IN Norwin by IN Community Magazines

physician directory inside Your UPMC primary care physician directory inside

Winter 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

inside Health & Wellness The Whole Picture page 10

Norwin Historical Society Homes for the Holidays Tour page 30

“I’d like to have my questions answered in just one phone call.”

Here’s the Plan At UPMC Health Plan, we believe customer service should be a service to you, not a headache. That’s why we offer you a personal health care concierge. A live person who lives here and can answer all your questions in just one phone call. Sure, we win awards for our customer service. But it’s the reaction we get from satisfied members that we find most rewarding.

To find out more visit upmchealthplan.com

INSIDE

IN Norwin is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Norwin 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.

AZIN ITY MAG

COMMUN Winter

2012

IN Norwin | Winter 2012 |

care C primaryy inside Your UPM an director physici care C primaryy inside Your UPM an director physici

Features

Health and Wellness....................... | 10 The Santa Watch ............................. | 20 on the cover | Treasure Hunt’s knowledgeable staff helps a customer select fine jewelry. • Photos by Gary yon

Industry Insights

UPMC TODAY

Juniper Village at Huntingdon Ridge Young at Mind....................................... | 17

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13

Stay Well This Winter Some people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.

Grace Wellness Center A Doctor’s Confession to Westmoreland County....................... | 29

What’s Inside 2 3 4

A New Senior Focus Absent From Pain Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking Brittle Bones

5 6

Shedding More Than Pounds Growing Up With Heart Disease Getting You Back on Your Feet

UPMC Today_McKeesport_Winter_2012_Final.indd 1

10/25/12 8:05 PM

community interest

Cover Story: Treasure Hunt—Tis the Season to Sell......... | 3 Norwin School District News .............................................. | 4 Rotary Works to Promote Community Service and World Peace ...................................................... | 8 Norwin Band—On the Road to Excellence ...................... | 16 Irwin Celebrates Downtown Resurgence ........................ | 18 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use.................. | 21 Celebrating Our Unique Story ............................................ | 30 Larimer Mansion Owners Resurrect Circleville’s Historical Treasure ........................................... | 34 Norwin Public Library ........................................................... | 38 North Huntingdon Holds Youth Fishing Derby ............... | 39 Norwin Chamber of Commerce............................................. | 40

t this time of year, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the journey with us that was 2012. And while we’ve endured extremes of nature via the summer heat waves and Hurricane Sandy, as well as the onslaught of a presidential election that ate up any time available between our favorite shows, we still have much to be thankful for. Community Magazines continues to grow, and for that we thank you, our readers and our advertisers. Our readers help shape these magazines. Those of you who took the Wayne Dollard time to call, e-mail or write in with your ideas and events are the ones who Publisher set our table of contents. We pride ourselves on the fact that we listen to you and your ideas because, in the end, this is your community and you know it best. So I continue to encourage you to send in your ideas to our editor at p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com. I wish to thank our advertisers for your continued support of Community Magazines. By advertising with us, you are supporting your community by underwriting the cost of the editorial content that those who read these magazines enjoy and look forward to each issue. Because of you, our readers can be entertained and informed. In this last issue before 2013, I urge our readers to support the advertisers who support your community magazine before you make your holiday gift lists. If you like this magazine, let them know and make a point to stop in their businesses. They’re not just trying to sell you something, they’re also your neighbors and community sponsors. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and the best that 2013 has to offer!

STAFF PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard REGIONAL EDITORS

Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] mark@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTEN T COORDIN AT OR

Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Jan McEvoy

Mike Miller Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Jennifer Brozak Matt Fascetti Tracey Fedkoe Mike Ference Britt Fresa Heather Holtschlag Nick Keppler

Chelsie Kozera Leigh Lyons Dana Black McGrath Joanne Naser Aimee Nicolia Melanie Paulick Judith Schardt

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mark Fainstein Ginni Hartle Len Pancoast

Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGE RS

Tamara Myers

Miracles Happen

Every Day...

Have you or someone in your family ever experienced a miracle in your life?

A check arrives from an unexpected source, just as the house was about to be foreclosed upon? Someone was healed, despite all odds and predictions? Or maybe you were reunited with someone by circumstances that were far too phenomenal to be called coincidence... If you have, we would love to hear your story and so would your friends and neighbors. Because at the end of the day, we could all use a little hope and encouragement. Miracles really do happen all the time! Please mail your story to: IN Community Magazines, Attn. Pamela 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 or you can email it to Pamela at: p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com. Photos are welcomed with submissions, but not required.

2 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Norwin

Tom Poljak

ADVERTISING SALES

Sophia Alfaras Pamela Arder Brian Daley Julie Graff Laurie Holding Jason Huffman Connie McDaniel Brian McKee

Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Mark Seamans Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Derek S. Wickman

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012. CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www.incommunitymagazines.com

Spring Content Deadline: February 8, 2013

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

G Headet a on YoStart Holid ur Budg ay et!

Tis the Season to Sell!

The Holidays Are Just Around the Corner and Gold Prices Are Near Record Highs!

OUR BUSINESS Nearing its 50th year in business is one of our region’s most reputable buyers and sellers of gold, silver and rare coins. With gold prices near an all-time high, people are realizing that there has never been a better time to sell their unwanted or outdated jewelry. The philosophy of the founder was, and continues to be, honesty, integrity and exceptional customer service. This philosophy has resulted in Treasure Hunt setting the bar in the gold- and silver-buying industry. A RICH PITTSBURGH HISTORY With the help of his wife, Barbara, John Robert Meredith founded Coins Inc. in 1963 as a dealer in rare coins and precious metals. It all started with one location in Gimbel’s Department Store, which then grew into six area locations. When Gimbel’s closed in 1986, Mr. Meredith moved the business to Kaufmann’s Department Store with great success. Following John Robert Meredith’s passing in 1995, his son John Rotheram Meredith purchased the company and moved the base of operations to suburban Mount Lebanon under the name Treasure Hunt. Meredith expanded from the South Hills into Cranberry, Monroeville, Allison Park, Latrobe, Belle Vernon, McKnight Rd, and Indiana. Just three

Come visit us at our

Irwin location

9361 Route 30—Irwin Plaza (across from KFC) or Visit our website at

treasurehuntcoins.net.

years ago, with the assistance of his business partner Tony Kaminski, he opened the Irwin store.

THE TREASURE HUNT DIFFERENCE In 2002, an ounce of gold was worth less than $300. Now, 10 years later, that same ounce of gold is worth over $1,700! It is a very opportune time to liquidate your precious metals, but sellers should beware of disreputable companies that do not post their prices for gold and silver and do not use statecertified scales. Each Treasure Hunt location abides by state law, clearly posting the price it will pay for gold and silver, along with using certified scales. Treasure Hunt is in the practice of offering the highest possible amount right from the start, with no need to negotiate. John Meredith says, “Our happiest customers are the people who have shopped around and then come to Treasure Hunt. Our high payouts are oftentimes shocking next to the offers of our competitors. It is our slogan because we truly do hear it every day, ‘You really do pay the most!’” By now people are aware of our reputation for paying the highest prices for gold and silver, but the retail side of the business is nothing to overlook. True to its roots, the Irwin & Latrobe Treasure Hunt locations devote an entire section to vast offerings of rare and collectible coins and currency, along with

gold and silver bullion. Both locations also offer an extensive jewelry collection, selected by gemologist Debbie DeChicchis, which features a beautiful array of gold, silver, and platinum accented with diamonds and other gemstones. The collection boasts some of the most beautiful pieces of estate jewelry. All of the estate jewelry has been professionally cleaned, polished, and inspected by a master bench jeweler.

NEW JEWELRY LINES AND DIAMONDS The Irwin and Latrobe locations feature several exciting new lines of jewelry. Popular gemstone designs by Prima New York and Stackable Expressions Rings are just a few examples of the bold and colorful designs perfect for gift-giving. Along with solitaire and engagement diamond rings, the Irwin location also offers a select stock of high grade loose diamonds offered at dealer direct prices. The knowledgeable and professionally trained staff recognizes that jewelry purchases are often a very big decision, especially when it comes to bridal and engagement rings. They will take the time to help you find that perfect piece at an incredible price! Quality, beauty, and affordability to help make your engagement magical. This is truly a unique shopping experience—unparalleled by any other!

Phone: 724-864-9991 Special Holiday Hours Monday - Wednesday 9-6 Thursday 9-7 Friday 9-5 Saturday 10-5 Sunday 11-3

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Second-Annual STEM Summit

Co-Sponsored by Norwin School District and ASSET STEM Education

orwin School District is partnering with ASSET STEM Education to create a bigger and better science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Summit that will bring business, industry, education, and government leaders together for a day of keynote speakers, workshops, and networking. Last year’s inaugural Norwin STEM Summit was a huge success that drew more than 300 participants to Norwin High School, including many teachers and administrators from western Pennsylvania school districts. The second-annual event will be held Monday, February 18, 2013. The conference title is A Vision for STEM Education: Exploring, Connecting, Transforming. Norwin School District’s partnership with ASSET will increase the impact and reach of the 2013 event, which will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. As a nationally recognized STEM education improvement nonprofit, ASSET is the science curriculum in more than 100 Pennsylvania school districts. It fosters excitement and understanding of STEM learning for Pre-K to high school students through the use of hands-on, minds-on classroom materials. Teachers receive professional development on how to effectively teach incorporating those materials. The outcomes of this successful way of teaching and learning include increased student achievement and enhanced critical thinking and social skills which can be applied to life-long learning. “The Administration is very excited about this new and adventurous partnership, as Norwin is the only school district to be approached by ASSET to be a co-sponsor,” said Dr. William Kerr, Norwin’s Superintendent of Schools. “The success of last year’s Norwin STEM Summit was a major factor in Norwin’s selection, and

Norwin

we are pleased that ASSET has recognized Norwin’s vision to expand innovation in the field of STEM Education for educators and students.” This partnership will provide opportunities to draw upon local businesses and industries as well as international companies (such as Bayer, Google, Westinghouse, etc.) to participate. The partnership will also afford opportunities and shared responsibilities for planning and preparation. “ASSET is pleased to co-sponsor the 2013 STEM Conference with Norwin School District,” stated Cynthia Pulkowski, Executive Director. “This important conference will help schools identify where they are on the STEM continuum and bring together resources to help move them towards becoming a model STEM school.” Because February 18, 2013, is an In-Service Day for Norwin teachers and administrators, the School District will send a designated group of K-12 Norwin teachers by discipline and/or grade level to participate in the 2013 STEM Summit. There are no costs to the Norwin School District. Fifth-Annual Science Alumni Days On a related note, Norwin is also planning for the Fifth-Annual Science Alumni Days to be held on Thursday, December 20 and Friday, December 21, 2012. College students and recent graduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are being invited to return to share their experiences with students in grades 6-12. In addition to traditional four-year programs and graduate schools, the District is also seeking speakers who have entered STEM fields with two-year or shorter degree programs. This project is being led once again by Norwin High School Science Teacher Mr. Matt Anticole. If you are interested, please visit tinyurl.com/2012ScAluDa to register as a speaker. For questions on this event, please contact Mr. Anticole at manticole@norwinsd.org.

