IN Murrysville by IN Community Magazines

SPRING 2011

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Murrysville Mayor’s Report Prom Fashion Tips

Contents Murrysville | SPRING 2011 |

Publisher’s Message COMMUNITY INTEREST

29 |

FEATURES

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Children’s Community Pediatrics GIL

When Your Child’s Weight is a Problem, What Can Help? | 4

Arden Courts

Making the Decision to Move | 20

Kids First Chiropractic

“SIT UP STRAIGHT and QUIT SLOUCHING!” | 45

The Advisors, LLC

Spring Cleaning — Put Your Financial House in Order | 57 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ON THE COVER

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Pro Bikes | 19 Garage Door Doctor Franklin Regional Musical Stage Crew.

Murrysville

Welcome to the spring issue of Murrysville. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and fun. Typically, I use this space to talk about your community or features in the magazine that spotlight the people in your community who are doing wonderful things. Well, this time I want to update you regarding our newest feature for 2011— our new website. Without venturing too far into the realm of shameless self-promotion, I want to emphasize that this website is something for you, our readers. How so? Well, you can have input and help shape the website just like your ideas help shape your magazine. Now you have a place to list all of the nonprofit community organizations that are active in the community. We are also developing pages where we list the local houses of worship. In addition, we now offer every magazine in a fully downloadable PDF format, rather than the outdated flipbook format we used to have. This will allow you to send the magazine, or links to it, to friends and family both near and far. We tied our website into Facebook as well, not to get the biggest list of “friends” we could get but to have a place to keep our readers abreast of all the news we get between issues. It also gives us a place to upload all the photos from community events that we don’t have room for in the magazine. As with all things, there’s always room for improvement, but we always have open ears. If you have comments about our new website or want to see your organization listed, e-mail mark@incommunitymagazines.com with your link or feedback. There’s no charge for listing your church, synagogue, or scout troop’s link, so send your links in today! And if you happen to be on Facebook and like what you see in the magazine, don’t hesitate to click that “Like” button. It’s always nice to be liked! I hope you have a wonderful spring!

SPRING 2011 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 ASSISTANT TO THE PUB LIS H ER

Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jamie Ward j.ward@incommunitymagazines.com W RITERS

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny

Wayne Dollard Publisher

When I think about spring, I can’t help but think about light. The days get “lighter,” and the sun stays with us a little longer each day. When we have a great idea, a light bulb goes off in our minds. At Murrysville Magazine we try to spot-light our communities. What are you doing to be a “light”? If you or an organization that you volunteer or work for is a light in the community, will you let me know? So many good deeds are left unsung! If you have a family member who is in the armed forces, or if your church group or even Mom or Dad are providing a service to someone in need, we want to know! Please e-mail your ideas and photos to me at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. In this edition along with the quarterly information from Franklin Regional School District, I hope you will take the time to read the Murrysville Mayor’s Report. Mayor Brooks has compiled a plethora of information to keep you updated on all of the happenings in and around Murrysville. As we look forward to warmer and brighter days ahead, I hope you will enjoy this edition of Murrysville Magazine!

Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Susie Doak Pati Ingold

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions ADVERTISING SALES

Nicholas Buzzell Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes Jason Huffman Jessie Jones Connie McDaniel Brian McKee

David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti

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

Summer content deadline: 4/19 www.incommunitymagazines.com

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – CHARLES DICKENS

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

You’ve heard and read about it; the percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese. Doctors can use a child’s growth curves to see if they are overweight or obese, and many schools send home letters with screening information. Studies show that certain genes may increase an individual’s susceptibility to excess body weight. However, the rapid rise in the rates of overweight and obesity in recent years cannot be attributed solely to genetic factors. The genetic characteristics of the human population have not changed in the last three decades, but obesity has tripled among school-aged children during that time. Several factors contribute to becoming overweight. They include: Energy intake: Large portion sizes for food and beverages, eating fastfood meals loaded with fat and salt, and frequent snacking on high-fat foods contribute to excess calorie intake of children and teens. There is an association between drinks with sugar and weight gain in children. First, this is because these drinks are high in calories. Also, liquids high in calories can be less filling than solids and lead to higher calorie intake. Physical activity: It’s important for children and teens. It is helpful not only for a healthy weight, but also for blood pressure and bone strength. Physically active children are also more likely to remain physically active into adulthood. Children today are spending less time in physical activity during school. Daily participation in school physical education among teens dropped from 42% in 1991 to 28% in 2003. Inactive Lifestyles: Children spend a lot of time Studies show that watching TV, on computers and certain genes may playing video games. In one study it averaged slightly over increase an individual’s 3 hours per day among susceptibility to excess body children aged 8–18 years. weight. However, the rapid rise Several studies have found an association between the time in the rates of overweight and spent viewing television and obesity in recent years cannot increased obesity in children. Media use, and specifically be attributed solely television viewing, may: to genetic factors. • take the place of time children spend in physical activities, • contribute to increased calorie consumption through excessive snacking and eating meals in front of the TV, • influence children to make unhealthy food choices through exposure to food advertisements, and • slows children's metabolic rate, or how fast they burn the calories they eat. If you're worried that your child or teen may be overweight, make an appointment with their doctor, who can assess eating and activity habits and make suggestions on how to make positive changes. The doctor may also decide to screen for some of the medical conditions that can be associated with obesity. 4

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A helpful websites for more information is: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html Or search the word “obesity” at www.HealthyChildren.org If you have a question about your childs weight or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Franks office at 724.327.5210 or www.cc-peds.net/gil_ped.

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Kim A. Ogle, MD Jamie McNanie, MD James Shaver, MD Leslie Frank, MD

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Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Murrysville Mayor’s Report

MAYOR’S MESSAGE | ROBERT J. BROOKS Obviously, the Marcellus Drilling growth and the need to balance the protecting of people and of the environment within this initial phase is very important to the entire area and will be the main focus of 2011. In 2010, the Municipality of Murrysville drafted an Oil and Gas Ordinance, pertaining to Marcellus Shale Gas Well Drilling and conducted informational sessions on the topic, which will result in legislation in 2011. In looking at additional 2010 accomplishments for Murrysville that affect the entire Municipality, the range goes from outstanding emergency management during snow and wind storms, breaking ground for the Miracle Field at Murrysville Community Park, installation of the Murrysville Veterans and Emergency Services monument at Murrysville Community Park, and “no tax increases” in these tough economic times. However, the #1 milestone in 2010 was the creation of a valuable and useful website at www.murrysville.com. Other notable accomplishments in Year 2010 include: • Sewer lines were extended to the Murrysville Community Park and toilet facilities are fully functional at the lower ball fields. Lines were also extended to the Wetlands Pavilion and the historic Sears House in the park and will be hooked up in the Spring of 2011. • Wiestertown Road was improved by replacing three culvert bridges, as the Municipality took over the road from the State in 2009. • Washington Street Bridge was replaced and Ludwig Bridge was put in motion to be replaced. This brings all our bridges to a serviceable condition. • The Police Department’s launch of Nixle, a community notification system. • Excellent police work, combined with positive citizen involvement in providing information, lead to the arrests of two actors on the same day and total money recovery from the S&T Bank robbery on June 26, 2010. • Duff Park was designated as a Wild Plant Sanctuary by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, due to the hard work of many volunteers in that park and their filing this request. • The completion of a scenic walking trail named for Don Harrison that combines several municipal parks and Conservancy lands to traverse approximately six (6) miles through the Municipality’s and Franklin Regional School District’s properties. • Very dear to my heart is that Murrysville officially opened an enclosed Dog Park in April 2010 at Murrysville Community Park. This is the first in Westmoreland County with separate runs for large dogs and small dogs. A water fountain will be added in the Spring of 2011. • Enactment of the Engine Brake Retarder “Jake Brake” Ordinance to curb truck noise on State Route 22 through Murrysville.

The Municipality of Murrysville is fortunate to have a professional, dedicated staff and hundreds of dedicated volunteers to serve the community. It has been an honor to serve you as Mayor in 2010 and we look forward to another good fiscally-balanced growth year for 2011.

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Murrysville

Public Officials: 2010 Council: Joan C. Kearns—Council President Regis Synan—Council Vice-President Nancy Kacin Jeffery Kepler Dennis Pavlik David R. Perry Ron Summerhill

State and Federal Officials: Senator Robert P. Casey (D-Pennsylvania) Regional Enterprise Tower 425 Sixth Avenue Suite 2490 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412.803.7370

Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pennsylvania) B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202.224.4254

U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA 4th District) 2110 McLean Street Aliquippa, PA 15001 724.378.0928

State Senator Don White (R-41st District) 3950 William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15568 724.327.2422

State Representative Joseph Markosek (D-25th District) Commerce Building 4232 Northern Pike Monroeville, PA 15146 412.856.8284

State Representative Eli Evankovich (R-54th District) 5648 William Penn Highway, Route 22 Export, PA 15632 724.387.1281

RECREATION DEPARTMENT | ROBERT HUNTER, JR. – DIRECTOR The Recreation Department was filled with a lot of fun and exciting events in 2010. In April, the Municipality hosted the grand opening for the Paws on the Run Bark Park located in Murrysville Community Park; June, we paid tribute to the Veterans and Emergency Services by having a fundraiser to help raise money for the newly-installed Veterans and Emergency Services Monument at Murrysville Community Park; August, presented Murrysville’s 31st Annual Community Day; October, the Recreation Department held its 3rd Annual Chili Oktoberfest; November, hosted the 3rd Annual Cyclo-Cross Race; and in December, kicked off the holiday season by hosting the Murrysville Night of Lights at the newly-developed town square and the First United Methodist Church. The Recreation Department continues to look for new and exciting events for the citizens of Murrysville. Red Cross Swim Lessons – We welcome back one of Murrysville’s most popular programs. This past summer, the Recreation Department re-introduced the certified Red Cross swim lessons. Without missing a beat, the classes filled up fast. These classes are for children ages 4-12 and the instructor-to-student ratio is one for every six students. Drama Kids International – After a slow start, this program continues to grow. Our KinderKids program is an excellent way to introduce the longterm benefits of dramatic arts participation to children attending Pre-K or Kindergarten. Each KinderKid student is highly involved in creative drama activities that develop speaking skills, building confidence, and enhancing early social skills, and creative learning. Our Drama Kids instructors make sure all students feel comfortable and recognized, so they will stretch and grow in a very positive environment. New scenes and activities are held in each class. Don’t miss the fun! Murrysville Trail Walks – This new program was designed for people to get familiar with the parks and the trails throughout the community. From early spring until early fall, an average of 15 people participated in each walk. A series of trail walks were organized this past year by the Murrysville Recreation Department and the Murrysville Trail Alliance in partnership with Friends of Murrysville Parks and the Westmoreland Conservancy. These casual walks last for about two to three hours and are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, learn about the parks, socialize, and get a little exercise. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for rain or shine! There are no fees, and no advance registration is required. Safety Town – This one-week safety education program is designed for children entering Kindergarten. This class continues to fill up every season. Our certified instructors provide a fun way to introduce children and prepare them for Kindergarten. Special field trips, visitors and equipment from police and fire departments, and a segment on bus safety are some of the highlights. Pedestrian and bike safety are stressed as children go "on the town," at a specially- built child-sized town, complete with traffic signs, buildings, and intersections. A unit on water safety is part of the fun!

