundreds to be one of the 15 bands from across the world invited to participate in this legendary parade. Other bands invited are coming from as far away as Kyoto, Japan and Kariskrona, Sweden. “We feel pretty fortunate to be one of the 15 bands that they invited,” said Franklin Regional band director Kevin Pollock. And you can’t get by on charm and good looks. “It was a pretty extensive package we had to send,” Pollock said, referring to the application process. Required in addition to the application form were a DVD of halftime and parade footage, resume of the band, and letters of reference from college band directors, people that had worked with the band in the past and were familiar with its program. Part of the DVD footage had to include the band turning a corner.
This isn’t Franklin Regional’s first time at a big dance. In 2009, the band marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Some of those same students will be heading to Pasadena. “I’m very happy for them because they’re going to be able to say they did the two biggest parades in the nation,” Pollock said. Of course, to prepare for something as big and grand as the Rose Parade, you have to do a lot more than just pack your luggage. Getting ready for this requires two things, above all else – lots of marching and lots of fundraising. The Rose Parade is 5.5 miles, which means band members will need a lot of stamina to be able to march and play for that long of a distance. “We’ll be spending a lot more time just marching around the track – marching, walking, building up their endurance until they can do a 5.5-mile parade route,” Pollock said. He’s going to have them do a dress rehearsal prior to the Murrysville Halloween Parade Continued next page
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Continued from page 13
by having them start in Export and march along Old William Penn Highway to Mother of Sorrows church. “We plan on having them ready to do those 5.5 miles by the end of October,” said Pollock. The Halloween Parade will also be another opportunity to increase public awareness of this great honor and the need for donations. Band members, parents of band members and band boosters have been involved in a lot of efforts to raise the $1,700 per student needed to get to Pasadena. The band has received a few donations from individuals and organizations and has done its annual cow patty bingo and Florida citrus sales. A golf outing was also held earlier this month to raise money for the trip. In addition to marching in the parade January 2, the band will also do a field show (aka a halftime show) for Bandfes t, which takes place December 31 at Pasadena City College. “It’s actually very well attended,” Pollock said. “They get a big crowd there. A lot of residents who want to see the bands, but not contend with the crowds of the Rose Parade, attend.” For more information about the Franklin Regional Marching Band, its trip to the Rose Parade and its fundraising efforts, please visit www.frband.com.
14 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
Thiel College Committed to You f you are looking for the right combination of academic challenge, personal growth, social involvement and exceptional value, it’s time to explore Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Thiel offers educational quality and financial affordability, ranking among the most affordable private schools in western Pennsylvania. Thiel College offers a career-oriented, liberal arts education that can be completed in four years, with close faculty-to-student interaction as our hallmark. With more than 60 majors and areas of study, including theology and youth ministry and neuroscience, and unique cooperative programs like culinary management and commercial art, Thiel students can handcraft an experience with customized study, personal attention and leadership opportunities. Housing is guaranteed for four years and the campus features technology throughout, including a laptop initiative that provides each student with a notebook computer. Thiel has 24 varsity sports teams, including new men’s and women’s lacrosse and tennis teams and men’s volleyball, most of which compete at the NCAA Division III level, and more than 50 organizations and clubs, like the new marching band, the Thiel Tomcat Marching Pride. Also, thanks to a commitment to practical, hands-on learning, students at Thiel intern as early as the second semester of the first year and earn up to 12 credits through internships! The Thiel Commitment (www.thiel.edu/ commitment) is a new Thiel initiative that includes career discernment seminars before students enroll on campus, new exploratory major designations, lifelong career services and a ninth-semester tuition waiver for qualified students. Now you can study abroad, do an internship or even switch majors without the added pressure of graduating in eight semesters. This facet of the program is unique to Thiel College and shows the courage that Thiel has to support its students and help them to succeed through thick and thin. Thiel also offers expanded career services to admitted students—even before they begin at Thiel. Admitted students unsure of their college major can attend Career Discernment Seminars before they matriculate or can schedule individual appointments for help selecting majors and exploring careers. Additionally, Thiel has a new enrollment category, called “exploratory,” that allows a student to explore a major like biology or history during the first year and receive mentoring from faculty but without “locking” into a field of study.
I
16 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
These programs as well as other efforts during the past year have resulted in some true gains for Thiel. The college welcomed 421 new students for the 2010-2011 academic year—students who are academically qualified and poised to benefit from all that Thiel College has to offer. Thiel is well poised to continue to grow significantly in the future. Another exciting development at Thiel is the new air-supported dome, which will be erected over Thiel’s Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium in November. Named the RissellSchreyer Dome, this structure will cover the college football field during winter months and allow Thiel to offer more athletic and other recreational programming during the winter and spring for both the college and the greater Greenville community. Situated on 135 tree-lined acres in Greenville, Pa., Thiel is ideally located between Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Erie— a “triangle of opportunity” that puts you close enough for ready access to “big city” opportunities, yet distant enough to be safe and free from distractions. For more: 800-24-THIEL or www.thiel.edu.
FA L L 2 0 1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use For residents of eastern communities
Fall is for Families Take advantage of the cooler days to enjoy time outdoors with your family.