Norwin Board of Education Front Row (L-R): Becky A. Gediminskas; Thomas J. Sturm, Vice President; Robert J. Perkins, President; Barbara A. Viola Back Row (L-R): Darlene J. Ciocca; Dennis J. Rittenhouse; Jerry P. O’Donnell; Donald W. Rhodes, Jr.; Raymond Kocak

norwin varsity winter sports schedule Basketball

Boys Varsity

12/7 (Penn Trafford Tournament) Away 5:30pm 12/8 (Penn Trafford Tournament) Away 4:30pm 12/11 (Franklin Tournament) Away 6:00pm 12/12 (Franklin Tournament) Away 7:30pm 12/14 Hempfield Home 7:30pm 12/18 Kiski Away 7:45pm 12/21 Latrobe Home 7:30pm 1/2 McKeesport Away 7:30pm 1/8 Albert Gallatin Away 7:30pm 1/9 Woodland Hills Away 7:30pm 1/11 Connellsville Home 7:30pm 1/15 Penn Trafford Away 7:30pm 1/18 Hempfield Away 7:30pm 1/22 Kiski Home 7:30pm 1/25 Latrobe Away 7:30pm 1/30 Baldwin Away 7:30pm 2/1 Albert Gallatin Home 7:30pm 2/4 Franklin Regional Home 7:30pm 2/5 Connellsville Away 7:30pm 2/6 Clairton High School Home 7:30pm 2/8 Penn Trafford Home 7:30pm 2/11 Greensburg Salem Home 7:30pm

girls Varsity 12/7 (Penn Trafford Tournament) Away 12/8 (Penn Trafford Tournament) Away 12/10 Bethel Park Home 12/11 North Allegheny Home 12/13 Latrobe Away 12/17 Hempfield Home

12/20 Connellsville 12/27 (Betsy Tournament) 12/28 (Betsy Tournament) 1/3 Albert Gallatin 1/7 Laurel Highlands 1/9 Woodland Hills 1/10 Kiski 1/15 Penn Trafford 1/17 Latrobe 1/21 Hempfield 1/24 Connellsville 1/28 Albert Gallatin 1/30 Gateway 1/31 Laurel Highlands 2/4 Kiski 2/8 Penn Trafford

Wrestling

Boys Varsity

12/7 (E.A.I.W.T.) 12/8 (E.A.I.W.T.) 12/12 Latrobe 12/13 Kiski 12/19 Hempfield 12/28 (Powerade Christmas

7:00pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

Home 7:30pm Away 6:30pm Away TBA Away 7:30pm Home 7:30pm Away 6:00pm Home 7:30pm Away 6:00pm Home 7:30pm Away 7:30pm Away 7:30pm Home 7:30pm Away 7:30pm Away 7:30pm Away 7:45pm Home 6:00pm

Wrestling Tournament)

Away 4:30pm Away 10:00am Away 7:00pm Home 7:00pm Home 7:00pm Away 8:30am

12/29 (Powerade Christmas

Wrestling Tournament)

1/2 1/9 1/11 1/12 1/16

Indiana Area Senior HS Greensburg Salem

Away 10:00am Away 7:00pm Home 7:00pm (WCCA Wrestling Tournament) Away TBA (WCCA Wrestling Tournament) Away TBA Penn Trafford Away 7:00pm

1/26 2/2

(Char Valley Duals)

Away

9:00am

(William Jenkins Memorial Duals)

Away 9:00am 2/11 Baldwin Home 7:00pm 2/28 (WPIAL AAA SW Regionals) Home TBA

Swimming

COED Varsity

12/7 Mt. Pleasant 12/11 Blackhawk High School 12/13 Indiana Area Senior HS 12/17 Derry 12/20 Elizabeth Forward 1/8 Laurel Highlands 1/10 Hempfield 1/17 Franklin Regional 1/22 Uniontown 1/24 Connellsville 1/28 Penn Hills 1/31 Kiski 2/1 (WCCA Swim Tournament) 2/2 (WCCA Swim Tournament) 2/5 Butler 2/7 Latrobe 2/11 Penn Trafford 2/12 Gateway 2/26 (WPIAL Championships) 2/27 (WPIAL Championships)

Away 6:00pm Away 6:00pm Away 7:00pm Home 6:00pm Away 6:00pm Home 6:00pm Away 6:00pm Home 6:00pm Away 6:00pm Away 6:00pm Home 6:00pm Home 6:00pm Away TBA Away TBA Home 6:00pm Away 6:00pm Home 6:00pm Home 6:00pm Away TBA Away TBA

For the most recent sports schedule, please visit highschoolsports.net.

Holiday Concerts Open to the Public 2012-13

orwin School District Band, Choral, and Orchestra students are inviting the general public to a series of holiday concerts in December and January. We invite you to see and hear firsthand the stirring harmonies and musical artistry that have been a tradition of excellence at Norwin School District’s music program for years. Concerts at the High School cost $3 for adults, and $2 for students and senior citizens at the door. All other concerts are free; however, donations are accepted.

Grade 8 Chorus Concert Norwin middle School

12/4 7:30pm

6th Grade Band Holiday Concert 12/14 7pm Hillcrest Intermediate School

5th Grade Chorus Holiday Concert 12/5 7pm

Jazz & Orchestra Concert

12/18 7pm

Grade 7 Chorus Concert

12/6 7pm

Elementary Orchestra Winter Concert

12/19 6pm

Band Concert

12/10 7pm

Hillcrest Intermediate School Norwin middle School Norwin middle School

5th Grade Band Holiday Concert 12/12 7pm Hillcrest Intermediate School

Orchestra Concert

Norwin middle School

12/13 7pm

Norwin High School

Hillcrest Intermediate School

Hillcrest Orchestra Winter 12/19 7:15pm Concert Hillcrest Intermediate School Chorus Concert

Norwin High School

Band Winter Concert Norwin HIGH School

12/20 7pm 1/31 7pm

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Citizenship and Character Education Approach Begins at Elementary Level

ith three months of school completed, student and teacher enthusiasm is building around the School District’s new Good Citizenship and Character Education approach to school climate and relational skills. The District approved a Citizenship and Character Education policy last year and put it into motion for Grades K-6 this school year. Grades 7-12 will be added next year. The goals are to provide a framework for students to build the attributes of good character, to strive to put an end to bullying, to improve the relationship between students and all professional and support staff personnel, and to improve service learning and professional development. According to Mrs. Natalie McCracken, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education, all elementary schools share common elements of Good Citizenship and Character Education. All elementary schools provide instruction about the seven character traits (for example, November’s trait is “courage” to coincide with Veterans Day). And all elementary schools feature a Noble Knights reward program, a visual display of Character Education in the school, and a partnership and coordination with the school PTA regarding Character Education. Additionally, each elementary school uses creativity to provide a unique approach to Good Citizenship and Character Education. At Hillcrest Intermediate School each day, Principal Rose Dvorchak provides lunch in a separate corner room of the cafeteria—called the “Knights’ Knook”—for students who have previously demonstrated respect and responsibility while eating lunch. Mrs. Dvorchak’s

voice can also be heard over the announcements reading character-building stories from Project Wisdom, during which she weaves in the monthly character trait. Teachers follow her lead and weave that trait into their teaching. At Hahntown Elementary School, teachers nominate students who demonstrate the character trait of the month, and provide specific examples of good behavior. Their names are announced on the public address system the first day of the month and their picture is taken by the wall featuring the Noble Knight poster. Principal Mrs. Lisa Willig gives these students a Character Education pencil, and writes personal letters to their parents noting their specific good behaviors. At Sheridan Terrace Elementary School, the book How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids provides a framework for peer-to-peer interaction, according to Principal Mrs. Heather Newell. It uses the metaphor of a bucket and dipper to teach children how some people make us feel good, while others can leave us feeling drained—and how we can affect others either way. Also, each class is responsible for nominating a recipient of the Excellent Character Award each month. At Stewartsville Elementary School, any adult can nominate a student for demonstrating good behavior at recess, in the cafeteria, on the bus, or in the classroom, according to Principal Ms. Doreen Harris. Additionally, students who demonstrate good behavior when substitutes and resource teachers are in charge of classrooms receive various other rewards, such as donated McDonald’s coupons or the opportunity to eat lunch with Principal Harris. At Sunset Valley Elementary School, the school PTA keeps the building’s display case full of colored posters that promote the character trait of the month. For example, students created posters that read: “I showed responsibility today because I made my bed without being told.” Within the classroom, teachers recognize students who show respect by writing their name on a card that reads, “I like how you [example of how you demonstrated good character].” Cards

The unifying Noble Knight graphic that hangs in all Norwin classrooms.

are used in drawings, and selected students’ pictures are taken and displayed, according to Principal Mr. Brian Henderson. Additionally, Norwin School District celebrated American Education Week by hosting its thirdannual Business-Education-Community Program at the High School on Wednesday, November 21, 2012. This year’s theme was “Good Citizenship and Character Education.” Student leaders— Nathaniel G. Andreyko, Erin A. Dicerbo, Allison E. Green, P. Hunter McGowan, John E. Murray, and Alayna N. Sanderson—spoke about how they as individuals have demonstrated good citizenship and character education. Nearly 150 business and community leaders annually attend this showcase of student leadership. During the early research and development of the School District’s Good Citizenship and Character Education approach, Norwin consulted with Dr. Henry A. Huffman, professor emeritus and founding director of the Character Education Institute at California University of Pennsylvania. Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Kerr invited Dr. Huffman to the School District to begin foundational work with the District’s Character Education Committee.

The Seven Character Traits Hillcrest Intermediate School’s Character Shield

Norwin

September—Respect October—Responsibility November—Courage

December—Caring January—Fairness February—Honesty

March—Perseverance April & May—Honoring students who have demonstrated all traits

Norwin High School students use iPads to study angles—even angles made with arms outstretched— in Mrs. Angela Knipple’s geometry classroom.

Bring Your Own Device Educational Program Engages Students

his school year, Norwin School District began a program at the High School and Middle School that allows students to use a personal electronic device for academic work as directed by a teacher. A new wireless network at the High School and Middle School makes the program possible. This new program, called Bring Your Own Device, is driven by the belief that 21st century learning requires school districts to provide real-world experiences for their students. For example, students are using mobile devices at school to connect to the Internet for research and reference, take notes in class, act as a student response system (like a “clicker”) to respond to polls/quizzes in class, run educational apps, watch streaming educational videos, or record vocabulary or foreign language dictation practice. For those students who may not have a personal electronic device, Norwin School District is asking its families, alumni, and community members to please consider donating gently used smartphones. “While a majority of students at Norwin High School and Middle School routinely bring in personal technology devices, some students do not for various reasons,” said Dr. Tracy McNelly, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. “The donated smartphones will provide additional mobile devices to be used by students who do not have their own or are not able to bring their own to school.” Norwin School District will “wipe” all donated smartphones free of previous user data, connect them to the District’s wireless network, load educational apps, and make them available for teachers to use with their students. For educational purposes, Norwin School District is glad to accept donations of any iOS or Android smartphone that is no more than two years old. The power adapter should be included with the donated smartphone.

Students and their parents are expected to be familiar with the requirements of Board Policy and Procedure 237 (Educational Use of Personal Electronic Devices), as well as Policy 249 (Bullying/Cyber Bullying). These policies, and Procedure 237, are available online at www.norwinsd.org under “School Board” and “Policies and Procedures.” For more information about the Bring Your Own Device and Smartphone Giveback Program, view a Frequently Asked Questions page available at www.norwinsd.org/BYOD.

Superintendent’s Task Force

he Norwin Board of Education has approved the creation of a Superintendent’s Task Force for the Efficient and Effective Use of District Resources. The 11-member task force is evaluating the Norwin School District budget for opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across all operations. Norwin School District educates about 5,200 students on a budget of $58.9 million. The District’s tax rate is 68.45 mills—the lowest among Westmoreland County’s 17 school districts—with one mill of taxes generating $365,000. The Norwin Board of Education has also approved the Task Force’s eleven members, which include representatives from all employee unions in Norwin School District, a principal, three Board members, the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of Human Resources , the Director of Business Affairs, and two Norwin Business Community Representatives, Mr. Ron Giuliana and Mr. John Russo.

