in-shaler-area-spring by IN Community Magazines

SPRING 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Shaler Area High School Presents

Hello

Dolly!

inside

Township of Shaler Shaler Area School District

120 over 80.

What’s it worth to U?

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

upmchealthyu.com

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Shaler

INSIDE

IN Shaler Area is a 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.

S TA F F

IN Shaler Area | SPRING 2012 |

PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth Jeffries m.jeffries@icmags.com REGIONAL EDITORS

Mark Berton [South and West] mark@incommunitymagazines.com Monica L. Haynes [East] m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com N O R T H Z O N E C O O R D I N AT O R

Pamela Palongue p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com S C H O O L & M U N I C I PA L C O N T E N T C O O R D I N AT O R

Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com A D P L A C E M E N T C O O R D I N AT O R

Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com ON THE COVER

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Shaler Area High School students prepare for their presentation of “Hello Dolly!” Photo by Gary Yon.

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

ST MARGARET FINAL_8.375 x 10.875 3/9/12 5:16 PM Page 1

SPRING 2012

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

WRITERS

Heather Holtschlage Joann Naser Leigh Lyons Pamela Palongue Dana McGrath Gina Salinger Judith Schardt

Let’s Get Physical

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer

What can a daily dose of moderate physical activity do for you? Plenty! As you get older, regular exercise is a key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy. To learn more about the link between fitness and aging, turn to page 3.

Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon

What’s Inside page 2

Fit at Any Age

page 4

Surviving Allergies: What You Can Do Putting Ergonomics to Work for You

page 5

Brightening Lives With Light

page 6

A Walk to Remember

page 7

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS

Derek Bayer Tom Poljak

Have a Pain in Your Leg? It Could Be Serious

page 3

24th Annual Fitness Classic is May 20 What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret

Tamara Myers

COMMUNITY INTEREST

ADVERTISING SALES

Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Karen Fadzen Julie Graf Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Connie McDaniel Brian McKee Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia

Robert Ojeda Ralph Palaski Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Sophia Williard

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012. CORRESPONDENCE

Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

Attn: Editorial 603 E. McMurray Rd. Ph: 724.942.0940 McMurray, PA 15317 Fax: 724.942.0968 www.incommunitymagazines.com Summer content deadline: 5/15/12 Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Shaler Scientist Helping the Hungry

Township of Shaler

Shalerpalooza!

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use

| 25

Shaler Area School District

Karen Cordaro – A Class Act

The Pittsburgh Lacrosse Stores

State Farm Insurance

Edward Jones

Casper Insurance Agency

Clark Chiropractic

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services

Tera L. DePaoli, DMD

Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

A Little Innovation by Pamela Palongue

one man who generously donated nine boxes. In fact, Riley delivered more than 50 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the Vincentian de Marillac nursing facility on March 9. Riley may have had the inside track on which cookie flavors the residents liked best, since her grandmother Agnes Dougherty lives at the facility. All the residents were delighted with the sweet delivery and Riley was able to help the Girl Scouts raise money for their many activities. All girls who participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program are eligible to earn a Cookie Activity Pin, which promotes five important skills for success not only in cookie-selling, but also in life: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Riley is well on her way to mastering all five!

pring is finally here! The birds begin their chirping, the trees start to bud and Girl Scouts are canvassing the neighborhood selling their cookies. With hundreds of Girl Scouts out there selling this time of year, the competition can be fierce. A girl has to be a bit enterprising to make those boxes disappear. Riley Pegher, a Brownie Girl Scout, realized that many people do not want a large number of Girl Scout cookies in their homes because...well, they will eat them. So the second grader, who attends Rogers Primary School, decided to ask her potential customers to buy the cookies as a donation to a local nursing home. Her resourcefulness paid off. Many individuals purchased extra boxes of cookies to be donated to nursing home residents, including

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Shaler

Dr. Philip LeDuc

Shaler Scientist Helping the

is the first time that any individuals from Carnegie Mellon have been awarded such a grant and there were over 2,000 initial applicants. Phipps Conservatory has undertaken the task of growing the Amaranth, a large leafy plant in its greenhouses to give LeDuc and Wilson plenty of specimens with which to experiment and assay. If the study is successful, the Amaranth plant could potentially someday feed the starving populations of Africa. Helping people on the other side of the world is not a new experience for LeDuc. He has made mission trips through his church to Ghana where he worked with underprivileged kids and Armenia where he by Pamela Palongue helped to rebuild an orphanage ravaged by war. His humanitarian hen Dr. Philip LeDuc was growing up in Columbia, Missouri, efforts have also been more locally focused through the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation which encourages students to pursue careers in science. He one of his favorite foods in the whole world was mashed has visited Westinghouse High School in the Homewood area to speak potatoes, which worked out well since his mother just with students about career possibilities and to offer career advice. “It’s happened to make phenomenal mashed potatoes. Actually they were encouraging to find kids who want to try to make a career in the science phenomenal till one year when she received a Cuisinart for Christmas, a field. You can teach math and science, but you can’t teach drive and sort of blender machine. The Cuisinart advertised it would make her life initiative,” says LeDuc. Fortunately, some of the students have the drive easier by mashing potatoes in seconds. And it did. The problem was that and ambition it takes to become the scientists of tomorrow and LeDuc the potatoes were so pulverized they became like soup. Despite the fact has seen some of the students go on to work as researchers and educators. that the same kind of potatoes were used, the same seasonings and the LeDuc’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the science community. same cook was making them, the potatoes were absolutely horrible. This set the stage for Dr. LeDuc’s early recognition of the fact that mechanical He has received the National Science Foundation Career Award and forces exerted on groceries can produce very different taste and texture in the Beckman Young Investigators Award. Recently, a podcast about Dr. LeDuc called “Disruptive Technology” was produced by the McGowan the way food is experienced. Institute which helps advance cutting-edge research and medical Now that he is all grown up with a Doctorate of Engineering, LeDuc therapies. LeDuc also serves on the Board of and his colleague Mary Beth Wilson have discovered that mechanical Directors for the Biomedical Engineering manipulation of food can also change the nutritional value of the food Society. as well. This important discovery has garnered a grant from the Bill A resident of the Pittsburgh area since and Melinda Gates Foundation of $100,000 to study the effects of cell 2003, LeDuc lives in Shaler mechanics on food to possibly feed the world’s starving population. Township with his wife LeDuc, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and Wilson, who is a PhD candidate, have combined forces to study an exceptionally nutritious Rachel and their three plant which grows in abundance in Africa called Amaranth. The problem children. is that despite its nutritional value, the plant is extremely bitter and therefore is never eaten. Their goal is to make the plant more palatable and to increase its nutritional value, specifically Vitamin A. If the study shows promise within the first 18 months, the Gates Foundation will then award the team $1 million to further the study. This

Hungry W

If the study is successful, the Amaranth plant could potentially someday feed the starving populations of Africa.

Mary Beth Wilson and Dr. Philip LeDuc

Amaranth Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

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Shaler

Township of Shaler Administration 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. Township Manager Timothy J. Rogers, Esq. 412.486.9700, x213

Public Works Director James Henderson 412.486.9700

Building Inspector Robert Vita 412.486.9700, x222

Public Safety Director/Emergency Management Coordinator Jeffrey D. Gally 412.492.2222

Township Engineer Kevin Creagh, P.E. 412.486.9700, x230

Finance Officer Judith Kording 412.486.9700, x214

Commissioners

David Shutter, President William Cross, Vice President Ed Duss Lori Voegtly Mizgorski Thomas McElhone Susan Fisher Jim Boyle

Treasurer and Tax Collector Erin Bartkins

District Justice Robert P. Dzvonick

Shaler Township Holidays

Township Solicitor Joseph E. Vogrin, III 412.486.9700

Municipal Government Meetings Open to the public

Board of Commissioners 2nd Tuesday 7:00 P.M. Planning Commission 3rd Monday 7:30 P.M. Zoning Hearing Board 2nd Thursday 7:30 P.M. Library Board 2nd Wednesday 7:30 P.M. (meet at Shaler Library) Committee Meetings 4th Tuesday 6:30 P.M. Environmental & Land Use, Public Works, Public Safety, Finance, Parks & Recreation (Except May, June, July, August and December) Pension & Insurance Committee

(meets quarterly)

9:00 A.M.

Township Directory

Business Hours Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Business Office Property Tax Department Shaler North Hills Library Police Administration Hampton Shaler Water Authority

412-486-9700 412-486-9700 412-486-0211 412-492-2222 412-486-4867

All Emergencies 9-1-1

April 6 & 9 Good Friday & Easter Monday May 28 – Memorial Day

Remember to Vote April 24, 2012

E-mail Notification: Sign up at www.shaler.org for e-mail notifications regarding Township news, emergencies or special meetings.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Township of Shaler

Shaler Township â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Your Tax Dollars in Detail

arly in 2012 there were many news stories about the Allegheny County property reassessments. The county was ordered to implement a county-wide reassessment program for 2012. Due to the delay in processing these reassessments, the newly assessed values will not be implemented until the 2013 real estate tax bills. The Township elects to mail the Township tax bills in conjunction with the Shaler Area School District. The combined tax bill eliminates duplication of printing and mailing costs as well as allows the residents to pay one combined tax bill and offers our residents the opportunity to make quarterly payments of the face amount of the tax due. The drawback of this option is that many residents confuse what is paid to the Township directly. Below is a chart that breaks down the property tax bill by taxing agency.

TOTAL TAX BILL SHALER TOWNSHIP SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ALLEGHENY COUNTY

As you can see from the breakdown below, residents of Shaler Township receive a great deal of services for their property tax dollars. The Township provides a 24 hour police protection staff with 25 full time police officers, a 19 member public works department that responds to all emergencies, a community library, and a public swimming pool. The Township also has many beautiful parks as well as sponsors several community celebrations throughout the year. All of the above services are provided to all residents of the Township for less than $1.00 per day for the average assessed home in Shaler Township. Although we do not know what the 2013 assessments figures will be, the elected officials of Shaler Township are committed to providing continued first class service at minimum cost. We encourage you to review your new assessment carefully to determine if your home is assessed at its fair market value.

Millage

Percentage

3.05 25.63 5.69

8.87% 74.57% 16.56%

AVERAGE TAX BILL FOR SHALER TOWNSHIP HOME: AVERAGE ASSESSED HOME

Shaler

$100,500.00

SHALER TOWNSHIP SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ALLEGHENY COUNTY

$306.52 $2,575.82 $571.85

TOTAL TAX BILL

$3,454.19

Township of Shaler

Shaler Township â&#x20AC;&#x201C; General Fund 2012 EXPENDITURES

REVENUES Real Estate Taxes Earned Income Tax Other Taxes Fees/Permits Govt. Funding Recreation Fees Miscellaneous

$3,900,000.00 $3,425,000.00 $563,850.00 $550,865.00 $829,145.00 $143,600.00 $696,573.00

General Administration Public Safety Public Works Snow Removal Recreation Libraries Miscellaneous

$1,570,976.00 $4,227,406.00 $2,834,090.00 $641,210.00 $778,132.00 $461,310.00 $756,809.00

Total

$10,109,033.00

Total

$11,269,933.00

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Township of Shaler

Hampton Shaler Water Authority Payments Shaler Township residents can drop off their Hampton Shaler Water Authority bills at the Shaler Township Municipal Building white drop-off box located in the vestibule. The drop-off box is available after hours. Acceptable forms of payment at this location are checks only made payable to HSWA. No cash will be accepted. There will be a one day delay in processing of payments paid at the Shaler Township Municipal Building. Please be aware of due date. If sending payment by mail, send to: HSWA PO BOX 644391 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-4391

Shaler Township Delinquent Tax Collection The School District and Township of Shaler collected over $665,000.00 in delinquent earned income tax in 2011. The Earned Income Tax Department has aggressively pursued discrepancies in final returns and those who simply have not paid their taxes in past years. When discrepancies are discovered, computer generated letters are sent out asking the resident to contact the delinquent tax office. Follow up for not responding to these letters includes civil suits, criminal complaints and wage attachments for delinquent taxpayers. If you know you are in this group of taxpayers, kindly contact the Earned Income Tax Department at 412-486-9700. We will work with you to get your account up to date.