What’s Inside
© 2011 UPMC
page 2
Beating Cancer Close to Home
page 3
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes
page 4
Healthy Eating for Busy Families Achoo! Don’t Get the Flu
page 5
A Matter of Choice Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves
page 6
A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly
page 7
Committed to Building a Better Community
Beating Cancer Close to Home New UPMC Cancer Center location offers convenient option for Monroeville-area patients Mary Lou Perla never anticipated her cancer diagnosis. Now in her early 70s, the Murrysville, Pa., resident always took care of herself and exercised regularly, doing Zumba or aerobics, and hitting the treadmill. After undergoing surgery late last year, Mary Lou began chemotherapy for liver cancer and the malignant lymph nodes found in her chest. Thankfully, treatment was available just 15 minutes away in a brand new facility: the UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC East, Oxford Drive. “It’s the greatest thing for me to have my chemo treatments close to my home,” says Mary Lou. “It’s such a relief not to have the extra pressure of traveling into Pittsburgh or asking friends for a ride.” The new 7,000-square-foot facility, which opened last December, offers area patients cancer care and treatment in one location. The center provides access to a full range of hematology and medical oncology services, including chemotherapy, injections, lab work, and clinical trials. Free, designated parking is provided for patients.
UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC East, Oxford Drive Location
“We’re pleased to offer quality services and cutting-edge cancer treatment at one location here in the community. It’s much more efficient, more personal, and easier on our patients — particularly when they’re not feeling well,” says Dhaval Mehta, MD, a medical oncologist and the center’s full-time physician.
400 Oxford Drive First Floor, Suite 102 Monroeville, PA 15146
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Specialties
Hematology Medical Oncology
Services
Biological Therapy Administration Chemotherapy Administration Clinical Trial Screening and Enrollment Experimental Drug Treatments Financial Counseling Nutritional Counseling Symptom/Side Effects Management Support Groups and Counseling
Features
Five Exam Rooms Nine Chemo Chairs (heated, with individual TV monitors) Lab Waiting Area Free, designated parking for cancer center patients
In addition to Dr. Mehta, five other medical oncologists take turns seeing patients at the new facility. With five exam rooms, nine chemo chairs, and a lab waiting area, the center can accommodate up to 100 patients daily. All these special features make her treatment more manageable, says Mary Lou, who drives herself to the center once or twice weekly for chemotherapy, hydration treatments, and lab work. “This facility is the greatest thing for me. It’s very comfortable and private, and the time goes by very quickly,” says Mary Lou. “When you have a facility like this close to home, with people who care about you, it gives you added strength. It makes me feel so much better.” The UPMC Cancer Centers offer some of the most advanced cancer detection and treatment options including TrueBeam™, one of the latest radiation technologies available today. Turn to page 6 to learn more about the TrueBeam™ system.
2
www.UPMC.com/Today
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes Be smart about your heart — and stroke treatment — to protect your brain The myths about stroke are numerous. Among the most popular — and perhaps one of the most dangerous — is that stroke is something that happens only to older adults. In fact, a recent report by the American Stroke Association showed a sharp rise in stroke hospitalizations among men and women ages 15 to 44, while rates declined by 25 percent among older adults. “The biggest mistake people make is thinking it won’t happen to them,” says Tudor Jovin, MD, director of the UPMC Stroke Institute. “Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age,” he says.
“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences.” — Lawrence Wechsler, MD
Lowering your risk is the best way to avoid the life-changing impact a stroke can have on you and your family. When a stroke does occur, fast action is critical to minimize damage. The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.
Prevention: What you can do “Heart disease increases your chances of having a stroke, so it’s important to control the risk factors,” says Lawrence Wechsler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at UPMC. While you can’t do anything about your age, family history, or ethnicity (African-Americans have a higher incidence of stroke), you can control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. “You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences,” Dr. Wechsler says.
Treatment: Time lost is brain lost
Think FAST Use this simple acronym to help determine whether you’re witnessing a stroke:
Face:
Can the person smile (or does one side of the face droop)?
Arms:
Can the person raise both arms (or does one side drift downward)?
Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?
Time:
Call 911 immediately, if someone exhibits any of these warning signs!
Act FAST
Every minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death. One of the best treatments for ischemic strokes — where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain — is the quick administration of the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). While UPMC doctors have had success beyond three hours with a special procedure to retrieve the blockage or dissolve it with drugs administered directly into the clot, time is critical.
Strokes require immediate medical attention, so knowing the warning signs is crucial, says Dr. Wechsler. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:
For patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, fast action is needed to repair the leaking blood vessel.
• Vision problems
Call 911
• Confusion
If you suspect someone has suffered a stroke, call for emergency medical help immediately so treatment can begin without delay.
• Problems speaking or understanding
Specialized stroke centers — such as UPMC’s Stroke Institute at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, and UPMC Mercy — have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to diagnose and treat patients. The UPMC Stroke Telemedicine Program also uses technology to provide fast treatment to patients at other UPMC hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania.
To learn more about stroke prevention and treatment, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.
• Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body • Problems with balance or walking • Slurred speech
• Severe headache
1-800-533-UPMC
3
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Healthy Eating for Busy Families America is getting fatter and Pennsylvania is helping to lead the way as one of the nation’s top 20 “most obese” states. Our busy lifestyles encourage unhealthy eating habits, like eating on the run and high-fat/high-sugar snacking. But with a little effort, you can gradually transform your family’s diet from “fat” to “fit”!
