in-penn-hills-summer by IN Community Magazines

SUMMER 2012

enn Hills

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY GARDEN CONTINUES TO GROW PHHS BRINGS “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” TO LIFE

120 over 80.

What’s it worth to U?

Introducing HealthyU from UPMC Health Plan. Reaching your goals is worth more than ever. It’s worth money. That’s because HealthyU offers financial incentives for making healthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a flu shot, we put money into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that can be used to help pay for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and even surgery. To learn more about this new, one-of-a-kind plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.

upmchealthyu.com

INSIDE

enn Hills

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

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FEATURES

Real Estate in Penn Hills View from the Front Porch ................... | 24 Home Trends Influence Design & Construction ........................ | 25

ON THE COVER | Resident Profile: Chelsie Kozera

UPMC TODAY

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Here Comes the Sun It’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

What’s Inside 2 3 4

You’re Invited! UPMC East Community Open House is June 16 Exhausted and Sleepy? Pamper the Skin You’re In Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 6

Your Health Care Goes Mobile Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss Summer Travels for Seniors

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COMMUNITY INTEREST

Resident Profile: Chelsie Kozera ........................................ |

Community Garden Continues to Grow ........................... |

Penn Hills and Monroeville Police Team Up ................... |

PHHS Brings “Beauty and the Beast” to Life ................. | 10 Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce .................................... | 12 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ................. | 13 Penn Hills PTA Recognizes Students, Teachers ............. | 22 Resident Recognized as Community Champion ............. | 26 Reaching Out to Local Survivors ...................................... | 27 Wesley Spectrum Hosts Spring Gala ............................... | 28 PHHS Celebrates 50 Years of Musicals ............................ | 30

STAF F PUBL ISHE R

Wayne Dollard

elcome to the summer issue of Penn Hills Magazine! This year, it seems summer started in early March. However, the warm days have given people a reason to get outside early and often. Bulbs are blooming earlier and joggers are out in force. So I hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and take advantage of the early summer, and while you’re at it, let us know what you’re up to. We try to feature as much local content as we can in each issue and hope that you enjoy that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for your stories in each issue. These features don’t have to be about you or someone you know doing something extraordinary like climbing Mt. Everest or swimming the English Channel. We want to know what makes our readers tick. It could be that you’ve always wanted a classic Thunderbird and have been restoring one for the past few years. We’d like to see it, and I’m sure others would too. So let’s start off with that, since we’re coming into car cruise season. If you or someone you know has a pretty interesting restoration project going on in the garage, let us know! Email our Wayne Dollard Publisher editor, Pamela Palongue, at p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at 724.942.0940. We’ll be happy to hear your story and may even send one of our photographers out to capture your work for the next issue. Keep in mind that the project doesn’t necessarily need to be current—if you’ve been cruising in your restoration project for some time now, that’s OK, too. But we’d like to know what you did at the nuts-and-bolts level to get your baby roadworthy. If you’re just not sure one way or the other if you have a good story, call Pamela and she’ll be happy to help you out! Looking forward to seeing some whitewalls and chrome in the fall issue!

RE GION AL E DIT ORS

Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] mark@incommunitymagazines.com OF F ICE MAN AGE R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PL ACE ME N T COORDIN AT OR

Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUN ICIPAL CON T E N T COORDIN AT OR

Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DE SIGN

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

W RIT E RS

John Barrera Jonathan Barnes Jennifer Brozak Matt Fascetti Tracey Fedkoe Mike Ference Jacob Flannick Britt Fresa Heather Holtschlag

Aimee Nicolia Nick Keppler Chelsie Kozera Leigh Lyons Dana Black McGrath JoAnne Nasser Melanie Paulick Gina Sallinger Judith Schardt

PHOT OGRAPHE RS

Mark Fainstein Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer

Have a great summer!

Len Pancoast Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon

ADVE RT ISIN G SAL E S MAN AGE RS

D Derek Bayer Tom Poljak T

Do you have a classic car that you’ve restored? If so, we’d like to hear about it. Email your name and contact information to Pamela Palongue at p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com.

Tamara Myers

ADVE RT ISIN G SAL E S A

S Sophia Alfaras Brian Daley B Tina T Dollard Karen K Fadzen Julie J Graf Connie McDaniel C Brian B McKee G Gabriel Negri

Aimee Nicolia Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson

T magazine is carrier route mailed to all district This 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 Fall Content Deadline 8/13

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

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Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

enn Hills resident Chelsie Kozera gives her interesting and sometimes humorous account of life across the big pond...

Holding the attendance sheet in my hand, I take a deep breath and brace myself for the embarrassment that will soon follow…“Kim Su Heon?” A little girl with a loud voice corrects me, “Kim Suuu He-yeon!” I repeat what she says and then move on to the next victim of my name butchering, “Lee Song Min?” The room breaks out into laughter and a small eight-year-old boy stands and says, “No, Teacher! Ee Se-oong Min.” I force a smile and pretend I understand the difference in pronunciation. Suddenly, I feel

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overwhelmed when I glance down at the 12 other names on my list. How did I get here? I’ll explain. As a resident of Penn Hills and a graduate of Shady Side Academy I left Pittsburgh to attend college out of state at St. Lawrence University in New York. As my time at St. Lawrence came to an end in May of 2009 I was constantly perusing job sites for employment opportunities. One day, I came across contact information for a recruiter while skimming my university’s career service website and made a call to Footprints Recruiting based in Canada. Four months later I was boarding a plane to teach English in South Korea. Contacting a recruiter and having him locate a teaching job abroad was easy and free. Being a college student with nothing but lint in my wallet, the “free” part was appealing to me. Schools in Korea request a clean background check, a university degree (in any field), and a phone interview. The interview portion served as a preface to the language barrier and the sometimes blunt questions I would encounter throughout the year. These ranged from “Why do you want to teach English in Korea?” to

“What is your height and weight?” A few weeks later, in September 2009, I had signed a oneyear contract and was embarking on a journey to Seoul, South Korea, which was new, exciting and incredibly terrifying. Sleepy-eyed and confused from flying into the daylight for 18 hours, I arrived at Incheon International Airport in Seoul. The director of my school took me to my new apartment which was paid for by the school in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. Jecheon is a town of approximately 100,000 people, smack-dab in the middle of the country. It is far enough away from the north, but close to Seoul and other major cities. I was one of 30 other foreign English teachers in the town. Needless to say, I could have had a third eye by the way Koreans would stare at me when I roamed the streets of their very homogeneous country. For the longest time I thought “waygookin” was another way to greet people rather than the traditional hello, “annyong haseyo.” When I shared this idea with my coworker she corrected me with a laugh, “No, no, waygook-in means ‘foreigner.’ They are saying

‘foreigner’ when they walk past you, not ‘hello.’” Don’t try this in Pittsburgh. This was a different world. A world where students must attend school from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and then go to “cram schools” from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. It was a world where you must take your shoes off indoors, bow to your elders and never dare to question an authority figure. A world where drinking soju and hitting up the noreabang, or karaoke room, on a Tuesday night was the norm. I grew to love this strange world and would soon find it hard to leave; so hard in fact that I signed another one-year contract and approached the second year with a greater understanding and appreciation for Korean culture, language and the students. The students…Oh, the students. As a first-time teacher, ignorant to the Korean language and culture, being placed in front of a classroom of 15 chattering eightyear-olds can be very intimidating. “Just talk to them, make them learn English conversation,” my director would say. “But they can’t understand me when I talk,” I informed him. “They will learn,” he reassured me. So I began with, “Hello! I am Chelsie – Teacher. I am from USA. I live in Pittsburgh, a city with three rivers and famous sports teams…” “Teacher! Teacher! You yellow hair!”

