in-sewickley-summer by IN Community Magazines

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SUMMER 2011

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

BEN AVON AREA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Maintaining History for Future Generations

Salvation Army Heath Miller Minigolf Classic Sewickley Historical Society The Nature of Art

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SUMMER 2011 Welcome to the Summer issue of Sewickley Area Magazine. And what a welcome to summer it is. After weeks of extreme temperature fluctuations, rain and wind, the warm, summer sun couldn’t be any more of a sight. Despite the cold of winter and the lackluster spring we’ve had, much has happened here with your magazine. We have restructured to accommodate our growth and I would like to introduce some people to you that are working behind the scenes to make sure your magazine is the best community magazine that we can produce. First off, I’d like to reintroduce Mark Berton as our new West Zone Editor. Mark is my longest-serving employee and has worked every position at Community Magazines throughout our growth from just three magazines to 32. He has been a resident of Moon Township since 2002, served on both the township cable TV advisory board and planning commission, and is an active member of Coraopolis Masonic Lodge 674, where he’s held officer positions. Mark also literally “wrote the book” on Moon Township, publishing that history through Arcadia Publishing in 2007. He also published “Dixmont State Hospital” through Arcadia, chronicling the history of the 150-year-old mental hospital in Kilbuck Township. Because of his longevity in the West Hills, Mark was the perfect choice to lead our Western magazines. I’ve also hired Sharon Cobb to work with Mark as the dedicated graphic designer for our western magazines. Sharon comes to us from the Seattle Times, where she spent more than a decade working with creative teams on editorial and advertising initiatives, earning her the distinctions of Advertising Design Person of the Year. Prior to that, she worked for Northwest Adventure Publishing, laying out all of the magazines under their umbrella and ensuring that they met deadline. Sharon’s experience, attention to detail and flair for creative and engaging designs quickly endeared her to us, as I am sure her work will endear itself to you. We invested in this team because we felt it would be the best way to serve all of the residents of the West Hills, by offering the highest-quality magazine possible. But there is an even more important part of the team that I can’t hire – you. Your contributions of ideas and time have been invaluable to us and we thank you. We urge even more of you to contact us with your feature ideas and events. Email Mark at: mark@incommunitymagazines.com with your thoughts. We all know a neighbor who volunteers, or a scout that is working on a project. We all have children and grandchildren that are doing something special either at school or for community service. We also know seniors who deliver meals, or organize choirs. These are the people we are looking to tell you about. Because without community, we have nothing, so promoting the best in our communities we celebrate that which is great within ourselves. Have a great summer!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

IN Sewickley Area is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Sewickley area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Marybeth Jeffries R E G I O N A L E D I TO R

Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Pamela Palongue GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Sharon Cobb Susie Doak Jan McEvoy

Joe Milne Gail Murray Tamara Tylenda

A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

Derek Bayer Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes John Gartley Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Rita Lengvarsky Connie McDaniel

Brian McKee Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki CapezioWatson

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Fall content deadline: 7/13/11 www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

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Contents Sewickley | SUMMER 2011 |

6 Publisher’s Message

FEATURES

21 |

Ben Avon Historical Society

Maintaining History for Future Generations | 4

Birds of Prey

Ohio River Valley Again Home to Large Birds of Prey | 6

The Nature of Art INDUSTRY INSIGHT

The Goddard School

Child’s Play: It’s All in a Day’s Play | 8

The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts Pool & Spa Outlet

S&A Homes COMMUNITY INTEREST

Metro Heating & Cooling Willowbrook Design

Quaker Valley School News Nathaniel Lisanti

Geographic Bee Finalist | 14

Sewickley Historical Society

Sewickley Public Libray Holds a “Pi” Day UPMC Today

| Health and Wellness News You Can Use | | Advice for Great Grilling |

Real Estate in Sewickley

An Enjoyable Backyard Living Space | 39 Real Estate Options for the Retired | 40 | The Dickson Log House in Ben Avon

ON THE COVER

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BEN AVON AREA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Maintaining History

Future Generations

for

ichard Herchenroether appreciates a lot of things – the archives that he and members of the Ben Avon Area Historical Association (BAAHA) organize and maintain; the donated office equipment that helps them do it; and most of all, the history itself. With oﬃce space in Carmel Commons on Camp Horne Road, BAAHA is one of the most highly organized and orchestrated historical associations around, using the talents of dedicated volunteers to help keep the region’s history alive. While its primary mission has evolved over the past 25 years, the organization began when Gladys Phillips had a hunch that a home that was to be demolished to make way for industrial development along Route 65 was a lot older than the siding let on. “Sure enough, when they removed the siding, that was the case,” Herchenroether said. “Underneath was the original log structure of the Dickson Log House.”

illiam Dickson bought the property in 1789 and moved into the house in 1797. Where it stands today is about 100 feet from its original location. Herchenroether said that Phillips worked with the developers, who were amenable to placing the house on a part of the property that they were not going to use. She worked with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation to acquire a loan to have the house moved, an arduous task requiring each log to be cataloged with a number written in soap. BAAHA was formed to collect donations to repay PHLF and to own and maintain the log house. “They stacked them just like Lincoln Logs, built six stone pillars for a foundation and

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stacked it back up again,” Herchenroether said. “After that, they added the chinking. The significance of the whole thing is that it’s the first European settlement within miles of [its location], at least up until you reach Perrysville.” The fact that a saw and grist mill was constructed less than a mile away around 1800 helped date the early construction of the Dickson Log House since all of its logs were hewn by ax. Over time, just two logs have had to be replaced because of deterioration. Probably a third will fail in the near future. Herchenroether said that the last replacement cost BAAHA over $5,000 – a huge portion of the organizational savings. Future concerns include the cedar shingles, which have dried out since the 1984 reconstruction.

ecause such care has been taken with the house, BAAHA opens it to the public once a month except in the winter. “We use it as an educational tool. In the 1980s and 90s school districts would bring students out on field trips,” Herchenroether said. More often today, scouting and similar youth groups arrange to visit. Today, BAAHA focuses its attention on acquiring and archiving items from local residents and municipalities for genealogical purposes and general research, but the Dickson Log House is always a top priority.

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THE MISSION OF THE BEN AVON AREA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION BAAHA fosters interest in the history of the Avonworth and surrounding communities. We collect, preserve, catalog and safeguard materials relating to area history to encourage and support research for private and public uses. We publish newsletters, brochures, books and other materials to promote and disseminate area history. We develop, present and support educational programs for local schools. We organize and sponsor lectures, seminars, exhibitions and other meetings on historical topics open to the general public.

“Gladys died in the 1990s, and we put more emphasis on collecting materials at that time,” Herchenroether said. “[BAAHA member] Tracy Ferguson had a connection to Dixmont State Hospital because of her father’s serving as superintendent there, so Dixmont became a big piece of our focus. Through employment, business or volunteering it seems everybody around here has some connection to Dixmont.”

n fact, the owner of the building that BAAHA now calls home is Ralph Stroyne, former owner of the Dixmont State Hospital property and son of the hospital’s butcher. Stroyne is a staunch supporter of BAAHA, frequently contributing to the organization’s newsletter. He personally led the search for the contents of Dixmont’s cornerstone, and donated them to BAAHA for safekeeping. But BAAHA also maintains items from the five municipalities that make up the Avonworth School District as well. Maps from Ben Avon, minutes from old meetings, building plans from Emsworth – all are part of the growing trove of materials BAAHA safeguards. Keeping that archive requires volunteers and donations from a generous public, so if you are interested in either, go to BAAHA’s website at www.benavon.com/BAAHA/index.htm for a membership application and contact information. The site also provides archived newsletters going back to 1999 and a calendar of when the Dickson Log House will be open to the public this season.

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Ohio River Valley Home to Large Birds of Prey for the First Time in More Than 100 Years If

you’re driving the Parkway West, or University Boulevard, or Ohio River Boulevard and see a enormous wingspan in the air, your eyes aren’t deceiving you – there are birds of prey in the Western Suburbs. While the bald eagle nest in Crescent Township was discovered last year, Gary Fujak, Wildlife Conservation Oﬃcer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission said there’s every reason to believe its inhabitants not only returned to the nest this year, but they have successfully reared some chicks. “Right now, it’s most likely one or two eggs, and I believe they’ve already hatched. It doesn’t seem like she’s sitting on eggs anymore. She’s moving around the nest pretty regularly,” Fujak said. “I’ve been checking it multiple times a week, but you Want to find out more about the Eagles, Ospreys and can’t see into the nest. There’s no way to look down into the nest.” even Pittsburgh’s Peregrine Falcons? Go to Fujak is not only limited by the height of the nest from the ground, but by www.incommunitymagazines.com/birds for links and the protective nature of bald eagles themselves. information regarding all of these species, as well as “I can’t get really close to the nest, and I wouldn’t get as close as what’s live news feeds from the Pennsylvania eBird and more! considered a safe distance,” he said. “Their eyesight is phenomenal – 10 times what a human can see – and they have been known to abandon the nest and even the nest with young in them when the nest is disturbed. So we obviously want people to stay away from the nest.” So aside from Fujak and a possible neighbor, the Game Commission is keeping the location of the nest a secret. Both the nests and the young are protected by state and federal law, and anyone found disturbing a nest of a threatened bird is subject to criminal prosecution in both jurisdictions. Further down the river, on Neville Island, other threatened birds of prey –ospreys – have nested, and have appeared to have laid an egg or two, Fujak said. “This is a first for Allegheny County for bald eagles to be raising a brood, and for ospreys to be doing the same in the same year, at the same time,” he said. “I don’t know if we’ve ever had that. You’d have to go back – I’d say safely -100 years or more to find any ospreys or eagles nesting in Allegheny County.” While both species primarily eat fish, they have been known to eat small mammals like squirrels. The fact that fish-eating birds have nested along the Ohio River, however, does not necessarily speak to the health of the river. “The rivers still have a lot of pollutants in them,” Fujak said. “It tells you that we have fish here, but no one eats the fish that they catch in the three rivers. I don’t know if it could hurt the eagles or the ospreys, or whether studies to that eﬀect will be done. I think it says less about the river conditions, and more about the fact that birds of prey are tolerating humans more these days.” For the first few weeks of life, after their 35 day incubation period, the eagle chicks feed primarily on their yolk sacks until their digestive systems develop. After that, they will eat “ferociously,’ Fujak said. The birds are the top of the food chain and have no natural predators, but are still vulnerable when they are young. The adults nesting in the West Hills are at least 5 years old, Fujak said, because of their prominently visible white heads and tails. The fact that the birds are displaying so much activity around the nest tells Fujak that the likelihood of healthy chicks is high. “It looks pretty promising,” he said. “By this time last year, they had abandoned the nest.”