Special Programs – Are you looking for some fun and educational activities for you and your family to enjoy in 2011? Keep a look out for Murrysville in a Nutshell in the Penn Franklin News. You will find all of your Murrysville recreation programs in the supplement that comes out twice a year, once in late March for the spring/summer programs and again in August for the fall/winter programs. The Municipality offers a mix of educational and active programs for youth ages 6 to 12 through our Discovery programs. Also, a wide variety of health and fitness classes for teenagers and adults through Murrysville’s local health clubs. The Recreation Department’s aquatics program offers recreational swim for the entire family beginning in September and ending in May followed by Red Cross Swim Lessons for children ages 4 to 12 in June and July. The Municipality is proud to offer over 120 recreational programs throughout the year for citizens of all ages. Year 2011 is also filled with fun and exciting events for the entire family. Murrysville will host a Murder Mystery Dinner March 25 and 26, annual Egg Hunt on April 16, Community Day on August 13, a Star Party on September 16, the 4th annual Chili Oktoberfest on October 15, and the new Murrysville Night of Lights on December 2. Parks and Fields Available – Murrysville parks system offers the opportunity for active and passive recreation through a top-notch parks system. There are 10 ball fields, 5 basketball courts, 6 soccer fields, 2 tennis courts, 3 open play areas, and 7 playgrounds. For passive recreation, the Municipality offers an extensive trail system with approximately 30 different trails, one of two dog parks in Westmoreland County, a fishing pond, a large gazebo, bicycling trails and connections, and a Community Center for any of your indoor needs. Also offered are 10 pavilions to host all of your family functions, whether it is a graduation, family reunion, wedding, or a picnic with your family and friends.

In total, there are 6 neighborhood parks, 6 community parks, a Community Center and several historical sites located throughout the Municipality. For any questions or more information about the Murrysville Parks Department and the Murrysville Recreation Department, please visit the Municipality’s website at www.murrysville.com or contact the Recreation Department at 724-327-2100 ext. 115. Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Murrysville Mayor’s Report

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | BOB BELL, DIRECTOR and do a visual inspection, clean inlets, if needed, and report back any repairs required. After the fifth year, the Department begins the process again; this is an on-going maintenance issue. In 2010, there was a very large increase in inlet repairs, due to both age and weather. Street Sweeping: Once the weather breaks in the spring, the street sweeper heads out to sweep all the roads and re-claim any anti-skid material that is left out there; this material is returned into the Municipality’s supply for future use, usually about 200 to 300 tons. This project was reduced to one month to sweep all the municipal roads. As a cost-saving measure, in 2011, the Department will not replace the current street sweeper, at a cost of $225,000, but rather, the Department will rent one and use the in-house operator. Inside Public Works Building

The Department continued with the major project of rebuilding Wiestertown Road and remained actively involved with the Emergency Management Council, which remains a vital part of emergency preparedness and for the safety of all our residents. Roads: The Public Works Department maintains approximately 150 miles of roads, which includes 360 streets. The Department does not maintain 126 private lanes and 17 state roads; however, winter maintenance is performed on Logan Ferry Road, per an agreement with PennDOT. Snow Removal: The Public Works Department utilizes the following number of vehicles for snow removal:

1 – Tandem Dump Truck 7 – 10-Ton Dump Trucks

2 – 5-Ton Dump Trucks 5 – 1-Ton Dump Trucks

3 – Pick-Up Trucks 1 – Grader 2 – Hi-Lifts 2 – Backhoes

All trucks have plows. Major Equipment: • The Department performed an in-house refurbishment of a 1995 Mack Tandem Dump Truck, which saved the Municipality over $60,000. • Replaced one (1) vehicle Refurbished Truck for the Engineering Department. • Held two (2) separate Surplus Vehicle Sales, with total revenue from the sales of $26,345. Crack Seal Program: The Department used approximately 5,000 lbs. of crack-seal material in various housing plans in 2010, which is a very important part of road maintenance. The Municipality has a five-year schedule as to try and get into all plans at least once in this time period. Inlet Cleaning / Repairs Program: A five-year program was implemented to go out with the street sweeper 8

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Signs: This program has been expanded, due to the re-checking of the distances between each speed limit sign and the proper installation. The Municipality is mandated by PennDOT to start changing over to all Hi-Intensity signs and has until January 2012 to establish and implement a sign assessment or management method to maintain minimum levels of sign reflectivity. The Department is working with the Community Development Department to locate all signs, using the GPS System, which will provide for an accurate inventory and condition of each sign. The compliance date for meeting these requirements is January 2015. This will require additional budget monies. Additionally, the Department inventoried all the lines on the roads to provide for a better formula for future bidding of line painting. Asphalt: The Department continues to perform spot repairs for the Overlay Program, as well as asphalt work relating to pipe jobs and curb repairs. The Department completed numerous other spots that were located throughout the Municipality to repair before they became bigger and more costly jobs. The Department built the entrance road going into Bear Hollow Park using the grader. Pipe Jobs: The 2010 pipe jobs were: • Farm Road: Replaced all the cross pipes prior to the overlay project. • Gun Club Road: Replaced cross pipe – 50’, 24” solid. • Gun Club Road: Installed 400’, 15” perforated. • Edwards Road: Replaced cross pipe – 50’, 15” solid. • Round Top Road: Replaced two cross pipes – 100’, 15” solid. • Wiestertown Road: Replaced Structure Nos. 1, 2, and 3. • Hills Church Road: Installed 300’, 15” perforated to control water runoff. • Steele Road: Replaced cross pipe 40’, 15” solid/one inlet. • Steele Road: Installed 140’, 15” perforated to control water runoff. • 5185 Mamont Road: Replaced cross pipe – 50’, 15” solid. • 3434 MacIntrye Drive: Replaced 60’, 18” down over hill in backyard. • Ketchy Court: Replaced cross pipe – 40’, 15” solid. • Maiolie Road: Replaced cross pipe – 50’, 15” solid.

The Public Works employees continue to operate with a high degree of efficiency, both with daily operations and emergency events.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING | JOE DIETRICK, CONSULTANT ENGINEER In 2010, the Municipality contracted engineering services with The Markosky Group, with Joe Dietrick, P.E., P.L.S. being assigned as the consultant engineer. The following engineering projects were completed in 2010: • Murrysville Community Park Sanitary Sewer Project—In order to provide public sewage services to the Murrysville Community Park on Wiestertown Road, the Municipality contracted with The Paulsick Excavating Company to install 6,450 feet of 8-inch diameter sanitary sewer and 26 manholes. The completion of this project will now permit several of the park restrooms to be opened. • Wiestertown Road Culverts—The Murrysville Public Works Department installed three replacement culverts

on Wiestertown Road. These precast culverts were fabricated by Hawkins Precast, Inc., and delivered to the project site. The Public Works Department personnel removed the old culverts, excavated for the new culverts, and completed all restoration work. • 2010 Pavement Overlay Project—This project involved the repaving of 24 municipal streets at a cost of $950,000. • Washington Street Bridge Replacement— The Pugliano Construction Company was awarded a contract to replace the existing bridge on Washington Street. The old bridge was removed and a new 6’ x 4’ precast reinforced concrete box culvert was installed. This project was funded through the Community Development Block Grant program, as administered by the Westmoreland County Planning Department.

• Hills Church Road Bridge Repair Project— The Donegal Construction Corporation completed interim repairs to the bridge on Hills Church Road located just south of Mamont Road. These repairs will ensure that the structure can remain open until it is replaced in 2012. • NBIS Bridge Inspections—As required by PennDOT, Murrysville completed the NBIS inspection on 13 municipal bridges. These bi-annual inspections are required for all bridges greater than 20 feet in length. No significant deficiencies were found on any of the 13 bridges.

The Engineering Department reviewed a total of 17 residential and commercial plans in 2010. Along with those reviews, field inspections were conducted on various plans throughout Murrysville.

MURRYSVILLE’S PARKS | BOB BELL, DIRECTOR Murrysville’s parks were bustling with activity during 2010. Numerous projects were completed at Murrysville Community Park: • Installation of a new Veterans and Emergency Services Memorial. • Earthwork and detention pipe installation for the Miracle Field. • Installation of the sanitary sewer system to the Leftwich Pavilion and the Sears House. • Sears House—Continued with interior remodeling. All electric is complete and the furnace has been installed. Advancing with plumbing work. • Fields 1 A&B were top-dressed and all low spots were filled. • Leftwich Pavilion—Installed an ADA-accessible pathway from the parking lot to the pavilion. Other projects included the installation of a second youth basketball goal at Heritage Park, aeration and seeding all soccer fields, and providing improved infield maintenance on all ball fields with the utilization of a new piece of equipment, which was secured through a grant.

Parks, Trails, and Fields Neighborhood Parks Acres Bear Hollow

41.1

Chambers

5.81

Heritage

4.22

Kovalczik

30.12

Pedora

7.25

Community Parks

Acres

Duff Park

162.53

Lillian Kellman Nature Reserve Murrysville Community Park Pleasant Valley Park

Amenities 2 baseball fields with dugouts, 2 painted tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, tot lot, pavilion with electric and water, walking trails. 1 baseball field with dugouts, 2 painted tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, tot lot, pavilion with water. Pavilion, basketball court, tot lot, open space. 1 baseball field, 1 painted tennis court, 2 basketball courts, tot lot, pavilion with electric and water. 1 baseball field with dugouts, basketball court, tot lot, pavilion with electric and water. Amenities Pavilion, 2-mile stone bikeway, numerous walking trails.

56.58

All wooded with trails.

305.94

2 baseball fields, 3 double soccer fields, and 1 large all-purpose field (undeveloped).

260.11

Mountain bike trail, constructed by volunteers.

Townsend Park

160.71

Trail

Acres

Bear Hollow Trail

33.72

Fields Royal Highlands Field Beckwith and Veteran’s Fields

Acres

2 baseball fields (1 with dugouts), 2-man batting cage, 2 pavilions with electric, numerous walking trails, pond with deck, gazebo with electric, gardens. Amenities .5 acres developed, grass entrance, trail through woods. Amenities

7.69

1 baseball field with dugouts.

2 soccer fields, Lacrosse fields, 1 practice field, pavilion with electric and water, tot lot.

Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Murrysville Mayor’s Report

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | JAMES R. MORRISON, ACTING DIRECTOR The Department continued the plan review process and inspection of building activity throughout the Municipality. Murrysville is experiencing an increase in new construction activity over 2009, when just 47 single family home permits were issued. As of December 31, 2010, 77 single family home permits have been issued. There were three new residential development plans of five lots or more and two new commercial development plans to review in 2010. They were: • SP-1-09, CU-8-09, Forest Park Plan, Bulltown Road, 4-lot subdivision. The application was denied. • S-7-10, Charles Hall Subdivision, Pleasant Valley Road, 5-lot subdivision. The application was approved. • FPRD-1-10, Barrington Heights, (formerly Cline Hollow Village), Cline Hollow Road, 26-lot planned residential development. This application was approved. • SP-4-10, Professional Building, intersection of Old William Penn Highway and Newlonsburg Drive. The application was approved. • SP-6-10, Pasqualino’s Italian Eatery, 4430 William Penn Highway. This application is currently under review.

One commercial occupancy permit was issued for Dr. Ray Wisniewski, 4810 Old William Penn Highway.

Additionally, the Department reviewed several applications for lot line change, a revision to an approved landscaping plan, an application for shallow well drilling on Ashbaugh Road, a request for rezoning on Old William Penn Highway and Cozy Inn Cut-Off, and an application for landslide remediation. Finally, the staff and the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed regulations to amend the Mixed Use District and those to provide for regulation of deep well drilling. The latter, identified as Ordinance No. 821-10, is an ordinance proposing regulations for exploration or production of oil and natural gas from a shale reservoir or source rock. The revisions to the Mixed Use District were returned to the Planning Commission by Municipal Council for further review and recommendation. The Department remains active in code enforcement activities and responded to violations reported by residents or observed in the field. In cases where compliance is not achieved due to the inability to locate a property owner or obtain a response in a timely manner, property violations are addressed, where possible, and then liens are placed on the properties for the cost of any enforcement actions. The Department continues to update its mapping, using parcel data from Westmoreland County and any approved subdivision plans. The staff and Planning Commission have each provided input into the regulations governing future applications for deep well drilling, including into the Marcellus Shale. After the next round of public input on the draft regulations, there may be a need for additional input and revisions. The discussion meetings, and all Planning Commission meetings, are open to the public.

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION | JAMES R. MORRISON, CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR In 2010, personnel changes included the retirement of an Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department and the hiring of a new part-time receptionist. The Municipality continues to outsource engineering and plan review services, which has proved to be a cost-saving measure. Other accomplishments include: • Drafted the proposed Ordinance No. 821-10, an Oil and Gas Ordinance, pertaining to Marcellus Shale Gas Well Drilling. • Launched the Municipality’s website at www.murrysville.com. • Conducted a review of the Channel 19 equipment to improve broadcast operations. • Secured FEMA grants for reimbursement of costs, due to the extraordinary snow events in February 2010.

• Worked with veterans and emergency services personnel for the installation of the monument at Murrysville Community Park. • Progressed with the work on the Miracle Field at Murrysville Community Park. • Secured Mutual Aid Agreements with numerous surrounding communities for reciprocal emergency and police services.

• Began the Recreation and Open Space Study.

It’s a privilege to serve as the Chief Administrator and I look forward to the new challenges in 2011.

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Murrysville

MURRYSVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY | DENISE STICHA, DIRECTOR As its mission, the Murrysville Community Library connects people with ideas and information, promotes lifelong learning, and helps build community. In service to this idea, the Library is open 62.5 hours each week, including evenings, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons. In 2010, almost 105,000 people entered the library and borrowed more than 149,000 books, magazines, and audiobooks, music CDs, videos, and DVDs. Through a combination of state, local, and county funds, the Library added several new databases to its suite of electronic resources. Learning-Express gives Murrysville residents remote access through the Library’s website to over 150 academic and career preparation tests and certification licenses, and Mango Languages provides both visual and auditory instruction in over 12 foreign languages. Other electronic resources include Bookflix, an early literacy database pairing picture books with nonfiction titles of the same subject; Reference USA, for business and financial information; and Heritage Quest, a genealogy database. A Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant, sponsored by Representative Joe Markosek provided funds for the library to enhance its website, and another DCED grant sponsored by Senator Don White to enable the Library to install automatic doors. A generous grant from First Commonwealth Bank

to the Library Foundation helped to underwrite Library hours on Monday evenings. The Library’s Summer Reading Club program theme was “Make a Splash—Read”, which attracted over 1,100 young readers and offered more than 45 programs supporting family literacy efforts. Library staff and volunteers brought books to children participating in the Summer Parks program. An adult reading component was added: “Water Your Mind @ the Library”. Support from the Murrysville business community provided funds to underwrite the summer reading program costs. The Library was able to continue its popular Books ‘n Babies, Toddler Time Stories, and Preschool Story Time during the school year. New programs were the Dog Reading Pals, which brought together our canine Good Citizen friends with young children learning to read, and the Pokémon League. Socrates Café continued to meet monthly under the volunteer leadership of Bill Pamerleau and Brien Palmer. Arden Hamer continued to lead the Library’s Tuesday Evening Book discussion series. StoryWorks, the local affiliate of the National Storytellers Network, presented its Tenth Tellebration program. The Library employs a staff of 10.5 full-time employees. Volunteers contributed more than 2,200 hours of service during 2010. In addition to grants, the Library receives funding from the Municipality of Murrysville, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Westmoreland County Commissioners, the Murrysville Community Library Foundation, and the generous donations from local businesses, civic organizations, and individuals.

RECYCLING | CHERIE WEBER, RECYCLING COORDINATOR Recycling remains strong in Murrysville. With the expansion of the curbside program, the public recycling bins, formerly located at Veteran’s Field near the Public Works Facility, were removed in August 2010. Residents should place the following items in their green recycling bin: • Plastic Nos. 1 through 5 • Aluminum Cans • Steel and bi-metal cans • Glass (clear, amber, and green)

• Chipboard (pasta and cereal boxes, tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, etc.) • Junk mail • Magazines/catalogs • Phone Books

• Office paper, shredded paper (May be placed in plastic grocery shopping bags and placed in the green recycling bin) • Newspapers and newspaper inserts (May be placed in plastic grocery shopping bags and placed in the green recycling bin) • Corrugated cardboard—Must be flattened and broken down to 3’ x 3’ pieces or smaller. Bundle cardboard with tape, twine, or string and place beside green recycling bin.

Recycling is collected bi-weekly and must be placed in the recycling bin provided by the Municipality. Cost is $12 per bin; one free bin to new residents who just moved into the community. Recycling schedule and information located at www.murrysville.com.

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Murrysville Mayor’s Report

MURRYSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT | CHIEF THOMAS P. SEEFELD • The Department launched Nixle, a community notification system. The purpose of the system is to disseminate information in rapid fashion to residents, merchants, and community members, in regards to crime alerts, traffic alerts and issues, advisories, and community information. The Department’s use of Nixle has been very successful. •The Department is moving forward in the process of implementing the First Responder System in the Franklin Regional School District. The System will enhance the capabilities of first responders and also help to increase their safety during critical incidents. Mobile laptops will be purchased to assist with the implementation of the System. Additionally, new equipment for the Emergency Management Operations Center will be purchased. Funds are being provided through a Federal Grant. •A Police Memorial Tribute, “Strengthening the Thin Blue Line”, was held at the Murrysville Alliance Church. This Tribute was held to recognize and honor fallen members of law enforcement, as well as recognizing those still serving. The event was organized by Pastor Dan Lawrence, Officer Ekis-Allegheny County Police, Officer Markle-Monroeville Police, and Chief Seefeld-Murrysville Police Department

•The Chief and School Resource Officer Yakshe, in conjunction with the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety, presented in-service training to Franklin Regional School District staff in regards to critical incidents. •Command Staff, in conjunction with the Franklin Regional School District staff, participated in a tabletop exercise conducted by the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety to enhance responses to critical incidents. •Chief Seefeld and Captain Liermann attended a “Risk Management” training seminar in Harrisburg. •Officer Malone was an award recipient from the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Program for his participation in the traffic enforcement initiative. •Sergeant Wilhelm attended “Ground Defense” training at the Northwest Training Center in Meadville. Sergeant Wilhelm is the Department’s Use of Force Instructor. •Officers Mastorovich and Malone received Department Commendations for their arrests in the S&T Bank robbery on June 26, 2010.

• Officer Mastorovich was honored as “Officer of the Year” by the Murrysville/Export Rotary for his actions in the S&T Bank robbery. •Officers received re-certification training on the use of the Taser, Baton, and Chemical Spray, as well as defensive tactics. Additionally, officers received scenario training in traffic and street encounters and situations. •Department motorcycle officers received re-certification training on the operations and tactics of police motorcycle patrol work. •Officers attended Emergency Vehicle Operation training. The Murrysville Police Department staffing consists of the following: •Chief of Police, Administrative. •Captain, Administrative. •3 Patrol Sergeants, supervise patrol officers, patrol assignments and shift activities. •1 Detective Sergeant, supervises detective division and investigates crimes. •1 Detective, investigates crimes. •14 Patrol Officers, respond to calls for service and maintain public safety. Included in this group is a School Resource Officer (SRO), who is assigned to work with the Franklin Regional School District Administration, staff, and students. When school is out of session, the SRO is assigned to patrol work. •5 Full-Time Police Dispatchers, handle Department communications 24/7, 365 days a year.

Depending on the schedule, three (3) patrol officers typically work on each of the three (3) daily shifts, seven (7) days a week. They are each assigned to an individual police vehicle. The Municipality is divided into two (2) patrol districts, with one (1) officer covering each district. The third officer on the shift, the Officer in Charge (OIC), assists with patrol activities and responds as the back-up officer to the district officer.