Air Force JROTC Program Being Explored

orwin School District has applied to the United States Air Force to begin a feasibility study process that will determine whether it can offer the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program to students in grades 9-12. The elective program, with a major focus on aerospace science, could be offered at Norwin as soon as fall 2014. In participating school districts, Air Force JROTC is a three- or four-year program that can be offered to high school students in grades 9-12 with a minimum of 120 contact hours per

year. The curriculum is 40 percent aerospace science, 40 percent leadership education and 20 percent physical fitness. The curriculum emphasizes the Air Force heritage and traditions, the development of flight, applied flight sciences, military aerospace policies, and space exploration. All students are granted academic credit toward graduation requirements after successful completion of Air Force JROTC courses. Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Norwin Rotary Works to Promote

Community Service

(from left—front) Don Morrison, President Brenda Kacvinsky, (middle) Cindi McCabe and Mary Aiello, (rear) Bill Merchant, Jeanne Morrison, Mike Liptak

Fresh Express, sponsored by Norwin Rotary for Westmoreland County Food Bank with Rotary, Interact, and in this case WCCC Criminal Justice students assisting with the distribution.

Russ McCullough and John Babyak

8 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Norwin

“Peace Through Service.” For nearly 50 years, this has been the motto of the Rotary Club of Norwin, a service organization that, as part of Rotary International, is committed to community service, fostering world peace, providing access to clean water and eradicating polio. Comprised of 42 executives from Norwin-area businesses, the Norwin Rotary is focused not only on community and world services, but also on promoting high ethical standards. Brenda Kacvinsky, who serves as the Norwin Rotary Club’s current president, says that club members follow a four-way test in everything they think, say and do: “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” “If you wish to serve in your community and worldwide, then Rotary is the organization to which you should belong,” Kacvinsky states. In addition to her duties as president, Kacvinsky is a Silpada Designs jewelry representative. A member of the Norwin club since 2010, Kacvinsky said she has been associated with the Rotary for more than 20 years. “One thing that kept me involved was the quality of the people. They are truly unselfish and care about their community and the world all over,” she said. “From polio eradication to clean drinking water to feeding our children in schools, Rotarians truly care and never give up.” Frank Aiello, a 27-year veteran of the Norwin club, said, “Rotary is just people working together, giving up and contributing their personal resources to get service projects done. A Rotarian is willing to give time, knowledge, networking relationships, organizational and leadership skills, along with personal financial contributions, to fulfill service project objectives.” Aiello, a dentist with practices in North Huntingdon and Scottdale, serves as the public relations chair for his club’s local district. From 2009 to 2010, he served as his local district’s governor. Aiello first joined the club because, after practicing dentistry in the area for nearly five years, he wanted to become more involved in his community.

and

World

Peace

“I was already aware of Rotary’s mission from my high school years back in Elk County. The membership gave me a very warm welcome and encouraged my involvement. The members have helped me gain a feeling of belonging to the community that I have grown to love over the past 32 years.” North Huntingdon resident Ron Coiner, a past president and secretary of the club and member since 1987, agrees. Coiner owned a local computer business and was invited to join Rotary by other Rotarians in his building. “My initial reasons were that I needed to meet other people to expand my business. I learned, however, that Rotary was also a service organization and did a great deal of good in the world – and that (by joining) I could contribute to my local community.” He currently serves as the Rotary’s district assistant. Newer member and North Huntingdon resident Mathew Beck said he joined because he sometimes heard his coworkers, who are members of other local Rotary Clubs, talking about the Rotary. Beck, an insurance agent with Rupp and Fiore, joined the Norwin Rotary in April and suggested that anyone who is considering joining the Rotary to “give it a shot. Everyone is there to make friends and give back to the community.” In terms of community involvement, Kacvinsky said she is proudest of the number of scholarships that are raised through the Rotary’s golf outing. Each year, the Rotary awards eight $1,500 scholarships to Norwin High School seniors. She is also proud of the

Bill McCabe and Gary Dinsel

Norwin Backpacks for School Children project, which feeds students in a local elementary school every weekend throughout the school year. Locally, the Rotary also works with the Meals on Wheels program and the Westmoreland Food Bank, and sponsors the Wing and Chili Cookoff and Funny Fundraiser comedy show. On a global level and working together with more than 40 other district clubs, the Norwin Rotary has provided thousands of sand filters to provide impoverished nations with clean, bacteria-free water. According to Aiello, the Norwin Rotary also has promoted and enacted literacy projects, provided food for the hungry, established poison control centers, heart catheterization labs, and a dental clinic, and built ramps for the disabled. “Other than clean water,” Aiello states, “Rotary’s largest and most ambitious project has been the worldwide eradication of polio, partnering with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, The Gates Foundation and governments throughout the world. Rotary is truly an amazing organization with international respect and recognition for its efforts in peace and conflict resolution.” The Rotary Club of Norwin is always open to new members. The organization meets every Monday from 12 to 1 p.m. at Pluma in Irwin. There is a fee to join, in addition to monthly dues.

Norwin Rotary Club members participate in their weekly meeting.

For more information, visit www.norwinrotary.com or call Kacvinsky at 724.244.1941.

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

By Matt Fascetti

any people think of health and wellness as just diet and exercise. While those are two key components, there are many more factors that affect an individual’s overall vitality. Other areas of focus include dental and vision; specialties such as podiatry and audiology; preventive measures such as chiropractic visits and acupuncture/massage. Even feel-good procedures such as hair replacement and cosmetic surgery can boost a person’s demeanor and self-confidence.

region you live in, the average gym membership can vary from $10 a month to $100 a month. While gyms, fitness programs and personal trainers can be an excellent way to achieve cardiovascular health, just remember they are not the only way. If money is tight there are plenty of free alternatives that may work just as well for you.

With all of these areas of wellness to consider, it can be a daunting task to pay for the treatments and procedures that enhance the quality of our lives. So how do we decide what to spend our healthcare dollars on? Which procedures are the most effective and beneficial? The following is a review of what to consider when choosing a healthier lifestyle.

If you’ve ever been treated to a massage, you probably don’t need a list of advantages to persuade you to have one on a regular basis. Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.

• Fitness •

Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and feet. There are over 80 different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness. Massage is usually only covered by insurance in very special circumstances, so be prepared to pay out of pocket for these services.

Exercise is the one thing most doctors stress when the subject of health and wellness is broached. Certainly there are other factors such as genetics, eating, smoking, drinking and medication that can play a significant role, but exercise is at the core of health and wellness. So what is the best way to stay fit? There is no perfect answer as it is different for each individual’s needs and desires. There are many ways an individual can exercise on his/her own such as walking, running, biking, hiking, at-home workout DVDs or weight training, just to name a few. Many Americans join gyms to help them stay fit. There are advantages to having a gym membership which include a wide array of equipment, fellow members to help motivate you, professional trainers and a monthly monetary obligation that can help you stay committed to your fitness goals. Unfortunately, gym memberships are not covered by health insurance, so it is up to the individual to not only foot the bill but to select one that best suits his/her needs. Most gyms have monthly payments, but some also have yearly or bi-yearly options as well. Depending on the facility and the 10 724.942.0940 to advertise |

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• Acupuncture and Massage •

According to www.mayoclinic.com, acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as qi or chi (pronounced CHEE), believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points

along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

healthy. There may also be a link between oral health and diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain immune disorders.

In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow. Reasons for having an acupuncture procedure include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, fibromyalgia, headaches, labor pain, low back pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain and tennis elbow. As with massage, acupuncture is generally not covered by insurance.

Whether you have a cracked tooth, a cavity, braces, dental implants or are needing a simple whitening or cleaning, dental care is a priority for most people. Because the costs of dental care keep increasing, some are choosing to cut out dentist visits all together. This is not recommended. However, if carrying dental insurance is not an option, then an individual should still stick to routine checkups. According to ehow.com, the national average cost for a regular cleaning can range anywhere from $50-130 depending on the region in which you live. Skipping these checkups and cleanings can lead to more serious issues down the road that can cost thousands of dollars. In the meantime, as is the case with most health-related issues, prevention is the key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after every meal and you drastically increase your odds of having great oral health.

• Chiropractic Care • According to www.chiropractor.com, chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems from subluxations or misalignments of the bones in the body, especially the spine. The field of chiropractic is considered holistic, improving people’s lives by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system. Every cell in the body is controlled by the nervous system, including taste, touch, smell, hormones, digestion and cardiovascular. Chiropractic does not just treat symptoms or problems, but allows for a healthy nervous system, so the body functions better.

• Vision Care • Many of us take our vision for granted. But we would certainly be completely lost without it, so it is essential we take good care of our eyes with regular exams and wearing glasses or contacts, if needed. According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults need some sort of vision correction. Although drugstores sell non-prescription glasses for reading, which means anyone can buy them without seeing an eye doctor for an exam, there is

A healthy nervous system has the ability to resist disease and ill health. Chiropractic restores the body’s nervous system, thereby increasing its resistance to illnesses. Chiropractors are able to determine and remove blocks to the nervous system by locating subluxations or misaligned vertebrae and adjusting them. There is one issue that will arise with chiropractic care…visits are sometimes not covered by insurance. Although suggested by many health care practitioners, including primary care physicians, some insurance companies still consider chiropractors luxury visits in some instances. One session with a chiropractor can cost anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the region you live in, with additional fees for more complicated procedures. When it comes to chiropractic care, one must decide if the benefits outweigh the cost.

• Dental Work • Dental care is a vital aspect of health and wellness. Many people incorrectly believe that dental care is important for aesthetic reasons only, but this is far from the case. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a link between poor oral health and conditions such as endocarditis and cardiovascular disease, although researchers are not sure of the role that oral health plays in causing heart problems. Recent studies have also shown that women with periodontal disease are at three to five times greater risk for delivering a preterm infant than those who are periodontally Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Health & Wellness no substitute for a professional vision exam by an eye doctor, with a customized prescription for glasses or corrective lenses. Approximately 30% of the American population is nearsighted and must use glasses for activities such as driving and schoolwork. About 60% of Americans are farsighted meaning that they have trouble reading or sewing without glasses, but can focus well at a distance. The majority of young people who wear glasses are nearsighted. As people age, they are more likely to need vision correction for farsightedness. About 25% of people who wear glasses to see distances will end up needing reading glasses or bifocals as they get older. The recommendations for the frequency of vision exams varies somewhat, but generally individuals are advised to have an eye exam somewhere between one to four years, depending upon their age group.

Our Health & Wellness

Partners

Health & Wellness

Orthopedic Associates of Pittsburgh was established more than four decades ago. Originally in Oakland, the Monroeville office opened in 1978 and White Oak in 2002. We have evolved from a general orthopedic practice into a sub-specialty practice encompassing hand & upper extremity, foot & ankle, total joint replacement, sports medicine and spine. We will strive to provide the finest service and care for your orthopedic needs.

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Dr. Bruce Matthews, D.M.D., M.D.S. has been in private practice since 1989, specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics for adults and children. Dr. Matthews is a well-respected orthodontist and strives to provide the highest quality of affordable orthodontic care in Westmoreland County, with locations in Ligonier, Greensburg, and North Huntingdon. For more information on orthodontic care call 724.836.4452 or visit us at www.matthewsorthodontics.com.