Excited by the sound of English words, I smile, “Yes! I have yellow hair and you have black hair. Very good!” I learned to simplify my speech, speak slowly, and embrace the aspects of the English language they grasped easily. I taught conversation, reading comprehension, and essay writing. My students ranged from seven years old to 17 and by the end of the two years, I loved every one of them (well almost every one). I now have a true admiration for teachers, after walking in their shoes for two years.

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“My experience as ‘Chelsie Teacher’

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opened so many doors to worlds unknown.” -CHELSIE KOZERA

Teaching English abroad was an incredible experience and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get paid to travel and may or may not be interested in the field of teaching. My experience as ‘Chelsie Teacher’ opened so many doors to worlds unknown because of the financial stability the job provided. In the past two years I’ve stood on the Great Wall of China, photographed the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, kayaked in Halong Bay, Vietnam,

snorkeled in Malaysia, trekked to Mount Everest base camp in Nepal, and rode a camel through the Thar Desert in India. I traveled to these places while saving money, paying off student loans and being completely self-sufficient from my parents. And I’m just a girl born and raised in Penn Hills who called a recruiter one day. Coming home from Korea in December 2011 was a reverse culture shock, just as everyone told me it would be. Those same sleepy eyes that arrived in Incheon airport more than two years ago were now open wide to a world that I grew unfamiliar with after all that time away. Suddenly, I could understand all the small talk coming from strangers’ mouths, the money did not look like something you would find on a Monopoly board, and I was in the company of my friends and family once again. I’ve learned so much from living and traveling through Asia. As I drove home from the airport to my house on the Verona hilltop, I felt grateful to be an American from Pittsburgh—from this little town on a hill where most people can take a hot shower, have their own backyard, and enjoy the advantage of being a native speaker of the global language, English. I’m forever indebted to my school in Korea for opening my eyes to unknown worlds and also to the world right in front of me. n Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Penn Hills

Community Garden Continues to

By Matthew J. Fascetti

n the garden’s third year of existence, the Penn Hills Community Development Corporation has received its first grant from Allegheny Grows for the Penn Hills Community Garden located at 1162 Jefferson Road. Allegheny Grows is Allegheny County’s urban farming and community gardening program that aims to make new use of vacant lots and blighted properties while providing a platform for community engagement through a shared project, enabling communities with low-to-moderate income residents a way to secure sources of fresh, local and healthy produce. The program offers start-up materials as well as technical and educational assistance to municipalities that show significant interest in developing urban farms and community gardens. Penn Hills was selected to receive the grant for “strong leadership, enthusiasm of local volunteers, suitability of the garden site and community need,” said Iris Whitworth, project manager of the business development unit of the county’s economic development office.

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Community Development Corporation President Ed Zullo was instrumental in the formation of the community garden. In the first two years the garden produced a lot of vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, beans, leeks, rapini, watermelons, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins and more, and expansion will allow many more vegetables to be planted this year. The garden provides food for the gardeners’ families, local senior centers, and two Penn Hills food banks: Penn Hills Service Association and Lincoln Park Community Center. Shawn Mahoney, project manager for the community garden, is extremely excited and proud of how the garden has evolved up to its third year. “The garden started three years ago with 16 plots. There are now 64 plots and our ultimate goal is to build that to 104 plots,” he said. The plot holders pay $20 a season to lease the plot from the municipality, and the garden is used year round. Often plot holders use the winter months to experiment. Unfortunately

plots are sold out for the 2012 season; however, there is a waiting list you can place your name on if you are interested in participating. In addition to expanding plots, there is always something new happening at the garden. For example, a perennial garden was started last season. This is a circular herb garden where plot holders will learn how to use fresh herbs for cooking. A cookout was also held using ingredients from the garden. Foods prepared ranged from fried green tomatoes to sugar cookies, and awards were given out for the best dishes. There are many events planned throughout each season at the garden. Last season was a significant time for the garden because so much transpired. There was a build party held where plot holders got together and built a shed and put up fencing. On average, eight or nine workshops are held throughout the year with topics such as disease prevention. Another popular event was the “Fits on a Stick” cookout where you can put anything that “fits on a stick”

“The garden started three years ago with 16 plots. There are now 64 plots and our ultimate goal is to build that to 104 plots.” -SHAWN MAHONEY Community Garden Project Manager

over the fire. Some interesting items placed on sticks were filet mignon and pineapples, along with more traditional fare like hot dogs. The garden is a wonderful addition to the community on so many levels. Perhaps the most significant is that each plot holder donates a percentage of what the plot produces to local food banks and senior centers. Last year 315 pounds of produce was donated, and the gardeners hope to significantly raise that number this year. Mahoney points out that the garden has brought the community together in a way that few other things can. The garden transcends race, age or class, and even communities as some of the plot holders come in from Turtle Creek, Pitcairn, Murrysville or Wilkinsburg. Beauty is also a positive of having the garden in the community. Instead of abandoned lots you have beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens…and the sunsets are spectacular. In fact, one of the busiest times of day for the garden is the evening, not only for the sunset but as a gathering place to mingle with others in the community. Of course with

mingling comes ideas and that is another great benefit of the garden. Plot holders not only share ideas about planting, cultivating and cooking but also about the future of the garden. One such idea being discussed is a “Garden Around the World” concept. The Penn Hills Community Development Corporation wants to build a track around the garden with themes from different places all over the world. The flowers in each section would be from a particular region, and a birdhouse would be built in the style of architecture from that region. Mahoney added that the concept is similar to the nationality rooms in the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. Another concept in the works is a “Pizza Garden,” which would consist of circles of oregano, tomatoes…anything that would be a typical ingredient in pizza. A local pizza shop would then participate by making the

pizza from the ingredients grown in the garden, and show everyone how to make a delicious pizza. So what makes this garden so special? Mahoney has his own idea: “For me, it is the sense of community this garden brings. I am a lifelong Penn Hills resident, and Penn Hills has changed over the years…it has lost that great sense of community it once had. This garden is bringing that back. The Penn Hills Community Development Corporation has done a tremendous job. They started this garden from nothing and it has grown into something truly amazing. The great thing is we are not done. The garden is still growing, new concepts are being worked on and the garden will continue to be a great sense of joy and pride for the Penn Hills community.”

If you are interested in getting on the waiting list, please contact Shawn Mahoney at 412.244.0753 or shawninpgh@comcast.net. For more information about the garden, including upcoming events or workshops, visit www. pennhillscdc.org/ community-garden.html.

Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Penn Hills and Monroeville Police Team up for

Citizens Police

Safety Center on Johnston Road and took place Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. The spring academy was set up to be a hands-on experience with very little classroom time. This was a change from the fall academy, which had a little more classroom time. Some time was also added to a few classes

“The academy allows citizens to see what law enforcement goes through on a daily basis.”