Achoo!
Don’t Get the Flu
Start your day off right Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kids who eat breakfast — especially those packed with “brain food” like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 — are more alert and focused in school; adults have more energy and concentrate better.
Unpredictable. That’s the best way to describe flu season, which officially begins in late October and winds down in May. Winter is prime flu season, but it can peak as early as October or as late as April.
• Is cereal your family’s breakfast of choice? Look for low-sugar, high-fiber options and top with fresh fruit and low-fat milk (1% or fat-free). • Get your creative juices flowing with easy-to-make fruit and yogurt smoothies. • Crunched for time? Grab a hard-boiled egg and toast, or top an apple or banana with peanut butter for a tasty “breakfast to go.”
It’s impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in store for us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe reactions, and it can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with the flu. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year.
Think smart when it comes to fast-food lunches No time to pack your own lunch? Use these healthy strategies when dining out: • Say no to fried, sautéed, or creamy foods. Opt for roasted, grilled, broiled, steamed, or baked meals. • Beware of add-ons (like mayo, butter, and salad dressing) that quickly increase calorie counts. • Replace sodas with water or fat-free or 1% milk. Even diet sodas can be bad for you! • Go online for the nutrition information on your favorite meal. Don’t just focus on calories: look at factors like fat and sodium content.
Who is at risk? Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flu before even knowing you are sick!
Who should get the flu vaccine? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications from the flu include: • People age 65 and older • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two • People with health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as kidney, liver, and neurological disorders • Pregnant women
Make dinner a family affair
Others who should get a flu shot: • Health care workers
Eating together as a family offers countless benefits — including serving more balanced, nutritious meals and the chance for parents to serve as “healthy eating” role models.
• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as family and friends who have contact with a resident
• Talk to your children about portion control, with fruits and vegetables comprising half of every plate. • Reduce the amount of meat your family eats by gradually introducing healthy alternatives into your meals, like fish, whole grains, and beans. • Look for seasonal produce that is grown locally. In the fall, that means vegetables like pumpkins and squash, and fruits like apples and pears. Interested in learning more about nutritious eating? Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov.
• Caregivers of young children, especially infants under six months who are at the highest risk of flu-related complications
What is the best time to get vaccinated? The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you’ll be protected. However, experts agree: it’s never too late. If you have questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4
www.UPMC.com/Today
A Matter of Choice Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves Robin Eberle of Butler, Pa., never had a problem with her periods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s, her periods became heavier and lasted longer. “There were times I couldn’t even leave the house,” she recalls.
In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have Before embolization children or who are some years away from menopause may want to consider other options.”
Fibroids
Her gynecologist prescribed an ultrasound, then an MRI. Based on those results, he diagnosed Robin with uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referred her to the Fibroid Treatment Center at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC. As many as three out of every four women have UFTs, but the majority never even know it. For women like Robin, though, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives.
The Fibroid Treatment Center
After embolization
Established in 2008, the Fibroid Treatment Center offers the region’s most comprehensive approach to UFTs. “We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensive expertise in treating fibroids,” says Richard Guido, MD, the center’s founder and director. “Our focus is educating women on their full options so they can choose the best treatment plan for themselves.” The center’s structure also offers women much-valued convenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.
For Robin, her treatment of choice was a uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure requiring little downtime. Using a thin catheter, about the size of a spaghetti strand, Dr. Orons injected small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to stop the flow of blood to them. “The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin. The center offers a full range of other options, including pain medication, hormonal therapy, and surgery. It also has a research component that includes trial procedures unavailable elsewhere.
To learn more Women are encouraged to first have a conversation with their doctor if they think they may have UFTs. If you’re looking for a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). You can visit the Fibroid Treatment Center’s webpage at www.UPMC.com/Magee. The center also will host a Community Health Talk at Magee on Thursday, Sept. 29. For details, call 412-641-4435.
Do You Have UFTs? John Fisch, MD, a gynecologist with Womancare Associates in Monroeville, says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a pin or the size of a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” he explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.”
“Symptoms usually appear in the late 30s and 40s, and they often can be controlled through birth control pills or other medication,” says Dr. Fisch, “but others require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or uterine fibroid embolization.” For most women, the symptoms of fibroids significantly diminish during menopause.
He advises that women be alert to these early symptoms: • Heavy bleeding • A sense of pelvic pressure • Pain during intercourse
It’s important to know that other conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of UFTs. That’s why it’s vital to have regular checkups, and keep an open line of communication with your gynecologist or family doctor. For more information, visit www.UPMCEast.com
1-800-533-UPMC
5
A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly TrueBeam allows UPMC cancer specialists to enhance treatment and patient comfort TM
Martha Makin of Somerset, Pa., says she’s “done it all” since being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Not a candidate for surgery, the 69-year-old grandmother first received chemotherapy, followed by multiple radiation treatments that required her to remain still on a hard surface for long periods. But her most recent radiation treatment in April used a new form of technology that left her impressed and enthusiastic. “I was amazed at how fast and comfortable it was,” she says. “It’s definitely my choice for future treatments!”
