Summer 2010
enn Hills
Inside
Penn Hills Track Victorious Outdoor Living Plus
Performing Arts
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Introducing a health plan option for small business designed to save green. asy to use, conomical and Environmentally friendly.
Enjoy a discount and the ease of 24/7 on-line access for all of your health plan needs. Has there ever been an easier business decision? At UPMC Health Plan, we want to make it that simple. That’s why we’ve introduced the region’s most comprehensive all-electronic option. It’s called and it’s an easy-to-use, paperless option that complements any of our Small Business Advantage health plans. With , all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providing you and your employees with greater convenience. Your employees also enjoy easy access to all their health information, wellness tools, and health support. And, as always, you and your employees have access to our network of more than 80 hospitals and 7,000 physicians, and the award-winning member service you expect from UPMC Health Plan. In other words you get more for less. To learn more about how you can save, go to upmchealthplan.com.
Shouldn’t the people who insure your health understand it? This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.
SUMMER 2010
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Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Hot Tips for a Cool Summer: Stay safe and healthy with the simple Don’t Do’s on page 3.
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Heinz Hall Christmas Tree Photo: Jason Cohn
features
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What’s Inside page 2
Shaping Up to Play Preventing Weekend Warrior Injuries
page 3
What You Don’t Do Can Mean a Healthier You
page 4
Be Sun Smart This Summer
community interest
Heads Up On Helmet Safety page 5
Digital Mammography Saves Lives
page 6
The Freedom of Independent Living
page 7
What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret
William E. Anderson Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
© 2010 UPMC
Worship News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Penn Hills School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
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PENN HILLS TRACK VICTORIOUS, AGAIN AND AGAIN
Industry Insight Allegheny Hearing Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
HIGH-END OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES GAIN POPULARITY UPMC TODAY – ST. MARGARET EDITION PERFORMING ARTS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
on the cover Brandon Ifill brings home the 4x400 relay to victory at the Tri-State Championship at the GaREAT Sports Complex in Geneva, OH.
REBUILDING TOGETHER HELPS SENIORS
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
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FROM THE PUBLISHER elcome to the summer issue of IN Penn Hills. I hope this magazine reaches your mailbox on a clear, warm day. Why? Because the stories we feature here highlight people doing things in your community. They didn’t need good weather to get out and do something that makes a difference. But if you’re like me, having a clear sky is a definite motivator. Being outside, hearing birds chirping, smelling that freshly cut grass and having a nice glass of lemonade gives me the fortification to go above and beyond. We should all aim to do one thing this summer – even if it’s on a rainy day – to benefit those around us or our community as a whole. Not only will you get a great sense of satisfaction for yourself, you will make a difference in someone’s life. I’d like to hear about what you did to make a difference this summer – E-mail our managing editor, Marybeth Jeffries at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com with the information of what you did to make a difference. Who knows? You may just end up in the pages of the next IN Penn Hills magazine, and read about yourself over a nice glass of lemonade. Have a great summer IN Penn Hills.
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enn Hills Summer 2010 IN Penn Hills is a non-partisan community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Penn Hills School District and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com
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FROM THE EDITOR
ummer! I didn’t think it would ever get here. Now that I am able to get out my gardening tools and get busy “out there” it seems to me that many of you are doing the same thing. Getting out there I mean. In this issue you will get to read about the Open Your Heart to a Senior Program which helps seniors in the community get much needed help with household chores and rides to their appointments. Did you know that Allegheny County has one of the largest populations of seniors living in our communities? Programs like Open Your Heart to a Senior are much needed and deserved to be recognized for their efforts! And finally, we are very interested in honoring all of the service women and men who call Penn Hills their home. If you have a family member or friend from the community who is serving, please email us their photo and where they are stationed so that we can honor them! We are very blessed at IN Penn Hills magazine to have the opportunity to share such wonderful stories about the community with you. I hope you will keep us in mind when you run in to someone who is worthy of recognition. You can write to me at the magazine, marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. Enjoy!
WRITERS Jonathan Barnes Karen Ferrieri Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue Sandy Trozzo Chris Weber GRAPHIC DESIGN Cassie Brkich Susie Doak Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions SALES TEAM Nicholas Buzzell Tamara Myers Tina Dollard Gabriel Negri Rose Estes Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Brian McKee Michael Silvert David Mitchell RJ Vighetti Linda Mitchell CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 453 Valley Brook Road, Suite 300 McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 SALES INQUIRES 724.942.0940 sales@incommunitymagazines.com
Fall Issue Deadline: August 5, 2010 IN Penn Hills is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.
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NHCO, Family Services Partner with
Open Your Heart
to a Senior Program
By Jonathan Barnes
hen McCandless resident Mary Allshouse needs a ride to the store or elsewhere, she’s got a group of helping hands at her service, thanks to a new initiative geared toward keeping seniors living in their homes as long as they are able. Allshouse, 90, had a nice outing recently with Dee, one of the Open Your Heart to a Senior volunteers. She took Allshouse shopping and Allshouse returned the favor, buying lunch for the two of them. “It was very enjoyable,” said Allshouse. “The volunteers are very lovely people, very enjoyable.” The program, a one-year partnership of NHCO and Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, is made possible through funding from the United Way of Allegheny County. The necessity of the initiative was determined through a study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health which was funded by the United Way of Allegheny County, said Nancy Jones, North Boroughs Outreach Manager for NHCO. For several years both NHCO and Family Services have had outreach programs geared toward helping seniors in their homes. From the University of Pittsburgh study, the United Way identified the care of frail, home-bound seniors as one of the most serious issues in the region. The United Way also learned that both NHCO and Family Services’ programs were struggling to get enough volunteers to help seniors.
“The initiative is designed to help recruit more volunteers,” Jones said. “The idea is to let the community know there are seniors who need a ride to the grocery store or to the doctor’s office, or a visit or a friendly call.” Those interested in volunteering to help a senior in need are welcome to join the effort. They help by providing transportation for seniors to medical appointments, pharmacy visits, yard work or simply helping them with correspondence or bills. For more information on the Open Your Heart to a Senior program, email seniors@nhco.org, or call 412.307.0071 or toll-free 866.467.0888.
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enn Hills IN Penn Hills | Summer 2010 |
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Penn Hills Municipal Information Municipal Departments All departments are located in the municipal building unless otherwise stated. Administration Department 412.798.2100
Parks and Recreation 412.798.2147
Citizen Service 412.798.2131
Planning Department 412.798.2126
Code Enforcement 412.798.2132
Police/Police Emergency 911
Data Processing 412.798.2100
EMS 412.798.2041/2040
Finance 412.798.2112
Police Records 412.798.2035
Tax Collectors Water/Sewage Tax: Wilkinsburg Penn Joint Water Authority 412.243.6200
Public Works 412.798.2151 6600 Leechburg Road Penn Hills, PA 15147
All Other Tax: Penn Hills School District 309 Collins Drive Penn Hills, PA 15235 412.793.7063
The Municipality of Penn Hills 12245 Frankstown Road Penn Hills, PA 15235 www.pennhills.org
Municipal Trash Collector Allied Waste Services 1.877.788.9400
Manager 412.798.2100 Mayor Anthony DeLuca, Jr. mayor@pennhills.org
Council Gary N. Underwood Joseph N. Palumbo Dr. J-LaVon Kincaid, Sr.
Water Pollution Control 125 Sandycreek Road Verona, PA 15147 412.798.2172
Council Meetings 1st & 3rd Mondays • 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers
Zoning Hearing Board 4th Wednesday • 7 p.m. Council Chambers
*Meeting dates changed due to holiday, summer schedule or elections.