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• Podiatry • Podiatry is the specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most people log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can ensure that your feet are up to the task. With proper detection and intervention, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Many people are unaware of the many issues that can affect feet. Arthritis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy, common injuries (sprains, strains and fractures), Haglund’s deformity (bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone), heel pain and tendinitis can all create mobility problems for individuals. There are various skin disorders including athlete’s foot, corns and calluses, psoriasis, skin cancer of the feet, as well as toe joint and nerve disorders such as bunions, hammer toes and neuromas to consider. Individuals may also suffer from ingrown toenails. Some basic but effective foot care tips include washing your feet daily, making sure to rinse off all soap and water especially between the toes and trimming nails straight across and not overly short to avoid cutting or digging at corners. Over the counter medications are not recommended for removing corns or calluses. A qualified podiatrist should be consulted for treatment and removal. Wear clean socks or stockings changed daily and make sure that they are not too tight. Always wear properly fitting shoes. If you do suffer a foot ailment, there are various ways to treat them. Prescription, custom orthotics, which are specially-made devices, are designed to support and comfort your feet and may correct the problem. For more severe issues, surgery may be needed in cases when pain or deformity persists.

• Audiology • Audiology is the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. It is an important component to health and wellness, yet it tends to be ignored unless there is a noticeable problem. Individuals should get their hearing checked yearly to ensure that everything is as it should be. An audiologist, commonly called an ear doctor, prescribes and fits hearing aids, assists in cochlear implant programs, performs ear or hearing related surgical monitoring, designs hearing conservation programs and provides newborn screening programs to test hearing

levels. Audiologists may also provide hearing rehabilitation such as auditory training, speech reading and listening skills improvement. What many people don’t realize is that almost all types of hearing loss are treatable by an audiologist. No one should ever feel there is no hope with hearing loss. Some hearing related problems include occupational; earwax blockage; hearing loss related to aging; acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor on the hearing nerve; Meniere’s disease, a serious tumor on the nerve ending; ringing in the ears; and fluid on the ear. Most hearing-related procedures and tests will be covered by most insurance companies.

• Family Medicine • According to the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFP), family practice is health care for the individual and family that integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes and every organ system of the body. Common services provided in family medicine include bone density screenings, EKGs, hospital care, immunizations and flu shots, lab services, minor surgery (warts, lesions, stitches), newborn health, gynecology and obstetrics, school and sports physicals and preventive visits. Family medicine physicians work closely with patients to prevent disease and offer them a long and healthy life. Healthy lifestyle, exercise and weight control are often points that are stressed to all members of the family. For those with a personal history of chronic disease, specific measures are taken to ensure that they are being monitored and that their disease is being managed effectively. This is usually achieved with regular health maintenance exams and by keeping up with what is going on in their lives. The main focus and advantage of family medicine is the very personal and intimate care that is normally received. The attending physician almost becomes a member of the family.

• Pediatrics • Arguably, pediatric medicine is one of the most important areas of medical practice because it involves our children. This branch of medicine deals with the care of infants, children and adolescents. The ages treated usually range from birth to 18 years. According to www.news-medical.net, pediatrics differs from adult medicine in many aspects. The obvious body size differences are

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paralleled by maturational changes. The smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance and developmental issues are areas of greater concern for pediatricians. Treating a child is not like treating a miniature adult. A major difference between pediatrics and adult medicine is that children are minors, and in most jurisdictions, cannot make decisions for themselves. The issues of guardianship, privacy, legal responsibility and informed consent must always be considered in every pediatric procedure. In a sense, pediatricians often have to treat the parents and sometimes the family, rather than just the child. Adolescents are in their own legal class, having rights to their own health care decisions in certain circumstances. Pediatrics is a fairly new practice, only becoming a specialty in the mid-19th century. Today it is one of the biggest medical specialties in the United States, mainly because individuals tend to care more for their children than they do themselves and are therefore more likely to seek regular and consistent medical care for their children.

• Geriatrics • Geriatric medicine is quite unique because it usually deals with health issues related to age such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and more. Despite these challenges, geriatric wellness is better than it has ever been before. People are living longer and taking better care of themselves. Retirement goals for the senior citizen of today differ widely from the objectives of retirees in years past. Today’s senior has a desire to not only stay healthy and prevent disease, but is passionate about living an active lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to increase longevity and quality of life. According to livestrong.com, the five categories of fitness include aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility. For the geriatric exercise participant, balance also plays a huge role in

Health & Wellness

Another particular benefit of family medicine is that it concentrates on education as well. Everyone in the family should understand what good healthy living is and all the ins and outs of how to achieve health goals. This is done with open discussions with your physician.

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Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Health & Wellness the development of a wellness program. For example, working on strength and balance to prevent falls is important, but in reality a trip, slip or fall will eventually happen. Exercises that build bone density and joint integrity along with flexibility are important to prevent fractures and other injuries. The American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for men and women 65 and older includes cardiovascular exercise at a moderate pace for 30 minutes, five days a week to improve aerobic fitness. It is also recommended that older adults engage in strength training two days per week. The focus should be on large muscle group exercises that mimic activities of daily living, such as standing, reaching overhead and pulling. It is also suggested that flexibility exercises be added at least two days per week. One should also utilize balance exercises to create a well-rounded program that focuses on both performance and prevention.

Health & Wellness

The bottom line is, today’s world offers better opportunities than ever before for seniors to live and be healthy for many years to come.

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• Hair Restoration • It is no secret we live in a society where looks are important to many people. So, naturally, hair replacement has become more and more popular. According to www.plasticsurgery.org, hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging, a change in hormones, and a family history of baldness. As a rule, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become. Hair loss can also be caused by burns or trauma, in which case hair replacement surgery is considered a reconstructive treatment, and may be covered by health insurance. Baldness is often blamed on poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies, dandruff, and even excessive hat-wearing. All of these theories have been disproved. It’s also untrue that hair loss can be determined by looking at your maternal grandfather, or that 40-yearold men who haven’t lost their hair will never lose it.

Hair replacement surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but the results are not always what you envisioned. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. It’s important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for existing hair. Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Donor areas are the places on the head from which grafts and flaps are taken. Other factors, such as hair color, texture and waviness or curliness may also affect the result. Transplant techniques such as punch grafts, mini-grafts, micro-grafts, slit grafts and strip grafts are generally performed on patients who desire a more modest change in hair fullness. Flaps, tissue expansion and scalp reduction are procedures that are usually more appropriate for patients who desire a more dramatic change. Remember, there are limits to what can be accomplished. An individual with very little hair might not be advised to undergo hair replacement surgery.

• Cosmetic Surgery • Cosmetic surgery is very popular in the United States these days. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent a staggering $10.7 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2010. According to www.cosmeticsurgery.com, the most popular cosmetic procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, BOTOX®, eyelid surgery, thermage, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and buttocks implants. While cosmetic surgery is generally a safe procedure, when it does go bad, results can be disastrous. The key is to research your doctor thoroughly, making sure he/she has extensive experience and many references from satisfied patients.

Good health is not just a linear concept of adhering to a rigid routine for everyone. Each individual is different, and his/her personality, lifestyle and priorities must be taken into account.

Health & Wellness

Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery, so it is a rather expensive, completely out-of-pocket expense. For example, a liposuction can cost around $10,000. The only kind of cosmetic surgery that is generally covered by insurance is for conditions that may interfere with someone’s overall health and wellness.

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

in laying nce at bers P a d Mem ore Perform kron, Ohio n a B A c in Norw ionship En egional in R p Cham of America s d Ban

Norwin Band

On the Road to

Excellence

he Norwin Marching Band has been on the road to a record-breaking season performing its 2012 competitive show, “The Road to You,” in both regional and local competitions. The band recently won first place in the National Class and earned the highest score overall at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association Championships held on Saturday, November 3, at PennTrafford. They were also awarded Best Music and Best General Effect. Norwin has also been named the Bands of America Regional Champions three times this season in the nation’s most prominent marching band competitions. The 2012 Norwin Band is the only Norwin Band in history to have won three Bands of America Regional Championships in one season, a rare occurrence among high school bands participating nationally in regional competitions. Additionally, the Norwin

Band is the only band in the nation to win at least one regional in the past five decades (1970s-present) with a total of 23 regional wins. The 2012 Norwin Band was named the Regional Champions at the Bands of America Regional Championship at the University of Towson, Maryland, on October 27, 2012, the Bands of America Regional Championship at the University of Akron on October 13, 2012, and the Bands of America Regional Championship in Monroeville on September 22, 2012. Norwin competed against high school marching bands from across the country including Illinois, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. In all three regional competitions, bands first performed in preliminary competitions and were evaluated by a panel of nationally recognized music educators and marching band experts. The top 10 scoring bands advanced to the evening finals competitions. Norwin earned the highest score overall in

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all three regional competitions. In addition, Norwin was recognized as having the “Best Music,” “Best Visual Performance,” and “Best General Effect” in all three regional competitions. “It has been an incredible season with an incredible group of dedicated students,” said Norwin Band Director Robert Traugh. “There is no secret to the success; it is just work. Smart, diligent, hard work on behalf of the students, staff and Norwin Band Aides. What is most exciting to everyone involved with the program, though, is a renewed sense of school spirit from the band and the reciprocal support from the student body.” On the local circuit, Norwin competed in the McGuffey and Beaver Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Bands (PIMBA) competitions where they were awarded top honors, and hosted the Norwin Band Festival featuring 11 local high school marching bands. Norwin appeared in the Kennywood Fall Fantasy Parade in August and the Homecoming Parade in September. The Norwin Band performed a special halftime show this season, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Norwin Band debuted their new uniforms at Norwin Stadium for Senior Night on Friday, October 26, and then wore them for the first time in competition at the Towson, Maryland, Regional the next day. The new uniforms are blue and gold with a stunning knight’s shield on the front.

For more information about the Norwin Band, go to www.norwinband.net.

Juniper Ways to Wellness

Young at Mind

Laughter actually opens the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the heart and to the brain. So watch a funny movie, tell a joke, or simply share a laugh with a friend. Exercise your mind—An active brain produces new dendrites or connections which help the brain store and retrieve information more easily, no matter your age. Learn a foreign language, volunteer, read or play Scrabble.

ave you ever found yourself running late, looking for misplaced glasses or keys, walking into a room and forget why you are there? Are you losing your mind? Probably not. Memory loss is one of the most common complaints of people as they age. Dementia, the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s disease, is much more then just plain old forgetfulness. Only about 10% of people over the age of 65 get dementia; most of us who occasionally forget things are simply having a “senior moment,” and probably just have too much on our mind.

And if you find that these suggestions are not helpful in solving your memory challenges, please contact us. Our clinical department can perform an evaluation and assessment of your cognitive function and its impact on your ability to remain in your home. We can provide you with some red flags for when a move to personal care or memory care may be in your best interest. To get a feel for our community, call 724.863.2600 and ask for Melissa to schedule a tour for you.

