Spring 2012
COMMUniTY MAgAZinE
Pine Richland Girls – A Team of Tough Competitors InsIde: Jeter Backyard Theater: Theater as a Team Sport
INSIDE
IN Pine-Richland is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Pine-Richland 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.
IN Pine-Richland | SPRING 2012 |
ON THE COVER
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Pine-Richland Girls Basketball. Photo by Kathy Rudolph. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Scott Spine & Rehab Distance…Where does it come from and how do I get more of it? ......................
Pasquinelli Insurance Agency
SNOW, WIND AND HAIL ...........................
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Chips Dental 16
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Vein Institute
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Bridget’s Book Club .............................................................. State Representative Mike Turzai .................................... Pine-Richland Boys Basketball .......................................... Pine-Richland Girls Basketball ........................................... Troop 50738 Hosts “Bee My Valentine Party” ........... Friends of Northern Tier Regional Library ..................... Miss Teen America ................................................................ Jeter Backyard Theater ........................................................ “The Wedding Singer” Comes to Pine-Richland ......... Resident Profile | Tim Marquette ........................................... St. Alphonsus Student Artwork........................................ St. Alphonsus Students Become Published Poets...... Remembering the Brave....................................................... Feeding Those in Need ......................................................... UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use........... Team Alex 5K .......................................................................... High School Program Moves Full STEAM Ahead ........ Appalachian Mission Has Local Angels .......................... The Benedictines are Coming!........................................... Special Needs Winter Family Fun Day ............................ Social Activities for Handicapped People ..................... Cub Scout Pack 85 ................................................................ Houses of Worship ................................................................. PRHS Students Earn Awards.............................................. Pine Community Center Celebrates................................. Pittsburgh Cut Flower Property May Bloom Again ....
Take Care of Your Oral Health, Just Like You Take Care of Your Car ...........
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You don’t have to live with painful varicose and spider veins............................
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Edward Jones What Does Investment Landscape Look Like in 2012? .....................................
Circulatory Centers
The Standard of Excellence in Vein Care ...
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The Goddard School Preventing Summer Learning Losses: Pre-K thru 2nd Grade..................................
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
Pressley Ridge Helping Your Autistic Child to Reach Full Potential at School ...............................
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Children’s Community Pediatrics CCP – Bellevue Pediatrics Associates has a new home in Richland Township........
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S TA F F PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard
Welcome to the Spring issue of Pine-Richland Magazine! Hopefully, you are all enjoying the lengthening days as we forge on to summer. While spring usually brings more rain to the region than we normally get throughout the rest of the year, I’m glad we’ve had a few days of nice weather to get outside and remember what the snow covered up. We’ve grown once again over the winter, and have shifted some staff around to accommodate that growth. I want to point this out because you, the readers, give us many of the great story ideas that you see featured in these pages, and I want you to have the right point of contact so that your story can be heard. Our managing editor Marybeth Jeffries is always looking for good news from the community! Please forward your ideas to Marybeth at m.jeffries@icmags.com, and she’ll make sure they find a place in the magazine. If you’re not sure whether you have a good story, give Marybeth a call at 724.942.0940 and ask! You should know also that we really appreciate your feedback (good and bad) to let us know where we missed the mark and where we hit it out of the park. Lastly, it’s not too soon to start thinking about the rest of the year! I know we just got through the holidays, and are thawing out, but since we’re quarterly, we’re already looking ahead to fall and beyond. So if you have events planned and would like to promote them, call or email Marybeth. If you have an event coming up earlier, let us know so we can send our photographers and document the occasion! Here’s hoping that the start to your year has been a good one!
Wayne Dollard Publisher Well, spring isn’t exactly busting out all over – just yet. But I do get the sense that the community is well on its way with the announcement of Pine-Richland’s spring musical in the news. I got to know the musical director, Pine-Richland graduate Tim Marquette (’98), this past year and have been so impressed with him. His passion for all things having to do with the theater and performance resonates so well with the kids that he is directing. If you have a chance, go and see “The Wedding Singer” (dates and times are listed on page 19). The talent of the district kids is amazing! I want to remind you to let me know when something is happening at school, church or other civic organization that we should be writing about! This is your community magazine. We are so pleased to post your photos and stories about the accomplishments of your favorite Eagle Scout, a special event happening at school or even photos from a recent outing you had in the community. You can always write to me at the magazine m.jeffries@icmags.com or call the office at 724.942.0940.
Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor
MANAGING EDITOR
Marybeth Jeffries m.jeffries@icmags.com REGIONAL EDITORS
Mark Berton [South and West] mark@incommunitymagazines.com Monica L. Haynes [East] m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com N O R T H Z O N E C O O R D I N AT O R
Pamela Palongue p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com S C H O O L & M U N I C I PA L C O N T E N T C O O R D I N AT O R
Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com A D P L A C E M E N T C O O R D I N AT O R
Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak WRITERS
Heather Holtschlage Leigh Lyons Dana Black McGrath Joann Naser Aimee Nicolia PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mark Fainstein Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
Pamela Palongue Kathleen Rudolph Gina Salinger Judith Schardt
Len Pancoast Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS
Derek Bayer Tom Poljak
ADVERTISING SALES
Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Karen Fadzen Julie Graff Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Connie McDaniel Brian McKee Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia
Tamara Myers
Robert Ojeda Ralph Palaski Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Sophia Williard
S P E C I A L E V E N T S TA F F
Jenny Poff
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012. CORRESPONDENCE
Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
Attn: Editorial 603 E. McMurray Rd. Ph: 724.942.0940 McMurray, PA 15317 Fax: 724.942.0968 www.incommunitymagazines.com Summer content deadline: 5/17 Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
Bridget’s Book Club
A Conversation With Dianne Illis of Northern Tier Library About
By Kathy Rudolph
Left to right: Karen Huber, Lynn Parker, Missy Bourdius, Abby Huber, and Diane Illis.
Photos by Gary Yon
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talk with other people who also like to read. I chose to do a club of “happy reads” because so many book club choices are really heavy reads. While there is nothing wrong with that, there are lots of other books out there. As I say in the book club publicity, “A book doesn’t have to make you cry to be a good read.” I think club members also like the chance to read books that they normally might not have known about.
hen the gray skies, stress of work and family life get you down, or when a break from everyday life is needed, an easy and economical solution is just steps away. Book clubs provide a haven filled with new ideas, new attitudes and new friendships. Bridget’s Book Club, started by Dianne Illis, Northern Tier librarian, meets at the library once a month and engages members in a discussion of a specific book. Illis recently answered some questions about the book club. When did you start Bridget’s Book Club and why the name Bridget? I named the book club after Bridget Jones’s Diary, the first “chick-lit” book I ever read. Since I started this club with the intention of reading only fun books, many of our selections would be considered “chick-lit.” How many book club members are there? There are about a dozen members of the club, although not all of them come each time. We usually have between five and nine at each meeting.
How are the books chosen? The books are recommended by members of the club. In January, people brought in their suggestions, we talked about them and made our selections for the year. What do you and the members enjoy about the book club? I enjoy the club because I love to read and love to
What are the benefits of the library hosting the book club? The library is the perfect place to have a book club! Librarians often do “reader’s advisory,” which is helping patrons find books that they might like based on what they have read in the past. This is just taking it one step further! As I am one of the people responsible for fiction and mystery collection development, this is my area of expertise – and I love it!
Is anyone welcome to join and what day and time do you host the book club? The club meets once a month, on the second Thursday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend! When I make up the fliers, I list three months at a time so people have a chance to get the books and read. Our selections for the next two months are Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie on April 12 and Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:
State Representative Mike Turzai House of Representatives:
First Elected: June 26, 2011, through a special election to replace Jane Orie who was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate Re-election: Representative Turzai won election to a full term in 2002, and has won re-election in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. Next Election: 2012 Position: Elected Majority House Leader for the 2011-2012 session
What This Means: As House Majority Leader, Representative Turzai speaks on behalf of his caucus on the House floor, leads discussions and debates on major issues, plans the voting calendar and promotes the legislative agenda of his caucus.
The Bio:
Where He Stands on the Issues:
Name: Mike Turzai Age: 52 Birthday: August 2 Party: Republican Hometown: Bradford Woods Family: Wife: Dr. Lidia Turzai Three sons: Andrew, Stephen and Matthew Education: University of Notre Dame, Bachelor of Arts, 1981 Duke University, Juris Doctor, 1987 *Before becoming a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Mike Turzai worked as an attorney for a private law firm, and was also an assistant district attorney for Allegheny County.
Occupation: State Representative for the 28th District of Pennsylvania representing communities in the North Hills of Allegheny County
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Government Spending: Representative Turzai prides himself on being recognized as a commonsense leader with professional integrity. He has pushed to control government spending so taxes can be reduced for hard-working families. He has been calling for a reduction in the Personal Income Tax and has fought for tax incentives for college savings. Integrity in Harrisburg: Representative Turzai voted against the legislative pay raise and never accepted any increase. He helped lead efforts to repeal the pay raise.
By Leigh Lyons
Privatizing Pennsylvania’s Liquor Stores: Representative Turzai has been a supporter of privatizing Pennsylvania’s liquor stores. This past summer, he advocated auctioning hundreds of wholesale and retail store licenses while revamping the tax structure to ensure the state continues to profit from sales. He believes that there is a conflict of interest by having the same agency that regulates the laws on liquor sales also profit from the sale of the same. He said, “Only two states have a complete monopoly on wholesale and retail of liquor: Pennsylvania and Utah.” Letting Doctors Apologize: Representative Turzai was a staunch supporter in getting a bill passed that allows doctors to apologize to patients without worrying if the statement will come up in court. Representative Turzai said, “Our job is to protect all Pennsylvania residents and employers. With today’s lawsuit-happy environment, employers are choosing to move out or head somewhere other than Pennsylvania.” Gaming Regulation: Representative Turzai’s mission has been “to restore integrity to the state’s gaming industry.” He pushed for the House to pass a pair of bills to do just that. The bills were to move the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement out of the control of the Gaming Control Board and into the Office of Attorney General, and to ban lawmakers from being named to the Gaming Control Board until they have been out of office at least a year.
