SPRING 2011
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Soup’s On!
at Shaler Library INSIDE:
Shaler Police Department Receives Honor
Contents Shaler | SPRING 2011 |
SPRING 2011
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
4
10 Publisher’s Message
FEATURES
Healthy Family, Happy Family
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UPMC Today
13
26
What’s Inside page 2
Spring Skin Smarts
page 3
Keeping yourself and your family healthy can seem like a full-time job.
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future Stomachaches: When to Worry
page 4
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are You Allergic to Your Bed?
With UPMC HealthTrak, you now have a convenient way to manage your health anytime and anywhere.
page 5
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
page 6
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Could It Happen to You?
p
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Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 13 |
Proms and Weddings Focus Prom Fashion Tips for 2011 | 23
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Venue Planning for Your Wedding | 24 Wedding Etiquette for the Socially Inept | 25 |
Older Adults in Shaler
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Keep Your Credit Card Secure | 26
Real Estate In Shaler Area
COMMUNITY INTEREST
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
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28
4
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Soup’s On! At Shaler Libraries
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Shaler Municipal Information
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Shaler Superintendent Retiring After 14 Years
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IN Kids
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Shaler Police Department Receives Highest Honor for Safety
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The Case for Pre-arrangements Frank Perman Funeral Home | 12
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Edward Jones
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6
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10
21
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Changing Jobs or Retiring? Consider and IRA Rollover | 33
ON THE COVER
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Sharon McRae serves soup to Lillian and John O'Neill.
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30
SPRING 2011
Welcome to the spring issue of Shaler Area Magazine. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and fun. Typically, I use this space to talk about your community or features in the magazine that spotlight the people in your community who are doing wonderful things. Well, this time I want to update you regarding our newest feature for 2011—our new website. Without venturing too far into the realm of shameless self-promotion, I want to emphasize that this website is something for you, our readers. How so? Well, you can have input and help shape the website just like your ideas help shape your magazine. Now you have a place to list all of the nonprofit community organizations that are active in the community. We are also developing pages where we list the local houses of worship. In addition, we now offer every magazine in a fully downloadable PDF format, rather than the outdated flipbook format we used to have. This will allow you to send the magazine, or links to it, to friends and family both near and far. We tied our website into Facebook as well, not to get the biggest list of “friends” we could get but to have a place to keep our readers abreast of all the news we get between issues. It also gives us a place to upload all the photos from community events that we don’t have room for in the magazine. As with all things, there’s always room for improvement, but we always have open ears. If you have comments about our new website or want to see your organization listed, e-mail mark@incommunitymagazines.com with your link or feedback. There’s no charge for listing your church, synagogue, or scout troop’s link, so send your links in today! And if you happen to be on Facebook and like what you see in the magazine, don’t hesitate to click that “Like” button. It’s always nice to be liked! I hope you have a wonderful Spring!
IN Shaler Area is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Shaler 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 AS S I STA N T TO T H E P U B L I S H E R
Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com E D I TO R I A L AS S I STA N T
Jamie Ward j.ward@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS
Mark Berton Kelli McElhinny
Pamela Palongue
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Susie Doak Pati Ingold
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Garyyonphotography.com A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
Wayne Dollard Publisher When I think about spring, I can’t help but think about light. The days get “lighter,” the sun stays with us a little longer each day. When we have a great idea, a light bulb goes off in our minds. At Shaler Area Magazine, we try to spotlight our communities. What are you doing to be a “light”? If you or an organization that you volunteer or work for is a light in the community, will you let me know? So many good deeds are left unsung! If you have a family member who is in the armed forces, or if your church group or even Mom or Dad are providing a service to someone in need, we want to know! Please e-mail your ideas and photos to me at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. On page 4 of this edition, you’ll get to read about the Shaler Library Soups On fundraiser. Because funding has been cut, the library is looking "No one is useless for new ways to finance their activity. Please keep them in mind if you want to donate books for their upcoming book sale, or just make a in this world who donation! As we look forward to warmer days ahead, I hope you will lightens the burdens enjoy this edition of Shaler Area Magazine .
of another."
Nicholas Buzzell Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes Jason Huffman Jessie Jones Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti
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
Summer content deadline: April 26, 2011 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Charles Dickens
Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
By Jamie Ward
Sharon McRae serves soup to Lillian and John O'Neill
Ingrid Kalchthler
Sharon McRae, Library Director
Sylvia Marko and Colleen Konieczny
Marie Jackson and Ellen Kruszwski Students being served by Colleen Konieczny and Sylvia Marko
d $945 for the uary 31 that raise a soup sale on Jan emade soups to chose from. ld he ary br Li r The Shale tions of hom zed the sale. d plenty of selec cRay, who organi library. People ha very very well,” says Sharon M up “The sale went seven hours.” 200 quarts of so thin a matter of cRay served over library. Patrons M rs, “We sold out wi tee lun vo e of th several With the help of volunteers, patrons, and friends g to McRay, wedding by staff t accordin ted bu na s, do up re so we of d at th rent kin m about 15 diffe the could choose fro it coincided with od thing because m the book, and . go a ite is or ys fav sa n e ow sh s-d ich akes meals fro soup was the hand requesting soup in December, wh cussion group m it,” says McRay. The cookbook dis for that program and then donate st e. McRay started em th p ou gr r Thought” mak e soup up sale was a fir librariy’s “Food fo soup. “Those folks were able to se funds. This so was ing efforts to rai s trying go ay on alw y’s e rar e'r lib “W e January's theme t one part of th arly occurrence. ye a it e ak m to The sale was jus ey plan t McRay says th nate about for the library bu . and is able to do ys sa e sh nual book sales, nate an o do tw n ca new things,” lds le ho op e Library ok sale, and pe The Friends of th ed help for the bo ne s ay alw e “W ar. th the Shaler $12,000 each ye e,” says McRay. ar and partners wi tim roughout the ye th s fle materials at any raf g in go has on rday in June. 86.0211. The library also held the last Satu lp the Shaler Library, call 412.4 r a garden tour, he n ca u yo w ho t Garden Club fo rials or find ou To donate mate 4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Shaler
In May 2003, Bonny Diver-Hall was at the height of her radio career at 3WS and enjoying riding her beloved horse Romeo. Unfortunately, a bad fall left her with a broken shoulder, but it was that fall that saved her life. Bonny discovered a lump in her breast while examining her wounds. That lump turned out to be breast cancer, which became an opportunity for victory. Today, almost eight years later, Bonny is cancer-free, and on a mission to bring dignity and comfort to women undergoing chemotherapy. Hair Peace Charities was born after Bonny's oncologist mentioned that four out of five Pennsylvania health insurance companies wouldn't cover the cost of a wig (around $300) for women who would lose their hair during chemotherapy.
educate women on a variety of topics related to health and spirituality. Volunteers have gone to women's homes to plant flower bulbs, make prayer quilts, and send prayer cards. Women struggling with cancer should contact Hair Peace Charities at 412.327.5177 or bdiver1@verizon.net . Bonny Diver-Hall is available to speak to groups about the spiritual and practical aspects of fighting cancer. She says she is more than a survivor– she is a warrior!
William T. Leslie Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
"It is imperative to give women the means to maintain their dignity while taking on the fight of their lives," says Bonny. "It is not just a wig, it is the circle of support that Hair Peace Charities offers along their way."
225 North Avenue Millvale, PA 15209
Bonny received immense help to launch Hair Peace Charities from Ingomar Methodist Church, which remains a steady lifeline to the organization that today is independent.
Phone: 412.821.0595 Fax: 412.821.0597
Hair Peace provides women in the 412 and 724 area codes with financial assistance to purchase a wig needed from chemotherapy. Donations come from generous individuals, businesses and organizations. Many donors have been personally affected by cancer. Last year, Hair Peace served nearly 175 women and expects to double that number in 2011 bringing the outreach to over 800 since inception. In addition to helping pay for wigs, Hair Peace Charities provides a helpful informational packet with ways to deal with the effects of treatment and how to fight cancer with changes in diet and lifestyle. At monthly meetings (Empowerment Circles) expert speakers
• 30 years plus serving North Hills • Quality Installation & Service • Average installation $2,900 to $3,900 • Average Emergency call $79 to $300 • Comfort & Well being PRICELESS !!!