By Matthew J. Fascetti

he Citizens Police Academy was back by popular demand! After tremendous feedback from last fall’s attendees, the Penn Hills and Monroeville police departments teamed up once again to host the academy from April 4 to May 23. All classes were held at the Monroeville Public

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– Steve Pascarella Monroeville Assistant Chief

so that every student had time to participate in different activities. The idea for the academy is for students to get a real-world

understanding of what goes on in day-to-day police operations. Courses included simulated traffic stops, crime scene investigation (where participants processed a simulated crime scene), use of force, emergency response, drug identification and working with canines, and firearm safety during which participants fired police firearms at a range. There were also Taser demonstrations and a simulated DUI traffic stop where students got to experience the dangers and difficulties of dealing with impaired motorists. “The academy allows citizens to see what law enforcement goes through on a daily basis,” said Monroeville Assistant Chief Steve Pascarella. “It is a great lesson in the difference between TV and reality.” Bill Trogler, Penn Hills police detective, adds, “We call this the CSI effect. Shows like ‘CSI’ make it seem like our work is easier and much quicker than it is. Much of what we do is good oldfashioned police work. Interviews, processing of evidence, following leads…these things take time and diligence.” Trogler added that the most popular classes in the previous academy were the use of force class, the Taser demonstration and the interaction with the K9 unit. The reason for the success of the academy is quite simple…it is both educational and informative. As evidenced by the number of police dramas on TV, people are fascinated by law enforcement. They want to learn more, they want to experience it firsthand…and it doesn’t hurt that they learn potentially useful skills along the way. “In the fall academy, many of the participants had never shot a firearm before. We provided one-on-one instruction at the range. They all had fun, but more importantly, it taught them how to safely use a firearm,” said Pascarella. The police use three different types of firearms: a 12-gauge shotgun, a semi-automatic 45 pistol and a patrol rifle. The academy is also a unique opportunity to

Departments

Academy

bring the community together. People from all races, ages, genders, religions and economic backgrounds attend. Both Penn Hills and Monroeville have conducted a Citizens Police Academy in the past. A few years ago Chief Burton of the Penn Hills Police Department was approached by a neighbor who expressed interest in having the police academy again. Penn Hills didn’t have a sufficient facility to hold the academy so Burton reached out to the Monroeville Police Department and the partnership was formed. The first joint Citizens Police Academy was held last September through November. Having a Citizens Police Academy is very important to the police department. “There are so many benefits to having the academy,” Pascarella stated. “It is vital to us that the public gets to see things from our point of view. That will generate a better relationship between the general public and community and the police. These participants become unofficial liaisons between the community and the police department. It also generates a better image for the police department. Seeing what we do and what we deal with, these participants have a better appreciation for what we do. They see that we are skilled professionals who take our jobs seriously.” Trogler agrees, “There are definitely many mutual benefits to the Citizens Police Academy.” The spring academy had 22 participants; the fall one had 18. There is no charge for the classes, but all participants had to fill out an application, available at their local police station, and clear a Pennsylvania State Police check prior to the start of classes. There is no word yet about any future Citizens Police Academies.

For more information

on the Citizens Police Academy, contact the Penn Hills

Police Department

at 412.798.2014 or the Monroeville

Police Department at 412.856.1111.

Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Penn Hills High School Brings

nimation done exceptionally well, like the blockbuster motion picture “Beauty and the Beast,” can be difficult to make come to life with real human characters. But the Penn Hills High School production of “Beauty and the Beast” did just that, showcasing the immense talents of students, staff and production crew.

The musical opened on Friday, April 20, and the final curtain dropped on April 28. Alicia Giove, producer, orchestra director and piano accompanist, was extremely proud of the work the students did, particularly the seniors. “A production of this size takes a great deal of time. Auditions were held before Christmas. Once a cast and crew were selected, most students began to spend three or four hours after school each day [working on the show]. 10 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Penn Hills

“I am a piece of the puzzle. We have great musical directors and costume directors, a wonderful stage crew and many talented students who make the production come to life on stage.” -Alicia Giove, Producer

The dedication has been phenomenal,” she said. There were a total of 60 people involved in the production. Giove also wanted to thank the community for being so generous with donations. “About 80% of our budget was from donations from the community through various fundraising activities. I want to thank each and every person who contributed; we could not have pulled off this type of production without their help,” she added. Giove is an elementary music teacher in the Penn Hills School District. She has taught the school orchestra for eight years and is in her seventh year of helping with the high school musical. She also handles the budget and PR for the musical and a few miscellaneous details behind the scenes. “I am a piece of the puzzle. We have great musical directors and costume directors, a wonderful stage crew and many talented students who make the production come to life on stage,” Giove added. In addition to Giove, the production staff consists of the following talented individuals: Kala Lorey, Claire Davidson and Barbara Spiri—musical directors; Diane Tirio, Bobbi Jo Furey, Carol Remaley and Margi Furey— costumes; James Shultz III and Kala Lorey—stage crew. The production staff wanted to recognize the amazing dedication and perseverance of the seniors. They are as follows: Dianna Bash

(Mrs. Potts); Imani Booker-Day (Ensemble); Erin Cain (Pepper); Courtney Chambers (Ensemble); Andy Christman (Cogsworth); Tyler Harper (Beast); Xavier Hickman (D’Arque); Loyal Jasper (Lumiere); Kristen Kralik (student director); Sarah Krchnavy (Ensemble); Chesney Mulaski (Salt); Alexandra Newby (Wardrobe); Brett Reese (Gaston); Paige Robinson (student director); Kierney Shook (Dancer) and Grant Van Horn (Baker). They also wanted to

Life

By Matthew J. Fascetti

recognize junior Katie Rogers (Belle). “Beauty and the Beast” is a traditional fairy tale, with the first published version printed in France in 1740. Variants of the tale were all over Europe in the years following, until a French film was made in 1946 entitled “La Belle et la Bête.” There were several other film versions, each changing the story slightly. But the movie that became an international sensation was the 1991 animated Walt Disney film. Like the 1946 version, the Disney version uses the French names and features Belle and her handsome but arrogant suitor (Gaston), who eventually plots to kill the beast. The Disney movie won Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Original Score, in addition to becoming the first animated movie to be nominated for Best Picture. It is now considered one of the Walt

Disney Company’s classic animated films. Given this history, the Penn Hills High School production of “Beauty and the Beast” had big shoes to fill. It is quite challenging to tackle a production that most people are familiar with because you will always be compared to something the audience has already seen and loved. But Giove said it was exciting to see a new version of an old classic play out on stage in front of a live audience, and the students pulled off a great show. One aspect she pointed out that made this production unique is that most of the costumes were made by hand, only a few were rented. Giove also mentioned that she believes this musical was a great way to bid farewell to Bond Auditorium, as the new high school will be opening next school year. “We wanted to send it out with a bang,” she added. n

FOR MORE INFORMATION about future productions at Penn Hills High School, or any other school information, visit www.phsd.k12.pa.us or call 412.793.7000. Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

PENN HILLS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12013 Frankstown Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15235 • Phone: 412.795.8741 • Fax: 412.795.7993 www.pennhillschamber.org The Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 62 years as a chamber. We are proud to have served our community and its residents for 62 years.

Chamber Events CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Name

Denise Graham-Shealey Bruce T. Hall Dominique Ansani Russell Arrington Trent Griffith Jay Hope Bernadette Rose Chris Fedele Dave Smith Bill Trogler Jo Luncher Scott Yusavage Sara Werner Carl Prince

Position

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Co-Director Co-Director

Company

First Niagara Bank Bruce T. Hall, CPA Penn Hills School District PNC Bank Talk ‘n Tables Penn Hills YMCA Rapp Funeral Home Fedele Insurance Company Dave Smith Autostar Superstore Penn Hills Police Department Anywhere Travel Computer Fellows Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce P.H.C.C.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON June 20, 2012 July 18, 2012 August 15, 2012 11:30 a.m. Green Oaks Country Club NETWORKING MIXER June 21, 2012 5 to 8 p.m. Club One of Monroeville PITTSBURGH PIRATES GAME July 21, 2012 Pirates vs. Marlins Fireworks Night $20.00 Ticket with a coupon for $10.00 redeemable for food or merchandise

The Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce is always seeking new members. We have recently added a “resident” level, which allows residents to receive our “Business Times” monthly newsletter. This fee is only $10 per year.

Check with the chamber office for more details at 412.795.8741.

Monthly Women in Business Luncheon - Third Wednesday of each month Summer Golf Outing Event - As scheduled Administrative Assistants’ Day Luncheon - April each year Many other events to be announced

www.pennhillschamber.org

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Please visit our office and our website for more information and a listing of current events.

UPMC TODAY

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Here Comes the Sun It’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

What’s Inside 2

You’re Invited! UPMC East Community Open House is June 16

3 4

Exhausted and Sleepy? Pamper the Skin You’re In Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 6 7

Your Health Care Goes Mobile Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss Summer Travels for Seniors

You’re Invited!