Pine-Richland Boys Basketball Stars Shine Despite Difficult Season By Heather Holtschlag
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njuries played a key role on the Pine-Richland High School boys basketball team this year, which finished with an overall record of 6-16. Although the team did not reach the expectations of the preseason to be a contender for the section title, some of the individual players came up big. “Addison Dishart, senior, was accepted to the Naval Academy during the season,” said coach Brian Gaetano. “His parents came into practice and presented him with his acceptance packet. Not only was it a great moment for him and the team, it also provided us with some perspective.” According to Gaetano, the team had been feeling down due to the direction the season was taking, and Dishart getting into the Naval
Academy helped everyone on the team remember what is really important in life and what the real goals are for athletics and academics. “Another great moment for our team was when senior Andy Andrle scored the 1,000th point of his career in the final game,” Gaetano noted with pride. “According to our records, only four other players have done that, at least since the merger. Andy also scored a career-high 41 points in that game to end his career with 1,009 points. And although this goes in the records as an individual award for Andy, many players helped him along the way, and he would be the first person to tell anyone that.” In addition to these standout students, the team as a whole had some memorable moments, according to Gaetano; one of which occurred when the team was traveling by vans to the Christmas Tournament in Altoona.
Senior shooting guard Andy Andrle scored 41 points in his final high school game on Feb. 13, 2012 against Summit Academy ending his high school career with 1,009 points.
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“I was driving one van, and my assistant was driving the other,” Gaetano recalled. “About nine miles from the school, my assistant called to tell me his van died on the highway and he was on the side of the road. We had to drop off a group from one van and then go back to get the rest. Thankfully, nobody was hurt and we were able to get the van replaced for the ride home. But it was definitely unusual and a bit stressful.” Although the season at Pine-Richland High School did not go as planned, Gaetano attributes a large part of that to injuries.
“It was a unique year in that the full team never played one game together due to injuries,” he explained. “Three of our top seven players, including two starters, were out for every game this season. It is a shame because our players worked hard in the offseason to become better, but unfortunately, injuries are part of the game.” Despite the injuries, there were some players who stood out as letter winners and will be returning next year. These are juniors Collin Jackson, Tim Williams, Brock Baranowski, Patrick Sullivan, Sam Dunsmore, Shea Sullivan and Nate Roberts, and sophomore Dean Steliotes. “Although we lose our leading scorer in Andy, and key reserves Addy Dishart and Tyler Johnson, we return the rest of our starting lineup and most key reserves,” Gaetano noted. “I look forward to a very solid offseason of improving our team and individual players. We have good players, great kids, and very supportive players. Things are in place for us to be successful.”
Distance…
Where does it come from and how do I get more of it?
Golf season is upon us… time to dust off the clubs and get ready to hit the course. Even though I am a firm believer in the old saying, “You drive for show and you putt for doe,” there are few feelings as great as watching your ball soar down the fairway landing well ahead of the others in your foursome. You play it cool as though it’s no big deal while on the inside you bask in thought of how others will refer to you as the guy who “hits the ball a mile.” So, where does this distance come from? I think we can all agree that distance comes from 2 major factors; quality of contact and club head speed. Quality of contact is a matter of proper technique leading to swing consistency. These attributes are obtained through extensive practice and a good swing coach. Club head speed, on the other hand, relies on the efficient transfer of energy. What I am referring to here is not who can drink the most red bull before their round, but rather the efficient transfer of energy created in
your legs up through the pelvis, torso, arms, and hands into the club finally resulting in club head speed. This transfer of energy is called kinematic sequence and it allows us to use our strong, energy producing legs to create power in the swing. We have all seen the infamous “all-arms” swing which appears to generate power but inevitably results in weak distance. This is because the player is forced to rely on the much weaker arms to generate all of the energy in the swing. Achieving proper Kinematic sequence requires 3 major attributes: Flexibility, Motor Coordination, and Stability. First, flexibility is required to achieve adequate separation between segments of the body. For example, in a proper backswing a player must separate the torso from the pelvis to achieve the necessary shoulder turn. Second, motor coordination is required to fire isolated muscle groups independently, allowing the player to initiate movement of different segments of the body in a proper sequence. Following the example above, once the proper backswing is achieved, a player must be able to initiate a pelvic turn before he fires his torso through to achieve proper downswing mechanics. Finally, stability is required to transition the maximum amount of energy created from one segment to the next. Once again continuing from the example above, after a player has initiated his pelvic turn and reaches the end of that movement, he must be able to stabilize (stop) that movement in order to transfer the generated energy to the torso. Failure to stabilize properly results in “energy leaks” that reduce the amount of power transferred, causing a loss of club head speed. Becoming more flexible and stable with improved motor coordination can be a daunting task, especially when the golf swing requires improvement in very specific areas. This is where seeking the help of a Golf Fitness Professional comes in to play. Using a series of physical screens, limitations in these key areas as they relate to the golf swing can be fairly easily identified and a customized training program can be developed to eliminate them. From there, all it takes is a little hard work to see drastic improvements on the course. This type of training has become common practice amongst professional golfers and is easily adaptable to players of all skill levels. Make this golf season your best one yet.
Your Body. Your Swing. Take Control. Dr. Scott holds national certifications with the Titleist Performance Institute as a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and TPI Medical Professional. He enjoys helping golfers of all skill levels reach new heights in their game. For more information on the Golf Fitness Assessment and corresponding Fitness Training, please visit our website at www.ScottSpineandRehab.com and click on the Golf Fitness Tab.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Pine-Richland Girls Hoops Make WPIAL Playoffs By Heather Holtschlag
Photos by Kathy Rudolph
T
he Pine-Richland High School girls basketball team this year showed that they have what it takes to be tough contenders as they finished the season with an 8-4 record in the section and 14-8 overall.
opponents that show just how much effort the girls put forth on the court. In addition, this year’s regular season record was an improvement over last season’s record, which was 9-12.
“We had a great year, and the girls worked really hard,” said coach Molly Copple. “We made it into the Quad-A playoffs and averaged 50.5 points per game. And, other teams playing us averaged slightly less than that, at 43 points.”
“The favorite highlight of the season prior to playoffs was beating North Allegheny two times,” Copple said. “Since we have been competing against North Allegheny in girls basketball, we have never beaten them twice in one season.”
Six key senior players showcased their talent on the court this year, and will be missed next year. They are Emily Johanson, captain and leading scorer; Brittany Byerly, captain, floor leader, point guard and leader in assists and steals; Megan Evett, captain; Rachel Verbanac, leading rebounder and blocked shots leader; Kara Peters; and Hannah Todorowski. “Basketball is a long season, running from November through the playoffs in March. We emphasize the importance of utilizing every practice to make ourselves better,” Copple noted. “The majority of our time as a team is spent in practice, and therefore it is important to keep a positive atmosphere among the team. This group of girls has maintained a winning attitude and a high level of respect for the sport and their teammates.” Some of the teams that the Lady Rams defeated this year include Riverside, North Hills, Butler, Mars and North Allegheny – tough 8 724.942.0940 to advertise
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And despite the loss of several seniors, next year’s team looks to build on this season’s success. Several key players are
returning, including Maria Battaglia, junior forward; Marissa Hombosky, sophomore point guard; Kati Altman, junior guard; Caitlin McMaster, junior guard; Monica Ewansik, junior guard; and Erika Coke, junior forward. “Every year brings a new set of talent,” Copple said. “Our upcoming varsity squad is very dedicated year round. They are very positive and determined to play well. They have grown together as a team, and I am very hopeful that we will be very successful in the 2012-2013 season.”
Troop 50738 Hosts
“Bee My Valentine Party” Along With Northern Tier Library By Kathy Rudolph
A
snowy, cold day did not stop kids from celebrating love and doing some good for others at a fun Valentine’s Day Celebration at Northern Tier Regional Library. Hosted by Girl Scout Troop 50738 in partnership with the library, the party included Valentine’s Day stories, a play, a craft to take home and a special valentine for senior citizens at Rebecca Residence. “The girls had to do 20 hours of community service work for the Bronze Award and had to pick an organization that they wanted to help and thought it would be fun to do something with the local libraries,” said Merilee Smith, 50738 troop leader. Along with Northern Tier Library, the troop also partnered with Hampton Community Library. Besides successfully entertaining the kids by starring in a sweet play about inclusion and friendship, they helped the kids make butterfly crafts and valentines for the senior citizens. The troop then delivered the valentines, along with tissue paper flowers that they made, to the 60 residents at Rebecca Residence. “The girls were really excited about this and have put a lot of work into it,” said Ms. Smith. “We are so proud of them.” To learn more about upcoming programs at Northern Tier Library, visit the website at www.northerntierlibrary.org.
Photos by Kathy Rudolph
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Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Friends of Northern Tier Regional Library
Honors Volunteers for Their Dedication With a
F
rom stuffing envelopes and helping out at the front desk, to planning a children’s program or a cheese tasting fundraiser, 32 volunteers support the Northern Tier Regional Library’s needs so that it can “continue to provide resources that inspire, inform, educate and entertain the public” according to the library’s mission statement. A delicious luncheon hosted by the Friends of the Library honored these volunteers. Also included was a gift of a bookplate with each volunteer’s name placed in his/her favorite library book. “The Friends volunteers come in regularly and help out the staff enthusiastically,” said Diane Illis, Northern Tier Regional librarian. “Their commitment to the library is amazing!” Some of the programs that the Friends group supports are the Summer Reading Program for Kids, eBooks and Friends of the Library Bestsellers.
Friends of Northern Tier Regional Library
“We welcome people to join us,” said Edie Richards, president of Friends of the Library. “You can volunteer as much or as little as you want to and we meet every other month.” To learn more about Friends of Northern Tier Regional Library, visit the library’s website at www.northerntierlibrary. org or call the library at 724.449.2665.
Joan Musher and Elaine Cullinan, Volunteers
Diane Illis, Northern Tier Regional Librarian, by the Friends’ Best Sellers Display
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Special Luncheon By Kathy Rudolph
Janet Smith, Bob Blackmore, Loretta and Cliff Hastings, Volunteers
Volunteers
Photos by Kathy Rudolph
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Pine-Richland Student to Compete for
MISS TEEN AMERICA By Pamela Palongue
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obyn Kass-Gergi, a 15-year-old PineRichland student, will be representing Pennsylvania this April in Dickson, Tenn., at Miss Teen America, the junior pageant to Miss America. Kass-Gergi is excited and thrilled to be representing the state. “We will be attending a ‘Welcome Banquet’ the first night. There will also be a community service event we will be involved in and an evening of bowling at Thunder Alley Bowling Center where we will be signing autographs,” she says.