Determining the right treatment “We see many cancer patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery, particularly among the elderly,” explains Neil Christie, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UPMC. “Additional medical complications or hard-to-reach tumors just make surgery too risky.” Radiation therapy is often used in such instances to shrink or eliminate tumors. For Martha, her age and type of tumor made her a good candidate for the Novalis® powered by TrueBeam STx system, selected by UPMC cancer specialists for the precision, speed, and comfort it offers patients. TM
“TrueBeam is one of the most advanced radiation technology available,” says Dwight E. Heron, MD, FACRO, professor of radiation oncology and otolaryngology, and vice chairman for clinical affairs, Department of Radiation Oncology at UPMC Cancer Centers. “It’s letting us treat challenging cancers of the brain, lungs, spine, neck, and prostate with much greater precision.”
Another UPMC first When UPMC introduced TrueBeam STx to Pittsburgh last November, it became one of the first 20 medical centers worldwide to do so. But like all technologies, TrueBeam is just a tool. Its real potential is realized through the talents of those who use it. “In the late 1980s, UPMC was the first center in the United States to use Gamma Knife® technology for radiosurgery of the brain. Since then, we’ve advanced our knowledge through research and the innovative use of technology,” notes Dr. Heron. “Our multidisciplinary team approach gives patients a highly individualized plan of treatment based on their specific needs. TrueBeam now extends the kind of care we can offer them.”
6
www.UPMC.com/Today
How it works Some cancerous tumors are located in a hard-to-reach part of the body, while others “float” in an organ, or shift position when a person breathes or coughs. Just like a sharpshooter often struggles to hit a moving target, such cancers make it hard to directly aim radiation at a tumor. “But TrueBeam’s built-in imager produces sharp, ‘real-time’ 3D images that fine-tune a patient’s position during treatment, even while breathing,” explains Dr. Heron. “It’s able to track a tumor’s exact location within a millimeter.” UPMC specialists are combining TrueBeam technology with RapidArc®, another radiotherapy technique that delivers a powerful, faster, more uniform dose of radiation. Radiosurgery and other radiation treatments can now be accomplished two to eight times faster, with fewer side effects reported by patients. “These and other minimally invasive treatments are really redefining how we treat cancer,” notes Dr. Christie. “We’re no longer limited by conventional procedures.”
To learn more The TrueBeam system is housed at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside. UPMC provides access to a number of physicians that can refer interested patients to the center. For a list, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Committed to Building a Better Community A new hospital brings more to a community than meets the eye With the July 2012 grand opening of UPMC East less than a year away, exciting things continue to happen at the former Palace Inn site. As the hospital’s exterior structure nears completion, local residents and visitors can see a dramatic change in the Monroeville skyline. UPMC also has undertaken several less visible, but equally important, projects associated with the new hospital’s construction that will have a significant impact on quality of life for Monroeville and the surrounding communities.
Sean Logan, vice president of community affairs at UPMC, is keenly aware of the flooding issues faced by the surrounding communities. “I grew up in Pitcairn and when it rained, residents kept a close watch on the streams because the town had a history of flooding issues,” explains Mr. Logan. “UPMC’s storm water management plan will definitely help ease concerns for residents,” he says.
“As a community hospital, we want to be a good neighbor. That’s why we took steps to reclaim and recycle nearly all of the former structure, and developed plans to control water runoff and alleviate traffic problems at the location,” says Mark Sevco, president, UPMC East.
Everything old is used again During demolition of the Palace Inn, workers were able to recycle and reuse nearly 100 percent of the steel, copper, aluminum, and glass, says Joseph Badalich, senior project manager, UPMC East. In addition, tons of concrete and stone were crushed and reused as fill around foundations and retaining walls at the new hospital. “By doing that, we were able to keep 6,500 truckloads of stone and concrete off local roads and out of landfills saving additional wear and tear on the roads,” adds Mr. Badalich.
Storm water management will ease flooding concerns UPMC is spending more than $2 million to install an extensive storm water management system to capture runoff from the hospital site and the surrounding area.
Improving one of the state’s busiest intersections UPMC also is spearheading a $2.4 million project to improve travel in the area around Route 22 and Route 48/ Mosside Boulevard (pictured above) — one of the busiest intersections in Pennsylvania. Mr. Badalich, a resident of nearby Plum, says the project is designed to alleviate any additional traffic generated by the new hospital. The addition of sidewalks and handicapped ramps will greatly improve pedestrian access. Other improvements include: • Fox Plan Road: Rebuilding and widening the road, adding sidewalks, and moving overhead utilities underground. • Mosside Boulevard (Route 48): Widening the road, adding two turning lanes and new signals, and moving overhead utilities underground. • Route 22: Widening the road, adding two turning lanes, new signals, and sidewalks. “Area residents can tell you just how difficult it used to be navigating around Route 22 and Mosside. These improvements not only will make a huge difference to drivers, but pedestrians, too,” adds Mr. Badalich.
UPMC East website is up and running According to Mr. Badalich, runoff from the former Palace Inn site caused serious flooding on Mosside Boulevard and led to downstream pollution and flooding. The new system allows storm water to be captured onsite in a large retention pond (pictured above). The water is then cooled and cleaned before being released at half the previous rate to reduce downstream flooding.