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It’s All in a Day’s Work In Choosing a Preschool, Experts Recommend Child-Centered Play ith so much information about preschools available to parents, it can be diﬃcult to choose the right program. One approach to evaluating a school that can help parents choose is the level of emphasis on learning through play. For young children, play is the natural way to learn, according to the experts. In fact, research studies confirm that children who are allowed to play function better later in life, both socially and academically. “Young children who learn through play are more ready to make their own decisions, advocate for themselves and use creativity to solve problems as they grow,” says Dr. Kyle Pruett, a Yale University child psychiatrist and consultant to the Goddard School, the fastest-growing franchise preschool program in the United States. Dr. Pruett points out that play helps children learn to solve problems, promotes flexibility and motivation, teaches regulation of emotions and builds resilience and confidence. Play is also essential to the development of the child’s brain, triggering trillions of neural connections that form the

basis of healthy cognitive function and mastery of the child’s physical world. Playing alone and with others not only builds brain development, it also helps children develop social skills and a sense of ethics. The most effective play is free of evaluation and correction while promoting autonomy. After all, to a young child, throwing a ball shouldn’t be “right” or “wrong”. “True play is actually hard work,” says Sue Adair, Senior Manager of Quality Assurance at Goddard Systems, Inc. “The child lost in play is exploring infinite possibilities. Caretakers and parents can assist the child’s growth by participating in play and creating an environment that encourages play as a means to meet new developmental challenges.” So after parents have checked the basics that are required for any preschool, how can they find one with the right emphasis on play? Adair suggests looking at three things: Find a school that puts a priority on learning through play. For young children, play is unstructured and freeing. It’s not about expensive toys, in fact, the simpler the toy, the more ways it can be used by a child developing his or her imagination. Toys and equipment should be carefully chosen, first for safety and then for how they stimulate young imaginations and help children develop. Look at the total environment. Environment means having clean, safe and spacious places to play, as well as the resources to provide imaginative, rewarding playtime. It also means a caring and well-trained staff, a critical element for any preschool. “Remember, how children are treated is as critical to their development as what they are taught,” says Dr. Pruett. Ask about enrichment programs. Only the best preschools offer special enrichment programs at no extra cost, as part of the tuition. Enrichment programs - including yoga, manners and world cultures, for example develop the whole child by encouraging their innate curiosity and imagination. “At the end of the day, parents know they’ve chosen the right child care program when their children are given time for child-centered exploratory play…” Adair says. “For a child, play isn’t optional. The educational and other benefits of play are so important – in terms of healthy bodies and minds – that parents should put play at the top of their list when comparing preschool programs.” This Industry Insight was written by Mark & Jennifer Rebstock. Prior to opening The Goddard School in Wexford, Mark Rebstock was Training Manager for a national utility company, and Jennifer worked in early childhood education. 3000 Brooktree Road • Wexford, PA 15090 724.935.1100 or www.goddardschools.com

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Reach over 22,464 potential customers in West Allegheny

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QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS

Student Musicians Receive High Marks From PMEA The middle students who attended the PMEA Adjudication on Friday, April 8,, 2011 at Grove City College received a "Superior" rating! EVERY judge awarded the QV students with the HIGHEST rating! We received 1's across the board (equivalent to an A+)! They have worked diligently these past couple months to accomplish this goal. I am so proud of all the work and dedication they have contributed to our MS orchestra program. District Increases School Meal Costs for 2011-2012 The Quaker Valley School Board approved a price increase for lunch and breakfast meals eﬀective for the 2011-2012 school year. Currently priced at $2.40, the cost of lunch will increase to $2.50 and the breakfast cost will increase from $1.35 to $1.50. District food service costs have continued to rise over recent years including the costs to deliver healthier choices. Increases are attributed to the rising costs for food supplies and personnel, including salaries and benefits. “The small increase in revenues will help us address our increased costs and will allow us to continue to provide quality food and service to our Quaker Valley students,” Betsy Klasnick, Director of Food Services, said. District Receives Grant to Support Arts & Technology The Quaker Valley School District has received a School Demonstration grant of $250,000 from The Pennsylvania Department of Education to support the new integrated arts section for the Quaker Valley Middle School renovation project. The former district oﬃce portion of the building will be converted to instructional spaces that will be dedicated to instruction in fine arts and technology as well as the addition of an auditorium for performances. “We are fortunate to receive this grant to support the newly planned classroom and performance space. It is being designed specifically so students and teachers will have access to this arts and technology activity during, before and after school. These 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

educational opportunities will further develop students’ creativity and innovation skills,” Joseph H. Clapper, D.Ed., superintendent, said. “We are especially thankful for the support of Sen. John Pippy and his staﬀ throughout the grant application process.” Students Travel to Washington,DC & Atlanta in Support of H20 for Life This week, 12 Quaker Valley Middle School students will travel to the National ServiceLearning Conference in Atlanta, Georgia for H20 for Life. The dozen students are passionate about water and its importance to the world’s people, especially countries where the resource is scarce. They have been raising money to build a well for their partner school at Mondikolok, in the Sudan province of Africa. They have surpassed their goal of raising half the money needed, the other half was raised by their project partner Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky. QVMS students raised their money by providing refreshments at school activities and through private donations. At the conference, the students will make presentations, man a booth, attend leadership meetings and other conference opportunities along with other students, parents, and

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Pictured: Ike Lagnese-Viola Ben Mullholland- Cello Joey Straka- Viola Bella Towell- Cello Emily Truchan- Violin Zoe Wills- Violin Jackson Bender- Cello Maddy Durbin- Violin Connor GatesmanViolin Max Gillespie- Cello Caitlin Gresham- Violin Sabine Gross- Violin Hannah Herford- Viola Dana Jensen- Violin

Rebecca Kirby-Violin Nikole Newberry- Violin Elana Ragan- Violin Juliana Sebolt- Cello Olivia Sevcik- Cello Emily Steinberg- Violin 8th graders: Ricky Lagnese-Violin Hannah Cho- Violin Jessi Fleming- Violin

teachers from this all-volunteer organization nationwide. Two weeks ago, nine of the twelve students took advantage of a last minute invitation to World Water Day in Washington, DC. They attended Hilary Clinton’s address given at the World Bank. The H20 for Life Club at QVMS has between 35 – 40 members who meet each Tuesday during lunch with their advisor Brian Wolovich. Resulting from their meetings and commitment, they have organized their fundraisers, written grants for financial support, coordinated eﬀorts and have developed a website featuring student reports of related reports as well as a studentproduced video that was featured on the 60 Minutes website following a report about H20 For Life Nationwide. The QVMS video demonstrates the eﬀort children in Mondikolok must expend in order to get water for their everyday life. QVMS H20 for Life club website including video: www.h2oformondikolok.org Mr. Wolovich started the club as a way to make the study of geography and ancient civilizations relevant to his students. As part of the study of ancient civilizations, the students study the interrelationship between the environment and people as well as the

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QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS interdependency of location, natural resources and country’s economy. “The student commitment to H20 For Life has surpassed what we were studying in class. They can relate to what water can mean to a small town in Sudan and are learning that they can make a diﬀerence for the 670 kids who go to Mondikolok Primary School in Sudan and the surrounding 3 villages,” Mr. Wolovich said. He thanks high school teachers Alexandra Mariano and Sue McCauley for their guidance in securing Learn and Serve monies, parent Reggie Bliss for making the website a reality, the administration for their support as well as the parents who have provided transportation and the many intangibles that make a project like this possible.

Football Coach Resigns Quaker Valley School District announces the resignation of Bob McIntyre from his position as boys varsity football coach. McIntyre had served as head coach for the past season. He cited family and personal reasons for his resignation. Athletic & Activities Director Michael Mastroianni accepted the resignation with regret and added, “I thank Coach Mcntyre for his leadership; we appreciate the time he took to develop the team this year and their growth can be attributed to his eﬀorts.” New Drug Prevention Videos Posted for Viewing Quaker Valley School District participates in a “Prevention Video of the Month” program

QV Freshman Hockey Team Wins Championship Congratulations to the Quaker Valley Freshman Hockey Team! With their win and their 5-1 defeat of (undefeated) Bishop Canevin, the team finished the season 25-0 and as champions among all freshman teams in Western Pennsylvania. It was a great team effort with points coming from several different players and great game by goalie, Parker Sherry. The district will conduct an immediate search for a new coach in an effort to fill the position before summer.

Pittsburgh Business Times Ranks Quaker Valley in Top Ten Once again, the Quaker Valley School District ranks in the top ten school districts in the region according to the 2011 Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools published by the Pittsburgh Business Times. Each year the guide includes the rankings of public and private schools in the seven counties that comprise the western region — Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland. Quaker Valley ranked ninth among the 106 school districts in the western region and 23rd in the state among the 501 public school districts of the Commonwealth. “Our high ranking is a testament to the eﬀort of our teaching staﬀ who strive daily to engage our students in a rigorous curriculum while nurturing a lifelong love of learning,” Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said.

in partnership with the Alliance Against Drugs and the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General. New drug prevention videos are now available for viewing. “Listen” shows the effects of drug use and overdose as seen through the eyes of mothers who suffered the loss of their children. It is suitable for grades 5 to adult. “Deception” details the extent to which teens will go to support their addiction and hide it from parents. This video is suitable for parents/guardians and provides suggestions on effective vigilance and intervention. Talking points are available for download for both videos. Please visit www.drug-alliance.org and click the “Videos & Multimedia” menu to view the prevention videos and add comments on their blog.

Osborne Student's Essay Selected For Favorite Teacher Contest Osborne teacher, Erik Lindemann, received a nomination from one of his students for the new "My Favorite Teacher" Contest Barnes & Noble has been promoting. The essay Marcus Lubert wrote was chosen as an Honorable Mention in the Settlers Ridge Barnes & Noble store. To celebrate Mr. Lindemann, Marcus and the other students and teachers who were chosen, attended a ceremony and celebration on Tuesday, April 12th. Marcus read his essay and Mr. Lindemann attended to receive the recognition and his certificate. For the occasion, Mr. Lindemann finished up a picture of Yoda he had started earlier in the year with Marcus and gave it to him. Mr. Lindemann said that the essay reading and Yoda voice Marcus used drew loud applause.

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By Tom Poljak

When it comes to interesting and bold foods from “South of the Border,” nothing is more famous than Salsa. In fact, salsa has become so popular it outsells ketchup as the number one selling condiment in America. The key to great salsa is using only the freshest ingredients. The great thing about this recipe is the simplicity and ease of making it to taste so good – even for the amateur! So go right ahead and have yourself a little fiesta – Enjoy!