Kass-Gergi was chosen as Miss Teen America based on her academic achievements and an interview, as well as her poise demonstrated in evening gown and athletic-wear competitions. In her interview at the state level, she was asked about her feelings on “bullycide” (students committing suicide due to bullying in school). She shared strong personal feelings on the subject having lost two friends as a result of bullying. Kass-Gergi has been a victim of bullying herself, however she has proved resilient to the stress of hazing. “It’s important to talk to a knowledgeable adult about it. That makes all the difference,” she says. The Pine-Richland teen has been very successful in her pageant career so far. This is only the second pageant she has ever participated in; the first was the Pennsylvania Teen USA pageant in which she competed in December. Though she did not place among the top competitors, she is grateful for the experience. “It was a lot of fun and I’m glad I did it. I made a lot of friends from other areas that I still am in touch with now.”
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Though neither of the pageants she has competed in required talent, Kass-Gergi is well equipped for future competitions. She sings and dances and has appeared in several Pittsburgh Musical Theater professional and conservatory productions. Her list of performances include “Fame,” “Footloose,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “High School Musical” and the high-profile role of Bielke, Tevye’s youngest daughter in “Fiddler on the Roof.” She is also an accomplished dancer performing jazz, lyrical, and tap with pointe being her favorite genre. Kass-Gergi’s career aspirations lie in a different arena than performing. “I want to be a pediatric gastroenterologist,” she says with conviction. She credits Dr. Maria Clavell of Children’s Hospital with inspiring her career choice. KassGergi once spent 73 days in the hospital for an ailment which Clavell was able to diagnose within hours.
Kass-Gergi was chosen as Miss Teen America based on her academic achievements and an interview, as well as her poise demonstrated in evening gown and athletic-wear competitions. Kass-Gergi will be accompanied by her mother when she goes to the national pageant, along with a beautiful red-beaded mermaid style gown from her mother’s store, Pittsburgh Elegance. “It’s been so great to just be able to go pick out a gown for the pageant,” she says. “My mother has been very helpful. She’s very supportive.” We wish her luck in representing us in Tennessee!
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
JETER BACKYARD THEATER By Pamela Palongue
P
eople often wonder how the Jeter Backyard Theater for children got its quirky name. Well, it’s because they did actually start out rehearsing in the backyard. And also in the basement, the garage and just about anywhere else that was available. But the real beginnings of Jeter Backyard Theater began many years ago when the founder and director, Christie Jeter, was just four years old. After watching a performance by world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman on Sesame Street, four-year-old Christie went to her parents and asked to take violin lessons. Her supportive parents drove her to violin lessons in Wilkinsburg where she learned to play by the Suzuki method. Soon she was skillful enough to play with orchestras and even performed at her great-aunt and uncle’s dinner theater in Apollo, The Sherwood
“The Wizard of Oz” at the Kean Theater set design and decoration by Andrea Ronk 16 724.942.0940 to advertise
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Cormac Bohan as Louie in “Captain Louie” at Kean Theater - Jeter won Outstanding Production for this show at the 2011 Junior Theatre Festival and Cormac won Hardest Working Actor in 2012 for his role as the Witch in “Into The Woods”
Forest. Christie also began singing on stage as well, which led to her attending the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts and Duquesne University, where she earned her master’s degree in music education. Her life pretty much followed the usual course with marriage and children. But as her children grew, she wanted the same experience for them that she had enjoyed performing onstage as a child. She started Jeter Backyard Theater with 22 children from her neighborhood and a script she wrote herself, entitled “Cinderella.” “The community went crazy,” says Jeter. “We rented the Kean Theater in Gibsonia and sold tickets for $5 each.” The performance was well attended by all accounts and the popularity of the concept led to making the theater group a permanent organization and an annual performance at the Kean Theater. Jeter
Sadie and (a very tired) Christie Jeter with Mary Pope Osborne at JTF after The Magic Treehouse Premiere
Indians from “Peter Pan”- set design and decoration by Andrea Ronk
believes that the experience of performing onstage is important for building self-confidence for kids. “Some of these kids will go on to major in theater in college and some of them will grow up to be pharmacists and have a really great memory,” says Jeter. “The experience we offer kids is less intense and more joyful,” she explains. Despite the focus on fun and enjoyment, Jeter’s group has won accolades as performers. The group, which has now been in existence for nine years, began competing in the National Junior Theater competition three years ago, held in Atlanta. Their first year of participation they won the Spirit Award; the second year they walked away with the Outstanding Production Award; and the third year they won Best Music. They were also chosen to present a new production called “Dinosaurs After Dark,” a musical based on books by Mary Pope Osborne. The group was flown to New York to study with stage professionals. Jeter herself has also been honored with a Freddy G Directors Award for her outstanding work with the children. Perhaps one of the best things about Jeter Backyard Theater is its inclusiveness. Jeter states that the group has worked with children with hearing difficulties and also autistic children. She believes in giving all kids a chance to participate. “I feel like theater is a team sport; theater embraces everybody,” adds Jeter. “Every single kid has a gift. It’s my job as a teacher to find out what that gift is.” This year’s spring presentations will be “Winnie the Pooh” and the “Phantom Toll Booth, Jr.” Performances will be April 13 and 14 at the Kean Theater. Registrations for children interested in participating in summer stock will begin April 15. “We accept children from age five to as long as they want to come,” says Jeter, who has seen children return well into their teen years. For more information on upcoming performances or to register for summer stock, please visit the website at www.jeterbackyardtheater.com.
Cindy Ripley, Master Teacher from iTheatrics NYC, working with JBT Kids in preparation for our Magic Treehouse Presentation in Atlanta 2012 Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
The
g n i d d e W
r e g Sin s to
Come d n a l h c i R Pine By Pamela Palongue
Pine-Richland High School will present The Wedding Singer for its spring musical. It has been adapted from the movie of the same name and, according to musical director Tim Marquette, is “hysterically funny.” It will have parodies of some great ‘80s songs sprinkled throughout. Sophomore Abby Dionise will be playing the role of Julia, originated by Drew Barrymore in the movie, and Adam Sandler’s role of Robbie will be filled by Jeff Burgess, a senior. The part of Holly is played by senior Raychel Shipley. Both Burgess and Shipley have been nominated for Gene Kelly Awards in previous years for excellence in high school musicals. “The students just work so hard and are so committed to making this a great production...it’s really inspiring to see,” adds Marquette. This year’s production will be presented at the Pine-Richland Middle School due to construction at the high school. Sets are currently being built and costumes being made with the help of several parents. “The parents of
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Photos by Gary Yon
our kids are the best; they are so involved and have helped with all phases of the production,” says Marquette. The performances will be held Thursday, March 15, through Saturday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. and also Thursday, March 22, through Saturday, March 24, at 7 p.m. For more information including ticket prices, please visit the school website at www.pinerichland.org.
Showtimes: March 15–March 17
7:30 p.m.
March 22–March 24
7:00 p.m.
For more information visit www.pinerichland.org. Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
builder,” he says. “I love seeing the students transform through the years. They come in as freshmen and are quiet and shy and then to watch them become so amazing and talented is very rewarding.” Marquette recalls one young lady who was unable to be in the musical her freshman year due to a lack of training and confidence. She auditioned her sophomore year and was given a part. Each year she progressed and improved and was eventually nominated for a Gene Kelly award her senior year. Many of the students will go on to major in theater and drama, but even those who do not will take away a valuable experience that will help them to be more confident in whatever career field they choose.
: E IL F O R P T N E ID RES
TIM E T T E U Q R MA By Pamela Palongue
Teaching Confidence
O
ne can never tell where listening to Tchaikovsky will take you. But for Tim Marquette it has led to a life filled with music, world travel and a rewarding career as a teacher. When Marquette was a very small boy, he used to lie down on the carpet in his bedroom and listen to Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in B-Minor over and over, his grandfather’s favorite. This earliest exposure to the world of music, along with his mother’s expertise as a pianist, formed the foundation for a lifelong love of music and performance.
“I love seeing the students transform through the years. They come in as freshmen and are quiet and shy and then to watch them become so amazing and talented is very rewarding.” –Tim Marquette The 1998 Pine-Richland graduate has been blessed with a rich baritone voice and the gift of nimble fingers for playing the
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Photo by Gary Yon
piano. He has performed at the Operafestival di Roma in “The Magic Flute,” “The Merry Widow” and “The Marriage of Figaro.” Stateside he has been seen in performances in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Las Vegas. Closer to home, the talented young man has also made frequent appearances with Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Pittsburgh Musical Theater, having just closed “Spring Awakening” with the latter. He received his education at the University of Evansville, graduating summa cum laude in 2001 with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. He currently is a member of the faculty at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts where he is also the faculty accompanist. He has been involved with the spring musical production at Pine-Richland High School since 2002. This year he is the musical director for “The Wedding Singer,” a musical comedy based on the Adam Sandler movie. The world traveler has also lived in Rome and Japan where he taught English as a second language and drama. When he has a bit of spare time available in the summer, he volunteers with a school for refugee children in London. A testament to his love of opera and traveling, he has managed to pick up Spanish and Italian at a conversational level. One of the things that Marquette loves the most about his job of directing the high school musical is watching young talent develop and grow. “I think that performing on stage is an incredible confidence
Marquette loves sharing his talents with the world and his students, but he prefers to be working in a role behind the scenes now. “I love helping students to develop their characters based on personal experiences. I want to help them see that theater is not just about what happens on stage. There are costumes and lighting and so many other things…that it’s actually a team. It’s an incredible team-building experience.” Pine-Richland is lucky to have Marquette on its team.
St. Alphonsus Student Artwork
Scratchboard w/theme of nature Gregory Burnet, Grade 2
Broadway poster – West Side Story Isabel Brevik, Grade 8
Kandinsky – watercolor Allison Andrews, Grade 2
Broadway poster – Spiderman Katrina Zielonka, Grade 8
Marc Chagall/I and my Village – watercolor Katie Cornetti, Grade 3
Broadway playbill -- DreamGirls Katie Vinski, Grade 5
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
Seven St. Alphonsus Become
Students
Published Poets Seven St. Alphonsus students have been selected to have their poems included in the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans for their excellence.