Call For A Free Estimate and Systems Evaluation Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
Municipal Information Shaler • 300 Wetzel Road • Glenshaw, PA 15116-2288 • P: 412.486.9700 • F: 412.487.4107 Business Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Telephone Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Administration Township Manager Timothy J. Rogers, Esquire 412.486.9700, x213
Finance Officer Judith Kording 412.486.9700, x214
Township Engineer Kevin Creagh, P.E. 412.486.9700, x230
Building Inspector Robert Vita 412.486.9700, x222
Chief of Police/Emergency Management Coordinator Jeffrey D. Gally 412.492.2222
Public Works Director James Henderson 412.486.9700
Township Solicitor Joseph E. Vogrin, III 412.486.9700
Director of Water Operations John Bottegal 412.486.9700
Shaler Police Department 300 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116-2288 Emergency Dial 911 Police Non-Emergency 412.473.3056
FIRE DEPARTMENTS Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Company 15 Wible Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.821.8022
Elfinwild Volunteer Fire Company 2817 Mt. Royal Boulevard Glenshaw, PA 15116 412.486.7077
Sharps Hill Volunteer Fire Company 503 Berner Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412.781.1226
Shaler EMS 339 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 Non-Emergency: 412.487.0162 Administrative: 412.487.6590
Cherry City Volunteer Fire Company 309 Davis Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.822.7001
Shaler Villa Volunteer Fire Company 960 Saxonburg Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15223 412.487.9998
Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company 700 Mt. Royal Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15223 412.486.6252
Public Safety
Etna • Borough of Etna • 437 Butler Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15223 • Phone: 412.781.0569
Administration Borough Manager: Mary Ellen Ramage 412.781.0569, ext. 17
Building Inspection/ Code Enforcement 412.781.0569
Chief of Police: Bill Grover 412.781.6271, ext. 11
Tax Collector: Germaine Pfeifer 412.781.0569, ext. 24
Public Works Director: Ed Murdy 412.781.7837
Solicitor: Ronald Heck & Associates 412.281.2100
Public Safety Etna Police Department 437 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15223 Emergency Number: 911 Non-Emergency Numbers: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Etna Police Station, 412.781.6271 After 3 p.m. - Shaler Police Station, 412.486.3201
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Etna Volunteer Fire Department Cheif Greg Porter 437 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15223 Ph: 412.781.1155 Seneca Area Emergency Services 1885 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Phone: 412.781.8596 Shaler
Engineer: Donald Newman, P.E. Buchart Horn, Inc. 412.261.5059, ext. 19
Millvale • 501 Lincoln Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.821.2777 • info@millvaleboro.com • Mayor: Vincent F. Cinski
Administration Tax Collector Jean Anson 710 North Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.821.3441
Borough Manager Virginia N. Pucci 412.821.2777 vpucci@millvaleboro.com Main Street Manager Eddie Figas 412.821.2777, x43 efigas@millvaleboro.com
Solicitor Mike Witherel 966 Perry Highway Pittsburgh, PA 15229 412.366.6629
Code Enforcement Mike Snyder 412.821.2777, x14
Magistrate Honorable Robert Dzvonick 1007 Mt. Royal Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15223 412.487.7630
Engineer Phil Herman Senate Engineering UPARC 420 William Pitt Way Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.826.5454
Public Safety Millvale Police Department 501 Lincoln Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15209 Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 412.821.3410 Chief of Police: Derek Miller
Millvale Volunteer Fire Department 501 Lincoln Avenue Millvale, PA 15209 Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 412.821.1868 Fire Chief: Jim Tunstall Jr.
Shaler School District 1800 Mt. Royal Blvd. • Glenshaw, PA 15116 • Phone: 412.492.1200
Administration
Schools
Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Donald A. Lee 412.492.1200, x2801 leed@sasd.k12.pa.us
Manager, Information Services: Mr. Thomas Wyant 412.492.1200, x2815 watsonw@sasd.k12.pa.us
Assistant Superintendent: Dr. Wesley Shipley 412.492.1200, x2834 shipleyw@sasd.k12.pa.us
Director of Business Affairs: Mr. Charles Bennett 412.492.1200, x2807 bennettc@sasd.k12.pa.us
Human Resources Manager: Ms. Donna Skundrich 412.492.1200, x2803 skundrichd@sasd.k12.pa.us
Reserve Township 33 Lonsdale Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.322.1551 • Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon.–Fri.
Administration Township Manager Richard Hadley 412.322.1551
Shaler Area School District 381 Wible Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15209 Phone: 412.492.1200, x1500 or 1501 Principal: Timothy J. Royall
Reserve Primary School 2107 Lonsdale Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.492.1200, x7500 Principal: Rick Pelkofer
Shaler Area Middle School 1810 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x2500 Principal: Eloise K. Groegler ..
Marzolf Primary School 101 Marzolf Road Extension Pittsburgh, PA 15209 Phone: 412.492.1200, x6500 Principal: Martin Martynuska
Shaler Area Elementary School 700 Scott Avenue Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x3500 Principal: Cynthia L. Foht
Jeffery Primary School 201 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x5800 Principal: Kara Eckert
Rogers Primary School 705 Scott Avenue Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x8500 Principal: Leah McCord
Burchfield Primary School 1500 Burchfield Road Allison Park, PA 15101 Phone: 412.492.1200, x4500 Principal: William Tomicek
Township Treasurer Donna Kaib 412.322.2235
Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Shaler Libraries PUBLIC LIBRARIES Shaler North Hills Library 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116 412.486.0211 Hours: Mon.-Thur.: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Fri.: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Millvale Community Library 213 Grant Avenue Millvale, PA 15209 412.822.7081 info@millvalelibrary.org
Glenshaw Public Library 1504 Butler Plank Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 412.487.2121
ONGOING EVENTS AT SHALER NORTH HILLS LIBRARY Contact: Shaler Youth Services 412.486.0211 shaleryouthservices@gmail.com Book Babies Tuesdays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. Lively songs, rhymes and stories for children ages 18 months and under, with a caregiver. Sign Language for Young Ones Thursdays at 11 a.m.
Preschool Express Fridays at 10:15 a.m. All aboard! Preschoolers, ages 3 ½ to 6, will travel through the alphabet as we share stories, songs, activities, and a craft all revolving around a letter of the week. Your child will love the learning and the laughter! Monday Night Book Group Second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Learn American Sign Language with your preschooler through games and more.
Reading picks include contemporary fiction and nonfiction. This month’s selection is "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Toddler Storytime Garth Stein. New members are Wednesdays at 10:15 or 11:00 a.m. welcome to attend. Stories and rhymes that will feature a different letter each week. For children 2 ½ to 3 ½ years old, with a caregiver. Mother Goose Storytime Mondays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. Thirty minutes of stories, rhymes and fun for children ages 18 through 30 months, with a caregiver. Little Artists Wednesdays at 11 a.m. An entertaining program for preschoolers teaching a different artist every week. Pajammin' Family Storytime Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Getting ready for bed was never this much fun! Wear your favorite jammies and slippers to the library for some weekly nighttime stories and songs! Your favorite cuddly or stuffed animals are welcome too!
Nonfiction Book Group Fourth Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. This month’s selection is “The Last Empty Places: A Past and Present Journey through the Blank Spots on the American Map” by Peter Stark. Discovery Kids Tuesdays at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. This weekly, award-winning, interactive program for ages 3 and up will feature nonfiction topics each week and learning labs. Wee School Evenings Tuesdays at 7 p.m. through Wee School Evenings Science! Letters! Math! Exercise! Art! Every week we’ll explore something new! For toddlers and preschoolers who would rather come out at night! Kid Aerobics Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Dance games and exercise for you and your toddler or preschooler!
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Shaler
Shaler Board of Commissioners Appoints Members to Township Positions The Shaler Township commissioners approved the appointments of several members to the township agencies. Thaddeus Fields, 36, of Shaler, will replace John Schonder on the Shaler Planning Commission, who stepped down after his term expired. Fields, who works for PNC in real estate assets, wanted to become involved in the community. Conrad Wagner, whose term expired Jan. 1, was reappointed to the Planning Commission. Both have been appointed to four-year terms. The Planning Commission meets in the municipal building at 300 Wetzel Road. The Shaler North Hills Library Board appointed Karen Cross to a three-year term, and Richard Schulz, who will retain his seat on the board through Jan. 1, 2014. Board President William Neely did not seek reappointment. The board of commissioners also appointed Sherry Martin, township administrative assistant, to the Educational Service Agency, which Township Manager Timothy Rogers explained is in charge of billing the school district for one-half the cost of employing the crossing guards. Board Member Lori Mizgorski and Jan Chirdon were appointed as the township delegates to the Allegheny River Towns Enterprise Zone. In a series of resolutions, the board of commissioners reappointed Richard Schmitz to the Zoning Hearing board for a three-year term and Board President David Shutter to the Shaler Emergency Management Services Board.