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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE | DIANE P. HEMING, DIRECTOR The following projects were completed in 2010 by the Finance Department: • The 2009 financial audit was prepared in accordance with GASB 34 requirements with no material findings. Included in the 2009 audit was the “Single Audit” for the Federal Grant used in the “Streetscape Area”. This audit met all federal close out requirements for the grant. In mid-February, the fieldwork will begin for the 2010 Financial Statement audit. • The 2011-2015 Capital Improvements Program and the 2011 Operating Budget were both approved with both tax millage and service levels staying constant. A five-year budget plan was completed for all of the funds and presented along with the 2011 Operating Budget. Long-term budgeting will assist with future planning and will help assess the need for future tax increases or changes in service levels. • Updated the Emergency Equipment replacement plan with available cash and proposed vehicle purchases. Work needs to be done in early 2011 to bring the proposed purchases in line with the cash available. • Assisted staff with paperwork for new hires, pension issues, benefits, and income tax questions. • Electric rates were researched and lower rates were available through long-term contracts with the supplier. The Municipality has taken advantage of these reducedstable rates for street lighting and other electric services provided to the community such as traffic signals and park lighting. • Unemployment compensation costs were addressed in early 2010 by eliminating the hiring of part-time “longterm summer staff” for Public Works. Once claims from prior year employees are exhausted, the unemployment compensation rates for the Municipality should decrease significantly throughout the next few years. • The insurance policy for property, casualty, and automobile, umbrella, and professional liability was renewed April 1, 2010 at a reduced cost of $12,000. • The police union collective bargaining agreement was ratified, extending the current contract from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2013. • An appraisal was conducted of the municipal fixed assets for insurance valuation purposes. • Cell phone contract was renewed with an annual savings of $1,200. • New purchase order procedures will be implemented in January 2011 in anticipation of the new Federal 1099 reporting requirements. • The Pension Committee is reviewing the current investment policy and researching means to reduce administrative fees on investments. The 2009 Actuarial Report reports the Police Pension Plan and the NonUniform Pension Plan are funded at 79% and 74% respectively. A new actuarial report will be prepared for 2011. Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Murrysville Mayor’s Report

VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES | FIRE CHIEFS AL DOVER, BILLY PAIANO, AND JOHN BOHINC The Municipality of Murrysville is served by three (3) volunteer fire departments: Murrysville, Sardis, and White Valley. Though most of the volunteers have full-time jobs and family commitments, they serve the community by dedicating countless hours in training and emergency responses. We ask for your generous support in 2011 to the volunteer fire departments, as they tirelessly keep the community safe. In 2010, their accomplishments were: Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company: Firefighters responded to 498 alarms for 5,722 total man-hours. Leading the list in alarms were vehicle crashes, commercial and residential automatic fire alarms, assisting the police, structure fires, and downed wires. In 2010, members continued with training, as follows: Fire Service Instructor I – 5 members nationally certified; Fire Service Instructor II – 5 members nationally certified; Educational Methodologies – 5 members certified; Fire Company Officer 1 – 5 members nationally certified; Fire Investigator – 1 member nationally certified. Approximately 15 members participated in wellsite emergency response classes with the entire VFC participating in the annual Hazardous Materials Operations Refresher course. Sardis Volunteer Fire Company: Firefighters responded to 389 calls, which ranged from major structure fires to carbon monoxide alarms. Structure-related incidents were up in 2010 compared to other years. In March 2010, Sardis VFC received state recognition for 75% of its members reaching National Professional Qualification Standards. Also, the VFC received a $40,000 federal grant for an emergency generator system. Two of the VFC’s members achieved paramedic status: Firefighters Artman and Patterson.

White Valley Volunteer Fire Department: Firefighters responded to 492 alarms for 4,324 total man-hours. Automatic (false) alarms, vehicle accidents, structure fires, and ambulance assists topped the list for alarms. White Valley received a grant for ten (10) sets of turnout gear from the DHS Assistance to Fire Department Grant Program. Further, White Valley purchased a fire extinguisher trainer to teach members of the community how to use fire extinguishers as well as the degree of difficulty in extinguishing various types of fires with an extinguisher. This training aid was made available through grant money that was received from DHS Assistance. This trainer is a valuable tool and is beneficial to everyone in the community. Any business, organization, or resident who would like to see or have a demonstration conducted, please call the station at 724-327-1301. Training also included having approximately 25 firefighters complete the third of four modules that are required to achieve certification for Firefighter I certification.

Fire Prevention, led by Assistant Chief Paul Paiano of Sardis VFC, and assisted by Murrysville, White Valley, and Export Volunteer Fire Departments, educated 940 students and adults in proper fire prevention. The members participating in fire prevention instruction used vacation days from work to visit schools, churches, and daycares to teach and fortify the importance of fire prevention at a young age. Teachers and adults benefitted from the classes to ensure safer homes and workplaces.

MURRYSVILLE MEDIC ONE | DARRICK GERANO, DIRECTOR In 2010, Medic One responded to an estimated 14,200 details, which is a 14% increase from 2009, with the highest percentage of emergencies being cardiac emergencies, respiratory emergencies, fall injuries, and motor vehicle accidents.

to assisting fire departments and EMS agencies, Medic One provided assistance to local police agencies, FBI, DEA, and ATF. In 2010, Medic One was invited to join the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s EMS Strike Team, which is a team of EMS agencies from across the Commonwealth that responds to disasters across the United States assisting with emergency medical care. Medic One logged over 68,164 man-power hours, and an additional 2,274 training man-hours.

In 2010, Medic One operated a fleet of: 7-advanced life support ambulances, 2- 4x4 quick response vehicles, 1- advanced life support/support vehicle, 4- para-transit vehicles, and 2- all-terrain vehicles.

Medic One instructed well over 200 citizens, emergency-workers, and healthcare workers in CPR and First Aid, which consisted of 27 CPR classes.

Throughout 2010, Medic One’s specialized emergency-worker rehab, wilderness rescue, and rough-terrain teams were requested and deployed to emergency incidents throughout Westmoreland, Allegheny, Fayette, Somerset, Indiana, and Armstrong Counties, and in an addition

Stay updated with current events at Medic One by viewing its website, which is updated on a regular basis at www.murrysvillemedicone.org.

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For information on upcoming CPR classes or to request a site visit, please call 724-327-1222.

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Some people in the early stages of memory loss recognize their need for more assistance with personal care and activities. However, most people with memory problems do not initiate a move or move voluntarily. Often, their insight into their own behavior and needs has been impaired. This is a common result of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, small strokes or similar illnesses. Thus, it is usually the family of the person with memory problems who will recognize the need to move, find a place, and make the final decision. The decision of when your relative might move depends on your personal situation. Although there are no magic signs to tell you “this is the right time”, many caregivers move their loved one to a personal care home for one or more of the following reasons:

• The amount of supervision and assistance needed by the relative with memory loss is reaching an exhausting level for the caregiver. • Family members are not able to provide the necessary level of care due to family disagreements, work commitments, or geographic distances. • The person with memory loss is no longer safe in his/her current residence. • The caregiver is unable to keep up with both family and work responsibilities. • Emergency and/or crisis situations are very possible for the caregiver or the person with memory loss. • The current level of services is not enough, is too expensive, or is too difficult to arrange and sustain. If you and your family are having one or more of these experiences, it may be time to start investigating other care options, including a personal care home. Finding a community that meets the needs of you and your loved one can be an arduous process, therefore, it is important to assess your loved one’s requirements prior to beginning your search. Visit multiple facilities, and compare each organization’s philosophy, individual plan of care, staff, structured programming, family services, dining, current residents, and environment. If none of the above criteria is currently happening in your family, advance planning is recommended in order to provide the widest range of alternatives. Many families find that selecting a place gives them peace of mind, even though they may not need it right now.

Disadvantages of staying home • Providing 24 hour care can be exhausting, sometimes impossible. • Too expensive to keep him/her at home. • The family may have too many competing demands, such as children, jobs, etc. • No one in the family is available to provide or monitor the care; or perhaps, unable to physically or psychologically cope with the demands of caregiving. • The physical environment of the home may not be appropriate or safe for the relative with memory loss

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Advantages of moving to a personal care home • By moving earlier in the disease process, the resident may be able to make friends with other residents and staff, enjoy activities, and adapt to the environment. • There is 24 hour supervision available • The trained staff is able to cope with difficult behaviors, and work with cognitive impairment. • An improved, stress-free relationship with the loved one. For more information please contact Arden Courts – Memory Care Community of Monroeville at 412-380-1300.

EVERYONE HAS A STORY Would you or someone you know like to be featured IN Murrysville Magazine for our newest feature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Resident Profiles? Please suggest a resident for the community to get to know! E-mail our Managing Editor at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com

(Must be a resident of the Murrysville community)

VISIT OUR NEW

WEBSITE www.incommunitymagazines.com

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By Jamie Ward

Students at Franklin Regional High School took the stage in March for their spring musical, Hello, Dolly! In the months leading up to the big show, the kids kept very busy in preparations.

in this district is amazing and the students work very well together,” she says. “They form a great family bond and really enjoy the many hours they spend together.” Each year Franklin Regional has one of the first shows to open up the musical season. Scheinert credits this to be their biggest challenge. “Mother nature does not take pity on our very tight schedule. This year has offered us continuous snow and school delays or cancellations.” Director Mark Wolfgang says there are a number of factors that affect the show choice. “First our team of directors looks at our available talent,” he says. “We were confident that we had the talent available to do Hello, Dolly! And it is so enjoyable watching these students develop into the characters.” Wolfgang also tries to make the musical an educational experience for the kids throughout their high school years. “I try to give students different styles of musical over their four years,” he says. “The past two shows have been a bit more contemporary, and I wanted to do something that was a bit more classical.”

Cast members rehearsed with Musical Director Mark Wolfgang; Choreographer Kim Meyers Merge; Choral Director Krista Chambers; and Orchestra Director Kevin Pollock.

According to the FRHS musical’s website, Hello, Dolly! Is an ebullient and irresistible story of the job of living, glittering with happy songs, shining with loving scenes, alive with the personality of one of the most fabulous characters on the musical stage— Dolly Gallagher Levi!

House Manager Debbie Scheinert and her husband did all the architectural designs for the sets. Scheinert says the community really been pitched in. “We have a great group of helpers who come from the whole community and some of whom have no children in the musical or even in the school.” Some of the gentlemen who help construct have been working with the stage crew for ten years, even though their children went through the program years ago. Scheinert says that the rehearsals went really well. “The talent

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The show includs classic musical numbers such as “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Elegance,” “It Only Takes A Moment” and “So Long, Dearie.” For more information, visit www.frhsmusical.com.

In May 2003, Bonny Diver-Hall was at the height of her radio career at 3WS and enjoying riding her beloved horse, Romeo. Unfortunately, a bad fall left her with a broken shoulder, but it was that fall that saved her life. Bonny discovered a lump in her breast while examining her wounds. That lump turned out to be breast cancer, which became an opportunity for victory. Today, almost eight years later, Bonny is cancer-free and on a mission to bring dignity and comfort to women undergoing chemotherapy. Hair Peace Charities was born after Bonny’s oncologist mentioned that four out of five Pennsylvania health insurance companies wouldn’t cover the cost of a wig (around $300) for women who would lose their hair during chemotherapy. “It is imperative to give women the means to maintain their dignity while taking on the fight of their lives,” says Bonny. “It is not just a wig; it is the circle of support that Hair Peace Charities offers along their way.”

Peace served nearly 175 women and expects to double that number in 2011, bringing the outreach to over 800 since inception. In addition to helping pay for wigs, Hair Peace Charities provides a helpful informational packet with ways to deal with the effects of treatment and how to fight cancer with changes in diet and lifestyle. At monthly meetings (Empowerment Circles) expert speakers educate women on a variety of topics related to health and spirituality. Volunteers have gone to women's homes to plant flower bulbs, made prayer quilts, and sent prayer cards. Women struggling with cancer should contact Hair Peace Charities at 412.327.5177 or bdiver1@verizon.net. Bonny Diver-Hall is available to speak to groups about the spiritual and practical aspects of fighting cancer. She says she is more than a survivor—she is a warrior!