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ADVERTISE HERE! Reach over 16,914 potential customers in the Pine-Richland area
Call 724.942.0940
sales@incommunitymagazines.com Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
Remembering
Brave
the By Pamela Palongue
M
arine Theodore (Sam) Holder drove directly into the line of Iraqi fire to reach a machine gun, in order to fire upon the enemy, allowing Marines to escape and giving medics the opportunity to retrieve the seriously wounded. His selfless act of courage saved many lives that Thursday afternoon in November. He was 27 years old. “I believe he [Sam] knew that he was going to die,” says Lt. Col. Steven Beck. “But he did it to save his fellow Marines.”
When Beck was still very young, his stepfather was extremely abusive toward him. An abusive relationship can sometimes harden the heart of the victim as a consequence of survival, but it can also inspire profound compassion for all creatures on the planet who are hurting. Beck was filled with compassion which immediately connected with the Marines’ families. “I finally figured it out that because of my relationship with my stepfather, it was necessary to be able to read his moods when he would come home from work,” explains Beck. By having a forewarning of his disposition, Beck was able to determine if it was to be a violent, chaotic evening or a peaceful evening. A fellow officer once told him, “You have the power of discernment.” This gift has proved indispensable in his mission to the families of fallen service members. “I truly believe God has put me in this role,” adds Beck. He notified 19 families that he became closely involved with and also scores of others, offering hugs, a steadying hand on the shoulder and tears of empathy. His maverick approach to fulfilling this role was instrumental in getting many of the official procedures changed, although this was only to be a part of the story.
Lt. Col. Beck had the unenviable job of notifying the families of fallen Marines that their loved ones had perished while in service to their country. The official title is Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, or CACO. While Beck was stationed in Colorado, his primary job was training Marine Reservists, some of whom served on U.S. soil and some who were called up for combat duty overseas. “We deployed five detachments to combat,” Beck adds quietly. It was while serving in Aurora, Lt. Col. Steven Beck, founder of Remembering Several months after a Marine would be buried, the Brave.org. Colo., as Site Commander of Marine Beck would receive the medals and commendations Air Control Squadron 23 that he was from the service man or woman who had been first called upon by the Marines Casualty Affairs headquarters to give killed. It was his responsibility to get the medals to the families. It seemed notification to a family of their fallen Marine. rather empty to hand the family a bag of medals in a plastic bag, so Beck “There was really nothing to prepare you for this job,” says Beck. The was certain he wanted to do more, but did not have a clear picture as to manual for the stoic procedure explained in detail how to notify the family how to proceed. with dignity, but not much warmth. It was purposely designed this way One day, Beck and eight other Marines decided to visit the home of to preserve the sanity of those delivering the message. Lack of emotional Betty Welke, mother of 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Welke who involvement and a minimal display of compassion would spare the CACO had been killed in battle the year before. It was Welke’s birthday and they from the gut-wrenching experience of being too closely involved with were afraid that she would be alone and depressed. They made the drive the grief process. It was then that Beck realized he was faced with the up to Rapid City, S.D., and found her as expected, at home and all alone. decision of either following the outlined procedure, or deviating from the While sitting across the table talking to Welke, Beck expressed his concern strict protocol and extending a bit of himself to the grieving family. Beck for wanting to do more to honor those killed in service to their country. It knew that he had to choose the latter, perhaps because of hurt he had was the mother of the slain Marine who suggested organizing a nonprofit experienced in his own life. that could take the extra step of telling the personal heroic stories of these
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Beck, now a PineRichland resident, has held a ceremony every year since 2005 for the families of the Marines. He brings all of the families together in a very formal black-tie, ballroom setting and presents the surviving family members with the medals which have been earned through the ultimate sacrifice of their loved ones. The citations, the stories of their last heroic act, are read aloud for each fallen Marine. Beck also goes the extra mile in bringing other Marines who served in the same unit with the deceased Marine to the ceremony. “The surprise was that it brought about healing for both parties,” says Beck. “It was important for the families to hear from Marines who were there when their son or daughter was killed, because they want to know what happened. But it’s also important for the Marines to be able to talk about the experience as well.” Beck is currently writing a book about his experiences of notifying families, entitled The Message and the Messenger. A book currently available on Amazon.com by Jim Sheeler called Final Salute is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning account of Beck’s experiences. Sheeler followed Beck for one year on his mission of casualty notifications. He was able to witness all phases of the grim process, except for the actual notification itself which was too intensely private to be witnessed by outsiders or spectators. Sometime in the next few months, Beck will hold another annual ceremony honoring the war-dead. He is currently looking for a suitable venue in Pittsburgh to host the event and the families of the Marines. In the past, veteran airline pilots have donated their miles to transporting the families to the ceremony. “We need people who are willing to give,” says Beck. Individuals interested in contributing funds for the event or those interested in hosting the event at their venue should visit the website at www. RememberingTheBrave.org. When Beck is asked if any of the fallen Marines’ stories stand out to him, he replies, “They all stand out to me. They are the sons and daughters of America who were prepared to give their life for this nation. They’re cut from the best cloth this country has to offer.” Lt. Col. Beck is a decorated Marine with 21 years of service. He is currently a professor of the history of warfare and associate professor of Naval Science at the Naval ROTC Unit of Carnegie Mellon University.
“No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13
SEMPER FIDELIS FIDELI
men and women. This was the foundation for “Remembering the Brave.”
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Those in Need By Pamela Palongue
T
o many, hunger is someone else’s problem; a difficulty that will happen to someone else’s family. But according to a 2004 study by Washington University of St. Louis, at least 42% of Americans will deal with food insecurity at some time during their lives. It is interesting to note that this study was done four years prior to the beginning of the recession.
Photos by Mark Fainstein
have enough food to eat, much less the financial resources to buy healthy, nutritious food. One common misconception is that people who are hungry are unemployed. Although this is sometimes the case, many individuals who work at full-time jobs do not have enough to eat. With employee benefits such as health care decreasing, many workers are faced with the
It is hard to overestimate the importance of food to quality of life and overall health. Medical experts now tell us that the major factors in determining disease are DNA, exercise and nutrition. A person may be able to stay alive by eating cereal every day, but how healthy is a consistent diet of nothing but cereal? Unfortunately, the poor are many times forced to buy what is cheap without regard for nutritional value. Indeed, many people are lucky to have enough money to buy food at all.
choice of paying for their health care insurance and prescriptions – or food. Workers have also accepted cutbacks in the number of hours worked or decreases in hourly wages in order to retain their jobs. This shortage in pay has to be made up in other areas and one way that individuals stretch their paycheck is by skipping meals to the detriment of their health. As people age, nutrition becomes even more important to sustaining life. For individuals with health problems such as diabetes or heart problems, good food is essential. To growing children, proper nutrition is vitally important for optimal learning in school and normal physical development. Unfortunately, many people in our area do not 26 724.942.0940 to advertise
Pine-Richland
According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, since August of 2008, area food banks have been serving an average of 2,500 new households every month! This dramatic increase correlates directly to the economic hard times of the past few years. The Pine-Richland community is served by Northway Food Pantry which is an outreach ministry of Northway Christian Community
Church. The pantry distributes food the second Thursday of every month, helping many individuals and families in the area to cope with food shortages. In many situations, economic hardship can be the result of unforeseeable circumstances. “Susan” and “Bob” held good jobs and were raising their two children, living in an attractive cottage home. Although they were young and healthy, Susan suddenly fell ill and had to be hospitalized for several weeks. Insurance took care of the hospital bills, however the loss of Susan’s income left the family without enough money to pay for groceries. A long rehab process had to be completed before Susan would be able to return to work. For the first two weeks after her discharge, Bob had to stay home with Susan to care for her since she was unable to walk, cook a meal or bathe. This further depleted the family income. During this difficult time, Bob and Susan were able to receive enough groceries from the local food pantry to help sustain their family. The provisions from the food pantry were a great relief for Bob, who knew that at least his family would have enough to eat. As Susan recovered, they were slowly able to catch up their bills and get their finances back on track. Luckily, their dependence on the food pantry was fairly short-lived. Many situations can cause a person or family to be in a position of need for food. Unexpected job loss and health problems like the family previously mentioned are just a couple of reasons that individuals may experience a food shortage. Many persons work in low-paying jobs with limited education and are unable to make ends meet even in stable times. Divorce often leaves mothers with small children in difficult financial situations, unable to provide for their families, especially if child support is non-existent. The death of a spouse or other wage-earner in the household can deal a sharp economic blow to any family. Individuals who live with very little disposable income may find themselves with food insecurity if expensive car repairs are needed in order to maintain transportation to work. The causes of food insecurity are as numerous as the people dealing with the problem of hunger.
If a family is fortunate enough to have enough to eat, there are important things that anyone can do to help those who are hungry. One of the most obvious ways is to donate money to your local food pantry. This enables the food bank to buy the nutritious foods that are needed, rather than having to cope with limited amounts of random food items. Although many businesses and corporations support the food banks, they could not survive without help from the general population at large. The support of individuals in the community is crucial. For some families, a donation of $25 or $50 may pose a hardship on their budget. But even with limited incomes, there are things that almost anyone can do to help. Some grocery stores offer shoppers the opportunity to make a contribution to the local food pantry at the check-out line. If every family who is able makes a donation of $1 each week when they shop for groceries, think of the money that could be generated to help feed the hungry! By donating a smaller amount more frequently, it is less painful than writing a check for $20 or more. A small donation of one dollar will most likely not be missed in the family budget, but will help make a big impact when combined with the dollars from other area households.
also valuable items because they offer a quick and easy way to get several daily nutrients in one, convenient source. Although many foods remain nutritious and palatable after they expire, some do not. Therefore donated food items should not be expired. Another practically painless way to donate food is to take advantage of store specials. When your local grocery runs a special where two items may be purchased and the third one is free or a ‘two for the price of one’ special, consider donating that extra can of carrots to the food pantry. If this is done weekly, the items will add up quickly and the surplus will help feed hungry families. Last of all, but in no way least, if individuals cannot afford even small sacrifices of money or groceries, time is another valuable commodity.