Ordinance and Code Re-write 2012 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM In an age where many municipalities are cutting their road paving budgets to keep budgets in line, the Shaler Township Board of Commissioners has decided to re-invest back into their community’s infrastructure. For 2012, the Board of Commissioners has authorized an additional $250,000 in funds to bring the 2012 Road Paving Program budget to $1.25 million. The 2012 Road Paving Program is scheduled to run from early June to mid-August. The tentative list of roads and their order to be paved this year is as follows: Barrington Drive Canby Drive Tiffin Drive Parma Drive Beulah Street Oakwood Square Tara Drive Marzolf Road Extension Meier Lane Grandview Avenue (off Glenn Avenue) Oakwood Road Breezewood Drive Pictwood Drive Terry Drive Shadycrest Drive Bridle Road Eade Avenue

Shaler

Pamela Drive Rial Drive Aurelia Drive South Pine Drive North Pine Drive Mary Ann Drive Rose Drive (off Middle Road) Highlander Court Highlander Heights Drive Magnolia Drive South Magnolia Drive Charles Street (off Route 8) Seitz Avenue Theresa Drive Badali Drive E. Pennview Street (Route 8 to Bridge) Rosemont Avenue

The Township would like to thank the residents that attended the Public Meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 for their input on the code re-write of the Township of Shaler. Please check for new revisions to the draft ordinances and any upcoming draft ordinances for the upcoming Public Meeting in May at the Township website: www. shaler.org. If you would like to submit input regarding the code of the Township, please mail to: Shaler Township, Attn: Tim Rogers 300 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 or E-mail: codeupdate@shaler.org Environmental Planning and Design, LLC (EPD) will be reviewing all existing Shaler Township ordinances and our code book to determine which ones are obsolete and which ones need to be updated to reflect changing times. EPD staff will report monthly on their progress to the Planning Commission and quarterly to the Board of Commissioners. The draft ordinances for the May Public Meeting will tentatively be: • Recreational Vehicles • Animals • Walls, Fences, Hedges All ordinances will be reviewed for final approval by the Shaler Township Board of Commissioners at a Board of Commissioners meeting with a public hearing. This final approval is tentatively scheduled for August 2012, but it may be moved pending the progress of the work.

Township of Shaler Shaler Township Crawford Swimming Pool Opens Saturday, May 26, 2012

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Township of Shaler

Shaler

Township of Shaler

Congratulations Commissioner McElhone Commissioner Tom McElhone has been appointed a member of the Local Government Advisory Committee by Governor Tom Corbett. The Committee is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley and will work on important issues facing the Commonwealth.

Thank you for your service! The Township Board of Commissioners and Township staff would like to thank Tom Montgomery for serving on the Planning Commission for 36 years. Tom has resigned his service to the Planning Commission this past January and we wish him great success in his future endeavors. Tom has been named as a member emeritus to the Planning Commission.

Thank You

Dedication of Kiwanis Park Field Saturday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. On December 6, 2009, Officer Michael Crawshaw of the Penn Hills Police Department tragically lost his life heroically responding to a “shots fired” call in the community he served. Even though his life’s work took him to Penn Hills, Michael grew up in Shaler and maintained residence here for over 30 years. Michael’s parents, Jim and Linda, still live in Shaler on the street where Michael grew up. Michael’s loss was not only felt by his friends and family but also by the community he called home. Michael was a graduate of the Shaler Area class of 1996 before attending Edinboro University where he studied social work. After working in the Allegheny County probation office for a few years, he felt that he could make a bigger difference in people’s lives as a police officer. He attended the police academy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and eventually served as an officer for the University of Pittsburgh before joining the Penn Hills Police Department. Like many kids from Shaler, Michael spent countless hours with his friends at Kiwanis Park playing baseball, basketball or just hanging out. It was during these years that Michael met a group of guys with whom he would maintain a lifelong friendship. Michael’s loss had a great impact on

his friends’ lives and they want Michael to be remembered for the great man he was. So, in his memory, they created the Michael J. Crawshaw Memorial Fund. The first objective of the fund was to convince the Shaler Township Board of Commissioners to name the Little League field where Michael spent his childhood years after him. The Board of Commissioners agreed in a unanimous vote and the Little League field at Kiwanis will forever be known as Michael J. Crawshaw Memorial Field. The second objective was to improve the playing area at the field as well as funding the construction of a permanent memorial. After two years of fundraising, Michael’s friends and the community of Shaler raised enough money to make both things possible. On Saturday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. there will be a special ceremony where the memorial designed by Michael’s friends will be unveiled. Also, there will be major improvements to the field made possible by the first annual grant from the Michael J. Crawshaw Memorial Fund. Please join us on this occasion as we honor a great man in the town where he called home.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Township of Shaler

Public Safety New Teen Driver Law

Act 81, which went into effect Dec. 27, 2011, ushered in changes to young driver licensing and passenger requirements. • As of Dec. 27, 2011, for the first six months after receiving their junior driver’s license, a driver is not permitted to have more than one passenger under age 18 who is not an immediate family member (brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister of the junior driver and adopted or foster children living in the same household as the junior driver) in the vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. • If a driver has not been convicted of a driving violation or been partially or fully responsible for a reportable crash after six months, he/she may have up to three passengers under age 18 who are not immediate family members without a parent or legal guardian present. If the driver has any convictions or is partially or fully responsible for a reportable crash while a junior driver, he/she is once again restricted to one passenger. • Drivers and occupants in a vehicle who are under the age of 18 must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, and children under the age of eight must be securely fastened in a child restraint system. • Failure to comply with the new law’s seat belt provisions is a primary offense, meaning that a driver can be pulled over and cited solely for that violation. • The law refers to Sections 1503 (C) and 1505 (E) for the Graduated Driver Licensing changes, Section 3753 for the new reports, and Section 4581 (A) and (B) for the seat belt changes. • For information on penalties and restrictions under the law, visit www.dmv.state.pa.us and click on “New Teen Driver Law 2011.”

Bike Rodeo Saturday, May 19 Kiwanis Park 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Activities will include: • Obstacle Course • Bike helmet inspections • Bicycle inspections • Teaching the rules of the road

Shaler

Thefts

Shaler Township and surrounding communities have received several reports of thefts from unlocked vehicles. Most of the recent incidents have occurred in the late evening hours and some between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m. The Shaler Township Police Department STRONGLY suggests that residents lock their vehicles, whether parked on the street or in the driveway, and that keys and valuables not be left inside their vehicles. The most common items stolen are cash, credit/debit cards, purses, wallets, electronics such as GPS units, iPods, and laptop computers, and music CDs. Please do not leave these items inside your vehicles. It is also recommended that residents report suspicious activity at the time that it is occurring, by calling 911. Please do not wait until later to call 911 because police officers may be in the area and can respond quickly to check the area.

Township of Shaler

What is Home Improvement Fraud? When searching for a contractor, contractors who perform home improvements totaling $5,000 or more per year must register with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Pennsylvania law requires written contracts between the contractor and consumer when the price of the project exceeds $500. The law only requires that you pay one-third of the total price of projects $5,000.00 or more, plus the cost of special order materials that will be ordered, as designated in the written contract. Home improvement fraud occurs when: • A contractor intentionally provides false or misleading information to convince a consumer to enter into an agreement for home improvements. • A contractor receives payment and fails to provide the services or materials.

• A contractor damages a person’s property in order to solicit an agreement for services or materials. • A contractor alters a contract or other documents without the consent of the consumer. • A contractor publishes false or deceptive advertisements. • A contractor misrepresents material as special order or misrepresents the cost of special order material. • A contractor represents himself or herself as an employee of a governmental unit or public utility. Prior to hiring a home improvement contractor, visit the Attorney General website at www.attorneygeneral.gov or call toll free at 1-888-520-6680.

Support New Local Businesses Welcome to Shaler! Shaler EMS Needs Your Support Shaler Emergency Medical Service is a subscription based service. We rely upon our subscribers to maintain the service to residents of the Township. Unfortunately, over 60% of residences do not subscribe to the service. Many people believe they do not need to subscribe because it is unlikely that they will need our services, or that their insurance will cover all of the costs. But that does not address readiness and availability of service. Without sufficient subscribers, there could be no service. Shaler EMS has an average dispatch to arrival time of seven minutes. Response time of non-Shaler based services can be 20-30 minutes. Could you wait that long in an emergency? Please don’t bet your life on it. Subscribe today.

Free Car Seat Checks Shaler EMS technicians check child car seats to ensure compliance with national standards. Call Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. to schedule a checkup: 412-487-6590

Fowler Automotive Street & Track 1201 Wm. Flinn Highway The Frugal Cottage 1306 Evergreen Avenue Frittata 3616 Wm. Flinn Highway Lots of Wear Left Consignment 1728 Mt. Royal Boulevard Anytime Fitness 1718 Wm. Flinn Highway American Buyers Discount Mattress 1726 Wm. Flinn Highway Papa John’s Pizza 1746 Wm. Flinn Highway Supercuts 1736 Wm. Flinn Highway Quest Diagnostics 1742 Wm. Flinn Highway Nails II 1732 Wm. Flinn Highway Rose Marie’s Pizza and Meatballs 800 Mt. Royal Boulevard

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

Township of Shaler

Shaler North Hills Library

1822 Mt. Royal Boulevard 412-486-0211 www.shalerlibrary.org

Please call the library to register for all programs.

he library offers extended morning hours for adults on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. Pick-up holds, check out materials and use the computer quietly. Reference service, fax service and services for children resume during normal operating hours at 10:00 a.m. Interfaith Music Series - Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. Join the library for music and singing from many faiths. We will explore the customs and history of various religions through the traditions of song and chant. The series continues Thursday, May 3 – 7:00 p.m. at Kearns Spirituality Center. A Night of Stand-Up Comedy - Friday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. Laugh Out Loud at the Library! An amazing evening of fabulous comedy from some of the best comics in Pittsburgh, including Shaler’s own Ingrid Kalchthaler! $5.00 gets you in the door and all proceeds benefit the Shaler North Hills Library. Free babysitting will be provided as this is an event for adults, but don’t worry; there will be fun for the kids too! Movies for mom - Friday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale Blowout! New hours! Friday, May 11 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bake Sale! Sunday, May 13 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Bag Sale! The library opens for full service at 1:00 p.m., only the sale starts at 10:00 a.m.) Call the library at 412-486-0211 or email mcraes@ einetwork.net if you can spare some volunteer time for baking, set-up, sales or tear down. Great for students! Thank you!

Shaler

Summer reading starts June 1st for all ages! Dream big at the library! The sky’s the limit when you read! Read, read, read for book bucks in exchange for great prizes in the library store. Don’t do the summer reading slide—keep up those reading skills by reading for fun! Your brain will thank you! And familes that read together, succeed together, so moms, dads, sisters, brothers, grandparents and cousins—we have tons of programs and prizes for you too! For adults, dream big by voting for your favorite book characters for public office! Good times when you read! It’s our favorite time of year at the library! Did you know that the Shaler North Hills Library ranks first among 44 county libraries with the highest percentage of summer reading participants and return rate? And that we rank 1st among peer sized libraries in Pennsylvania for the highest participation in summer reading? Saturday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. - Pug Fest returns! All ages are welcome. The library offers eBooks to read on your eReaders! Free with your library card! Visit acla.lib.overdrive.com. Call or stop by the library for further assistance or questions. The library would like to thank the Kiwanis Club of Glenshaw for its generous sponsorship of the Family Battle of the Books! We are very blessed to work with Kiwanis and the SASD to serve our reading families!

Township of Shaler

Trash & Recycling SNIP Litter Clean Up

Shaler Township Curbside Yard Waste Collection

Saturday, April 21, 2012 9:00 a.m. to Noon Shaler Township Municipal Building

1-800-464-2120 or e-mail: shalertwppa@republicservices.com

Shaler Neighborhood Improvement Committee

The SNIP Committee Annual Spring Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers should meet at the Township Building located at 300 Wetzel Road. If you would like to register as an individual or for your business or service group, please contact the Township office at: 412-486-9700 Ext. 211. www.shaler.org

Electronic Recycling Kiwanis Park Saturday, April 21, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. No fee for this recycling event. • Computer towers and notebook (laptop) computers • Printers, copiers, fax machines and scanners • Telephone equipment • Radio equipment • Cables, hard drives, disk drives and miscellaneous computer components • Mouse devices, speakers and keyboards • Servers and networking equipment • Cell phones and batteries • Non-Freon containing appliances and white goods • Computer monitors • Televisions The Fall 2011 Electronic Recycling event recorded 57,305 pounds of electronic waste collected. The materials consisted of 9,081 lbs. of CPUs, 8,396 lbs. of monitors, 26,186 lbs. of TVs and 13,642 lbs. of miscellaneous. Thank you Shaler Township residents and businesses.

Pharmaceutical Take-Back Shaler North Hills Library Saturday, April 28, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The Shaler Township Police Department, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration is going to assist in our second Drug Take-Back Initiative on April 28, 2012, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Norma and David Hufnagel, who were the impetus for our participation in this program, will again be present. Norma is responsible for securing the site for the take-back at the Shaler North Hills Library. In addition, she and her husband will be distributing fliers for the event. The last take-back in Shaler resulted in over 248 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription drugs and medications being collected. This removed dangerous and unnecessary threats from the medicine cabinets in our immediate area, and permitted the proper disposal of these items. We hope to have the same participation as the last event.

Call Allied Waste Services at 1-800-4642120 or e-mail shalertwppa@republicservices. com before the Thursday of the date below of that week to schedule Yard Waste Collection. Notify the customer service representative that you are from Shaler Township and you would like to schedule a yard waste collection. Call before Thursday of that week before the date below: April 28 July 28 May 19 August 25 June 23 September 22 • Yard waste includes: leaves, garden residue, shrubbery with no dirt attached, limbs, twigs, brush and tree trimmings, and similar items, but does not include grass clippings. • Yard waste must be placed in a biodegradable paper bag or 33-gallon trash can. Tree trimmings not to exceed 3 inches in diameter, brush, limbs, twigs and shrubbery must be bundled in lengths not to exceed 4 feet.