SALSA 10 Medium Tomatoes (Concasse) 1/2 Cup Green Peppers (finely chopped) 1/2 Cup Banana Peppers (finely chopped) 1 Cup Onion (finely chopped) 6 Fresh Jalapeño Peppers (finely chopped) 2 Tablespoons Fresh Garlic (minced) 3/4 Cup White Vinegar 3/4 Cup Sugar 2 Tablespoons Salt 1/2 Tablespoon White Pepper 2 Ounces Olive Oil 1. Tomato Concasse (skinless, seedless tomatoes cut into small squares). Method: (1). To remove the peel from the tomatoes, take out the core and cut an “X” on the opposite side

of the tomato. (2). Place tomatoes in simmering water for about 40 seconds or until you see the skin slightly separating from the pulp. (3). Remove tomatoes from the water and place them in ice water until cool. (4). Use a knife to easily peel off the skin. (5). Cut tomatoes in half and gently remove the seeds by softly squeezing the tomato and using your fingers. (6). Cut tomatoes into small diced squares. (7). Hold until the recipe calls for them. 2. Sauté peppers, onions and garlic in the olive oil. 3. Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients. 4. Bring all ingredients to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for one hour. 5. Remove from heat, place in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Nathaniel Lisanti named Geograpic Bee semifinalist by National Geographic Society Moves one step closer to $25,000 college scholarship Nathaniel Lisanti, a sixth grade student at Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh, has been notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2011 Pennsylvania Geographic Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school’s Geographic Bee winner. School-level winners then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. In each of the 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and the U.S. territories, the National Geographic Society invited the students with the top 100 scores to compete at the state level. The 2011 Pennsylvania Geographic Bee will be held at Penn State’s University Park campus on Friday, April 1, 2011. The state winner will receive $100, the “Complete National Geographic on DVD”, and a trip to Washington, D.C., where he/she will represent Pennsylvania in the national finals at the National Geographic Society headquarters, May 24-25, 2011. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society. The national winner will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galapagos Islands. The winner will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the wildlife and landscape of Galapagos. Travel for the trip is provided by Linblad Expeditions and National Geographic. For additional information on the National Geographic Bee please visit www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee. Contact: Mike Burchill, Assistant Head of School Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh 2308 W. Hardies Road Gibsonia, PA 15044 burchill@aquinas.pvt.k12.pa.us 724-444-0722 est.17

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How would you fare as a Bee contestant? at the school-level Bee this year, students had to answer such questions as: an outline of the Great lakes appears on the quarter of which state that borders four of the five lakes – Michigan or north dakota? Michigan the city of Bangalore, located west of the eastern Ghats, is a fast-growing technology hub in what country? India the International red cross has its headquarters in a city that shares its name with a large lake on the border between switzerland and france. name this city. Geneva

More information can be found concerning Aquinas Academy at their website: http://www.aquinasacademy.info/ Also see www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee and www.nationalgeographic.com

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Janet M. McKee,

HHC, AADP

CERTIFIED HOLISTIC HEALTH COUNSELOR NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE ENHANCEMENTS Specific Areas of Expertise: ■ Cancer prevention and survival ■ Digestive disorders: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s ■ IBS ■ Cleansing and detoxifying ■ Celiac ■ Other food related allergies such as wheat, gluten, dairy etc. ■ Candida and yeast imbalances ■ Cardiovascular Concerns: High Blood Pressure Cholesterol and Heart Conditions

■ Autoimmune and Illnesses of Inflammation ■ Arthritis ■ Diabetes ■ Thyroid Disorders ■ Adrenal Fatigue ■ Sleep Improvements ■ Natural Weight Management ■ Lifestyle Improvements ■ Emotional Energy Balancing

www.janetmckee.com

cell 724.417.6695 • email janet@janetmckee.com 1501 Golden Brooke Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

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e nature of

ART

A UNIQUE ART EXPEDITION COMPARING AN ASIAN BIOME TO A NORTH AMERICAN BIOME” PRESENTED BY MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY For a second year, an imaginative and thoughtful art exhibition was presented by a school of gifted artists at Montessori Children’s Community. Countless drawings, paintings, and sculptures were created by approximately 57 students. Since January, they have worked diligently to assemble and compare North American and Asian biomes. Biomes are areas on the earth with similar climate, plants, and animals. The students also compared the techniques of North American and Asian artists. “Each child has six works of art in six mediums,” said Thressia Kriebel, the school’s art teacher in charge of the exhibition. “This was a collaborative eﬀort. The kids came after school twice a week and sometimes on the weekends to complete this. They are incredibly smart and explorative and came up with many ideas.” By the use of ‘hands on’ learning, the students created art and learned about the science, geography and culture of North America and Asia at the same time. This is reflected when you pass a student’s interpretation of a Georgia O’Keefe painting, or view the vibrant and colorful trees, bugs, reptiles and other art work in the exhibit. “This is a reflection of how we work with the students in the classroom,” said Terri Modic, School Head. “Whole integrated learning; all subjects are connected. We are preparing them for life.” The school practices Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy when educating the students, which is to “oﬀer an academic curriculum taught in a stimulating environment where each child is inspired to become a confident, independent learner”.

Montessori Children’s Community is located at 474 Chadwick Street in Sewickley. If you would like to find out more information about the art exhibit or school, please visit their website at www.montessorichildrenscommunity.org. 16 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

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b u s i n e s s

s p o t l i g h t

The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts We Grow Dancers “MISS” PATTI KIKTA HAS BEEN THE BALLET TEACHER AT THE THOMAS STUDIO FOR 24 YEARS AND HAS TRAINED MANY YOUNG DANCERS DURING HER TEACHING CAREER. Patti and all The

Thomas Studio instructors are so proud of Patti’s daughter Emily who is only eighteen years old and in apprentice at The New York City Ballet. Emily trained at The Thomas Studios in all genres tap, jazz, lyrical, hiphop, and of course ballet. “Hot” Summer Classes at the “Cool” Studio Parents…. Thinking back upon summer vacations past, how many times do you recall hearing the words “I’m bored” uttered by kids? We have the solution for you! Bring them to The Thomas Studio for summer dance classes. During the summer months, classes at The Thomas Studio are offered in abbreviated sessions to accommodate family vacations and other summer activities. Summer is a fantastic time to introduce new students to dance as the stresses of school and homework are eliminated. Dancers can concentrate on exploring their creativity and gaining a greater appreciation for the arts. Young dancers will enjoy themed dance camps designed around popular children’s movies and music. Your dancer will be introduced, age appropriately, to ballet, tap, gymnastics, jazz and hip-hop. Older elementary, middle school students and teens can use a class-card system that provides for complete flexibility. Dancers purchase a class-card for the estimated number of classes they would like to attend and come to those classes whenever their schedules allow!

Summer is the perfect time for any dancer, whether beginner, advanced or college prep, to prepare for the upcoming yean and receive the individual attention they need. It is REGISTRATION also an ideal time for teens to brush up on their dance Tuesday, June 7 and gymnastics skills for the upcoming cheerleading of 2 P.M.-7 P.M. dance team auditions.

Come Visit

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SUMMER 2011

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

What’s Inside page 2

Magee at Passavant

page 3

The Good News About Heart Disease Five Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

page 4

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death What Parents Need to Know Exercise: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful

page 5

The Downside of Falls

page 6

Choosing the Right Doctor for You

page 7

Welcoming New Physicians What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant

11 Sewickley Summer_11 Spring Sewickley 5/26/11 3:45 Pm Page 22

Magee at Passavant Bringing Magee-Womens Specialty Services closer to home for North Hills residents Carolyn Coffin’s mother died of ovarian cancer, so when she found herself feeling suspiciously bloated and uncomfortable, she immediately scheduled an appointment with her doctor. “I just knew something wasn’t right,” says Carolyn. She underwent a CT scan and ultrasound at UPMC Passavant and was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Carolyn was operated on by Robert P. Edwards, MD, director of the Ovarian Cancer Center of Excellence and executive vice chairman of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Surgery at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. In the past, her operation would have taken place at Magee, which is ranked sixth in the nation for gynecologic care by U.S. News & World Report. But Dr. Edwards is leading a new partnership between Passavant and Magee that now delivers that same high level of specialty gynecologic services to North Hills residents and beyond. Dr. Edwards credits the program’s success to the visionary efforts of administrators at both hospitals and to the goodwill extended by its physicians and staff. “So much has happened at Passavant in recent years to make the timing ideal for a program like this,” says Dr. Edwards. “The foundation of this effort actually began in 2007, but the hospital’s new pavilion and cancer center now provide the state-of-the-art facilities and staffing support to make this a first-class resource for women’s care.” “For generations, Magee has been synonymous with trusted and innovative care for women,” says James W. Boyle, MD, chief medical officer at UPMC Passavant. “This new partnership means improved access to the most advanced and innovative specialty care for our patients, who are drawn to Passavant not only from communities in the North Hills but the entire Interstate 79 corridor north of Pittsburgh. It’s another manifestation of our evolution as a major specialty care center. We couldn’t be prouder of the world-class physicians and surgeons participating in this program.” “I feel so fortunate to have had Dr. Edwards do my surgery,” adds Carolyn. “His incredible expertise — coupled with the care and follow-up support of the entire Passavant oncology staff — made this a life-changing experience for me.”

Magee-Womens Specialty Services at UPMC Passavant Magee’s program at Passavant offers the most advanced care for women, including:

Gynecologic Cancer Now patients at UPMC Passavant can benefit from the latest research, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vulva, and fallopian tubes. The Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program of UPMC Cancer Centers, part of the Women’s Cancer Program at Magee, is at the leading edge of the effort to help women maintain gynecologic health and, when necessary, to provide early cancer detection and individualized intervention.

Urogynecology A subspecialty within obstetrics and gynecology, urogynecology treats women of all ages experiencing bladder or pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor is a combination of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs — the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum. It can be weakened by a combination of factors, such as childbirth, heavy lifting, the effects of menopause and aging, and chronic medical and neurologic conditions.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Surgeons use the latest minimally invasive surgery techniques to treat many of the gynecologic problems that women experience. At UPMC Passavant, these techniques include robotic-assisted surgery. After surgery, patients can usually return to work sooner, typically experience less pain after surgery, have less scar tissue formation, and have smaller skin incisions.

To learn more about the Magee at Passavant program, visit www.UPMCPassavant.com and click on Services and Specialties, or call 412-367-4700. To schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

www.UPMC.com/Today

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The Good News About Heart Disease Take charge of your heart through health screenings and heart-healthy lifestyle changes Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death for both men and women. Every 25 seconds, someone experiences a coronary event; every minute, it claims a life. The good news? You can take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease through routine screenings and lifestyle changes — even if you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke. “Heart disease is a disease we can do something about. In most instances, it is preventable,” says Daniel Edmundowicz, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director of preventive cardiology at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. Dr. Edmundowicz, who also is director of cardiovascular medicine at UPMC Passavant, recommends regular health screenings as a way of knowing your numbers and whether to take action. For example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels, but you wouldn’t know you have these conditions without testing for them.