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Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
By Jamie Ward
It's the end of an era in the Shaler Area School District. In just a couple of months, long-time Superintendent Dr. Donald Lee will leave his office for the final time and retire. “There's something very special about this community,” says Lee, who has been the superintendent since 1997 and hopes his influence remains long after he's gone. There is every reason to believe that it will, considering he has had a hand in hiring 300 of the 420 teachers in the district, along with 27 of the 30 administrators. “I am very proud of the people I've hired,” says Lee. “Because of them, my influence will last after I leave.” Lee's arrival to the district ended what he calls “a revolving door of superintendents.” “I like to think that maybe I brought a sense of stability,” he says. In his 14 years as superintendent, Lee believes one of his biggest accomplishments started in 2005. The district was going through major changes driven by the desire to renovate Shaler High School. “The state required us to do a feasibility study and look at all aspects of the district,” says Lee. “We determined to add ninth grade to the high school, renovate, and also do full-day kindergarten.” 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Shaler
The project was coined “Vision for the Future” and included the renovation of two buildings, the addition of full-day kindergarten, and the infusion of brand-new technology. "Vision for the Future" was completed in 2008. “It changed the way we do things in the district,” says Lee. “The success we've seen has been great, and test scores have improved.” Lee says it's not just "Vision for the Future" that can be credited with the improved test scores. He says the students and their strong work ethic are the primary reasons. “They are loyal and respectful. We always get compliments on our students from other schools. “Shaler's incredible sense of pride for its community and schools is what makes it different than any other place I've worked,” adds Lee. Lee has a long history in education. He attended California University for his undergrad before graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with his master’s in education. He started his career as a sixthgrade teacher in the North Hills School District and later became principal. Lee went on to work as a principal in the Seneca Valley School District. In 1990, he got his first superintendent job at the South Allegheny School District. Lee was also superintendent at Trinity School District before coming to Shaler in 1997. Lee has also been busy outside of the school buildings. He has served on the board of directors for countless organizations including the Junior Achievement of Southwestern PA, Keystone Health Plan West, and the Pennsylvania Learners On-Line Cyber charter School. He has also been on the advisory board of the Community College of Allegheny County. In the end, Lee says he'll miss the people the most. “I like to think that part of my success has been the ability to interact with people in a positive way,” he says. “If you prove to the community that you care about them, they really respect that.” Lee's plans for his retirement include traveling, spending more time with his family, and maybe even coming out of retirement every now and then. Though he won't be working on a daily basis, he plans to make himself available to provide service for educational agencies.
Everyone Has
A Story Would you or someone you know like to be featured IN Shaler Area Magazine for our newest feature Resident Profiles? Please suggest a resident for the community to get to know! E-mail our Managing Editor at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com
(Must be a resident of the Shaler Area community)
Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Stated Intent vs. Written Contract:
Many of you have received letters in the mail, heard radio ads, seen magazine or newspaper ads or watched television ads touting pre-arranging your funeral. The ads say that you save family members from the trouble of having to go through the funeral planning process. That is not the most important reason to pre-arrange your funeral. Recently, I received a call from a friend of mine to call the elderly parents of an adult man who died suddenly. They wanted a visitation for their son with a burial in the local area. They also informed me that there is a young adult son who lives with the divorced spouse. Hold everything. I informed the parents that the adult son is next of kin to the deceased. You guessed it, the son took over arrangements. The parents were out of the decision making process. As for the deceased, no one knows what he would have wanted. Under Pennsylvania law, when prearrangements are made and paid for at a funeral home, the funeral home must follow the contractual arrangements that were made. Many years ago, a woman made pre-
arrangements with our firm. She told us that she did not want cremation under any circumstance. She arranged for two days of viewing, church services and a graveside burial in her family’s cemetery plot. She paid for the funeral. When she died years later, her daughter told me that her mother had changed her mind and wanted a direct cremation with no services. I informed the daughter that I had to honor the contract as written. Her mother did not inform me of changes to her arrangements (the legal term is contrary intent). I must follow the contract. So why is pre-arranging so important? In Pennsylvania, after a death the next-of-kin make funeral arrangements (see 20 Pa.C.S.A. § 2103). Next-of-kin 1. The person or persons most closely related by blood to another person. 2. Law a. The closest relative of a deceased person. b. The relative or relatives entitled to share in the personal property of one who dies intestate. Here are three scenarios to consider: Example 1. Married couple with children, separated but not divorced. Separated husband is now in long term committed relationship. The husband dies. The separated wife is the next-of-kin under PA law. The other person in that relationship nor the children has legal standing in making funeral arrangements. Can you imagine what could happen if the separated spouse is still bitter? Example 2. Committed long term couple unmarried with no children. The parents
and then siblings of the deceased make funeral arrangements. The partner can be completely out of the funeral arrangements. I know partners who have been refused entry to a funeral much less make funeral arrangements for their long-term partner. Next-of-kin who do not approve of a relationship can ignore the wishes of the deceased. Example 3. Divorced couple with minor dependant children. The children are next-ofkin; however the custodial parent has to sign the funeral contract for the minor children. That means a divorced spouse can end up being in charge of funeral arrangements for their former spouse. While these may seem like extreme examples, these scenarios happen each day. Other more uncomfortable situations have happened. Imagine the possibilities for potential harm and animosity. Some family relationships could be irreparably harmed. The funeral should be a time for reflection and remembrance. How do you want to say goodbye? Think about what type of funeral you would want for yourself. State it, write it down and pay for it. It is a contract. Call me to find out more.
© Copyright Frank R. Perman Funeral Home 2011
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Shaler
SPRING 2011
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Healthy Family, Happy Family
What’s Inside page 2
Spring Skin Smarts
page 3
Keeping yourself and your family healthy can seem like a full-time job.
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future Stomachaches: When to Worry
page 4
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are You Allergic to Your Bed?
With UPMC HealthTrak, you now have a convenient way to manage your health anytime and anywhere.
page 5
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
page 6
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Could It Happen to You?
page 7
Welcoming New Physicians What’s Happening at UPMC St Margaret
© 2011 UPMC
Spring Skin Smarts It’s this simple: Take care of your skin for a healthier you The combination of cold winds and dry indoor air takes its toll on our skin each winter. It’s no wonder we can’t wait to trade coats and boots for T-shirts and sandals when spring arrives. But with sunny days comes the need to devote extra care to the skin that works so hard to protect us. As the largest organ of our body, skin shields our internal organs from damage, fends away infection, warms us up, cools us down, and even helps eliminate waste through perspiration. As we get ready to spend more time in the sun, spring is the perfect time to check for skin problems and adapt a few new habits, says Laura Korb Ferris, MD, PhD, and Melissa Pugliano-Mauro, MD. Both are dermatologists at UPMC St. Margaret who recently opened a joint practice, UPMC St. Margaret Dermatology, in Harmar.
Your top priority: Protect your skin from the sun! “More than 90 percent of all skin cancer is caused by exposure to the sun, so protecting yourself is a year-round job,” says Dr. Pugliano-Mauro, who also is certified to perform Mohs surgery, the most advanced microsurgical treatment procedure available for skin cancer. “Always apply a minimum 30 SPF sunblock when you’re out in the sun. It’s also smart to wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover any skin exposed to sunlight.” Melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer — can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that seldom get sun. Use a mirror or ask for help when checking your back and other hard-to-see areas.
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www.UPMC.com/Today
“Skin cancer can happen at any age, but the risk increases as we grow older, so self-examination is particularly important after the age of 50,” emphasizes Dr. Ferris. “Men over age 65 are especially at risk.”
Other helpful spring skin tips Make over your makeup: “Add a quick review of your makeup drawer to your spring cleaning list,” notes Dr. Ferris. She recommends tossing any cosmetics that are older than these recommended timelines: • Mascara: 3 months • Lipstick, moisturizers, foundation, and SPF/sunblock products: 12 months • Powder and eye shadow: 24 months She also advises washing your makeup brushes and sponges every two weeks with a gentle cleanser; the dirt and germs they harbor can irritate skin.
Be proactive with acne: Warmer temperatures mean increased sweating, which can aggravate acne. After playing or working out, remove sweaty clothes and wash affected areas, such as the face or back, with mild soap. “And everyone should wash their face before going to bed to remove the day’s oil, perspiration, or residual makeup from skin,” says Dr. Pugliano-Mauro. Say no to tanning beds: Dr. Ferris says tanning beds cause irreparable skin damage and have been linked to skin cancer, particularly melanoma. “Use self-tanning sprays or lotions instead. They’re safe and effective.” To schedule an appointment at UPMC St. Margaret Dermatology, located at 2585 Freeport Road, Suite 204, call 412-784-7350.