Bonny received immense help to launch Hair Peace Charities from Ingomar Methodist Church, which remains a steady lifeline to the organization that today is independent. Hair Peace provides women in the 412 and 724 area codes with financial assistance to purchase a wig needed from chemotherapy. Donations come from generous individuals, businesses, and organizations. Many donors have been personally affected by cancer. Last year, Hair

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The American Cancer Society Invites You to Help Create a World Full of More Birthdays Through

 Western Pennsylvania – The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park, or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsites during relay. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups…people from all walks of life—all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. Relay is a unique opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against the disease. Many of the participants are cancer survivors, serving as a reminder that no one is immune to this disease. By participating in Relay, you join the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Funds raised through Relay For Life enable the American Cancer Society to impact the lives of those touched by cancer within the community. The American Cancer Society is currently funding 58 cancer research projects to the tune of nearly $37.4 million throughout Pennsylvania in 2011, including current projects taking place in western Pennsylvania at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie-Mellon University, and Robert Morris University.

Relay For Life Events in Your Area Site City

Zip

Website

Latrobe

15650

www.relayforlife.org/palatrobe

Mount Pleasant

15666

www.relayforlife.org/pamtpleasant

Murrysville

15668

www.relayforlife.org/pamurrysville

Ligonier

15658

www.relayforlife.org/paligonier

New Kensington

15068

www.relayforlife.org/paallekiski

Irwin

15642

www.relayforlife.org/panorwin

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Funds raised through Relay also enable the American Cancer Society to provide programs and services to cancer patients and their families in communities across the state. In 2010, more than 25,000 services were provided to cancer patients across Pennsylvania. Access to American Cancer Society programs and services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1.800.227.2345 or visiting www.cancer.org. In 2010, Relay For Life raised nearly $6 million at 62 Relay sites throughout western Pennsylvania. Nationwide, more than 3.5 million people participated in Relay For Life, with more than 500,000 cancer survivors participating. All in all, Relay For Life events held throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania raised nearly $20 million in 2010. For more information about the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life or to find out how you may get involved, call the American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 or visit RelayForLife.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1.800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org.

FRANKLIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 3210 School Road, Murrysville, PA | 724.327.5456 | www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us

Superintendent’s Message

FR! High Performing-Low Spending Dr. P. Emery D’Arcangelo Superintendent Shelley Shaneyfelt Director of Instructional Services and Public Relations Dr. Charles Koren Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources 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 Tina Burns, Principal High School Chris Kelly, Principal Middle School Sam King, Principal Heritage Elementary Tina Gillen, Principal Newlonsburg Elementary Judy Morrison, Principal Sloan Elementary

Each year at this time, I usually write an article that describes the budget process at Franklin Regional and the challenges associated with finding that delicate balance of providing a sound educational program that is also fiscally prudent. This year’s budget will be no different. Given the economic conditions and the restrictions associated with the Act 1 Legislation that limits authority of local School Boards, we will again be presented with difficult budget decisions. Despite the challenges, I remain confident that the Board of Directors and Administration at Franklin Regional will work diligently to produce a budget that is not only fair and reasonable to the taxpayer, but also maintains the integrity of one of the best educational programs in the State of Pennsylvania. A recent study conducted at the State level confirms that Franklin Regional is among the best. Members of the Pennsylvania State legislature are faced with many daunting questions each and every day as they attempt to balance the needs against the wants of their constituents with a limited State budget. Especially as the budget reserves have dwindled, the questions surrounding the funding of public education have intensified. In attempting to bring an unbiased opinion to the discussion of what is the appropriate level of State funding that will permit all students to meet the State’s academic standards and assessments as required under No Child Left Behind, then Governor Ed Rendell, directed by Act 114, supported the commissioning of a study group who produced the report known commonly as the “Costing Out Study.” The results were shared with the public in November/December 2007. As is often the case, particularly in the political arena, the results of this study were accepted by some and questioned or dismissed by others. In response to this criticism, Senate Resolution 243 requested a review by an independent panel of the specific practices that result in a high quality education at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer. Of the 500 school districts in the Commonwealth, eighty-two (82) were identified in the Costing-Out Study as successful schools. Further analysis by the Joint State Government Commission revealed that

only twenty-five (25) of the eighty-two (82) successful schools were also low-spending districts. Franklin Regional is extremely proud to be one of the twenty-five (25) identified school districts for high student performance and low per pupil expenditures. Superintendents of the 25 recognized districts were asked to respond to survey questions concerning the practices in their districts that they believed led to this winning combination. The study group analyzed the responses and created a listing of what are deemed to be the best practices of these 25 successful school districts. Some of the most frequently identified and best practices which are evident at Franklin Regional include the following (in no particular order): Full-day Kindergarten, Tutoring Assistance and Increased Instructional Time, Use of a Variety of Assessment Tools, a Comprehensive and Continuing Professional Development Program, Dual Enrollment and other unique Educational Opportunities, Small Class Size in the Primary Grades, Low Student to Counselor Ratio, Periodic Review of Curriculum and Technology Needs, Low Staff Turnover, Joint Purchasing Agreements through the local Intermediate Unit and other School Districts, Efficient Administrative Structure, Self-funded Health Insurance i.e. through a Consortium, Prudent Decisions based on Cost/ Benefit Analysis for Transportation, Food Service, Special Education and other needed services, Active Parent and Community Involvement, Support from Local Educational Foundations, Experienced School Board Members and Administrators, Frugally Managed District Facilities that support the Educational Program, and Positive Collaborative Relationships with the Organized Labor Groups who represent the District’s Employees. As the Superintendent of the Franklin Regional School District, I am extremely proud that our efforts have been recognized by the Joint State Government Committee through Senate Resolution 243 as an exemplary school district. We will remain committed to providing a high-quality education to all students as outlined in our Mission Statement while maintaining fiscally prudent practices for the taxpayers.

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FRANKLIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Since the beginning of this school year, the elementary schools have been using Math Expressions, for their K-5 math classes. Previously, the schools didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the consistency they would have liked in their math programs, according to Dr. Linda Brecht, fourth-grade teacher at Sloan and the mathematics coordinator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We needed to all have the same expectation of what our students should be able to do,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t vertically aligned, and this new program offered good consistency and high expectations.â&#x20AC;? The new program is made by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The district looked into it two years ago when they started exploring what direction they wanted to go for math. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We chose this program because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive, rigorous, and seemed like a good fit for what our needs were,â&#x20AC;? says Brecht. The one thing Brecht says is different about the new program is that it challenges the students to think more deeply about the math they are doing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It creates purposeful math talk where the kids are having conversations about math,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The questions the students have to answer really challenge them to go a step further in their thinking.â&#x20AC;? Though the program is more challenging, Brecht says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appropriately so, and the students are really getting it. To prepare, the teachers at Sloan, Newlonsburg, and Heritage had in-service days at the end of last year and the very beginning of this year before implementing the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teachers are growing along with the program,â&#x20AC;? says Brecht. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We're excited about what our math classrooms now look and sound like.â&#x20AC;?

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Keystone Exams New Requirement to Graduate Starting with the 2015–2016 academic year, students will be responsible for passing the new Keystone Exams to graduate. The new tests are an end-of-the-year assessment to test proficiency in certain subject areas. During the first year, the current eighth graders will have to pass four tests: Algebra 1, Biology, English Composition, and English Literature. The test is taken in two parts, each about an hour and a half long. When each student will take these tests can differ depending on when they take the course. Most students currently take Algebra 1 in the eighth grade; therefore, they will take the Algebra 1 exam at the end of their eighth grade year, after they have completed the course. The other tests will be taken at the Senior High School. The Keystone Exams are designed to take the place of the PSSAs, which all eleventh grade students have been taking since the No Child Left Behind Act was passed in 2001. One advantage of the new tests is that the students will not have to wait until eleventh grade to be tested. “It’s been enlightening as a teacher to see how these things are constructed; it really changed my perspective,” says Mark Wolfgang, biology teacher at Franklin Regional High School. Wolfgang has taken part in developing the tests since 2009 and says there are many benefits. “Students are taking a test on material that is relatively fresh in their minds,” he says. The PSSAs include information from ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade. These new tests also have a fewer number of items to test on. “Teachers can look at the eligible content and know exactly what the test will be on,” says Wolfgang.

Like the PSSAs, the Keystone Exams will determine Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the district, which measures how successful the students and district are. Unlike the PSSAs, the new tests will focus more on a deeper knowledge of the material, instead of direct recall kinds of questions. “One of the ways to prepare students is to get away from straight memorization,” says Wolfgang. “We need to look at what’s really important and then teach the students how to apply that knowledge.” Each student gets two chances to pass the test. The test is divided into two modules, and the highest score from each module is combined to get the final score. If, after the second effort, they fail, they are required to do a state mandated project. “The size of the project will be determined by how much work the student needs to do to pass,” says Wolfgang. Some details of the exam process are up in the air. One local decision is whether the tests will count for 33% of the student’s final grade or if it will stand alone. The stand alone option as a graduation requirement will require the students to perform at a higher passing score than if their course grades are also impacted. Wolfgang has seen firsthand how hard the teachers have been working for the past year and a half. “I don’t think people need to panic about these tests,” says Wolfgang. “There is always a fear of the unknown, but they need to trust the teachers who are trying to do the best thing for the students.”

Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

FRANKLIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

                      

  

  senior high Becky Magness, media/journalism teacher at the years past, “In hon. Telet ay school, organizes their annual holid says year,” each 00 $15,0 and 0 we have raised between $7,00 ies famil for 00 $10,0 to close Magness. “This year we raised in our community.” years ago as She and her husband, Ian, started the drive seven rtunity to oppo an onal Regi klin a way to give students at Fran have been they ning, begin its Since . work do community service ties, including able to donate almost $100,000 to various chari Home Shelter in Westmoreland County Food Bank, the Welcome ren’s Bureau, Child Greensburg, Project Happy Feet, Westmoreland issippi Miss e ervill D’Ib families in the community, and students in after Hurricane Katrina. The Kids Helping Kids group at the high school on. is in charge of the fundraising aspect of the teleth unity comm the in and ls schoo “They get groups in the on to host fundraisers to raise money for the teleth holds p grou the ion, addit In ess. Magn each year,” says by a “Chinese Auction” to raffle off baskets donated h whic ts, groups. This year there were over 40 baske sets al sever ; included items such as a Kindle, an iPod a free of Steelers, Penguins and Pitt basketball tickets; card gift $250 a ts, ticke yearbook, digital camera, prom tree, and much more. “Students and teachers throughout the school and ntha district donate items to the auction,” says Sama ing Help Kids and er teach es Pursglove, social studi d woul on aucti the , them hout Kids sponsor. “Wit ” ss. not be a succe Magness’ students organize the entire day. “I ask ers, for volunteers to perform that day—singers, danc ize organ and acts the of all take “I says. she and skits,” them into a six-hour script.” that support the telethon include Other fundraisers sponsored by school groups nal, which raised over $2,000; natio Inter a Silence Your Teacher Day by Amnesty and a Kids Fun Night, organized a t-shirt sale organized by the sophomore class; . by the National Honor Society, which raised $700

For the third ye ar in students have co a row, Ms. Mozina’s Nationa l Art Honors So ntributed hand made bowls to ciety Food Bank’s E Westmoreland mpty Bowl Fu ndraiser. The fu County and communit ndraiser asks sc ym hools in various shap embers to create handmade bowls out of cl es and sizes. W ay hile the soup is in the handmad n't e bowls, most are given away actually served and others are to those who do auctioned off. nate, Panera Bread is the big sponso r for Empty Bow donated $7,000 l this year. The to the event as company well as all the bo also donated a wls for serving Chinese Aucti soup. Panera on item of one year. The studen loaf of bread a ts’ handmade bo week for area beginning wls will be disp February 1st. layed in the thre a e county

Photos of telethon taken by Franklin Regional student, Kelli Bassett.

