in-south-fayette-summer by IN Community Magazines

outh Fayette SUMMER 2011

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

NEW CIVIC CENTER

Old Star City Movie Theatre

An Inside Look At What’s To Come

New Heart of South Fayette:

Newbury

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Contents South Fayette | Summer 2011 |

Publisher’s Message COMMUNITY INTEREST

27 29

South Fayette School District

South Fayette Township

South Fayette’s New Civic Center | 18 |

Frenchy’s Bistro

A Local Bistro with a Real French Twist | 27 |

UPMC Today

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 29

FEATURES

Older Adults in South Fayette

Young Writers

Walker Ewing Log House

8 |

More than 200 Years of History in our Own Backyard | 52 |

The New Look of South Fayette

Lions South Fayette Boys Hoops

Real Estate

| |

An Enjoyable Living Space is as Close as your Backyard | 50 Trading Spaces | 54 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

| | |

Washington Wild Things Alpine Electric | 39 Hickory Heights | 61

Former Star City Movie Theatre and plan for

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT |

ON THE COVER

the new South Fayette Civic Center.

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

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

Wayne Dollard Publisher

outh Fayette SUMMER 2011 IN South Fayette is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the South Fayette area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER

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

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com R E G I O N A L E D I TO R

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

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Pamela Palongue GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Sharon Cobb Susie Doak Jan McEvoy

Joe Milne Gail Murray Tamara Tylenda

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

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

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

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

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

Fall content deadline: 7/10/11 www.incommunitymagazines.com

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Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

b u s i n e s s

s p o t l i g h t

WashingTon Wild Things 2011 Washington Wild Things Home Game Schedule and Promotions Opening Day Tuesday, May 24 vs. Traverse City Beach Bums 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by ServiceLink Early Intervention Families Night Wednesday, May 25 vs.Traverse City Beach Bums 11:05 a.m. School Day Thursday, May 26 vs Traverse City Beach Bums 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: Steelers Night

Saturday, May 28 vs Windy City Thunderbolts 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Night Salute to Heroes/VA of Pittsburgh Night Sunday, May 29 vs. Windy City Thunderbolts 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Night Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy Anniversary Game/Happy Birthday Wild Thing! Tuesday, June 7 vs. So. Illinois Miners 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by ServiceLink Bark in the Park Wednesday, June 8 vs. So. Illinois Miners 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by Shearer’s Snack Foods Thursday, June 9 vs. So. Illinois Miners 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: Country Night Friday, June 10 vs. Normal CornBelters 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial 9 + One Night: Salute to 2002 Saturday, June 11 vs. Normal CornBelters 6:35 p.m. 2011 Team Card Set Giveaway Boy Scout Night Sunday, June 12 vs. Normal CornBelters 6:35 p.m. Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy Ronald McDonald House Charities Night Thursday, June 16 vs. Windy City Thunderbolts 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: St. Patrick’s Day in June

Saturday, June 18 vs. Windy City Thunderbolts 6:35 p.m. Baseball Giveaway presented by ServiceLink

Thursday, June 23 vs. Rockford RiverHawks 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: NASCAR Night Friday, June 24 vs. Rockford RiverHawks 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial Saturday, June 25 vs. Traverse City Beach Bums 6:35 p.m. Giveaway To Be Announced

Friday, May 27 vs. Windy City Thunderbolts 635 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial Girl Scout Night

Friday, June 17 vs. Windy City Thunderbolts 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial

Wednesday, June 22 vs. Rockford RiverHawks 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by Shearer’s Snack Foods

Sunday, June 26 vs. Traverse City Beach Bums 6:35 p.m. Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy Monday, June 27 vs. Traverse City Beach Bums 11:05 a.m. Camp Day Wednesday, June 29 vs. River City Rascals 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by Shearer’s Snack Foods Piggy Bank Giveaway presented by CONSOL Energy Thursday, June 30 vs. River City Rascals 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: Social Network Night presented by CONSOL Energy Every Game Friday, July 1 vs. River City Rascals 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Pennsylvania Lottery Friday, July 8 vs. Gateway Grizzlies 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial Wild Things Hall of Fame Exhibit Saturday, July 9 vs. Gateway Grizzlies 6:35 p.m. Giveaway To Be Announced Wild Things Hall of Fame Exhibit Sunday, July 10 vs. Gateway Grizzlies 6:35 p.m. Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy Health Care Night presented by Matis Baum O’Connor 9 + One Day: Wild Things Hall of Fame Exhibit

Monday, July 25 vs. Lake Erie Crushers 6:35 p.m. Ladies Night Tuesday, July 26 vs. Lake Erie Crushers 11:05 a.m. Camp Day Wednesday, July 27 vs. Rockford RiverHawks 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by Shearer’s Snack Foods Thursday, July 28 vs. Rockford RiverHawks 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: Hamburger in Paradise Friday, July 29 vs. Rockford RiverHawks 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial Tuesday, August 2 vs. Evansville Otters 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by ServiceLink Wednesday, August 3 vs. Evansville Otters 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by Shearer’s Snack Foods Cow Baseball Giveaway presented by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association Thursday, August 4 vs. Evansville Otters 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: Smurf Night

he Washington Wild Things will celebrate its 10th year in the Frontier League during the 2011 season. Lauren Hindman, media relations manager for the team, said fans will see some changes whey they go to the CONSOL Energy Park this year including some new concession and merchandise kiosks, new landscaping and field renovations, and new activities for the kids. The one thing that won't change, however, is the good time families will have while watching one of the 48 regular season games. “We like to say that we provide three hours of entertainment that is interrupted by nine innings of baseball,” she said. As in years past, there are special promotions or themes at each home game, such as fireworks, family fun nights, ladies nights, and “kids eat free” nights. Above all, Hindman said, the Washington Wild Things team continue to provide affordable family fun. “We haven't raised our season ticket prices in 10 years,” Hindman said. “Individual game tickets are as low as $5 so families can have a great time, see a ballgame, and not have to spend a lot of money.” For a complete listing of the Wild Things 2011 schedule, visit their website at www.washingtonwildthings.com.

