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FALL 2010
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
INSIDE:
65th Annual Cherry City Street Fair Plus:
Education for all Ages Older Adults In Shaler Community Shelter—Here for You
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Introducing a health plan option for small business designed to save green. asy to use, conomical and Environmentally friendly.
Enjoy a discount and the ease of 24/7 on-line access for all of your health plan needs. Has there ever been an easier business decision? At UPMC Health Plan, we want to make it that simple. That’s why we’ve introduced the region’s most comprehensive all-electronic option. It’s called and it’s an easy-to-use, paperless option that complements any of our Small Business Advantage health plans. With , all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providing you and your employees with greater convenience. Your employees also enjoy easy access to all their health information, wellness tools, and health support. And, as always, you and your employees have access to our network of more than 80 hospitals and 7,000 physicians, and the award-winning member service you expect from UPMC Health Plan. In other words you get more for less. To learn more about how you can save, go to upmchealthplan.com.
Shouldn’t the people who insure your health understand it? This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.
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Contents Shaler | FALL 2010 |
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3 Publisher’s Message
FEATURES
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2
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Community Shelter Ready in Shaler
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Education Section
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Secrets of the Successful Middle School Student | 3 Alternatives to College | 8 Moms Returning to School | 12 Planning Your Way to College | 30 |
UPMC Today
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Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 13 |
Older Adults in Shaler
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Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation By Josh Wetmore | 26 COMMUNITY INTEREST
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
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Shaler Municipal Information
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Shaler Libraries
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IN Kids
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Cremation
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By Frank R. Perman | 32 ON THE COVER
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Pam Boch volunteers at the Cherry City Fire Department Festival.
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
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F A L L 20 1 0
As summer winds down, I hope that you and your family had some time to get away and enjoy yourselves—even if it was for the day at some local hidden treasure spot. Those are the places we love to highlight in these pages. I met one of our readers while I was finishing up some business with one of the municipalities we serve. He was sitting at a picnic table near a veterans’ monument under a pristine blu e sky on a quiet and hot July day. The man recognized my photo from the magazine and said his dad used to enjoy reading about local things. He explained that his father had passed away several years ago. He pointed to the monument and said his father never spoke about the war, but always talked about some close friends he served with that didn’t come home.
I N S h a l e r is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting Shaler school districts and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard AS S I STA N T TO T H E P U B L I S H E R
Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R
“I come by here about once a week or so to enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the birds,” he said. “We miss him, but here, I know that he’s catching up with some old friends.” To say that I was touched would be an understatement, but you can see how this one little area can mean so much to someone. Tell us about places that are special to you—places with history and a story behind them. Send your story to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com or mail them to IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Rd., McMurray, PA 15317.
Wayne Dollard Publisher Welcome to the first edition of Shaler—I'm looking forward to getting to know the community through features that we create here about residents of the Shaler Community. As the kids head back to school, we thought it was important to address education. I firmly believe that education and the family’s role in supporting the educational process for all family members is a responsibility we shouldn't take lightly. I hope you find the features informative as you navigate the new school year. A few notes about the magazine—We want to hear from you! If you know of someone in the community who is volunteering, or has made your community a better place to live and work, will you let us know? We get some of our very best features from ideas our readers suggest to us. Also, please let us know if you have a member of your family who is serving in our nation’s military. We want to recognize their dedication to our country. Send along their photo, name and where they are stationed, and we'll post it in the very next edition of the magazine. You can write to me at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy!
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS
Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue Sandy Trozzo Josh Wetmore GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Amante D’Albora Susie Doak Pati Ingold
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Garyyonphotography.com Schoolhouse Photography A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
Nicholas Buzzell David Mitchell Brian Daley Linda Mitchell Gina D’Alicandro Tamara Myers Liz Dodson Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Annette Petrone Rose Estes Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Jessie Jones Michael Silvert Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee 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 2010. C O R R E S P O N D E N C E All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN C o m m u n ity M a g a z in e s Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968
www.incommunitymagazines.com Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor
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When a preteen leaves elementary school behind to move on to the middle grades, the transition can be a daunting one. The building’s bigger, and it houses more students. All of the new experiences can add up to a trying time for incoming students. Most middle graders are anxious about the change that is coming. Going beyond the safety net of elementary school is sometimes hard for a child. Along with the physical, emotional, and social changes they bring, the middle school years can be difficult for a child. Experts agree that a middle school program that emphasizes the importance of addressing any remedial needs is important. The opportunities to do so beyond middle school are few and far between. Honing basic math and reading skills are particularly important. Reading is really the first step towards independent learning. In addition to taking more challenging classes, middle school students also get instruction from a wider variety of teachers, an experience many students relish. Middle school also gives students the chance to explore extracurricular activities like athletics and the arts. Middle school brings adjustments beyond the classroom as well. Changes in the brain can prompt changes in behavior and emotions. The social climate evolves as well, with students meeting an entirely new pool of classmates. Fortunately, parents can take steps to make the transition to middle school a smooth one. The first step is to help students build a good foundation for keeping track of assignments and completing them. Students need to develop a set of study and organizational skills at this age. Students can build those skills by using the assignment book they’re given on the first day of class, for starters. It is also suggested
By Kelli McElhinny
that parents schedule one hour of non-negotiable homework time. Even if a student doesn’t have any assignments on a particular day, that time can be used to plan ahead or review the day’s lessons, for example. Goal-setting, with a focus on short-term objectives rather than long-term ones, also is a priority. As far as the social changes go, parents should be accepting as their children place a greater emphasis on relationships with peers rather than those with family members. Parents should be available, but not nosy, regarding a student’s business. In helping their children conquer middle school, parents’ efforts will endure beyond the eighth grade. Students who are successful in middle school generally can go on to be successful in high school and beyond. Mastering the social and organizational skill set is of utmost importance to a student’s success.