Risk factors that can’t be changed • Family history of heart disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral artery disease • Age (65 and older) • Gender (men have a greater risk of heart attack)

Risk factors that can be changed • • • • •

Smoking High blood pressure High cholesterol levels Obesity Physical inactivity

“Screening absolutely saves lives. We can help people change the outcome once we know their risk factor levels,” Dr. Edmundowicz says. Doctors also can use tools such as EKGs, ultrasound, and CT scans to look for signs of atherosclerosis in the heart, neck, legs, and arms — especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease. At the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, you can take advantage of the region’s only low radiation electron beam CT scan, which looks specifically for calcium in the coronary arteries as a marker of the cholesterol accumulation that can cause sudden heart attacks. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing heart disease. While you can’t control genetics, you can take steps to control many other risk factors by following a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Some changes — like quitting smoking — can have an immediate impact. “The bottom line is: If you know your numbers and know your risk, you can do something about it,” Dr. Edmundowicz says.

Five Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious diseases. Follow these recommendations from Dr. Edmundowicz to take charge of this “silent killer”: • Increase physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day (most days) of brisk walking, bike riding, or other aerobic activity that you enjoy. • Monitor your sodium. Limit your sodium intake to less than two grams (2,000 mg) a day. Beware of “hidden” sodium in processed foods, including canned soup, lunch meats, frozen dinners, and crackers. • Eat healthy. Follow a lower-fat diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods. • Control your stress. Take 15 minutes each day to decompress and focus on yourself. Listen to music, read, pray, or meditate. • Don’t smoke! Nicotine has a direct effect on your blood vessels as well as your lungs. It causes your heart to beat faster, and raises your blood pressure. • Take your medicine. If medicine is needed to control your blood pressure, make sure you take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Know your numbers

Become heart smart

Aim for these vital numbers to keep your ticker in good working condition:

Take time to educate yourself about heart disease and the treatments available. The UPMC Heart and Vascular website is a one-stop source of information about cardiac conditions, as well as UPMC’s full spectrum of cardiovascular services from routine screenings to advanced cardiac care. Be sure to check it out at www.UPMC.com/HeartandVascular.

Monitor

Target Levels

Cholesterol

less than 200 mg/dL

Blood Pressure

below 120/80

BMI (body mass index) 18.5–24.9

Ask your doctor If you have questions or concerns about your heart health, call your physician to schedule an appointment.

1-800-533-UPMC

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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death

What Parents Need to Know Is your child among the three to five million young people in the United States who play organized sports each year? If so, you know that a pre-participation physical examination can help identify young athletes who may be at risk for an injury or illness that could require additional medical evaluation. Recently, identifying young athletes who may be at risk of sudden cardiac death has become a hot topic among sports medicine professionals, focusing the attention of parents on the need for better cardiovascular screening of young athletes. “Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes is extremely rare,” says Vivekanand Allada, MD, clinical director of pediatric cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and professor of pediatrics. “In fact, it’s a one in a million risk.” According to Dr. Allada, sudden death in young athletes is most often due to heart problems, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an abnormal thickening of the heart). Other causes include congenital coronary anomalies, arrhythmia (which can be caused by a blow to the chest), and Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can weaken the aorta and lead to a tear or rupture. “Unfortunately, there’s no perfect test to find a needle in a haystack,” says Dr. Allada. However, parents can take steps to uncover risk factors that may require more testing or a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist. The AHA recommends that young athletes undergo a screening medical history to check specifically for: • Chest pain, palpitations, or fainting during exercise (red flags that require immediate attention) • A history of a heart murmur or hypertension • Family history of coronary disease, sudden death, or Marfan syndrome Children with any of these risk factors or an abnormal physical exam should see a pediatric cardiologist, who is specially trained to look for cardiac problems in children and teens, Dr. Allada says. Further testing might include an EKG, echocardiogram, and stress test. He offers these tips to parents: • Don’t let your child play through chest pain. Pain can be a warning sign. • Teach your child to avoid energy drinks that have high levels of caffeine. Such drinks can make the heart race and cause cardiac arrhythmias. They are particularly dangerous for athletes with undiagnosed cardiac problems. To learn more about caring for your child’s heart, visit www.chp.edu, then click on Child Health A-Z. To schedule an appointment with a Children’s-affiliated physician, call 412-692-PEDS (7337).

www.UPMC.com/Today

Exercise:

Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful Regular exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy life. Many of us, however, still struggle to fit even a moderate amount of exercise into our schedules. But there are plenty of people who are getting too much exercise. If some exercise is good, they think more will be better. Not true. In fact, excessive exercise can lead to a host of physical issues, including injuries, the loss of lean muscle mass, a weakened immune system, sleep problems, irritability, and depression. A study in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that too much vigorous exercise also can increase the risk of heart problems.

Are you exercising too much? Experts say that if your workouts suddenly seem more difficult than usual and you aren’t making progress, you may be overexercising. Other trouble signs include: • Insomnia • Aches or pain in muscles and/or joints • Fatigue • Feeling unmotivated and lacking energy • Increased susceptibility to colds, sore throats, and other illnesses If you’re experiencing any of these signs, see your doctor to find out if something else is causing the problem.

Just starting an exercise program? Congratulations on taking an important step to improve your health. Here are a few tips to help your body adjust to a new routine: • Create a reasonable exercise program based on attainable goals. • Exercise in moderation. • Begin slowly and build up gradually to avoid injuries. • Cut back the volume and intensity of your workouts at the first sign of injury. • Listen to your body. When it needs a rest, give it a rest. Sources: American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association

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UPMC Spotlight

The Downside of Falls Preventing tripping, falling can be key to maintaining independence Falls may be funny on comedy shows, but they can be traumatic for older adults. Simply tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change an older person’s life in an instant — posing serious threats to his or her health and independence. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three people over 65 experience at least one fall each year, and more than two-thirds of them are likely to fall again within six months. Falls also are the leading cause of accidental death in seniors. And, as many as 30 percent of those who fall end up with debilitating hip, pelvic, or spine fractures that make it harder to get around and adversely affect self-confidence. Even those who don’t suffer serious injury can become fearful. “The most obvious concern when an older adult falls or trips is injury,” says Stephanie Studenski, MD, MPH, director of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at the University of Pittsburgh and associate director of research at the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh. “But the fear of falling can cause people to restrict their activity and sacrifice their independence. In some cases, it can lead to social isolation,” she says. Everyone is at risk for falls, but that risk increases with the changes that come with aging, plus other medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts and glaucoma, and balance problems. “Fortunately, there’s a lot people can do to prevent most risk factors,” says Dr. Studenski. “Taking care of your overall health, staying active, socializing with friends, and taking a few common-sense precautions can help you avoid falls and broken bones.” To learn more about the Falls Clinic, located at UPMC Senior Care-Benedum Geriatric Center in Oakland, call 412-692-4200.

Three things you can do to prevent falls Exercise! Exercises such as tai chi or other relaxation exercises that improve balance and coordination can help lower your chances of falling and make you feel stronger. See your doctor regularly. Annual physical and eye examinations can uncover underlying medical problems that can lead to falls. See your doctor if you feel unstable or dizzy, possibly due to medications. Tell your doctor if you fall; a medical evaluation can help. Make your home safer. Seventy-five percent of all falls occur at home. To help make your home fall-proof: • Improve lighting. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Use night lights in your bedroom, hall, and bathroom. • Remove small throw rugs. Tack down all carpets and area rugs so they are firmly fastened to the floor. • Remove things you can trip over. Clear books, clothes, and shoes from stairs and places you walk. Keep cords and wires near walls. • Use handrails. Install grab bars near toilets, and both inside and outside your tub and shower. Always use the handrail when using the stairs. • Store items within easy reach. Don’t store things too high or too low. Avoid using stepladders or step stools. Most of all, think before you reach. • Wear shoes with non-skid, non-friction soles. Avoid going barefoot or wearing only socks or loose-fitting slippers.

Leading the Work in Falls Prevention Dr. Stephanie Studenski received the 2010 National Award for Falls Prevention Research and will be honored as the grand champion at the third annual Celebrating Senior Champions benefit dinner and auction Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. For more information about the event, sponsored by UPMC Senior Services, the Aging Institute, and the Division of Geriatric Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh, call Peggy VanHorn, benevolent care advocate, at 412-622-9239.

1-800-533-UPMC

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Choosing the Right Doctor for You Taking the time to find “Dr. Right” is one of the most important investments you can make. We’ve all heard about the importance of the doctor/patient relationship, often described as the cornerstone of quality medical care. “In fact, the stronger that relationship, the better your chances of receiving the right care at the right time in the right way,” says Tami Minnier, vice president of UPMC’s Donald J. Wolff, Jr. Center for Quality Improvement and Innovation. “At UPMC, our goal is to help you develop a long-term partnership in which your doctor is your number one health care champion.” According to a 2010 survey by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, most of us are very satisfied with our physicians. It usually takes something major — like moving to a new area, changing medical insurance, or being diagnosed with a serious condition — to prompt us to look for a new doctor. “If you’re in the process of changing doctors, there are some exciting new options to consider,” says Ms. Minnier. “For example, UPMC’s Health Plan is working with a growing number of primary care physicians to implement patient-centered medical homes in their practices.” In this medical model, your family doctor becomes the hub for all your care by linking you to a collaborative team of medical professionals — from physician assistants to specialists. Medical homes are designed to ensure that you receive appropriate and comprehensive care over your entire lifetime, including preventive health care, treatment for acute or chronic illness, and assistance with end-of-life care. Studies show that medical homes are resulting in improved care, access, and communication between patients and their “medical team” — as well as improved quality, safety, and cost of care.

www.UPMC.com/Today

When searching for “Dr. Right,” here are five helpful tips to locate the best match:

Determine what’s important to you “Finding the ‘right’ doctor often involves personal preferences apart from a physician’s skills or qualifications,” says Ms. Minnier. “For example, are you more comfortable with a doctor of your gender? Is a primary care physician right for you, or do you have a medical condition that requires treatment by a specialist? And if easy access is a concern, do you need a doctor located close to your home or workplace?”

Get the opinion of people you trust “Begin your search by asking your circle of family, friends, and co-workers about the positive experiences they’ve had,” she advises. “If you’re moving, or seeking a specialist, your current doctor also can be an excellent referral source.”