GET CONNECTED to UPMC East

UPMC East Community Open House Saturday, June 16 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join friends and neighbors for a sneak peek inside your new community hospital. UPMC East President Mark Sevco, members of the medical and professional staff, and many of our associates will be on hand to welcome you.

HOSPITAL SELF-GUIDED TOUR

REFRESHMENTS & MORE A bright and airy space near the Café is the perfect place to enjoy light refreshments, chat with hospital representatives and other visitors, and end your tour. Each guest also will receive a gift as our thanks for being part of this special day.

FREE PARKING

Offered throughout the day, these self-guided tours include: • Emergency Department • Surgical Suites (closed to the • Private patient rooms public after today) • The Café • And more!

Free onsite parking is available in the hospital parking garage located on Fox Plan Road. To access the garage, please enter the facility through gate entrance C (near the front of Lowe’s), and follow signs to the garage.

To make your tour as enjoyable and informative as possible, be sure to preregister online at UPMCEast.com/OpenHouse and choose the tour time that best fits your plans for the day. And bring your registration confirmation to the event.

UPMC East 2775 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146 (near the intersection of Route 48 and Route 22/William Penn Highway)

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Penn Lincoln Parkway

Exhausted and Sleepy? At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, doctors can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, often with surprisingly fast results.

Overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and an irregular heartbeat, Robert Guthrie underwent a sleep study at UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center to evaluate his pulmonary function and suitability for gastric bypass surgery. He was shocked to discover he had sleep apnea so severe he actually stopped breathing 147 times per hour. Affecting 12 million Americans, sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt sleep. Untreated, it can cause serious health problems and lead to deadly accidents due to exhaustion. “I was totally clueless. It was serendipity that took me to a sleep expert, and it probably saved my life,” says Robert, 65, who immediately began using a nighttime breathing apparatus known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Within a week, he was sleeping soundly for the first time in six years. “It was life changing,” says the Hopwood, Pa., resident. “I feel 20 years younger.” Most people don’t know they have obstructive sleep apnea, usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly. With each interruption, the drop in oxygen levels prompts the brain to send a surge of adrenaline to kick-start breathing, which also leads to a spike in blood pressure. “This can happen 600 times a night. It’s a burden on the cardiovascular system and affects the quality of sleep,” says Patrick J. Strollo Jr., MD, medical director of the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center. According to Dr. Strollo, if you snore loudly, wake up exhausted despite a “good night’s sleep,” or feel tired or sleepy during the day, you should talk to your primary care physician. Since sleep apnea cannot be detected while you’re awake, your doctor may ask you to participate in an overnight sleep study.

At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, patients stay in a private bedroom where a sleep technician applies sensors that measure breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and other body functions during sleep. A team of specialists diagnose sleep apnea by looking at the test results and reviewing medical history. Treatment options may include a CPAP machine like Robert uses, which blows air through a special mask worn over the nose. “I wasn’t wild about wearing the mask. But staying on it was a no-brainer — it’s worth it for a good night’s sleep,” says Robert. For information about the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center, visit UPMC.com and click Our Services for an alphabetical listing of departments and services.

Other health consequences of sleep apnea Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, weight gain, memory problems, and daytime sleepiness. “Loud snoring is a very common feature of sleep apnea and often the most bothersome symptom for patients and other family members,” says Dr. Strollo. “Successful treatment of snoring and sleep apnea can improve quality of life as well as reduce health risks. A variety of medical and surgical treatment options are available, and the treatment plan can be customized to each individual patient.” The UPMC Sleep Medicine Center at Monroeville is located at 400 Oxford Drive. For information about its services or to schedule a sleep study, call 412-692-2880.

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Pamper the Skin You’re In Your skin is a multitasking marvel. Soft, pliable, and strong, it protects your organs, regulates body temperature, detects and fights off infection, and even repairs itself.

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

But most of us take our hard-working skin for granted. A little TLC will help keep it healthy and looking good from the inside out.

They’re more common — and easier to treat — than you think.

Keep it clean Daily cleansing can take a toll on your skin, so be gentle. Take shorter baths or showers using warm water, choose a mild cleanser, pat or blot skin dry, and apply a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type.

Eat, drink, and be healthy Feed your skin from the inside for a healthy glow on the outside. Experts recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking plenty of water keeps skin hydrated.

Get moving Regular exercise promotes circulation that energizes skin cells and carries away waste products. It also promotes the restful sleep that’s needed to rejuvenate skin.

Be sun smart Small amounts of daily sun exposure add up, so protect skin from the sun’s rays whenever you’re outdoors — even in wintertime. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it liberally and often. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants provide even more protection.

Check it out Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, and hands. Mohs micrographic surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for most skin cancers. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible and is often used to remove skin cancer on the face. Regularly checking your own skin can help find cancers early, when they are easier to treat. You’ll find the American Cancer Society’s skin self-examination guide and other sun safety tips at cancer.org. Sources: American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

UPMC.com/Today

They can be tiny or bulging, painless or throbbing. But nearly half of us can expect to get spider or varicose veins, especially after age 50. “The good news is that many techniques now make vein treatments more safe, comfortable, and effective,” says Ellen D. Dillavou, MD, a vascular surgeon at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

What new treatments are available? Among the newest is the injection of polidocanol for the treatment of spider veins. “It’s a cosmetic procedure that works much better than saline to collapse surface veins,” says Dr. Dillavou. “Spider veins do reoccur, though, so expect to do ‘touch ups’ periodically.” Injections also are used for larger veins and may replace older procedures like a “vein stripping.” For treating varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation (a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy seals the vein closed) is a popular treatment among her patients, says Dr. Dillavou, “because it’s comfortable and effective.”

Are varicose veins dangerous? “Varicose and spider veins typically don’t pose a health risk, but they can point to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI),” says Eric Hager, MD, a vascular surgeon at UPMC East. “It’s a visual cue that blood may not be optimally flowing to and from the feet and legs to the heart, which can lead to more serious problems.” Other CVI symptoms include painful, tired, restless, achy, itchy, or swollen legs or ankles. In more advanced cases, skin changes and ulcers can develop. “The problem becomes more difficult to treat as it advances, so it’s important to always share your symptoms with your doctor,” says Dr. Hager. To learn more about all the vascular services at UPMC East, visit UPMCEast.com.

Your Health Care Goes Mobile It’s now easy to manage your medical records or get automatic access to select test results — because HealthTrak has an app for that.

Need to keep track of your elderly parents’ appointments and test results? Want instant access to your children’s immunization records? Run out of medicine while traveling and need a refill? Have a follow-up question for your doctor after office hours? All are available with a click of your mouse — and most with a tap on your iPhone®, iPad®, or Android™ — via UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that allows patients, and approved family members, to receive and manage information about their health. Recent upgrades include a new mobile HealthTrak application that provides patients with secure access anytime and anywhere.

HealthTrak also provides patients with automatic access to certain test results, including x-rays, lab, and pathology tests, with links they can use to help interpret information. This makes it easier for patients to keep track of their cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar levels, and other important health numbers. UPMC hopes to add cardiology test results in the near future. Also on the horizon are plans to use photos to identify some skin conditions or diseases.

“We’re giving people what they want — even when they’re on the go. It’s a convenient, safe, and free way to manage their own health,” says G. Daniel Martich, MD, UPMC chief medical information officer.

Going mobile is fast and easy To access HealthTrak data using a mobile device, you must first secure a HealthTrak account through UPMCHealthTrak.com. You should then download the free “MyChart app” from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Google Play (formerly Android Market). The mobile app provides access to everything except eVisits, or online doctor visits. According to Dr. Martich, more than 100,000 patients have signed up for HealthTrak — and nearly 6,000 are mobile app users. Online medical care is seen as the wave of the future. The number of HealthTrak users is expected to increase dramatically once word spreads about its overall convenience and newest features — including access for authorized family members.