Shaler | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
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embers of the Shaler Community Evacuation Center Team hope their services are never needed. But if disaster strikes the township, they will be ready to help. “We’re here. We’re ready to go, but you would hope that you never, never have to open a shelter,” said Shannon Connery, team leader. The idea of community-led shelters was developed by the Red Cross following the Hurricane Ivan flooding in 2004, when the agency received 35 requests for shelter throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. “They had to mobilize their volunteers, then get from their site Downtown and out to the suburbs, which took time,” Connery said. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter launched its Community Sheltering Project in 2006. The project involves placing a trailer with emergency supplies in a municipality or area and training local residents to man the trailer. In Shaler, the shelter team was started in 2008 by Erika Frank as her senior project at Shaler Area High School. Frank attended a training session in Indiana Township, then recruited and trained Shaler residents in the program. Connery took over when Frank, 19, went off to Pennsylvania State University last year. There are
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approximately 30 team members, 15 of whom “stay in touch regularly,” she said. The trailer, which is kept at Shaler Area Middle School on Mount Royal Boulevard, contains cots, blankets, pillows and “comfort kits,” including a washcloth, toothbrush and other items people would need if they had to evacuate their home, Connery said. Disasters where the team would be mobilized include flooding, a major power outage, a fire in an apartment building or “a snowstorm like we had in February,” she said. In fact, the team did mobilize in February, securing the middle school in case people needed to leave their homes. Ten volunteers kept the shelter open for 24 hours, but no one went there. “The school district was able to provide us cafeteria staff that day. We are currently working to develop relationships with vendors who can provide pre-packaged foods or pizza or catering if we need to use a fire hall,” she said. Connery said the team would like to stay headquartered in the Mount Royal area, which is above a flood plain and on a main road. “We have also looked at places closer to the Millvale side, closer to Etna. We can’t always depend on the schools. Suppose the senior high-rise loses power and we need to be open for a few hours—there is a possibility that the kids are there.” The team will help in any of the municipalities in the school district, but will also help if there is a problem in an adjacent community, as long as police in that community go through the Shaler police. They are also on the county’s shelter list. Connery said the biggest challenge thus far for the group is keeping the interest of volunteers. “People lose interest in us. We are constantly looking for new, committed people from the area,” she said. “Our biggest thing now is just getting ourselves organized. In the event that we are ever needed, we’re there.”
Our Famous Preschool Special is Back!
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Improved Weekday Specials this Fall!
1500 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw 412-486-8500 www.bockltd.com
Come join the party! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
412.487.5517 www.wildwoodpa.com
Serving the community since 1868 Shaler | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
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Municipal Information S h a l e r • 300 Wetzel Road • Glenshaw, PA 15116-2288 • P: 412.486.9700 • F: 412.487.4107 Business Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Telephone Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Administration T o w n s h ip M a n a g e r Timothy J. Rogers, Esquire 412.486.9700, x213
F in a n c e O ffic e r Judith Kording 412.486.9700, x214
T o w n s h ip E n g in e e r Kevin Creagh, P.E. 412.486.9700, x230
B u ild in g In s p e c to r Robert Vita 412.486.9700, x222
C h ie f o f P o lic e /E m e rg e n c y M a n a g e m e n t C o o rd in a to r Jeffrey D. Gally 412.492.2222
P u b lic W o rk s D ire c to r James Henderson 412.486.9700
T o w n s h ip S o lic ito r Joseph E. Vogrin, III 412.486.9700
D ire c to r o f W a te r O p e ra tio n s John Bottegal 412.486.9700
S h a le r P o lic e D e p a rtm e n t 300 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116-2288 Emergency Dial 911 Police Non-Emergency 412.473.3056
F IR E D E P A R T M E N T S B a u e rs to w n V o lu n te e r F ire C o m p a n y 15 Wible Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.821.8022
E lfin w ild V o lu n te e r F ire C o m p a n y 2817 Mt. Royal Boulevard Glenshaw, PA 15116 412.486.7077