Planning Commission 4th Thursday • 7 p.m. Council Chambers
Personnel Board As needed Recreation Advisory Board 2nd Monday • 7 p.m. Council Chambers
Controller Theresa A. Sciulli 412.798.2116
Historical Committee 2nd Monday • 7 p.m. Room 209
Deputy Clerk Diane Gionta Fitzhenry
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Senior Services Center 147 Jefferson Road Penn Hills, PA 15235 412.244.3400
Municipal Meetings
Deputy Mayor Sara Kuhn
District Justice Leonard Hromyak 85 Universal Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412.731.0100
Purchasing Department 412.798.2120/2121
Traffic Safety Committee 2nd Thursday • 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers For additional information on meeting dates or agenda materials, call 412.798.2103.
Library Board 3rd Wednesday • 7 p.m. Wm. E. Anderson Library
For automated information about meetings, call the Municipal Bulletin Board at 412.795.3500, ext. 2 or visit www.pennhills.org. For additional information on meeting dates or agenda materials, call 412.798.2103. Persons with a disability who wish to attend the meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings are requested to call 412.798.2103 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to discuss your needs.
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Legislature US Congress 14th District Michael F. Doyle 11 Duff Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412.241.6055 rep.doyle@mail.house.gov 18th District Tim Murphy 504 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.344.5583 murphy@mail.house.gov State Senate 43th District Jay Costa, Jr. 1501 Ardmore Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412.241.6690 costa@pasenate.com State Legislature 32nd District Anthony M. DeLuca 7205 Saltsburg Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412.793.2448
Community Parks
Playgrounds
Penn Hills Park 120 Colorado Street Verona, PA 15147
Bon Air Treemont Street Lee Drive Park Lee Drive
Turner-Friendship Park 1340 Hunter Road Verona, PA 15147
Lincoln Park Multipurpose Center Lincoln Road
Universal Memorial Park 1 Memorial Park Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Duff Park Duff Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Milltown Park 231 Boda Road Verona, PA 15147 Xtreme Sports Parks Duff Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Meadow Avenue North Meadow Avenue North Bessemer Old Leechburg Road Pat Seneca Long Road Penn View Park Penn View Drive Ross Street Ross Road Wm. McKinley Center 7th Street & Center Avenue
Community Athletic Groups Greater Pittsburgh Dek Hockey 412.793.1966 www.pittsburghdekhockey.com Penn Hills Baseball Association 412.795.1900 Penn Hills Youth Basketball League Grd. 1-6 412.795.2600 or 412.798.2147 Penn Hills Ice Hockey Grades 5-12 412.798.9201 Penn Hills Youth Football Association 412.583.3324
Highlands Aqua Club 412.372.5558 Penn Hills East Communities YMCA 412.795.2600 Penn Hills Soccer Association 412.793.3081 www.pennhillssoccer.org Rosedale Beach Club 412.793.1782 (only when the pool is open) info@rosedalebeachclub.com Mailing: PO Box #100 Verona, PA 15147
Location: 5401 3rd St. Penn Hills
Penn Hills Girls Softball Association Girls aged 6 - 18 www.phgsa.info Penn Hills Eagles Track Club 412.832.2005 Penn Hills Jr. Wrestling 412.244.1761
Not listed? E-mail your information to mark@incommunitymagazines.com.
Penn Aqua Club 161 Lynnwood Drive 412.731.8480 Blackridge Swim Club 412.241.3500 (in season only)
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Penn Hills Track
Victorious, Again and By Jonathan Barnes or Penn Hills track coach Lee Zelkowitz, part of the work of creating a competitive team is about making the links. It could be a matter of a coach connecting with a student, of athletes building friendships together, or of runners understanding the relationship between hard work and excellence. Judging from its recent success, Penn Hills Indians Track’s athletes appear to be putting it all together, having won two tough competitions. Both Penn Hills boys' and girls' teams recently won the Tri-State Track Coaches Association indoor championships. The teams also excelled at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association indoor state championships at Penn State and the GaREAT American Scholastic Indoor National Championship, which occurred at the GaREAT Sport Complex in Geneva, Ohio.
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“Making the activity about the athletes and the achievements and improvements they make over the years is essential.”
Penn Hills Indians competed at the national meet and won first places in all of the relays in which they competed. The girls’ track team won its seventh championship in a row at the Tri-State Coaches Championship. The boys’ track team won a championship for the second year in a row. Dorian Rumble placed second at state competition in the 800 meter race, logging
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an outstanding school record of 1:55.58. The girls’ 4x400 meter relay team of Iman Wilkerson, Deshaun Squires, Christina Roberson and Jordan Lee also placed second at state meet. The boys’ 3,200-meter relay team ran the fastest time of the year in Western Pennsylvania, finishing at 7:59.32. Dorian Rumble, Tyree Squires, Thorn Catlin and Charles Anderson made up that winning group. Brandon Ifill won the 60 meter dash and the 200 meter dash. Ifill also was on both winning relays at the Tri-State Championship meet: the 800-meter relay race and 1,600 meter relay race. He improved his schoolrecord time in the indoor track 200 race to 22.08 seconds, and won the 60 meter race in 7.05. Murray set a school record of 49.50 seconds in winning the 400 and Anderson just missed bettering his school-record time in the 800, finishing in 1:59.98. He fell short of his record, which was set earlier this season at 1:59.5. Micah Murray won the 400 meter race and Charles Anderson and Tyree Squires finished in first and second place, respectively, in the 800-meter race. Richard Rouse took second place in the triple jump at state competition, bringing home a school record of 48'1", which only was bested by the state record performance of a competitor. The girls’ team’s power group of Jordan Lee, Iman Wilkerson, Deshaun Squires and Christine Roberson took the 800- and 1,600-meter relays. At the PTFCA state championship, the Penn Hills boys finished third in the team standings and the girls’ team tied for 14th place. Lee placed eighth in the 400 and was fifth in the 800 relay. In a close race at the indoor state championships, Penn Hills
| IN Penn Hills
was bested by West Catholic, which took the 1,600-meter relay. Zelkowitz attributed the success of the team to the bonds created between the various members of the group, including the coaches. “Besides success leading to more involvement and breeding more success, I think showing your athletes that you care about them also helps. Making the activity about the athletes and the achievements and improvements they make over the years is essential,” Zelkowitz said. In total, the team broke 10 school records this season. Eight of those records were established by the boys’ team. The records came for the boys in the 60meter, 200-meter and 400-meter dashes. For the girls, the records were made in the 800-meter race, the 1,600-meter race and 3,200-meter relay race, in the distance medley relay and in the triple jump. Part of the winning combination for the teams was the work of the coaching staff, Zelkowitz said. Assistant coach Mike Diano, a former Penn Hills track team runner, was one of the first indoor track team members when the program was re-established 11 years ago, Zelkowitz said. Volunteer assistant coach Carlson Christian also has been a great help with the teams, Zelkowitz noted. “The hours [Carlson] spends working with the team is unbelievable,” Zelkowitz said. Indoor track’s season runs from December through March. Outdoor track begins in March and runs through May. Zelkowitz expects a strong team for the outdoor track season. “I’ve still got a good group of athletes. I’m confident we’ll be very competitive,” he said.
Again Dorian Rumble leads off the 4x800 relay at the New Balance Games at the Armory in NY.
Charles Anderson anchors the relay to a 4th place medal.
Jordan Lee runs the anchor leg of 4x400 relay at The Armory.
5th place 4x100 relay team of Paige Fields, Christiana Roberson, Deshaun Squires and Iman Wilkerson at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia
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W I L L I A M E. A N D E R S O N L I B R A R Y www.pennhillslibrary.org Tyrone Ward
Summer Programs
Executive Director
Mary Ann Zeak
| For Kids
Call 412.795.3507 ext. 115 for information or to register.
Librarian & Children’s Services
Preschool Story Time
Mother Goose Olympics
Jean Kanouff
1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 1:30-2 p.m. 3rd Tuesday, 6:30-7:00 p.m. Ages 3-6
June 22, 10 a.m. Ages 3-6 Advance registration required in the Children’s Library.