Although monetary donations allow the food pantry the ability
to buy food supplies to fill their particular needs, food donations are also helpful. Many times we buy things at the store with good intentions, but those items at the back of the cupboard are just not being eaten. Chances are if you take a quick inventory of your pantry, there are a few items that could be donated to your local food bank. In particular need are high fiber cereals, rice, pasta, canned beans such as kidney, black and navy which are an important source of protein. Peanut butter, canned tuna and salmon also supply much needed protein. Canned vegetables and fruits are always welcomed as well as fruit and vegetable juices, although they should be 100% juice, so be sure to check the ingredients label before donating. Chili, stews and soups are
Most food banks are operated largely by volunteers. There are many different jobs to do which allow a person to be matched with a task that fits his/her own unique personality. Groceries must be organized and stocked on the shelves and later packed into boxes for food pantry clients. Individuals are also needed to work directly with clients to determine eligibility and the distribution of food. Still other persons are needed for fundraising activities, food drive events and marketing duties. One of the best things about helping your local food pantry is that you are helping your neighbors. Oftentimes the hungry go unnoticed because hunger cannot be seen or felt by those around it. The person who is hungry could even be your neighbor, a co-worker or the waitress at your local coffee shop. If 42% of U.S. citizens will be visiting a food bank at some time in their lives, the hungry person may even be you or your family. Helping the food pantry to help others will build a stronger, healthier community for us all. For more information on the Northway Food Pantry, please contact them at 724.935.6800.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
SNOW, WIND AND HAIL
The three main reasons your homeowner’s rates have increased over the last 18 months are; snow, wind and hail. We were able to enjoy a few years of stable weather conditions in our area. Unfortunately, that weather came to an abrupt end with the development of three consecutive weather events starting with the snow in February 2010 and ending with the hail storm in May 2011. The insurance industry pricing was not prepared for these events and rates had to be adjusted to address the losses that occurred during that time period. Homeowner’s premiums were underpriced and the insurance industry was not able to withstand the weather related losses that occurred as a result of those incidents in 2010 & 2011. In order to recover those losses, insurance companies have increased their rates. If this has happened to you and your insurance rates have increased, we believe that we can help in the reduction of rates and possibly improve your current coverage.
The basic coverage on a homeowner’s policy not only includes your house and personal possessions but also provides coverage for your family’s personal liability. Items that are important but not included in a basic policy are identity theft, sewer and drain backup as well as earthquake coverage. These items are evaluated on an individual needs basis. You may also have a policy that does not cover full replacement value on your home. Many policies with full replacement only pay up to 125% of the house value on the property. An HO-5 policy with Erie puts no limits on the building reconstruction. It will provide coverage on the home as it stood before the loss. Also, many policies
do not provide full replacement on personal belongings. The Erie HO-5 policy provides up to 75% of the building value for your contents. There are also restricted limits on jewelry and furs on the standard policy. Each year you either purchase or renew your homeowner’s policy. Are you confident you are buying the right coverage? Are you confident you are getting value for your dollar? As an Erie Agent, we look forward to speaking with you about your individual needs as a property owner. Just a few minutes of your time should enable us to know if there are any items that need to be addressed on your policy. Please contact our agency for a free review of your policy.
There are different policies available in Pennsylvania with different types of coverage to fit the needs of the type of home being covered. The most common types of homeowner policies are HO-3 and HO-5. These policies are used to cover single family homes. An HO-6 policy is issued to individuals who own a condominium. This policy properly covers the exposure brought about by this type of housing (basically you are required by your condominium agreement to provide coverage for your belongings from the inside walls in; which includes fixtures as well as your personal belongings). There are also policies available to renters to protect their belongings as well as their personal liability. Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
CCP – Bellevue Pediatrics Associates has a new home in Richland Township On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, CCP- Bellevue Pediatrics Associates made the long, awaited move to their new home on Route 8. While their new office is located only three miles north on Route 8, patients will be pleased to hear the move was well worth the wait. The newly renovated, stand-alone building is located at 6080 William Flynn Highway in front of the Tractor Supply Company and easily accessible from Routes 228 and 910. The new space includes 12 exam rooms – three more than their old location – filled with state-of-art equipment, two additional physicians regularly on site, and free parking. The patient waiting room is painted a cheery yellow with a lofty ceiling and is equipped with two skylights which fill the space with natural light making it bright and inviting. A large playhouse keeps children entertained while waiting for their appointment. “We value the trust our families place in us, and do our best to deliver quality care in a family-centered environment,” said Kelly Rush Heidenreich, MD, Bellevue’s Lead Physician. “We are happy to bring that trusted quality of care to an
area convenient to Richland, Northern Tier and the surrounding areas.” Founded in 1981, Bellevue Pediatrics Associates’ team of eight, board-certified pediatricians, two nurse practitioners, and a physician assistant have been dedicated to serving the needs of children and adolescents for over 30 years. With three convenient offices located north of Pittsburgh, they serve over 28,000 patients annually. In early 2011, the group merged with Children’s Community Pediatrics, the largest pediatric and adolescent primary care medical network in Pennsylvania, and the only group affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. The move is not the only change in store for CCP – Bellevue Pediatric Associates. Soon the practice will offer behavioral health and weight management services right in their office. The practice is already offering some specialty services, for example, Baby Basics. This free class for expectant parents covers the fundamentals in caring for a new baby. A certified pediatrician teaches each class, discussing routine baby care, breast and formula feeding, signs of a sick baby, and other important topics. “We are so happy to be able to offer a new space and services to our patients,” said Dr. Heidenreich. “We want our patient families to know they do not have to embark on the journey of parenthood alone. Our physicians and staff will be here for them every step of the way.”
During construction, the front porch of the building was enclosed to hold three additional exam rooms.
The new Richland office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., every other Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 1 pm, and most Thursday evenings. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 724-444-5437. 38 724.942.0940 to advertise
Pine-Richland
Team Alex 5K Helps Children with Spinal Cord Injuries By Dana Black McGrath
For Pine-Richland senior Brian McWilliams, his middle school teacher, Eric Brown, was an inspiration. “Mr. Brown had been so much more than a teacher to me,” McWilliams says of Brown, who was his eighth grade social studies teacher and track and cross country coach at Pine-Richland Middle School. “I respect him so much.” When McWilliams heard that Brown’s young son, Alex, was diagnosed with a mass on his spine in October 2009 at just four years old, McWilliams knew he had to do something. He had heard the news in January 2010, and decided to organize a fundraising event to help the family with medical expenses. “I thought a race would be a great way to give back,” he explains. But he soon realized that his good intentions were a little more complicated that what he could have imagined.
“I went to every storefront I could find to seek out donations and sponsorships,” says McWilliams.
I didn’t have to,” he explains.
Those efforts paid off. The first Team Alex 5K was held in April 2010 with 800 runners participating. An impressive $30,000 was raised from entry fees and corporate sponsorships. Last year, the second annual Team Alex 5K raised $20,000. After the inaugural race, McWilliams was inspired to keep the momentum going.
McWilliams went to North Park to see about reserving the Boathouse for his event, only to find out that he would need a $1 million insurance policy to rent the facility. “I was only 15 years old at the time,” McWilliams laughs. But the young man was resourceful. He approached a local running store owner who was able to help guide him.
“I saw how we were able to help this family, and I thought we could possibly help others.” The experience, combined with his interest in pursuing a career in medicine, led McWilliams to volunteer at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “I saw families going through so much that
Now the annual race event serves at the primary fundraiser of the Team Alex Fund, a nonprofit organization formed by McWilliams that helps children suffering from spinal cord illness or injury by providing funds to purchase therapy or mobility equipment not covered by insurance. Since its inception, the organization has been able to raise more than $50,000 through corporate sponsorships and registration fees of more than 1,300 participants over the past two years. More than $40,000 in grants have been awarded to children with spinal cord illness or injury. McWilliams says he expects this year’s race to be even larger than the previous two races. “I think this year will be our biggest yet. I’m very excited.” This year, the third annual Team Alex 5K/5 Mile Run/ Walk will be held Saturday, April 28, at the North Park Boathouse. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m. Cost is $18 if registered before April 14, or $25 if registered after April 14 or on the day of the event. Event T-shirts are guaranteed to those who register by April 7. The night before the race, on Friday, April 27, the Pine-Richland National Honor Society will host a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Ferdinand Church in Cranberry. For more information about the Team Alex Fund or to register for the Team Alex 5K, visit the website at www.teamalexfund.org.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
Exterior
Courtyard
High School Program Moves Full
T
he new science, technology, engineering, arts and math program (STEAM) at Pine-Richland High School is moving full steam ahead. Part of the school district’s ongoing renovation and expansion project, the STEAM addition space at the high school will make way for a better design for collaboration, explains Rachel Hathhorn, director of communications for the school district, and will allow teachers to work in a more interdisciplinary style. Now the community has been invited to help with the initiative. A STEAM advisory committee has been formed to help support learning and promote partnership among the schools, families, community members and local businesses. So far, the response has been tremendous. More than 70 area professionals have offered their help. “We have had overwhelming response,” says Dr. David Foley, assistant superintendent. Those serving on the committee will help to guide the program. “We wanted to make contact so our students can get into the community and job shadow or do internships so they can learn about the careers they are interested in before they get to college,” Foley explains. The committee met for the first time on February 7 and is expected to meet monthly. Those serving on the committee will discuss how the district can encourage student participation and interest in the program; connect professionals in STEAM-related careers with district curriculum;
build connections with local industries and maintain a relationship with the Carnegie Science Center; and develop a plan to address goals in relation to STEAM curriculum, instruction and assessment strategies. The goal is to integrate “real-world” activities with real-world applications. Foley explains that the program and committee will be looking for ways to get students to learn at actual job sites, which has benefits for both the school and the business community. “We can support local businesses and support education to further students’ career goals, which is an opportunity traditional classrooms don’t provide,” says Foley. The new addition at Pine-Richland High School that will house the STEAM Center broke ground in November 2010. A total of 106,388 square feet of space, the two-story STEAM Center features labs and classrooms on both floors that are surrounded by glass. The design makes what is going on inside those spaces visible to students, and the hope is that increased visibility will encourage students and spark their interest. STEAM classrooms include art, biology, business, chemistry, computers, computer-aided drafting, engineering, manufacturing, math, robotics, systems and technology. The center will serve as the hub of planning and collaboration across the disciplines, explains Hathhorn. Work on the STEAM Center is expected to be complete by late February/ early March. Renovations in other parts of the high school are expected to be complete by fall 2012. That is when the district expects the interdisciplinary approach to curriculum will happen “in earnest.” Located on the first floor of the STEAM addition are technology education classrooms, which include drafting, design, manufacturing,
Part of the school district’s ongoing renovation and expansion project, the STEAM addition space at the high school will make way for a better design for collaboration.