S h a rp s H ill V o lu n te e r F ire C o m p a n y 503 Berner Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412.781.1226
S h a le r E M S 339 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 Non-Emergency: 412.487.0162 Administrative: 412.487.6590
C h e rry C ity V o lu n te e r F ire C o m p a n y 309 Davis Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.822.7001
S h a le r V illa V o lu n te e r F ire C o m p a n y 960 Saxonburg Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15223 412.487.9998
U n d e rc liff V o lu n te e r F ire C o m p a n y 700 Mt. Royal Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15223 412.486.6252
Public Safety
E tn a
• Borough of Etna • 437 Butler Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15223 • Phone: 412.781.0569
Administration M a y o r: T h o m a s R e n g e rs 412.781.4191 trengers@etnaborough.org C h a irm a n : P e te r R a m a g e 412.782.1488 pramage@etnaborough.org V ic e C h a irm a n , A d m in is tra tio n , F in a n c e , P o lic e : V in c e n t J o n e s 412.781.7206
W a te r, S tre e ts , & S e w e rs : D a v id B e c k i 412.781.5793 dbecki@etnaborough.org
S tre e ts , S e w e rs , & F ire : R u d y M ilc ic , J r. 412.781.3609 rmilcic@etnaborough.org
A d m in is tra tio n , R e fu s e & E n g in e e rin g : D a v id V in s k i 412.781.3861 dvinski@etnaborough.org
P o lic e , W a te r: R ic h a rd G ru b ic 412.782.1234 rgrubic@etnaborough.org
F ire , B o ro u g h P ro p e rty : K a re n T o m a s ze w s k i 412.781.6417 ktomaszewski@etnaborough.org
Bo r o u g h M a n a g e r , B o r o u g h S e c re ta ry : M a ry E lle n R a m a g e 412.781.0569 meramage@etnaborough.org
F lo o d P la in M a n a g e m e n t, Z o n in g , P la n n in g , R e fu s e & E n g in e e rin g : J o h n T o m ic h e k 412.781.2119
L o c a l M a g is tra te J u d g e : B o b D z v o n ic k 412.487.7630
Z o n in g , P la n n in g & F lo o d P la in M a n a g e m e n t, B o ro u g h P ro p e rty : T e rry H u s to n 412.822.7544 thuston@etnaborough.org
Public Safety
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E tn a P o lic e D e p a rtm e n t 437 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15223 Emergency Number: 911 Non-Emergency Numbers: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Etna Police Station, 412.781.6271 After 3 p.m. - Shaler Police Station, 412.486.3201 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
E tn a V o lu n te e r F ire D e p a rtm e n t 437 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15223 Ph: 412.781.1155 S e n e c a A re a E m e rg e n c y S e rv ic e s 1885 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Phone: 412.781.8596 Shaler
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M i l l v a l e • 501 Lincoln Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.821.2777 • info@millvaleboro.com • Mayor: Vincent F. Cinski
Administration T a x C o lle c to r J e a n A n s o n 710 North Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412.821.3441
B o ro u g h M a n a g e r V irg in ia N . P u c c i 412.821.2777 vpucci@millvaleboro.com M a in S tre e t M a n a g e r E d d ie F ig a s 412.821.2777, x43 efigas@millvaleboro.com
S o lic ito r M ik e W ith e re l 966 Perry Highway Pittsburgh, PA 15229 412.366.6629
C o d e E n fo rc e m e n t M ik e S n y d e r 412.821.2777, x14 E n g in e e r P h il H e rm a n S e n a te E n g in e e rin g U P A R C 420 William Pitt Way Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412.826.5454
M a g is tra te H o n o ra b le R o b e rt D z v o n ic k 1007 Mt. Royal Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15223 412.487.7630
Public Safety M illv a le P o lic e D e p a rtm e n t 501 Lincoln Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15209 Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 412.821.3410 Chief of Police: Derek Miller
M illv a le V o lu n te e r F ire D e p a rtm e n t 501 Lincoln Avenue Millvale, PA 15209 Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 412.821.1868 Fire Chief: Jim Tunstall Jr.
S h a le r S c h o o l D is tric t 1800 Mt. Royal Blvd. • Glenshaw, PA 15116 • Phone: 412.492.1200
Administration
Schools
S u p e rin te n d e n t o f S c h o o ls : D r. D o n a ld A . L e e 412.492.1200, x2801 leed@sasd.k12.pa.us
M a n a g e r, In fo rm a tio n S e rv ic e s : M r. T h o m a s W y a n t 412.492.1200, x2815 watsonw@sasd.k12.pa.us
A s s is ta n t S u p e rin te n d e n t: D r. W e s le y S h ip le y 412.492.1200, x2834 shipleyw@sasd.k12.pa.us
D ire c to r o f B u s in e s s A ffa irs : M r. C h a rle s B e n n e tt 412.492.1200, x2807 bennettc@sasd.k12.pa.us
H u m a n R e s o u rc e s M a n a g e r: M s . D o n n a S k u n d ric h 412.492.1200, x2803 skundrichd@sasd.k12.pa.us
R e s e rv e T o w n s h ip 33 Lonsdale Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.322.1551 • Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon.–Fri.