Science Summer
Summer Crafts
Four days during the week of July 12th 10 a.m. - Grades 2-3; 11:30 a.m. - Grades 4-6 Advance registration required in the Children’s Library.
June 23, 2 p.m. Ages 3+ Advance registration required in the Children’s Library.
This year's topic is Bioscience. Through the generous sponsorship of GlaxoSmithKline, children will take a rare look into the world of living cells with a microscope lens, led by a Carnegie Science Center instructor. Activities will include fingerprinting, making edible cells, observing live red worms and culturing bacteria. Students will receive safety glasses, lap aprons and activity books which are theirs to keep. At the end of the four-day session, they will receive a certificate at a ceremony that parents and families are invited to attend. Must attend all four days.
Chess Group
Adult Librarian
Main Branch 1037 Stotler Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412.795.3507 Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Lincoln Park Satellite 7300 Ridgeview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412.362.7729 Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Saturday & Sunday
Friends of the Library The Friends of the Penn Hills Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together people who are interested in the well-being of the library. The Friends work to provide many extras for the library, items not included in the regular library budget. The Friends welcome gifts of time, money and materials from their members and the community. These donations are channeled into gifts that benefit the library and its patrons. To join the Friends, choose a membership category below: Individual: $10 Donor: $50 Family: $25 Patron: $100 Organizations/ Associations: $30 Dues are paid at the time of registration. Stop in at the library for a membership form or send your name, address, telephone number to: Friends of the Penn Hills Library 1037 Saltsburg Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Make checks payable to Friends of the Penn Hills Library.
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Summer Reading Programs Advance registration required in the Children’s Library. Book Bug Club - Ages 3 to first grade in August June 1st - July 24th
Read 20 books to your child and turn in a list of the 20 titles and a drawing of one of the books. Make A Splash Club - Grades 2 - 7 in September June 21st - July 24th
The children are to read five books on their reading level. Fill in the reading log and hand it in by July 24th.
Movie Matinee June 21, 1:00 p.m. Ages 3+ Advance registration required in the Children’s Library.
This will be the kick-off for the Summer Reading Programs. Surf's Up.
| For Adults
1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. • Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 6 and up
The library is offering time for practice, play and learning for chess enthusiasts. Adults are welcome! Instructors available to help hone your chess skills.
Ceramics Classes 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Grades 1-8 Advance registration required in the Children’s Library.
New Books, Videos and Cassettes New Books The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede A Whole Nother Story by Dr. Cuthbert Soup Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson The Big Book of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter Wheels by Venice Shone My Uncle Emily by Jane Yolen New Videos The Muppet Movie Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland Dora's Christmas Carol Share-a-Lot in Care-a-Lot A list of new audio books, CD-ROMs and CDs can be found at www.pennhillslibrary.org
Call 412.795.3507 ext. 120 for information or to register.
Writers Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month • 7-8:30 p.m.
MotherDaughter Book Club
Join Violeta Garcia-Mendoza’s writers' group at the library. Participants will spend a part of the time free writing and part sharing their writing with the group.
3rd Saturday each month • 2 p.m.
Book Clubs
A club for young ladies and their mothers. Contact Nicole Henline at nicoleehenline@gmail.com to join. Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun & good conversation!
3rd Wednesday each month • 2-3 p.m. 3rd Thursday each month • 7-8 p.m.
Books are chosen in advance so that everyone has a chance to read them over the month. There's no need to buy the book. Most are distributed to the group, can be found in the stacks or put on hold.
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Fishing Club 3rd Tuesday each month • 7 p.m.
Art Group Every Tuesday • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
More events at www.pennhillslibrary.org
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High-End Outdoor Living Spaces Gain Popularity By Kelli McElhinny Photographs were taken from projects designed and installed by Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes
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Patio set-ups have evolved from basic concrete slabs with uncomfortable chairs to full-scale living spaces that feature areas for dining, entertaining and cooking. Well-equipped outdoor kitchens, in particular, have emerged as a trend. “I think the reason they’re becoming more popular is because more people are entertaining at home,” said Laura Riggin of Premier Home Design in Bridgeville. Many owners are also choosing to spruce up their outdoor space in order to increase the value of their homes. “It really is an investment in the home,” said Kathy Cvetkovich of Peters Township-based Willowbrook Design. “You’ve just expanded the home.” In planning the installation of an outdoor kitchen, homeowners should first focus on its centerpiece – the grill. “The whole thing starts with a grill,” Cvetkovich said.
Keith Tobin, of Don’s Appliances, which has locations in Shadyside, Upper St. Clair and Canonsburg, noted that the grills typically found in “big box” stores rarely match up to the standards of an outdoor kitchen. “The grills are much higher end for outdoor kitchens,” he said. He added that not only is the steel sturdier, but such grills often have additional features, including sear areas and rotisseries. Built-in grills also can link into the home’s natural gas line, averting the potential catastrophe of running out of fuel midway through the party. Anyone installing an outdoor kitchen should plan on spending at least $2,500 on the grill, according to Tobin, who also emphasized that the equipment will last for decades. Other features of outdoor kitchens may include prep sinks, wet bars, storage cabinets and ample counter space. These elements cut down on the backand-forth between the house’s kitchen and also allow people to spend more time with their guests. “If you have a countertop
next to your grill, it’s much more convenient to cooking,” Riggin said. The items listed above are merely the basics, though. Outdoor kitchens can be as extensive as the budget allows. Cvetkovich said that she has even seen pizza ovens installed in such spaces. Regardless of what other items are included, they all should be able to withstand extreme heat and cold. “The main idea is to make sure that the kitchen uses materials that can tolerate the weather,” Riggin said. Beyond the kitchen itself, homeowners should also give consideration to how they might best utilize the rest of their patio space. For example, can the area accommodate separate dining and entertaining sections, or should they be combined into one? Furniture is another important aspect of the space. Cathy Davin of Davin Interiors in Upper St. Clair said that outdoor furnishings have improved dramatically in recent years, particularly with the availability of high-end, fade-resistant fabrics. Davin also noted that a variety of stylistic tastes can be presented, ranging from contemporary metropolitan to traditional Southern garden. Even the setting’s aesthetics play a big part. “Landscaping intertwines everything in,” said Jeff Blunkosky of Cecil Township’s Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes. “You want to have the right balance of hardscape, landscape, and yard area.” Blunkosky said that his company has also seen an uptick in outdoor fireplaces that improve the setting’s ambiance. Convinced that an outdoor kitchen is probably beyond your budget? Blunkosky encouraged people to keep an open mind. “You don’t have to be a millionaire to have a nice outdoor living space. We can design projects to fit every lifestyle and every scale of home,” he said.
www.pghsw.com
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Introducing our newest doctor Tri-State Neurosurgical Associates–UPMC is pleased to welcome our newest doctor and we are now accepting patients at our offices in Ross Township, Forest Hills, and Monroeville. Pedro J. Aguilar, MD Neurological Surgery Dr. Aguilar is clinical assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery. He is board-eligible in neurosurgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas and completed his residency in neurosurgery at UPMC. He has special interest in spine disorders and pain management.
To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call 1-877-635-5234. 5000 McKnight Road, Suite 202, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 3 Parkway Center East, 2020 Ardmore Blvd., Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 UPMC at Oxford Drive, 600 Oxford Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146
UPMC.com
2:55 PM
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St Margaret 8.375 x 10.875_8.375 x 10.875 6/15/10 9:47 AM Page 1
SUMMER 2010
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Hot Tips for a Cool Summer: Stay safe and healthy with the simple Don’t Do’s on page 3.