Friday, August 12 vs. Florence Freedom 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Halloween Night Saturday, August 13 vs. Florence Freedom 6:35 p.m. T-Shirt Giveaway presented by Northwood Realty Sunday, August 14 vs. Florence Freedom 6:35 p.m. Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy Wedding Night Tuesday, August 16 vs. Joliet Slammers 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by ServiceLink Wednesday, August 17 vs. Joliet Slammers 6:35 p.m. Kids Eat Free presented by Shearer’s Snack Foods

Friday, July 15 vs. Lake Erie Crushers 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial

Thursday, August 18 vs. Joliet Slammers 6:35 p.m. Dollar Thirst-Day Theme Night Thursday: Roberto Clemente Night

Saturday, July 16 vs. Lake Erie Crushers 6:35 p.m. All-Decade Team Appearance & Card Set Giveaway

Friday, August 26 vs. Joliet Slammers 6:35 p.m. Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial

Sunday, July 17 vs. Lake Erie Crushers 6:35 p.m. Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy Christmas in July

Saturday, August 27 vs. Joliet Slammers 6:35 p.m. Wild Thing Garden Gnome Giveaway presented by CONSOL Energy

Sunday, July 24 vs. Lake Erie Crushers 6:35 p.m. Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy

Sunday, August 28 vs. Joliet Slammers 6:35 p.m. Family Fun Day presented by Chesapeake Energy Fan Appreciation Day

2011 Box Office Hours: Game Days: 10 a.m. to end of game

Non-Game Days: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (in-season only) Sunday: Closed

Tickets also can be purchased by phone at 724.250.9555 or online at www.washingtonwildthings.com

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

COM

Photos by Gary Yon

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MEN

ENT NCEM

ers Young Writers Young Introducing some of South Fayette;s most talented Young Writers. In conjunction with the Young Writers Program at South Fayette Library we are pleased to publish these winning submissions. Many thanks Paige Gardner

Paige Gardner: is 16 years old and a junior at South Fayette High School. She enjoys writing novels – last November she wrote a 100,000 word novel in one month total. Currently she is working on editing that novel while writing a completely new one. Along with writing, she enjoys being active in her youth group, volunteering at her church, and attending acting classes. When she is in college, Paige hopes to major in English and minor in acting, while also writing as a hobby. Some of her inspirations when it comes to writing are J.K. Rowling, Kristin Hannah, Dean Koontz, and Sarah Dessen.

I stood at the top of my driveway, overlooking my neighborhood. I felt my eyes well up with tears. The wind whipped my long hair around my face, and I tied it back in a loose ponytail to get a clearer look at all the houses, without the constant distraction. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing the image to be stuck in my brain forever. Eighteen years here, huh? It went fast. I couldn’t even tell you how long I had been counting down the days until I finally got to leave. But now that it had finally arrived, I would’ve done anything for just one more year. I could hear my parents arguing in the driveway, rearranging my items in the trunk so they could fit everything perfectly. I knew they were trying to prolong my departure. But there was no denying; my time was limited. I helped squish in my comforter and together we all yanked down the trunk, slamming it tight. I noticed the unfamiliar bags under my mother’s eyes and allowed myself to believe for a moment that she was losing sleep over my leaving. But that was ridiculous; she had experienced my sister and brother leaving for college. She should be used to it. Nevertheless, I was surprised when she started crying as she hugged me. I didn’t like the fact that I was the one causing her sadness. I enviously thought of my sister and brother – they didn’t have any guilt when they left, because I was always at home with our parents. I got in the passenger seat of my car. This would be my last chance to bond with my father as he took me to college. Even with him I was noticing things I never saw. He didn’t always having that pouch of gray hair on just in front of his right ear, did he? As we began to drive away, I turned to look out the back window. It was diﬃcult due to the overload of college supplies I had packed, but I could still make out my mother standing in the front porch weaving to me as we drove away. I felt a lump in my throat and fought back new-forming tears. I would be embarking on a new chapter of my life now. I wouldn’t always have my parents there waiting for me. But no matter what, that little house on the corner will forever be my home, and I’ll take a little part of it with me wherever I go.

59% (42 votes)

I like it

I don’t like it

4% (3 votes) 37% (26 votes)

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Writers Young writers yo to Jody Wilson- Youth Services Librarian for coordinating this effort. Congratulations to the winners Paige Gardner and Shannon Meiers for their thoughtful work. Shannon Meiers

Shannon Meiers is a 16 year old homeschooled girl who will be entering junior year in fall 2011. She is currently working with the special needs ministry at her church, where she started attending as the new girl in 2006. Shannon, or Shan as her friends know her, is constantly learning new things about God’s grace, forgiveness, and all-surpassing love. She came to know Christ at the age of 5, and has been striving to live for him ever since!