Do some homework “There are a number of credible online resources, including UPMC’s FindA Doctor (www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor), with information on more than 5,000 physicians, that allow you to confirm a physician’s medical credentials, board certifications, and specialties,” says Ms. Minnier. You also can check with the state medical board at docboard.org. In general, avoid “doctor ranking” sites, which are unregulated and difficult to verify for accuracy.

At UPMC, a variety of tools are used to assess physician quality, including patient satisfaction surveys. “We literally review thousands of surveys monthly, which provide us with invaluable insights and feedback,” says Ms. Minnier.

Verify your doctor’s insurance plans and hospital affiliations “Most practices accept a variety of insurance plans, but be sure yours is among them,” advises Ms. Minnier. “And should you ever require hospitalization or special tests, it’s important that your doctor be affiliated with a hospital you know and trust.”

Call for an appointment “Bring a written set of questions covering your concerns and expectations. When your visit is over, evaluate the experience,” suggests Ms. Minnier. “Was it easy to get an appointment? Were you treated with respect by both the doctor and the staff? If your answers are positive, you’re on the right path to a doctor/patient relationship characterized by quality care, compassion, and open communication.” For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

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Welcoming New Physicians To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Surbhi M. Agarwal, MD Family Practice

Nitin M. Kamat, MD Nephrology

Mary E. Peterson, MD Gynecologic Surgery

Edward A. Verdream, MD Infectious Disease

Gretchen M. Ahrendt, MD General Surgery

Jason J. Lamb, MD Thoracic Surgery

Edward E. Saar, DO Orthopaedics

Robert L. Volosky, MD Infectious Disease

Robert M. Denshaw, MD Nephrology

Christopher J. Passero, MD Nephrology

Andrew R. Watson, MD General Surgery

Laurence E. Friedman, MD Nephrology

Kevin Perez, MD Infectious Disease

Jamuna Sivakanthan, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

David L. Weinbaum, MD Infectious Disease

What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant These free events are offered by the Passavant Hospital Foundation Bridge to Hope: Vigil of Hope Wednesday, June 8, 7 p.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre This sixth annual “Vigil of Hope” brings people together to call attention to the extent and nature of the drug and alcohol epidemic. It offers support for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to drugs or alcohol and for those who have a loved one currently struggling with drug and/or alcohol abuse. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information. Spine As We Age . . . Prevention and Treatment Wednesday, June 15, 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: Matt El-Kadi, MD Learn about care for your spine, plus prevention and new treatment options. Please call 412-367-6640 to register. Youth Summer Camp: Childhood Wellness . . . Making Movement Fun Tuesdays and Thursdays; June 21-July 7, 9 a.m. to noon Pine Richland Youth Center Children will learn how to make positive changes in their health for a lifetime of wellness. Please call 724-443-3796 for more information.

Child Car Seat Safety Check Thursday, June 30, 10 a.m. McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, Wexford Have a certified child passenger safety technician check your child car seat installation in your vehicle at no cost! Appointments required. Please call 412-881-9221.

How’s Your Hearing? Thursday, August 18, 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: Mariann McElwain, MD Learn when to have a hearing test and what to expect. Free hearing screenings will be available at this seminar. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

Passavant Hospital Foundation Patriotic Tribute Thursday, June 30, 7:30 p.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre As a special event in the Legacy Music Series, the Pine Creek Band will provide a patriotic tribute to our country’s history as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

Diabetes Symposium Thursday, Sept. 29, 8:45 a.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center & Legacy Theatre, Cumberland Woods Village Free screenings, vendor displays, informational tables, and presentations throughout the day. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Advances in Conservative and Surgical Knee Treatments Wednesday, July 20, 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: Kelly Agnew, MD Advancements in surgical and conservative knee treatments, joint fluid therapy, arthroscopic knee surgery, and minimally invasive knee replacement will be discussed. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

24th Annual Passavant Hospital Foundation Charity Golf Outing Monday, June 20, 8 a.m. Treesdale Golf & Country Club Join other local golfers for a day of sport and networking to help raise funds to support the Passavant Hospital Foundation. Mark your calendar today, and be sure to note this year’s new location. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

Legacy Music Series UPMC Passavant, McCandless Campus The Passavant Hospital Foundation is seeking talented musicians who want to help lift people’s spirits and volunteer their time to give the gift of music. Inquiries are now being accepted for summer and fall 2011 dates. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

For more information about classes at UPMC Passavant and affiliated outpatient centers, call UPMC Physician Referral at 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

1-800-533-UPMC

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UPMC Passavant 9100 Babcock Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237

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

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

The expertise that women trust is now in the North Hills. When it comes to expert care, women have always trusted Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. And now that expertise is available here at UPMC Passavant. Magee’s program at Passavant offers the most advanced care, including gynecologic oncology and urogynecology, as well as minimally invasive gynecologic surgery – which can mean a shorter recovery period and less pain. Not to mention less time away from your family. So it’s never been more convenient for you to get world-class specialty services. The kind of services that have helped women for generations. With the addition of Magee’s specialty services, UPMC Passavant continues its commitment to providing the most advanced, most respected, and most effective care in the North Hills. To learn more about Magee’s specialty services offered at UPMC Passavant or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit www.UPMCPassavant.com.

now available at upmc passavant

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View magazines online Leave comments Stay in touch with your neighborhoods from a distance

The Cremation Garden

“Where a family’s needs and wishes come first.” Before deciding, drive through, see for yourself and compare. Visit our web site sewickleycemetery.com 412.741.4409

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11 Sewickley Summer_11 Spring Sewickley 5/26/11 3:45 Pm Page 30

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INdustry INsight

WILLOWBROOK DESIGN

ExtEnd

your outdoor living space Is there a more relaxing feeling than sitting outdoors at your own home, watching a summer sunset, enjoying a glass of wine, and savoring the day’s accomplishments? Now imagine that you’ve just completed a wonderfully prepared dinner on your grill and its all there before you – as if another room had been added to your house . . . . .This is not vacation, but it can actually be happening in your Pittsburgh home! Because the oil companies have their hands into our hard-earned money, surveys indicate that we are staying home more. Not so bad when you think about it, because making an investment in your home by the addition of an outdoor kitchen/living area is a lot better than pouring cash into your car’s tank. Give some thought to developing the space to include a landscaped terrace; an elevated deck; a pergola (an open roof-like structure) ;

maybe a sunken fire pit; or a wood-fired pizza oven – the options are ever-expanding. Outdoor kitchens are a very exciting addition to the kitchen and bath industry and include many of the same features and design considerations as an indoor kitchen. However, there are also many specialized features that require careful attention. Yes, the cabinetry is weatherproof – even for Western Pennsylvania winters. It is available in marine grade polymers and several highly substantial and impervious woods such as cedar, mahogany, or teak. Stainless steel cabinetry can even be designed into a stone wall. The systems can be modular. They can be customized. They can stand alone. They can be built into a framed structure. Depending on what you’d like to do, the budgets can be rangey. Consider whether landscaping should be part of the project budget. You can spend $3,000 or $30,000. You are in control of that. The appliances for this exciting new kitchen design front are specialized and weatherproof. There are

For some additional info on Atlantis Cabinetry, go to www.youtube.com. only a limited number of manufacturers at this point that are furnishing outdoor cabinetry and appliances. While an outdoor kitchen typically does not have all the extras found in an indoor kitchen, the elements that are found include refrigeration – either a cube or frig drawers; a primary cook surface, of course, and perhaps a side burner or a wok. The directionality of the wind, and the ventilation of the cook surface must be considered as to whether it is under cover or at the outside corner of an elevated deck. A water source is also a must for a functional kitchen prep space. This is something to include in the early planning, since water lines are usually run from the house, may be dug underground, and plumbed to accommodate cold weather. What about a wood-fired pizza oven? How nice to be lounging in the pool and smell the wood heating up, or fresh bread baking in your oven? Modular oven units can be installed into a permanent surround, which will only enhance your entire setting even more. Go for it! Let WILLOWBROOK help you spend this summer and fall enjoying your family. … together in your own extended living space. This Industry Insight was written by Kathy Cvetkovich, who has been practicing in the design field for nearly 25 years, working with new construction, renovations, kitchen & bath design, and interior design. The establishment of Willowbrook Design located in the South Hills, has enabled her to bring this accumulatedexperience to the table for each new project. Her award-winning designs have been featured in nationalmagazines, on the cover of FANtastic Kitchens Magazine,and have been entered in national competitions. For more information, call 724.941.977, or visit www.willowbrookdesign.com

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Brings Olympic-Style Training Home ool & Spa Outlet is proud to introduce the innovative new line of Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas by Master Spas. Master Spas developed the line with input from the 14 time Olympic Gold Medal winner and his coach, Bob Bowman. Fred & Jan Cerminara, owners of Pool & Spa Outlet had the opportunity meet Phelps at a private event in Las Vegas and discuss his love of the sport and his desire to bring the benefits of swimming and aquatic exercise to everyone. With six different models of Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas available, it is now possible to enjoy the full-body benefits of aquatic exercise in the privacy of your own home. A commercial model has also been designed for use in physical therapy centers, schools and swim clubs. “Our swim spas can accommodate swimmers of all abilities, from beginners to elite competitive swimmers.” explains Jan Cerminara. She notes that the emergence of swim spas is a huge trend in the industry, because of the overall health benefits associated with swimming and aquatic exercise and the fact that a water exercise regimen puts less stress on muscles and joints, thereby making it the perfect work-out for people looking to increase stamina and endurance and strengthen muscles and joints. In addition to the smoothest, strongest and widest water current in the industry, the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas by Master Spas also come standard with the Aquatic Exercise System , which includes a rowing kit and resistance bands. Optional underwater treadmills and exercise bikes are available as well. These swim spas are completely portable and install in just one day, Cerminara explains. They are energy-efficient, can be used year-‘round, and do not require any additional plumbing or excavation. Prices range from approximately $18,000 to $40,000. The Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas are on display now at Pool & Spa Outlet’s Peters Township showroom. Their knowledgeable sales team is eager to educate you on the therapeutic benefits of owning a swim spa and they look forward to helping your family choose a model that best suits your needs and your budget. Pool & Spa Outlet has been Pittsburgh's premier pool and spa retailer since 1988 and is proud to be Western Pennsylvania's only Aqua 100 Hall of Fame inductee.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