What’s Inside page 2
Shaping Up to Play Preventing Weekend Warrior Injuries
page 3
What You Don’t Do Can Mean a Healthier You
page 4
Be Sun Smart This Summer Heads Up on Helmet Safety
© 2010 UPMC
page 5
Digital Mammography Saves Lives
page 6
The Freedom of Independent Living
page 7
What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret
St Margaret 8.375 x 10.875_8.375 x 10.875 6/15/10 9:47 AM Page 2
Shaping Up to Play Preventing Weekend Warrior Injuries Basketball • Baseball • Cycling • Golf • Running • Soccer • Softball • Tennis A sunny day can inspire even the most dedicated couch potato to head outdoors. But if you spend a good amount of your time at a desk — or on the couch — you may run the risk of a “weekend warrior” sports injury. “Weekend warrior injuries occur when people do too much, too soon before becoming properly conditioned. Men between the ages of 45 and 64 are especially vulnerable, because their bodies respond to sudden or prolonged physical exertion differently than they did in our 20s and 30s,” explains Vincent J. Silvaggio, MD, chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UPMC St. Margaret. “Stress injuries also can occur when people train too hard or when they push themselves in a competitive situation.”
Shape Up to Play
Time to Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Dr. Silvaggio says the best way to prevent pain and injury is to improve your overall fitness: “Get in shape to play your sport — don’t play your sport to get in shape,” he advises.
Proper warm-ups and cool-downs before and after working out or playing a sport are essential in preventing injury and muscle soreness, says Dr. Silvaggio. “Every activity you do — even gardening — should begin with some warm-up and stretching exercises to get the body ready,” he says. “And always take time to cool down and stretch again.”
Although a year-round conditioning program is preferable, Dr. Silvaggio recommends that weekend warriors of all ages: • Begin exercising at least three months before starting a sport or activity.* • Exercise a minimum of three times a week and build slowly. • Cross-train by combining cardiovascular exercise (such as running or cycling) with strength training (such as weight lifting). Cross-training helps limit the stress on specific muscle groups by working them in slightly different ways. • Invest in the right equipment, such as shoes or protective gear. * Be sure to get clearance from your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Warm-ups can include stretching and loosening exercises (such as running in place) and going through the motions of your activity (such as swinging a club or tennis racquet). Cool-downs involve low-impact aerobic activity and gentle stretching.
No Pain, No Gain ... Not True People tend to play through the pain, but that can lead to more damage. “The adage ‘No pain, no gain’ just isn’t true. Pain is a sign that something is wrong,” says Dr. Silvaggio. If you experience a sprain, strain, muscle pull, or tear, remember the acronym PRICE to help prevent complications and heal faster: P R I C E
rotect est ce ompression levation
“Let good judgment guide you,” says Dr. Silvaggio. “In general, see your family doctor if your pain level is severe, increases, or continues for more than a week or so.”
If your injury requires treatment, a full complement of orthopaedic services is available at UPMC St. Margaret. Orthopaedic surgery is performed at both the hospital and the UPMC St. Margaret Harmar Outpatient Center. Call 412-784-4000 or visit www.upmc.com/stmargaret for more information.
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Summer Checklist: Summer Checklist
What You Don’t Do Can Mean a Healthier You Whether you’re heading to the beach or planning a “staycation” this year, here are some “Summer Don’t Do’s” that might surprise you: Don’t eat your fruits ‘n veggies until you wash them thoroughly. Consider going organic when purchasing produce that sustains high levels of pesticides even after washing. The “dirty dozen” includes apples, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes, and spinach. Don’t pet Fido if he’s been playing in poison ivy. Rashes from poison ivy, oak, or sumac can be picked up from the urushiol — the substance found in the sap of plants — that sticks to clothing, shoes, tools, toys, and even pets. Surprisingly, it can’t be spread from person to person or by scratching. Wash your skin thoroughly after working or playing outside, particularly if you suspect you’ve come into contact with poison ivy. You might need to wash your gardening gloves, tools — and even the dog!
Don’t shower, don’t wash the dishes, and don’t do laundry during a thunderstorm. Keep the kids away from video games, too. Lightning can travel through wires or pipes extending outside, so it’s important to avoid contact with plumbing and electrical wires during storms. If someone is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical care. Remember, lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge, so you can attend to them immediately. Don’t hold the mayo at summer picnics and cookouts. You won’t get food poisoning from eating potato salad, chicken salad, and other food just because it contains mayonnaise. The real culprits are the bacteria that flourish on foods containing protein at temperatures between 40º and 140º F. To prevent illness, keep hot foods hot (140º F or above) and cold foods cold (40º F or below). Discard all perishables left at room temperature longer than two hours — one hour if the temperature is 90º or higher. When in doubt, throw it out!
Don’t leave grandma, the kids, or the dog waiting in the car. A car can heat up quickly even when it’s relatively mild outside. On a summer day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb more than 40 degrees in just an hour! Be careful with outside activities, too. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in hot, humid weather. Prevent overheating by reducing activities.Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and drink plenty of water or sports drinks before, during, and after physical activity. Anyone showing signs of heat illness should lie down in a cool place with legs elevated. Loosen or remove clothing. Use water, wet towels, and fanning to promote cooling until help arrives. For a complete list of our summer “don’t do’s,” including treating bee stings and drinking water, visit us online at www.upmc.com/today.
Protecting Your Eyes During Summer Months Most people know they should apply sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun, but did you know it’s just as important to protect your eyes? Spending time outside exposes you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Long-term, repeated exposure can cause cancer of the eyelid, and increased risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, according to Marshall W. Stafford, MD, ophthalmologist at UPMC Eye Center St. Margaret and clinical assistant professor, Department of Ophthalmology.
“UV rays are harmful to everyone,” says Dr. Stafford. “Adults and children are at risk for serious eye damage if they don’t take the necessary precautions. People don’t realize you can’t reverse the damage; it’s cumulative.” The best thing you can do to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or cap. Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. But there’s more you can do to protect your eyes this summer. Dr. Stafford urges everyone to wear safety glasses when doing yard work and says to never wear contact lenses while swimming — a major cause of eye infections.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Heads Up on Helmet Safety Most children don’t like to wear helmets when biking. But the facts show that helmets work. A properly fitted bicycle helmet can reduce your risk of head injury by 85 percent and reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Getting children in the “helmet habit” helps protect their brains from serious injury. Even professional bike riders know that bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time. In three of four bike crashes, the biker usually suffers some sort of injury to the head. Each year in the United States, about half a million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related accidents; between 45 percent and 88 percent of bicycle-related brain injuries would be prevented with the use of a helmet. A well-fitted helmet gives your child added protection from injury, so take a few minutes to learn the basics: • The helmet should sit flat on the head — make sure it is level and is not tilted back or forward. If the helmet leans forward, adjust the rear straps. If it tilts backward, tighten the front straps. • The front of the helmet should sit low — about two finger widths above the eyebrows to protect the forehead. • The straps on each side should form a “Y” over the ears, with one part of the strap in front of and one behind — just below the earlobes. • The chinstrap should buckle securely at the throat so that the helmet feels snug and does not move up and down or from side to side. Head injuries aren’t just limited to bikers. Crashes during other outdoor activities such as rollerblading, skateboarding, ice skating, and skiing can also result in head injury. So use your head to protect your child’s. Make helmets required gear for all family members when participating in these activities. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.bam.gov) and Kidshealth.org
Keep your kids safe while they keep cool this summer. Visit www.upmc.com/today for tips on swimming pool safety.
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www.UPMC.com/Today
Be Sun Smart This Summer Think twice before basking on the beach or slipping into a tanning booth this summer — that perfect tan comes with a price tag. Last year, more than a million Americans of all ages were diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. “Indoor and outdoor tanning are equally risky because both expose you to ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA and UVB rays,” says John Kirkwood, MD, director of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. Both have been shown to increase your risk of skin cancer. “UV rays increase your risk for skin cancer because they trigger mutations, and also knock out the immune response that enables the body to protect itself,” says Dr. Kirkwood. Skin cancers caused by UV rays may not appear for years — lulling people into thinking that tanning and sun exposure are safe and even healthy.