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future UPMC’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center wields a powerful “triple threat” against IBD: Groundbreaking immunology, genetics research, and innovative clinical care The primary goal of drug therapy is to reduce inflammation in the intestines. Medications include anti-inflammatory drugs; antibiotics to kill germs in the intestinal track; probiotics to restore good bacteria; corticosteroids to provide short-term relief during flare-ups; and immunosuppressants.
At age 23, John Oliver* is feeling better about the future. Free from the gutwrenching pain of Crohn’s disease since a second bowel surgery in 2008 — this time followed by a promising new treatment developed at UPMC using biologic-based drug therapy — he is now making plans to attend medical school next fall. “I think the medicine is working. It’s the best I’ve felt and the best I’ve looked,” says John, who earned his biomedical engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Duke University. His gastroenterologist, Miguel Regueiro, MD, clinical head and codirector of the UPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, says the future has never looked brighter for IBD patients. “Ten years ago, a diagnosis of IBD was devastating. Now, we have new medicines, a greater understanding of the disease, and better research,” he says.
IBD: Who’s at risk? Nearly two million Americans live with IBD, which is not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD involves two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and bleeding.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the small and large intestines, while ulcerative colitis affects the large bowel alone. IBD cuts across all ages, genders, and ethnicities, but generally affects Caucasians ages 15 to 35. While the exact cause is not known, experts believe IBD involves a compromised or overactive immune system. Because IBD may run in families, doctors also believe genetics plays a role. While stress and certain foods do not cause IBD, both can make symptoms worse.
Treatment According to Dr. Regueiro, drugs cannot cure IBD, but they can be effective in reducing the inflammation and accompanying symptoms. While some patients have mild symptoms requiring little medication, others have more debilitating flareups, and some patients have severe problems requiring surgery and even transplants.
In addition, the IBD Center recently developed a Visceral Inflammation and Pain (VIP) Center to help patients deal with both the physical pain and emotional stress of coping with IBD.
Exciting breakthroughs The latest generation of drugs, called biologic therapies, are proving very effective in inducing remission so that patients can lead normal lives. At UPMC, doctors took this approach a step further — as in John’s case — by prescribing biologic drug therapy after performing surgery to remove the damaged section of the intestine. In use now at other hospitals, this treatment has reduced the recurrence of Crohn’s disease in patients by nearly two thirds. * John Oliver’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.
Stomachaches: When to Worry Everyone gets a stomachache — or abdominal pain — from time to time. According to John Wood, MD, a gastroenterologist at UPMC St. Margaret, most stomachaches are harmless conditions caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion. Frequent or recurring stomachaches are often due to stress and worry, even in children. But they can point to more serious medical problems. “Harmless abdominal pain usually subsides or goes away within two hours. If you have the stomach flu, your stomach may hurt before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea,” explains Dr. Wood. “In serious cases, however, the pain worsens or becomes constant.”
Call your primary care physician if mild pain lasts more than a couple of days, or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, says Dr. Wood. Get medical help immediately if: • You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden. • You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. • You’re vomiting blood or have bloody diarrhea. • Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch. • You can’t move your bowels, especially if you’re also vomiting. Bottom line: Trust your gut! Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about lingering or unusual stomach pain.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are you among the millions of Americans suffering from lack of sleep? If so, droopy eyelids, wide yawns, and low energy are the least of your worries. Sleep disruption — not sleeping enough or sleeping poorly — can affect your memory, disease resistance, and leave you struggling to stay alert in school, on the job, and on the road. Studies show that people who get the appropriate amount of sleep on a regular basis also tend to live longer, healthier lives than those who sleep too few or even too many hours each night. So, what is a good night’s sleep? According to the National Institutes of Health, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. School-aged children and teens need at least nine hours of sleep each night. Tips to help you sleep • Stick to a sleep schedule. Get up about the same time each day, no matter how many hours of sleep you got the previous night. • Maintain healthy sleep habits. Go to bed only when you’re sleepy. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and relaxing — not too hot or too cold. Don’t text, e-mail, read, or watch TV in bed. • Make sure your mattress is comfortable. Remember, even a good quality mattress needs to be replaced within 10 years. • Exercise is great, but not too late. Avoid exercising within a few hours before bedtime. • Avoid caffeinated drinks after lunch. The stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, colas, teas, and chocolate can take as long as eight hours to wear off. • Avoid large meals at night. A large meal can cause indigestion that interferes with sleep. • Avoid alcoholic drinks before bedtime. While a nightcap may help you relax, alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep and tends to wake you during the night. And, for adolescents and young adults: • Avoid stimulating activities around bedtime. This includes intense studying, text messaging, video games, and lengthy phone conversations. • Avoid pulling “all nighters” during exams. • Sleep in on weekends — but not more than two to three hours past your normal wake time. Sleeping longer may disrupt your body clock. Find a more complete list of the benefits of good sleep at www.UPMC.com/Today.
AreYouAllergic toYour Bed? The dust in your bedroom might be making you sick. Dust mites, and dander, and fibers — oh my! These are just some of the microscopic menaces in ordinary house dust that can cause health problems. Dust mites are a common cause of allergies and asthma. It’s not the dust mite itself that can make you sick; it’s the dust mite debris (the mite’s feces and decaying body). Dust collects in every room of the house because it is easily trapped in linens, upholstery, carpets, and draperies. But the bedroom is a favorite habitat for dust mites because it provides a warm, humid environment, and plenty of food (dead skin from humans and pets).
Five ways to help wipe out dust mites While you can’t completely eliminate dust mites, these simple steps may help reduce their numbers: 1. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers, and encase box springs in vinyl or plastic covers. 2. Wash and dry bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, curtains, and bedcovers weekly in hot water (140 degrees Fahrenheit). If bedding can’t be washed, put the items in the dryer set at a high temperature for 20 minutes. 3. Vacuum carpeting and upholstery weekly. Using a HEPA-filter vacuum can help keep dust from floating back into the air. 4. Use a damp cloth or mop to remove dust from hard surfaces and exposed floors. This will prevent dust from becoming airborne and resettling. 5. Keep the indoor temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at no more than 50 percent. Dust mites aren’t the only puny pests that can invade your bedroom. Bed bugs have made a comeback in recent years. For tips on ways to avoid a bed bug infestation, visit www.UPMC.com/Today. Sources: National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency
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www.UPMC.com/Today
UPMC Spotlight
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
Keeping track of health issues, test results, and medications is challenging for Sandy Hogue*, who is disabled and chronically ill. Because she must rely on cabs for transportation, seeing a primary care doctor can be an all-day affair. That’s why she was eager to sign up for UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that enables patients to receive and manage information about their health. Sandy uses it to monitor her glucose and high cholesterol levels, check test results, make appointments, renew prescriptions, and diagnose medical conditions — all from the comfort of her home in Westmoreland County. “It’s a good system. I get the medical treatment I need faster without spending a day traveling around,” says Sandy. “It keeps me in contact with my doctor and helps me monitor my medical conditions. And if I have anything contagious, like the flu, it prevents me from infecting other people.” More patients choosing HealthTrak Approximately 42,000 UPMC patients have signed on to HealthTrak, which gives them secure electronic access to their medical records, medications, and other information. HealthTrak recently was expanded to include eVisits — an online digital house call — with a primary care physician. * These patients’ treatments and results may not be representative of similar cases.
During an eVisit, patients select a symptom and complete an interactive questionnaire. A UPMC doctor then reviews the information and makes a diagnosis. If medication is needed, a prescription can be sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy.
“HealthTrak is great for college students who are far from home, the elderly, and other people who have trouble getting to the doctor. It doesn’t take the place of going to the doctor for regular check-ups, but it’s very useful,” Robin says. “If only UPMC could figure a way for me to see my dentist online!”
Oakmont resident Mark Gleeson* uses HealthTrak primarily to keep track of his medical records. In October, when the computer-savvy 83-year-old came down with a cough and cold late in the day, he decided to “see” a doctor via eVisit. Within an hour of completing the questionnaire, a UPMC doctor responded with medical instructions and a prescription for his sinus infection and chest congestion. “It was so convenient, and it worked! Within three days, I felt good as new,” Mark says. Convenience and comfort As a graduate student, Robin Sales* relied on HealthTrak to connect with her hometown doctor while attending school in Nevada. Now a young professional living in New York City, she continues to use the online service for eVisits, to fill prescriptions, and access her medical records.