METRO HEATING AND COOLING

Metro delivers on retrofit concept

✚ When Bill Wessner, Jr., was in high school, in the 60’s, Metro Heating and Cooling was already installing air conditioning in homes with radiators, and he was helping the family heating and air conditioning business grow. Back then, they carried lists of names of customers who benefited from their work for new customers to call for references. Today, those lists are now swaths of zip codes, and Metro is known as one of the region’s top specialists in the field. Part of that popularity comes from the fact that Metro can retrofit your home with an air conditioning unit even if it has radiator heating system in place. “It’s not a new concept, but it’s a concept that homeowners stumble over for several reasons,” Wessner explained. “First, they think it can’t be done. If they do think it can be done, they think it’s going to cost them a fortune. Lastly they assume doing it will trash their house. All three of those are incorrect. I’m here to tell people that it can be done, neatly and cleanly, and it’s not expensive as they may think.” Installing whole house air conditioning in homes with radiator heat entails working from the top down with an air distribution system. These systems give the homeowners the advantage of having all floors of their home cooled to the same temperature, something that can’t be achieved with conventional systems. “We never take out the existing heating systems, because radiator heat is so comfortable,” Wessner said. Because of the age of homes in the Pittsburgh area, Wessner said the retrofits have been extremely popular in areas such as Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Point Breeze, Squirrel Hill, and Sewickley. “We’ve done more than 1,000 of these in the last 15 years or so,” he said. “We get letters all the time on how neat and clean our employees are and have a stellar rating on Angie’s List. Anyone who wants to look us up can see our reviews there.” Most of Metro’s systems carry a 10 year parts and labor warranty, and Metro guarantees satisfaction with every job. Metro also installs air cleaners on their systems for indoor air quality, which cuts down on allergens in the air such as dust and pollen. They also install a lot of high-efficiency boilers for existing radiator systems, which can save homeowners a lot of money in the long run. “Most hot water heating system are running around 60 percent efficiency,” Wessner said. “The ones we install now are 95 percent efficient and there is a Federal tax credit that goes with that right now.” While the products and technology have changed from 1953, when Metro was founded, the Wessners and their staff attend regular training and

workshops to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of their industry. The Wessners are active in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), where Bill Jr., Bill Sr., and Tom have served as president. Metro has grown to be one of the area’s most respected heating and air conditioning companies because of reliable and dependable service. They are located at 951 Banksville Rd. For more information, call 412-5617330 or check out their website at: www.metroheatingcooling.com.

Metro Heating and Cooling provides our residential and light commercial customers with superior service, installation, and replacement of heating and air conditioning systems. We are innovative and creative We solve many of your heating and cooling problems ■ We have extensive experience performing light commercial installations ■ We’ll tackle the jobs that others can’t ■ NATE certified experts ■ CARRIER factory authorized dealer ■ ■

Emergency repair appointments can be made day or night, 365 days a year.

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Sewickley Valley Historical Society If you’re not familiar with the amazing work that the Sewickley Valley Historical Society does, now’s the time to become acquainted with one of the most active historical entities in the region. Covering a territory that stretches from Glenfield to Leetsdale, the Sewickley Valley Historical Society has been in existence since 1973. Harton S. Semple, Jr., executive director, said the society exists to promote interest in recording, collecting, preserving, and documenting the history of the Sewickley Valley. That mission includes everything from making donations towards historic goals such as the $7,500 donation the society made to the Tuskeegee Airmen Memorial project, to helping students research their hometown history for school projects. The collection has been built up over the past 38 years from a combination of generous bequests and donations. “People will walk in off the street with the most astonishing things,” Semple said. “We have a lot of little victories each week. We’ll take anything that anyone brings in. We may not hold onto it, but we hardly turn anything away. Books, objects, records of various kinds —we find a home for it all.” The society’s collection is indexed and stored in a database that is easily searchable for staff and patrons alike. Inquiries come in from all over the United States, and Semple said hands-on research is encouraged. Some of the offerings of the collection include oral histories of more than 35 local citizens, the genealogical collection of Dorothy M. Moore, the records of Edgeworth Preservation, and the assets of the Sewickley Valley Bicentennial Committee. The society has publicly supported preservation projects ranging from the Old Sewickley Post Office preservation project to the Sewickley Cemetery’s Civil War Soldiers’ Monument. The society also reissues and reprints photographs, postcards, maps and books relevant to the history of the 34 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

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Sewickley Valley. Semple said “The Historical Houses of the Sewickley Valley,” an out-of-print publication once oﬀered by the society, is currently being reprinted and will be for sale later this year. “We also have a fabulous fashion show coming up this summer where clothes from the 19th and early 20th centuries will be on display,” Semple said. “That will take place in June.” If you’d like to get involved with the society sooner than that, they will be presenting “The Horseshoe Curve: Sabotage and Subversion in

For more information on the Sewickley Valley Historical Society, you can go to their website at www.sewickleyvalleyhistory.org, or call 412.741.5315. Railroad City” on Wednesday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m., at the Old Sewickley Post Oﬃce. Through the website, a number of historical books, maps, and recordings are available for purchase including the classic Molyneaux Map of Sewickley Heights and Vicinity and a CD of

piano music composed by Ethelbert and Arthur Nevin. Books local to Sewickley, such as Dixmont State Hospital and Ambridge, also are available there and help to support the society’s mission. Membership to the Sewickley Valley Historical Society is just $20 for an individual and $30 for a family. Membership includes a subscription to the society newsletter, “Signals,” as well as notices of special events. The Sewickley Valley Historical Society is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is located at 200 Broad Street.

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Robert Friedlander, MD, left, and Michael Horowitz, MD, discuss treatment options with a patient who has an unruptured aneurysm.

On the

ROAD By Mark Berton

Ashly Hunt

UPMC neurosurgery patient making strides after suffering a near fatal brain hemorrhage.

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When you think of someone who has suffered a stroke, common images arise: paralysis on one side of the body and difficulty with speech and coordination. While stroke can occur at any age, most people associate strokes with older people. So if you’re an athletic 24-year-old with no history of brain injury, on the beach at Ocean City, Maryland during the Fourth of July holiday with stroke-like symptoms, denial is a natural response. And for Ashly Hunt, she denied her symptoms until the moment she was loaded into a helicopter. “I remember thinking I wanted water. I am a huge runner. I ran before this and thought I was dehydrated,” she said. “It literally took the life-flight to believe that I wasn’t dehydrated. When it’s happening to you you’re not thinking the worst.” Within a matter of hours, what she thought was a simple headache evolved and robbed her of her sight and ability to speak. She also had trouble moving her arms and hands. Emergency responders decided to life-flight her to the nearest hospital in Baltimore, where she was diagnosed with a brain stem hemorrhage. Blood from the hemorrhage was pooling in an area that connects her brain to her spinal cord, causing her to lose movement on her right side, and creating a major dilemma for the neurosurgeons because they believed the site was too risky to treat with surgery. Soon after the diagnosis, Ashly entered a rehabilitation program in her hometown of Johnstown, Pa., to help her regain movement of the extremities that were affected by the hemorrhage. However, after several weeks in rehabilitation and slight improvements in her vision and speech, Ashly’s overall condition began to worsen. Ashly still maintained her hearing, but what she heard going on around her, she didn’t like. Until she met Robert Friedlander, MD, at UPMC.

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“I’m pretty close to 100 percent now. My hand and foot are the last things I’m waiting for to come back. I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am. I’m going to be 100 percent.” Ashly Hunt

From left to right, Brian Jankowitz, MD, Paul Gardner, MD, Daniel Wecht, MD, and L. Dade Lunsford, MD, discuss a complex neurovascular case.

Dr. Friedlander was called after Ashly’s family doctor consulted with a neurosurgeon at The Johns Hopkins University, who recommended that Dr. Friedlander manage this complex situation. Within four hours of the initial consultation, Ashly was in an ambulance headed for Pittsburgh where, she said, she met the doctor who made all the difference. “I couldn’t speak and had a hard time seeing, but my brain was processing everything. All of the other doctors were talking above me and not looking at me, not doing anything with me even though I understood them all,” she said. “Until I went to Dr. Friedlander and he worked with me through my condition to give him the answers he needed. He never came off as pompous. He’s the most caring person I’ve dealt with to this day.” Ashly’s hemorrhage was caused by an underlying condition called a cavernous malformation, which is an abnormal, berry-like patch of blood vessels located inside her brain stem. Because the brain stem is deeply situated within the base of the brain and controls important functions such as movement, sensation, breathing, and instructing the heart to beat, surgery to remove the malformation was extremely risky. However, if left untreated, the malformed vessels could again bleed and result in additional critical neurologic damage or even death. Dr. Friedlander and the neurosurgeons at UPMC faced the challenging task of removing the malformation without causing further complications. Using advanced brain imaging technology known as High Definition Fiber Tracking, pioneered at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Friedlander was able to view the detailed wiring of Ashly’s brain fibers to determine the best way to execute the surgery with as little damage to her brain as possible. In order to obtain appropriate access to the brain stem, Dr. Friedlander turned to Dr. Barry Hirsch, a skull base ENT surgeon at UPMC. Using a special microscope and image guidance device, Dr. Friedlander approached the brain stem and was able to completely remove the cavernous malformation.

After surgery, Ashly’s vision and speech began to improve. She also could move her right hand, which had been paralyzed. She improved daily, making strides with her balance, speech, movements, and other functions, and credits her improvement to her strict discipline in following her doctors’ recommendations and her physical therapy program. “If I could say one thing to inspire anyone going through this it’s that you can’t just sit there. It becomes your job,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of people who have had strokes. You can’t just sit down and think you’ll get better. You have to follow the therapy and give your body time.” While she’s been living with her parents in Johnstown during her recovery, Ashly is looking forward to getting back to her life in Baltimore. “I’m pretty close to 100 percent now. My hand and foot are the last things I’m waiting for to come back,” she said. “I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am. I’m going to be 100 percent.” Her road to recovery has been long. Approaching the anniversary of her ordeal, she and her family are thankful to Dr. Friedlander and everyone on the UPMC staff who helped her through this challenging time. She maintains a blog at ashlystatus.com, where family and friends post updates on her condition. “I’ll never forget, Dr. Friedlander said to me, ‘We’re a team. I’ll do my part as long as you do yours,’” she said. “That’s big in my mind. That made an impact.” For more information, please call the UPMC Department of Neurological Surgery at 1-866-979-1336 or visit UPMC.com/nv. This patient’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