Are You at Risk? Not just sun worshippers are in danger. You can be, too, if you have: • An increased number of moles • A personal or family history of skin cancer • A sensitivity to the sun or freckling tendency that makes you work extra hard to tan • Had two or more serious sunburns before age 18 • A job or recreational activity that regularly puts you in the sun
What Can You Do? Avoid tanning beds, and work at reducing your exposure to strong sources of UV light, such as natural sunshine. Choose a broad-spectrum sun protection product that has a high SPF to protect against UVA and UVB rays, such as one that contains micronized zinc oxide or titanium oxide. And be sure to alert your doctor to skin changes such as itchy, scaly patches, wounds that won’t heal, an increased number of moles, or new, changing, or unusual moles.
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Innovation at UPMC
Digital Mammography Saves Lives Improves the Early Detection of Breast Cancer When Sherry DelGrosso turned 40 in February, she followed her doctor’s advice and scheduled a routine mammogram. Although she’d had a scare with a benign, atypical growth nine years earlier, she was considered a low-risk patient with no family history of breast cancer and had little reason for concern. But her digital mammogram revealed a tiny growth in her dense breast tissue that she was unable to find through self-examination. Her April 9 diagnosis, which came on her husband’s birthday, confirmed she had infiltrating ductal carcinoma. As the mother of a four-year-old daughter, she decided to attack the cancer aggressively by undergoing a bilateral mastectomy at Magee-Womens Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in May.
“Digital mammography represents a critical step forward in breast imaging technology,” says Dr. Lackner. “At UPMC St. Margaret, the addition of digital mammography means that we now have a complete suite of equipment for the effective and efficient detection of breast cancer, including magnetic resource imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and both ultrasound and stereotactic biopsy capabilities.” “Early detection offers so many benefits for the patient. Not only does it increase the survival rate, it also means we can reduce the scope of treatment,” adds Dr. Lackner. “This means our patients have a better chance of avoiding radical surgeries, lymph node dissection Traditional film and systemic chemotherapy.”
Newer and Better Technology Provides a Closer Look
Ms. DelGrosso says the digital mammogram enabled doctors to detect her cancer early so she could begin treatment. “This technology absolutely saved my life. It caught my cancer early before it could spread or metastasize. It means so much to me to know I will be here for my beautiful daughter,” she says.
Catching Cancer Earlier
Digital film
Kandace McGuire, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Magee, says the cutting-edge digital mammography available to doctors at UPMC is helping them catch cancer in its very early stages, which means a better chance of survival for breast cancer patients. “Digital mammography catches cancer earlier. It is saving lives,” says Dr. McGuire, the breast surgical oncologist who performed Ms. DelGrosso’s mastectomy. David Lackner, MD, chairman of radiology at UPMC St. Margaret, says the new technology is better at detecting cancer in women under 50 and women with dense breast tissue. Research also indicates digital mammography is better able to detect Stage 0 breast cancer.
Digital mammography also provides newer and better technology for capturing the image and transferring it to a computer. While digital mammography uses x-rays — the same technology used in traditional mammograms — the images are collected on a digital detector and stored on a computer rather than collected and stored on film. Viewing the images on a computer gives doctors a closer look at the structures in the breast, helping them to diagnose potentially life-threatening breast tumors. Another benefit of digital mammography is that it can offer women instant feedback. Once the mammogram is complete, the image is available for doctors and radiologists to view immediately and in the same room.
A Clearer, Closer Picture
Digital mammography is currently offered at UPMC St. Margaret and most other UPMC locations. Talk to your physician to determine if a digital mammogram would be preferable based on such factors as age and family history. Above all, never put off having a regular mammogram.
Digital mammography is helping doctors at UPMC catch cancer in its very early stages, which means a better chance of survival for breast cancer patients.
For more information about digital mammography or any of UPMC’s imaging services, call 1-800-533-UPMC, option 1.
Pictured above are examples of both traditional and digital films.
Ms. DelGrosso’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
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Are You Ready?
The Freedom of Independent Living Mow the lawn. Wash the windows. Pay the bills. There’s an endless list of tasks that comes with owning and maintaining a home. But after a lifetime of raising a family and working hard, is it time for a change in your life? For a growing number of Pittsburgh seniors, the answer is decidedly “yes!” as they discover the benefits of independent living. It’s a lifestyle choice. “The biggest reason you should consider independent living is the freedom it offers to both you and your family,” says Kitty Collins, a vice president with UPMC Senior Communities. “Residents in our independent living communities often say they wish they had moved earlier, because they’re now free to pursue their hobbies and interests in the company of other like-minded adults.” Interested in the theater? Love to shop? Fanatic about Pittsburgh’s athletic teams? Wish you could be part of a book club, walkers group, or volunteer organization? These are just a sampling of the activities you’ll find as an independent living resident.
Independent Living Means Choices “Today’s support network for seniors is very different than it was 20 years ago,” explains Ms. Collins. “For young families in which both spouses must work, there’s just not enough time to keep up their own home, tend to their children’s activities, and help a parent.”
You’re ready for independent living if: Many families of independent living residents at UPMC find that they no longer spend their weekends running errands and assisting with home chores. Visits mean quality time spent together; there are even rooms for family parties and game rooms for grandchildren to enjoy billiards, a hand of cards, or watch movies.
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Some seniors worry that independent living means “giving things up.” At UPMC Senior Communities, the emphasis is on providing residents with the kind of valued amenities and support seniors want in their lives. These include: • Weekly housekeeping and laundry services • Onsite dining with freshly prepared meals (and the option of making their own) • Transportation services for shopping and appointments “Our residents find that great flexibility awaits them at our independent living residences — from bringing their beloved family pet and having their car on-site, to furnishing their residence with their favorite furniture and decorating it with their own signature style,” says Ms. Collins.
With locations in neighborhoods throughout the Pittsburgh area, UPMC Senior Communities also gives independent living residents the opportunity to stay connected to friends and neighbors, and remain active in their faith and community organizations.
Making the Move Easier Surprisingly, the hardest part of leaving a home for most seniors isn’t the memories they’ll leave behind. As one UPMC independent living resident says,“Memories are easy to bring along with you.” But preparing to put your home up for sale can be daunting. In response to requests from prospective residents, UPMC Senior Communities has developed a variety of partnerships with reputable and high-integrity organizations that specialize in helping seniors organize, stage, and sell their homes, explains Ms. Collins. “These professionals help eliminate the hurdles and worries everyone faces when moving.”
You’re ready for independent living if: • You value your privacy and independence • You enjoy spending some time in the company of other adults your age • You feel more comfortable with the added security and safety offered in a community setting • Arthritis, vision problems, or other physical limitations sometimes complicate living at home • You welcome the thought of “hassle-free” living In addition to independent living residences, UPMC Senior Communities also offers assisted living and skilled nursing options for seniors who need assistance.
Want to learn more? For more information, call 1-800-324-5523 or visit www.upmcseniorcommunities.com
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Welcoming New Physicians Please visit www.upmc.com/findadoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) for more information about any of our physicians.