Household Chemicals Collections Participant fee: $2 per gallon/Cash only Saturday, May 5, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. North Park swimming pool parking lot check website: swpahhw.org

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

Community Events

Township of Shaler

Community Day

Kiwanis Park

July 4, 2012

Join friends, family and neighbors for our Annual Community Day Celebration. Fire Truck Rides - 1:00 p.m. The Pool will be open from Noon - 5:00 p.m.Â Uptown Rhythm & Brass Band will perform on stage at 7:00 p.m.

Community Day Activities Jane Neely Run For Your Life 5k Race 7:45 a.m. Registration Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the PA Connecting Communities Connecting Individuals, Disabilities, Communities Applications at: www.shaler.org

D.J. at the Pool 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Kids Inflatable Attractions 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Park Community Tent Attractions 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. clowns, face painters & balloon artists Annual Military Recognition Ceremony - 8:00 p.m. Registration forms at www.shaler.org Kiwanis Club Concession Stand will be open from 12:00 Noon through the festivities.

Fireworks by Pyrotecnico Dusk (rain date Thursday, July 5)

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Township of Shaler

Sat., April 21 - 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Shaler Area Middle School 1810 Mt. Royal Boulevard All-you-can-eat breakfast with pancakes, eggs, juice, sausage, choice of milk, coffee or tea. $6.00 Adult $3.00 Children under age 12

Glenshaw Century Club Annual Luncheon at Wildwood Golf Club

Saturday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. Glenshaw Century Club will hold its annual luncheon and fashion show at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Wildwood Golf Club, located at 2195 Sample Road. This year’s theme will be “Glitz & Glamour.” Cajoli, One Brilliant, and David’s Bridal will be providing the fashions. All proceeds from the luncheon benefit the scholarship fund for Shaler Area High School students and other worthy recipients. Tickets are $30.00 and include lunch and door prizes. To purchase tickets in advance, please call Pat George at 412-486-8356. Reservation and ticket purchase must be made by April 13. Once again we will have our beautiful basket raffles for which we are so well known!

Community Events

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

Dan Wagner Memorial Kid’s Fishing Day Saturday, May 12, 2012 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Location: Rochester Grove of North Park Lunch served at 12:00 noon Parents, guardians do not have to have a PA fishing license to assist children

Shaler Garden Club Plant Sale at Kiwanis Park Saturday, May 5, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Perennials, herbs, vegetables & Mother’s Day plants Planters – Flea Market – Bake Sale The sale will take place rain or shine. The Shaler Garden Club welcomes new members. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Church of Our Savior at 12:30 p.m. Informative gardening programs are presented at each meeting. Volunteer activities are available with the club’s community garden projects. Brochures are available at the Shaler North Hills Library.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

Community Events

Township of Shaler Memorial Day Observance May 28, 2012 at 11:30 A.M. Mt. Royal Cemetery at Flagstaff Post 785, together with VFW Post 9199, will be sponsoring the annual Shaler Township Memorial Day Service in the Mt. Royal Cemetery on Monday, May 28, 2012 at 11:30 A.M. (by the flagstaff). All are invited to participate in remembering those in the military who are serving our country or have in the past. Shaler Post 785 American Legion will again be awarding $1,000 college scholarships to Shaler Area High School graduating seniors. Application forms are available in the Guidance Office at Shaler Area High School or can be obtained by calling Mike Lang at 412-364-5501. Post 785 is looking for new members to help carry on programs that support veterans and the Township. Please call Joe Kobus at 412-487-2758 for information.

Shaler Seadogs Online Registration

www.ShalerSeaDogs.com The Shaler Seadogs are a community swim team for swimmers age 6 - 17 years. Contact Scott Harris at 412-821-2727 or scott@shalerselfstorage.com

Shaler Area Rotary 13th Annual Memorial Day 5/10K Run/Walk

Monday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Stoneridge Church & Shaler Township For information call 412-486-7778 or visit: www.stoneridgecc.org

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The Shaler Area Rotary had a successful year in 2011. We were able to continue our support for the local food bank, provide a new computer for the Cherry City Fire Department, provide two scholarships to students at Shaler Area High School, and assist Shaler EMS, the Shaler North Hills Library and many additional projects. We are able to do this by raising funds with our Annual Golf Outing. This year’s golf outing is scheduled for May 21, 2012 at the Wildwood Golf Club. We are looking for golfers, sponsors, and prize donations. For additional information, call John Newhouse at 412-487-5333.

Township of Shaler

Photo by Gary Yon

Congratulations on your 100-Year Anniversary! Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Department 1912 to 2012

Volunteer and become a member of one of Shaler Townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volunteer fire companies. Get a free associate degree through the CCAC FireVEST grant program. Elfinwild V.F.C. 412-486-7077 Cherry City V.F.C. 412-822-7000 Bauerstown V.F.D. 412-821-8022 Shaler Villa V.F.D. 412-487-9998 Sharps Hill V.F.D. 412-781-1226 Undercliff V.F.D. 412-486-6252

Community Events

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Cherry City V.F.C. 2nd Annual Easter Flower Sale April 6 & 7, 2012 Cherry City VFC Parking Lot 6 varieties of potted flowers $5.00 and $10.00 each www.cherrycityfire.org

Seniors for Safe Driving Program Safe driving program for seniors age 55 and older. Classes fill up quickly. Class tuition is due prior to class date. Contact Seniors for Safe Driving at 1-800-559-4880 or www.sfsd-pa.com to register. You MUST attend both days of the two day class in order to be eligible to receive the discount on your auto insurance. Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11, 2012,10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Shaler Township Municipal Building Friday, August 24, 2012, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Shaler Township Municipal Building Hosted by State Representative Randy Vulakovich. Visit his website at: www.repvulakovich.com or contact his office at 412-487-6600 for further information.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

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Photos by Gary Yon

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Shaler

The Pittsburgh Lacrosse Stores-Keeping Up with the Fastest Growing Sport in America The Beginning Four years ago, anyone playing the sport of lacrosse in Pittsburgh really had no good options for buying equipment and supplies. Then in 2007 The Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store opened the first full service Lacrosse Store in Pittsburgh at the Ice Castle in Castle Shannon. “We wanted to have a full service lacrosse store, with equipment, supplies, a practice-shooting area to try out equipment, and experienced sales associates who coach or play high school and collegiate lacrosse,” says co-owner Bill Bedortha. “But we also wanted our store to act as a gathering spot for local players and coaches, a place to practice shooting, check out the newest gear and talk with lacrosse players.” With its 60 ft. by 30 ft. shooting area and radar gun with display, a “Coaches’ Room” for meetings and its custom st ick stringing station, the original Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store has the feel of a lacrosse oriented club house. “It’s not unusual for us to have a couple 6th or 7th graders, a few high schoolers and a collegiate player or two practicing, discussing equipment, tactics, the latest college and high school rankings…just talking lacrosse,” Bedortha says. “The younger players look up to and try to learn from t he older players and the older players, guys in high school and college, love to share their knowledge and experience with the younger guys. It’s really cool to see players from different generations hanging out and discussing the sport they love.” One year later, Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store opened its North Hills store in Wexford. “We heard from so many lacrosse players from the North Hills who loved our Castle Shannon store but not the drive, we decided to open our Store in Wexford 3 years ago,” Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store coowner Jay Bedortha says. “We were overwhelmed by the reception we received from the northern based lacrosse teams—they promised to support us if we opened a lacrosse store up north-and they did.” The Wexford Pittsburgh Lacrosse Store also has the feel of a lacrosse centered club, w ith friendly and experienced sales associates, a custom stick stringing service and a wide array of lacrosse equipment, supplies and accessories.

says Jay Bedortha. “The next logical step was to create Summer Travel Teams—exposing local middle school and high school players to the sport as it is played in lacrosse hot beds like Maryland, New Jersey and Upstate New York is absolutely a great way to help our players get better.” Coached by local College Coaches and High School Head coaches, the Pittsburgh Lacrosse Travel Teams compete in tournaments throughout the Midwest and Mid Atlantic including Princeton NJ, Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, Baltimore and Philadelphia. High School players receive the added benefit of not only learning about the collegiate recruiting process, but many are recruited by colleges based on their summer tournament play. “Many of our High School travel players are contacted by Division I, II and III coaches who have seen our players at the tournaments we attend. A high percentage of our high school players go on to play in college based on connections made during our Summer travel season,” says Jay Bedortha. “Our Summer Travel Coaches want to see every player improve and get the opportunity to play at the next level.” Pittsburgh Lacrosse also offers Summer Lacrosse Camps and Clinics presented by local college players as well as high school and college coaches. The common thread, not surprisingly, is to keep it fun for the players. “Lacrosse is just a great sport; it’s extremely fun to play. It teaches sportsmanship, team work and rewards dedication and hard work,” says Bill Bedortha, “but in the end, players play because it is fun.” Pittsburghlax.com

Full Service Lacrosse Stores-Leagues, Travel Teams, Camps, Clinics, Instruction According to Bill Bedortha: “We wanted our stores to be an asset for Western Pennsylvania lacrosse players, coaches and families; not only a source for equipment and uniforms, but a resource for all things lacrosse available to the community. The first step was to create off season lacrosse opportunities for local players.” Pittsburgh Lacrosse offered its first Fall Canadian Box Lacrosse Leagues at the Iceoplex at Southpointe to local middle school, high school and post graduate players in 2009. Since then, they have added a Youth Lacrosse School for younger players and also pre-season team leagues. “The best thing about Box Lacrosse is that it is so much fun, players don’t even realize they are improving their skills and getting better at lacrosse,” according to Bedortha. “There is a consistent desire among local lacrosse players to learn more about the sport and to get better at the fundamental skills required to be a successful player. Players not only want to play, but to get better,” Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

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Shaler

SPRING 2012

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

Let’s Get Physical

What’s Inside page 2

Have a Pain in Your Leg? It Could Be Serious

page 3

Fit at Any Age

page 4

Surviving Allergies: What You Can Do Putting Ergonomics to Work for You

page 5

Brightening Lives With Light

page 6

A Walk to Remember

page 7

24th Annual Fitness Classic is May 20 What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret

Have a Pain in Your Leg?

ItCouldBeSerious

Aches and pains aren’t necessarily due to aging. Leg and hip pain can be a sign of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) — a serious circulatory problem — and increased risk of heart attack and stroke Pat Friend was a busy real estate agent leading prospective buyers through houses and going to baseball games with her husband, former Pirates pitcher Bob Friend. Then, four years ago, an excruciating pain in her right buttock sidelined her. “It was like a hot poker in my backside. The more I walked, the worse it got,” says Pat, an O’Hara Township resident. “I couldn’t climb steps or walk 50 feet without feeling terrible pain.” Like many people with leg or hip pain, Pat stopped walking. Unable to go up and down stairs, she cut back on her real estate business. She even resorted to using a wheelchair at the ballpark. Finding the source of her pain Although she did seek medical attention, it wasn’t until she underwent a procedure for a blocked carotid artery that her doctor discovered she had PVD — a narrowing of the arteries carrying blood to the legs due to plaque buildup. He immediately performed a balloon angioplasty and stent procedure to remove the blockage and restore blood flow. “It was like a miracle. I felt instant relief. That awful pain was gone,” says Pat, now 76. “I’m back to walking and selling real estate.” Her doctor, John Power, MD, a “Half of all patients cardiologist at UPMC St. Margaret, with PVD also says the Pittsburgh area has a higher have silent incidence of PVD and other types cardiovascular of vascular disease, due to its large disease that puts number of older residents, smokers, them at risk for and people who are overweight. stroke, heart attack, and other serious illnesses.” — John Power, MD

UPMC.com/Today

In PVD, the narrowed arteries cause pain due to lack of blood flow to the leg muscles. Pain and tightness in the calf or thighs with exertion are classic signs of PVD, says Dr. Power. “People think it’s arthritis, but there’s no joint there. It’s a circulation problem. Unfortunately, patients deal with the pain by cutting back on activities, but that can mask the warning signs,” Dr. Power explains. Delaying treatment can be dangerous Left untreated, PVD can lead to amputations because the slow blood flow doesn’t allow sores to heal. Half of all patients with PVD also have silent cardiovascular disease that puts them at risk for stroke, heart attack, and other serious illnesses, he says. Anyone experiencing chronic leg pain should see a doctor. “If you let these things go, it can be devastating,” Dr. Power says. Doctors can screen for PVD by checking the pulse in the feet or performing an ultrasound. In some cases, PVD can be treated with medication to control blood pressure and lower cholesterol, and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, switching to a low-fat diet, and incorporating an exercise program. “If conservative measures aren’t enough to restore blood flow, angioplasty, stenting, or surgery may be necessary,” says Dr. Power. To learn more about our cardiovascular experts and the full range of heart and vascular services they provide, visit UPMCStMargaret.com.