Here are some ways to keep that noggin nimble as you age: Stay active—Include aerobic activity and strength training in your daily routine; recent research suggests that dancing is a particularly good physical activity for maintaining your brain. Eat, drink and be healthy—Remember to eat your vegetables and get the rest you need; all of the diet recommendations that are good for your heart are also good for your brain. Develop a system of reminders and cues and take time to remember things—Write things down and use repetition to remember; use what works best for you whether it’s a calendar system, lists, or even sending yourself a voice mail. Learn relaxation techniques—Stress and anxiety interfere with concentration. Talk to your doctor—Many factors unrelated to aging can contribute to memory problems. Medications, poor vision and hearing, vitamin deficiencies, fatigue, and depression are a few culprits. Keep your perspective—You’re not the only one who has placed a cup of coffee on the roof of your car and driven away. Don’t lose sight of how much you do remember. Have a good laugh every day—The old expression “laughter is the best medicine” has been confirmed by medical researchers. Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

Irwin Celebrates

Downtown W

hen Irwin Borough was first incorporated in the summer of 1864, coal mining was its main industry, covered wagons and trains were the primary mode of transportation, and North Irwin was still 500 acres of farmland. Today, as Irwin Borough prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the revitalization of this historic town is in full swing. Propelled by the Irwin Project, a volunteer group that spearheads a variety of community development projects, the revival of downtown Irwin has brought significant improvements to Main Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the borough’s infrastructure. According to Gail Macioce, ex-officio member of the Irwin Project and current Irwin councilwoman, the goal of the Irwin Project is “to revitalize the Irwin business district into a vibrant draw for Irwin and the surrounding communities.” Macioce is also the vice president of the Irwin Business Professional Association (IBPA), a volunteer group that works to promote the vitality of Main Street. Working in conjunction with the Irwin Project, the IBPA sponsors a number of activities designed to attract visitors from Irwin and its surrounding communities. The IBPA sponsors a number of community events, including the Ethnic Food Festival, Community Flea Market, Fall Craft Show and Festival, Halloween Parade, Light-Up Night Parade, and the Cookie Tour. In addition, the IBPA sponsors the two events that Macioce is especially proud of: Jazz Nights and the

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“Sing for Their Supper” event, which helps feed the community’s less fortunate. “Irwin Jazz Nights are growing to attract people from all over the tri-state [area]. Along with other members of the IBPA and Duncan Financial, we have made Irwin Jazz Nights a ‘must play’ for the best local jazz entertainers,” she said. (Irwin Art and Jazz Nights were featured in our IN Norwin fall issue.) Debbie Kelly, secretary of the Irwin Project, said that the organization holds more than 10 community events a year. “We maintain a healthy promotions committee through the incredible volunteers we have in the IBPA,” she said. The goal of the Irwin Project, Kelly said, is to keep the group’s projects moving to completion, and the group has made significant progress. So far, it has completed the infrastructure portion of the revitalization effort, including storm and sewer water separation, and has improved traffic and parking issues on Main Street. The group’s current priority, a $1.9 million streetscape beautification project, is about 90 percent complete. The streetscape project has provided the area with new gateway signs, curbs, sidewalks and crosswalks, bus shelters, lighting, and curbs. “My goal is to make the town look so inviting that those just passing through will make a ‘note to self: stop back sometime to explore this cute town,’” Kelly said. Danielle D’Alesandro, the owner of My Posh Baby & Kids, which is located on Main Street, said she opened her store in downtown Irwin about five years ago based upon the number of community events that are held in the town. “I have regular customers who support my business and tell their friends and family about the unique items in my store,” she said. “Now that all of the improvements to the town are complete, I hope that the foot traffic will return and more people will return to downtown Irwin to dine and shop.” Gary Proctor, a lifelong area resident and the new owner of Rosendahl’s Appliance Center, claims that his connection to the revitalized area spurred his decision to purchase the business after its previous owner retired. “I’m a hometown guy,” he said, “I graduated from Norwin, and I’ve been in Norwin my whole life, and I’ve

photos and article by Jen Brozak

Resurgence been in the appliance business for 23 years. When Dale [Rosendahl] retired and offered me the business, it was a win-win for me.” Proctor said that his Main Street business, which has been open for 85 years, offers more personalized service than the big-box stores. “Our prices are competitive, and we are much more personable,” he said. “When you call us, you’re getting Gary on the phone, not someone on the end of a 1-800 number. We are still a family business. It’s the same place, just a new face.” Assisting in the elimination of underutilized storefronts is another of the Irwin Project’s main goals – one that business owners like Gary Scott are helping to fulfill. Faced with a sagging economy and rising competition from the Internet and big-box stores, Scott and his partner decided to close Swissvale Music, which had been a Pittsburgh-area fixture since 1978. Forgoing retirement, Scott decided to relocate his legendary store to a new area under a new name. Scott chose Irwin, naming the new store Main Street Music and Sound. “My partner chose to proceed with the [sound] install division, which left me to retire or start over again at 61 years old with a new store in a higher traffic area,” said Scott. “So along with two very dear friends and seasoned music industry veterans Kevin McDonald and Paul Martello, we decided to give it a shot.” Scott said he was drawn to Irwin because a friend of his, Lou Botti, with whom he raced stock cars, had a building for rent on Main Street in Irwin – the old Isaly’s store. “We have over 90 years of combined music sales experience. We learned a lot about treating musicians the way they should be treated. So we made the commitment to open Main Street Music and Sound,” he said. Scott said that he has partnered with Drew Bentley and Dante Romito to run the store’s music program, and they have also contacted local school districts to let them know that they are available for rentals, accessories and service. “So far in the three months we have been open, business has been better than expected, but we still have a long way to go,” said Scott. “We would like to invite

everyone to come in and see what we’ve done with the new store and why we are proud of it.” Another one of the Irwin Project’s priorities is the resurrection of The Lamp Theater. Macioce said that she wants to see The Lamp utilized to “its fullest potential” for both Irwin and its surrounding communities. Both Macioce and Kelly also said they would like to see more dining options within the borough. “I would love to have more alfresco dining (outdoor seating) and more nightlife in town,” said Kelly. Similarly, Macioce said, “I visualize a revitalized Downtown that is both a commercial and entertainment destination, one that embraces its past and looks to its future. As part of our 150th celebration in 2014, we are hoping to showcase a dynamic and prospering Irwin.” Despite all of the organization’s tireless work to promote downtown Irwin, Macioce said that there is still more to do. The revitalization “cannot be done in a vacuum,” she said. “I am proud to work with the dedicated members of the Irwin Project, but we need more community support. Volunteer. Get involved. Come to Irwin to shop, dine and play. Take advantage of the numerous events that are geared to both adults and families,” she said. “Come to Irwin!” The Irwin Project is always looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining Irwin Borough’s revitalization efforts should contact Christina Bortak at 724.864.3100 x8.

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Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

e By Pamela Palongu

ccording to Minnie Elfkin, public relations coordinator for Santa Claus Operations North America, the iconic Christmas figure will be keeping a dizzying schedule of public appearances this holiday season. During November and December, Mr. Claus will be visiting as many cities and towns across the U.S. as possible, including appearances in Irwin, North Irwin and North Huntingdon. Those wishing to consult Mr. Claus to make a particular gift request should check the shopping malls and local holiday parades. Mr. Claus also may be seen in the vicinity of 34th Street in New York City and any cold, mountainous region where reindeer may live. In other news from the North Pole, Prancer has been placed on the injured reserve list, although he is expected to be healthy for the Christmas Eve event. A young reindeer named Techno is being called up from the farm team as a possible replacement if Prancer is unable to fly by Christmas. Elfkin stresses, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Presents WILL BE delivered on time and there will be no lapse in service regardless of personnel changes.â&#x20AC;? Elfkin also reminds homeowners to leave the damper open to provide easier access through the chimney. This season Mr. Claus is watching his cholesterol intake and low fat snacks are much appreciated. Elfkin also reports that the United Federation of Elves has been working on some exciting new toys this season

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that should please any toddler or preschooler. Children are alerted to be on their best behavior, now that Santa Claus has Skype capabilities. Although there have been many imposters, there is still no official Santa Claus website at this time. Santa Claus cannot be liked on Facebook or followed on Twitter due to the covert nature of his operations in the North Pole region. Those children wishing to write Mr. Claus should send all correspondence to the usual address, Santa Claus, North Pole. All children in the Norwin area are requested to go to bed no later than 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus will be arriving in the borough of Irwin sometime between 2:17 and 2:18 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. In order to receive a present from Santa, children should be sure to pick up their toys and eat all of their vegetables. In the meantime, keep a sharp eye toward the northern sky and watch for flying reindeer and twinkling lights. To All a Merry Christmas and to All a Good Night!

All children in the Norwin area are requested to go to bed no later than 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

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UPMC TODAY

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13

What’s Inside 2 3 4

A New Senior Focus Absent From Pain Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking Brittle Bones

5 6 7

Shedding More Than Pounds Growing Up With Heart Disease Getting You Back on Your Feet

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

A New Senior Focus UPMC McKeesport’s Emergency Department makeover features a senior-friendly design.

Softer lighting, warm blankets, easy-to-find call buttons, and lower beds are just some of the special features mature adult patients are finding at UPMC McKeesport’s Emergency Department (ED). Recent renovations to the UPMC McKeesport ED include the addition of four specialized rooms designed especially for patients ages 65 and older. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the main treatment area, the senior care ED has its own nurse’s station staffed by nurses specially trained in elder care.

• Lights that can be dimmed — an important feature for elderly patients who can often become confused in general emergency rooms that are brightly lit • Lower beds that help reduce the risk of falls • Call buttons that are easier to find “This community has a high number of mature adult patients. We want them to know we are attuned to the special challenges they face,” says Dr. Kumar.

We’re here for you In addition to the senior care changes, the overall plan for UPMC McKeesport’s ED was designed to create a more flexible and efficient environment for delivering emergency care to everyone in the community. Enhancements include: • A four-bed fast track area for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses • A behavioral health area with specialized rooms • 17 acute care rooms, including the four-room senior care area • An isolation room • A cardiac trauma room To learn more about our services and specialties, visit UPMCMcKeesport.com or call 412-664-2123.

Leading the way in geriatric care “We know our older patients often have special needs. Our goal is to make sure those needs are met,” says Rani Kumar, MD, director of the ED. While emergency medicine has long recognized the special needs of children, hospitals across the country are just starting to explore ways to redefine the ED experience for mature adult patients by focusing on their unique needs. The opening of the specialized area at UPMC McKeesport puts the hospital at the forefront of this trend.

A soothing space for older patients Dr. Kumar, who helped spearhead the design changes, says the goal was to create a safer and calmer atmosphere for older patients — who represent six out of 10 of the hospital’s admissions. UPMC McKeesport’s senior care ED is equipped with specialized: • Non-skid, non-glare flooring and handrails for enhanced safety • Paint colors that provide better contrast and depth perception • Signage with larger font sizes for improved legibility

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Last April, UPMC McKeesport became the first hospital in western Pennsylvania to earn the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) designation. This demonstrates the specialized training of hospital staff in caring for and treating older adults. For the past several years, UPMC McKeesport staff members have participated in educational programs offered by the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Kumar says the goal is for half of the ED nursing staff to complete the institute’s intensive training as mature adult resource nurses — considered by NICHE as essential to improving geriatric care — and for everyone to undergo sensitivity training through the institute’s Ageless Wisdom program. “It’s important for us to understand firsthand the difficulties mature adult patients face when dealing with vision and hearing loss, and mobility and balance issues. We need to recognize that they can be overmedicated, experience different symptoms, or lack proper resources to care for themselves at home,” she says.

Absent From Pain Most of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that “puts you to sleep,” but it’s really all about pain relief.

internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. Many also pursue subspecialty training in such areas as pain medicine, and pediatric, cardiothoracic, or obstetric anesthesia. In today’s complex surgical suites, anesthesiologists lead an entire team of skilled professionals, which can include a certified registered nurse anesthetist, resident physician, student nurse anesthetist, and anesthetist assistant. “It’s a true team effort, with each member playing a distinct role in delivering patient care,” says Dr. Williams. Anesthesia’s role in health care extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists offer pain management in a variety of settings, enhancing the daily lives of patients with chronic diseases or complex medical conditions.

Getting to know you For minor operations, you’ll typically meet your anesthesiologist at the hospital, shortly before surgery. For major surgeries, you will be asked to participate in a pre-surgery consultation. “With patients who live at a distance, we’re now using telemedicine to conduct pre-op visits,” says Dr. Williams. “It allows us to get to know you, address your questions and concerns, review options, and determine if any additional tests or consultations are needed.”

What to tell your anesthesiologist

Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine’s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it? The father of Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes is generally credited with bringing the term into popular use in 1846, though references to anesthesia can be traced back to 1741. The term is based on a Greek word meaning “lack of sensation.” “Anesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,” explains John Williams, MD, the Peter and Eva Safar Professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anesthesiology. “Your anesthesiologist partners with your surgeon to manage your vital functions before, during, and after surgery. Everything from breathing, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood clotting, and fluid loss is consistently monitored.”