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Murrysville

    Students  at  year, savin the High School h ave re g 62

Students at all of the schools participate in community outreach efforts similar to the ones described below. The Sloan Elementary PTO sponsored a sale of handcrafted items made by the children and adults at the Luilo Village School and Orphanage in Njombe, Tanzania. “The proceeds, which amounted to $500 dollars, were wired to Fr. Dietrich to be used to purchase a gas cooking stove and washing machine,” says Sloan Elementary Principal Judy Morrison. “In addition to purchasing items, many staff members and parents made monetary donations to our sister school in East Africa.” The Holiday Shoppe sale was held in early December.

.34 cub cycled of energy this year. ic yards of landfill a total of 25.97 to , and 85,2 n 39.56 kilo s for the “This is a watt-hou great acco rs mplishm Passarell ent i, c “Keeping hemistr y/A .P. en for our school of 1 vir th 2 room has is waste out of lan onmental teache 00-plus,” says Jame r at the h dfills is a metal and igh schoo s hu p a battery l. recycling lastic recycling bin ge help.” The ups tair bo s showing our stude x. Passarelli says th , and the office has s faculty nts the ne been usin e influenc in life and ed fo g eh h onto their opefully instill th r recycling, they as been great. “By will bring at sense o friends.” that with f civic du them ty

Sloan Caring For Community Squad is made up of fourth-graders who do a variety of service projects throughout the school year. The group sponsored the Toys for Needy Kids collection, a Westmoreland Food Bank holiday drive, and the High School Telethon basket raffle. The students at Newlonsburg Elementary sponsored the following outreach efforts: The Winter Warmth Blanket Drive to benefit the Westmoreland County Food Bank collected 89 blankets. The Turkey Cup Challenge for the Food Bank raised $3200. The student council sponsored a soup can drive called the “Souper Bowl” during the week of the Super Bowl. Fifth-grade students were visited by Sgt. Major Scott Haymaker in the Army National Guard. The students sponsored a collection of items to send over to Afghanistan for Sgt. Scott’s troops. The students at Franklin Regional Middle School raised $6,000 for Toys for Local Tots, as well as $8,000 for holiday help efforts to needy families.

    . s’ Basketball team

in Regional Girl ent for the Frankl hool for Exceptional Children id es pr r te os bo the lelian Heights Sc ents that Kurt Kimmich is traveled to the C ecial needs stud sp am e te th e r th fo r ic be in em cl In Nov sketball ., to conduct a ba in Greensburg, Pa tly, the players,” . t, more importan bu ts attend the school en ud st e th one of our home t only udents to attend ge success for no st hu e a th as d w te t vi en in ev e w “The urt.” ccess, es on our home co s a result of this su says Kimmich. “A participate in two different activiti January 6 and anklin Regional's Fr basketball games ed nd te at , es ” with Clelian eir famili ers “buddied up ts, along with th ay en pl l ud st na n io lia eg le R C The r the J.V. game. anklin rival, Gateway. Fr troduced together, on court, afte r ei th t ns ai ag e scrimmaged gam ere in ts basketball team November and w gh in ei H ck n ba lia ts le en C e ud st e, th of the varsity gam During halftime icipation,” h our active part on the court. ug ro th ity un m e com Heights, to give back to th braced the students at Clelian is pt m te at ur “O ur players have em says Kimmich. “O tion.” istra as has our admin

Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

FEMALE

Fix-It-Yourself

REVOLUTION

SOLVE 5 COMMON HOUSEHOLD PROBLEMS

From pink screwdrivers and mini toolboxes to a surge of female-targeted home improvement sites and guidebooks, the fix-it-yourself revolution has come for women in the U.S. More empowered females are taking on household problems themselves instead of spending the money to hire a plumber, electrician or contractor. In fact, a recent study by the Medelia Monitor showed that more than 60 percent of women are more likely to tackle the work on their own. The majority of these women (63 percent) are being more resourceful to avoid the high costs of hiring a professional. And 71 percent of women say the desire to “fix-it-myself” stems from the empowering feeling of having the knowledge to improve their home. Sound familiar? If you’d like to empower yourself and join the fix-it-yourself revolution, start by picking up a few affordable tools and products to tackle quick fixes. Here are easy tips for solving five common household problems: Unstick sticky windows by opening them and rubbing wax or spraying silicone into the tracks on both sides. Move the window up and down several times to work the wax or silicone lubricant into the frame. Fix squeaky wood or tile floors by sprinkling baby powder on the surface of the floor that’s squeaking. Then place a chisel between the boards and gently hammer the top to pry up the tile or floorboard. Sprinkle more baby powder underneath the board to seal the excess space causing the squeaking. If your drains are draining slowly or clogged completely, try a de-clogging gel that clears the toughest clogs at a fraction of the cost of a plumber house call. Liquid-Plumr’s new Penetrex Gel is a fast-acting, powerful formula that can clear the toughest clogs in just seven minutes. Mend unsightly holes or tears in your window screens by using a screwdriver to straighten the bends in the mesh and dabbing clear nail polish to seal the hole. Allow it to dry. Then repeat the polish application until the hole is completely sealed. A wobbly table leg may seem hard, but it’s a surprisingly easy repair. Just figure out how it’s attached to the seat. Then either screw the leg back into its socket or glue it back into place.

✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔

 Fix-it resources abound online and at your local bookstore. But here’s a few to get you started: Facebook.com/LiquidPlumr: Most clogged drains are caused by hair. Get tips on how to keep all drains clear and while you’re there, enter the Big Locks Rock! Contest before December 15th for a chance to win a trip for four to L.A. to get haircuts by a celebrity stylist. BeJane.com: A site where women of all ages and skill levels can find answers to home improvement questions and connect with others for inspiration and advice. “Dare to Repair” by Julie Sussman: This book offers a “do-it-herself” guide to fixing almost anything in the home. 42

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

f you’re more than four feet tall and live in western Pennsylvania, chances are that your attic is not a comfortable space that you would consider livable. Your attic can be modified, however, by the do-ityourselfer into more than adequate storage for a variety of your belongings, if you get creative.

The first thing you need to consider is the space itself. Is it finished at all? Many attics in the area are open spaces broken up by roof and flooring joists and wads of insulation. The first thing you want to do is inspect your attic for leaks and whether those joists are strong enough to support extra weight. You can add flooring by screwing down plywood or other subflooring. Avoid nailing materials down to prevent damaging the ceilings underneath you through the vibrations of hammer blows. Once you have your flooring down, you can decide whether or not you want to finish the ceiling joists. You can insulate and attach drywall or plywood to these joists, depending on how fancy you want to get with the finished look; or you may decide that having the recessed areas between the joists is beneficial to your storage needs. Keep in mind that a triangular space is limiting only if you have boxes or items that you need to store vertically. Items that are smaller and that can be arranged into nooks and crannies can be ideal for these odd-shaped spaces. Also keep in mind that, because of the nature of attic access in older homes, the route to your attic may be through a small trap door in a hall closet, so items you put in the attic might be limited to long-term or permanent storage, like old college textbooks, holiday decorations, luggage, or all those old National Geographics that you can’t throw away because the pictures are too pretty. If you do have easy access to your attic, either by way of a dedicated staircase or pull-down steps, more options may offer themselves to you. Even tight attics have enough room for several two-drawer filing cabinets, allowing you to store many years’ worth of tax returns or product manuals.

Easier access means even more versatility when it comes to your storage plan. Rather than long term, you can use the space for things that require infrequent use—bins for extra blankets and pillows for when guests are in town, large children’s toys or games that don’t get played with during the school week, and sporting equipment when it’s out of season. Storing items like these in the attic will keep them out of dank basement conditions, and, in the case of linens and sporting equipment, keep the smell of mildew away.

Keep in mind that the attic, while dryer than the basement, still has its own set of issues. Temperatures often vary wildly in attics depending on how insulated they are, so items that can’t stand high heat or low temperatures – like candles, for instance – may not fare well in the attic environment. Each space is different, but each is unique, and how you use that space can be a fun project for the whole family.

Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

Surprisingly Affordable Quality components for long life Built by Morton construction crews Our price includes delivery and construction 30' x 10'4" x 40' Machine Storage

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*Check with your local Sales Consultant in our nearest Construction Center for more information and assistance with your building needs. Price is dependent on customer selection of features, building location, local codes, and other restrictions. Prices subject to change without notice and as listed are based on building delivery by 8/31/2011 Country Craft Buildings Â&#x2013; a product line of Morton Buildings, Inc., P.O. Box 399, Morton, Illinois, 61550. Certain features shown are non-stock items and may be purchased through your local Morton Buildings Construction Center. Construction details and material specifications shown are subject to change without notice. Colors reproduced in this flyer are for illustration only and may vary from actual colors or finishes. Country Craft Buildings are not available in all locations or geographic areas. ÂŠ2009 Morton Buildings, Inc. Morton Buildings is a registered trademark of Morton Buildings, Inc. All rights reserved. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses.aspx

“SIT UP STRAIGHT and QUIT SLOUCHING!”