We invite you to learn more about the new hospital and UPMC’s commitment to the local community, check out our construction slide show, take a video tour, and much more by visiting UPMCEast.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
7
UPMC 600 Oxford Drive Monroeville, PA 15146
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
Follow UPMC East on Facebook.
FOR THE LITTLE THINGS.
FOR THE E BIG THING THINGS. GS
New
UPMC East Opens Summer 2012
Affiliated Affiliated with the University University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Medicine, UP UPMC MC is ranked ranked among the nation’s nation’s best hospitals by by U.S. News News & World World Report. Report.
g n i m o c up
urrysville Heritage Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 10 a.m. at the Murrysville Fireman's Field, 3235 Sardis Road in Murrysville. Enjoy a full day of music, arts, history, food, and fun,which includes storytelling, making historic crafts.and history demonstrations. The Murrsyville Heritage Festival is presented by the Murrysville Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the strengthening and revitalizing the historic and cultural characteristics of the community and to preserving the legacy of Murrsyville for future generations. For more information about the festival, visit the Murrysville Historical Preservation Society’s website at www.murrysvillehistory.org.
On that same day, visitors can take the chill off at the Chili Oktoberfest, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. at the Murrysville Fireman’s Field. All proceeds from the event will got to the Rotary Polio Foundation and the Miracle Complex at Murrysville Community Park. Anyone interested in submitting a pot of chili for the event, please call the Murrysville Recreation Department at 724.327.2100, Ext. 115 or Ext. 131. The first 10 registrants in each chili category will be accepted. For tickets to the event, contact the Recreation Department.
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Export’s
Centennial E
xport is a page out of American history in that many immigrants came from Eastern Europe specifically to work in the coal mines in Export; many times leaving behind family to send for later when they were able to afford it. I have the miner’s hat and lunchbox of a good family friend (Frank Tranchini) who left Italy at six years old to come to Export to join his father who was working in the mines. I have seen the ship’s record from Ellis Island that lists him and his age and destination: “Export.” It’s fascinating! This man was a good friend and neighbor of my grandparents and I spent a lot of time with him and his wife growing up. They have both since passed away, but they were special people. This is a story that repeats itself throughout the history of our town. Many of the family names that were on the original incorporation document are still here today. – Export Councilwoman Melanie Litz, chairperson of Export Centennial Committee
26 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
If any town epitomizes the immigrant story of backbreaking work, sacrifice and taking a shot at the American Dream, it is Export. Joe Skandera has lived in the area his entire 78 years. His parents came from Poland and Czechoslovakia. He had neighbors who were Polish, Russian, Italian – to name a few of the ethnicities – many of whom had come to work in the mines. “I can remember just about every night the locomotive would come down from Pittsburgh to pick up coal cars, 50-60 cars every day,” Skandera recalled. “The mines produced a lot of coal for the community – for the industrial community and for the people to heat their residential homes.” He also recalls growing up and learning not only from his Eastern European parents, but from the Russians, Italians, Germans, and so on, who lived in the community. “When you grew up in that [environment], that was educational,” he said. He could walk down the street any evening and hear people speaking in their native tongues. “My dad ran a grocery store. They supplied everybody with necessary things a home needed.” Skandera became a certified bricklayer and eventually continued on next page
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
Export’s
Centennial
continued from page 27
earned a teaching degree. He taught bricklaying in the Pittsburgh Public School District for 30 years. He built his home in the Export area in 1960, and said he’s never thought about living anywhere else. Skandera has four children, all of whom have master’s degrees, he said. “They are all very successful in their work.” On August 6, Skandera, his niece Melanie Litz and hundreds of other Export residents celebrated their beloved town’s centennial with an ethnic and music festival kicked off by a parade, which included a horse-drawn hearse, classic cars, simulated miners covered in soot, and the original Miss Export and her court, plus the current Miss Export Courtney Manovich. The festivities included horse-drawn buggy rides, a wing eating contest, plenty of vendors, memorabilia displays, and the sharing of wonderful memories. “[The event] was a tremendous success without any hesitation, whatsoever,” said Export Mayor Michael Calder. “We had record sales at local restaurants and social clubs. We had live music from four different genres, so there was
something for everyone. The children's area was packed. We had a fireworks show that was second to none. I don't know how you could ever improve upon a day like that. The day will go down in Export lore and as one that the committee should be very very proud of.” The amazing thing is that the rain that morning didn't seem to keep anyone away, said the 29-year-old mayor. “It wasn’t ideal weather, but the streets were packed.” he said. “Obviously, we are thrilled with turnout of the Centennial Celebration.” Litz said. “Three years of planning really paid off. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such a wonderful event. There was something for everyone - young and old. I feel like we did Export's 100 year anniversary justice with this celebration. The success of this event can be attributed to the dedication and pride we feel in our town. Our ancestors struggled and fought to give us a better life, and for that we are thankful. Their efforts deserve to be recognized. So many people pulled together to make this a success. It shows what you can do when you work together toward a common goal. I am confident that Export will continue to thrive into our second century. This is, and will continue to be, a great place to live. I am proud to call Export my home. Happy Birthday Export!” The official Export centennial date is November 11. An event is being planned, but there are no details yet.