Administration T o w n s h ip M a n a g e r R ic h a rd H a d le y 412.322.1551
S h a le r A re a S c h o o l D is tric t 381 Wible Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15209 Phone: 412.492.1200, x1500 or 1501 Principal: Timothy J. Royall
R e s e rv e P rim a ry S c h o o l 2107 Lonsdale Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.492.1200, x7500 Principal: Rick Pelkofer
S h a le r A re a M id d le S c h o o l 1810 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x2500 Principal: Eloise K. Groegler ..
M a rz o lf P rim a ry S c h o o l 101 Marzolf Road Extension Pittsburgh, PA 15209 Phone: 412.492.1200, x6500 Principal: Martin Martynuska
S h a le r A re a E le m e n ta ry S c h o o l 700 Scott Avenue Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x3500 Principal: Cynthia L. Foht
J e ffe ry P rim a ry S c h o o l 201 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x5800 Principal: Kara Eckert
R o g e rs P rim a ry S c h o o l 705 Scott Avenue Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412.492.1200, x8500 Principal: Leah McCord
B u rc h fie ld P rim a ry S c h o o l 1500 Burchfield Road Allison Park, PA 15101 Phone: 412.492.1200, x4500 Principal: William Tomicek
T o w n s h ip T re a s u re r D o n n a K a ib 412.322.2235
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Shaler Libraries P U B L IC L IB R A R IE S
O N G O IN G E V E N T S A T S H A L E R N O R T H H IL L S L IB R A R Y
S h a le r N o rth H ills L ib ra ry
M illv a le C o m m u n ity L ib ra ry
1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116 412.486.0211
213 Grant Avenue Millvale, PA 15209 412.822.7081 info@millvalelibrary.org
Hours: Mon.-Thur.: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Fri.: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
G le n s h a w P u b lic L ib ra ry 1504 Butler Plank Road Glenshaw, PA 15116 412.487.2121
Contact: Shaler Youth Services 412.486.0211 shaleryouthservices@gmail.com B o o k B a b ie s Tuesdays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. through December 14 Lively songs, rhymes and stories for children ages 18 months and under, with a caregiver.
M o n d a y N ig h t B o o k G ro u p Second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Reading picks include contemporary fiction and nonfiction. This month’s selection is "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. New members are welcome to attend. N o n fic tio n B o o k G ro u p Fourth Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m.
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T o d d le r S to ry tim e Wednesdays at 10:15 or 11:00 a.m. This month’s selection is “The through December 15 Last Empty Places: A Past and Stories and rhymes that will Present Journey through the feature a different letter each Blank Spots on the American week. For children 2 ½ to 3 ½ Map” by Peter Stark. years old, with a caregiver. D is c o v e ry K id s Tuesdays at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. M o th e r G o o s e S to ry tim e through December 14 Mondays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. through December 13 This weekly, award-winning, interactive program for ages 3 and Thirty minutes of stories, up will feature nonfiction topics rhymes and fun for children each week and learning labs. ages 18 through 30 months, with a caregiver. W e e S c h o o l E v e n in g s Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. through D ra m a ! D ra m a ! D ra m a ! December 14 Thursdays at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. through December 16 Wee School Evenings Science! Letters! Math! Exercise! Art! Imagination play and easy Every week we’ll explore drama lessons for toddlers something new! For toddlers and preschoolers. and preschoolers who would G a m e N ig h t fo r A d u lts rather come out at night! Thursdays at 6 p.m. K id A e ro b ic s Bring a favorite game, bring a Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. or 1 p.m. friend and make some friends, through December 16 bring a snack to share. Dance games and exercise for you and your toddler or preschooler!