UPMC HealthTrak Benefits Manage your health from home with HealthTrak. Here’s what you can do online: • Send a message to your doctor • View medical records and test results
“It’s comforting. Having easy access to a doctor back home gives me the chance to find the right doctor for me locally, without rushing into it. It’s one less thing to worry about,” she says.
• Renew prescriptions
Robin, who first used eVisit to consult a doctor about an eye infection, says the online questionnaire asks the same questions the doctor would ask at an appointment. When she needs medicine, her doctor in Pittsburgh faxes the prescription to her New York drug store two minutes away.
• Ask billing questions
• Track current health issues such as glucose levels and blood pressure • Request appointments • “See” a doctor (digital house call) For more information or to sign up, visit www.UPMCHealthTrak.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Could it Happen to You? Most of us associate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with returning military veterans who have experienced the tragedy of war. But you don’t have to be a soldier to undergo the intense feelings of helplessness, horror, and fear that characterize PTSD. Imagine being in a terrible car accident on your way to the mall. For days and weeks afterwards, you constantly relive the accident in your mind. You take a different route to shop and, worst of all, your body won’t let you relax. You can’t sleep — and when you finally do doze off, you’re awakened by nightmares. You can’t concentrate, your heart pounds, and you break out in cold sweats. “We know that anyone who has undergone some kind of trauma can be at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder,” explains Anne Germain, PhD, associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Based at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, she currently leads several sleep research projects with returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who have PTSD. PTSD can be triggered by a single event you’ve experienced or even witnessed — be it an accident, violent crime, or natural disaster — or by ongoing trauma, such as child abuse or domestic violence. When we experience a life-threatening event, it’s normal for our body to react with a powerful, stressful response; it’s what enables us to fight or flee. “But for some people, these symptoms persist and worsen,” says Dr. Germain. “The toll can be profound if symptoms are ignored. PTSD has a devastating impact on the lives of people who have it — and on those around them. It also has enormous financial and economic implications.”
Did You Know? UPMC's Sleep Medicine Center — accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine — is the only multidisciplinary sleep medicine facility in western Pennsylvania. The center performs approximately 2,000 sleep studies annually for adult patients with all types of sleep disorders. The staff at the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center include board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and registered sleep laboratory technologists. To schedule an appointment, call 412-692-2880.
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PTSD is a relatively new specialization in psychology, and experts are still trying to determine why it affects some people and not others. Fortunately, for most people, the symptoms of PTSD begin to ease in about a month. “If they continue, it’s extremely important to seek professional help,” notes Dr. Germain. “The best place to begin is to talk with your family doctor and seek a referral to a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.”
PTSD and sleep disorders Among the most troubling aspects of chronic PTSD for patients are the recurring nightmares and insomnia it can bring. There is growing evidence that such sleep disorders have a direct impact on both a person’s mental and physical health. Individuals with PTSD often say they have problems falling or staying asleep, and that the sleep they get isn’t refreshing and restorative. “Our sleep research studies with veterans show that they have many more sleep disorders than the general public, including sleep apnea and other breathing problems,” notes Dr. Germain. With PTSD, nightmares can become an ingrained behavior, affecting a person’s daytime functioning — from faltering concentration and poor memory, to emotional outbursts. “By stopping the nightmares and helping to make sleep more normal, restful, and restorative, patients can overcome other aspects of chronic PTSD in their lives a bit more easily. And sleep can be improved in a matter of weeks,” she says. Dr. Germain uses several methods to treat PTSD-related sleep disorders, including image reversal therapy. “We help patients replace a recurring nightmare with a more positive, affirming dream. They write it down and rehearse it several times a day to train the brain to have a new dream image.” Individuals interested in participating in Dr. Germain’s sleep research studies for military veterans are invited to call 412-246-6404 or visit www.veteranssleep.pitt.edu.
Welcoming New Physicians Please visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) for more information about any of our physicians.
UPMC St. Margaret is committed to bringing world-class care close to home for the people of our region. We are pleased to welcome the following new physicians: Tania Abi Antoun, MD Renal Medicine
Susan Jordan, MD Orthopaedic Surgery
Peter Protell, MD Emergency Medicine
Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
Medical School: Harvard Medical School
Medical School: University of Nevada School of Medicine
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine
Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
Residency: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Laura Ferris, MD, PhD Dermatology
Andrew McCall, MD Otorhinolaryngology
Karen Rehder, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: UCLA Medical Center, Office of Graduate Medical Education
Residency: St. John's Mercy Medical Center
John Guehl III, DO Ophthalmology
Joseph Paviglianiti, MD Ophthalmology
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical School: University of South Florida School of Medicine
Residency: St. Francis Medical Center
Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret Classes
Event Spotlight
COPD Education and Support 412-784-5764
Fitness Classic 5K Run/Walk Sunday, May 22 Preregister by Wednesday, May 11 Race-day registration: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Race starts and finishes on the UPMC St. Margaret campus.
Look Good, Feel Better 1-800-227-2345 Managing Your Diabetes 1-866-334-5227 Insulin Pump Class 1-866-334-5227
Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group 412-784-5054 Bariatric Support Group 412-784-5900 Diabetes Support Group 412-784-4194
For more information or an entry form, call 412-784-5169.
UPMC St. Margaret Blood Drives Tuesday, Mar. 29 and Wednesday, May 25 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dining Rooms A and B For more information or to register, call 412-784-4077.
Bariatric Information Sessions Mar. 7 and 28; Apr. 4 and 25; May 9 and 23 6 to 8 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Conference Rooms A, B, and C For more information or to register, call 412-784-5900.
Amputee Walking School Free, one-day clinic to help individuals with leg amputations improve performance. Sponsored by the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute For upcoming dates, visit www.UPMC.com/StMargaret.
For more information about any of these classes or support groups, call the number indicated, call Community Relations at 412-784-5160, or go to www.UPMC.com/StMargaret.
Smoking Cessation Program Eight-week program for those who are serious about quitting. UPMC St. Margaret Conference Center For more information or to register, call 412-784-5043.
Alive & Well Presentations UPMC St. Margaret physicians and health professionals speak on a variety of health-related topics at community libraries. For upcoming dates, locations, and topics, visit www.UPMC.com/StMargaret. Volunteer Opportunities For information about volunteer opportunities at UPMC St. Margaret, call Volunteer Services at 412-784-4081.
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC St. Margaret 815 Freeport Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health. To receive additional copies of this publication, call 412-784-5160.
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Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
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So when it comes to finding that perfect dress and getting your hair done just so, a little planning can go a long way towards making the difference between a night that’s mediocre and a night that’s magical. Jenn Lementowski, co-owner of Reflect, a women’s boutique in Settler’s Ridge in Robinson, said that this year’s fashions will be a lot of the tried and true that proms have been known for in the past few years. “There will be a lot of patterns and a lot of basic silk dresses with beading and rhinestones,” Lementowski said. “Those have always been popular, and they’ll be popular this year as well.” Lementowski, who attends national fashion shows with her business partner, Kristy Picard, said that the duo is bringing long and short dresses to market this year. But, because of the popularity of the short dresses, the long dresses will only be offered in two sizes. Lementowski said that prom shoppers will want to allow time for proper fitting and alterations, so waiting until the last minute should not be an option. Regardless of where they go to shop, Lementowski said that people should plan on spending between $300 and $500 on the dress, depending on the level of detailing and material. “It is a pretty big expense, but I’ve noticed that people are willing to spend that much on a prom dress,” Lementowski said, “especially if their daughter’s a senior. I have seen people spending anywhere from $500 to $600 on a dress.”
While prom is a singular event, there is hope for the dress after it’s over for those who can’t justify spending that kind of money on a dress meant to be worn one time. Lementowski said that many women use the dress after prom to wear to weddings. “Depending on what type of dress they get, a lot of people may cut it and make it into a shorter dress and get it tailored,” Lementowski said. “That’s what I’ve seen, mostly.” As far as hairstyles go, John Gamble of John Edwards Color and Design said this season’s special occasion hairstyles will be a tip of the hat to the 1970s. “We predict this spring’s special occasion hairstyles will be somewhat reminiscent of the ‘70s, with a fuller, more romantic silhouette,” Gamble sad. “Although the smooth, sleek looks we've been doing in recent years will still be around, we’re definitely seeing a trend towards texture and fullness and expect that to carry over into this year’s prom season.” Gamble also said that color will be “multidimensional,” and the trend is toward softer, more natural hair. No matter where you get your dress, or do your hair, make sure you plan ahead and make your appointments for fittings and stylings early. As prom creeps up – and it will be here before you know it – knowing that you’re booked for hair, nails, and fitting will take several layers of stress off of you so that you have more time to plan that after-prom party!
Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
When it comes time to plan for the biggest day of your life, you may not know where to start. Planning a wedding is a challenging, time consuming and expensive task, which is why those who can afford it oftentimes hire wedding planners. But for those of us who have to keep an eye on the budget, knowing what to look for in your wedding venue can save you time and money up front, and less hassle when it’s over. Obviously, you want to pick a venue suitable to the size of your anticipated invitation list, and you want to pick it early. Popular venues can be booked well over a year in advance, and if you’re getting married on a date that’s unique – like Dec. 12, 2012, or 12/12/12, you’re going to want to start looking immediately. Robin Craig, Director of Sales for the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe, said couples should plan out 12 to 18 months when booking a venue. “They need to sit down and find out their guest list and their budget. Once they determine the guest list, we can start quoting pricing,” Craig said. “Next year , 9/10/11 is a big date, and we’re already booked. Also, 10/11/12 would be a hot date. Our hot months are September and October and May and June. If you’re a teacher, June and July are busy months.” Once you have that location selected and it appeals to your personal sense of style and
24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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aesthetics, you should evaluate anything that may be taken for granted, such as ingress and egress and parking. Is the wedding/reception hall easy to find? Are there covered porticos for dropping off guests in case of inclement weather or for those who have trouble walking without assistance? Will guests be able to find the hall easily, or is it hidden deep in a labyrinth of hallways? And are the restrooms close by? “All of our parking is complimentary,” Craig said. “If you want valet, we can provide it for a fee.” Once you have the building chosen, you should discuss logistics of the day with any facility manager responsible for the site. Important items to discuss include catering – can you hire your own caterer or is there a caterer specific to the venue you’ve chosen? Is there an additional charge for alcohol and can you furnish your own? Will linens be provided and who will be responsible for setting up and tearing down the tables and chairs? Is there a suggested room layout for weddings? Having a tried and true seating arrangement for the venue can save you headaches later on when you’re trying to figure out where to place the bridal table. Lastly, knowing how early you can arrive and how late you can stay will be crucial information for anyone from caterers to your bridal party.
Craig said her venue offers full linens with chair covers, sashes, mirrors, candles and champagne toasts. It also offers complimentary bridal party refresher rooms. They can tray cookies at no charge and provide a gourmet coffee station. It also offers a complimentary overnight room for the bride and groom. Lastly, find out all of the financial details up front. Many venues have service charges that are above and beyond your bill. Get all of your charges in writing, up front before you sign for your venue. You don’t want to find out afterwards that there was a food and beverage minimum that you didn’t attain, or that it was ok for you to bring your own wine, but forgot to inquire about corking fees. Craig said service charge at her venue is 21 percent and sales tax is 6 percent. They also have food and drink minimums. However, discounts are offered for group room rentals for overnight guests and for offpeak days and months. Weddings in January-March and November, and those held on Fridays and Sundays, are considered off-peak. If you do your homework up front, there’s nothing stopping you from having the fairytale wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Keep in mind, like any successful marriage, wedding planning is hard work, but work that you’ll reap rewards from in the end.
for the By Pamela Palongue
s anyone who knows me personally will tell you, I am no expert on social occasions. However, based upon the theory that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, I have made enough social faux pas to speak authoritatively on what not to do at a wedding. Some helpful tips are listed below to help get you through the season of bliss.
Never wear white to a wedding. This includes eggshell, ecru, light cream, pearl lustre and Tahitian coconut. Never attempt to upstage the bride (unless of course you hate the bride, in which case you probably really shouldn’t be attending the wedding anyway, given the spirit of the whole love and happiness thing).
Never complain about the food at the wedding reception with your mouth full of food from the wedding reception. It’s a credibility issue.
Throw only designated throwing materials at the bride and groom, such as rice and rose petals. Shoes, Jell-O and steak knives are not acceptable. Ever. Even when they are within the appropriate wedding color scheme.
At Jewish weddings do not ask, “What is that big thing they’re standing under?”
At Catholic weddings try to refrain from asking, “Why is this taking so long?” The well-prepared wedding guest remembers to bring snacks for himself and his friends. (Avoid crunchy snacks that may disrupt the ceremony.)
The wedding day is NOT the proper time to share the fact that you once dated the groom, the bride, or their parents. In fact, the proper time to share this information may not actually exist.
If you simply must dance at the reception, remember you are not trying out for “Dancing With The Stars.” If you throw your partner in the air, make sure you catch them. Missing is considered grounds for divorce in most states. Avoid high kicks, wh ich may warrant medical attention.
NEVER bet on how long the marriage will last at the reception. All odds-making must be done outside the reception venue. (In the event of inclement weather, the lobby or bathroom is acceptable.)
Many people adhere to the time-honored adage, “It’s not a party till something gets broken.” However, avoid breaking things that are irreplaceable, expensive and likely to lead to a law suit. Cell phones and glasses are okay.
Given the fact that marriage is a formidable undertaking and the courageous souls who dare to tread the rose-strewn path are likely to be distraught, hysterical, and panic-stricken, you owe it to the happy couple to be the best wedding guest possible. These helpful tips are the very foundation of the social graces. If you follow them carefully, you will glide effortlessly from wedding celebration to reception party in a virtual whirl of neurotic enthusiasm.
Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation
Older Adults in Shaler Area
ow that the holidays are behind us, you’re hopefully putting that smoking credit card back into your wallet or purse for a while. But even though this may be a down time for you and your credit card, it’s no time to be lax about your credit card security. So what do you need to know about keeping your credit card safe? First, off, don’t give yourself a pin number that’s easy to guess. Issuing banks typicall y assign you a random pin number when you first get your card that you can change later. Keep this assigned number and avoid picking a pin for yourself like “1234” or your birth date. While it may be easy for you to remember, those choices are also very easy for predators to figure out. If you make a lot of online purchases or just want to dip your toes into the world of Internet shopping, get yourself a dedicated card with a low credit limit. You can open up a secured credit card at most financial institutions that require you to deposit a balance to borrow against, allowing you to open a card with a $500 limit. Your deposit will gain interest and you will be able to use your card for online purchases. What’s more, most scammers try to run a small purchase
26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Shaler
through before running a larger purchase on the card. You may not notice a $0.32 charge right away, but when your bank calls you asking if you tried to purchase a $779 laptop, you’ll be happy your limit was low enough to be declined. If your credit card number is compromised, you should call your bank immediately and report it. While police are able to enforce credit card fraud on a local level, with the Internet the person trying to run your numbers may be six states away, if they’re in the United States at all. In all cases, the sooner it’s reported, the better. Your bank will cancel the card number and reissue you another card. While you’re online, keep in mind that your bank will most likely never contact you via email regarding your account. If you do get an e-mail from a bank that you use, double check the address. Chances are it will be slightly askew from any legitimate
address. Instead of “@yourcreditcard.com,” you may see, “@yourcreditcard1.com” or “@yourcreditcard.uk.” Banks understand that scammers routinely try to get you to give up your personal information via e-mail. Therefore, most have secured e-mail available through their websites, where you can be sure you’re talking straight to legitimate bank representatives. Lastly, if you have several credit c ards that you use often, take the time to flip them over and write down the 1-800 customer service numbers on the back and keep that list in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy in your purse or wallet. This way, when you notice your card is missing and are frantic, you can at least go to your list and call to report the missing card. In the end, you should treat your credit card like you would treat your cash—never leave it lying around.