UPMC St. Margaret is pleased to welcome the following new physicians: Khaled Abdel-Kader, MD Renal Medicine
Kaustubh Ginde, MD Radiology and Medical Imaging
Ruta Marfatia, MD Family Practice
Medical School: UMDNJ — Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Residency: Rhode Island Hospital
Medical School: Karnataka Medical College Residency: Karnataka Medical College and SUNY at Buffalo
Medical School: Pramukhswami Medical College Residency: St. Elizabeth Medical Center
Brent Clark, MD Family Practice
Bhavana Gupta, MD Family Practice
Medical School: Howard University Hospital Residency: Forbes Regional University Hospital
Medical School: University of Jammu Residency: UPMC
Charles Crispino, MD Cardiology
Linda Haynes, MD Family Practice
Medical School: New York University School of Medicine Residency: NYU School of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program
Medical School: University of South Alabama Residency: University of South Alabama
Yaoxian Ding, MD Pathology
Medical School: SUNY at Buffalo Residency: SUNY at Buffalo and West Virginia University School of Medicine
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine Residency: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Penn State University)
Alka Kaushik, MD Anesthesiology
Amneet Virk-Dulai, MD Rheumatology
Medical School: Lady Hardings Medical College University of Delhi Residency: Safdarjang Hospital; Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center; and New York Methodist Hospital
Medical School: Government Medical College Residency: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Milly Khan, MD Family Practice
Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine Residency: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Penn State University)
Medical School: Tongji Medical University Residency: Rhode Island Hospital
Fred Fioravanti, MD Family Practice Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Residency: UPMC
David Garzarelli, MD Family Practice Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Residency: UPMC
Michael Mathier, MD Cardiology Medical School: Columbia University Hospital Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
Neelima Nimmagadda, MD Internal Medicine Medical School: Siddhartha Medical College Residency: UPMC
George Rosenberg, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology
F. Richard Heath, MD Emergency Medicine
Medical School: Dhaka Medical College Residency: Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Gregg Weidner, MD Anesthesiology
What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret Classes Car Seat Safety Program 412-784-5262 COPD Educational Sessions 412-784-5827 CPR/AED Training 412-784-5262 EMT Program 412-647-4674 Insulin Pump Class 1-866-334-5227 Look Good, Feel Better 1-800-227-2345
Managing Your Diabetes 1-866-334-5227 Paramedic Program 412-647-4674 Smoking Cessation Program 412-784-5043
Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group 412-784-5054 Bariatric Support Group 412-784-5900 Diabetes Support Group 412-784-4194
Event Spotlight
Volunteer Opportunities
UPMC St. Margaret Blood Drive Wednesday, Aug. 4 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dining Rooms A and B Call 412-784-4079 for more information.
For information about volunteer opportunities at UPMC St. Margaret, call Volunteer Services at 412-784-4081.
For more information about any of the classes or support groups listed here, call the number indicated or call Community Relations at 412-784-5160.
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UPMC St. Margaret 815 Freeport Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health. To receive additional copies of this publication, please call 412-784-5160.
Even the smallest discovery is important. Doctors rely on quality images to make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions for their patients. UPMC is a leader in creating and adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance medical imaging and improve patient care. In fact, some of the most innovative advances in the field of radiology have happened in our hospitals, such as the invention of PET/CT a combined technology that can help to detect cancer in its earliest stages. And our state-of-the-art computer system allows imaging scans to be quickly accessed and viewed by physicians across our network with just the click of a mouse. Our advanced technology and expert radiologists can make a real difference in your care. Whether you need an x-ray or advanced radiology testing, trust UPMC Imaging Services at St. Margaret. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 412-784-4000 or visit UPMC.com/Imaging.
Why Do We Have Two Ears? Binaural hearing means that we are hearing with both of our ears. Can we hear with just one ear? Yes, but our brain is receiving only half of the sound picture. This makes it more difficult to process and understand speech, especially if there are other competing sounds occurring in the background at the same time. We could somewhat compare this to peeling a banana with only one hand. One is able to accomplish this task with some difficulty, but it would be so much easier to do so with the use of both hands. Nature gave us two ears and two hands for a very good reason. When a hearing loss presents itself in both ears, the question is often not, “Do I need a hearing aid?” but “Should I wear one in both ears?” The benefits of aiding both ears are better sound discrimination and improved understanding of speech. Many sounds of speech are very similar, and when heard with only one ear, can sound the same. When they are heard well with both ears, however, they are more easily identified. An example of this would be the similarity between the words cup and cut, and wish and with. When speech is presented equally to both ears, our brain combines both inputs and we sense a single sound picture. With one ear hearing better than the other, the brain has incomplete and different information coming from each side, which makes speech much more difficult to interpret.
Another advantage of binaural amplification is improved localization of sound and speech. Our brain finds a sound source by measuring minute differences in duration and intensity of sound as it arrives at each ear and we know instantly its location. When only one ear is hearing the sound, it is much more difficult to know that location and often the source is perceived to be on the better hearing side, when it may actually be on the reduced hearing side. Finally, listening with one ear can be physically tiring and stressful. This is less often the case when utilizing the best possible hearing in both ears, and the need to always turn a “good ear” toward the speaker is also eliminated. The decision to wear one or two hearing aids when there is hearing loss in both ears is a personal decision. Many factors enter into that decision. These are just a few thoughts to consider. If you are noticing some difficulty hearing, now is a good time to schedule an appointment for a hearing check-up. This Industry Insight was written by Dolores Y. Payne, M.A., CCC-A, Audiologist, owner of Allegheny Hearing Instruments.
IN Penn Hills | Summer 2010 |
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PERFORMING ARTS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER By Pamela Palongue
W
hen you speak of community theatre, it likely conjures up fond memories of musicals or comedies that brightened an evening or a Saturday afternoon.They may have taken place outside in an amphitheatre or a park shell, a vintage movie house or a small, makeshift space. But one thing that they all shared in common was a chance to see our friends and neighbors, both up onstage entertaining us and in the au dience enjoying the show. It’s a part of our American culture that is deeply rooted in a tradition that began almost a hundred years ago. Despite dire economic times, the survival of our local community theatre is a sign that art is one of the most valued and indispensable parts of our lives. The Cervi School is home to the East End Kids, a professional teen song and dance ensemble, which was founded i n an effort to provide young local talent with more professional performance opportunities. The group performs in and around the Pittsburgh area, along with one resort destination show each summer. “The school’s contribution to performing arts in Monroeville and surrounding communities has been deep and lasting. We are interested in fueling a passion in our children to be educated and pursue careers in the performing arts," says Larry Cervi. For more information about the East End Kids, go to www.EastEndKids.org. The Theatre Factory in Trafford, PA is one of these intimate little theatres, seating just 128 people in a local neighborhood. Carol Connelly, public relations coordinator for the theatre says, “It’s very similar to an off-Broadway theatre and has a very friendly atmosphere.” They produce about six main stage shows per season and three children’s shows. In July they will present the passionate musical, “The Light in the Piazza.” Set in Florence and Rome, this winner of six Tony Awards should be a wonderful journey into the world of romance. This fall The Theatre Factory will present the musical “25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee,” in Sept., the poignant drama, “Agnes of God,” in Oct. and the popular musical “Annie” returns in Dec. For children, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will play from June 12 to June 18. This play, based on the Bros. Grimm fairy tale, is a classic for kids of all ages. As an added incentive for a evening out, The Theatre Factory partners with Parente’s Ristorante, located less than a block away from the theatre for dinner and a show. Despite the theatre’s complete dependence on volunteers and ticket sales, they participate in a program called “Tickets for Kids,” where free tickets are given to
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children with economic challenges to enable them to experience live theatre. They also work with local schools and scout troops in giving them a behind-thescenes look at the inner workings of a theatre performance. According to Connelly, the theatre receives no grant money and the royalties for presenting plays and musicals can run as high as $12,000. Once the play has been performed, all the materials must be returned. If the play is to be performed again in the future, the theatre must reapply for the rights and pay again. For this reason, donations and ticket sales are crucial to the survival of the theatre. Also, volunteers are an integral part of the team. Connelly adds that interested volunteers do not need any stage experience. Help is needed for moving props, painting and other simple chores. McKeesport Little Theater just completed its 49th season with the musical “Seussical,” in Dec. which featured a cast entirely made up of children, “Don’t Drink the Water,” a Woody Allen play and “Urinetown,” a musical comedy in May. They offer a program for kids called, “2nd Stage Junior Players,” and also have dinner packages available with their shows. For upcoming shows next season, consult their website at www.mckeesportlittletheater.com. Local theatre offers an opportunity to experience entertainment in its purest state, without special effects or flashy computer-generated scenes. The simple lighting and the flesh and blood of real actors in real time offers by far the most romantic form of entertainment available and it’s right there around the corner from your home. Theatre will not survive without an audience to appreciate it. The show must go on. So support your local theatre by buying a ticket today.