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| Ask Here PA Ask Here PA is a free service to all residents of Pennsylvania, offering live chat reference 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. We’ll be here to help you get answers to your questions, anytime and anywhere you have Internet access. Unlike other "expert" sites on the Web, there is no charge to use this service. We’ll be doing what libraries have always done best—quickly getting you the accurate, unbiased information you need. www.AskHerePA.org
. . . e m i T l l Your Fu ervice Realtors Full S Gail Scott 412.260.8424
Irene Boros 412.897.3906
Terry Bienvenue 412.951.8593
Elizabeth Ejzak 412.427.5400
Mary O’Sell 412.999.0096
Silvana Conroy 412.445.6629
Patti Ninehouser 412.715.8034
Jen Ninehouser 412.680.1650
Susan Vogel 412.759.3894
Preston Moore 412.401.4156
Pat Harlovic 412.512.1476
Michelle Mattioli 412.400.5089
Howard Hanna Hampton/ Allison Park Office 4284 Rt 8 Castletown Square South Allison Park, PA 15101 412-487-7787 Shaler | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3 3
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hen Tom Kinslow joined the local insulators union 26 years ago, eight sons of union members and two non-relatives of members were admitted to the union each year. Times have changed, and now being kin to a union member no longer ensures a candidate entrée into Insulators Local #2, based in Clinton, Pa. Competition for the entry slots into the union is fierce. It’s easy to see why, when the economics speak for themselves— work in the trades can often be a high-paying career. Trade work also can provide steady employment that is fulfilling to people who like to work with their hands and who like to work outside an office setting. College is not for everyone, and for would-be students who are not fully committed to a university education, taking on the burden of college debt could be foolish when the payoff is unclear. But for those with a strong work ethic, some mechanical aptitude and a desire to be a part of building something tangible, becoming a member of a union could be an ideal career choice. Fortunately for those in the Pittsburgh area, the chance to work with the insulators, electricians, laborers, carpenters or other unions is greater than ever, due to the state-of-the-art training programs these and other local trade unions provide. This career choice has worked well for Kinslow, an Avalon resident, who began work with the union on a permit basis. He made just $6.44 per hour and $11 per hour on his first and second jobs as an insulator. His rate of pay now is $32 hour. He is proud of the work he has done, including his labor in building the Rivers Casino on the North Side, as well as the wor k he has done on many jobs in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Maryland and New York. The fact that he isn’t doing the same thing every work day appeals to Kinslow. “You aren’t going to the same place every day, or doing the same thing,” he said, adding that he also likes to be able to work as much as he wants and has often taken summers off throughout his career. The work isn’t for everybody, Kinslow said, noting that workplace
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conditions often are dirty and hot. The apprenticeship commitment could make some flinch, too. It took Kinslow four years to get into the union, followed by a four-year apprenticeship. His union admits about 10 apprentices each year, and all of those candidates must have math skills in order to perform the work. Not everyone wants to put in the time to apprentice, but the payoff for navigating the process is great. Steamfitters Local #499 takes in from 12 to 30 new members each year, a group that is winnowed from about 300 who take the initial test and interview for a slot with the union, said Ken Broadbent, business manager for the union. Unlike some jobs, there is no age discrimination in the apprentice selection process—people in their 20s and middle-aged folks starting a second career have an equal shot at union membership. The average age of an apprentice is actually 27 years old, said Jason Fincke, executive director of the Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania, a labor/management organization that includes both contractors and unions. Apprentices in the trades earn between $10 and $15 per hour their first year, receiving average annual raises of $3.50 per hour during their training. The average building trades worker earns $45,000 per year, Fincke noted. Western Pennsylvania has 17 union apprenticeship schools and all are tuition-free, Fincke said. “One of the primary missions of the guild is recruitment,” he said. Pittsburgh’s North Hills also is home to one of the many state-ofthe-art apprentice training centers in the region. The Western Pennsylvania Laborers Training and Education Trust Fund (WPLTETF) is a training center located along Deercreek Road in Saxonburg. At the facility, apprentices for the area’s laborer’s unions are trained. The trainees complete 372 hours of classroom work and perform 4,000 hours of workplace training in the field to become journeymen laborers working in building or highway/bridge construction.
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Jim Kempinski, training director for the WPLTETF, said applicants need only pay a $25 application fee and pass aptitude tests and drug tests to be admitted to the program. In addition to the high rate of pay a trainee receives, other benefits of the job also are measurable, he noted. “The environment is like going to the gym and getting paid for it,” Kempinski said. Pittsburgh’s north area also includes a long-standing training center not affiliated with any union. Bidwell Training Center is located along Metropolitan Street in the North Side and provides free vocational training to 225 students per year. The center offers eight majors—four non-medical majors and four medical-related majors. Non-medical majors include crew laboratory technician, office technician, culinary arts and horticulture technol ogy. Other majors include electronic records management, medical claims processor and pharmaceutical technology medical coder. Bidwell devises and revises its courses of study by working with local employers to correctly assess what occupations have the greatest need for workers. Students of the school can have a college degree and still be admitted to a program, which they will be trained in free-of-charge. Students attend classes on weekdays and often work in their field of study in externships which pay with experience and wages. Placement of Bidwell Training Center grads in their fields of study currently occurs with 78 percent of graduates, said Bridgette Kennedy, admissions representative for Bidwell. Entry-level wages of graduates average between $10 and $12 per hour, she said, noting that the school has full-time career counselors to help students find employment. The network created by the school with local employers helps in that process. “Getting a job is all in who you know,” Kennedy said. “We help you build that network. All of our instructors have worked in the field.” For more information on apprenticeships in the trades in the Pittsburgh area, visit the Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania’s website at www.buildersguild.org.