A brief history of Export provided by Melanie Litz based on the book Export by Helene Smith Westmoreland Coal Company purchased a large coal property east of Murrysville in the late 19th century. In 1891, the Turtle Creek Valley Railroad, a Pennsylvania RR subsidiary led by George Westinghouse, Jr., opened its initial 6.5 miles of line from Trafford to Murrysville. The following year this line was extended to the site of the Export mine developed by the Westmoreland Coal Co. The company opened the mine in 1892 and constructed several houses for its workers on nearby land. (Many of which are still lived in today!) By 1900 the mine employed 494 people and produced over 513,000 tons of coal. By 1904 there were two drift entry mines and they constituted the largest single mining operation in Westmoreland County. In 1904, miners at Export extracted nearly 734,000 tons of coal, topping the country’s second largest mine, H.C. Frick Coke Company’s Standard Shaft which produced about 485,000 tons. The mines closed in 1952. 28 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
2010 Grand Prize Winning Photo of Mallard at Murrysville Community Park Wetlands by Dale Matuza
he Murrysville Photo Contest is a true testament to the beauty of the outdoors and the talent of the photographers who’ve been able to capture it. The contest was originally started by Friends of Murrysville Parks in 2007 and was limited to photographs taken within those parks. The second year the Westmoreland Conservancy joined as a co-sponsor and photos included those taken within Murrysville Parks and Westmoreland Conservancy Reserves. Last year, the Murrysville Parks and Recreation Commission took charge of the contest, opening up the photography competition to allow photos taken anywhere outdoors in Murrysville. The 2011 Murrysville Photo Contest is in full swing. Entries must be received by midnight December 21, 2011.
T
Continued on next page 30 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
1st Place Winning Photo of Painted Trillium in Duff Park by Kevin Clark
1st Place Winning Photo of Girl Walking in Stream at Bear Hollow Park by Maira Khwaja Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
1st Place Winning Photo of MCP Wetlands with Ducks by Clarence Skena “The contest was originally planned as a way to encourage people to get out into Murrysville Parks and enjoy them and appreciate the beauty of the parks,” said Betsy Aiken, one of the contest coordinators (Jim Boyd is the other coordinator). “It’s been a very popular contest and it has yielded entries of very high quality, very beautiful photographs.” Any amateur photographer may enter up to three digital photographs. Categories include: People & Pets, Plants Close Up, Plants & Landscapes, Animals, Birds & Insects, and Young Photographers. “This year, we’re especially hoping to encourage entries from young photographers,” Aiken said. That category is for photographers 15 years of age and younger. While this category has always existed, Aiken said, it has not yielded as many entries as coordinators would like. But it has, she added, resulted in some outstanding entries. “Murrysville has some parks that are popular regional destinations for photographers and people interested in bird watching or studying wildflowers or trees,” Aiken said. “Because of this, the contest has enjoyed entries from amateur photographers beyond Murrysville that have submitted exceptional photographs. There are many excellent photographers that reside within Murrysville as well.” The Murrysville Photo Contest is always looking for sponsors. Anyone interested in being a sponsor, or in learning more about the contest, can visit www.murrysvillephotocontest.org. 1st Place Winning Photo of Golden Field at Pleasant Valley Park by Ben Stampahar 32 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
1st Place Winning Photo of Mallard at MCP Wetlands by Pat Comas
Additional entries
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
T
hat certainly is the case when it comes to The Sparks of L.I.F.E., a group of Westmoreland County, and a few Allegheny County seniors, who use their love of playing the Lowrey organ to spread the joy of music to those in senior centers, nursing homes and other venues in their community. “Our primary mission is to have fun; at our age, if we’re having fun we should do it as much as we can,” said The Sparks of L.I.F.E. President Don Rose about the group’s mission, set when it was formed three years ago. That’s when Rose, who had just moved to the area after retiring from the Navy, was walking through the Westmoreland Mall and saw that Trombino Music Center was offering free organ lessons for senior citizens. While he had played ukulele and still plays the conga drums, he’d never touched the organ. After a few lessons, he was hooked. When the group was established, his fellow organ students asked him to become the president. In addition to having fun and providing a bright spot in the day for seniors who are confined to a nursing home, the group touts the therapeutic impact of music, specifically organ playing. The Sparks of L.I.F.E. is associated with the Lowrey Organ Company, headquartered in Chicago. L.I.F.E. stands for Lowrey is Fun and Easy. “For the most part we’ve had the same members,” Rose said, although recently they’ve added a few more to the roster. Usually for the two to three engagements a month that are scheduled, there are about nine or 10 who come out to play, he said, because some members are still working or have family obligations. Members range from seasoned musicians – who also play other instruments – to beginners, and all levels perform during the group’s outings. “We usually leave it to the individuals to play two or three selections of what they’d like to play,” Rose said. He makes sure the music list has a good balance of uptempo as well as slower songs. But, The Sparks of L.I.F.E. doesn’t just play a few songs and head for the door. The group spends several hours, playing everything from big band music, swing, and polkas to country and classic American standards. Last year, the group logged 2,400 hours playing in places such as Westmoreland Manor, Greensburg Care Center, the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, Hempfield Manor, Ligonier Gardens, and the William Penn Care Center. The Trombino Music Center delivers the organ to the venue where the group is scheduled to perform and picks it up the next day. While an injury prevents Rose, 72, from playing ukulele, he usually takes his conga drums on outings to play in addition to the organ, which