PVD warning signs • Pain in one or both calves, thighs, hips, or buttocks • Painful cramping in the leg or hip while walking or exercising (having pain while at rest could be a sign of more severe disease) • Pain that disappears within 10 minutes after resting • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs • Cooling or color change in the legs or feet • A sore on the leg or foot that doesn’t heal

Fit atAnyAge Comedian George Burns — who lived to be 100 — often advised his audience to “Look to the future, because that’s where you’ll spend the rest of your life.” Vonda Wright, MD — a practicing orthopaedic surgeon at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine and a nationally recognized author of several books on active aging and fitness — thinks that’s sound advice. “Nothing is more natural than aging,” she says. “Adults over 40 today are redefining what it means to age. They’re looking ahead — and doing what it takes to stay fit and vital. “With just 30 minutes of daily exercise, you can minimize your risk for 35 common illnesses — including high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes,” says Dr. Wright, who also directs the center’s Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA®), which focuses on maximizing the performance of both elite and recreational athletes over age 40.

Staying fit as you age “As we enter our 40s and 50s, we’re just starting to hit our stride, with the potential for many years of wonderful living ahead of us. A well-balanced exercise plan is a key to maintaining that quality of life as we grow older,” she maintains.

Many say that 50 is the new 30 as today’s mature adults enjoy more active, fitter, and healthier lives than any other generation.

“There’s no age or activity level to prevent any older adult from being active,” explains Dr. Wright. In fact, studies of 90-year-old men doing resistance training on a daily basis showed improvements in their strength and functioning.

Getting started

Starting — and sticking with — a fitness plan initially can be hard, says Dr. Wright. “The first step is to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Schedule it on your calendar, like an appointment,” she advises. “Don’t be a weekend warrior. Instead, try to maintain a moderate activity level throughout the week, and increase your exercise level gradually to reduce your chance of overuse or injury.” She tells her patients to FACE the future with a balanced, total body workout designed to achieve maximum benefits while avoiding injury:

F — Flexibility with daily stretching exercises A — Aerobic cardiovascular exercises every other day, using interval-style training Carry a load (or strength train) to build and maintain muscles in your arms, C — legs, and core (stomach, back, and abdomen) E — Equilibrium and balance through simple exercises like standing on one foot “Whenever possible, mix up activities like running, swimming, cycling, or rowing,” encourages Dr. Wright. “Cross training helps promote total fitness while reducing the chance for injury. Most of all, take that first step!” To learn more about UPMC’s PRIMA program for mature athletes, call 412-432-3651 or visit UPMC.com/SportsMedicine. You’ll find PRIMA listed under Performance in the Our Services section.

Should you see a doctor first? You’re 50 years old and a pack-a-day smoker. You also have high blood pressure, and you haven’t exercised since Ronald Reagan was president. Should you see your doctor before hitting the local gym? “Regular exercise is the best gift you can give yourself. But it’s important to use common sense when getting started,” says Vincent Silvaggio, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC St. Margaret. If you’re in generally good health and starting off with light to moderate physical activity, an extensive medical workup probably isn’t necessary. “But if you’ve been diagnosed with any medical condition, have been sedentary for some time, or are at risk for potential heart problems, it’s essential to talk to your doctor,” advises Dr. Silvaggio. “Working together, you and your doctor can create the right exercise plan based on your age, physical condition, family history, and other key factors.” If you’re over the age of 40, visit UPMC.com/Today to take the American College of Sports Medicine’s Physical Activity Readiness Self-Exam.

1-800-533-UPMC

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Surviving Allergies:

What You Can Do If you dread the approach of spring and the arrival of allergy season, here are a few ways to reduce your sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes

What to do If you take medication to control your symptoms, start treatment early — before your seasonal allergies flare up, says BJ Ferguson, MD, director of the Division of Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy at UPMC, and a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In western Pennsylvania, tree pollen starts flying around by the end of February or in early March, when it warms up enough for trees to begin budding.

Medications to take Dr. Ferguson recommends starting with an over-thecounter (OTC) medication, preferably a non-sedating antihistamine. She cautions that some products can be sedating or even result in extreme drowsiness that can impair driving. Be sure to read the accompanying instructions or ask your pharmacist about side effects. OTC decongestants can relieve nasal congestion but should only be used on a short-term basis, Dr. Ferguson says. Decongestants can cause significant side effects, such as insomnia, agitation, heart palpitations, and a rise in blood pressure. A saline nasal wash also can help relieve congestion.

When to see a doctor “If you are getting no relief and it is impairing your quality of life, you should see a doctor about more effective alternatives and testing,” says Dr. Ferguson. • A doctor can prescribe medications that can provide effective relief from chronic congestion. • Allergy testing can determine precisely what you are or aren’t allergic to. A new sublingual immunotherapy administered under the tongue is just as effective as allergy shots, and with fewer side effects, says Dr. Ferguson. • Your doctor also can determine if your nasal blockage is caused by inflammation or nasal polyps, a deviated septum, enlarged adenoids, or an infection.

UPMC.com/Today

Putting Ergonomics to Work for You

At home and on the job, ergonomics can help you avoid injury and discomfort — and even increase your productivity The goal of ergonomics is to make our places of work as safe, comfortable, and efficient as possible. But let’s not limit its uses to our day jobs! “Many of the aches and pains people experience can be attributed to ergonomic issues like poor posture, excessive repetitive movement, or improper lifting techniques,” says Michael Balandiat, OTR/L, team leader/occupational therapy at CRS-UPMC St. Margaret. “Whether you’re at work, home, or play, applying basic ergonomic principles can help you avoid injury and perform at your best,” he adds. Here are a few tips to get you started: • Use the right equipment. Make sure the tool fits the job and your body, whether you’re sitting at a desk, vacuuming, riding a bike, or swinging a golf club. • Work at the right height for you. A too-low computer chair or a too-high kitchen counter can wreak havoc on your neck, back, and shoulders. • Avoid contact stress. Wear gloves or use tools designed to reduce pressure on soft tissue to avoid blisters and other skin damage. • Keep items within easy reach. Extend your arms out on each side. Picture an imaginary arc in front of you from left to right. Place the tools or supplies you use most often within that area. • Avoid repetitive movements and working long periods in one position. Alternate tasks and change your body position regularly. Stretch every 20 to 30 minutes. Visit UPMC.com/Today where you can find more ergonomic tips to use at work and at home.

Brightening Lives with Light

Light therapy is proving to be an effective treatment for bipolar depression and other mood disorders Michele Twyman of Penn Hills always dreaded the approach of winter and the holidays. As the days shortened, she grew increasingly tired, sleepy, and depressed. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed — and stay there. “I didn’t enjoy anything — from decorating to shopping. I never felt like celebrating,” says Ms. Twyman, who has a bipolar disorder and has battled depression for more than 30 years. But last Christmas was different. For the first time in years, she decorated, shopped, and made wreaths and centerpieces. “I enjoy the holidays again. I realize now how much I missed being happy about life’s little things,” she says.

New treatment shows bright promise

People with bipolar depression are especially sensitive to changes in outdoor ambient light and the seasons, she explains. The onset of fall and winter can trigger symptoms similar to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including fatigue, sluggishness, daytime sleepiness, carb cravings, loss of interest, and inability to experience pleasure. Individuals with bipolar depression also may have suicidal thoughts.

How and why it works

“There are few effective treatments for bipolar depression. That’s why we’re exploring novel approaches such as light therapy.” — Dorothy Sit, MD

Ms. Twyman credits her new outlook to an artificial light box provided by Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) of UPMC. Every afternoon, she sits in bright light for about a half hour while reading or planning appointments and activities. It took just a few weeks to feel the effects. She now wakes up feeling more rested and relaxed. She’s also better able to care for her 95-year-old father. “There are few effective treatments for bipolar depression. That’s why we’re exploring novel approaches such as light therapy,” says Dorothy Sit, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, and a researcher at WPIC who is leading an ongoing study in the use of light therapy for treatment of bipolar depression. “Most patients feel better within two weeks of starting it, and continue to improve for up to eight weeks.” According to Dr. Sit, treatment is inexpensive and effective. Patients with seasonal depression require 30 to 60 minutes of daily light therapy while patients with non-seasonal depression need 45 to 60 minutes.

Light therapy replaces lost sunlight exposure and resets the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythms — important for everyone’s general health, mood, and thinking. That’s why light therapy also can help patients with jet lag, shift workers, and people with sleep disorders.

While light therapy is generally safe, patients with bipolar depression also must be on a mood stabilizer or they’ll be at risk for manic episodes, says Dr. Sit. Other possible side effects include headaches, eyestrain, irritation, agitation, and insomnia. These symptoms normally disappear following adjustments in the time and length of treatment.

Light therapy tips • Check with your doctor or mental health professional to see if light therapy is a good option for you. • Follow your doctor’s advice concerning any special precautions you need to take. • Use light therapy only with guidance from your doctor or mental health provider to minimize possible side effects and maximize benefits. Visit UPMC.com/Today for more information on bipolar depression and the light therapy study. To participate in the study, call 1-800-436-2461. For information on light boxes, visit the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at cet.org.

1-800-533-UPMC

AWalk to Remember UPMC Rehabilitation Institute helps make a seemingly impossible wedding dream come true

Megan Dow was an athletic, carefree 27-year-old with so much to look forward to — from her upcoming wedding to a new house and barn. But a freak ATV accident on Memorial Day 2010 changed her life in an instant, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. It took a week for Megan to realize her broken neck and back wouldn’t be a quick fix and another six months to acknowledge that her paralysis might have permanent effects. Despite the diagnosis, the Negley, Ohio, resident was determined to walk down the aisle on her wedding day 16 months later. “What means more to a girl than walking down the aisle at her wedding?” asks Megan, who became engaged just weeks before the accident.

Regaining the life she lost Initially, she couldn’t sit up without help and wore braces to support her back, neck, and legs. “I went from doing everything to not being able to brush my teeth; from being able to throw a bale of hay to not being able to pick up a gallon of milk,” Megan says. An avid outdoorswoman, Megan longed to return to her activities, including horseback riding, camping, volunteering as a 4H Club adviser, and working as an interior designer. “I absolutely loved the life I had before the accident. I had to work to bring these things back into my life,” she says.

UPMC.com/Today

At the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s spinal cord injury unit at UPMC Mercy, Megan’s team of specialists put her to work four hours a day, six days a week in an intensive rehabilitation program. Luckily, she had use of her quadriceps, which allowed her to walk with the help of braces and a walker. Slowly, she relearned everyday skills like dressing herself and walking. She also learned new skills, such as transferring to a shower chair from her wheelchair, and did exercises to build her strength. Megan vowed she’d walk without the walker by that Christmas (a goal she met by Thanksgiving) and down the aisle without a cane. A few weeks before her wedding, Megan donned her gown and practiced walking in the gym with her physical therapist.

Walking happily into the future On her wedding day — Oct. 1, 2011 — Megan did walk down the aisle. Among the guests were her UPMC doctor, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. “They’re a huge part of my life and the reason I’m where I am today. They had to be there!” exclaims Megan. “I’m so grateful to everyone at the Rehabilitation Institute. They gave me the tools I needed, and they encouraged and steered me in the right direction.”

Megan and Eric Dow walked down the aisle after exchanging marriage vows on Oct. 1, 2011.

Megan and her husband Eric honeymooned in Cancún, Mexico, where they snorkeled, swam, kayaked, and even explored some ancient ruins. Today, while she still uses a wheelchair and cane, Megan is thankful she can walk up to two hours with just leg braces. She’s also driving again, riding horses, camping, and doing other activities. “It was a miracle. I’m so grateful I can still do what I used to do — I just do them differently,” Megan says. To learn more about UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and its services, visit UPMC.com/RehabInstitute. You’ll also find a link to Megan’s story and those of other patients who’ve benefited from the institute’s specialized care.

Ready … Set … Register

24thAnnualFitnessClassicis May 20 Join your friends and neighbors at the 24th annual Fitness Classic 5K Run/Walk set for Sunday, May 20, starting at 8:30 a.m. Beginning and ending at UPMC St. Margaret, the USATF-certified 3.1-mile level course follows roadways in neighboring Fox Chapel and O’Hara Township. The individual entry fee for the run/walk is $20 prior to May 9. Race-day registration is $25. Three-person running teams are encouraged to participate in the team challenge at an entry fee of $50. All registered participants are eligible for dozens of great prizes in a post-race drawing.

Proceeds from the Fitness Classic benefit St. Margaret Foundation’s Bed Fund. Since 1930, the fund has provided transportation, medication, and medical supplies to uninsured and underinsured patients at UPMC St. Margaret. Ask your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to help support your efforts through the Pledges for Patients program. The registration fee is waived for individuals collecting $50 or more in pledges, or teams collecting $100 or more. Call 412-784-5169 to request Fitness Classic entry forms, or register online at stmargaretfoundation.org.