Rio walked down the halls of her school, feeling so alone. This was her first day at Lincoln High, and she was saddened by the site of so many other teenagers in their little cliques. Rio kept her eyes on her sneakers as she plodded down the hallway to French class. “Please God,” She prayed silently, fervently, “Please give me a friend. Just one friend. I’m so lonely, I could cry.” This was her first experience in a public school setting. She had been home schooled her whole life, all the way up from kindergarten, until sophomore year in high school, when her family moved from a rural town in southern Georgia, to Pittsburgh. Rio found her classroom, and slipped into a seat in the back, trying as hard as she could to be unobtrusive. She glanced up and found to her dismay that the girls in the most popular group were staring at her. One of them started giggling, and they quickly went back to their gossip. Because Rio was alone with her thoughts. She didn’t hear someone sit in the desk next to hers, until her pencil leapt out of her hands, landing on the floor. She reached down to grab it, but was stopped by the voice of the person in the other desk, “I got it.” He smiled as he handed her the pencil. “My name’s Derek, what’s yours?” “I’m Rio.” She replied shyly. After handing her the pencil, he continued to look into her eyes. He said, “I haven’t seen you around here before, are you new?” She cringed, “Yeah, I’m new, I moved last week.” “Where from?” He asked. “Georgia.” she replied timidly. “Oh that’s cool!” he said, “Moving in the middle of the semester is really tough. Have you made many friends yet?” Rio was shocked. It sounded like he genuinely cared. Derek smiled at the confusion written all over her face. “I moved here in the middle of the semester a year ago, so I know what it’s like to be ignored. I remember being the new kid, and it’s not any fun.” Rio’s mouth fell open. Somebody actually understood. Perhaps, she had found a friend. Perhaps her prayers had been answered. Maybe she wouldn’t be so lonely. Maybe life in Pittsburgh wouldn’t be so horrible after all.

What is your "MUST SEE" summer blockbuster movie going to be? HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2

39%

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER COWBOYS & ALIENS

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON X-MEN: FIRST CLASS GREEN LATERN

44%

0% South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

South Fayette School District

3680 Old Oakdale Road McDonald, Pennsylvania 15057 Phone 412.221.4542 Fax 724.693.0490 www.southfayette.org

Dr. Bille P. Rondinelli

Dear South Fayette Township Community Members, The South Fayette Township School District has once again been named in the top 10 for the Pittsburgh Business Times’ 2011 Guide to Western PA Schools. The guide rates the academic performance of districts and schools in a seven-county region and includes information on all public and private schools operating within those regions. The guide also profiles statewide District-Level rankings. South Fayette ranks seventh (7th) in the top 10 Western PA School Districts, and twelfth (12th) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Copies of the guide are available through each District Building Principal. Information regarding the guide is also available by visiting the Pittsburgh Business Times’ website at www.bizjournals.com/Pittsburgh. Although proud of our accomplishments, the District continues to strive toward excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics. Our greatest challenge is to continue to oﬀer high quality services, in a growing community, with fewer resources. Our children have only one childhood and one chance to get a quality education. Assuredly, we are working hard to not only sustain the “Tradition, Pride, and Excellence” that our children deserve and our community expects, but also to think and plan strategically so that all children achieve. However, as you may know, the School Board, District personnel, and I are working diligently on the District’s final budget for 20112012. These are tough economic times for all of us, and it is becoming increasingly diﬃcult to meet the needs of our children, our daily challenges, and to balance next year’s budget. Because of the Governor’s proposed budget alone, we anticipate a cut of $371,298. Some of the cuts currently include Basic Education Funding; the Accountability Block Grant (which primarily supported the after-school tutoring program that enabled our children to receive assistance with reading and mathematics); the Dual Enrollment Grant (which enabled high school students to participate in college courses and earn advance college credits while in high school); Social Security Reimbursement; and Charter School reimbursement. Across Pennsylvania, students have been making progress and improving test scores as a result of increased investments in education. However, Superintendents, Business Managers, and Educators in our region and across the state are focused on

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discussions in regard to cutting costs in areas such as, but not limited to: personnel; class size; early primary needs; tutoring/after-school programs; extra and co-curricular activities; college in high school programs; technology needs (educational and infrastructure); textbook replacements; and transportation. Despite making budget cuts in areas that we know are eﬀective and/or are in need of financial support, the Board of Education and District remains committed to providing a high quality education for our South Fayette Township students. We have some exciting events to look forward to and celebrate with and for our children: May 26 – Kennywood Day May 27 – Prom May 31 – Baccalaureate June 3– High School Graduation June 6- Last Day of School; ½ Day for Underclassmen K-11 Seniors have received a separate end-of-the-year schedule from the high school. Beginning June 17 – the District will be closed on Fridays, as a cost-savings measure; regular hours will begin the week of August 15. On behalf of the District, we thank the entire community for your generous support in so many ways. We look forward to our ongoing work together. And as we graduate our Senior Class of 2011, a group of highly capable, talented young men and women, we wish them success as they begin their next life chapters. We know that they have the foundation of the South Fayette community family to support them as they strive to achieve their dreams. As President John F. Kennedy said, “Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” All the best,