34 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
he says can be made to sound like nearly any instrument and is adaptable to nearly any style of music. The Sparks of L.I.F.E. Vice President Richey Eberman, of Westmoreland City, said the group’s performances give the organ students a chance to do what they love to do – play the organ – and it gives them the opportunity to play for an audience. “We like what we’re doing and we hope people like what we’re doing, too,” he added. Eberman, 84, started his musical training 75 years ago on the piano before switching to trombone. When he returned home after World War II, he fronted a 15-piece dance band, playing clubs throughout three states. “Everybody had live entertainment,” he explained. But getting married and becoming a family man coupled with a downturn in the economy led to Eberman finding a new line of work. “I had my trombone at home and I didn’t play it very much.” One Christmas, about 20 years ago, his family bought him an organ and he’s been playing ever since. “We go out as a group and play for those people who maybe aren’t exposed to entertainment because
they’re in a home,” Eberman said. “It gives us a chance to entertain.” It also gives members of the audience a chance to polka a bit, if they’re able to, and an opportunity to have their spirits lifted. The Sparks of L.I.F.E. members John and Hilda Martino schedule the group’s engagements and handle publicity. Like Eberman, Mr. Martino is a World War II veteran and a seasoned musician. His wife is a beginner. However, both enjoy the time they get to spend bringing a smile to the faces of their fellow seniors. John Martino, 86, started out playing the accordion at eight years of age. “My dad was a great accordion player,” he said. As for the organ, “I just picked it up. I play all kinds of music: polkas, waltzes, rumbas, some beautiful Italian songs.” His wife, 83, takes formal lessons, but also gets an assist in learning to play from her husband. “I say I’m going to sit down and play for 15 minutes, and two hours later I’m still sitting there fooling around,” Hilda Martino said. “Music is the best medicine,” said her husband. “You can’t buy that medicine.” Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
Kara Ziringer may have Broadway stars in her eyes, but her feet— which can do a pirouette or a ball change—are planted firmly on the ground. This 17-year-old performer knows that making it to the Great White Way is more than a notion. A senior at Franklin Regional Senior High School, Kara has been dancing since she was about four and singing since she was about six. As might be expected of a budding entertainer, she’s been cast in a number of high school musicals including: “The King and I,” “The Music Man,” “Hello Dolly,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” She’s also a member of the Franklin Regional High School Marching Band, which will be marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade in January. Cheering her and the band on will be her parents, Leslie and DAD, and sisters, Jennifer, 24 and Nikki, 16. Currently, Kara takes classes at the Larry Cervi School of Performing Arts, and she also travels to Penn State to take voice lessons from teacher Mary Saunders-Barton. It was Saunders-Barton who told her about a pre-college program at Carnegie Mellon University. “I told her I was looking for something to do during the summer and she suggested I look into the CMU program,” Kara explained. She researched the program online and applied. “I sent in a video and it had me singing two songs, a ballad and an up-tempo. It also had me performing one monologue.” Kara was accepted and that is how she spent at least six weeks of her summer vacation. The program actually has six different areas of study and Kara 36 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
applied to the musical theater program. For six weeks she lived in the dorms and took classes including private voice, auditions, dramatic literature ballet, jazz and acting classes. She also auditioned and was accepted into the musical theater program’s acapella choir. “I definitely had high expectations when I got here and it definitely exceeded them,” Kara said. “I think I’ve grown so much and I feel 100 percent ready for college auditions.” Students participating in the pre-college musical theater program also get to audition for CMU’s highly ranked musical theater program. Kara had an hourlong dance audition, which included 30 minutes for jazz and 30 minutes for ballet; a singing audition comprised of one up-tempo and one ballad; and an acting audition with two contrasting monologues. “I think my singing and dancing are probably tied,” Kara said when asked what she felt was her strongest area. “Singing is something I’ve always done since I was little.” She’s stepping up her acting game by beginning acting classes this year. “I think it provides a tremendous opportunity for the kids,” Leslie Ziringer, Kara’s proud mom, said regarding CMU’s pre-college program. “She’s met kids from Cincinnati, New York, Philadelphia, so it seems like it draws from all over the country, and
actually from all over the world…I think we’re fortunate to live in Pittsburgh because we have an awful lot to offer these kids.” Maybe one day students in that program will have an instructor named Kara Ziringer. But that’s after she’s made it in New York. “I have big dreams of getting on Broadway,” she said. But she’d also like to do something on the community level. “I would love to run some type of musical theater studio,” Kara said.