More patient-centered solutions HealthTrak gives users immediate access to a wide range of personal medical information, which allows them to take a more active role in managing their health.

Adults juggling the health care of their children and aging parents can use the “proxy access” feature to keep track of health records and appointments, refill prescriptions, communicate with doctors, and ask billing questions.

Easy, direct signup for HealthTrak is available online by going to UPMCHealthTrak.com and clicking “Sign up now” under New User. Follow the steps to complete an online application and answer personal questions designed to ensure that you, and not another person, are creating the account.

Parents will especially appreciate having instant access to a child’s immunization record when they need it. Approved caregivers find eVisit, the online doctor visit service, very useful for the diagnosis of common, non-urgent ailments in their elderly relatives.

If you have difficulties, email healthtrak@upmc.edu or call the UPMC HealthTrak Support Line at 1-866-884-8579.

1-800-533-UPMC

Talent + Imagination + Learning =

Events You Won’t Want to Miss UPMC Senior Communities’ year-long calendar of entertainment, movies, and educational seminars aims to enrich the lives of seniors — and delight the public, too.

What do Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, a Meryl Streep movie, and acupuncture have in common? All are among UPMC Senior Communities’ upcoming 2012 Legacy Lineup. “We’re committed to providing residents at all our senior communities with activities that will capture their interests, generate conversation, and stimulate their minds,” says Nanci Case, vice president for sales, marketing, and activities for UPMC Senior Communities. “Through The Legacy Lineup and other programs, we’re bringing seniors — and people of all ages — together to relax, laugh, and learn together.” Open to the public, The Legacy Lineup programs are offered at UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village, UPMC Senior Communities’ independent living facility located on the UPMC Passavant campus. “You can attend a Legacy Lineup event every week of the month, with many events offered at no charge,” says Greta Ceranic, marketing director for Cumberland Woods Village. The Legacy Theatre is part of a state-of-the-art conference center and 247-seat amphitheatre funded through a generous $16.5 million grant by the Passavant Hospital Foundation. One of the Foundation’s primary goals is public education and outreach. UPMC physicians, nurses, and other medical staff members also use the facility for professional development training. “And funds raised through The Legacy Lineup support UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund,” adds Ms. Case, “providing financial assistance and other support services to residents in need at all 17 UPMC retirement communities.”

UPMC.com/Today

Productions showcase local and national talent “Each month, The Legacy Lineup features at least one major production featuring a band, soloist, or performance troupe,” says Ms. Ceranic. “Earlier this year, the Tamburitzans appeared to a sell-out crowd. Later this year, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand impersonators will perform with a full orchestra.” The 2012 lineup also includes the Jaggerz and the Fabulous Hubcaps, as well as a major holiday production in December. Because seating is limited, advance tickets are recommended. Group discounts and ticket packages are available.

Spend Mondays at the movies From cinematic classics like Citizen Kane to recent blockbusters like Iron Lady with Meryl Streep, seniors can enjoy free matinee movies every Monday at 2 p.m. at the Legacy Theatre.

Explore your interests at learning seminars On alternating Tuesdays at 11 a.m., The Legacy Lineup offers educational programming that covers a wide range of subjects, from tips on aging, caregiver support, health and nutrition, history, and local topics of interest. The seminars are free and open to the public, but advance reservations are requested. For the full 2012 calendar of activities, or to make reservations, call 412-635-8080 or visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

To learn about the independent living, personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing options offered by UPMC Senior Communities, call 1-800-324-5523 to schedule a tour. Locations include Allison Park, Cranberry, Fox Chapel, Greensburg, Lawrenceville, McCandless, Monroeville, Penn Hills, Scott Township, and Washington, Pa.

Summer Travels for Seniors Make your vacation a fun and healthy one with these helpful tips.

Experienced travelers know that the key to a great vacation is good planning. “If you’re a senior hitting the road this summer, take a few minutes to plan for your good health away from home,” says Daniel M. Carter, MD, Family Practice Chair, UPMC East.

Be prepared Whether you’re embarking on an international adventure or heading to your favorite getaway, follow these basics: • Ensure that your vaccinations are current. Since more than half of all tetanus cases occur in adults 65 and older, consider updating your tetanus shot, too. • Going to another country? Check with your county health department on vaccinations required for seasonal diseases in the country you’re visiting, such as yellow fever, malaria, or typhoid. Be aware that many health care plans, including Medicare, don’t cover care provided outside the United States. Supplemental travel medical insurance can be helpful. “Older adults also should carry a comprehensive list of prescriptions and the appropriate dosage when traveling, especially if they have any complicated medical conditions,” says Dr. Carter.

Getting there is half the fun Before you jump into the car or catch a plane, remember to: • Avoid sitting in one position for extended periods. Wearing support stockings can help reduce any numbness or leg pain. • Advise the airport of any special needs you may have, such as wheelchair accommodations. “And if you use oxygen, alert the airline,” says Dr. Carter. “You cannot carry your own oxygen tank on a plane. One will be provided by the airline. However, you will be responsible for making arrangements to have an oxygen tank waiting when you land.” • To minimize problems clearing airport security, carry prescriptions in their original containers with the pharmacy label and prescribing doctor. If you have an implanted medical device or metal prosthesis, such as a knee or hip replacement, notify the security officer.

Fun in the sun is different for seniors “Our ability to tolerate the sun and heat changes dramatically as we age,” notes Dr. Carter. “Many older adults also take medications that put them at an increased risk of phototoxicity (sensitivity to the sun), dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even life-threatening heat stroke.” To minimize your risk, Dr. Carter recommends that you: • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and potential sun-related problems before heading to the beach or for a day of sightseeing. Medications for depression, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease are just a few of the drugs with sun-related side effects. • Drink more water to stay hydrated. This is important since our bodies typically retain less water as we grow older. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which increase fluid loss. “Most of all, seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of heat stroke,” says Dr. Carter. Symptoms can include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or greater; skin that is red, hot, and dry without sweating; a rapid pulse, nausea, headache, or dizziness.

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC East

2775 Mosside Blvd. Monroeville, PA 15146

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for 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.

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Ready to see what’s inside?

Saturday, June 16 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Care. Convenience. Community. Connected.

Learn how we’re bringing world-class care to the eastern suburbs.

All you need to do is register to attend.

Win This Nerf Pocket Camcorder! You can be the star and the director of your own movies with this camera, so we’d like you to send us your SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE POSTER featuring YOU! Your design is only limited by your imagination! You can draw your poster, make a collage, or make something on the computer!

HOW TO ENTER Entries should be on unfolded 8.5”x 11” white paper and mailed to: Nerf Contest • IN Community Magazines • 603 East McMurray Road • McMurray, PA 15317 Digital entries should be emailed to: mark@incommunitymagazines.com. Digital images should be high-resolution images for reproduction (files larger than 1MB in size). Include with your submission: Name, age, and headshot of the entrant, parental signature, and phone number where we can notify you if you’ve won. Entrants are limited to children between the ages of 6 and 12.