Dr. Bille Rondinelli Superintendent of Schools

South Fayette Team Scores in Competition

BotsIQ

This year, South Fayette students, under the guidance of Brian Garlick (Technology Education teacher) and Kevin Barry (certified Physics teacher) entered a unique engineering competition called BotsIQ. This competition is known as the “Smart Sport”, since teams from the southwestern PA region compete in a battle of robots that are designed, engineered and constructed through the academic and mechanical knowledge and efforts of the student teams. This is the first year South Fayette has taken part in this program and the first time that an academic high school has partnered with a career and technology school. Western Area Career and Technology Center in Washington County, under the advisement of Albert Kammenzind, Machine shop instructor, and his machining students worked with the South Fayette Bots Team to machine the parts of the robot, named SCAR, and added their expertise to the design portion of the project. In addition, as part of the project based learning initiative within the district, the team partnered with Donnie Miller, VicePresident of Miller Plastics of Burgettstown, and Dave Becker, an Electronics instructor at Pittsburgh Technology Institute, for their expertise from the inception of the project through the competition. Once again, South Fayette has developed a unique collaboration between educators, industry professionals, and post secondary institutions. The 2011 Southwestern PA BotsIQ preliminary rounds were hosted by California University of Pennsylvania and the National Center for Robotics Engineering Technology Education (NCRETE). They took place on March 25 and 26, with 48 teams participating. The team was thrilled with the performance of SCAR in the four matches they competed in. SCAR received brutal attacks from its’ opponents, including being flipped, bounced off the ceiling and flung against the sides of the bulletproof arena. By far, SCAR had the most exciting bout of Friday’s competitions. Officials from the competition remarked that the South Fayette/Western Area CTC Bot was the toughest Bot in the field that day as it took incredible hits and kept going with minimal damage. On Friday, April 15 and Saturday April 16, SCAR and the following SF and WACTC team members will compete in the finals: Nick Miller, Team Captain, Richie Klimek, Jonathan Bernhardt, Brian Kline, Jonathan Albert, Joe Murrer, Paul Wakim, Ryan Eberle, Varun Thangavelu, Radhir Kothuri, James White, Bischer Barmada, Mike Weaver, Seth Bugay and Dennis Piatt.

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

South Fayette School District South Fayette Foundation for Excellence Grant Benefits 7th Graders Students in Mrs. Leapline’s 7th grade classes have benefited from the South Fayette Foundation for Excellence Grant. Mrs. Leapline purchased nine digital cameras to facilitate a variety of learning opportunities. With the use of digital cameras students created videos to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of science and social studies concepts. Students worked in teams to create their story board, assign roles and develop a script about the concept and then filmed their ideas. Their final products were then posted on blackboard for all students to use as tutorials. Jamie Coyne, Evan Vent, and Maggie Pine are working on a video tutorial about using a punnett square to determine the probability of a genetic cross. The punnett square tutorial is a formative assessment for our science unit on Genetics. Students have also made videos about balancing chemical equations and interviewing Roman Emperors in Social Studies. Through the use of the digital cameras students create authentic projects which are then used to help teach their peers.

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The 2010 South Fayette Alumni Directory has been delivered to all those who ordered a copy. Published by Alumni Research under the auspices of the South Fayette Alumni Association, the directory contains information on all graduates listed in the alumni database, including the Class of 2010 graduates. The school has not had a directory update since 2003. If you still wish to purchase a copy of the directory, please contact Maureen Alumni Directory Pedzwater at 724-693-3047.

2010 South Fayette

Carson Scholar We are very excited to announce that 8th grade student, Ryan McGowan, was recently selected as a 2011 National Carson’s Scholar. The Carson Scholars Fund was founded in 1994 by worldrenowned Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin S. Carson and his wife, Candy. The Carson Scholars Fund scholarship program awards students who have embraced high levels of academic excellence and community service. As a winner of this prestigious award, Ryan is the recipient of a $1,000 college scholarship that he has agreed to put towards full-time enrollment at an accredited four-year college or university program. Ryan was nominated for the award by middle school counselor, Mr. Michael Perrott. Ryan will be honored at a banquet ceremony on April 30, 2011, at the Omni William Penn hotel in Pittsburgh. We are so excited at the middle school as this is our first Carson Scholar! Congratulations, Ryan!

South Fayette Exhibits Artwork at AIU-3 Convention On Wednesday, March 30, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 had a convention at its headquarters located at the “Waterfront” in Homestead. Artwork created by South Fayette Middle School 7th grader, Karen Chen, was on display for an exhibit highlighting artwork from all the districts serviced by the AIU 3. Karen created two drawings. One drawing was inspired by Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch’s famous painting, The Scream. The other drawing was inspired by a Surrealism unit focusing on the artist Salvador Dali. Karen is very talented, and the art from south Fayette School District was well-represented during the convention.

Mrs. Lally Collaborates with PopTeacher.com Creator On Sunday, March 13th, Mrs. Lally, South Fayette Middle School art teacher, sat down to read her Sunday paper and noticed a very interesting article by Clay Morgan, a history and social sciences teacher at both CCAC-Allegheny campus and the University of Phoenix. The article, Putting some Pop in Education stressed the importance of “pop culture” being used in education. Using “pop culture” often in her 12-week themes, Mrs. Lally could strongly relate to the benefits there are for students when they learn about a popular topic that has meaning in their lives. Mrs. Lally contacted Mr. Morgan via e-mail and shared some of the themes and lessons she had used in her art classes. Mr. Morgan responded back enthusiastically requesting that she contribute to his new website for teachers entitled, PopTeacher.com. Mrs. Lally agreed to write about some of her past popular themes like “Beatlesongs” and “The 1980’s” to keep the dialog flowing. Look for Mrs. Lally’s work online!