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
REAL ESTATE
murrysville
IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the Murrysville real estate market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information about creating beautiful spaces to live in, and other interesting facts about your community. F E AT U R E S T O R Y
FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS When the dog days of summer are behind us and that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, energy seems to make a rebound and even the animals around Murrysville seem livelier, more alert. It won't be long before we hear the rumbling of the Franklin Regional High School Marching Band drum line and watch the Panthers take the field. During this time, there’s nothing more wonderful than taking advantage of those last days of warmth to get outside and enjoy the outdoors by doing a little yard work. This is a great time to rake up all those leaves on the ground. But don’t just throw them into a trash bag to be hauled away. Leaves are great for composting and may have as much as three times the amount of minerals as fertilizer. They need to be shredded to be easier to work with, but this is easily accomplished by running a mower back and forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sure to add a little nitrogen
38 724.942.0940 to advertise |
to your compost pile with the leaves. If your summer flowers have faded, be sure to trim back dead leaves and blooms and add some fall flowers for some more vibrant color. Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in pots to accent any garden with a fall palette, but don’t forget purple as a great contrasting color to oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purple accents are pansies, purple coneflowers, asters and mums. All of these will grow well in zone 6. For some green accent, you might try growing some arugula in a pot or self-watering container. This spicy, leafy plant has long been popular in France and Italy and actually grows better in the fall than in the summer. The leaves will add zest to your salads and other fall dishes. Although the planting time for arugula is in the spring, seedlings can be purchased and transplanted, however they also do well if left in containers or pots.
Murrysville
Even if you’re not particularly good at growing plants and flowers, there are many ways to accent your lawn and garden with minimal effort and maintenance. Brightly colored pumpkins placed around pathways and steps give a whimsical touch to decorating. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight and directly on the ground and your pumpkin may well last for two to three months in the cool fall climate. Other low-maintenance decorations for fall are corn stalks and bales of hay. Hay bales also provide extra seating in outdoor areas. Summer may be over but your yard can still be a bright, cheerful place full of beautiful, living things. - by Pamela Palongue
REAL ESTATE
murrysville
MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., homes where multiple generations of family have blended together under one roof are on the rise. It is not uncommon in Murrysville, and throughout the region, to find three generations of a family living under one roof. With economic constraints and the high cost of child care, it is easy to see why children, parents and grandparents living together in one dwelling makes sense in many situations. It’s easy to see why multigenerational dwellings which appeal to the needs of all ages are quickly becoming the trend. From this perspective a ranch-style house on one floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobility problems will not have to deal with steps, but also parents will not have the added worry of their young children falling down stairs. Another important feature of multi-generational homes is the ‘mother-in-law suite,’ which could just as easily be called the ‘father-in-law suite.’ This is generally an area of the house that is designed for an aging parent, giving them
a degree of privacy and independence while still being a part of the nuclear family household. They are sometimes located in a basement for easier access for those with mobility issues and often times will have a separate entrance, giving it the appearance of a mini-apartment. They usually always include a bedroom and private bath, however they may also come with kitchenettes and a small living area as well. When accessibility becomes an issue with an older adult, there are many options for making the home more accessible without giving it the industrial-style, nursing home appearance. This is an important consideration when it comes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, if an individual is wheel-chair bound, doorways must be made larger to accommodate the
chair. With a modern contemporary home, this may be accomplished by removing walls for a more open floor plan which appeals to buyers or widening doorways with attractive archways. This will make the change lookmore intentional and less like a temporary fix for a mobility problem. There are qualified professionals around the Murrysville area to help with both the construction and the financing of these types of modifications. Many times it becomes necessary to install grab bars in baths and showers for the safety of senior family members. Although there are many industrial style models from which to choose, there are a few companies on the web that are sensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars and offer styles in decorative brass and silver. Walk- in showers and baths can be constructed with attractive glass enclosures that fit everyone’s style and are still accessiblefor seniors. A few changes to your home can help make it safer for seniors and children and more valuable when it comes time to re-sell. - by Pamela Palongue
Murrysville | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
40 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Murrysville
The East Suburban YMCA in Plum held a grand opening September 10 for the Delmont Y at 6750 Hollywood Blvd. Offerings at the Delmont Y include: ■ Modern Wellness Center with Cardio, ■ Strength Circuit and Free weights ■ Silver Sneakers ■ Group Classes -- Zumba, Spinning, Mat Pilates ■ Personal Training. For more information about the Delmont Y, call 724.468.0390 or visit www.ymcapgh.org.
603 East McMurray Road McMurray I PA I 15317 724.942.0940 www.incommunitymagazines.com | IN BEDFORD COUNTY | | IN BETHEL PARK | | IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWINWHITEHALL | | IN CANON-MAC | | IN CHARTIERS VALLEY | | IN FOX CHAPEL | | IN HAMPTON | | IN KEYSTONE OAKS | | IN MARS AREA | | IN McKEESPORT AREA | | IN MERCER COUNTY | | IN MONROEVILLE | | IN MONTOUR | | IN MOON TOWNSHIP | | IN MT. LEBANON | |
MURRYSVILLE |
| IN NORTH ALLEGHENY | | IN NORWIN | | IN PENN HILLS | | IN PETERS TOWNSHIP | | IN PINE-RICHLAND | | IN PLUM | | IN ROSS TOWNSHIP | | IN SENECA VALLEY | | IN SEWICKLEY AREA | | IN SHALER | | IN SOUTH FAYETTE | | IN UPPER ST. CLAIR | | IN WEST ALLEGHENY | | IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS | | IN WEST MIFFLIN | | IN WOODLAND HILLS |