By Ashley Con ner

orbes Elementary School is home to an ambitious second grader who has started on a path to her dreams with hard work and dedication. Eight-year-old Drew Hines is a track star on the rise in her age group of Sub-Bantam girls with USA Track & Field (USATF). From March 10-12 USATF held its twoday indoor track championship meet at the University of Illinois. Drew not only won in each of her divisions, which include the 50m, 200m, and 400m races, but also broke national records in the 50m and 200m races. She beat her personal best time in the 200m and 400m races as well. Coincidentally, Drew celebrated her 8th birthday on March 10, giving her and her family even more to celebrate. Before Drew’s big weekend in Illinois she put in a lot of hard work to achieve the goals she sets for herself. “I hope to just win,” she says. Drew got her start running outdoor track a little over a year ago with the Penn Hills Eagles USATF Track Club. She qualified for the USATF Junior Olympics for the 400m race and placed 22nd overall at Wichita State University in July 2011. Once the outdoor season was over, Drew continued to train with Penn Hills High School track coach Carlson Christian. Christian is a big influence for Drew as he takes time to train her and prepare her for a future in sprinting. She has come a long way in her craft from the first year of wearing ear plugs due to the

frightening sound of the gun going off at the beginning of each race. Drew’s mom, Nancy Hines said, “She was known as the little girl with earplugs.” Drew’s step into the track world was inevitable. “My dad used to run track, and my older cousins,” she said. The sport was in her blood – a point that has been proven with all of the accolades she has received thus far. In the world of track and field there are a number of possible events and when asked if she has ever thought of any other to compete in, Drew said, “I may try out the long jump.” Asked about any special preparations for her track meets, Drew says she always eats spaghetti the night before and the following morning she adds a bagel with the spaghetti for breakfast. “The bagel is my favorite,” she adds. Nancy says she is very proud of her daughter: “She is very dedicated and takes care of herself; for her to only be 8 years old she eats very healthy.” Drew said, “My role model is Flo Jo.” The late track star Florence Griffith-Joyner, also known as “Flo Jo,” is considered the fastest woman of all time. She still currently holds the record for the 100m and 200m dash that she set in 1988. With her eyes on a very big dream, Drew says, “I want to go to the Olympics.” With the support of her parents, coaches, and her determination to succeed, there is nothing that is stopping her from achieving that goal.

CONTEST DEADLINE IS JULY 6. No entries will be returned. Entries should not include any graphics or concepts of existing movie posters. All entries should be PG in nature. The winning entry, as well as the 1st and 2nd runners-up, will be featured in the fall issues of IN Community Magazines.

Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

Penn Hills PTA Recognizes

Students, Teachers with Awards By Heather Holtschlag

raduating seniors from Penn Hills High School received special recognition from the Penn Hills PTA Council recently as many seniors were awarded scholarships that will aid them as they plan the next chapter in their lives. “The PTA honors graduating seniors every year as a way to give them encouragement as they enter their next stage,” said Chris Polaski, PTA council president. “We also ask vendors who serve the school district and local businesses for contributions and receive donations from employees of the district, including teachers, principals, other administrators and school board members. The PTA feels this backing really encourages the students as they receive recognition from local hometown supporters.” In addition, students have an opportunity to recognize the teachers who they feel had a remarkable impact on their lives during their high school careers. “We ask students to write an essay about a favorite teacher who inspired them during their time in high school,” Polaski explained. “The essay, while not required, is integral to our scholarship process, as we feel that this is one of the only times these graduates will have the opportunity to spotlight their teachers, who are then recognized with a

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Penn Hills

“Beacon of Knowledge” award and a small token gift from the PTA. Teachers also receive the essay or essays that the students wrote about them.” This year, 55 students received scholarships and 35 teachers were recognized as Beacons of Knowledge. Scholarship recipients also are asked to provide the names of one or two people who they feel are a “Beacon of Inspiration” to them. They often choose their parents, coaches, spiritual leaders or other advisors who are recognized as having helped the students reach their goals. According to Polaski, there are four levels of scholarship qualification. When students

“The teachers very rarely have the opportunity to directly feel the impact they have on students.” –Chris Polaski, PTA Council President

apply, they are asked which, if any, Penn Hills elementary school they attended. Each student who qualifies and went to a Penn Hills elementary school is interviewed at the first level. Those elementary school PTA councils award as many scholarships as they can financially provide. Students who do not receive one of these scholarships are eligible for a scholarship from the Linton Middle School PTA, which is the second level. The next level of scholarships comes from the high school PTSA, and the final level is from the PTA council. So, while each student may receive only one scholarship, there are four possible sources. To qualify for a scholarship, students must have a 2.75 GPA and they must be planning to continue into secondary education, which can be a trade school or a four-year college or community college. They also must provide a copy of their acceptance letter and complete an application, which asks them to outline their work, volunteer and school history. Applications are available between November and December of their senior year and can be obtained in the high school guidance department. The scholarships and Beacon of Knowledge awards were presented during an event in May at Linton Middle School, which recognized school administrators in the audience and celebrated the teachers being honored as well as the scholarship recipients and their families. In addition, photos of each recipient and their college acceptance letters were on display. “The teachers very rarely have the opportunity to directly feel the impact they have on students,” Polaski explained. “This is a great opportunity for students to truly let them know how much of a role the teachers played in their lives.”

“The PTA honors graduating seniors every year as a way to give them encouragement as they enter their next stage.” –Chris Polaski, PTA Council President

Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

REAL ESTATE IN PENN HILLS

By Heather Holtschlag

he front porch may rank near the bottom on the list of favorite rooms that people mention when talking about their homes, but it ranks near the top in terms of importance. Considered a home’s “welcome mat,” the front porch offers a home’s first – and oftentimes only—impression to family, friends, and passersby. The friendlier it looks, the more appealing the home. So how can you dress up your front porch so that it contributes to the charm of your neighborhood, or, if a front porch is still just a dream, how can you add to your house but stay within budget? If your goal is to add a front porch onto your home, you may first want to take a good look at the front of your home and plan a porch that matches your home’s style. Think about whether you want the porch area to be a simple transition into your home, or whether you want to create an entirely new living space. Also, determine how much space you will have to dedicate to a front porch area. If it’s a small, transitional area,

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Penn Hills

you may not be able to give the area a complete overhaul, but rather enhance the space that is already there with charming accents. When it comes time to decorate the front porch, consider what room the porch leads to within the house. If it leads to a traditional living or dining room, for example, you likely will not want to decorate the porch in a tropical theme. Also, choose a type of paint for the front door that contains a high gloss and a color that will be noticeable. Consider changing the hardware as well. Go for house numbers that appear strong and bold, which could give your entire exterior a new look, and add a door knocker for a touch of elegance. Before adding furniture to a roomier porch, make sure to attend to the paint on the sides and floor. Repair any paint that is peeling and add a fresh coat to the sides and floor first. And when adding the furniture, look for a piece such as a loveseat that can hold two people, and an ottoman that can double as storage space. The largest piece of furniture should face outward, with smaller pieces surrounding it.

Artwork that is made to handle the elements of the outdoors can add attention and attractiveness if hung above the sitting area, and look for rugs and pillows that can finish off the space. Blinds or curtains can help prevent sun damage to the furniture and artwork, and can be of aid when people are sitting there. One final note to keep in mind when designing and decorating your porch is to decorate for the seasons. Add pumpkin décor during Halloween or floral accents during the spring and summer. A harvest wreath in the fall and an evergreen wreath in the winter also can add to the beauty of the season.

By Dana Black McGrath

t used to be that a first-floor laundry or home office was among some of the hottest home construction trends. Now that those are a standard more than a luxury, new home trends are emerging that reflect our changing needs as our lifestyle, culture and economy change with the times. In February, jurors for the National Association of Home Builders’ annual “Best in American Living Awards” identified several home design trends that are expected to last throughout the rest of the decade. Through that competition, which honored more than 80 single-family homes, apartments and condominiums as well as remodeling projects and subdivisions, several themes emerged among the honorees. Themes noted by the competition judges include a trend toward classic yet contemporary designs that blend modern and traditional elements to create timeless, elegant spaces with interiors that are light and simple instead of ornate and heavy. Outdoor living spaces are another design essential for all regions, not just for single-family homes but also for multi-family properties. In our region, many have embraced this trend by enhancing their outdoor space with comfortable outdoor furnishings and even outdoor kitchens. Consideration of cost-effectiveness in building is another new trend. For instance, many new homes are rectangular because they are less expensive to build, innovative designs are cost-effective and efficient, and the trend is moving away from multiple odd roof lines that create unnecessary interior volumes; these are examples of ways to reduce construction and system costs for homeowners, according to the judges. These principles can be seen in many of the new construction developments around the Pittsburgh region.