Dr. Mary Bucci, PRSD Superintendent, tours the PRHS STEAM addition. She is standing outside one of the Technical Education Classrooms. 40 724.942.0940 to advertise
Pine-Richland
production and robotics. A computer-aided drafting lab will be situated adjacent to it. Additionally, there will be math and science classrooms and labs as well as a courtyard. On the second floor, art will be positioned above the technology education classrooms. Those classrooms will be surrounded by glass, so students can
Entrance
STEAM Ahead By Dana Black McGrath
see what others are creating and hopefully be inspired and encouraged. A graphic design computer lab will be attached to the art area. Math and science classrooms will be located on the second floor as well as the first. Because all of the math classrooms and most of the science classrooms will be located in the STEAM Center, every student will be taking a class at some point in the new addition. To support the STEAM concept, the district has recently adopted the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a national program that provides a curriculum focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for middle schools and high schools. According to the PLTW website, the program’s curriculum “is aligned with relevant national standards and is collaboratively developed and updated by subject matter experts – including teachers, university educators, engineering and biomedical professionals, and school administrators. PLTW’s programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving. The hands-on learning engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they may not otherwise pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to postsecondary training and career success in STEM-related fields.” The PLTW curriculum was created by a group of math, science, technology and engineering experts, explains Dr. Mary Bucci, district superintendent. Pine-Richland is one of more than 4,200 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offering the PLTW curriculum. PLTW has trained more than 10,500 teachers to instruct the STEM education curriculum. Teacher training for Pine-Richland educators will be conducted through a partnership with Penn State University’s Berks Campus. “The premise is to provide hands-on learning for students based on hands-on application,” explains Bucci. The district will be focusing on PLTW’s Pathway to Engineering track. Eventually, the district will expand the concept and implement STEAM in the lower grades as well, developing a K-12 curriculum. The Carnegie Science Center will work with the district on that effort. With work on the STEAM addition nearly complete, renovations will continue throughout the rest of the high school building. The existing art and music areas located behind the school stage also are being renovated. With the art department moving to the STEAM Center, the former space will allow for an expansion of the music department. The old science rooms and labs are being re-invented as the Global Studies Center, which will house classrooms for world languages and social studies.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
Take Care of Your Oral Health, Just Like You Take Care of Your Car It may be hard to believe, but some people take better care of their car than they do their teeth and oral health. If you think about car care, there are some routine things you do to keep your car running. You wash and wax your car to keep it from getting rust, especially in winter with the salt on our roads. If you do not do this regularly, your car will rust. If your car does get rust, it must be removed quickly or it will spread and you will get holes in your cars body. Your teeth need the same kind of care. They need to be brushed and flossed daily or they will be prone to decay, and your gums prone to gum disease. Decay is like the rust on your car. If it is caught early, it is easy to fix by removing the decay and placing a tooth colored filling so that no one would be able to tell it was there. Decay is the result of food debris and sugar being left on the teeth. Bacteria break down the sugars and produce acid, which when left in contact with the tooth surface, decalcify the enamel or root surface resulting in decay. If decay is neglected, it will spread like rust and make a bigger hole in your tooth. If left long enough it will get near the center of your tooth where the pulp is, resulting in hot and cold sensitivity and a toothache. Everyone is required to get an inspection of their car for the safety of all who drive our state’s highways. This is done on an annual basis. Worn tires, worn brakes, holes in the body from rust, and burned out light bulbs are some of the things an annual inspection may find. Just like your car, your teeth and oral tissues need an inspection. The American Nikita-after Dental Association recommends twice a year inspections and professional cleaning. The dental professional will check your gums for signs of periodontal disease and gingivitis. They will also give you a professional cleaning that will remove food debris that has hardened on the tooth surface called tartar or calculus. This calculus is what irritates the gums causing gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated ( ie. you have not seen the dentist for a professional cleaning) it will progress to periodontal disease. When this happens you will lose the bone supporting your teeth and they will become loose and eventually will be lost. Regular maintenance is needed, just like your car. Nikita-before
Every three to five thousand miles you regularly take you car in for an oil change. We all know that if we do not do this, we could have serious engine trouble. Preventive maintenance is needed for your car to function properly and not have you stranded on the side of the road. The same is needed for your teeth and oral tissues. 42 724.942.0940 to advertise
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You would not think of driving your car without checking the oil until your oil light comes on. We all know that it is too late when this happens. There is probably engine damage when this warning light comes on. Your teeth also have a warning telling you that something is wrong, hot and cold sensitivity and toothache. If you ignore this warning the toothache will get worse until it is unbearable. Chances are if you have regular dental checkups, you will never experience a toothache from advanced dental decay. The decay would have been taken care of when it was just starting. Early diagnosis is important to prevent advanced tooth decay and the resulting toothaches. So, take care of your oral health just like you take care of your car. See your dental professional team regularly for an examination and cleaning. They will remove the calculus that you cannot remove without dental instruments. They will check your oral tissues and screen you for oral cancer. They will evaluate your gums to check for gingivitis and periodontal disease and they will take x-rays to see if there is decay starting between your teeth where an oral exam cannot see. These same x-rays will check your bone supporting your teeth to see if there is bone loss due to periodontal disease. Don’t wait until the oil light comes on. Call today for an appointment!
Dr. Chips
We work with most insurances.
This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Timothy J. Chips. Dr. Chips is a DMD from Temple University, and his dad (John D. Chips DDS) is a graduate of University of Illinois in Chicago. The doctors Chips are members of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Dr. Tim enjoys fly fishing and a good cup of coffee. Dr. John is an avid golfer and voracious reader. Both doctors are long standing members of the community who enjoy giving back to the area where they live and work. We moved to a new location: 100 McKnight Park Dr, Suite 106 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412.364.7144
5615 William Flynn Hwy. Gibsonia PA 15044 724.443.5710
Appalachian Mission Has
Local Angels F
By Pamela Palongue
or the past 12 years the parishioners of St. Alphonsus Church have collected over $51,000 in toys, clothing, housewares and contributions for the St. Vincent Mission in David, Ky., which helps rural Kentucky residents in the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian mountain region is filled with breathtaking beauty, but in stark contrast to the natural vistas, the residents live in extreme poverty as the poorest of the poor in the U.S. In 1999 the late Joan Muchow was talking with a Pittsburgh friend about the mission in Kentucky which prompted the friend to call her pastor, Father Peter Murphy of St. Alphonsus. This one small act of compassion has led to an annual parish-wide project to help people in a faraway place that they have never met. Parishioner Barbara Griffith directs the
School students added an amazing $409 to the contributions by donating $1 each to wear nonuniform clothes to school on December 9.
ministry each year along with volunteers who help to prepare tags listing items needed by the Kentucky residents who then receive the items as Christmas gifts from parish members. “It is such a fantastic program because it involves the entire school and parish community,” says Griffith. The St. Alphonsus Elementary
Contributions for the food pantry, the mission’s Christmas store and emergency assistance fund were also collected. All of the treasured items were then packed in boxes donated by South Hills Movers and delivered to the mission six hours away in a truck provided by Shults Ford. Sister Kathleen Weigand, OSB of the St. Vincent Mission, was extremely grateful for the contributions, stating, “Your generous donations helped make it possible to provide gifts and Christmas dinner to many who otherwise would have had little or nothing with which to celebrate Christ’s birth.”
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
The Benedictines are Coming! By Pamela Palongue
A
fter approximately 84 years of ministering to the community from their monastery on Perrysville Ave. in Ross Township, the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh are building a new home in the Pine-Richland community at 3526 Bakerstown Road. Staying in Allegheny County was of paramount importance for the sisters who originally came to the area in 1870, establishing their order in Allegheny City. Though it will be sad for the sisters to leave the beautiful building and sprawling grounds of their current location they are looking forward to their new home. Sister Evelyn Dettling first came to the monastery at 13 years of age and attended the academy which was a part of the campus from 1931 through 1985. Sister Evelyn entered the Order of St. Benedict as a novice while still a junior in high school. Despite her long association with the physical location of the monastery, she recognizes that the heart of the monastery is not the building, but the
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people that dwell within its walls and the ministries that reach out to the community. “I’m so excited to be going to Pine-Richland,” says Sister Evelyn, “we are all looking forward to meeting new people and continuing our ministries there.”
The new building will be as green as possible and will have power generated by geo-thermal energy. Caring for the environment is a very important tenet of the Rule of St. Benedict. “We try to live simply and recycle as much as possible. We use our cars for as long as possible,” explains Sister Evelyn. The new monastery is still currently in the design phase, but will be equipped with modern technology. The sisters are hoping that groundbreaking will take place in late April or early May for the building process which will take approximately one year. Although the design is not completely finished, it will have housing for the sisters, a dining room and a chapel which is the heart of monastic life. Much of the Benedictine’s focus revolves around praying, meditating and living as a community, as well as serving others in need. “We are involved in many collaborative ministries,” says Sister Evelyn. “We don’t own
hospitals or schools, but we have sisters who teach at [area schools] and who work as social workers at area hospitals.” Two of the sisters live in Greene County with one working with a prison ministry and one working as a coordinator with the Salvation Army. Another sister oversees the ‘Angels in Overalls’ ministry which helps repair the houses of those who cannot afford to do so themselves. The importance of their ministries is a large part of the reason the sisters are relocating. Their commitment to service requires that the majority of their resources be spent on helping others. With the large, cumbersome facilities on Perrysville Avenue, a significant amount of funding was needed to maintain the buildings. Their new monastery will be one-third of its size, making it much easier and less expensive to maintain. The ministries which were formerly housed in their building have all been able to relocate to areas which are even more ideally suited to their purpose. Mercy Behavioral Health has settled into a new location on McKnight Road and Hearth is now on Thompson Run Blvd. “It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for them,” adds Sister Evelyn. Sister Benita DeMatteis, Prioress also felt the purchase of land for the new monastery was inspired. “The moment we stepped foot on the property, we knew it was a sacred space and our hearts told us that this is where God is sending us.” For more information on the Benedictine Sisters and their ministries, please visit the website at www.osbpgh.org.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45
The Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh (RANP)
Hosts Special Needs Winter Family Fun Day at Ross
The Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh
Richard G. Opiela, Ross Township Magisterial District Judge and volunteer
S
ometimes it is difficult to find activities for kids with special needs and their families who need a venue to have fun, make friends and be accepted. The Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh (RANP) filled this void by hosting the Special Needs Winter Family Fun Day at Ross Township Community Center. RANP is comprised of Franklin Park Borough and Marshall, Ohio, Richland and Ross townships. By joining together they provide communities with a wide variety of affordable activities such as the Special Needs Winter Family Fun Day. The event included food, games and crafts that were thoughtfully planned and “special needs friendly.” Volunteer “buddies” were present to help shoot hoops, ride the surf board inflatable, paint a craft or go fishing in a kiddy pool. “We do two of these events a year: one in the winter here and one in the summer at Blueberry Hill Park at the football stadium in Franklin Park,” said Heather Jerry, Marshall Township parks and recreation director. “We work throughout the year to plan and get sponsors. Recreation is something that everyone can enjoy and we want to make sure that everyone is included.” The idea for the Special Needs Family Fun Day came from Jim Watenpool, Franklin Park director of parks & recreation. “I love seeing people out and enjoying themselves and having their families and aides being able to come and participate along with them,” said Mr. Watenpool. “It gives you a great feeling.”