What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret Classes

Events

COPD Education and Support 412-784-5764

Alive & Well Presentations UPMC St. Margaret physicians and health professionals speak on a variety of healthrelated topics at community libraries. For upcoming dates, locations, and topics, visit UPMCStMargaret.com.

Insulin Pump Class 1-866-334-5227 Look Good ... Feel Better 1-800-227-2345 Managing Your Diabetes 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

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.

Bariatric Information Sessions Mondays, March 12 and 26, April 9 and 23, May 7 and 21 6 to 8 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Conference Rooms A, B, & C

UPMC St. Margaret Blood Drive Tuesday, March 13 Monday, May 14 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Dining Rooms A & B

For more information, or to register, call 412-784-5900.

For more information, or to register, call 412-784-4077.

Physician Guide Available The 2012 Physician Guide by Specialty is now available. Listed in the directory are the names and contact information of nearly 600 physicians affiliated with UPMC St. Margaret. Call 412-784-5185 to request a directory. Volunteer Opportunities For information about volunteer opportunities at UPMC St. Margaret, call Volunteer Services at 412-784-4081.

For more information about any of these classes or support groups, call the number indicated, or call Community Relations at 412-784-5160, or go to UPMCStMargaret.com.

1-800-533-UPMC

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 physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

A Tough Conversation

All Couples Should Have

f asked, most couples would say it’s important to protect the financial future of their families in the event of a spouse’s unexpected death. Yet 74 percent of couples rarely or never discuss the topic of life insurance as part of their financial planning strategy, according to a 2010 State Farm® Life Insurance Study. A 2011 study from finance research firm LIMRA revealed that 41 percent of U.S. adults don’t even have life insurance. That doesn’t mean it’s not on their minds. Sixty-two percent of respondents said uncertainty in the economy makes having life insurance even more important than it had previously been. Bringing up the subject can be difficult. It may be that discussing the unexpected death of a spouse is awkward. Or that one spouse already feels the pressure of being the primary wage earner. Or that a spouse who has recently lost a job will react negatively to the topic. But whatever the obstacles, talking about life insurance is critical to both partners—even if one earns substantially more than the other, or one doesn’t earn an income. To start the discussion, try these tips: • Talk before you’re in a financial crisis. Pick a time when you’re not stressed, and treat the topic as you would any other aspect of your financial planning. • Make a plan that incorporates life insurance as a primary component of your overall financial strategy. Having a plan in place can be reassuring if your circumstances change. • Set a monthly budget and learn what options you can afford. Schedule follow-up evaluations and adjust your coverage as your needs, family situation and income change. • Consult an insurance expert who can provide an outside perspective and make the discussion less stressful. • Focus your discussion on the love you have for your family and your desire to protect it from financial burdens, rather than on the possible death of a spouse.

Contact Kevin J. Slogick, State Farm agent, to learn more about the life insurance options that protect your family’s future. This Industry Insight was provided by Kevin J. Slogick. 4284 William Flynn Highway Suite 303 Allison Park, PA 15101 412.487.6711 kevin.slogick.uuah@statefarm.com

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

K by Pamela Palongue

s s e n ni d

is Always in Fashion

he ladies of the Glenshaw Century Club have been helping others in the community for over 70 years. Their activities encompass the arts, entertainment, literature, social activities and philanthropic projects that benefit local organizations and local people. On April 28, they are hosting the club’s annual fashion show, Glitz and Glamour at the Wildwood Golf Club, which will aid various charities and help provide Shaler area students with scholarships for college. Club members and their daughters will be modeling fashions from David’s Bridal, One Brilliant of Aspinwall and Cajoli of Glenshaw. Besides beautiful clothing, those who attend will be able to bid on themed baskets and participate in a 50/50 raffle followed by a luncheon. Scholarships will be presented to the selected Shaler area students at the end of April.

In addition to the annual fashion show, the club also holds a Holiday House Tour and Gala in November which raises funds for philanthropic activities. The Glenshaw Century Club welcomes potential members who are residents of the area. Publicity Chair Lindsay Stromoski recalls hearing about the club for many years and wanting to be a part of it. After a chance meeting one day with one of the members, she joined and has now been active in the organization for four years. “It’s such a great group of ladies and they give back so much to the community,” says Stromoski. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Glenshaw Century Club, would like to donate to the organization, or would like more information on upcoming events, please visit the website at http://www.glenshawcenturyclub.bravehost.com. For ticket information regarding the fashion show, please contact Pat George at 412.486.8356.

April Curley, Jane Seibert, Amy Thompson, Marlene Curley

Alma Fanto, Betty Nesbit

Garry & Patrice Clouner

Fred Fanto with his granddaughter Lindsay Huddleston Steve & Peg Ainey, Cindy Bock, Grace Pekins Dan & Patty Wagner 34 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Shaler

FINANCIAL FOCUS

When Should You Start

Taking Social Security?

f you’re of a certain age, the new year means you’re that much closer to a day you may have anticipated with a combination of humor and resignation — specifically, the day you’re eligible for Social Security. But just because you can take Social Security, it doesn’t mean you must take it. So, should you? Before we get to that question, let’s review the basic rules governing Social Security payments. You can typically start collecting benefits at age 62, but you’ll get only about 75% of what you’d receive if you waited until your “full” retirement age, which varies according to your birth year but is most likely 66. You’ll get even bigger monthly checks if you delay collecting them until you’re past 66, and you’ll “max out” on your payments once you reach 70. So, the question boils down to this: Should you start collecting Social Security early — thereby receiving smaller, but more numerous, checks — or later, when your checks will be bigger but fewer? If you really need the money once you reach 62, you’ve already got your answer. But if you could potentially afford to wait, we recommend you view your decision through a LENS:

✔ L: Your projected lifespan — You can’t see into the future, but given your family history and general health, you can make an educated guess about your projected longevity. If you’re fairly confident that, once you reach 66, you’ve still got another two or more decades in front of you, you may want to consider delaying taking Social Security past age 62. ✔ E: Your employment status — If you’re under full retirement age — between 62 and 66 — then for every two dollars you earn over $14,640 (in 2012), you’ll lose one dollar in Social Security benefits. In the months before you reach your full retirement age, for every three dollars you earn over $38,880 (again, for 2012), you’ll lose one dollar in benefits. But starting in the month you reach your full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without losing any benefits. ✔ N: Your need, including your other sources of retirement income — If you have a pension, or you’ve built substantial resources in your IRA, your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, and you can support your income

needs with modest withdrawals from these accounts, you might decide it’s worthwhile to delay taking Social Security to maximize your benefits. Remember that regardless of your Social Security decision, you typically would have to pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you started taking withdrawals from these accounts before you reach age 59½. ✔ S: Your spouse/marital status — If you’re single, you basically just need to think of yourself when making this decision. But it’s a different story if you’re married. If you die first, your spouse can keep receiving his or her own Social Security benefit or receive yours — whichever is larger. Consequently, you and your spouse will want to coordinate when you take Social Security benefits so that you can maximize the benefit for the spouse likeliest to live longer. The choice of when to start taking Social Security can affect your lifestyle throughout your retirement years — so weigh all the factors and make the choice that’s right for you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Matt Dudkowski | Financial Advisor | Edward Jones | 412.487.3300 | matt.dudkowski@edwardjones.com 1007 Mt. Royal Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15223 | www.edwardjones.com Matt Dudkowski has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones since 2002, serving individual investors in the Pittsburgh area from his Shaler Township office. Since joining Edward Jones, Dudkowski has obtained the professional designation of Accredited Asset Management Specialist or AAMS. Prior to Edward Jones, Dudkowski, a CPA, worked for the H.J. Heinz Company, and as a senior consultant and auditor for Ernst & Young LLP. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Community Health Challenge, a local nonprofit. Dudkowski, a native of Butler County, graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He resides in Gibsonia with his wife and two sons. Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

by Kathy Rudolph

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 110 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD may have communication, behavioral and social problems in varying degrees. Although there is no cure for ASD, it can be identified in infants as young as 6 to18 months and early intervention is key in improving the child’s quality of life. Signs include fixating on objects or not reacting when spoken to, avoiding eye contact and repetitive movements such as hand flapping or rocking. All of the above information is helpful, but how do parents know for sure that their child may have an ASD? ABOARD’s (Advisory Board for Autism and Related Disorders) Autism Connection of PA, a local, nonprofit organization, is there to help. The organization sponsors 62 support groups in 46 Pennsylvania counties, staffs a toll-free hotline and conducts seminars and conferences to educate families and professionals. They also provide educational assistance information and advocacy. A volunteer board of directors, made up of parents with autistic children and a professional advisory council composed of physicians, therapists and educators with expertise in autism comprise the organization. “Call us! We’ve been there, seen it, and done it,” says Lu Randall, executive director of ABOARD. “Don’t just rely on reading about autism online. It’s too hard to sift through hundreds of thousands of websites to find reliable information about a very personal issue that is happening in your family. You can relate to who knows your story...Often people call us with a question and then contact us over the years as their person with autism changes day care, school, job, living or medical settings. Callers often say ‘How did you know he was doing that?’ about a behavior, or about a common conflict that occurs within a family. People are amazed that we anticipate their next comment. It’s because we have years of living with differences and listening to families that we know the patterns and know how to help folks avoid common pitfalls.” Staffed by four, dedicated women, most touched by autism as parents, they know what the challenges are for families. “As moms, we remember the day that our children were diagnosed,” says Marie Mambuca, family support coordinator. “You are sad and it can be very hard and isolating. We are here to boost families up and help

36 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

Shaler

Rebecca Williams-Thomas, Lu Randall, Marie Mambuca, Jennifer Fulton them avoid the mistakes that we have seen before and prevent pain for them in the future.” Other services include planning recreational events that the whole family can enjoy such as visits with an autism friendly Santa at Monroeville and Ross Park malls, Autism Outdoors, Bowling Day at Princess Lanes and BYS Yoga classes for families and teens. “We get a huge response from families wanting to do these things,” says Rebecca Williams-Thomas, resource and communications director at ABOARD. “As a parent you are nervous about how your child is going to act...These events are great because they are free and there are families like yours in a safe environment and you don’t have to worry.” ABOARD also strives to educate the community about autism. “Most of our day is spent on the phone fulfilling our primary mission to support the families; we try to answer every question,” says Jennifer Fulton, operations and planning director. “On top of that, my job is to educate the community on various topics on autism from workshops and conferences to the All Abilities Fair where families can get information on extended school year and therapeutic summer camps.” There are many ways to help support ABOARD’s Autism Connection of PA, which relies on the generosity of the community so that its staff can keep the focus on the families that they support. Some of the past and ongoing fundraising programs include Boy Scout projects, “Company Dress Down Day,” “Lunch and Learn” corporate events and even senior graduation projects. The organization also accepts donations of goods such as bottled water, juice boxes and auction gift basket items for family events and its annual gala. “It is important that people know that all the money raised stays here and goes right back to the families that we support,” says WilliamsThomas. ABOARD’s Autism Connection of PA can also offer advice to organizations or companies that want to host a fundraiser. They can help businesses to organize a fundraiser by bringing in volunteers, answering their questions and helping them to feel comfortable about the whole experience. One would think that being the director of such an important nonprofit organization would burn out the best of us, but it’s had the opposite effect on Randall. “I have learned so much about life and autism directly from people on the spectrum since 1994,” she explains. “I feel great about my position at ABOARD’s Autism Connection of PA because it allows me to impact greater numbers of people in a positive way than I can possibly hope to achieve working one to one.” To learn more, visit autism-support.org.

Shaler Area School District

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Shaler Area Friends and Families:

itan pride runs deep at Shaler Area. Long ago I learned of this attitude and it is clear when I think of all the work our community does to support the district and its students. Frequently parent volunteers are visible working in our schools and providing support through parent and booster organizations. Student artistic groups and sports teams are supported by enthusiastic fans who keep the auditoriums and bleachers full for student events as well. This community rallies together in good times and bad to support the school and each other. Through it all, nine community individuals work as a team to support and guide the district as the Shaler Area School District Board of School Directors. In their role, they are charged with many tasks such as approving the yearly budget and setting district policy. I would like to take a moment to introduce you to these ladies and gentlemen, for their commitment, time and effort often go unnoticed by the community. The Shaler Area School Board Members are: Mr. James Giel, Jr., President 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2855

Mr. Domenic Donovan, VP 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2852

Mr. William Couts 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2858

Mrs. Mary Lou Dixon 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2859

Mr. James Fisher 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2854

Mr. John Fries 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2853

Mrs. Susan Hunt 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2856

Mr. Dean Ingold 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2851

Mrs. Jeanne Petrovich 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2857

School board meetings are typically held the second and third Wednesdays each month at the Shaler Area Administration offices located at 1800 Mount Royal Blvd, Glenshaw, in the Barbara J. Duss Conference Room. Please watch the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website (www. sasd.k12.pa.us) for specific meeting dates and times or call the school board hotline (412-492-1200 ext. 8-2899) for a recorded listing of upcoming meetings. It is a pleasure to work with these individuals who give freely of their time simply due to a sense of commitment to the district. When you meet one of the board members, thank him/her for volunteering the time to serve the children of this community. They all have Titan Pride! Go Titans! Dr. Shipley

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Shaler Area School District

Shaler Area High School Presents

Hello

Dolly! S

haler High School students rehearsing their lines for the musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hello Dollyâ&#x20AC;? which was presented March 2 through the 10 and was attended by an audience of 2,400. Megan Wall appeared in the starring role of Dolly Levi, with Clint Bliel as Vandegelder, her romantic interest. The students were directed by Kristin Demsey.