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R E A L E STAT E

SEWICKLEY AREA

AN ENJOYABLE LIVING SPACE

IS AS CLOSE AS YOUR

If you’re looking for ways to increase your property value, attract buyers or just improve your way of life, you may find the answer is in your yard. Figures in the last two years suggest that the landscaping of your home is worth somewhere between 5% and 15% of the total home value. We’re all familiar with the term “curb appeal,” which basically means that buyers must be attracted to the outside of the house before they will ever see the inside. If your yard is unappealing, it may kill the sale of your home in the first few seconds. And the new outdoor room is increasingly appearing on the list of “must-have” features for new homebuyers. Today, landscaping is more than just plants and bushes. Some of the features you may want to consider in making your space more attractive are lighting, color, foliage, fencing and water features. Lighting goes a long way in defining an outdoor space for nighttime enjoyment, but it’s also a wise investment for security. Motion detector lights can illuminate pathways and deter crime. They are inexpensive, and solar-powered models are available that are wireless. For more subtle lighting, wall sconces can create ambience in heavily-used areas. For dining spaces, outdoor chandeliers come in a variety of styles from old world to contemporary. Next, try adding some color. Pick a shade that will coordinate with the color and hue of your home, but add some contrast. The color theme can be achieved through the use of chair cushions, throw pillows, table umbrellas, canopies and flowering plants. Keep in mind that wooden patio furniture can also be painted to further carry out the theme. Trees, bushes, plants and flowers can breathe new life into a barren space. Trees increase in value over time as they grow. Bushes and hedges can be used to add beauty and also to add security. Thorny rosebushes or holly bushes with their pointy leaves can be strategically planted in front of ground floor windows to discourage would-be intruders. Lavender bushes generally grow fairly quickly and will add a wonderful scent to your outdoor area. They are also a good deterrent for spiders since they avoid the lavender scent.

by Pamela Palongue When choosing plants and flowers, keep in mind that most people prefer low maintenance if you are planning on selling your home. Some good low-maintenance flowers for our area, Zone 6, are Shasta daisies, irises, coneflowers and peonies. These perennials come in a variety of colors to highlight your yard and your color scheme. Don’t forget the lawn. It’s the foundation for your landscape. Be sure to replace all the “bald” spots with new sod to cover these worn areas. Consider using paving stones for heavy traffic areas. If your grass is brown in spots and you are having a party or open-house showing, consider using a green lawn spray that is specially made to dye your lawn, giving it a lush, verdant look. The dye is permanent and will last until you mow the lawn. Although fencing may be one of the more expensive improvements to your landscaping project, it is also one of the most attractive and efficient. A fence defines property lines, and adds privacy and security. A lattice fence is a less-expensive option and lends a cottage flair to most yards. It may be purchased in sections for fairly quick installation. Chain link fencing is a sturdier but more expensive option. Fencing is generally available in brown, green or black to blend in more easily with natural surroundings. Split rail fencing adds a rustic feeling and may be lined with chicken wire to keep small pets secure. Water features are extremely popular and offer the greatest opportunity for creative expression in your landscape design. They can be as complex as a custom-designed waterfall and as simple as a birdbath. Keep in mind that still water breeds mosquitoes. If your water feature is not going to be aerated with a circulation pump, it will need to be flushed out and cleaned weekly or you can add fish which will eat the mosquito larvae. Many solarpowered pumps are available for use with water fountains which eliminate the need for electricity or cords. Most come with a back-up battery for cloudy days and nighttime use. An outdoor space is a great place for the entire family to spend time and enjoy nature while adding to the value to your property.

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R E A L E STAT E

SEWICKLEY AREA

Real Estate Options for the Retired By Pamela Palongue

Retired persons are commonly advised to sell their homes to avoid the cost of repairs and maintenance. Well-meaning friends and relatives often point out that they won’t be able to mow the lawn forever. Is selling your house always the best choice? According to Kathy McKenna, a real estate broker with over 20 years of experience in Pittsburgh, it’s a decision that needs to be weighed carefully with knowledgeable people you can trust. There are many reasons a home may not be practical to maintain in retirement years. McKenna explains, “Some older homes may not be well insulated and this can lead to high gas or electric bills.” There are the major expenses like replacing a roof as well as the ongoing costs of lawn maintenance, snow removal and real estate taxes. Also on an emotional level, some individuals may not be prepared to live alone and would prefer more sociable surroundings. Some retired persons opt for condominium living which quells many of the anxieties of home ownership. As McKenna points out, the maintenance is usually taken care of in the association fees and will generally include lawn maintenance, roof repairs and replacement, and siding. Some condos may include exterior painting as part of their upkeep agreement. The downside is that association fees can be raised over time. However, most associations manage their money wisely and the increases are usually infrequent. McKenna also adds, “Do your homework. Attend the association meetings and see how the money is being spent and if they are managing it well.” Another thing to consider is that condo associations occasionally may assess their members a one-time fee to pay for a major renovation or repair.

This is not common and generally the tenants have months to years of prior notice before such an assessment is made. An alternative to home ownership that may be even more attractive to seniors is apartment living. Apartments that have utilities included ensure that high utility bills will not be a problem in cold winter months and there are no repair bills or real estate taxes with which to contend. However, if utilities are granted a rate hike or real estate taxes are raised, those additional costs will likely be passed on to the tenants in the form of a higher rent amount. A recent trend called the reverse mortgage is a loan where the homeowner, who must be at least 62 years of age, uses the home’s equity as collateral. The bank or mortgage company in turn pays the homeowner a set amount each month. Homeowners are allowed to remain in their homes until death. The payments are based on the seller’s age; basically, the younger the homeowner at the time of procuring the mortgage, the smaller the monthly payment. McKenna adds, “This allows the homeowner to pull the equity out of his house while still living there.” The disadvantage is that the homeowner is still responsible for any repairs and maintenance for the home. Although not an attractive alternative for some, those who are living on a fixed income and need more money to meet their monthly bills may opt for this arrangement. While some people savor their privacy, others crave social interaction. One of the most popular trends in recent years has been the retirement village. These villages allow people to have the privacy of their own home while joining other residents for entertainment, activities and communal dining. Each one oﬀers diﬀerent financial plans and must be studied carefully for the best option. McKenna advises, “Before you sell your home, be sure to list it with someone who is reputable that you can trust and talk to about your particular situation.”

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT! Please submit your information, including a phone number and e-mail information to: mark@incommunitymagazines.com

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Parkway West CTC’s IT Essentials Program Dominates at 2011 Pittsburgh Public Schools IT Competition The following network related events were all won by Quarker Valley’s Aireal McCullough and South Fayette’s Tyler Soubie as a Parkway West Team I. In addition to individual trophies for each event they won, each of them also received a Grand Champion Trophy. Four academic high schools and two other career and technical centers also entered this competition. Team Online Exam Champion Participants competed in an online exam that was designed to mimic the questions on the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Level Technician) exam. This certification validates the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security.

recent article in Fortune Magazine not only predicted a housing comeback during 2011, but it actually projected that a housing shortage may be in our near future. After four years of downward pricing trends and constant headlines about doom and gloom in the real estate market, it is encouraging to hear that downward pressures will soon be easing. Shawn Tully, author of ‘Real Estate: It’s Time to Buy Again’, along with Fortune Magazine, was one of the first to predict the housing bubble burst back in 2004. By analyzing supply, credit standards, and the cost of renting vs. owning, Tully stated that the price appreciation at that time far exceeded the normal zone and that the housing market was in for a rude awakening. Today, new home inventory is at a record low. In fact, the 78,000 homes available nationwide are less than a quarter of what was available four years ago and well below the inventory available a decade ago. Yes, credit has tightened, but standards for obtaining a loan are no different than they were 10 years ago. That encourages healthy home buying and discourages speculative purchases that fueled the bubble in the first place. Placing an even greater emphasis on In many of the country’s rebounding real estate markets, the cost of renting now significantly exceeds owning. That combined with the lowest prices in years, means more and more renters will continue to jump into the housing market. Trends are also leaning towards better built, higher efficiency homes, like the S&A EHome. Homes designed to save you post construction by lowering energy bills through design efficiency. Innovations that, over the ownership of your home, will help contribute to a lower cost of living. Of course, this rebound hinges on continued job growth, but for those of us in the Northeast, this truly may be the best time to buy. If you are thinking of taking advantage of great prices for a quality new home, go to: www.sahomebuilder.com today!

Team Tech-O-War Champion All networking teams from each participating school went head-to-head in a ‘bracket-style’ elimination tournament. Teams needed to answer networking related questions that would qualify them to the next round. Team Router Configuration Participants competed to configure a router similar to what someone might find in a home or small oﬃce environment. They were given a list of configurations that needed to be made. Our team completed this event in 14 minutes and received a score of 100%. Team RFP Champion Participants responded to an RFP (Request for Proposal) for a multi-site network upgrade. They needed to present their proposal/bid to a panel of judges and were scored on their presentation. CCNA Team Grand Champions Overall CCNA Champion!!! Team Computer Configuration Participants needed to configure a Windows XP computer quickly and accurately. They were given a list of configurations that needed to be made. Our team completed this event in 12 minutes and received a score of 92%.

In the SkillsUSA pictured from left to right: Zach Scribner – Montour David Ball – Montour Anjelica Ayres – West Allegheny Christopher Carr – West Allegheny Nikki Luc – Montour Tyler Kashella – West Allegheny Kayla Garbera – Montour Rachel Zolkiewicz – Montour James Latimer – Sto-Rox Emily Gollick - Montour 42 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

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EVLA

Minimally Invasive Procedure ook at your legs. Have you ever noticed the unsightly veins and wondered what can be done about them? Do you ever experience pain or tingling? You are actually experiencing symptoms of a true medical problem that can be easily treated. Varicose veins are abnormally large veins that indicate a problem in the circulation of blood back to the heart. Though they were healthy and functional at one time, after veins become varicose, they are not working correctly. Spider veins are smaller and lie close to the surface of the skin. They are not as damaged as varicose veins, but still indicate a medical issue. In addition to a visually unattractive mass of purple or blue bursts of veins, rope-like appearance or knotty feeling, many patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms in their legs: Pain or cramping feeling, heaviness or tiredness, burning, itching or tingling sensations, swelling, throbbing, or tender areas around the veins. If you experience symptoms and are delaying treatment, your

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symptoms may progress to more serious complications including: Phylebitis (inflammation), deep vein thrombosis, ankle sores or skin ulcers. At one time, the only only option for treatment of varicose veins might have been a vein-stripping done in a hospital. Often this option left people needing extended down-time and left ugly scars where once was a varicose vein. Now people can expect safe, nearly painless, office based procedures with even better results and no down-time. Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) are now considered the “gold standard” of treatment for veins by the American College of Phlebology. Performed under local anesthetic, EVLA can bring immediate relief from symptoms relating to varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure normally takes less than 60 minutes and is less painful than traditional surgical alternatives, resulting in fewer complications. This is because laser energy is delivered in a thin, fiberoptic probe to treat the underlying cause of the varicose vein—also decreasing the likelihood of an unattractive scar. During a Sclerotherapy procedure, the doctor injects a small amount of medication into the affected vein, which will, in turn, cause it to collapse. Some patients may require more than one session, and each session can consist of more than one injection. That’s why patients should look for a vein center with customized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific needs. Following the procedure, patients are normally able to resume regular activities. In most cases, a medically prescribed support hose (known as a compression stocking) may need to be worn for several days after the procedure. Patients should look for a vein center that offers a thorough, free vein consultation for new patients and where treatments are done on an outpatient basis in the offices. They should also look for a vein center where treatments are covered by health-insurance plans. Some vein centers make it so easy that procedures can be done on your lunch break. Try to find a physician that will perform the procedure so that there will be little to no limitation on activity. Once you have found the right vein center, you can have the pain-free, healthy legs you've always wanted! This Industry Insight was written Louis Certo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Medical Director of Circulatory Centers

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A graduate of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Dr. Certo earned his medical degree from the University of Rome in Italy. After completing a five-year residency in General Surgery, he joined the St. Francis Medical Center staff in 1988 and UPMC St. Margaret Hospital staff in 1990. He also is on the staff at UPMC Passavant Cranberry, Allegheny General Hospital and Surgery Centers in Erie, Austintown and Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Certo is Board Certified and Recertified in General Surgery. For the past ten years he has devoted most of his practice to venous surgery and has been associated with Circulatory Centers since 1997. Dr. Certo is a current member of the American College of Phlebology.