Melanie and Debbie Drodge Baumiller, Ms. Pennsylvania 2012
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To learn more about the Special Needs Family Fun Day at Blueberry Hill Park, visit www.franklinparkborough.us.
Township Community Center
By Kathy Rudolph
Dena, Joseph and Joe Zeller
Dimitri Jameson, Volunteer
Photos by Kathy Rudolph Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
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FINANCIAL FOCUS
What Does Investment Landscape
A
Look Like in 2012?
s an investor, you know that 2011 was a somewhat “choppy” year, with the financial markets going through many ups and downs. So what can you expect in 2012? As baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra is quoted as saying: “It’s hard to make predictions — especially about the future.” And these words are certainly applicable for anyone who would like an accurate forecast of the investment climate. Yet we do know of some factors that may affect your portfolio in the months ahead. Here are a few of them: 4 Strong business fundamentals — This past year, all the noise about the debt ceiling debate, the size of the U.S. deficit and the European financial situation tended to drown out some fairly good news: U.S. businesses’ balance sheets were strong for the most part, borrowing costs remained low, and corporate profits were good — and corporate profitability remains a key driver of stock prices. Heading into 2012, these fundamentals continue to look positive, which may bode well for investors.
4 Europe’s debt crisis — Greece’s economic problems made a lot of news in 2011, but they weren’t the end of the story in Europe, as major financial difficulties also face Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland. It’s by no means clear how these problems will be resolved, so don’t be surprised to see them lead to intermittent, if short-lived, shocks to the markets. 4 Election-year patterns — As you’re well aware, we’re voting for president in 2012. But you might be surprised to learn that the S&P 500 index has shown negative returns in only three of the last 21 presidential election years. Coincidence? No one can say for sure — and at this point, no one can say if this pattern of positive returns will continue during this election year. Still, it’s an interesting phenomenon. So there you have it: the good, the bad and the quirky. Take them all together, and you still may not be able to foresee what will happen with the markets this year, but you’ll have a lot to think about. But instead of trying to predict what will happen in 2012, you may be better off following these tried-and-true investment strategies:
4 Diversify your holdings. By spreading your money among a wide range of investments, you can reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss. 4 Don’t ignore your risk tolerance. If you worry excessively about market fluctuations, you may have too much risk in your portfolio, which means you may need to make some changes. 4 Always look at the “big picture.” Financial markets will always fluctuate. But if you can keep your focus on your long-term objectives, and make decisions accordingly, you can avoid overreacting to shortterm events. Like other years, 2012 will bring with it periods of both turbulence and smooth sailing. But by making the right investment moves, you can still chart a course that can allow you to move ever closer to your future goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Matt Dudkowski | Financial Advisor | Edward Jones | 412.487.3300 | matt.dudkowski@edwardjones.com 1007 Mt. Royal Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15223 | www.edwardjones.com Matt Dudkowski has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones since 2002, serving individual investors in the Pittsburgh area from his Shaler Township office. Since joining Edward Jones, Dudkowski has obtained the professional designation of Accredited Asset Management Specialist or AAMS. Prior to Edward Jones, Dudkowski, a CPA, worked for the H.J. Heinz Company, and as a senior consultant and auditor for Ernst & Young LLP. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Community Health Challenge, a local nonprofit. Dudkowski, a native of Butler County, graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He resides in Gibsonia with his wife and two sons. Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 49
Reach over 16,914 potential customers in Pine Richland
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Circulatory Centers have been the area’s leading experts in vein treatment for over 30 years, largely based on one reason their attention to patient care and focus on vein treatment. As world-class providers in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, our physicians have cultivated a reputation as the leaders in varicose vein care. Venous insufficiency, which is the underlying vascular condition that leads to the formation of varicose veins, is a significant health problem in this country. It is estimated that as many as one in five Americans has some degree of venous insufficiency, ranging from small surface veins to large varicosities that cause significant daily leg pain, swelling, skin breakdown, and ultimately, various degrees of disability. Symptoms can range from chronic aching or tiredness in the legs to muscle cramps, restlessness, and an inability to stand for extended periods of time, often interfering with patients’ jobs. While much of the underlying disease process is hereditary, it is often triggered or worsened with pregnancies, long periods of standing, leg injuries, and hormonal factors. Circulatory Centers are proud to offer the most modern, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for our patients. Patients are also pleasantly surprised to discover that treatment is often covered by insurance. We utilize topof-the-line diagnostic equipment, including high resolution Doppler imaging, which allows us to examine the vein anatomy and determine if a patient has malfunctioning valves within the legs. Accurate and early
detection of these insufficiencies allows us to diagnosis our patients with a high level of precision. Many patients require a more extensive procedure to correct these valve problems (venous insufficiency). We offer these patients a much less invasive option than they would have had even just a few years ago. Outpatient surgery such as a High Flush Ligation, more commonly known as the old fashioned “vein stripping,” is virtually a thing of the past. The vast majority of our patients can have this medical condition corrected with an in office laser procedure known as EVLA (Endo Venus Laser Ablation). EVLA has an incredibly high rate of success and our physicians have become respected within the field of Phlebology as leaders in performing this procedure in our offices*. Highly recognized for our patient care, Circulatory Centers has attained the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories, (ICAVL) highest recognition for its commitment to providing a high level of patient care and quality testing for the diagnosis of vascular disease. Circulatory Centers is one of a select number of private, vascular practices in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to meet or exceed the ICAVL standards for noninvasive vascular testing. During the accreditation process, every aspect of daily operations and its impact on the quality of health care provided to patients is assessed and reviewed. Participation in and completion of the accreditation process demonstrates Circulatory Center’s attention to a high level of patient care and quality testing.
Some of the most frequently asked questions we get about treatment are with regards to scarring, anesthesia, insurance coverage and recovery time. To thoroughly cover these concerns we offer our free vein consultation. This gives you personal one-on-one attention with a vascular expert to become comfortable with our treatment process and how easy it is to regain your healthy legs. In addition to the eight Pennsylvania locations, we also offer 11 other offices throughout Ohio and now West Virginia. Our free vein consultation makes diagnosis and treatment convenient. Schedule a free Vein Consultation at 1.800.VARICOSE or visit us at www.circcenters.com. The Circulatory Centers Difference: • Free Initial Vein Consultation • An ICAVL Accredited Vascular Laboratory • State-of-the-art Venous Ultrasound Diagnosis • Exclusively Tailored Plan of Treatment • Often Covered by Insurance • A Dedicated Team of Venous Specialists • Your Own Patient Account Representative • Quick, Virtually Painless Treatments • Lasting Results! 1.800.VARICOSE • www.circcenters.com info@circcenters.com
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 51
Founded in 1970 and located in Wexford, Together for Retarded Youth, or TRY – a special needs organization – provides social and recreational activities for mentally and physically handicapped people throughout the area. It currently serves more than 300 members, age 13 and older. “The primary tenet of the organization is that member participation is always free,” said Patti Sinetar, co-president of TRY. “Fundraising within the community is the primary revenue stream, and donations are always accepted.”
LOCAL ORGANIZATION OFFERS
Social Activities to
Handicapped People By Heather Holtschlag
“Despite escalating costs and an increasing number of participants, TRY is committed to continuing programs for individuals with handicaps” –Patti Sinetar, co-president of TRY
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TRY’s mission is to provide therapeutic recreational programs to mentally and/or physically handicapped youth and adults. TRY also serves as an important network to the families of these individuals, primarily the parents, who receive information, referrals and emotional support. This volunteer-driven organization, which is governed by a board of directors, provides a wide range of activities throughout the year, specifically a dance and fun night that is scheduled on the first and second Friday evenings, respectively. Other activities include an Athletics Day, an annual dinner and dance, a Bowl-a-Thon, baseball tournament, bingo, family picnics and Monte Carlo Night. Members also can choose to participate in area car washes. “Anyone who is at least age 13 can come to any activity without having to preregister,” Sinetar said. “They would need to complete a brief form at the site of the activity, but it’s that easy to get involved.”
Perhaps one of the biggest activities the organization hosts is the annual Day Camp, a one-week summer camp that takes place at the Family Retreat Center on Freeport Road in Cranberry Township. This event features daily entertainment, such as a petting zoo, magicians, birds from the National Aviary and the One-Man Band, as well as regular activities that include fishing, crafts, swimming, music, circle time and field games. According to Sinetar, TRY operates all year long and offers a holistic approach to recreation and socialization and plans activities that correspond with the different levels of member participation ability. In doing so, members are able to participate to their fullest and not only achieve success, but engage in what is a meaningful activity. “TRY is unique in that it is a 100-percent volunteer organization that provides activities at no cost to its members,” Sinetar explained. “Volunteers are always welcome, especially for Day Camp, when we try to enable a one-onone opportunity between members and volunteers.” For the Day Camp event especially, volunteers are asked to sign up in advance for planning and ordering purposes. If you would like to volunteer, you can complete a form that will be available on the organization’s website at www.togetherforretardedyouth.org. If you have questions about volunteer opportunities, call Sinetar at 724.934.0551 or Debbie Allerton at 724.335.0156. “Despite escalating costs and an increasing number of participants, TRY is committed to continuing programs for individuals with handicaps,” Sinetar noted. For more information about TRY or to make a donation, visit the organization’s website or call 724.935.4910.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 53
Cub Scout Pack 85
Young, but Making a Difference By Pamela Palongue
C
ub Scout Pack 85 was chartered in 1958. Many boys who were once a part of the pack are now fathers and grandfathers themselves. Though the Cub Scout group has been a part of the community for several decades, its purpose has not changed: to help boys grow up to be men of integrity and excellence. One important way scouting helps young boys to “be their best” is by teaching them concern for others and community service.