f the last time you took holiday photos required clumsily spooling film into your 35 mm camera, don’t be intimidated by what technology has done to photography in the past few years. In fact, once you have some basics down, you may find that your digital camera is easier to use than you thought. So let’s start at the beginning and go over your new toy from stem to stern. We can’t go into detail about every feature of every camera, but luckily most cameras share the same properties, so we can cover most scenarios. More than likely, your camera came with a lithium ion battery pack and charger. All you need to know about this is that this battery can last a long time. Thanks to self-timers built into your camera, if you forget to shut it off, it will shut off automatically for you, saving battery life and allowing you to take that unexpected shot when the time comes. That said, the battery won’t last forever, especially if you are shooting with the flash often or shooting video, if your camera has that feature. If you know you’re going to be somewhere with a lot of natural light, turn your flash off altogether and shoot longer. The second thing to familiarize yourself with is your memory card. Cameras come with a variety of memory cards to choose from. Regardless of the kind your camera takes, just remember that bigger is better. A 16 gigabyte memory card can hold hundreds of photos, and if you’re not in the habit of printing your photos right away or moving them to your computer, the extra space is a must. How many pictures you can store on your memory card depends on your resolution setting for your pictures. Your resolution is how big the picture is. If you’re shooting for a website, low resolutions are better because the file size is smaller. However, if you try to print the same low resolution photo as an 8x10, it will appear distorted or “pixilated” because the camera wasn’t set to capture all of the fine details of the image. With most point-and-shoot cameras on high resolution, you can print very large prints or zoom in to crop shots for better composition. The last thing to get to know is the USB cable. This is the cable that came with your camera and connects it to any USB port on your computer. Through this cable, you can transfer your images for future sorting, correction, or sharing. Believe it or not, once you have those things down, your digital camera has many of the same features of your old 35 mm. You can zoom in, set a timer so you have a chance to get into frame, and set a scenic mode where you can select how the camera operates in certain conditions, such as a portrait, sports shot, night shot, or landscape. Your manual will list the specific icons and their meanings. Don’t be afraid to leaf through it if you get stuck. Manuals have come a long way as well and are clearly written for users of all experience levels.
Senior Agencies The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapid transit lines). Participants There are several agencies must obtain identification. cards, which are available that offer free or reduced rate transportation services free of charge, from participating transportation to individuals who qualify. providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you. 1.888.547.6287 Provides non-emergency medical transportation to residents of Allegheny ACCESS is door-to-door, County who have a valid advance reservation, Pennsylvania Department shared-ride transportation of Public Welfare Medical provided throughout Port Assistance Card. Authority's service area. It serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities. There are no restrictions on the purpose or number of trips which may be taken by riders, except that riders are required to share their vehicle with others traveling in the same direction and at the same time. 412.821.1257 917 Evergreen Avenue Millvale, PA 15209-2207
Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, senior center activities and other needs throughout Allegheny County is available to adults 60 years of age and older who live in Allegheny County. 412.350.5460
Are you a nonprofit senior center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.
Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
R E A L E STAT E
Shaler Area
Both Buyers and Sellers Need to BEWARE of As with any major purchase, doing your homeSharon Fincham, a Realtor with Homeowners who list their homes for too work should be something you do before you Prudential Preferred Realty, said that, little may receive multiple offers, allowing the sign on a major loan. Never before has this in addition to including an appraisal power of free market economic supply and been more true than in the housing market, contingency addendum to an offer, you demand to take over, driving the price up where overpricing can create major headaches need to make sure that your agent is until it’s comparable to the other homes in for buyers and sellers. doing the proper legwork before the the neighborhood. For sellers, overpricing can mean that your offer is even made. But there’s no similar failsafe with overhome sits on the market longer, raising flags “You have to make sure that your agent pricing. A home that’s overpriced may get a to potential buyers that something is amiss. does comparisons to similar homes in the nice offer, but ultimately, the final arbiter of For buyers, an overpriced home can mean area, knows the market, and gets supporting what it’s truly worth is the appraiser, assigned a loss in seller’s assistance, money that independently by the bank or lender. sellers sometimes bring to the table appraisal will dictate the future of For buyers, an overpriced home can mean a loss That from their profits to help defray the sale. in seller’s assistance, money that sellers closing costs for the buyer. Worse The resulting appraisal could tank the yet, if there is no appraisal sale altogether, or force buyers to seek sometimes bring to the table from their profits contingency addendum attached extra money or alternative financing to to help defray closing costs for the buyer. to the agreement of sale, a buyer compensate for the missed seller’s may be forced to go through with a assistance. Either way, it’s going to mean home purchase after being told a hassle for the buyer and frustration that it is not worth what they have for the seller. agreed to pay. However, if an agent does the homework and knows their business, evidence that the house is Fincham said the home should be listed at a really worth what it’s being fair price, resulting in a relatively smooth sale advertised at before you in reasonable length of time. put in an offer,” Fincham “It is now imperative that agents and clients know the recent selling prices of said. “If the house doesn’t appraise for the agreed comparable homes,” she said. “Buyers upon price, and sellers agreeing on a price is not it is unlikely that you will necessarily enough anymore. The study receive any seller’s assist.” of a neighborhood before an offer is made What’s more, overpriccan save everyone involved a lot of grief ing is a one-way street by and frustration.” way of mistakes.
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R E A L E STAT E
Shaler Area
Real Estate as a Career Many finding the flexibility and income potential excellent
As the dwindling job market numbers continue to make the news lately, the professionals in the real estate market seem to have one of the best kept secrets going. For those who need some flexibility but desire a job with excellent income potential, a career in real estate is an excellent choice. Whether a person has just finished college or wants to return to work now that the kids are attending school, joining a sales team at a real estate agency close to home can lead to income rewards and a flexible work schedule that many people desire. In this day and age of electronic media, with all of the tools available to agents to help buyers and sellers in acquiring and disposing of properties, the fast pace of the real estate market is an exciting place to work. People who have just graduated from college have the upper hand when it comes to marketing to their peers through social network sites. The use of Face Book and Linked In is a tool that is being used to make contact with their friends, who are generally first time home buyers. Those who have taken time off to raise their children and are looking for an alternative to a standard 9am-5pm job have found
great success in a real estate career. The flexibility of the job is what makes it such an attractive option. Lisa Fleming of Howard Hanna Hampton/Allison Park says “Moms are finding that real estate is a great career option. The flex time nature of the business allows them to continue to develop a fantastic career while raising the kids.” What makes for a successful real estate professional? “Someone who is “go-getter”, and not shy to ask questions makes a great agent,” says Fleming. “We provide them with the tools they need to get the job done, but at the end of the day, if the agent wants to be successful they need to commit to working hard and staying motivated!” A person who loves working with and around people and can understand their needs easily, is one who will make a successful agent. The career path to becoming a real estate agent is varied. People who have previously worked in serviceoriented fields like nursing, teaching or in the airline industry make great real estate agents. Those who have spent years volunteering their time and are now looking for a paying job, and have honed their skill in dealing with different types of personalities generally make a good transition into the real estate work force. A position within a real estate agency can be rewarding both personally and financially. The flexibility that comes with setting your own schedule and the satisfaction of assisting in one of the largest transactions that most people will make, can make the difference between a just doing a job and a creating a successful career.
Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
. . . e m i T l l Your Fu ervice Realtors Full S Gail Scott 412.260.8424
Irene Boros 412.897.3906
Terry Bienvenue 412.951.8593
Elizabeth Ejzak 412.427.5400
Mary O’Sell 412.999.0096
Silvana Conroy 412.445.6629
Patti Ninehouser 412.715.8034
Jen Ninehouser 412.680.1650
Susan Vogel 412.759.3894
Preston Moore 412.401.4156
Pat Harlovic 412.512.1476
Michelle Mattioli 412.400.5089
Howard Hanna Hampton/ Allison Park Office 4284 Rt 8 Castletown Square South Allison Park, PA 15101 412-487-7787
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Shaler Township Police Department Receives Highest Honor For Safety By Jamie Ward
The Shaler Police Department is once again in the spotlight for educating teens on safe driving. For the fourth year in a row, the department's Tickets and Stuff program has been awarded the AAA Community Traffic Safety Awards Program's Platinum Award. Tickets and Stuff has been around for a decade and targets students who have received any moving violation while driving. The program operates on three principals: positive enforcement, stricter enforcement, and education. Sgt. Carl Funtal heads Tickets and Stuff. “What the program does is throw things at the kids they don't usually learn in Driver’s Ed,” says Funtal, who also believes demonstrations in areas like perception reaction and accident reconstruction help the students dig deeper into the principles of safe driving. “We throw a lot of physics and problems at them that they solve," he says. “But we also want them to have a good time because that's when they learn.” Tickets and Stuff starts simply enough, with breakfast for all the students. Then they get to the tough stuff. Each year, a judge, an insurance agent, and an attorney all speak about the consequences of unsafe driving. But nobody catches the students' attention like the final speaker: a man whose daughter was killed in a crash. He's been speaking in the program for the last eight years. The entire class runs for 6-8 hours and is attended by an average of 30 teens. Students take the course in May, about a week before Shaler's Prom. Funtal hopes that the information will still be fresh in their minds during what's known to be one of the highest crash times of the year. If the students can stay out of trouble through December, their citations will be withdrawn. The program is funded through private donations. Any costs that aren't covered come straight from Funtal's pocket. “Thankfully, we have a lot of supporters in the community,” he says. Teens who have completed the program receive a thank you letter from Senator Jane Orie and a t-shirt that says, “I survived Shaler Police Traffic Camp.” Funtal says the kids love the t-shirts, and he hopes every time they put them on, they remember Tickets and Stuff and all the lessons they learned.