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By Pamela Palongue
With the high rate of unemployment, it will not come as a shock that many mothers are returning to school for more education in order to be more employable and to be able to provide better benefits for their families. What might surprise you is that more than ever, universities, trade and specialty schools are offering extremely flexible schedules and payment plans for the special challenges that moms face in furthering their education. One of the major drawbacks to attending college is the loss of income while in school. Although night classes have been available at most universities for years now, Saturday classes are now becoming more common, and many of the schedules include meeting every other weekend. This gives working moms the ability to hold down a day job for 40 hours during the week and still re tain the all-important health insurance benefits for their family while attending college on the weekends. More classes than ever are
One of the major drawbacks to attending college is the loss of income being offered on Saturdays. And, of course, night classes offer greater flexibility for employed mothers as well. Another challenge for moms attempting to advance their education is finding care for their child while they are in school. The high cost of 1 2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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daycare can be prohibitive for those already on a tight budget. Many mothers have the advantage of family members close by to pitch in with child-care duties, but this may not be practical for some mothers whose parents or in-laws live hours away. One great way to resolve this issue is to trade babysitting time. When mothers coordinate their class schedules, they can attend classes at opposite times so th e other mother can babysit both mothers’ children. Another great way to overcome the high cost of daycare is to trade services. An individual may be willing to provide child-care in exchange for house cleaning or having errands performed. Retired individuals who have the most flexible hours are a great solution in this arrangement. For some, completing a four-year college may not be practical either for t ime considerations or financial reasons. There are many careers available with educational programs that are less than two years. Education and the medical field consistently rank highest for career fields experiencing the most growth. For individuals who already have a four-year degree, universities offer a teaching program that can be completed in one year. Although a bachelor of science in nursing is a four-year degree program, some local hospitals offer two-year nursing programs sans the degree. Some of these facilities offer free education in exchange for two years of devoted service at their facility. For even shorter programs in the medical field, medical assistants and emergency medical technicians offer alternatives. Local EMT programs last approximately four months and the tuition is under $200.
In addition to the above-mentioned career fields, information technology, massage therapists, barbers, cosmetologists and medical insurance billing all offer programs with shorter duration for busy moms and most offer payment options so that upfront payment of full tuition is not required. Each woman’s path to educational advancement is different, but perseverance is the common denominator. With dedication and hard work, every woman can accomplish her goals. And now more than ever, there are many avenues to achieving your dream.
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UPMC Passavant
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F A L L
2 0 1 0
Adopt a Pet: Kaylee! Meet "Kaylee!" Approximately 1 1/2 years old, she is a pitbull mix. Kaylee is a very sweet dog with lots of energy and loves to be around people. She does not like cats but does get along great with other dogs. She is great with kids! She is already spayed, vaccinated,
wormed, and heartworm tested negative. Her tail never stops wagging, and she has the sweetest eyes that just beg you to take her home. If you are interested in adopting Kaylee, contact the Mercer County Humane Society today at 724.981.5445.
Back to School Jokes
on the go...
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R G R O U N D Rules for Being Home Alone L ď€€ď€ E S
you and your mom or dad have decided you're mature enough to take care of yourself after school. Every weekday, you'll come home, let yourself in, and then what? Good question! This is why you'll need to set up some rules—before you're home alone.
Find each of these words in this puzzle.
Back to School!
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âœŞ Are you allowed to watch TV, DVDs, videos, or play computer games? If so, which ones and for how long? âœŞ Should homework be done first, even before chores? âœŞ Can friends come over? If so, how many? âœŞ What can you eat if you want a snack? âœŞ Can you go outside, and if so, where? âœŞ Which appliances can be used? (microwave, computer, etc.) âœŞ Which chores need to be done and by when? âœŞ Should your parent call home just before leaving work each day? For example, would it help to have a headsup in time to finish any last-minute chores before they arrive?
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go over the rules out loud. But whatever method you use, there are a lot of questions to talk about, like:
âœŞ Should you call Mom or Dad as soon as you get home?
Some families put up a list of rules where everyone can see them, like on the refrigerator door. Other families write out a contract and have each member sign it, saying they agree to the rules. Or a family might just
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Help kids eat healthy by letting them help you in the kitchen
For more information about pears, including family friendly recipes, tips for kids, and even online games featuring fresh USA Pears grown in Oregon and Washington,
Pear Kabobs With Strawberry Dipping Sauce
visit www.usapears.org.
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Our annual Community Day Celebration was held on the Fourth of July. The day started with the Jane Neely “Run for Your Life” 5k Race. There were fire truck rides, DJ Jazzy Jason played tunes at Crawford Pool throughout the afternoon, and inflatable attractions were set up for the kids at Kiwanis Park. There were clowns, face painters and balloon artists. The evening came to an end with a concert by The Uptown Rhythm & Brass Band, a Military Recognition Ceremony and Fireworks!
1) Ethan and Cara James; 2) Bob Sharer, John Ramsey, and Harry Gerber; 3) Mike & Luke Glaser; 4) Jack, Lori, and Laurynn Kratsa; 5) Deana Magliocco; 6) Daniel Presto; 7) Teila Scherer; 8) Megan and Patty Schwartz; 9) Ryan Thibault, Austin McKaveney, and Grant Newland Photos by Tina Dollard 24
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Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation
Older Adults in Shaler
A
survey conducted by the Investor Protection Trust in May 2010 revealed that over 7.3 million senior citizens in the U.S. have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.” That equates to about one in five senior citizens who have been scammed. Mary Bach, a member of AARP’s Pennsylvania executive counsel, said that fraud against senior citizens can come in just about any form. Some of the more popular scams include lottery scams, sweepstake scams, e-mail scams, charity scams, and even jury duty scams. “Caution and moving slowly are paramount in any of these situations,” said Bach. “And not allowing yourself to be pressured into giving either personal information or any amount of money without doing your own personal due diligence or homework on the issue.” Here are some other tips Bach gives to help senior citizens better avoid scams and fraud:
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•
Don’t give money to a charity over the phone. Ask them to mail you something. This gives time to research the charity. Chances are if they charity is just a scam they won’t send you anything anyways.