Photos by Gary Yon 38

Shaler

The

Shaler Area School District

Whole

Child

Kara Eckert, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

“Each child, in each school, in each of our communities deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.” (The Whole Child, ASCD 2012)

he theme of the 2011-2012 school year in Shaler Area School District has focused on “The Whole Child.” The district administrators, teachers and staff have embarked on a professional development journey that has highlighted the key attributes to engaging the students of today, identifying and accommodating the barriers to learning, and supporting continued mental health and wellness for all students. It is imperative in this era of technology and fast-paced society that the students of Shaler Area have equal opportunities to receive the best, well-rounded and global learning experience. Exposing our students to 21st century skills daily will expand their learning capacity and probability for future success beyond our district walls. We, as educators, are obligated to continue raising the bar of academic excellence. As a unified force of school personnel, students, families and community members, we have to be proud of the educational possibilities our students have in our classrooms and celebrate the success stories that so often are overlooked. This year, our professional development days have exposed all staff to interactive, hands-on trainings and workshops that demonstrated how our district and students have transformed into the 21st century and how we can adjust to meet the needs of our learners. These sessions have outlined teaching strategies, best practices and, most importantly, time to collaborate with each other. Two of the necessary skills a 21st century learner possesses are collaboration and communication. The

strategies used in classrooms of the past no longer grasp the attention or interest of our students. Not only are we infusing more technology into our lessons and activities, but we are making learning more engaging, authentic and rigorous in all content areas for all students K-12. In an effort to shift our thinking, and expose our own staff to this transformational era we are living in, we have to build capacity within. As part of this districtwide approach to educating the “whole child,” we have tapped into the expertise of our own teachers and administrators. Teachers were offered a choice of attending two sessions out of a series of topics that all focused on our theme of The Whole Child. Not only did this opportunity provide teachers and administrators the chance to share their knowledge of best practices in education, current teaching strategies and other methods of motivating, reaching and educating the students of today – it also opened up a new door of collegial collaboration with our staff. This is definitely an exciting time for Shaler Area School District staff and students – the learning opportunities are endless, and we are here to foster the growth in each of our students to their maximum potential.

Every child, every day!...The Whole Child!

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Paul Holzshu - PSADA Regional Athletic Director of the Year “It’s important to me that all of our sports, all of our coaches, all of our people who participate have a quality experience, a rewarding experience, and look back on their days of being a Titan with pride.” – Paul Holzshu by Anna Porter

fter nearly a decade as Shaler Area’s athletic director, Mr. Paul Holzshu has been recognized by his peers for all of his hard work by being named the Regional Athletic Director of the Year. The honor, given each year by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association (PSADA), will be presented to him on Thursday, March 22, in Hershey, Pa., at the annual PSADA Conference. The prestigious award is granted to a standout nominee each year. Athletic directors in neighboring school districts submitted a vote as to whom they believed deserved the honor, and Holzshu was ultimately selected as the winner for the southwestern region. A 1967 Gateway High School graduate and basketball star, Gateway Sports Hall of Fame member, and college basketball player and coach, Holzshu has found most of his life centered on athletics. The success he found on the court as a high school student paved the way for him to receive a basketball scholarship to Clemson University. After graduation, Holzshu coached at a handful of different schools on the college level, but in the end it was pure chance that got him into high school athletics. “I was very fortunate. I really didn’t train to be an athletic director; I was given the opportunity about 15 or 16 years ago (at Yough High School) by a friend of mine who was a superintendent. The athletic director at the time was sick and they needed someone to fill in, and I was available. That gave me the first opportunity to serve in the capacity of an athletic director,” Holzshu said. Eventually he returned to his high school alma mater where he took on the responsibility of Gateway’s first full-time athletics director. Holzshu began working at Gateway in 1998, facilitating victories and accomplishments for once-struggling sports

Shaler

programs. However, after spending five years there, he decided that it was best to move on to Shaler. “We felt we needed someone with experience, and Paul certainly fit the bill there. He came across as a very strong person, and that’s what we were looking for,” former Superintendent Dr. Donald Lee said at the time of Holzshu’s hiring in 2003. That strong personality has helped with his ability to direct, both in the athletics office and on the court as the varsity boys basketball coach. “As far as coaching goes it’s just like anything else; it’s like growing up – you mature, you make better decisions, you become a little more guarded, a little more stable in the way you act,” he said. “I think as I have meetings with coaches on our staff, and listen to some of their concerns, and hear some of the things that they’re dealing with, I can relate to [them] firsthand. I think it gives me a better perspective of where they’re coming from.” His perspective and approach to being Shaler’s AD has made a great impression on his colleagues. “Paul Holzshu is a great example of what an athletic director should be. He is always supportive of all of his programs in the athletic department no matter what the sport,” said boys volleyball coach Mr. Paul Stadelman. “I have the utmost respect for the time and dedication Paul has shown to help make Shaler Area athletics what they are today and also striving to make them better for tomorrow.” While Holzshu has helped foster the growth of the athletic programs, the coaches who work for him appreciate his style and support. “He is up front with you. You always know what he thinks and what he expects. He is never patronizing or two-faced,” Mr. Eric Schott, boys 9th grade basketball coach, said. “Most importantly, he stands up for his

coaches. In a time when parental influence and pressure on administrators continues to grow, it’s reassuring as coach to know that your AD has your back.” Holzshu’s duties as AD and varsity boys basketball coach create a complex balancing act. Since both roles require countless hours, he said the greatest challenge for him is time management. “Sometimes I come in here, and there are certain things I know I have to do that relate to my duties and responsibilities as athletic director, but the game from the night before is still running in my mind and I’m trying to separate that to do this, or do this without thinking about that,” he said. “It can get difficult at times.” Currently, the athletic director has two years left on his contract with the high school. By that time, Holzshu will be age 65, a point in his life where he believes he will be able to pass his position on to someone else. “Nine years ago when I interviewed for this job, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to continue to be in education. I’ve found that through my years at Shaler Area that this is a wonderful school district,” he said. “I don’t think I would ever want to be at any other school. I’m happy that I’ll be able to end my career here at Shaler.” Before then, he plans to continue serving Shaler Area coaches and athletes as he has done since he arrived in July of 2003. “As a director of athletics I’ve always tried to take the approach to make every coach feel that [his/her] sport is the most important sport in our school,” he said. “I’m director of athletics. I’m not director of basketball, or football, or girls volleyball, or tennis. I’m director of all sports. It’s important to me that all of our sports, all of our coaches, all of our people who participate have a quality experience, a rewarding experience, and look back on their days of being a Titan with pride.”

Shaler Area School District

Shaler Summer Shootout

ong after March Madness wraps up, boys and girls will be taking to the basketball court in July for the 16th annual Shaler Summer Shootout. The Summer Shootout is designed for children who will be in grades 3-9 in the fall and focuses on fundamental skill development and team concepts. “We focus primarily on shooting, ball handling and passing,” said Eric Schott, Shaler Area’s ninth grade boys basketball coach who started and still runs the program. “For the younger kids, it’s much more drill-based, and then we use those drills in games and competitions. For the older groups, we try to balance skill development with 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 games to build both individual and team skills.” Over the past decade and a half, the Shaler Summer Shootout has grown and evolved. Last year, it had its highest number of participants; it was also the first year girls were involved. “We had almost 20 girls last year, which was great,” Schott said. “They worked hard and brought a lot of energy and

excitement. They were most excited when they got the chance to beat some of the boys in group competitions.” The large number of participants has required Schott to enlist some help. For the past several years, current and former Shaler Area basketball players have assisted in coaching the participants. Last year, two members of the Shaler Area girls 2011 WPIAL championship team—Val McQuade and Kelly Barry—along with four of Schott’s former players—Sean Bittner, Brian Bittner, Steve Strackhouse and Sam Schrmack—all helped with instruction. “I’ve been very lucky to have coached great kids and even luckier to have them come back and want to help out,” Schott said. “After the shootout last year, I got a ton of comments from parents about how much their kids enjoyed interacting with the varsity players. It’s really one of the coolest things for me to watch: kids who participated when they were younger now helping to coach.” In addition to the daily dose of basketball, the shootout also includes special theme

days, such as Jersey Day when players are encouraged to wear basketball jerseys. “We started it a couple of years ago. The kids seem to love it,” Schott said. “I now buy a bunch of old NBA jerseys and give them away as prizes or awards. Last year, I had a couple of older kids give back jerseys they’d outgrown that they had won in the past. One of them said, ‘I remember how excited I was for Jersey Day. Give this to someone who will be just as excited as I was.’” The Shaler Summer Shootout will be held at the Shaler Area Elementary School’s outdoor basketball courts. It will be in session Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting on July 3 and ending on July 26. The program is spread out over four weeks so that kids who have vacations or other activities planned in July can still attend. The shootout is divided into three sessions: 3rd and 4th graders from 8:30-9:30 a.m., 5th and 6th graders from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 7th, 8th and 9th graders from 10:30-11:30 a.m. For registration information, please visit www.sasd.k12.pa.us and follow Athletics to Basketball to Summer Programs or contact Coach Schott at schotte@sasd.k12.pa.us.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

Shaler Area School District

Titan Trail Run MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Shaler Area Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd Annual Run for the Titan Trail 5K Run/Walk Saturday, April 14, at 9:00 a.m. The 3.1-mile course will begin at Shaler Area Elementary School and circle through local neighborhood streets including Scott Avenue, Claire Street, Phillips Avenue, Hartle Road, and Herron Lane before ending back at the school. Families and participants of all ages are welcome! Prizes will be given for male and female age groups ranging from Under 8 to 61+. In 2011, our first race was very successful and drew around 300 participants! All proceeds will benefit Shaler Area Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Titan Trail reading initiatives. For more information on road closures and race registration, please visit www.sasd.k12.pa.us.

Shaler

Shaler Area School District

Hall of Fame

haler Area School District will be opening nominations for the new group of distinguished athletes to be included in its 2012 Athletic Hall of Fame. This will be the 12th class inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Nominations are open through April 30, 2012. The Shaler Area Athletic Hall of Fameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to recognize those individuals who have brought prestige and pride to the Shaler Area School District athletic program and to the community either as a player, coach, administrator or supporter. An individual or team can be nominated for this honor. This person or persons could have contributed to the athletic success of Shaler Area or could be recognized for contributions at Etna, Millvale, or Shaler high schools prior to the merger in 1971.

Nomination forms can be found on the Shaler Area School District website, www.sasd.k12.pa.us, and at all the school buildings in the district. Completed forms are to be returned prior to May 1, 2012, and addressed to: Shaler Area High School Amy Bodenlos 381 Wible Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15209 The inductees will be announced prior to the Shaler Area football game scheduled for Friday, September 21, 2012, and a banquet will be held the following day at the Shaler Area High School.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

Shaler Area School District

Shaler Community Swim Program “I love going under the water!” “Front crawl is my favorite!” “I like swimming with my friends!”

hese are just a few things that you would hear if you walked by the pool at the Shaler Area Elementary School on a Saturday during swimming lessons. Classes range from infants/toddlers to level six. Each instructor incorporates safety into the lessons with the use of lifejackets and reaching assists. Exclusive diving classes are also offered so children can master the sometimes extremely difficult skill. Lynne Ulery who has two children, Michael and Jonathan, commented, “The community swim program is a wonderful benefit to our community. Parents have ah Breen multiple days and times to choose for Top Row: Jim DiNucci, Sar ckenzie Barr, Middle Row: Madison & Ma their child’s class. Also, the instructors on Amber McKaveny, Ellie Harris betich are super with the kids. They make She Diana Bottom Row: Darcy Harrison, their classes fun while improving [the students’] swimming skills. Lastly, classes are small and that teacher-student ratio is great!” The program is fortunate to have John Fries, a Shaler Area School Board member, as a volunteer with the program for the past several years. Mr. Fries instructs students in learning the fundamentals of swimming to fill the void of any absent instructors. Children’s swimming lessons are one of several programs offered by the Shaler Area Swim Program. The program also offers a variety of activities Chris Walsh, Samantha Bainbridge, for any type of swimmer. It begins in September Nate Hilburn and runs through the end of May. One of our most popular activities is water aerobics. Water aerobics is a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints. Classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Both men and women from the ages of 16 to 82 participate in this activity. Rose Alescio commented, “I’m 82 years old and I’ve never been in a pool until now. The first time that I got in, it was a little intimidating but the second time was a piece of cake with the help of my wonderful aerobics instructor, Joan. I don’t want to miss

Christa Suta Michelle Benna, Brandon Kiefer, Kelly Krummert, Justin Kiefer 44

Shaler

any of the classes; I just love it! It helps my legs and my body. For someone who never wanted to get in the water, now you can’t keep me out!” Cost is $50 for either Tuesday or Thursday; $95 for both days. “Pay as you go” is $6.00. There is also a recreational swim where two lanes are available for lap swimmers and the rest of the pool is available for children as well as adults to swim. During recreational swim nights, Boy and Girl Scout get-togethers and birthday parties are also welcome! For those who would rather wait to have the pool with just adults swimming laps, lap swim is offered as well. Lap swim is Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. During this time six lanes are available for lap swimmers. The recreational swim program is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $70, or you can “pay as you go” for $5.00. The last program is Shaler Area Activities for the Handicapped (SAAH). The directors of the program are Jim and Julie McDermott and the adapted instructor is Tom Ford. SAAH was formed in the summer of 1982 by Fred Mackaness and Mary Lou Hepner in hopes of providing swimming lessons for children with physical and developmental disabilities. The small program grew from the original eight participants to the current size of between 20 and 30 participants that work one-on-one with volunteers from our community. It holds 20 winter sessions at the Scott Avenue pool and 10 summer sessions at Crawford Pool. In addition to the Sunday swimming sessions, there are also a handful of social activities and parties that give the children the ever-so-important chance to create fun life experiences and build strong relationships with their peers, volunteers, and families. The program is so grateful to Shaler Townwship and Shaler Area School District for their support over the years, and also to the many volunteers, who help to make the program a success. More volunteers are always needed to accommodate the children on the waiting list. If interested, contact Jim and Julie via email at saah. swimming@gmail.com. If you are interested in any of the swim programs offered, feel free to contact the program director at your convenience: Director: Suzanne Fries 412.492.1200 Ext. 3920 ShalerAreaSwimProgram@hotmail.com.