Though the Cub Scout group has been a part of the community for several decades, its purpose has not changed: to help boys grow up to be men of integrity and excellence. Pack 85, which is made up of first through fifth grade boys, participates in several events throughout the year. “Scouting for Food” is an annual event that the Boy Scouts participate in to help provide food for members of our community who are less fortunate. In April, the Cub Scouts will be placing empty grocery bags on doorsteps in their neighborhoods with instructions for
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Pine-Richland
how to donate any non-perishable food items they can spare. The boys will then collect the bags which will be taken to the Lighthouse Food Pantry. Also, on April 14, they will be stationed at the local Shop-N-Save to collect food for the pantry as well. “Our pack shines when it comes to community service because of the strength and compassion of our
bags for our service men and women stationed overseas. The pack assembled over 130 bags comprised of snacks, toiletries and other items the soldiers might possibly enjoy, with a sticker on the outside reading “We Support Our Troops.” Inside each bag was a
families,” says Debbie Frey, community service director for the pack. Frey, who also has a son in the group, believes that parental involvement is a key ingredient to their community service programs. “It’s about teaching our kids to care about others,” adds Frey. The cub scouts are led by Cub Master Steven Stegman and Asst. Cub Master Michelle Simon. Another project the pack participated in was providing deployment
personal note from a Cub Scout, wishing the soldiers well and expressing their appreciation
for their contribution to the nation. The bags were then distributed to service members at Pittsburgh International Airport as they departed for their duty. The Cub Scouts also got the chance to participate in helping people in a very hands-on way. On Feb. 15, the group sponsored a Patient Bingo night at the St. Barnabas Free Home on Meridian Road. The boys sat next to the residents and helped them to play bingo and served them cherry pie and ice cream. Afterwards, the scouts accompanied the residents back to their rooms, including those patients who were confined to a wheelchair. Many of the boys expressed a desire to visit their patient again. In December, the pack visited the Windsor Place assisted living facility for seniors and presented the residents with Christmas presents. For some of the residents with very few or no family members, the scouts’ presents may have been the only ones they received for Christmas.
“As the patients’ names were called, we saw their faces light up,” says Frey. The Cub Scout pack has also collected tabs from soda pop cans which are then taken to a scrap metal yard and exchanged for cash to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. Scouting is helping to make a difference in the lives of the scouts, but also in the residents
they have touched with their community service. If you are interested in learning more about scouting, please visit the Boy Scouts of America website at www.scouting.org. If you would like more information on Cub Scout Pack 85 and its activities, please visit the website at www.pack85.webs.com.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 55
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Houses of Worship Church at the Heights 500 Salem Lane Gibsonia, PA 15044 724.935.1329 Cross Roads Presbyterian Church 3281 Wexford Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. 724.935.3636 Muslim Association of Greater Pittsburgh (MAP) Wexford Professional Building, Suite 2200, 11676 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090 724.591.6716 New Community Church 3100 Wexford Road, Wexford, PA 15090 Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., & 6:30 p.m. 724.935.0909 North Way Christian Community 12121 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090 Saturday Worship: 6:00 p.m. Sunday Worship: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Ministries at All Services 724.935.6800 Perry Highway Lutheran Church 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090 Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. 724.935.1226
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (Latter Day Saints) 3281 Wexford Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. 724.935.1800 Saint Alphonsus Church 201 Church Road, Wexford, PA 15090 Masses: Sunday: 6:00, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Daily: 7:00 & 9:00 a.m. Saturday Vigil: 6:30 p.m. 724.935.1151 Saint Andrew the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church 235 Logan Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Saturday Worship: 7:30 p.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. 724.625.1160 Salem United Methodist Church 350 Manor Road, Wexford, PA 15090 Sunday School: 10:35 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. 724.935.1627 Wexford Community Presbyterian Church 10645 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090 Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. 724.935.5650
Father Joe Freedy
Father Joe Freedy, director of vocations for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, visits Aquinas Academy to encourage vocations. Father Freedy and the young men had lunch while discussing the possibilities of life in religious service to the community.
Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 57
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PRHS S E A
24TH ANNUAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS U C
Front Row (L-R): William Misback, Michael Cikovic, Ji-Ho Park, Madeline Smithgall and Rebecca Olson. Back Row (L-R): Kyle Pomerleau, Cameron Barnes, Cole Gessner, Nigel Halliday, Hannah Christenson, Amulya Yennam
F
ive Pine-Richland High School students earned awards at the 24th annual Model United Nations of the University of Chicago (MUNUC) February 2-5, 2012. Senior Cameron Barnes and junior Cole Gessner earned honorable mention awards. The two teamed up and posed as delegates on the Economic & Financial Committee for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea).
and Kyle Pomerleau and senior Rebecca Olson. Widely regarded as one of the largest and most prestigious high school conferences in the world, MUNUC simulations provide opportunities for delegates from diverse backgrounds to cooperate and collaborate to recreate the legislative and decision making process of the various branches
of the United Nations and other similar intergovernmental bodies. Teacher Terry Owens serves as the sponsoring teacher for the Model UN group at PRHS. The PRHS Model UN has won awards at every tournament it has attended for the last three years.
Senior Nigel Halliday, who took on the role as the European and Mediterranean commander for the Office of Strategic Services’ Morale Operations Branch, was awarded an honorable mention as well. In addition, seniors Ji-Ho Park and Madeline Smithgall teamed up as delegates from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) on the Disarmament & International Security Committee and also won an honorable mention. Chaperone Amy Smithgall, who advised the group on the trip, said the honorable mentions were the second highest awards to receive after first place. “To say that this trip was a success would be an understatement,” said Smithgall. “Overall the trip was an amazing experience for the kids. They all seemed to not only enjoy the trip but to be completely engaged in the experience. While most of them have participated in the local tournaments at Duquesne and Pitt, neither of these conferences compare to MUNUC.” More than 2,500 students from all over the U.S. as well as international students from as far away as China participated in the four-day event. Other students participating included juniors Hannah Christenson, Michael Cikovic, and Amulya Yennam, sophomores William Misback Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 59
Pine Community Center
Celebrates Three Years of Bringing the Community Together By Kathy Rudolph
Photos by Kathy Rudolph
A
birthday party was celebrated to commemorate the third year anniversary of Pine Community Center. A one-stop shop for recreation and fitness, the center held an open house to showcase its vast amount of programs and threw in some birthday cake, raffles, kids crafts and activities. Free fitness classes, gym equipment demonstrations and the opportunity to meet the certified instructors and trainers were also offered to members and non-members. There was something happening throughout the center. Members of the Pine-Richland High School Key Club greeted guests with information about the center as they entered the building. Steelers mascot Steely McBeam mingled with families as they played basketball, Xerdance 60 724.942.0940 to advertise
Pine-Richland
Pine-Richland High School Key Club: Cody Semelbauer, Keely Flynn, Rachel Ebner, Erika Coke, Becca Georgiadis
and bocce in the open gym. Nicki McGee, a member and owner of Sincerely Yogurt, gave out delicious samples of frozen yogurt. You could try out a cycling class taught by Kristy Beswick, certified cycling instructor, or get advice about fulfilling your new year’s resolution to get in shape from Alicia Bercury, fitness program coordinator.
The center offers programs from fatherdaughter dances to Silver Sneakers fitness programs. Resembling a mission-style mansion with lots of natural light, it is a perfect venue for special events of all kinds and offers rooms for rental. For more information about the center, please visit the website at http://twp.pine.pa.us/thecenter.html.
Joni K. Patsko, Director of Parks and Recreation and Alicia Bercury, Fitness Program Coordinator
Nicki McGee, of Sincerely Yogurt located in Pine Tree Shoppes
Kristy Beswick, Certified Cycling Instructor and Slippery Rock Intern Pine-Richland | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 61
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Business Directory
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Pittsburgh Cut Flower Property
May Bloom Again By Dana Black McGrath
If a nonprofit’s intentions materialize as planned, the former Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company property in Richland Township may bloom again – this time as a solar farm. Although officials are hesitant to talk in detail about those plans until a purchase agreement is in place, it has been reported that the nonprofit organization Allegheny Land Trust hopes to establish a solar farm at the site. According to its website, the Allegheny Land Trust is an independent Pennsylvania nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1993 to protect land of natural value in and adjacent to Allegheny County. Allegheny Land Trust “helps local people save local land that contributes to the scenic, recreational, educational and environmental wealth of our communities.” The trust has protected more than 1,500 acres in Allegheny and Washington counties. Allegheny Land Trust’s stated mission is “to serve as the lead land trust conserving and stewarding lands that support the scenic, recreational and environmental wellbeing of communities in Allegheny County and its environs.” Given that, the Pittsburgh Cut Flower property seems to be poised for the picking. Located along Bakerstown Road, the property spans an extensive 180 acres. On the property are garages and greenhouses, which have fallen into disrepair since the company ceased its flower growing operations. At that time, 22 years ago, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that 70 full-time workers would lose their jobs as a result of the closing. Then-company president Robert Luthultz blamed the closure on the rise of cheaper, imported roses which cut into the demand for locally-produced flowers, according to the article. He also said that during the previous
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year, the company’s greenhouses produced more than 5 million roses. The company had been operating on the site for 92 years. Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company continued, and still today continues, to operate its wholesale flower business on Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The property in Richland Township now is owned by a Florida-based firm, Legacy Landings LLC. At press time, Allegheny Land Trust was still refining details of the potential purchase of the property, according to Roy Kraynyk, executive director of the organization. He said Allegheny Land Trust intends to protect the property primarily as green space and clean it up. Other media outlets, including Patch. com and the Pittsburgh Business Times,
Allegheny Land Trust “helps local people save local land that contributes to the scenic, recreational, educational and environmental wealth of our communities.” have reported that the trust has proposed establishing a solar farm on the site, in addition to green space. Richland Township Manager Dean Bastianini said he was not prepared to make any statement about the property or plans for improvement. However, he did say that
the township has obtained a $20,000 Community Development Block Grant to be used for demolition of the garages on the property. But, that amount is not nearly enough to cover the cost of demolition of the site’s greenhouses. If all goes according to plan, and the property is remediated and improved, the bloom may not yet be off the rose. To learn more about Allegheny Land Trust and its projects, visit the website at www.alleghenylandtrust.org.
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