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

South Fayette School District

Lions South Fayette Boys Hoops Settle for WPIAL Silver Also make PIAA semifinals Stephen Jeffries

he South Fayette Lions basketball team rolled through the regular season in Class AAA with an undefeated section record. They finished 19-1 overall, with the lone loss coming to Class AAAA finalist Chartiers Valley. That record earned them the top seed in the AAA playoﬀs. They blew past South Park in round one, and then destroyed Uniontown in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, the Lions handled New Castle 56-42 to advance to the title game. South Fayette had swept section rival Montour in the regular season. They won 65-58 on the road and cruised by 20 at home. The third meeting took place at the A.J. Palumbo Center on the campus of Duquesne University. Neither team was very sharp at the start of the game. The Lions led 11-7 after the first quarter. The Lions still led and still held a 13-9 lead early in the second when Montour locked down on defense. The Lions slumped into a 4-minute scoring drought that allowed Montour to take the lead. The Spartans caught fire from outside the arc after an ugly start. They made four triples, including a buzzerbeater that capped a 9-0 run, and which vaulted them into a 21-18 lead at halftime. The Lions fell behind by as many as 8

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eight points late in the third quarter as Montour extended their its pre-halftime run to 17-3. Mike Lamberti hit a huge trey for the Lions to close the gap to five entering the fourth quarter. The Lions got no closer until Lamberti hit a three to bring them within four at 34-30. However, four Montour free throws spiked the lead back to 38-30 with 1:15 to play. Lamberti hit another three, and then the Lions’ defense came up with a stop. However, they could not convert on the oﬀensive end. Montour sealed the win with free throws. The Lions suﬀered only their second loss of the year, 45-34. The Lions still qualified for the PIAA Championships despite the loss. They handled General McLane, 51-39, and then blew past Johnstown by 20. A 67-59 victory over Eastern York in the quarterfinals set up a fourth meeting with Montour. The victor would earn

a trip to Penn State for the PIAA title game. The game played out much like the WPIAL title game did, with South Fayette taking a 1411 lead after one quarter. Montour rallied to take a 25-22 halftime lead and used a 15-2 run to extend the lead to 11 entering the fourth quarter. The Lions chipped away and trailed 49-44 with two minutes left. Montour would not allow them to get any closer and ended the Lionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; season, with a 57-44 win. Montour held Lamberti (17.9 PPG) scoreless and won the rebounding battle 38-30. The Lions finished the season at 25-3. They were the silver medalists from the WPIAL and came within two wins games of winning backto-back PIAA championships.

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

South Fayette School District

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2011 SOUTH FAYETTE VOLLEYBALL CAMP REGISTRATION 2011 SOUTH FAYETTE VOLLEYBALL CAMP

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

South Fayette Township South Fayette’s New Civic Center

k o o L e d i s n I An

THE EVOLUTION OF A COMMUNITY IS ALWAYS AN ExCITING THING AND OFFICIALS are taking a property that in one generation was the site of both the Mulach Steel plant and Star City movie theater, and converting it into the new hub of civic life in the township. The has been the topic of study and planning since 2006, but now is going to be moving forward in full force for a planned 2012-2013 opening. It was good planning in the beginning that will ensure that the project from here on out will be a success. In 2007, a Facilities Review Committee made up of staﬀ, elected oﬃcials and residents spent months developing a needs assessment that projected the township’s need for space through 2026. This Committee also toured the community buildings in communities such as the e th is is Peters, Collier, Upper St. th ly “Obvious t c Clair, Cranberry, Ross, and je o itious pr b m a Scott townships, looking at t s o m has ever ip libraries, municipal h s n w the to our ’s it facilities and senior and t u b , n undertake te a true community centers for inspiration. a e r c to The Facilities Review Committee n visio and ty ti n e id developed a top ten possible y communit locations list for the future t...” y o H facility. During that review the focal poin e Mik Township met with the previous r e Manag owner of the who was Township interested in selling. Following a due diligence review, the Committee recommend to the Board of Commissioners the purchase of the Star City Property for 5 Million dollars. The Township then negotiated with Giant Eagle, who had a lease on the property. They paid the township $650,000 to get out of the remainder of their lease. That money went back into the design and future renovation of the site. Mike Hoy, township manager, said he is hopeful that a groundbreaking and the start of construction can take

Final Design: Exterior

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place later this year. “Obviously this is the most ambitious project the township has ever undertaken, but it’s our vision to create a true community identity and focal point,” Hoy said. “Each step of the way we tied to include residents into the project including a community center feasibility study to incorporate as many ideas from residents into the building itself. There were ideas for things like a walking track, multi purpose rooms, gymnasiums, and program space. All of these ideas were seen by residents as important to them or lacking in our community now, so we made those ideas the main emphasis of the design. Every part of this project was to get people involved. All of these eﬀorts were funneled to a Design Review Committee made up of residents, staﬀ and the architect, who came up with the plans for both interior and exterior design. The designs incorporate a flexible plan for a library, senior citizens’ and community center, as well as police

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SOUTH FAYETTE CIVIC CENTER 100 HICKORY GRADE RD. BRIDGEVILLE, PA ALLEGHENY COUNTY

of What’s to

Come

CIVIC CENTER FUNDING PLAN Cash: $350,000 Grants: $3 million Naming Rights: $500,000 of Property: $2.5 million Mailing: $50,000 Fundraising (Bricks/Flags): $200,000 Donations: $300,000 Borrowing: $1 million Total: $7.9 million

and township administration, giving all departments ample room to grow in the future to serve the residents of as it fast grows into a major residential destination in the South Hills. While it will be built for the current and future residents of the township, care was taken to ensure that the township’s past would be adequately represented within the new building. “The outside of the building is designed to reflect the new South Fayette - the new homes, expansion of the school district and the growth the township has had over the past 15 years or so,” Hoy said. “The inside will look like the outside, that is, it will be the true downtown. The walkways made of brick, the room facades will look like buildings that you would see downtown.