A team of professionals Anesthesiologists are physicians who complete four years of residency after finishing medical school. Their extensive preparation includes training in cardiology, critical care medicine,

Prior to surgery, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself. “Be candid and comprehensive. What you share will be held in strict confidence,” advises Dr. Williams. Be sure to include the following: • Previous reactions you or other family members have had to anesthesia • Any food, medicine, or latex allergies you have • Prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you take • Your use of alcohol or recreational drugs

Did You Know? There are four basic categories of anesthesia: Local: Numbs a small, specific part of your body Regional: Numbs a larger area of your body, usually below the waist Twilight: Sedates and provides pain relief General: Renders you unconscious

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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Butt Out Despite dire health warnings, one out of five Americans still smokes. If you’re one of them, here are some new reasons to crush that butt. Before you light up your next cigarette, consider this: With every puff, you’re inhaling more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds of them are poisonous, and about 70 can cause cancer. And no organ or tissue in the body is immune to this toxic cloud. Most people know that cancer, heart disease, and lung disease are major health threats caused by smoking. But are you aware that smoking increases your risk of getting diabetes by 44 percent? That’s just one of the not-so-obvious reasons to put that butt out. Here are five more. 1. See the difference. If you smoke, your risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, doubles. Smokers also have double the risk of developing cataracts.

Brittle Bones Osteoporosis is quickly becoming a national health care concern.

It’s estimated that 10 million Americans now have osteoporosis and 34 million are at risk. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, chances are good that you — or someone you love — will be affected by the disease. “In osteoporosis, your bones become thin and brittle, putting you at increased risk of a bone fracture,” says Susan Greenspan, MD, UPMC’s director of osteoporosis prevention and treatment. “In advanced stages, simple acts like lifting a baby or sneezing can lead to a fracture.” Here are four facts everyone should know about osteoporosis: 1. Osteoporosis can appear at any age. But after the age of 50, one out of every two women — and one out of every four men — are likely to experience a fracture due to the disease. These breaks occur most often in the hip, wrist, and spine. 2. Osteoporosis is silent. It’s often diagnosed only after a fracture. Menopause, family and medical history, physical build, and your lifestyle and diet can increase your odds of the disease.

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2. Heal better. Smoking weakens the body’s ability to heal from surgery, disease, broken bones, and even minor back strains. 3. Now hear this. Smokers are more likely to develop a hearing loss. Exposure to secondhand smoke also puts former smokers and nonsmokers at risk. 4. Stand tall. Smoking weakens bones and raises the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in men and women. 5. Keep your head. If your mind is cloudy, smoking may be the culprit. It’s been linked to memory problems and poor reasoning skills in middle-aged smokers.

You’re not just hurting yourself The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that secondhand smoke kills about 50,000 people every year and sickens many more. Children who live with a smoker are especially susceptible to lung and breathing problems, and they run an increased risk of hearing loss as adolescents. If you’re among the eight out of 10 smokers who want to quit, talk to your primary care doctor. To locate a doctor in your area, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call toll-free 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Journal of the American Medical Association.

3. You can take proactive steps at any age to promote bone health. These include: eating foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cottage cheese, and calcium-enriched juices; exercising (weight-bearing exercise like walking); stopping smoking; and limiting alcohol use. If needed, consider taking a calcium supplement and vitamin D daily. 4. The good news is early detection is easy. If you’re 65 years of age or older, Dr. Greenspan recommends talking to your doctor about your risks. A simple bone mineral density test can assess your bone health. To learn more about osteoporosis, talk to your primary care provider, or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s website at nof.org.

Shedding More Than Pounds Bariatric surgery helps free patients from a range of life-threatening health problems.

It’s well known that bariatric surgery can produce impressive weight loss. But there’s increasing evidence that it offers other health benefits, too. For example, a recent Swedish study showed weight-loss surgery can prevent diabetes among individuals who struggle with obesity. That news came as no surprise to Anita Courcoulas, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It’s another study demonstrating the lasting impact of bariatric surgery on health improvement,” says Dr. Courcoulas. “The changes are real and durable.”

Is bariatric surgery right for you? Current national guidelines recommend bariatric surgery for patients who are 80 to 100 pounds overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI of 35 or more for those with one or more significant obesity-related health conditions. Those guidelines may change, though. For example, at UPMC — one of the most highly funded centers of bariatric research in the country — Dr. Courcoulas is heading a study examining the impact of bariatric surgery on diabetic patients with lower BMIs (30–35). She predicts more and more patients will seek out bariatric surgery for health reasons — not just weight reasons. “We’re just beginning to understand its full potential,” she says.

Bariatric Surgery Centers at UPMC Each of UPMC’s four bariatric surgery centers has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Our multidisciplinary approach to weight loss through both surgery and lifestyle changes is available at: UPMC Hamot: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, and gastric sleeve. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Amjad Ali, MD, or Rodolfo Arreola, MD, call 814-877-6997. UPMC Horizon: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Christopher Myers, MD, call 724-588-6660.

A life-altering surgery According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, an estimated 72 million Americans are considered obese and nearly 200,000 undergo bariatric surgery annually. UPMC is a leader nationally in bariatric surgery and in the number of bariatric procedures performed annually. Dr. Courcoulas says bariatric surgery (including gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve) can help reverse a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, such as: • Diabetes • Heart disease

• High blood pressure • High cholesterol

• Sleep apnea

UPMC St. Margaret: Pittsburgh Bariatrics offers gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Joseph Colella, MD, or LeeAnn Peluso, MD, call 412-784-5900. Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, revisional surgery, and clinical trials. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Anita Courcoulas, MD, director, Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery; George Eid, MD; Giselle Hamad, MD; Carol McCloskey, MD; or Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, call 412-641-3632. Each center offers free monthly information sessions. To learn more about bariatric surgery, or to find out if you’re a candidate, visit UPMC.com/bariatricsurgery.

1-800-533-UPMC

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Growing Up With Heart Disease Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is responding to the special challenges facing adults born with congenital heart disease.

The ACHD Center — a joint program of Children’s Hospital and UPMC Presbyterian — provides specialized transition support and care for patients with congenital heart disease. “Despite surgery, patients can experience complications as adults, including arrhythmias, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Our care and follow-up enables these young people — now in their prime — to lead long, productive lives,” Dr. Cook says.

A healthy outlook Before her diagnosis, Alexis thought she was in great shape; she had lost 100 pounds, was running daily, and had completed a two-mile race. But her conditioning actually helped disguise her declining health. After undergoing surgery at Children’s last April to restore blood flow, she now realizes how much better she feels. This summer, she ran the race again.

Alexis Laney was only 14 months old when she underwent open heart surgery in Cleveland to repair a faulty valve. She had annual checkups until age 17, when her pediatric cardiologist referred her to an adult cardiologist. She scheduled sporadic checkups, but stopped going after giving birth to a son in 2005. “I felt fine,” says Alexis. Now 27, the young wife and mother finally gave in to her family’s urging last year and saw a cardiologist near her home in Youngstown, Ohio. Although her EKG and echocardiogram were normal, he urged Alexis to see a specialist at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, saying, “I don’t know what to look for, but they will.” Tests conducted by Stephen Cook, MD, director of the ACHD Center, found scar tissue blocking blood flow to her aorta — a serious condition putting her at risk of sudden death. “I was shocked. I could have collapsed and died,” Alexis says.

Lifelong expert care Alexis is part of a growing population of adults born with heart defects who had lifesaving heart surgery as newborns and children. Thanks to advances in medicine and improved surgical techniques, “the number of adults with congenital heart diseases has outgrown the number of pediatric congenital heart disease patients,” says Dr. Cook.

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“Last year, I was better conditioned, but I couldn’t breathe after the race. This year, I felt fantastic,” Alexis says. “I’m glad I went to Children’s. I’m more confident about exercising now. I know my heart can take it.”

ACHD Center Fast Facts A single childhood surgery is seldom a permanent cure for patients born with a heart defect. The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center provides lifelong care and follow-up for patients with congenital heart disease who are: • Ages 18 and up with conditions ranging from simple to severe • Women of childbearing age needing pregnancy counseling or contraception • Adolescents (13 to 17) who receive guidance, support, and care during their transition to adulthood For more information, contact the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at 412-692-5540 or email ACHD@chp.edu.

Getting You Back on Your Feet A high-quality, experienced team and patient-focused care give UPMC McKeesport a leg up in treating elderly hip fracture patients.

’Tis the season when ice- and snow-covered surfaces can make walking outdoors tricky. “Most elderly people stay indoors during major storms,” says Michael Tranovich, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC McKeesport. “The real danger comes when changing weather conditions create hidden hazards like black ice.” Hip fractures in the elderly can be life-threatening because of other health issues. “About 24 percent of hip fracture patients over age 50 die within a year following a fracture, and that rate increases with age,” adds Dr. Tranovich.

(PT) offered on the unit, an important convenience for orthopaedic patients. “Time spent going to another floor will be devoted to therapy,” says Malissa Guzik, unit director. “That is going to make many patients very happy.”

Patient-focused care is our priority The unit’s highly qualified, caring health care professionals have years of experience. As part of Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE), all nurses and nursing assistants are specially trained in geriatric-sensitive areas to improve the care for hospitalized patients over age 65. “The McKeesport area has one of the largest elderly populations in Allegheny County, so we are keenly aware that those patients face greater challenges when hospitalized,” says Dr. Tranovich. “As a community leader, UPMC McKeesport will utilize every resource available to help improve the patient care experience. They are our family members, neighbors, and friends, and integral to our focus — your care, our commitment.” To learn more about orthopaedics and other specialties, as well as our complete range of services, visit UPMCMcKeesport.com.

Stay Upright This Winter Winter weather brings an increased risk of falls, especially among older adults. Taking the right precautions to prevent falls can help you stay independent and increase your overall health.

A fracture diagnosis in an elderly patient triggers the hospital’s emergency fracture protocol. Studies show that geriatric fracture patients who are fast-tracked through the ED have a speedier recovery, fewer complications, and require less pain medication. “The goal is to get that patient from the ED into surgery within 24 hours, as long as it is safe to do so,” explains Christine Rozanski, RN, Comprehensive Orthopaedic Program coordinator.

Recovering in style Patients will soon recover in a unit dedicated to orthopaedic care. The new unit will have 15 private rooms, each with a private bathroom. Future plans include having physical therapy

1. Get some traction. Wearing appropriate shoes and boots on slippery sidewalks can help avoid a fall. 2. Slow down. Falls often happen when you’re in a hurry, so allow plenty of time to get where you need to go. 3. Stay active. Choose an indoor routine that includes strengthening and balance exercises. Strong muscles and bones are important in preventing falls. 4. Keep it clear. Make sure the path to your door, garage, and mailbox is shoveled. If you can’t do this yourself, ask a neighbor or community volunteer for help. For assistance with finding resources, call 412-664-2120. 5. Carry your cell phone. In the event of a fall, getting help as soon as possible may save your life.