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Sewickley Public Library Holds a

Day Pie Baking Contest 1 2

On March 14th or 3.14, “Pi” Day was celebrated a fun, creative and delicious way by Sewickley Public Library when they held their first Pi Day Pie Baking Contest. “Pi”, which is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, was shown in many diverse, sweet and savory examples, such as chocolate mousse pie and goat cheesecake pie. Guest judges included KDKA Traﬃc and Transportation Reporter, Jim Lokay and local food experts. After thoughtfully tasting eleven pies, a first place award was given to Isabella Brilmeyer, for her French apple pie. Richard Whittier received a second place award for his green chili quiche. Some of the other awards included “Tastiest”, which was given to Sophie Richmond, for

her strawberry rhubarb pie. Meghan Snatchco, Reference Librarian, created and executed the contest. With an innovative point of view, she and her fellow librarians come up with interesting programs to educate and bring the community together. “Enriching Your Life with Technology”, “Brown Bag Book Group”, “Slimy and Smelly Science” and “Reiki Healing Circle” are just a small portion of what is oﬀered at Sewickley Library. If you would like more information on the 2012 “Pi” Day Pie Baking Contest or programs being oﬀered, please go to Sewickley Public Library’s website at www.sewickleylibrary.org, or call 412-741-6920.

1. KDKA Jim Lokay, Isabella Brilmyer. 2. Winners, Sophie Richmond, Isabella Brilmyer, Richard Whittier. 3. Judges Bill And Tina Echement, Owners Of The Ultimate Pastry Shop. 4. Judge Maki Shioya. 5. Tastiest Pie Winner, Sophie Richmond, Marie And Ellie Richmond. 6. 1st Place Winner, Isabella Brilmyer And Terez Madrid. 7. Elizabeth Harbist Displays Her Cherry Pie. 8. Reference Librarian, Meghan Snatchko. 9. Judge Carrie Quinn.

5 4

3 6

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A Handyman’s Guide to ying Restoring Your Home

o r t s e D

By Pamela Palongue

o you have anyone addicted to power tools living in your home? Do their eyes glaze over when they enter the local hardware store? Do they sometimes try to replace the washers in your washerless faucets? Have they been known to use a jack hammer to refinish your hardwood floors? If this sounds familiar, there is help. In my own case, I will never forget the moment I realized I was married to a compulsive handyman. It was a summer day that began like any other. I had left early in the morning for some weekly grocery shopping and a few errands. I returned just a few short hours later to find my husband standing in the middle of the bathtub amid wall tiles and debris up to his knees. He froze in midswing of the sledge hammer with drywall dust still floating silently down around us. The bathroom wall had been taken down to

I have since learned that with a few easy, inexpensive changes, you too can leave your home with the comfort of knowing it will be reasonably intact upon your return. The easiest solution is to prevent the purchase of power tools in the first place. When your handyman casually mentions that he has to “stop by the lumberyard and pick up a few things,” distract him by mentioning the playoffs, offering to cook his favorite food or showing him the latest issue of the Victoria’s Secret catalog. Next, use the parental controls on your TV set to block out HGTV, DIY Network or any other channels that may convince your handyman that he can add a wing to the house over the weekend. Cover ALL appliances with several rolls of duct tape. (This will deter him from taking them apart.) Although this is not

the bare plumbing, presumably to fix a minor leak. When he saw my look of horror, he sheepishly told me that he had to break down the wall in order to gain access to the plumbing. When I pointed out that we would no longer be able to take showers, he reminded me how much money we were saving by not calling a licensed plumber. This incident was not the main cause of the divorce as I largely blame myself for leaving him unsupervised in the house with access to heavy equipment.

guaranteed to prevent the dismantling of your refrigerator, it will slow him down considerably. Finally, if all else fails, tell him the local electronics store has just introduced a new line of plasma screen TVs that are 9 x 20 feet, the exact dimensions of the north wall of your house. Keep in mind that he will likely be extremely disappointed upon learning that no such TV exists outside of the Starship Enterprise on Star Trek. He may instead buy an extreme number of video games and cameras, but at least he cannot destroy the house with Dungeons and Dragons.

With a few easy, inexpensive changes, you can leave your home with the comfort of knowing it will be reasonably intact upon your return.

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By design By design, the human brain responds to sounds that are orderly and internally consistent. We can see this in a well orchestrated and disciplined group of musicians who create a symphony. All parts must submit to their individual contributions so that there is an orderly and pleasing sound. In any discipline, integration of all aspects is required in order to reach harmony. The same principles apply to financial planning and financial management. The mid - 20th century author Ayn Rand has told us that, “Happiness is a state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one’s values”. Here, she captured the idea that we can respond emotionally when what we achieve is consistent with what we are and what we believe. As financial planners, we work hard at discovering our clients’ individual goals so that we can “symphonize” or create harmony between our clients’ values and their financial decisions. Oftentimes, this harmony is diﬃcult to capture because of the complexity of outside sounds. For instance accomplishing certain goals may be complicated because of tax laws or other governmental regulations. Generally, however, it is possible to arrange and allocate those assets in such a way that they will be responsive to the individual’s desires and purposes; it requires attention to estate planning, tax planning, risk management, investment allocation and retirement planning. Synchronizing the various areas within the financial planning model is at times diﬃcult, and without attention to detail, can create a screeching sound. The real art is being able to isolate and prioritize an individual’s goals and values and then to bring all of these individual “instruments” into harmony. It is interesting that as we age, it seems, we are more responsive to these harmonies. Perhaps our goals are longer-term even though our own life expectancies are always going down. We are finding many clients now considering what long-term benefits might be derived from their assets accumulated due to hard work and sacrifice. A great many are interested in legacy and benefits which may accrue and profit future generations whom

they may never meet. In these cases, the use of Roth IRAs or trusts can give clients great comfort and harmonize their own financial security and the financial benefits Hutchison that might be passed on to future Whitehead, LLC generations. 375 Southpointe Blvd, This is an example of harmonizing the Suite 330 past including prior generations through Canonsburg, PA 15317 inheritances with the future. However 724.873.8755 designing and documenting these goals www.hwwealth.com require attention because of the intricate income tax and the state tax implications. Dennis Hutchison, CFP®, CPA, Principal We find so many times that when we open up Mr. Hutchison is a Certified Financial Planner™ profesthis discussion that for the first time they sional and principal of Hutchison Whitehead. He has over have been confronted with the fact that it is 30 years of experience in tax management and financial planning having assisted clients in financial and estate unlikely they will spend all of their planning, tax planning, corporate capital structuring and accumulated net worth during their lifetimes. other traditional accounting advisory services. Occasionally someone will conclude that they only care about the net worth during their lifetime and after that it doesn’t matter. In most cases after reflection, the ultimate enjoyment of assets is important. In most cases clients are not that committed to funding the government or paying oﬀ national debt which unfortunately becomes the default when proper planning has not been Working with Hutchison Whitehead done. The Federal you can expect: estate tax is an • Fee-only registered investment advisor - no commissions ever aggressive tax on even • Completely independent - our allegiance lies with our clients small to medium • Full access to firm partners and decision makers estates. Minimizing the • Goal and evidence based investment philosophy attacks requires • Holistic view of finances attention. Contact us for a free review of your portfolio and financial plan. Hard work and sacrifice which has restated themselves as accumulated assets is 375 Southpointe Blvd., Suite 330 best memorialized Canonsburg, PA 15317 when attention is given to our values and our www.hwwealth.com hopes for those who 724.873.8755 follow. Sewickley | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

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Water’s Impact on the Taste of Your Food

Stir Up Solutions…

Holiday and year-round recipes for soups, stocks, sauces and other dishes calling for H20 as the base ingredient demand the finest culinary finesse – and the purest water to promote the truest taste. Unknowingly, using untreated tap water may compromise the nuances of your cooking and contribute to environmental waste when it comes to cleaning pots, pans and appliances used to prepare your favorite recipes. Here’s how taste can be affected: • Unfiltered tap water – Water that comes from a municipal water supply is safely regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); however, nearly every water source contains some level of contaminants* that are addressed by adding commonly used disinfectants like chlorine. Traces of chlorine can produce an unpleasant taste and odor that can taint your water-based recipes; steam used for cooking vegetables, rice and pasta; and even ice cubes used to chill beverages. • Unsoftened hard water – Residents on private or community well systems are subject to hard water that may contain a number of odor- and taste-altering impurities*. For example, sulfur found in some hard water sources contributes to a “rotten egg” smell; iron or copper can produce a metallic aftertaste; and water that flows over rocks, soils and vegetation sometimes contains a salty or bitter taste.

If mixing your favorite beverage with stale-tasting ice cubes or dumping chlorinated water into your grandma’s chicken noodle soup isn’t on your recipe card, consider making the most of your tap water. Contact your local Culligan dealer to obtain a free, on-site water analysis to determine which in home solution is best for you. This might include…

…and Help Spare the Environment Optimizing the taste of your food with quality water also has other “green” benefits that extend to the environment. For example, using softened water can provide the following advantages: • Longer equipment lifespan – Minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are dissolved in your tap water tend to settle out when hard water is heated and evaporates. These minerals accumulate, corrode and clog water-using appliances (i.e. dishwashers, coffee makers, steamers) and other devices, causing increased energy use, a shortened lifespan and premature equipment disposal. Soft water can help eliminate these issues and extend the life of your appliances. • Less detergent – Removing spots, stains and scale caused by hard water from your cookware and dishes requires scrubbing with detergents and other harsh chemicals. The more stubborn the residue, the more cleanser required – contributing to unnecessary environmental waste. Soft water helps detergents to lather better so cleansing is easier and less soap is needed.

Going Green is Easy with Culligan... better water. pure and simple. This Industry Insight was brought to you by your local Culligan Dealer

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