•
than one, and someone might recognize a red flag that you didn’t see.
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Sign up for both the state and national Do Not Call lists. These will weed out most legitimate solicitors, so if a soliciting call gets through, there is already a warning sign.
When dealing with a financial planner or retirement advisor, make sure that both they and what they are selling are Remember the adage: If it sounds too registered with the state of Pennsylvania. good to be true, it probably is. To check on the registration and history of a salesperson, financial plan, or product, call either the Pennsylvania Insurance Commission at 1.877.881.6388 or the Pennsylvania Securities Commission at 1.800.600.0007.
•
•
Always be wary of any letter, e-mail, or phone call that requires an immediate or quick response. If there isn’t enough time to carefully consider a proposition before committing to it, there is probably a reason.
•
Discuss what you are thinking of doing with a trusted friend or family member before making any final decisions. Two heads are better
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Retirement:
it’s a stage of life
that many people look forward to. It’s a chance to relax, and finally accomplish lifelong goals. It can also be an opportunity to
Senior Agencies
make up for lost time with family and friends. For many, however, retirement can mean having so much time with so little to do, and often no longer having a job can lead to no longer have a sense of accomplishment or self worth. There is a solution to the problem though. Volunteering can not only give retired senior citizens a new sense of purpose but it can also help the community, the economy, and the future of the country. “There is just talk about, as the economy continues to be on a bit of a downslide, how important volunteers are,” said Mary Bach, a member of AARP’s Pennsylvania executive counsel. “Lots of older consumers have really wonderful skills and backgrounds that can be of benefit.” Volunteer opportunities for senior citizens in the Pittsburgh area can range from helping deliver mail at a hospital to working with high school students in a classroom environment through the University of Pittsburgh’s “Generations Together” program. “Volunteering makes people feel good, but it not only is self-
412.821.1257 917 Evergreen Avenue Millvale, PA 15209-2207
cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you.
There are several agencies that offer free or reduced ACCESS is door-to-door, rate transportation services advance reservation, to individuals who qualify. shared-ride transportation provided throughout Port Authority's service area. It serves primarily senior citizens and persons with 1.888.547.6287 disabilities. There are no Provides non-emergency restrictions on the purpose medical transportation to or number of trips which residents of Allegheny may be taken by riders, County who have a valid except that riders are Pennsylvania Department required to share their of Public Welfare Medical vehicle with others traveling Assistance Card. in the same direction and at the same time.
serving to that degree that you’re happy about doing something
that you enjoy personally, but the beneficiaries of that volunteerism gain so much,” said Bach, a senior citizen herself. Some other ways for senior citizens to get involved are through senior citizen organizations such as AARP and The Senior Source. Many local libraries also offer volunteer positions. AARP’s “Create the Good” program is focused on helping senior citizens find volunteer opportunities that will fit their
The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapidtransit lines). Participants must obtain identification.
Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, senior center activities and other needs throughout Allegheny County is available to adults 60 years of age and older who live in Allegheny County. 412.350.5460
schedule, meet their personal interests, and help their
Are you a nonprofit senior center serving the needs of our community’s older adults?
community. To get involved with “Create the Good,” go to
We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.
www.createthegood.org or call 1.800.556.0242.
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Street Fair Pam Boch
Chief Jim Skalos and Past Chief Rich Zillweger
Mandi Dobson and Irelynne Martin
Linda Troff and Mickey Cheripka
Bill and Lisa McGaffick with Amber and Ryan
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Bob Sharer and Ron Schueler
Alica Lenertova, Anna Lenertova and Andrea Misencik
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Sam Holland and Donna Zillweger
Serving Shaler Township since 1919
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Planning Your Way to
ow important is involvement in extracurricular activities? Is doing volunteer work important? How do GPA and SAT scores factor into acceptance? These are the questions many teens and their parents are pondering as they look into the next phase within the education process—college. B y K a r e n F e r r i e r i
3 0
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There are a ton of resources out there to guide you through the process of getting ready for college, but this process can be very overwhelming. Many people search online for answers and you can definitely find a number of websites online such as www.ehow.com to help guide you through the process. Ehow.com reads like an instruction manual for getting into college.