Renting? Find out why you need Pennsylvania renter’s insurance

our landlord will typically only cover the cost of repairing the building if there is a fire or some other disaster. You will need your own coverage, in order to protect your belongings in your place of residence. Renter’s insurance policies generally provide coverage for items and situations which include: • Personal Property – like your furniture, electronics, and clothing. • Personal Liability – in the event that someone is injured. • Damage to Your Apartment – if the damage is caused by a covered loss.

This Industry Insight was provided by Casper Insurance, located at 611 Mt. Royal Blvd. They can be reached at 412-486-9200 or peter@casperinsurance.com. Check them out online and on Facebook.

So the important question – how much renter’s insurance do you need? You will need enough to protect all of your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other disaster. Create a home inventory of all of your valuables – jewelry, electronics, furniture, clothing, and so on. Take photos of your valuables and keep an inventory online so that you can access it if you are unable to get back in to your apartment due to damage. What is covered and what isn’t? You will be covered for fire or smoke damage, lightning, theft, vandalism, an explosion, windstorm, and burst pipes. Flood and earthquake damage is covered under separate policies. If you have renter’s insurance and your residence is uninhabitable, the insurance policy will cover your hotel costs incurred until you can move back in. Renters insurance will also provide you with personal liability insurance, for example if your pet causes injury to a neighbor or a neighbor’s pet. What can you do to make your apartment safer? Start with having a security system, smoke detectors installed and working properly, and deadbolt locks to prevent theft. If you have an auto or business insurance policy with us, you may be eligible for a discount. There is no better time than the present to start protecting your personal property. Arrange for a consultation with one of our helpful agents to discuss your Pennsylvania renter’s insurance options.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

Headaches S

ome estimates suggest 25% of the population has a headache right now! A comprehensive U.S. study reported that 10 million Americans suffer from moderate to severe disability from various forms of headaches. There are many types and causes of headaches. Regardless of the cause, if you have a headache, you want it to end, fast! This has produced a huge market for medications that cover up the symptoms of headaches. Powerful drugs can numb your nervous system so that pain doesn’t register. While these approaches may be convenient, they can cause adverse effects and kidney or liver damage. Worse, they don’t correct the underlying cause of the headache. Because headaches are so common, some people think that getting a headache is just a normal part of life, but headaches are a sign that something is wrong.

One cause of headaches can be from spinal bones in the neck that aren’t supporting your head properly. They’re not moving right. This can affect nerves, muscles, and even the blood supply to your head. When bones of the spine lose their normal position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected. When spinal nerve and related tissues are stretched or irritated, they can produce throbbing headaches. Aspirin and medications may cover up these warning signs, but do not correct the underlying structural cause. Dr. Clark locates areas of the spine that aren’t moving properly. He notices spinal curves. He looks at your posture and your ability to turn and bend. These and many other examinations can help determine if you are likely to benefit from chiropractic care. If you’re a good chiropractic candidate, your care will consist of a schedule of chiropractic adjustments and other treatments. These help normalize spinal function, help restore essential spinal curves, improve circulation and reduce nerve irritation. Many patients report fewer and less severe headaches.

What causes headaches?

Clark Chiropractic Michael P. Clark, D.C. 633 Mt. Royal Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15223

412.486.3355 Hours: MWF 9 a.m. –1 p.m. 3 – 6 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sat. by appointment 46 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

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The most common causes are physical trauma, emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, or chemical toxins. Sometimes there may be a combination of these and other factors. Our examination process helps identify the most likely cause. How long will it take? Some patients enjoy results quickly. Others notice a slow decline in their symptoms after several weeks or longer of chiropractic care. It’s impossible to predict. If you’ve had chronic headaches for many years, improvement can take time.

What if I don’t have a headache when I come in?

Chiropractic isn’t an aspirin! Repeated visits, even when you’re feeling better, can help retrain and strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Just as it takes more than one or two workouts at the gym to get in shape, it takes time for your spine to heal.

What if chiropractic doesn’t work?

Headaches may be common, but they’re not normal. Every headache has a cause. If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your headaches, we can refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our only goal. This Industry Insight was provided by Dr. Michael Clark. Clark Chiropractic is located at 633 Mt. Royal Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15223. For an appointment or more information, call 412.486.3355.

Karen Cordaro – A Class Act by Pamela Palongue

ocal resident Karen Cordaro loved the theater, but also wanted to save the world. She has wound up doing a little of both... Cordaro appeared in several theater productions in college, but majored in psychology and English at Seton Hill with every intention of using her education to help others. She married shortly after college and she and her husband settled in Pittsburgh and Karen took a teaching position at Prospect Junior High in Mount Washington. A fateful twist to the story came when the school had overhired teachers that year. So Cordaro was recruited to develop a pilot program for teaching children with educational challenges. In addition to this assignment, she asked if she might start a drama program at the school, which she was allowed to pursue. Cordaro says, “The first year of the drama class, they sent me all the kids who had been thrown out of the other classes.” From this inauspicious beginning, her class grew to one of the most popular in its second year and by the third, she had kids from three different theater schools auditioning to get into the class. She later taught a gifted program at Providence Heights Alpha School and began a drama program for kids after school. After five years of her afterschool theater activities, she realized she had the makings of a new business. She began Act One Theatre School in 1986. Although many of her students are quite serious about a future in the performing arts, the school offers a family atmosphere that is focused as squarely on helping kids grow to be sensitive, supportive human beings as it does on teaching theater. “We want our kids to have confidence and a sense of community. We encourage them to take risks in a safe, supportive environment,” says Cordaro. Those in grades 2 through 8 attend a 2.5-hour class, which is taught in 30-minute increments focusing on acting, voice, dance, improvisation and film. Students in grades 9 through 12 may attend the professional training program which meets for a full day on Saturdays, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The class must be enjoyable to inspire teens to rise from their slumber early on Saturday mornings to attend. Some of the class members will go on to professional careers in the arts, but others just enjoy being a part of a team that creates something meaningful. Cordaro has many former students working on Broadway and in major network television. Former student Andy Mientus is currently appearing in an off-Broadway production of “Carrie” and previously toured nationally with “Spring Awakening.” Another former student Steve Basilone, is a writer for the critically acclaimed NBC show “Community.” Cordaro’s student Lizzie Donaldson is now a casting

agent for the TV show “Revenge” and works as a post-production coordinator at ABC. “There are many students out there working; these are just a few,” notes Cordaro. Many of her students began as actors, but have branched off into other areas of the entertainment field, such as lighting, sound, writing, casting and producing as their careers evolve. “The hardest jobs are not on stage,” she explains, but the behind-the-scenes jobs. Many times the school’s productions are written by Cordaro’s staff members. “I have an incredibly talented staff,” she says. “This is by no means a one-man show.” Cordaro and her staff are united in their mission to help create opportunities for kids to stretch and grow, both as actors and as human beings. Cordaro herself has worked as a lyricist and copywriter at times, including directing an anniversary show for the popular “Sesjun,” a radio jazz program in Amsterdam. She wrote dialogue and the lyrics to several songs that were performed on the show. In addition to helping develop talent in young people, Cordaro has also been very active through the years giving back to the community. Years ago, she served on a committee as a community consultant for Magee-Womens Hospital which was responsible for introducing birthing rooms and providing parent education. She also co-authored a book about the changing dynamics of a family as new siblings are added. Her Act One Theatre School also hosts an annual gala which raises funds for local charities. The beneficiaries change from year to year, but one organization that is always on the list is North Hills Community Outreach. “[It is] such a wonderful organization,” she says. Another year Cordaro had a student who died from health complications. The gala raised $11,000 to build a playground in her honor at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh which bears her name, Isabelle Christenson. This year’s gala which took place in February had a country theme, “This Land is Your Land,” with entertainment provided by the kids in the professional program with a little help from some of the younger players. In carrying out the country theme, pulled-pork barbeque sandwiches were served on checkered tablecloths. Act One will have upcoming shows that are open to the public. They will take place at the Scotus Hall on the Mt. Alvernia campus in Millvale. Those in grades 2 through 8 will be presenting the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” from April 19 through April 29. The students in grades 9 through 12 will present the musical “Once on This Island,” which is set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Although it bears shades of resemblance to “The Little Mermaid,” it is a different production entirely and very entertaining. For more information on Act One Theatre School, please visit the website at www.actonetheatreschool.com.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

By Heather Holtschlag

Curb appeal is not necessarily something that most people will be able to define in precise terms, but they will know it when they see it. Simply put, it is about making your front yard and the front of your house stand out and look better than the rest. And, if people like what they see on the outside, including potential buyers, the chances are good that they will want to see what the house looks like on the inside. But what can you do to make your house stand apart? To begin, play up your home’s doorway—one of the first areas people see when looking at your house—with color, a clean door free of nicks, and clean metal fixtures. Consider adding a wreath or some other type of door decoration.

Low-voltage landscape lighting, particularly accent lighting displayed in nearby trees or throughout other outdoor fixtures, can not only enhance a yard’s appearance but provide a pathway of lighted safety for visitors. Potted colorful flowers can provide instant curb appeal and can be purchased already assembled at a local garden center, or you may choose to buy an empty container to fill with all of your favorite flowers on your own.

On a similar note, window boxes can be filled with your favorite flowers to match the rest of your yard’s color scheme. Consider adding some fixtures like birdbaths and wind chimes to add visual appeal to a yard, and a water fountain can sound heavenly on a warm summer day (but be sure to place them on level ground for optimum enjoyment). Shutters and trim work not only add texture and ventilation to a home, but provide added security as well.

To achieve the best curb appeal, paint the shutters in a color that matches the outside of your house and the rest of your yard. In addition, new garden beds are always a welcome sight. Consider planting new gardens in spots that will be most pleasing to the eye, such as along the driveway and in front of the house.

On a similar note, window boxes can be filled with your favorite flowers to match the rest of your yard’s color scheme.

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Add shutters or accent trim Shutters and trim add a welcoming layer of beauty to your home’s exterior. Shutters also control light and ventilation, and provide additional security. Exterior shutters can be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass. New composite materials make trim details durable and low maintenance.

Replace old hardware House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. If they’re out of date, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary residences.

Add outdoor art Give your yard a little spunk by adding weather-resistant artwork. Choose pieces that complement your home’s natural palette and exterior elements. Birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and wind chimes are good choices for outdoor art. Water sculptures not only function as yard art, but the burbling sounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler. Place fountains on level ground in optimum hearing and sight vantage points.

Make a grand entry Even with a small budget, there are ways to draw attention to your front door. Molding acts like an architectural eyeliner when applied to the sides and top of the doorway.

Install window boxes Window boxes offer a fast, easy way to bring color and charm to your home exterior. Choose boxes made from copper or iron for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and color scheme.