Rooms will have street addresses such as Cuddy Way and Morgan Street, so there will be a lot of history put into the inside of the building. The whole vision is one where when you come into that center, you’ll look like you’re in a downtown setting.” Hank Tkacik of Axis Architects, architect for the community center, said as far as the Star City site, the community couldn’t ask for a better location. Converting the building from a movie theater to a community center, however, provided some unique challenges that were overcome with creative solutions. “The main design solution we had to come up with was to bring the scale down to a personal level,” Tkacik said. “It was just a giant box. The idea was to help create the face of South Fayette, and obviously they didn’t want a big concrete block box. We had to

continued on page 20

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

South Fayette Township South Fayette’s New Civic Center continued from page 19 make the building give the appearance of a community center not a movie theater.” Tkacik said part of that challenge was breaking up the large theater spaces into smaller, usable areas for those who will work in the community center and those who will frequent it. Integrating the township’s history into the interior became a solution once it was realized that the exterior of the building left oﬃcials with limited options. “One of the concepts was trying to bring the history and look of into the building. We asked, ‘Can we make the outside of this building have the history and feel of old south Fayette?’” he said. “The more we thought about that, with the challenges with exterior, we morphed that into doing that on the inside of the building. We’re bringing the main street inside, so it could be more pedestrian in scale and level.” The result, once constructed will be a lobby that will give residents the feeling that they’re in the town square. “The idea is, as you enter the main lobby, that’s or of the town. All the light from the main entrance will spill in,” Tkacik said. “We’re doing some things with the ceiling to give it the appearance of a sky and the floor finish

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st a giant “It was ju as to help will be a cobblestone or brick paver-type street. A gazebo will be in the center. It’s a two story building, so you’ll get the feeling and height of being outside.” ea w box. The id ce of South Despite a down economy over most of the township’s planning stages, oﬃcials were fa e th te a able to leverage the township’s history of fiscal prudence into an “A” bond rating, allowing e cr viously b o d n a for better interest rates and foregoing the need for purchasing costly bond insurance. In , Fayette big a t n keeping with that fiscal prudence, the township plans on borrowing only $1 million for a w ’t e they didn W . the project – less than 1/7th of its overall estimated price tag, which should make all x o block b taxpayers happy. g concrete in ild ke the bu f a “Right now our financing proposal includes grant opportunities, naming rights, had to ma ce o n a r donations, and we’re also selling land in front of the for economic redevelopment,” a e p p give the a enter not a Hoy said. “We recently closed on the first parcel to Washington Financial Bank for yc $760,000. They’ll be under construction later this year, and that will be the first phase communit r.” te a e cik of redevelopment of those properties. The remaining 2.5-acre parcel is anticipated to movie th Hank Tka continued on page 22

Final Design: Interior South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

South Fayette Township South Fayette’s New Civic Center township. The new facility will be just that. “This facility will accommodate those needs as well as offer space for programming that will help defray the overall be sold over the next 12 months for redevelopment and cost of the project through fees and usage charges,” Hoy economic growth in the corridor.” said. “There will be party rooms that residents can rent out, The township’s good bond rating also allowed it to a computer café and concession area. refinanced and lower its debt service, saving on annual Some rooms will allow us to expand operating costs. Hoy said the programming - yoga, children’s programs commissioners have always t and exercise programs. There are no n e been committed to not raising assessm l a in immediate plans for an exercise or ig r o taxes for this project, and, if all “The ity C r ta fitness equipment area, mainly because S r te goes as planned, the two parcels ately for the en im x we didn’t want to compete with the o r p p of property in front of Star City , as a private sector. Instead, we took a property w ars. We as well as the old municipal ll o d different approach, and added an n o li center will be back on the tax g il 4m ellin s e th h Astroturf gymnasium so we can offer it rolls and generating revenue for cipate, w e ti n th a f o more than just basket ball. We can t the township. elopmen v e d e r t have indoor soccer, lacrosse and a d n a “The current municipal center double th to , ls baseball in that gym.” e c r is zoned commercial, so hopefully, out pa value.” d e s s Not all improvements are within e s s a it will be sold and we’ll have a amount in Mike Hoy the building’s property line, private investor put some ager however. Hoy said that the commercial development on the ship Man n w o T Newbury project will eventually site,” Hoy said. “The second parcel in line up the intersection at the front of the property will have a community center’s driveway at Route 50 and request for proposals put out in the the commercial entrance to Newbury on the site of 84 next few months. We’ll review those Lumber. Newbury also will upgrade the congested and hopefully, accept one with construction beginning in conditions at the Route 50/Washington Pike intersection 2012 or 2013. The original assessment for the enter Star which currently plagues commuters at the evening rush City property was approximately 4 million dollars. We hour. Again, these much-needed upgrades are coming at no anticipate, with the selling and redevelopment of the out parcels, to double that amount in assessed value. Plus, it will cost to the taxpayers. “As part of the Newbury project, they will put in generate jobs, opportunities and more services for the residents. In fact, we have already taken advantage of continued on page 24 opportunities associated with owning in the property to generate revenues and to increase services to our residents. The Township entered into an agreement with the Allegheny County Port Authority to lease the rear of the property for a park and ride. Further, the Township has leased the property to movie companies and driving schools for use of the parking lot. Each of these leases has generated additional revenues to be used towards the project.” While the township currently is in the process of creating a comprehensive plan, all research done to this point included the creation of a center of identity for the

continued from page 21

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Civic Center History

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

South Fayette Township South Fayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Civic Center