When parents bring their children to my office, they tell me that they are constantly reminding their children to sit up straight and quit slouching. Many people think posture is just the way we “choose” to sit or stand. THIS IS 100% WRONG! Posture is actually the outward expression of our skeletal alignment. For a short time, anyone can sit or stand upright to show a near-perfect posture. Unfortunately, one can only do this for a limited time because any change we make against the body’s “neutral” alignment requires the muscles to contract and hold this position abnormally. These muscles eventually fatigue and cause us to revert to our “neutral posture.” Unless the skeletal bones are aligned properly, true posture correction can not occur. Poor posture can lead to long term back and neck pain, creating stress and strain on the neck and back muscles. A common posture problem is when the head is shifted forward and the shoulders become rounded. Often the shoulder blades appear pointed or stick out further than normal. Poor posture can make a person look shy or as if they lack self-confidence as they tend to slouch. A slouching posture restricts oxygen flow to the lungs, depriving the body of much needed oxygen and can lead to a host of health problems. With over 15 years of clinical experience treating hundreds of children and adults of all ages, I have found that most neck and back problems are caused by incorrect posture. When these problems

places strain on the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. This can result in improper development of muscles and insufficient support of the spine. A chiropractor can evaluate posture by utilizing state of the art 3-Dimensional Computerized Posture Analysis technology. It does not use harmful radiation like an X-ray and is included as part of an initial examination (so there is no additional fee). The evaluation gives a definite starting and end point which gives precise measurements used for comparison as treatment progresses. Based on a patient’s consultation, examination and 3-D Posture Analysis, your doctor can design a specific program designed to correct posture problems. This program usually entails chiropractic adjustments and specific exercises designed to improve posture. These exercises begin with isotonic (range of motion), then isometric (strengthening) followed by isokinetic (motion and strengthening) exercises. This specific technique to correct poor posture is done by strengthening muscles that are meant to support the neck and spine. To the eye of a well-trained chiropractor, posture is the “window to the spine.” If your child

shows signs of incorrect posture you may want to make an appointment for them to visit a chiropractor for a 3-D Posture Analysis and examination. A child’s poor posture does not improve on its own. It usually gets worse. Also, good posture habits should be encouraged from a young age. Most everyone agrees poor posture negatively affects a child’s appearance and his confidence level. However, most parents do not realize the long lasting side effects poor posture has on a child’s overall health! A chiropractor who focuses on children, has the necessary evaluation technology and has the skills to correct posture, is best equipped to help those with posture issues. This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Jerry DalCanton, who specializes in chiropractic care for pediatric and adolescent development. For 15 years, he has successfully treated patients of all ages and cases ranging from simple sprains and strains to complex pediatric conditions. A proud member of the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association, Dr. Jerry works closely with families seeking a wellness lifestyle.

3-Dimensional Posture Analysis

are addressed at a younger age, the results are usually quick and the outcome is better. Posture problems are much less difficult to correct in children than in adults who have adopted the habit over a lifetime. Poor posture in young children Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation

Older Adults in Murrysville 

         

ow that the holidays are behind us, you’re hopefully putting that smoking credit card back into your wallet or purse for a while. But even though this may be a down time for you and your credit card, it’s no time to be lax about your credit card security. So what do you need to know about keeping your credit card safe? First, off, don’t give yourself a pin number that’s easy to guess. Issuing banks typically assign you a random pin number when you first get your card that you can change later. Keep this assigned number and avoid picking a pin for yourself like “1234” or your birth date. While it may be easy for you to remember, those choices are also very easy for predators to figure out. If you make a lot of online purchases or just want to dip your toes into the world of Internet shopping, get yourself a dedicated card with a low credit limit. You can open up a secured credit card at most financial institutions that require you to deposit a balance to borrow against, allowing you to open a card with a $500 limit. Your deposit will gain interest and you will be able to use your card for online purchases. What’s more, most scammers try to run a small purchase through before running a larger purchase on 46

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the card. You may not notice a $0.32 charge right away, but when your bank calls you asking if you tried to purchase a $779 laptop, you’ll be happy your limit was low enough to be declined. If your credit card number is compromised, you should call your bank immediately and report it. While police are able to enforce credit card fraud on a local level, with the Internet the person trying to run your numbers may be six states away, if they’re in the United States at all. In all cases, the sooner it’s reported, the better. Your bank will cancel the card number and reissue you another card. While you’re online, keep in mind that your bank will most likely never contact you via email regarding your account. If you do get an e-mail from a bank that you use, double check the address. Chances are it will be slightly askew from any legitimate address. Instead of “@yourcreditcard.com,”

Murrysville

you may see, “@yourcreditcard1.com” or “@yourcreditcard.uk.” Banks understand that scammers routinely try to get you to give up your personal information via e-mail. Therefore, most have secured e-mail available through their websites, where you can be sure you’re talking straight to legitimate bank representatives. Lastly, if you have several credit cards that you use often, take the time to flip them over and write down the 1-800 customer service numbers on the back and keep that list in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy in your purse or wallet. This way, when you notice your card is missing and are frantic, you can at least go to your list and call to report the missing card. In the end, you should treat your credit card like you would treat your cash—never leave it lying around.

 



f the last time you took holiday photos required clumsily spooling film into your 35 mm camera, don’t be intimidated by what technology has done to photography in the past few years. In fact, once you have some basics down, you may find that your digital camera is easier to use than you thought. So let’s start at the beginning and go over your new toy from stem to stern. We can’t go into detail about every feature of every camera, but luckily most cameras share the same properties, so we can cover most scenarios. More than likely, your camera came with a lithium ion battery pack and charger. All you need to know about this is that this battery can last a long time. Thanks to self-timers built into your camera, if you forget to shut it off, it will shut off automatically for you, saving battery life and allowing you to take that unexpected shot when the time comes. That said, the battery won’t last forever, especially if you are shooting with the flash often or shooting video, if your camera has that feature. If you know you’re going to be somewhere with a lot of natural light, turn your flash off altogether and shoot longer. The second thing to familiarize yourself with is your memory card. Cameras come with a variety of memory cards to choose from. Regardless of the kind your camera takes, just remember that bigger is better. A 16 gigabyte memory card can hold hundreds of photos, and if you’re not in the habit of printing your photos right away or moving them to your computer, the extra space is a must. How many pictures you can store on your memory card depends on your resolution setting for your pictures. Your resolution is how big the picture is. If you’re shooting for a website, low resolutions are better because the file size is smaller. However, if you try to print the same low resolution photo as an 8x10, it will appear distorted or “pixilated” because the camera wasn’t set to capture all of the fine details of the image. With most point-and-shoot cameras on high resolution, you can print very large prints or zoom in to crop shots for better composition. The last thing to get to know is the USB cable. This is the cable that came with your camera and connects it to any USB port on your computer. Through this cable, you can transfer your images for future sorting, correction, or sharing. Believe it or not, once you have those things down, your digital camera has many of the same features of your old 35 mm. You can zoom in, set a timer so you have a chance to get into frame, and set a scenic mode where you can select how the camera operates in certain conditions, such as a portrait, sports shot, night shot, or landscape. Your manual will list the specific icons and their meanings. Don’t be afraid to leaf through it if you get stuck. Manuals have come a long way as well and are clearly written for users of all experience levels.

SeniorAgencies Monroeville Plum Senior Center 6000 Gateway Campus Blvd. 499 Center-New Texas Rd. 412.865.7825 Pittsburgh, PA 15239 412.795.2330

Transportation For Older Adults There are several agencies that offer free or reduced-rate transportation services to individuals who qualify: Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) 1.888.547.6287 Provides non-emergency medical transportation to residents of Allegheny County who have a valid Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance Card. Free Bus Pass for Senior Citizens The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtain identification cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you. Older Persons Transportation Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, senior center activities and other needs throughout Allegheny County is available to adults 60 years of age and older who live in Allegheny County. Call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460. ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984 ACCESS is doorto-door, advance reservation, sharedride transportation provided throughout Port Authority’s service area. It serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities. There are no restrictions on the purpose or number of trips which may be taken by riders, except that riders are required to share their vehicle with others traveling in the same direction and at the same time. Are you a nonprofit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.

Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

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Murrysville

Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 49

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Murrysville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 51

 Still Keep Summer Fun for Kids

First off, do your homework. Is your child looking for an outdoorsy experience or one that provides an educational experience? There are specialty camps for virtually every interest out there. Some provide residency during the experience; others are pick-up and drop-off. Parents also should be aware of what kind of safety provisions will be on location in case of medical emergency, what meals are provided (if any), and whether the camp has a list of suggested items parents

should make sure their children bring with them. Mostly all camps that house kids onsite have some such packing list to ensure that their campers have the best experience possible when there. Visit the camp site, when possible, to make sure you’re comfortable with its setting and location. Parents also should consider whether or not their child is going to be attending alone or with siblings or friends. If your child is an only child and introverted, going to summer camp with a friend may be a less stressful arrangement than sending her on her own. Some children have no trouble making new friends, and camp is an ideal place to make long-lasting friendships with other kids from

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Murrysville

different regions. Regardless of whether or not your child is an extrovert or the shy one at the end of the table, all kids can get homesick. Make sure you’re confident that your child is prepared for a two-week stay away from home before you sign them up. The American Camp Association, an organization that works to enhance the camp experience for children and adults, accredits camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards, listing more than 2,400 camps in their nationwide database, and offers a clearinghouse of information for parents regarding camp benefits, trends, and locations. Their website is www.acacamps.org. Other camps include services by smaller organizations such as Extended Day (www.extendedday.com), where kids can sign up for a cornucopia of activities, field trips, and more. The agenda includes everything from trips to Wildwood Highlands, to children First Aid classes, to presentations on Native American culture. If it’s a specialty camp you’re looking for, Seven Springs will be offering again its Junior Golf and Overnight Adventure camps.

Junior Golf Camp introduces your kids to the finer points of the great game of golf and keeps them close to home. Golf professionals will spend five days with your young players teaching them a game that will be played for a lifetime. Young golfers of any ability will benefit from learning the fundamentals of the game including full swing, chipping, and putting, while introducing them to the rules, course management, and proper golf etiquette. Overnight Adventure Camp is a week-long Outdoor Adventure. The activities will vary by age group, but may include rock climbing, teambuilding challenges, hiking, Rock Wall, Eurobungy, paintball, camping, rafting, fishing, mountain biking, Alpine Slide, and Alpine Tower. Seven Springs’ camps can be reached by calling 1.800.452.2223, ext. 7396. Camp Spirit of the Game (www.campsog.com) is a camp based around building character through Ultimate Frisbee. The camp takes place at LaRoche College’s campus and CMU’s Tartan Stadium. Kids not only benefit from the challenges of the game but by the honesty and integrity that working together fosters. Andy Norman, founder of Camp Spirit of the Game, said character is developed through the game itself. “Ultimate develops character in part because it is a challenging game that kids find utterly captivating. They love the game and are motivated to excel at it,” Norman said. “In the process, they learn a lot about, for example, teamwork and dedication. What

makes the game unique, though, is the ‘spirit of the game’ ethic that pervades it. The rules of Ultimate require players to referee themselves, making all calls on the honor system. Remarkably, this shared expectation of honesty, fairness, and mutual respect engenders these attributes. For over 40 years, at even the most competitive levels, players have resolved their conflicts amicably

and conducted themselves with exceptional integrity. At Camp Spirit we show kids how to apply this ‘spirit of the game’ ethic in sports and games, and encourage them to apply it in other walks of life.” For a full listing of all summer camps and programs in the region, go to www.humanservices.net and search for “Summer Camp.” The website is a collaborative effort between Allegheny County Department of Health and Human Services and the United Way of Allegheny County.