Mr. Bob Atkins, Director of Admissions for Washington and Jefferson College summed it up pretty simply. “Most colleges are looking for the best fit for the college.” For instance, he said, “While academics are important, extracurricular involvement, being able to show leadership ability, employment history and progression of grades are also equally as important.” Atkins recommended, “If possible, find
“
Conside r a bala nce betwee n acade m ic s and being in volved in the commu nity, wh ether it sports, s employ ment, o volunte r er acitiv ities. Studen ts shou ld n 't be overwh elmed in plannin t heir g, but w ell-roun ded.“
out how to get a face-to-face interview with someone within the college. Consider when you apply for any college program that the majority of applicants are all 4.0 high school students with the SAT scores necessary to get them into a great college. So, what will make you stand out against them? Then, go out and do what it takes to prove that you have the necessary means to show motivation to succeed and the ability to continue to grow within any program. And, while colleges are seeing more gap-year admission students [those who have chosen to take a year off after high school before entering college] they look at those applicants to see what they’ve done during the off year that shows productivity.” While all of the information out there is readily available, if you do have questions or run into stumbling blocks along the way, your high school guidance counselor is there to assist you throughout the process as well. Make sure you have a target list of schools that contains three tiers that you go after. Your first tier is your safety schools, those that you feel strongly you will get accepted to. The second tier on the list contains your target schools, those schools that you really would like to go to; however, you have to be really certain to meet the grade requirements, etc. to make sure that you stand out against applicants to get accepted. And, finally, the third tier is your reach schools, those schools that really are a far stretch for you, but that you’d like to at least try to get accepted to. Having this tiered list of schools that you are applying to will ensure acceptance to a school that you are interested in. Once you have a career path in mind and a few colleges/ universities that you are considering, do your research and do not be afraid to consult with your guidance counselor, college admission staff and others who currently work within the profession that you are interested in. You’ll be amazed at how much information and assistance is out there to help you prepare for college entrance.
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Cremation any people ask me so many questions about cremation. I will answer some questions about what cremation is and what it is not.
M
Why do families choose cremation? Families select cremation for various reasons such as the environment, lack of land space, simplicity of disposition or price. Whatever the reason a family selects cremation, options to personalize and memorialize are available. What are the means of disposition of the deceased? There are only four ways of final disposition of a human being: burial in the ground, burial above ground in a mausoleum or crypt, burial at sea and cremation. cremation is simply a means of disposition of a deceased human being. What is cremation? cremation is the reduction of a body to base elements using very high temperatures. Where does a cremation take place? cremations in the U.S. usually take place in a cremation retort. The retort is a large machine that uses natural gas to heat a chamber to 1400
to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.. The deceased and the container the body is in are placed in the chamber. What is left after a cremation? The final remains are mostly calcium. The “ashes” are not like ashes from a wood campfire. The remains are processed to the consistency of a fine powder about the size of grains of sand. They can weigh between 4 to 10 pounds for an adult. Is cremation environmentally friendly or “green?” Not really. cremation uses fossil fuels to heat the cremation chamber. The body and the container the body is in may release potentially hazardous gases. Medicines may be present in the body such as radiological or chemotherapeutic drugs that can be potentially released into the environment. cremation containers may be made from particle board covered with veneers that have metals, solvents and glues that could be potentially harmful to the environment. Even cremating wooden containers can be hazardous if wood stains and varnishes are used in the construction. However, cremation may be a more environmentally friendly choice than burial. If we choose cremation, can we have a viewing and services? Service and memorialization options are limitless with cremation. There can be a viewing of the deceased with church services or memorial services. Perman Funeral Home offers different options for viewing. cremation containers can be made out of veneers, wood or natural materials like bamboo, willow and banana leaf. Do you “rent” a casket for viewing? Perman Funeral Home does not “rent” caskets for cremation viewing for two reasons: first, we do not like to move the deceased multiple times; second, many families do not like the idea that “someone else was in that casket before.” The cremation containers suitable for viewing may end up being more economical. What can be done with the “ashes” or cremated remains? The cremated remains are usually placed in an urn for final disposition. There are many different cremation urns on display at Perman Funeral Home. Urns are made out of many different materials like porcelain, steel, bronze, pewter and wood. There are also man-made materials in different colors and styles. Scattering, burial or entombment of the cremated remains can be selected. Some families choose to keep the urn for later disposition. Are there more cremation options personalized for the family? Yes. Perman Funeral Home offers keepsake urns and keepsake jewelry. There are many other cremation options. Informed consumers make the best choices. I have been asked many questions about funerals and cremation that seem unusual, however, ask the questions. The answers may surprise you.
© Copyright Frank R. Perman Funeral Home 2010
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Families with Young Kids or a Child on the Way May Be Eligible for Benefits The Allegheny County Health Department urges working families with modest incomes and young children under the age of five, or those with a child on the way, to consider participating in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program. WIC isn’t just for families on public assistance. The income limits allow many working families to qualify for benefits. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $40,793 is eligible for the program. Benefits are provided to pregnant women, postpartum mothers, breastfeeding mothers and children under age five. WIC offers participants free nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and vouchers redeemable at grocery stores for foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juices, whole grains, soy milk, tofu, jarred baby foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eligibility for WIC is based on both income and medical or nutritional risk. The income limit starts at $20,036 for a family of one and increases with family size.
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