Final Design: First Floor

Development of Sp

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RENOVATIONS TO

SOUTH FAYETTE CIVIC CENTER 100 HICKORY GRADE RD. BRIDGEVILLE, PA ALLEGHENY COUNTY

continued from page 22

Final Design: Second Floor

additional turning lanes turning left at the Exxon, and the bridge will be widened to accommodate the traﬃc,” Hoy said. “The signalization and intersection created will be all part of Newbury’s commitment to the township.” To get a look at the design and to review the history of the project, please go to the Township’s website at www.south-fayette.pa.us . If you are interested in sponsoring a part of the new South Fayette Community Center, you can contact the township at 412.221.8700, or wait until the next issue of IN South Fayette, which will have a sponsorship insert for easy completion.

pace Assignments

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Stocks in the Aftermath of Catastrophic Events Investment portfolio tips in the presence of or absence of chaos By Philip C. Henry, ChFC, CFS Thus far, 2011 has shown continued strength in world equity markets. Yet two critical events, the unexpected and tragic tsunami / earthquake in Japan, as well as the worrisome yet not surprising social unrest in the Middle East, may have caused some investors to question the sustainability of the current bull market. What we can do and prepare and brace for inevitable events, both expected and unexpected ones? While asset allocation and diversification in an investment portfolio are no guarantee against loss of principal, its importance cannot be understated. Consider this; while the inevitable conflict in the Middle East captures front page headlines, the reality is that the economies of conflicted areas comprise about 1% of a globally diversified portfolio. Thus, the eﬀect on portfolios thus far has been negligible. Similarly, the March 11th natural disaster in Japan is quintessential example of an unpredictable event. No investor can really prepare for something that may or may not ever happen. Scientists have been predicting a massive California earthquake since the great San Francisco quake of 1906. Thankfully, we still wait. 1 For investors that allocate 100% of their assets to globally ldiversifiedr equities, Japanese stocks should represent less than 5% of their holdings. A more typical investor with a 60-40 allocation to stocks and bonds would only have a 3% or less exposure to Japan. This can impact a portfolio, but not in a major way. In my opinion, since no one can reliably predict the future, our current approach to global diversification is the best we know of to y y deliver capitalist rates of?return while attempting to help minimize the risks therein. The insightful chart below, courtesy of Symmetry Partners, provides a historic look at stock market performance, as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, after catastrophic events.The message is to: • Develop an asset allocation ratio (% to stocks, % to bonds) based on your goals, time frames and propensity towards risk

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• Globally diversify by using all available categories of stocks and bonds • Rebalance annually to maintain the desired allocation mix • Exercise patience in the presence of, or preferably, the absence of chaos At Henry Wealth Management, our goal is to provide ongoing help during both calm times as well as chaotic times. Phil Henry, ChFC, CFS, is the President of Henry Wealth Management, LLC, an independent financial services firm located at 1370 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA. He offers Securities and Investment-Advisory Services through, NFP Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. This article was co-authored with Dan Henry, CLU, the firms Vice President. Dan offers Securities through, NFP Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. NFP Securities, Inc. is not affiliated with Henry Wealth Management, LLC. Phil may be reached at 412-838-0200 or through email at Phil@HenryWealth.com. The firm’s website is www.HenryWealth.com. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect those held by NFP Securities, Inc. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendation. NFP Securities, Inc. does not provide legal or tax advice. Using diversification as part of your investment strategy neither assures nor guarantees better performance and cannot protect against loss of principal due to changing market conditions. Past Performance does not guarantee future results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a popular indicator of the stock market based on the average closing prices of 30 active U.S. stocks representative of the overall economy.

– s ’ y h c Fren istro with

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promising a beautiful outdoor terrace for summer barbeque fare. Whether you’ll be dining indoors or under the stars, there’s something you should know about Frenchy’s – everything on the menu is homemade and prepared by Head Chef Shawn Trump, who greets every customer that tastes his delicious designs. “I try to accommodate people as much as I can,” Trump said. “If we’re slow, and they request something that’s not on the menu, I’ll make it for them. That’s the kind of place we are. It’s kind of like Cheers – we know everyone or get to know them.”