Examples of this trend include homes equipped with two master suites, often with one of the suites situated on the ground floor. Kitchens, long known to be the heart of the home and one of the most important design elements of any house, are also being impacted by new trends. The judges noted that many designers are coming up with creative storage solutions to allow windows above the countertops rather than cabinets, thus keeping the kitchens light and bright. Green design concepts are finding their way into more and more new homes to save energy and reduce home operating costs. Home construction and renovation projects embrace improvements such as energy-efficient appliances, use of recycled building products, solar elements, more efficient windows and even site considerations that take advantage of natural sunlight and shade for heating and cooling.

Green design concepts are finding their way into more and more new homes to save energy and reduce home operating costs. Another trend seen during the competition is the elimination of the formal living room in favor of a flexible space or den that is adjacent to the kitchen and family room. Many who build new homes opt for only one “formal” room—instead of a formal living room and separate dining room, they choose one or the other, or choose to use that space as an office or toy room instead. Accommodations for multigenerational living have emerged as a result of a downturned economy and other cultural factors—a trend also noted by the judges. Young adults remain with their parents or older retirees choose to move in with their adult children; both scenarios are frequently seen in our region, especially with the high population of senior citizens. Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Champion

Penn Hills Resident Recognized as Community

enn Hills resident Diane Brown’s idea to begin Safety Kids not only has helped numerous children become educated about potentially dangerous situations and how to handle themselves, but it helped earn her the YMCA Community Champion Award earlier this year. The award is given to individuals who have made important contributions in the community, both local and at-large. “I was very surprised to have been selected, as there are a lot of wonderful people who do so much for the community,” Brown acknowledged. “It is a very humbling experience, and at the same time, it is intrinsically rewarding to know that something you did made a positive impact in some way.” Brown started Safety Kids in 1998 after closing Friends of Child Find, Inc., an organization she founded in 1982 after watching a news story about missing children. “I felt very compelled to try to do something about that issue,” Brown explained. “I talked to Officer Mack from the Penn Hills Police Department, and he was willing to help if I had something solid to present. From there, I researched the issue and started presenting programs through churches and schools to inform parents about ways to protect their children.” She also placed an ad in the paper recruiting volunteers who could help her pursue this cause, and about 40 people called. Soon after, word of mouth helped garner many more volunteers from Hebron Church and Penn Hills High School, and she had more than 100 active volunteers ready to help. The organization was even approached by “Sesame Street Live” and the Harlem Globetrotters to write and develop a program that could be presented to the children attending events at the Civic Arena. “We used teen volunteers who acted out a story with Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Bert and Ernie about safety tips,” Brown said. “It

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was a fun experience to be on stage with them in front of the ‘Sesame Street Live’ audience.” According to Brown, when she closed Friends of Child Find and opened Safety Kids, she wanted to expand the mission beyond just missing children and include educating children about other issues as well, such as abuse and violence. “There were no adequate programs on the market to teach children about lures,” she explained. “They all focused on ‘stranger danger,’ and this is such an antiquated perspective! More than 85 percent of the children who are victimized know the perpetrator, so I felt that the concept of ‘stranger’ had to be replaced. I felt it was imperative to make parents and others aware that they needed to teach children to judge the situation, not the person. Children need to learn to make wise decisions and to base their trust of a person on factors other than if they think they know him or her.” Her work with Safety Kids is just part of Brown’s dedication to helping her community. A 1969 graduate of Penn Hills High School, she has served on several boards, including

“

Penn Hills

There were no adequate programs on the market to teach children about lures. They all focused on ‘stranger danger,’ and this is such an

antiquated perspective!” - Diane Brown

By Heather Holtschlag

Highlands Aqua Club, PTA and Penn Hills Dolphins. She also has served as a Cub Scout leader and participated in the Penn Hills Soccer Association. Brown is a former member of Kiwanis, the Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce and has trained staff in the Penn Hills School District on kids’ safety issues and helped implement a Safety Kids program in elementary schools and afterschool programs. She also served on the board of several other organizations including the FBI’s Adopt-ASchool program and the Safe Schools and Communities Consulting Group, and is a curriculum developer and presenter for the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners. “I have been blessed in so many ways by working with great people through the schools, the community and my church and by being a part of some awesome accomplishments, mentoring others and encouraging the art of volunteering,” Brown said. “Everyone should give back to this world. It doesn’t have to be monumental or large-scale, because even the smallest bit helps. If we all did a little extra, so much could get accomplished.”

REACHING OUT to Local Survivors

By Amanda Fastuca

Relay for Life survivor dinner, organized by the East Relay for Life committee, will honor local cancer survivors on July 9. The dinner, which will begin at 6 p.m., will be held at the Penn Hills Fralic Center and each survivor may invite one guest. Music from a barbershop quartet will be the evening’s entertainment, and attendees will receive a survivor T-shirt and many other gifts. The Relay for Life event will be held the following weekend at the Penn Hills High School stadium July 14-15. The race will begin at 10 a.m. and continue for 24 hours. Participants will walk laps around the stadium in sup-

port of those who have survived or are currently fighting the battle of cancer. Other activities and games will be available for the community during the hours of the race. Companies such as C.S. Kim Karate, Abbey Lee Dance Studio, as well as other groups and live musicians will be putting on demonstrations and performances. Vendors and concession stands will also be aligned by the track for the public, including the members of the 21 participating teams. The vendors will be running a variety of booths for everyone to enjoy. Those who are currently fighting through cancer or those who are survivors are highly encouraged to attend the Relay for Life and enjoy the free survivor dinner.

To register for the dinner or find out more information about the relay, please call the American Cancer Society representative, Jennifer Jones, at 412.919.1054.

Worship_09McKeesport_winter 5/29/12 1:28 PM Page 1

WORSHIP IN PENN HILLS C HURCHES S ERVING P ENN H ILLS All Saints Episcopal Church 412.793.0270

Grace Evangelical Lutheran 412.793.1394

Apostles Lutheran Church 412.793.4899

Hebron United Presbyterian Church 412.371.2307

Penn Hills Free Methodist Church 412.793.7263

In Him Ministries 412.795.4272

Presbyterian Church of America 412.793.7117

Christadelphian Ecclesia of Pittsburgh 412.828.6157

Jehovah’s Witnesses Pittsburgh 412.241.8188

Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church 412.795.2956

Christian Science Church 412.731.1204

Kerr Presbyterian Church 412.793.5508

Church of Latter Day Saints 412.798.3011

Laketon Heights Methodist 412.241.9170

Queen of the Rosary Church 412.672.6390

Covenant Church of Pittsburgh 412.731.6221

Mt. Hope Community Church 412.793.0227

Emmanuel Lutheran Church 412.824.4525

Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ 412.361.0503

Epiphany Lutheran Church 412.241.1313

New Vision Community Church 412.241.6160

Faith Community Church 412.242.0210

Parkway Jewish Center 412.823.4338

First Baptist Church 412.371.5335

Penn Hills Alliance Church 412.795.1818

Beulah Presbyterian Church 412.242.4570

Are you a member of the clergy who would be interested in writing a short inspirational feature? Please contact Pamela Palongue at p.palongue@ incommunitymagazines.com.