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Everyone’s heard of Make-AWish, but where do you turn if you’re a senior citizen or know a senior citizen who has a real need that can’t be met? That’s where Twilight Wish comes in. It was started by Cassy Forkin in 2003, when she saw three elderly women pinching pennies to pay for a small tab in a diner. Forkin gave the waitress a $20 bill and paid for their meal. The ladies were so appreciative, Forkin decided to start an organization to fulfill the wishes of seniors without means. Since that time, Twilight Wish has established chapters all over the United States and fulfilled thousands of wishes for grateful seniors. Colleen Bratkovich, an eldercare attorney who volunteers with the Western Pennsylvania Chapter, said Twilight Wish is reaching out to Westmoreland County in particular because there has only been one wish in that region. “We’ve been able to grant wishes in Allegheny County, but had no wishes in Westmoreland County,” she said. “If people know of someone in their community who might benefit from a wish, we want to get the word out that they can contact us.” Bratkovich said a wish is basically “anything that’s needed for an individual.” Items ranging from dentures and hearing aids to special arrangements have been granted.

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“We had one individual who wanted to visit her son one last time, and he was in a prison in central Pennsylvania,” Bratkovich said. “They collected donations to pay for the wheelchairaccessible van, the driver and all particulars of the trip. One lady wanted to pay for a tombstone for her deceased husband. She had no money to pay for it and saved and saved, but after a year, she only had $15.” Other wishes include home repairs. One individual lost her home in a fire and Twilight Wish replaced her furniture and helped her to get back on her feet. To be eligible for a Twilight Wish, seniors must be 68 years of age or older, less than 200 percent of the poverty level – $21,660 annually for a household of one as determined by the federal definition of poverty level for 2009 – and cognitively able to enjoy the wish. Seniors must also be a legal U.S. citizen with a history of giving back to their community during the course of their life. Bratkovich said the financial requirements don’t come into play if it’s a wish that you can’t put a price tag on like meeting a player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wishes can be kept private or seniors may share their good fortune with the members of the media, Bratkovich said. Anyone wishing to download an application can go to www.twilightwish.org or call 724.712.5655. Wishes are approved at the national level and implemented by the local chapters, which do all the fundraising and networking necessary to fulfill the wish. Bratkovich said that the Westmoreland County Chapter holds monthly meetings at various business locations, however, the Westmoreland County Twilight Wish Foundation will be establishing a permanent home in Southeastern Westmoreland County in the near future.

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As you file away your forms and schedules at the end of the tax season, it's a good time to take a closer look at the big picture of your financial structure and tidy up where needed. Here’s a checklist of key considerations to help you get started. Lay a Balanced Investment Groundwork Does your current asset allocation — the mix of securities in your investment portfolio — still match your risk tolerance and time horizon? Stock market performance over the past few years may have altered the value of your stock holdings above or below the level you had originally intended. If so, consider rebalancing, either by selling some of your stock or bond investments or by purchasing more stock, bond or cash investments.

Are You Living the Life of Your Dreams?

Create a Nest for the Future Rather than just hoping you’ll have enough for a comfortable retirement, take some time to calculate how much you'll need — and how much you’ll need to save. Your financial professional can help you establish a realistic accumulation goal and ensure that you're on course to reach it.

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.

Check Your Family’s Security System

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.

Insurance can help protect you and your loved ones from the costs of accidents, illness, disability, and death. It’s an important part of any sound financial plan. However, your individual need for coverage will depend on your personal circumstances, including your age, family, and financial situation. A young, single person, for example, may not need much life insurance. A person with a growing family, on the other hand, may need to ensure adequate financial protection for loved ones.

Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Preserve the Assets You’ve Accumulated You may not enjoy thinking about what will happen after you’re gone, but failing to plan could cost your family and loved ones. A sound estate plan can help preserve your assets and keep them from being unnecessarily reduced by taxes. The IRS currently allows transfers of up to $3,500,000 in assets federally tax free. While that may sound like a limit you'll never approach, if you tally the appreciated value of your retirement assets, your home, and your other holdings, you may find otherwise. Your estate plan should include an up-to-date will and may make use of tools for charitable giving and joint ownership of property.

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Debt Can Threaten the Foundation While you’re putting the rest of your financial plan in order, don’t neglect credit card balances or other outstanding debt. Consider ways to either reduce your debt or manage it better. For example, you might be able to save on interest charges by consolidating and transferring your credit card balance or by refinancing your mortgage. Your financial house is a complex structure that needs regular upkeep. By staying on top of things and keeping you financial house in order, you'll be well on your way to reaching your goals.

Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC

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R E A L E S TAT E

Murrysville

“You have to make sure that your agent But there’s no similar failsafe with overAs with any major purchase, doing your does comparisons to similar homes in the pricing. A home that’s overpriced may get a homework should be something you do bearea, knows the market, and gets supporting nice offer, but ultimately, the final arbiter of fore you sign on a major loan. Never before evidence that the house is really worth what it’s truly worth is the appraiser, assigned has this been more true than in the housing what it’s being advertised at before you independently by the bank or lender. That market, where overpricing can create major put in an offer,” Fincham said. “If the house appraisal will dictate the future of the sale. headaches for buyers and sellers. doesn’t appraise for the agreed upon price, The resulting appraisal could tank the sale For sellers, overpricing can mean that your it is unlikely that you will receive any altogether, or force buyers to seek extra home sits on the market longer, raising flags seller’s assist.” money or alternative financing to to potential buyers that something is amiss. compensate for the missed seller’s For buyers, an overpriced home can assistance. Either way, it’s going to mean a loss in seller’s For buyers, an overpriced home can mean a loss mean a hassle for the buyer and assistance, money that sellers in seller’s assistance, money that sellers frustration for the seller. sometimes bring to the table from sometimes bring to the table from their profits However, if an agent does the their profits to help defray closing homework and knows their business, costs for the buyer. Worse yet, if to help defray closing costs for the buyer. Fincham said the home should be there is no appraisal contingency listed at a fair price, resulting in a addendum attached to the relatively smooth sale in reasonable agreement of sale, a buyer may be length of time. forced to go through with a home “It is now imperative that agents and purchase after being told that it is not worth clients know the recent selling prices of what they have agreed to pay. What’s more, overpricing is a one-way Sharon Fincham, a Realtor with street by way of mistakes. Homeowners who comparable homes,” she said. “Buyers and sellers agreeing on a price is not Prudential Preferred Realty, said that, list their homes for too little may receive necessarily enough anymore. The study in addition to including an appraisal multiple offers, allowing the power of free of a neighborhood before an offer is made contingency addendum to an offer, you market economic supply and demand can save everyone involved a lot of grief need to make sure that your agent is to take over, driving the price up until and frustration.” doing the proper legwork before the it’s comparable to the other homes in offer is even made. the neighborhood.

       

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R E A L E S TAT E

Maureen Cavanaugh, with Howard Hanna Real Estate, said that sellers need to re-educate themselves if they want to remain competitive in today’s market and make a profit on their homes. “Selling your home is very diﬀerent today, and it’s been a progressive thing,” Cavanaugh said. “Ten years ago, you could list your home as is. Buyers were willing to come in and do updates. With the changes that occurred in the last three and four years, the expectation of buyers has dramatically risen. Many sellers who have lived in their homes for years with a lot of equity should consider doing as many updates as they are willing to do.” Those updates will reap more money when it comes to their final sale price, Cavanaugh said. No updates will result in a lesser price. “It really depends on the house. I’m dealing with someone right now that has a nice home of 32 years, and they’ve spent three months and have done everything. They’re spending upwards of $25,000, but it will take their sale price from the $380,000 range to $425,000 or $430,000. They will recoup what they put into it,” Cavanaugh said. “And the reason is that today’s buyers want to move in, put down the furniture, start paying the mortgage, and get on with their lives.

Murrysville

They don’t want to be bogged down with the projects and upgrades like taking down old wallpaper.” If you don’t have a budget for upgrades, Cavanaugh said that even minor cosmetic changes can improve your odds of getting more for your home when it comes time to sell. These types of upgrades include updating the hardware on cabinets to more contemporary styles. At the very least, Cavanaugh suggests getting rid of any junk, cleaning thoroughly, and doing some rudimentary staging. “Exposing hardwood floors is a no-brainer. You don’t have to paint the whole house beige. You can still have some color and have some interest,” she said. “But everything should be sparkling.” Cavanaugh said that now that the first-time homebuyer frenzies spurred by government tax rebates are over, the bulk of homebuyers are mid-level buyers looking in the $150,000 to $300,000 range with access to aﬀordable mortgage money. “These are relocation buyers, and they want all the bells and whistles,” she said. “They want to buy more, and they want it done.”

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R E A L E S TAT E

Real Estate

Murrysville

Career

Many finding the flexibility and income potential excellent As the dwindling job market numbers continue to make the news lately, the professionals in the real estate market seem to have one of the best kept secrets going. For those who need some flexibility but desire a job with excellent income potential, a career in real estate is an excellent choice. Whether a person has just finished college or wants to return to work now that the kids are attending school, joining a sales team at a real estate agency close to home can lead to income rewards and a flexible work schedule that many people desire. In this day and age of electronic media, with all of the tools available to agents to help buyers and sellers in acquiring and disposing of properties, the fast pace of the real estate market is an exciting place to work. People who have just graduated from college have the upper hand when it comes to marketing to their peers through social network sites. The use of Face Book and Linked In is a tool that is being used to make contact with their friends, who are generally first time home buyers. Those who have taken time oﬀ to raise their children and are looking for an alternative to a standard 9 a.m.-5 p.m. job have

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found great success in a real estate career. Ron Guthrie of Howard Hanna says that the flexibility of the job is what makes it such an attractive option. “You can control your destiny in the real estate field. You set your own hours and with hard work, the financial benefit can be spectacular!”

What makes for a successful real estate professional? It’s someone who is not afraid to deal with people. Successful Agents have to get up every day and want to get out there and help people. A person who loves working with and around people and can understand their needs easily is one who will make a successful agent.

The career path to becoming a real estate agent is varied. People who have previously worked in service- oriented fields like nursing, teaching or in the airline industry make great real estate agents. Those who have spent years volunteering their time and are now looking for a paying job, and have honed their skill in dealing with diﬀerent types of personalities generally make a good transition into the real estate work force. A position within a real estate agency can be rewarding both personally and financially. The flexibility that comes with setting your own schedule and the satisfaction of assisting in one of the largest transactions that most people will make, can make the diﬀerence between a just doing a job and a creating a successful career.

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