Based out of Calvert Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Bread of Life Food Pantry has been distributing food to those in need for the past 23 years in Etna, Shaler and Sharpsburg. Not only is that goodwill a Godsend to those who need it, it’s fulfilling a mission of the church, said Marlene Stack. Stack said that residents can apply to the pantry for assistance by proving residence and income, which is certified on an annual basis. Each new patron gets assigned a number and is taken “shopping” once each month by one of the pantry volunteers, who assists them in finding food for their families. “If they have one to three people in their family, they can pick one cereal. If they have four and up, they can have two cereals. Either way, they do go out with a full shopping cart,” Stack said. Food gets to the pantry by way of charitable contributions from the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank, Giant Eagle, Spark of Hope, and Schwoebel’s Outlet Bakery on Route 8. “We get produce from the food bank, local churches usually have a box in the back for donating food, and they contact me monthly to see what we’re low on,” Stack said. “Mostly it’s kid cereal. Sometimes it’s canned fruit, baking items, or spaghetti sauce. I’ll request these items as we get low on different things.” Stack said that local schools and community groups like the Boy Scouts and the U.S. Postal Service collect for the pantry on a regular basis as well. “Schools help us, doing collections around the holidays or through food drives. The Scouts help us in April; the postal workers help out in May. In November, we have the Etna Food Drive, which is popular,” she said. Monetary donations are always accepted, Stack added. Two donation envelopes go out each year in the pantry’s newsletter, but donations are accepted at any time. As with any community organization, volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization, and the Bread of Life Food Pantry is no different. Stack said she has a corps of 90 volunteers who help collect, shelve, and disburse food for patrons. However, more help is always welcome. “We’re always looking for volunteers,” Stack said. “One moved away, some get sick once in a while. We need people for events like our Superbowl of Caring on Feb. 5, where we stand in front of Sam’s Club and hand out fliers. Hopefully shoppers come out with something they can put in our basket. Some volunteers like working Tuesdays when they stock the shelves with incoming food; some like to take the families around and interact with them on Wednesdays.” Volunteering for the pantry takes a
few hours a week and requires a little training just to familiarize them with the pantry’s operations, so they can hit the ground running. Despite the poor economy, Stack said that the pantry has served a constant number of residents throughout. Stack credits that stability to the large amount of renters in Etna. “Etna seems to be a rental community. We see a lot of people come and a lot of people go and the number we serve remains about the same,” Stack said. “Around the holidays, we had exactly 140 families each month for November and December, which is around 300 individuals.” The Bread of Life Food Pantry is located at 94 Locust Street and shares the phone number with the church 412.781.3056. It’s open on first Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, second Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., and third Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Families can come once each month, regardless of time. For more information, go to the Bread of Life Pantry’s website at www.boletna.org.
Shaler | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
Cancer care close to home
State-of-the-art Cancer Treatment at UPMC St. Margaret Glenshaw Century Club Fashion Show & Luncheon Saturday, April 30th Call 412.486.8356 for Tickets
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With the growing demand for cancer care throughout our region, UPMC St. Margaret has expanded its oncology services to better serve the needs of patients in surrounding communities. The 249-bed, acute-care hospital near Aspinwall has experienced double-digit growth in admissions and surgeries during the past six years. The new 5,000-square-foot addition houses a new, state-of-the-art linear accelerator, which is used for radiation treatment, and other cuttingedge technology to provide enhanced patient care and streamlined treatment. The linear accelerator also provides support to the hospital's lung and thoracic program. "The new linear accelerator is the newest technology available and allows us to see and treat even more complex cases right here at UPMC St. Margaret," says Douglass Harrison, Vice President of Operations at UPMC St. Margaret. This linear accelerator is based on one of the most innovative platforms with a broader range of imaging and treatment options. Specially trained radiation oncology professionals at UPMC St. Margaret are now able to target cancer more accurately while reducing the effects on surrounding healthy tissues. Another new piece of equipment, a CT simulator, generates high-quality images for precise treatment planning. This revolutionary technology optimizes patient care by determining the exact location and size of the area to be treated. Patients receive a comprehensive treatment plan through a team of cancer care specialists from disciplines that include pathology; radiation, medical, and surgical oncology; and radiology. “The Radiation Oncology team here at St. Margaret is very excited to be able to offer this innovative technology for our patients. Our number one goal of giving the best treatment possible to our patients is greatly enhanced by this technology,” says James Sinicki, MBA, RT, (R)(T), Chief Radiation Therapist at UPMC St. Margaret. With a 15 percent increase in the number of patient treatments per day in the hospital’s Radiation Oncology program since 2006, this new sophisticated equipment will enable the hospital to meet those increased demands.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Changing Jobs or Retiring? Consider IRA Rollover In the near future, are you going to change jobs or retire? If so, then you'll have a lot of things to think about. And one of the most important considerations is what to do with the money you've accumulated in your employer's 401(k) plan. While you have a few options, your best choice may be to roll over your 401(k) money into an IRA. So you'll want to know, in advance, what's involved in this move. By rolling over the taxable portion of your 401(k)– your pre-tax contributions, employer contributions and all earnings– into a new or existing IRA, you'll gain some key advantages. First, you'll avoid all immediate taxes and penalties. Second, you'll continue to benefit from tax deferral. And third, IRAs offer you a wide variety of investment options. Eventually, though, you'll have to decide what to do with your IRA. You can start taking withdrawals at age 59-1/2 without having to pay a 10 percent penalty tax. But suppose you've built up a considerable balance in your traditional IRA, and you don't think you'll need to use it all to help pay for your retirement. Can you pass on your IRA's tax deferral to your children? Yes, you can– through the concept of the "stretch'' or "multi-generational'' IRA. To understand how the stretch IRA works, you need to know one of the rules governing traditional IRAs– specifically, you have to start taking "required minimum distributions'' at age 70 1/2. In recent years, the IRS changed the life expectancy factors used to determine your required minimum distribution calculations. Consequently, you can now take out smaller amounts of money from your IRA, which allows you to extend the number of years your IRA money has the potential to grow tax-deferred. Obviously, the revised life expectancy rules will positively affect how much of your IRA money you can leave to your children. But the rule changes also permit your children, once they inherit your IRA, to base their minimum required distributions on their life expectancies. So, if they are in their early middle-aged years when they receive your IRA, they can take out relatively small amounts, thereby avoiding big tax hits. And, if their situation allows, they can then leave the IRA to their children, who can continue to enjoy the benefits of tax deferral.
Rollover to Roth IRA Until recently, you couldn't roll over a 401(k) directly to a Roth IRA. First, you had to roll over the 401(k) to a traditional IRA and then convert the traditional IRA to a Roth and pay tax on the conversion. But new tax laws allow you to make direct rollovers to a Roth IRA. You'll still have to pay taxes on the converted amount, but you– and your children or grandchildren– might come out ahead in the long run, because Roth IRA earnings have the potential to grow tax-free, provided certain requirements are met. You'll need to consult with your tax advisor to make sure you are eligible to open a Roth IRA. Keep Your 401(k) Working for You Before you change jobs or retire, consult with your financial advisor and tax professional on whether an IRA rollover makes sense for you. You worked hard for your 401(k) funds, so keep them working for you.
Matt Dudkowski, AAMS Financial Advisor 1007 Mt. Royal Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15223 412.487.3300
Matt Dudkowski has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones since 2002, serving individual investors in the Pittsburgh area from his Shaler Township office. Since joining Edward Jones, Dudkowski has obtained the professional designation of Accredited Asset Management Specialist or AAMS. Prior to Edward Jones, Dudkowski, a CPA, worked for the H.J. Heinz Company, and as a senior consultant and auditor for Ernst & Young LLP. Dudkowski, a native of Butler County, graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in business administration. He resides in Gibsonia with his wife and two sons.
603 East McMurray Road McMurray I PA I 15317 724.942.0940 www.incommunitymagazines.com
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