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UPMC McKeesport 1500 Fifth Ave. McKeesport, PA 15132

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

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

take time to take care of you Holidays are for celebrating all of the things that make life special. Don’t let a major illness, injury, or even a sore throat keep you from enjoying them. UPMC McKeesport physicians’ offices are open and conveniently located near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients, and in most cases even offer same-day appointments. Just call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/Patient Care and we’ll get you an appointment with one of our doctors. It doesn’t matter why you need us; it matters that we’re here if you do.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

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Norwin 10/12/12 5:07 PM

“A Doctor’s Confession to Westmoreland County…” Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding. Before I talk about my confession though, let me say a few other things first. Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. Those are my kids! They have been under chiropractic care since they were seconds old. They are all healthy and well “adjusted” children. Fifteen years ago, rather I was an EMT forata times. local ambulance Modern medicine can seem impersonal A hurting, unit; I developed severe back pain that just continued to get suffering person visits his/her doctor in search of help and often leaves with worse. The pain was so bad at times I had trouble doing the medications that have been prescribed based upon algorithms designed simple things like sitting or breathing. After watching methe for the masses. What’s worse, these medications oftentimes only treat suffer for a few months a friend of mine convinced me symptoms without ever addressing the root cause of the dysfunction.to give a chiropractor a try. The chiropractor did an exam, took some Dr. Willfilms, Cole,and DC, and“adjusted” director ofmy health & wellness at Gracedidn’t Wellness then spine. The adjustment Center, describes the care a patient receives as a customized treatment hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could breathe and plan that addresses the whole person, including body, soul and spirit. sit better than I could in months. Soon after, I decided to go The connection between our emotional state and our physical well-being to chiropractic school. cannot be overemphasized. It’s strange how life is, because now people to come to see Dr. Cole solutions and They answers their to health problems megives withpatients their low back pain. alsotocome me with their using the latest research in functional medicine. Functional medicine headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pairs the latest diagnostic testing to find ear underlying pain,advancements whiplash fromincar accidents, backaches, infections, hormonal and physiological dysfunctions with the latest research in asthma, and allergies, just to name a few. natural medicine. Instead of the “same drug for everyone” approach of Several times a day, patients have thanked me for helping the standard model of care, Dr. Cole customizes programs to the patient’s them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the individual credit. biochemistry and needs. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment The personalized care is based upon herbal and botanical remedies to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds healing that target the specific problem, customized nutrition that notbyonly itself. We get tremendous results. It is as simple as that! nourishes but heals the individual, and counseling for strengthening the Forty-four millionthat Americans no longer have health spiritual, emotional component is essential in the healing process. insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits Dr. Cole would hate for anyone to, God forbid, have awhere areexplains, reduced“Iand their co-pays are extremely high. That’s serious disease and only have conventional medicine at their disposal. With I come in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more the standard of care for conventional medicine, for years the only thing people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week that is changing is the prescription list! Someone is not sick, whether it is of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, from a medication deficiency. elsewhere. Mention this article and receive a new patient Chronic and auto immune disease in the United States is growing to exam for $37 an individual and $47 for a family. epidemic proportions. Diabetes, for example, has tripled in the last 10 years Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about the in this country and we are spending around 174 billion dollars on it every quality of care just because I have a lower fee. You will get year. We need to do something dramatically different for this dramatically GREAT at a GREAT price.and Asthe for literature my qualifications, failing model of care!care Diabetes is reversible, shows this. I’m a graduate of Sherman College, and have been in practice There is hope for people with diabetes, low thyroid and other chronic for over 10 years. I have adjusted spines on newborns issues. This is why I have such a passion for this work. Our treatmenttois the elderly. I standard just haveofacare. low Patients fee to help more whothey above the traditional are able to people lose weight need care. could never lose, regain energy, and reduce and eliminate their medications Our administrative assistant andare Hannah our with their prescribing doctors assistance —isallKaelynn, because we dealingiswith onsite myofascial trigger Our office is both the underlying reasons why they are point sick intherapist. the first place! We base our friendly warm, and we our but bestalso to make youpart feelofatthe care decisions uponand comprehensive labtry work, on every individual’s lifestyle and psyche.”

This alternative approach to medicine has given many people who haveWe suffered with your chronic new In many cases, home. try to keep waitconditions at less than fivehope. minutes, and spend the has been completely andiseliminated. asdysfunction much time with you as necessary.reversed Our office called: “When look at a dysfunction, GRACEweWELLNESS CENTER we don’t treat the disease. We look at what is causing the problem in the first place,” explains And is located at 8320 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin, Pa Dr. Cole. “Whereas conventional medicine might look at one piece of the puzzle, Our phone number is 724-863-7223 we look beyond the label of the disease, at the complexities that determine Check us out on the web: www.thegracewellnesscenter.com what needs to be done to improve the physiology of the body. I have seen Call patients, suffering with the same ailments tookhelp the lives our office for an appointment today. that We can you! of their parents, find new life and hope with the right solutions.” Thank you, Dr. Jeana Luther

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

Norwin Historical Society

Celebrating Our Unique Story

he Norwin Historical Society will once again host its annual Homes for the Holidays Tour on December 1, featuring some of the area’s most beautiful and historically significant homes. This year, as in years past, various homes have been selected for viewing because of their architectural style and their historical significance. The historical society’s house tour committee has held firmly to this objective since the inception of the tour in 1996. Through the years, thousands of tour participants have had the opportunity to view and enjoy the unique ambiance that each home exudes, as well as learn about the contribution of the home to the community’s history. This event does not occur on a whim. A full year of planning is required to search for and select homeowners willing to host the holiday tour. The house tour committee works arduously locating the homes that will be shown. Once they have been selected, the committee members begin the “how this is done” education process with the homeowners. The society is quite proud of all past and current tour hosts because of their willingness to share their homes with the greater Norwin community. It speaks volumes about the spirit of friendship, hospitality and camaraderie that exists among the citizens of this area. Since the tour is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December, gracious homeowners are charged with the task of preparing their homes for the holiday season a bit earlier than usual. The general consensus is relief—the decorating is complete—and

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Homes for the Holidays Tour

on to enjoying the spirit of the season. One task besides that of decorating is the request of the hosts for a narrative about the history of their homes. It is the society’s hope that the collection of all the individual histories of the homes will provide an opportunity for future research by those interested in the history of the area. These documents are available at the society’s history center or at the Norwin Public Library. The annual Homes for the Holidays House Tour has become an effective and fluid way to achieve components of the society’s goals. Over the years, the tour has featured architectural treasures that have contributed to the foundation of our community. One example is a stick-style Victorian, otherwise known as the Lytle Adams House, which has a link to the transportation of the area. It was constructed in the late 1870s and was once home to the inventor of the air-mail pickup service and forerunner to the present US Airways. It has been said that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt sat in the front parlor to discuss a “new bomb tactic” to use during World War II. The Stagecoach Inn, built in 1798, is located on the Pittsburgh-Philadelphia turnpike and is complete with a walk-in fireplace, hidden passageways and oak shutters trimmed with wrought iron strap hinges and bolts to protect against invasions by Native Americans who resided in the area. Common to our area and featured on the tour are Sears Craftsman home kits. Having one of the six distribution centers located in nearby Greensburg, our Norwin area is abundant with this fine quality structure. Many different styles have been featured throughout the years, from Bungalow to Cape Cod to Dutch Colonial. Other notable mentions depict a bond to the history of the early settlers in the Norwin area whether by structure, land, or redevelopment. Examples include the Colonel John Irwin home constructed for a third time in 1794. Walking into the home is like walking into history. Other examples of historically significant homes in the area include an 1820 Georgian Colonial constructed with bricks fired onsite and timber from the 320-acre property; the 1856 Gongaware farmhouse that is now completely surrounded by newer construction homes; the Harrold farmstead, once a part of the Walthour estate, which now includes the farmhouse and lands known as Altman Farms; and

December 1, 3:30 - 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Norwin Public Library and the Norwin Chamber of Commerce for $15.

This year’s tour guests will be treated to the following: Traditional Style—This 13-year-young home has many memories to share with visitors this year. Log Cabin—Although this home is somewhat new, the land upon which it is situated has a tale to tell that dates back to the 1700s. Late 18th Century Georgian—This home is sure to please…With extensive restorations spanning 35 years, this home has much to tell of its 220-year-old history. Retro Farmhouse—Only nine years old, this home sure speaks history, as it was designed after classic farmhouse style complete with wrap-around porch. Late 19th Century Colonial Revival—Built in 1892 and served as a family homestead that stretched for miles and miles. Late 19th Century Gothic—Truly a blessed treasure that exudes history while celebrating the traditions of Swedish heritage. Bungalow-Style—Did you know Montgomery Ward had its own version of kit-ordered homes? A must-see for a peek back in history. Low-Country Style—Come one, come all to this entertainer’s dream house and step into a winter wonderland.

continued on next page

House Tour Committee Members: Carl Huszar, Hallie Chatfield, Geralyn DeFelice, Monika Dalrymple, Dilly Miller, Noreen Turkowski, Pat Miller, Dave Sinclair, Sharon Lunn, and Lauren O’Brien

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Providing Quality Care Within One Community Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Senior Suites and Personal Care Independent Apartment Living

~ NOW OPEN ~ NEW Senior Suites and Personal Care Stop in for a tour today! Serving Norwin, Murrysville, Delmont, Export, Harrison City, Jeannette & surrounding areas

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

Norwin Historical Society

Celebrating Our Unique Story continued from previous page

the 1892 Queen Anne Victorian home constructed for Charles Datz that welcomes all to the community. The Norwin Historical Society began in 1994 and since 1996 there have been 15 annual tours. With the rich religious diversity that exists in the community, it is not uncommon to include a local house of worship on the tour. Given that North Huntingdon was founded in 1773, Irwin in 1853 (incorporated in 1864) and North Irwin incorporated in 1894, the architectural significance of the older churches are essential to the history of the community. One prominent example is the Brush Creek Salem United Church of Christ, constructed in 1816 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers a glimpse back into history of what congregational life was like in the early 19th century. The Norwin Historical Society represents the citizens of North Huntingdon, Irwin, and North Irwin. The overall goals of the society include leadership, support and assistance in the preservation of our local

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Norwin

-Submitted by Hallie Chatfield of the Norwin Historical Society

history, its promotion and the task of education to the residents relative to all aspects of our history. Aside from the house tour, some other activities the Norwin Historical Society participates in are the Memorial Day parade and services, collecting and preserving historic artifacts from the community, assisting in genealogy and local historical research. Also, it has refurbished historic markers and continues to maintain the historic Brush Creek Associate Reformed Church cemetery. In addition, the society was an integral part of the millennium celebration in 2000 and supports the Norwin High School Excellence in Education program. The Norwin Historical Society is currently assisting with the upcoming sesquicentennial celebration in Irwin. The historical society is seeking new members, and anyone interested in getting involved with its mission to promote, preserve, and educate the community about our history should visit the website at www.norwinhistoricalsociety.org or stop in at the center located in the McWilliams Clock Tower building, 300 Main Street, downtown Irwin.

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

Larimer Mansion Owners Resurrect Circleville’s

Historical Treasure

photos and article by Jen Brozak

American author Joyce Maynard once wrote, “A good home must be made, not bought.” Lynne Moisey, the owner of North Huntingdon’s Larimer Mansion, would likely be in complete agreement. For nearly 30 years, Moisey and her husband Larry have been painstakingly restoring the historical home, which sits along “King’s Highway,” now known as Maus Drive. Built in 1790, the house, which the Moiseys operate as the Larimer Mansion Bed and Breakfast, has a storied past—one that was nearly forgotten, and almost destroyed, Front of home

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Norwin

as the home passed from owner to owner throughout the past two centuries. The story begins with William Larimer, Sr., who built the home which he dubbed the “Mansion Farm.” Larimer lived in the home for nearly 50 years with his wife, Anne, with whom he had 10 children. He was a successful businessman, and entertained many

prominent people of the time at the home, including U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr and President William Henry Harrison. William Larimer, Jr., the third child of Anne and William, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming one of the era’s most well-known figures. A Civil War general, he was said to have been friends with Abraham Lincoln, politically aligning himself with the anti-slavery movement. According to the Westmoreland County Historical Project, a number of places were named in his honor, including Larimer Township in Somerset, Pa.; Larimer Station, part of the Pennsylvania Railroad; Larimer Avenue in Pittsburgh; Larimer County in Colorado; Larimer Street in Denver, the city he claims to have founded; and Arkansas’ Fort Larimer. In addition, he built the Conestoga Wagon System with John Irwin in 1830. After Larimer, Jr., moved west and decided to remain there, the Mansion Farm fell into the hands of his sister and brother-in-law, Andrew Lewis McFarlane, Sr. It remained in the hands of the McFarlanes until their son, Andrew Lewis McFarlane, Jr., lost the home in 1934 to a local bank.