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Passes on Skills and Fun I n the heat of the summer, the Penn Hills big boys come down to kick the ball around with the boys and the girls. It’s a regular visit that the kids look forward to—both the younger ones and older ones, that is. It could be that they all feel a bit older, or at least certainly more experienced because of it. Each year, players from the Penn Hills High School boy’s varsity soccer team instruct the youngsters in the Penn Hills Soccer Association by leading a soccer clinic for the kids in August. For those who are familiar with soccer, it is almost never too early to begin to teach children the basics of ball-handling, shooting a goal and other skills. That’s why the annual event makes sense and why it could be the starting point for the next David Beckham, or even some young player who will rival the iconic Pele. “It’s a really great event,” said Brenda Feldman, president of Penn Hills Soccer Association. “The kids learn some skills and have fun, too.”
By Jonathan Barnes
So is soccer really popular in Western Pennsylvania, the birthplace of American football? It is more popular than many would imagine it to be and no doubt is the most popular youth sport in Pittsburgh’s suburbs. Part of that popularity is due to the work of the Penn Hills Soccer Association. Founded in 1983 by local parents, Penn Hills Soccer Association is a co-educational athletic nonprofit with about 400 children now involved in its teams. The organization caters to children who range in expertise from zero soccer experience to competitive level players. Broken up into two categories of players—in-house teams and travel teams—the association includes 22 in-house teams and eight travel teams. The travel teams compete in the PA West Soccer League, which is a Monroeville-based organization with numerous local member teams. Practicing at Geible Elementary School along Jefferson Road, the association’s teams also play their games there on Saturday mornings. The co-ed teams are broken up by age group and usually include four or five girls on each team. Players range in age from four years old to 13 years old in the in-house group, and from age 10 to 19 in the traveling group. Each team includes 12 players, which are not necessarily all from Penn Hills. The association is permitted to include players from other municipalities, but that group cannot total more than a third of the association’s players. Currently, just a handful of players from outside Penn Hills are involved with the group. The cost for a child to participate in the group is minimal and decreases depending upon how many children in the same family are involved. Enrollment is $70 for the first child and $60 for the second child. The cost decreases to $250 for five children from the same family, which is a deal that some in the township have happily taken, Feldman said.
For more information on Penn Hills Soccer Association, visit the nonprofit’s web site, or send questions via email to webmaster@pennhillssoccer.org. 24
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By Jonathan Barnes
t’s a common cliché that with jazz, you listen to the un-played notes as well as the audible ones. But for people like Penn Hills Library director Tyrone Ward, enjoying jazz is about awakening. The library director quotes his friend, alto saxophone player and Pittsburgh native Dale Fielder, when talking about the meaning of jazz. “When you listen to jazz, it’s telling you to be aware of every little thing,” Ward explained. He should know, since the strains of saxophones and the rhythm of jazz drums were a part of his youth—or even in his blood, some might say. The East Liberty native and former director of the Carnegie Library of Homestead has a personal connection to the music, since his father was a jazz tenor saxophone musician. Because of his father’s avocation, their East Liberty home was a bu zz of musicians, music and conversations. “I learned at a very young age what a good sound on saxophone is like,” Ward said. Residents were able to get a sense of that sound, too. Through a month-long film series, folks who also appreciate jazz or wanted to know more about Pittsburgh’s part in jazz history were able to take part in the library’s jazz series at the William E. Anderson Library, at 1037 St otler Road, to learn and hear more. Hosted in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute’s ninth annual Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, the Penn Hills Jazz Film Series was presented by well-known jazz musicians who spoke about Pittsburgh jazz greats. The series was funded by the Friends of Penn Hills Library nonprofit group. Some of the series presenters included Dr. Nelson Harrison, Mensah Wali, Calvin M. Stemley, and Hosea Taylor. The series came together in part through the help of Dr. Kenan Foley, a Penn Hills resident and adjunct professor for Carlow University. “He was able to get in touch with many of the artists for the film series,” Ward said. Foley is a member of the African-American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh and a jazz drummer who has played at the library in the past.
To those who aren’t familiar with jazz, the music form’s importance to Pittsburgh’s past and present is not understood. Jazz greats of the past and present came from Pittsburgh, and still export their sound around the globe in world tours. For William Anderson Library adult librarian Jean Kanouf, learning more about jazz and its Pittsburgh roots was an eye-opener. “I didn’t realize there were so many jazz people around in Pittsburgh,” Kanouf said. “I think the film series was a great way to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and a way for people to learn more about jazz and its importance to Pittsburgh.”
IN Penn Hills | Summer 2010 |
For more information on the Jazz Film Series or to learn more about William Anderson Library, visit www.pennhillslibrary.org, or call Jean Kanouf at 412-795-3507, ext. 120.
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W ORSHIP N EWS by Rabbi Barbara AB Symons
Are you a member of the clergy who would be interested in writing a short inspirational feature? Please contact Marybeth Jeffries, Managing Editor at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.
There is a version of the Golden Rule in every faith tradition along the lines of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” called “the Ethic of Reciprocity.” For example, according to Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: Do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. According to Islam: None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself. According to Buddhism: Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. According to Native American Spirituality: Do not wrong or hate your neighbor. For it is not he who you wrong, but yourself. According to Judaism and Christianity: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Source: Wikipedia). A story: About 2,000 years ago, a pagan approached a rabbi named Rabbi Shammai and said, “Teach me Torah (i.e. Judaism) while standing on one foot.” Thinking that the pagan was mocking Judaism, he told him to go away. The pagan then approached another rabbi, Rabbi Hillel and said, “Teach me Torah while standing on one foot.” Rabbi Hillel responded, “What is hateful to you, do not do to another person. All the rest is commentary, now go forth and learn.”
Rabbi Barbara Symons was ordained by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 1994. She has served congregations in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts before being called to the pulpit of Temple David in 2006. She helped Temple David celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2008. She is an active member of the Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium, founded in part by Rabbi Emeritus Jason Z. Edelstein, and believes that a synagogue, referred to as a House of Prayer, House of Study and House of Gathering should feel like a home.