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 49

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Inexpensive home

improvements that pay off when it’s time to sell by Steve Matcho

o you’re thinking about moving but you want to maximize profit on your most prized possession - your home. If you bought your home more than say 10 years ago, everything about shopping for a home has changed. Instead of getting sheets of papers from your Realtor with one exterior picture of the house and room sizes buyers now can sit in the comfort of their home and compare detail of current inventory to yours. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that 87% of buyers look online first and only tour 45% of the homes they initially see on the Internet. So make sure you make the tour list. You could put in a beautiful new kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances to make your home stand out. That’s an expensive remodeling job and you won’t come close to getting your return on investment. However there are some improvements that won’t break the bank but can really help make your home the shiny penny when it comes time to sell. Let’s take a look:

New light fixtures – Updated lighting is not only inexpensive; it can really improve the ambiance of your home. While you’re at it, a ceiling fan & light in place of a light is also a good idea. If you don’t want to tackle this one, a handy man or electrician can do the project in no time. (See my web site for a list of great local contractors – www.pittsburghnorthrealestate.com/services.) Clean and stain the deck – This is probably part of your regular maintenance but if you make sure it gets done prior to listing your home, it can really make a difference. New flooring – Stained or worn carpeting can really turn buyers off so replacing it can really help. If you have hardwood underneath old carpet, it’s even less expensive to take up the carpet to expose the wood. Hardwood looks great online and will get buyers in the door. New vinyl or laminate flooring can also be a very cost effective way to improve your home. If you’re not sure where to start or want advice on prioritizing your improvements, just ask your Realtor. It can really help to get an objective set of eyes on your home, and they’ll have the most experience on what improvements make the most difference in your market.

New entry door – It’s true that you only get to make one first impression and considering that many buyers drive by prospective homes before contacting their agent, a new door with decorative glass, not only changes the exterior look of a home, it makes the inside much brighter. According to the NAR, this was the one improvement that can return the most value – 102%. Landscaping – Curb appeal is everything in real estate and a nicely manicured lawn and meticulous landscaping tells a buyer that this house has been well cared for before they even get in the door. If you’re doing the work yourself, you can really get the most for your money. Even a mediocre front yard can be perked up by planting perennials, adding fresh mulch, edging the gardens and seeding bare spots. It won’t cost much but it will pay off with potential buyers. Repair fogged windows – Windows with condensation are a red flag to buyers. They can easily be repaired for $50-$100 each. Spruce up the bathroom – Re-caulk and clean the shower and if the toilet is worn, you can get a new one for under $150. For that matter, a new pedestal sink is less than that and can make a big difference in the look of your bathroom. Painting –With little investment, you can really get some dramatic results by painting a few rooms. If you’re a do-it yourselfer, your elbow grease will pay off. Along these lines, if you have any wallpaper – take it down. I have never heard a buyer say “that’s nice wallpaper!” Minor kitchen updates – Instead of going with the major upgrades in the kitchen, consider a new countertop. Replacing handles and knobs can really change the appearance of a kitchen. Re-facing or even painting cabinets instead of replacing them can be an inexpensive alternative. Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 51

Shoppers Paradise

at Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company by Kathy Rudolph

t organizer y-One Gifts, even irt Th of o, ck lo K U.V.F.C. Joanne ce president of the vi o, ck lo K hn Jo and

fire department full of “shop-‘til-you-drop” fun was provided for local residents and supporters of Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company, Station 264. Over 30 vendors, offering everything from artwork and clothing to culinary items, provided something for every taste. Raffles for chances to win the many gift baskets donated by local businesses, along with a chance to win a 2012 Chevy Camaro, kept the afternoon exciting. Joanne Klocko organized the event along with the fire company. “It’s a giveback to the firefighters who volunteer their time for community service,” said Mrs. Klocko, who participated in the show with her Thirty-One handbags and organizational products table. “The vendors get the exposure for their homemade or direct sale businesses and get to sell their products in the community and provide a benefit for the fire company. The $25 donation per table all goes to Undercliff and their volunteer fire prevention services.” Mrs. Klocko’s husband, John, is vice president and a firefighter and their son, John, Jr., is a lieutenant firefighter at Undercliff. “It’s great to bring visibility to community businesses and to the fire department,” said Mr. Klocko. “We are also giving fire prevention items to the kids and have a fire prevention table showing how fires can start in homes that is very educational and informative.” Examples where funds are needed include past repairs to the nonskid surface on the engine room floor to prevent personal injury to the firefighters, which cost over $24,000. A uniform, including helmet, boots, gloves and protective gear, for one firefighter costs over $2,000. “We are doing this fundraiser because it is very difficult these days to maintain the fire department’s expenses – insurance, equipment,” said Tim Jarrett, president for over 25 years and firefighter for over 45 years. “We appreciate and thank the vendors and the public so much for their support.” Other fundraisers include Thursday night bingo and an annual car raffle. To learn more, visit Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company’s website at www.undercliff264.org.

Jim Ebbert, firefighter, with Andrew and Josh

Tim Jarrett, president of of the U.V.F.C. and Nick Kolupajlo, firefighter

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Aubrey and T racy Zox

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S DENTAL HEALTH

Yes

, baby teeth fall out, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important and don’t need to be cleaned and checked regularly by a dentist. Children will have a total of 20 baby (primary) teeth in which they may keep until they are between the ages of 10-12, on average. Knowing this, parents need to be made aware of the importance of the primary teeth. Primary teeth are smaller and whiter than permanent teeth. They allow the child to function and chew, but they most importantly act as space maintainers for the adult (permanent) teeth that are to follow. Therefore, when a small child has perfectly straight teeth with no spacing between them, there is a concern of crowding in the future. Children should be seen regularly every six months for cleaning and exams. It is recommended that every child have their first professional dental exam no later than three years old. Starting children at a young age will help to introduce them to the routine of the exam, as well as, the instruments being used. At this early age, it is our goal to eliminate or minimize dental fears. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Good dental hygiene habits at home can also make the visit to the dentist much more pleasurable. Teeth brushing should begin at the time the very first tooth erupts. Due to this being such a young age, parents take on the major role initially. As your child ages, adult assistance and supervision is strongly suggested until the child can prove they are able to remove the plaque efficiently. We also recommend brushing for two minutes at least twice a day. The more often the plaque is removed from the teeth, the less the chance for decay to form. Flossing is also very important for children, or the parents, to do before or after brushing, once a day. This is how the plaque is removed from in between the teeth to keep from forming cavities in these hard to reach locations.

Here are a few fun dental words to unscramble to hel your children learn the importance of dental hea p lth. YNEHGIE ____________ ______ BRUSH ISLME ____________ ________ CAVIT Y CAVYIT ____________ ________ DENTIST OLSFS ______________ _______ GUMS SGMU ______________ _______ HYGIENE NDSTTEI ____________ _______ MOLAR SURHB ____________ ________ PA STE ESPAT ______________ _______ PL AQUE EULQPA ____________ _______ FLOSS ALOMR ____________ ________ SMILE

Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 53

g y n i r v o o l em n I m

Oh, By the Way

hen someone says those words, it should scare you. It is usually a surprise and it almost always means that money is coming out of your wallet. Many people who had planned or have to plan a funeral can attest that there can be “oh, by the way” moments. This article will help you try to eliminate surprises during this potentially stressful and emotional process. It is estimated that a person has to deal with a close family death every 17 years. Think of the myriad changes over those 17 years. Now think of

trying to make sound consumer decisions based on information from almost a generation ago. It is nearly impossible. I get asked all the time how much a funeral costs. My answer is always, “It depends.” This is NOT a smart aleck answer. If someone tells you a funeral cost will be X amount of dollars, prepare yourself for the “oh, by the way this or this was not included.” Too many factors enter into the equation for a quick and easy answer. This is a list of possible questions you may have to think about to begin to come to a determination of the cost of a funeral. Will the funeral be public or private? Visitation and viewing? Religious services? Services at the funeral home, church or other place? What will the final disposition be? Burial or cremation? If buried, what cemetery or mausoleum? How much is opening/closing of grave or mausoleum? Do I need a burial vault? Graveside or chapel? If cremation, what will be done with cremated remains? Will cremated remains be buried, entombed, scattered, portioned out, or multiple options? How many death certificates are needed? What do you need a death certificate for? How much are newspaper death notices? Will a photo added to the death notice change the price? Will there be a funeral luncheon? How much are flowers? How much is a casket, burial vault, headstone, prayer cards, register book, use of facilities, urn, hair dresser, church, organist, soloist, dove release or balloon release? Do you offer cremation memorial jewelry? As a veteran, am I eligible for free graves at a national cemetery? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered. Sometimes these answers need to be made in a very short period of time. If you have some time to investigate options, by all means do so. People often make changes to their plans as they find out about more options and corresponding prices. Most importantly, ask questions. An educated consumer makes good choices. Call for more information about how we can make it easier for your family to say goodbye. This Industry Insight was provided by Frank Perman, licensed funeral director and owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc, 923 Saxonburg Blvd. at Rt 8 in Shaler Township. Mr. Perman believes that an educated consumer makes the best decisions. Questions can be made to Mr. Perman at 412.486.3600 or email at frperman@verizon.net.

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Shaler | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 55

h Head Coac es in S Ken

Shaler Area La crosse Team, 1992

992 ines, 1 Ken S

Shaler Boys Celebrate 20 Years of Lacrosse

by Leigh Lyons

he 2012 boys lacrosse season is highly anticipated by the young men at Shaler High School. For one, these boys get an opportunity to play the game they love. Secondly, this year marks the 20th season of the program, which everyone who has been involved in the program – from the initial team in 1992 up until now – is very excited about. One member of the original 1992 Shaler boys lacrosse team is the head coach of the program now, Ken Sines. “Our first year was in 1992, which was my senior year,” Coach Sines said. Being the first year, the team operated as merely a club sport at the school. While the school did sanction it, the young men were solely responsible for starting up, and running, their own program, and did not receive any financial support from the school. The boys had to drive themselves to away games, provide people to work home games, pay for their coach, and every other aspect of running a team that, luckily, the 2012 Shaler boys lacrosse team does not have to worry about. Coach Sines recalls that his own mother, who was a registered nurse, used to leave her job early in order to come to his games and be the team’s medical personnel on the sideline. Coach Sines admitted there were many missteps on the way, like the time half of the team got lost on the way to their game at Franklin Regional, but all the missteps and the struggle in the end made him and his teammates that much more proud of what they had accomplished. At the end of that initial 1992 lacrosse season, the team won the Section C Championship, but they had much more to celebrate than just winning the section championship. They had started a program that is now celebrating its 20th anniversary, and some of those same dedicated young men from 1992 are still putting 56 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

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time and effort into the program today, but now as coaches. Besides Sines, who was the starting goalie in 1992, fellow teammate Bill Wightman is now the coach of the middle school team at Shaler. To add to the intertwinement of 1992 and 2012 boys lacrosse at Shaler, Varsity Assistant Coach Ed Klein also had some experience with the original team. He played for North Catholic in 1992, and participated in the first game that the 1992 Shaler team ever played. With the history and coaching experience that the current Shaler boys lacrosse team has on their side, they are looking to build back up a program that the residents can be proud of, and that the younger athletes can strive to be a part of one day. The 2012 team will look to senior captains Tim Schreiber, James McKee, and Matt Geyer, with Ryan Senge and Aaron Werner serving as alternates, to lead the team this year with their talent and experience. Other seniors such as Roman Benty, Frank Dinardo, Mike Marchonic, Sean Paden and Robin Snaith will contribute as well. The team will need all of those seniors, and some younger talented players, when they compete against the heavily favored teams in their section like Hampton and Butler. Coach Sines believes the team’s most intense rivalry is against North Hills though. “North Hills is a team with the same level of experience and success in the past as us, so the games are always competitive and highly contested.” He wholeheartedly believes that his team will have a successful season this year, in no small part due to the talent of the senior class. “Tim Schreiber, although he has been recruited to play long stick midfield at Seton Hill University, will be playing short stick for us this year to help us out offensively, and I think he is good enough that he could play any position in college,” Coach Sines noted. He went on to say, “Roman Benty is another guy that we will be

depending heavily upon to give us some scoring this year as well. James McKee is the guy we will assign to the other team’s best player, and I have all the confidence in the world in him to get it done.” Coach Sines will put an emphasis on his defensive unit this year, while he hopes the team can develop some offensive power in the meantime. The team opened the season on March 14 at home. Another special date they are looking forward to is Friday, April 13, when they honor the original Shaler boys lacrosse team from the 1992 season. There will be a ceremony before the game, and then the current team will take on Baldwin. Baldwin is also celebrating its 20th year competing in boys lacrosse, and was the first team that the 1992 Shaler team prevailed against in that original season. The next day, on Saturday, April 14, the program invites all former players to come back and visit while attending a pair of youth lacrosse games. Coach Sines also hopes to have an alumni game on April 13. Any interested alumni can contact him at coachsines@hotmail.com or visit the Shaler Alumni group on Facebook. From the Shaler boys lacrosse program’s shoestring beginnings back in 1992, with Sines driving his teammates to away games, to where it is now, celebrating its 20th anniversary, all of the alumni and current players have a great deal to be proud of. “Titan Lacrosse is like a best friend to me,” Coach Sines says. “I take great pride in what the program has accomplished.” The Titan Lacrosse Program has accomplished a lot over the years, and Coach Sines and his athletes are eagerly looking forward to what they can accomplish in the future. His one final thought: “I was here for the first step in 1992, and I am looking forward to being here for the next step.”

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