Speculation and suspicion surround this real estate transfer because it was a private takeover, not a bank transaction. Moreover, the Moiseys think that McFarlane, Jr., was taken advantage of, because the bank president bought the house for only $1 with all 134 acres of land included, acres that he later divided into 54 lots. Lynne says she and her husband are trying to locate anyone with “knowledge of those lost years of the house.” The house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the McFarlane House, then passed from the banker to two different families until 1985, when, after being left abandoned and in disrepair by a series of renters, the Moiseys bought it. At the time, Lynne said, it had been sitting empty for three to four years. “A sane person would have walked out in terror at the sight of it,” she added, referring to the

condition of the house. “It was falling down around us. The roof was sagging. There was broken plaster everywhere, and wires were hanging out of the ceiling.” The Moiseys were originally considering purchasing the commercially zoned garage across the street from the mansion. A welder by trade, Larry was thinking about launching his own shop after he was laid off from the steel industry. However, they learned that the garage was not approved for this type of commercial business. “Then,” Lynne says, “the owners of the garage started talking to us about the mansion [which they also owned]. And the strange thing is I have always been drawn to this house. Every time I drove past it, I was intrigued by it.” The Moiseys were living on North Huntingdon’s McKee Avenue at the time, a young couple raising young children. Still, Lynne said she could not resist the draw of the abandoned property. They decided to take a leap of faith and purchased it. After restoring the home for “15 hours a day, seven days a week,” they opened The Larimer House, a gift and craft shop, in continued on next page

a view of the pa

rlor

Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

Larimer Mansion Owners Resurrect Circleville’s

Historical Treasure continued from previous page

1985, with Lynne, a lifelong crafter, at the helm. The shop sold the wares of more than 350 crafters, including wreaths, paintings, stained glass, baskets, quilts, and crafting supplies. Long-time residents may remember that in 1994, Lynne also opened the Maria Rosa Cafe inside the shop, serving lunch out of a commercial kitchen. She operated The Larimer House for 12 years, closing it in 1997 so that she could take care of her granddaughter while her daughter, Melissa, worked. “I tried watching her while I was running the store, but I just couldn’t do both. So, in 1997, I decided to close the store—forgetting that I had two mortgages to pay,” she said with a laugh. The couple decided to list both homes—the mansion and their home on McKee—for sale. They planned to move out of whichever house sold first. However, Lynne couldn’t let go of the historical home that easily—or, perhaps, the home wouldn’t let go of her. “Anytime people would come to look at the house, I would subconsciously ruin the sale by telling them ghost stories about the house. I even left a

Restored fireplace, guest

room

book about ghost stories out on the coffee table,” she said. Sightings and reports of ghostly figures are part of the charm for many mansion visitors, and some of her family members and guests have corroborated her experiences with incidents and sightings of their own. In addition, Hauntings Research, an independent paranormal investigation team, has collected and documented visual and auditory evidence that indicates that there are, indeed, spirits walking amongst the halls of the hallowed manse. “Needless to say, the McKee house sold first,” she added, laughing. However, despite all of the effort the Moiseys put into resurrecting the mansion, it was designed to be a gift shop, not a family home. Therefore, they set out to remodel the home once again, this time to make it suitable for family living. Her daughter’s family moved into the home in what was supposed to be a temporary living arrangement, and ended up staying for four years. Once her daughter’s family moved out, the Moiseys decided that the time was ripe to launch the bed and breakfast, an idea that had been brewing for years. While the bed and breakfast has been open for a year and a half, the home’s restoration has spanned nearly three decades. Over the past 27 years, the Moiseys have repaired and refinished all of the hardwood floors and stripped the 12-inch baseboards and trim.

Guest room

Dining room area

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Norwin

Second-floor landing

garden

They built a new front porch and cut all 200 of the balusters by hand. They have restored seven of the original fireplaces and have gutted, insulated, plastered and rewired the entire home. Smoke alarms have been placed in every room. Antique chandeliers from Italy were installed in the parlor, and the ceiling’s plaster medallion, which was added in 1870, was restored. Of the home’s 33 windows, all but eight have been replaced, and four on the front of the house are original. They installed new shingles on the house and added new support to the roof to keep it from sagging. The home originally had five bedrooms, but the Moiseys split the fifth bedroom to add a master bathroom and a laundry room to the upper floor. The most impressive part is that they have completed every single one of these projects by themselves. “We have one more room to restore,” Lynne says, indicating a back bedroom on the second floor. She and Larry are also restoring the back porch; after 200 years of Pennsylvania weather, the original wooden beams supporting the porch roof have begun to rot and need to be replaced. “When you own a 200-year-old house, the work never ends. But I’m not afraid of it.”

toric national register of his places certificate

ining ro

Formal d

Today, the bed and breakfast caters to guests from all over. The Moiseys have welcomed visitors from Norway and Canada, and drivers traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike find the Larimer Mansion to be a charming place to spend a night or two as they head to their next destination. Lynne said she also books a number of guests who are visiting family in the Norwin area. “When you stay here, it’s like staying at home. It’s warm, it’s welcoming, and you get a home-cooked breakfast in the morning,” she said. “There really is no comparison.” In addition to overnight stays, the Larimer Mansion can be reserved for garden parties of up to 30 people. Lynne conducts tours of the home for local children and adults, and lectures to local clubs about the history of the home. All proceeds from the tours, lectures, bed and breakfast, and spring parties go to the continued restoration of the home.

For more information, visit www.larimermansion.com or call 724.863.9150.

dream kitchens winter1.6_Layout 1 10/30/12 10:54 AM Page 1

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W e C a n M a k e Yo u r D r e a m s C o m e Tr u e Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

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A Library eBook Update for Christmas 2012

Library eBook Best Practices: While the Norwin Public Library, as part of the Westmoreland Library Network, now features almost 3,000 eBooks and downloadable audiobooks (with more being added all the time), there are more library patrons with eReaders than ever before. • Don’t be discouraged if the book you were looking for isn’t available right away. Join the waiting list for items that are checked out. It’s easy!

This January will mark the 18th month of our library eBook collection. Since our beginnings, we’ve grown to over 1,800 fiction eBooks and over 500 non-fiction eBooks (in addition to over 400 downloadable audiobooks)! With the holiday season approaching, we would like to take the opportunity to provide our thoughts on the current crop of eBook readers. The Tablets: iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, Microsoft Surface, etc. There are many new and upcoming tablets that will be for sale this holiday season and beyond. There is virtually no difference in using any of these devices for downloading free eBooks from the Norwin Public Library. Download the Overdrive Media Console App from your device’s App Store and follow the instructions. Owners of these tablets can download Norwin Public Library eBooks without any additional laptop or desktop computer. The eReaders: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook Simpletouch, Sony Ereader and many others. For ease of use, the Kindle Paperwhite is the clear choice at present. The Kindle Paperwhite is the only simple eReader that does not require that the user own an additional laptop or desktop computer of some kind. All of these eReaders require an additional computer in order to download library eBooks, but the Kindle Paperwhite can use the public computers at the Norwin Public Library. The other eReaders require that the user download and install additional free software on another personal computer.

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• Try something new! The big convenience of eBooks is no trips to the library to return books you don’t like. Take a chance on something different. If you don’t like it, just delete it from your eReader.

The Friends of the Library Have a Special Gift for Everyone on Your List! • The Friends of the Norwin Public Library are holding their Famous Holiday Basket Sale through December 31st. Choose from hundreds of beautiful baskets and bundles for all the book lovers on your list! The sale is open in the Library’s “Book Cellar” during library hours. • In celebration of the Library’s 75th Anniversary, the Friends of the Norwin Public Library will be selling commemorative Cat’s Meow renderings of our Library for $15.00.

ngd i t n u H h Nort outh Y s d l o H

sponsored a Parks and Recreation ip sh wn To n do ng Indian Lake North Hunti October 6 at scenic y, da tur Sa on y rb Youth Fishing De 14 and under. Park for youth ages

ll seasons, with in the spring and fa ut tro th wi ed ck sto Fishing is a The lake is cked in the summer. sto ing be rch pe d ll bass, catfish an ir environment, as we ren to learn about the ild ch for ity e. tiv tur ac t na grea hy respect for patience and a healt as the fish. It teaches ts nts for the participan t time and refreshme s ize Pr h. fis The kids had a grea the agging with some bait for sn ng alo d ide ov pr re . we e categories youth for various ag were awarded to the Norwin | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

The Norwin

Norwin Chamber of Commerce 321 Main Street, Irwin PA 15642

Chamber of Commerce

724-863-0888

www.norwinchamber.com info@norwinchamber.com

Membership in the Norwin Chamber of Commerce offers an outstanding way to become involved in business networking, advocacy, economic development and community growth. The Norwin Chamber constantly develops and refines our programs to better serve our diverse membership and the surrounding communities’ needs.

Showcase of Business Expo—The expo is held in September and features a large Vendor Expo where members can showcase their businesses and establish new business relationships. This event is open to all chamber members and their employees as well as outside networking groups, business associations and community organizations. Vendors can also invite their business customers to attend.

Program Highlight and Member Benefits Certificates of Origin—A Certificate of Origin is a document required by foreign governments that validates the country of origin where a product was manufactured. The certificate of origin must be signed by the exporter, notarized and then validated by a locally designated agency such as a chamber of commerce. The Norwin Chamber offers Certificates of Origin for companies that are members of the chamber.

Speed Networking Event—Wouldn’t it be nice to leave a networking event knowing that you have made real connections that can help you? This event can accelerate your business contacts, help you share your professional background and business goals and help you network one-on-one with a manageable group of people.

What Are Our Members Saying About Their Norwin Chamber of Commerce Membership Investment “The Norwin Chamber is so inviting and fun. I have never in my life felt more included and part of a great group of people so quickly before. I’ve never been to an event where I didn’t have fun too. I go out of my way to tell other businesses how great the Norwin Chamber is and how they need to join. Since joining I’ve made a number of great business relationships and had some good orders come through. When someone walks in the door asking for something that we don’t do, how great is it to be able to refer another chamber member that you can trust? I’ve come to trust many other members and have no problem recommending them.”

{Photos} Want to see what the Norwin Chamber is all about? Check out the Photo Album page on our website at www.norwinchamber.com. View pictures from all of our Norwin Chamber events and see how our members are building lasting personal and professional relationships!

–Mike Rothermund, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More

Recent Chamber Events

Boy Scouts Business Mixer

Davis Financial Group Ribbon Cutting

Young Professionals Group Ziplining

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Norwin

Showcase of Business Expo

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Included: ●

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IN Community Magazine is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E.). We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help. IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories:

Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 or less); Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more). Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.

Name of nominee_____________________________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________ Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small Nonprofit (staff of 10 or less); Large Nonprofit (staff of 11 or more)

| IN SOUTH FAYETTE |

Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for?____________________________________________________________

| IN UPPER ST. CLAIR |

Name of person submitting nomination_______________________________________________________________________

| IN WEST ALLEGHENY |

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________

| IN WEST COUNTY [Erie] |

Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________

Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? (Please submit a type written statement of no more than 600 words.) Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 If you have any questions, please contact Monica Haynes at 412.254.8704. Deadline for nominations is 1/31/2013.