P AROCHIAL E LEMENTARY S CHOOLS
It sounds more pleasant, more warm and fuzzy, to talk about loving one’s neighbor as oneself, than to use the word “hate.” Yet I submit that many of us are not good at loving ourselves and if we can’t love ourselves first, how can we truly love others? We abuse our bodies with excesses. We stay in relationships that stifle us. We choose the quick easy way rather than the better way. We invest in the short term rather than have the foresight to look ahead. We expect our kids to do as we say, and not as we do. And the list goes on. On the other hand, we do know what is hateful to us, or at least what we don’t like or that which makes us uncomfortable. I don’t like when drivers don’t signal when turning. I don’t like when people yell at their kids. I don’t like when people are rude. What don’t you like? If we can acknowledge what we don’t like and avoid doing it to others, the world truly will be more golden. In Mr. Roger’s infamous words, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”
Good Shepherd Braddock 412.271.2492
North American Martyrs Monroeville 412.373.0889
Word of God Swissvale 412.371.8587
St. Maurice Forest Hills 412.351.5403
St. Irenaeus Oakmont 412.828.8444
St. John the Baptist Plum 412.793.0555
St. Bernadette Monroeville 412.372.7255
St. Bartholomew Penn Hills 412.242.2511
St. Joseph Verona 412.828.7213 St. James Wilkinsburg 412.242.3515
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C HURCHES S ERVING P ENN H ILLS All Saints Episcopal Church 412.793.0270
In Him Ministries 412.795.4272
Queen of the Rosary Church 412.672.6390
Trinity Lutheran Church 412.828.7799
Apostles Lutheran Church 412.793.4899
Jehovah’s Witnesses Pittsburgh 412.241.8188
Rolling Hills Baptist Church 412.795.1133
Trinity Tower United Methodist 412.793.9000
Kerr Presbyterian Church 412.793.5508
Rosedale United Methodist 412.793.2019
Laketon Heights Methodist 412.241.9170
Sri Venkateswara Temple 412.373.3380
Christian Science Church 412.731.1204
Mt. Hope Community Church 412.793.0227
Second Baptist Church 412.371.6445
Church of Latter Day Saints 412.798.3011
Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ 412.361.0503
St. Bartholomew’s Church 412.242.3374
Beulah Presbyterian Church 412.242.4570 Christadelphian Ecclesia of Pittsburgh 412.828.6157
Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Nation 412.795.2956 Epiphany Lutheran Church 412.241.1313 Faith Community Church 412.242.0210 First Baptist Church 412.371.5335 Grace Evangelical Lutheran 412.793.1394 Hebron United Presbyterian Church 412.371.2307
New Vision Community Church 412.241.6160 Parkway Jewish Center 412.823.4338 Penn Hills Baptist Church 412.793.6640 Penn Hills Free Methodist Church 412.793.7263 Presbyterian Church of America 412.793.7117
Universal United Presbyterian Church 412.793.1355 Verona United Methodist Church 412.828.8844 Verona United Presbyterian Church 412.828.4494
Saint Gerard Majella 412.793.3333
Victory Temple Orig. Church of God 412.243.5308
St. James Episcopal Church 412.242.2300
Zion Lutheran Church 412.242.2626
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 412.793.4511 Saint Joseph 412.795.5114
If your church is missing from this list, please e-mail mark@incommunitymagazines.com.
St. Susanna 412.798.3591 Three Rivers Assembly of God 412.372.3453
IN Penn Hills | Summer 2010 |
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Best Buddies Get Important Visitors
May 12th saw Best Buddies International Founder and Chairman Anthony Kennedy Shriver visiting the Senior High School Best Buddies Chapter. Mr. Shriver and a Buddy Pair from the chapter presented Senator Jay Costa with the "Champion of Friendship Award." This award recognized Senator Costa's tireless efforts to support Best Buddies' message of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Following the award presentation, the chapter recognized its graduating seniors with a dance and reception. Mr. Shriver said he was delighted "to be visiting Western Pennsylvania and Penn Hills to honor Senator Costa for his support of Best Buddies Pennsylvania programs and the 18,000 people positively impacted by our efforts here." He added, "People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a true friend and champion in Senator Costa."
Before the presentation, Mr. Shriver spoke to the audience about the importance of realizing that they each have special gifts. He told the story of his Aunt Rosemary, who, despite her disabilities, was a fantastic swimmer. She could even beat her brother, he said, the President of the United States. Senator Costa expressed pleasure and appreciation for his award. "As Senator, I have always been a strong advocate for people with disabilities," he said. "Best Buddies is an organization that works every day in schools like Penn Hills High School to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I am honored to support Best Buddies' mission and their important role in our community," he stated. Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with IDD. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDDs secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, visit www.bestbuddies.org.
High School Musical Students Perform at Kelly Awards Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Senior High School musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The production received five nominations at the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. The awards ceremony was held May 29th at the Benedum Center. The Penn Hills nominees were: • Best Musical, Budget Category III • Best Actor, Patrick Bovo • Best Actress, Carly Otte • Costume Design • Choreography Although they did not bring home any awards, they did have the opportunity to perform on stage at the event and did a wonderful job. Those schools nominated for Best Musical performed scenes from their shows. Patrick Bovo and Carly Otte performed for their award nominations, and Tyler Harper and Nicole Innes represented Penn Hills in the finale on stage for the last song of the night. Katie Rogers was also on stage with the Civic Light Opera (CLO) Ministars. "Seeing them as a group singing and dancing at the Benedum was an inspiring moment," Musical Producer 28
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Alicia Giove stated, adding, "Their performance was tremendous and memorable." She went on to say that the voices of the Penn Hills supporters in attendance were tired from cheering so much. The evening was topped off with the presentation of a $4,000 Point Park College scholarship to Carly Otte. Ms. Giove said this award, presented in recognition of Carly's talents, "was an unexpected award that was not intended and I think spur of the moment. We are so proud of her!" It was a night to remember for the musical cast and staff. Penn Hills pride was evident everywhere at the Benedum.
Penn Hills Student Receives Letter from President Obama Penn Hills School District Penn Hebron Elementary Academy fifth grade teachers Melissa Tamburrino and Kristy Bair decided to read the story "Flat Stanley" by Jeff Brown to their classrooms. The story is about a boy named Stanley. One night while he is sleeping, a bulletin board falls on Stanley and makes him flat. Stanley then goes on an incredible journey because he can fit through places that normal kids cannot. One day, Stanley's friend wants him to come and visit him in California. Stanley knows that his parents cannot afford this, so they decide to mail Stanley. They mail Stanley in an envelope, but they make sure he has food with him on his journey. Once the fifth grade students were done reading the story, they then created their own Flat Stanleys. They each got to pick who they wanted to send their Flat Stanley to, along with a journal. The person who received their Flat Stanley had to take pictures with Stanley for five days and create a journal of what Stanley did each day. Ms. Tamburrino said they had so many good projects come back. Flat Stanley was sent to North Carolina, New York City, England, Florida, and more. One of her students, Julian Bennett, sent his Flat Stanley to President Barack Obama. President Obama and his family completed the project and sent Julian a letter, along with a picture of himself. The letter stated all of the things that Stanley did at the White House. He was very busy there and even got to play with the President’s daughters and dog Bo. Ms. Tamburrino said her students were so excited. “This project was a blast and it's not over yet,” she exclaimed. Both classrooms are going to create PowerPoint presentations in the computer lab. The students will also get a chance to take a quiz on this story to earn Reading Counts points. “This was an awesome experience,” she stated, “that we will remember forever.” Julian was recognized at the May 4th School Board meeting. IN Penn Hills | Summer 2010 |
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Honoring our Local Service Men & Women We at IN Penn Hills Magazine would like to recognize and publicly thank those individuals who are defending our freedom.
y name is Amber Lyn Fisher and I hold the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, and am currently serving in the US Army Reserves. I served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. My unit of assignment, Army Technical Control and Analysis Element (ATCAE) is located at Ft. Meade, MD. I live in Verona. Amber Lyn Fisher
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ATTENTION MILITARY FAMILIES Do you know of someone from the Penn Hills area who is serving in the armed forces? We would love to highlight their commitment to our country! Send along a photo, their name and where they serve to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com photos by Rebecca Bailey IN Penn Hills | Summer 2010 |
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BUSINESS
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Volunteer now. Thousands of seniors are trying hard to remain independent. But they need our help. A friendly visit. A ride to a doctor’s office. Even simple help with grocery shopping. Please join us. Volunteers are needed in every neighborhood, from as little as an hour a month to routine weekly visits. Learn more at 412-307-0071 or www. openyourhearttoasenior.org.
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Fibroids are common. Our approach to treating them is not. Uterine fibroids are a common condition, affecting approximately three out of four women. Although noncancerous, fibroids can sometimes cause symptoms that include unusual periods and pelvic and back pain. If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor. If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, the Fibroid Treatment Center at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC will help you understand all the alternatives available. We were the first in the region to employ a multidisciplinary approach that brings a number of experts together to determine the best treatment plan, including minimally invasive techniques. Our board-certified gynecologists, along with surgeons and radiologists, work with your primary care physician to provide seamless care – as well as peace of mind.
To learn more, visit UPMCMagee.com or call 412-641-4435.
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