Penn Hills Baptist Church 412.793.6640

Rolling Hills Baptist Church 412.795.1133 Rosedale United Methodist 412.793.2019 Sri Venkateswara Temple 412.373.3380

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 412.793.4511 Saint Joseph 412.795.5114 St. Susanna 412.798.3591 Three Rivers Assembly of God 412.372.3453 Trinity Lutheran Church 412.828.7799 Trinity Tower United Methodist 412.793.9000 Universal United Presbyterian Church 412.793.1355 Verona United Methodist Church 412.828.8844

Second Baptist Church 412.371.6445

Verona United Presbyterian Church 412.828.4494

St. Bartholomew’s Church 412.242.3374

Victory Temple Orig. Church of God 412.243.5308

Saint Gerard Majella 412.793.3333 St. James Episcopal 412.242.2300

Zion Lutheran Church 412.242.2626

Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

gala

Wesley Spectrum Hosts

spring

to Continue Its Mission to Help Children Lead Their Best Possible Lives

BY KATHY RUDOLPH

he green and floral paradise of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in the gray of early spring was the perfect treat for gardeners and nature lovers at the Wesley Spectrum Spring Gala, sponsored by UPMC and other local corporations and businesses. Guests strolled through aisles of beautiful nature mixed with original art pieces while sipping cocktails, sampling hors d’oeuvres and listening to live jazz by Trinity Jazz Orchestra. Over 100 silent auction items also added fun to the evening and the second annual Dan Findley Award was presented to an exemplary Wesley Spectrum staff member. The proceeds from the event went to the children and families that Wesley Spectrum serves, including those at Wesley Spectrum Autism Services located on Erhardt Drive. Offering unique school, mental health, and family programs across western Pennsylvania, the nonprofit organization “provides a diverse

28 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Penn Hills

range of autism, education, behavioral health, and family support” according to its website. Phipps was the perfect choice for the gala. “Just as Phipps showcases the glorious transformation of nature, Wesley Spectrum works to transform our community through programs and services grounded in our unique expertise in autism, behavioral health, education and family support,” said Wesley Spectrum’s Chief Executive Officer Douglas Muetzel. Fundraising events are essential for nonprofits that improve the quality of children’s lives in these times of economic instability. “There are two reasons that a fundraiser like this is so important for Wesley,” said Mr. Muetzel. “The first is that we want to get the word out that there is an organization like Wesley Spectrum that serves over 4,000 kids and families each year. The second is you don’t have to listen too long to hear the

governor’s speech on the state budget and what is happening at the federal level. That has a serious impact on our funding so this allows us to raise funds that not necessarily are for daily operations but allow us to do the value add that we want to do for those people that we are privileged to serve.” Some of the autistic services that the Penn Hills location provides include behavioral health rehabilitation services, creative arts, inclusionary summer therapeutic activities program, autism outpatient mental health services and “Wonder Kids” social skills groups. TO LEARN MORE or how you can help, please visit Wesley Spectrum’s website at WWW.WESLEYSPECTRUM.ORG.

Rick Ubinger, Wesley Spectrum Foundation Board Treasurer, and wife, Lori

Randi Hill, Dan Findley Award Nominee, and Ellen Hill

Peggy and Norman Mitry, President and CEO of Heritage Valley Health System

Anne Weaver, W.S. Chief Program Officer, holding clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handmade jewelry to be auctioned

Nancy Davidson of Merck (Sponsor), Dawn Nowry, Mark Davidson and Julie Smith

Mari and Kevin Abbott, Laura Maines

Megan Liska, Nicole Gannon, Jan Davis, W.S. Employees and Volunteers

Deirdre Spenser of Duquesne Light (Sponsor), and Belva Salik

Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

Penn Hills High YEARS OF School Celebrates

MUSICALS By Heather Holtschlag

or 50 years, Penn Hills High School students have been taking to the stage to showcase their talents in the school’s annual musicals, which began in 1963 with the performance of “Bye Bye Birdie.” In celebration of its Golden Anniversary of musicals and in anticipation of the opening of the new high school next year, the Penn Hills Musical Alumni and PHAME will host one last performance on August 10 and 11 that will showcase a revue of many musicals that have been performed on the stage in the Thomas A. Bond Auditorium and will include many of the original cast, chorus, orchestra and crew members. PHAME is an educational foundation that originated with the school’s Fine Arts Committee and was started to raise money to support the arts in the school and community. “PHAME hosts an annual gala fundraiser to not only raise money, but to honor ‘Hall of PHAME’ recipients from Penn Hills who have excelled in an art form,” said Barbara Spiri, director of the upcoming show, music instructor, and Penn Hills graduate. “This year, our fundraiser will be the review of 50 years of musicals, and we will honor Mildred Dunham, Thomas A.

30 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Penn Hills

Bond and George Maguire as Hall of PHAME recipients. Tentative plans include Friday and Saturday evening shows and a possible picnic on Sunday to renew old friendships with those who attend but may not be able to be involved in the performance.” Scenes and musical numbers are being chosen from the more than 26 musicals performed over the years. “Auditions took place in May for individuals who were interested in performing solos or duets from their high school years,” Spiri explained. “The ensemble was open to Penn Hills musical graduates who could attend rehearsals and the kickoff meeting.” In addition to the performances, a dinner and reception will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, at Churchill Valley Country Club for friends and families of the honorees. “I am a sentimental person, and I enjoy seeing people relive their special moments on our stage,” said Spiri, who also is founder of Penn Hills Music Alumni and a PHAME charter board member. “I am very dedicated to keeping the arts alive in Penn Hills, which is what we are doing with this show!” Penn Hills Music Alumni board members who also are involved in the plans for the Golden Anniversary show are Robert Kaminski, Mark Zajicek, Keith Peterson, Deb Weible, Susan Clydesdale and Esther Liston Winikoff. PHAME board members include Margie Krogh, Mary Beth Sallinger, Erin Remaley and Meryl Thomas.

For more information about the Golden Anniversary show, contact Barbara Spiri at bspiri@phsd.k12.pa.us. For more information about the reception at Churchill Valley Country Club, contact Meryl Thomas at ptaqueen@hotmail.com.

“I am a sentimental person, and I enjoy seeing people relive their special moments on our stage.” –Barbara Spiri

Penn Hills | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

Business Directory

Your Total Picture of Health: Why Mental Health Matters Do you or someone you know suffer from depression, anxiety or other types of mental health challenges? Quite often, we know friends or family who suffer from serious chronic health conditions such as COPD, heart disease or diabetes and who may be at risk for mental health issues such as anxiety or depression that can further complicate their health situation. Premier Medical Associates offers behavioral health as a specialty in our continuum of care to provided patients an additional level of professional support as part of their overall care coordination. “Challenges like chronic pain, anxiety and depression can have an enormous impact on the ability of an individual to get or stay healthy,” said Dr. Peter Hauber, M.D., a psychiatrist with Premier Medical Associates. Premier Medical Associates’ approach to care is patient-centered lead by a care team of professionals to ensure you receive the right care. Our primary care physicians work closely with behavioral health physicians to provide a complete understanding of your health history. Within Premier, doctors can electronically access complete health records. This advanced technology provides our specialists, like Dr. Hauber, vital information to better understand and address your health needs. You will receive better care that is coordinated and more efficient.

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If you feel at risk or have concerns about your own mental health, take an initial step by speaking with your primary care doctor. He or she can support you with mental health screenings and advise you on treatment options available through a behavioral health physician. Successful management of any chronic disease often calls for both mental and physical care. Good mental health plays a large role in coping with challenging symptoms and conditions. At Premier, behavioral health is just one more part of Building Better Care for our patients. Dr. Peter Hauber, MD is a psychiatrist with Premier Medical Associates, the largest multiphysician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

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Penn Hills DHPMA-018_2.indd 1

5/1/12 12:53 PM

Dr. James Costlow Premier Internal Medicine

We build better care. At Premier Medical Associates, Dr. Castlow and his staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care needs. Premier Internal Medicine focuses on caring for the patient in a proactive and preventative way that minimizes testing, emergency room visits and hospital stays. The results are healthier patients leading healthy lives. Our patients find real value in that. The care is efficient. The care is high quality. At Premier, we are Building Better Care.

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