Frenchy Laurent, owner and Parisian native who moved here in 1983, greets many patrons by name as they enter, offering a glass of free homemade sangria to anyone who asks. Trump was possibly the best decision that the owner of Frenchy’s – Frenchy Laurent – made for the restaurant. Cooking ever since childhood as the son of a single mother, he would create dishes in the kitchen for family dinner while his mother worked. Since then, he’s been a chef at Bravo, Outback Steakhouse and Houlihan’s. But at Frenchy’s, Trump can break away from corporate menus and create some over-the-top dishes at a price that’s affordable for the entire family. We had the opportunity to sample several of Trump’s creations. For starters, he brought out a shrimp scampi and side of grilled asparagus. The scampi was a perfectly-done bed of linguini comforting five grilled jumbo shrimp. The oil and garlic really brought out the succulent flavor of the shrimp, and didn’t saturate linguini. The asparagus wash fresh, crisp and bore the marks and flavor of the grill – lightly smoky and licked by fire. Trump brought out a sampling of his homemade house “Paris” dressing, which is a honey-Dijon vinaigrette-based secret. Not only would it be at home on a salad, but it made an excellent accompaniment to the asparagus. As the season goes on, the fruit and vegetable offerings at Frenchy’s will grow, Trump said. As most employees are South Fayette

residents, they all frequent the Rt. 50 Farmer’s Market and demand the freshest of the fresh when it comes to their ingredients. Next, we were treated to a Frenchy’s staple – an enormous fried fish sandwich, which is a yearround Friday special at $6. The batter was flakey and crunchy, not greasy. The cod was equally as flakey and fresh. Lastly, Trump brought out two homemade specialties – raspberry cheesecake and crème Brule, each of which were amazing in their textures, flavors and presentation. The cheesecake is a hearty slice with whipped cream dollops. The crème Brule had a perfect crust with spatters of caramelized sugar, and a soft, creamy consistency beneath. Frenchy’s also has a kid’s menu, caters has take-out, and can serve medium-sized business meetings and parties of up to 50 people, more if the weather accommodates the patio seating. Frenchy’s is open Monday-Friday for lunch and Saturdays at 4 p.m., although summer hours likely will be changing, oﬀering Sunday hours and extended Saturdays. Call for current info, or better yet, join their e-mail blast list and never be left out of the fun. Frenchy’s oﬀers live jazz every Friday night, and a rotating schedule of live performances on Saturdays. The new patio will certainly be a draw this summer, and Trump promises a whole host of barbecue delights to come – including ribs, chops and steaks. If it can be grilled, though, Trump will grill it and you won’t be disappointed. For more information, call 412.221.1900 or e-mail them at: eatrelaxandenjoy@gmail.com.

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

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SUMMER 2011

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

What’s Inside page 2

A Woman’s Heart Is Special

page 3

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

page 4

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

page 5

The Downside of Falls

page 6

Choosing the Right Doctor for You

page 7

Welcoming New Physicians

A Woman’s Heart Is Special It’s important to recognize you’re not immune to the dangers of heart disease Have you ever heard the adage, “Know your enemy?” Heart disease is pandemic in the United States — but many women remain unaware that it’s an “equal opportunity” disease. The symptoms of heart disease can differ between men and women, but if you have a heart, you can get heart disease. “Every woman, regardless of age, should know her risk factors and work with her doctor to develop a plan for good heart health,” says John R. Ward, MD, a cardiologist and specialist in women’s heart issues at UPMC Mercy, which is part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. “Taking action could save your life or the life of someone you love.” Know your risks An astonishing 80 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 60 have one or more risk factors for heart disease. “Having just one risk factor doubles your chance for heart disease,” adds Dr. Ward. Having multiple risk factors significantly increases your potential for heart problems. Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and family history are risk factors that men and women share. Additional risk factors specific to women’s heart health include: • Metabolic syndrome, a combination of excessive fat around the abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high triglycerides that increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. • Mental stress and depression, both of which make it difficult to follow a healthy lifestyle. • Low levels of estrogen after menopause, which pose serious risks of heart disease developing in a woman’s smaller blood vessels. “You can’t do anything about your genes and family history, but lifestyle changes can certainly help reduce your risk of heart disease,” says Dr. Ward.

www.UPMC.com/Today

Take action for your heart health Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over the age of 65. And over the last 20 years, the rate of heart attacks in women between the ages of 35 and 54 has been on the rise. Given these statistics, every woman should pay close attention to her heart health. The first step in becoming “heart smart” is to meet with your doctor or primary care physician. An honest conversation with your doctor will help ensure that you get the best possible care. Here are a few questions to ask: • What are my risk factors for heart disease? • What should I know about the effects of menopause on my heart health? • What is my blood pressure? Is that healthy for my age? • What is my cholesterol and how could it affect my health? • Based on my history and risk factors, what can I do to lower my risk? Take action for your family, too The staggering increase in obesity and diabetes in children in the United States puts them at significant risk of heart disease. “We’ve learned that plaque can begin to build up in arteries in children as young as two years old,” says Dr. Ward. “Moms are role models for their children. By making healthy changes for yourself, you can help improve the heart health of the entire family.” To learn more about cardiac services at UPMC Mercy, visit www.UPMCMercy.com and click on Our Services. To schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

The Good News About Heart Disease Take charge of your heart through health screenings and heart-healthy lifestyle changes Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death for both men and women. Every 25 seconds, someone experiences a coronary event; every minute, heart disease claims a life. The good news? You can take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease through routine screenings and lifestyle changes — even if you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke.

If needed, you also can take advantage of the region’s only low radiation electron beam CT scan at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. It looks specifically for calcium in the coronary arteries as a marker of the cholesterol accumulation that can cause sudden heart attacks. Dr. Fallert recommends regular health screenings that tell you your numbers and whether you need to take action. For example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels, but you wouldn’t know you have these conditions without testing for them.

“Heart disease is a disease we can do something about. In most instances, it is preventable,” says Daniel Edmundowicz, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and director of preventive cardiology at the UPMC The more risk factors you have, the greater Heart and Vascular Institute. your chance of developing heart disease, says Dr. Fallert. While you can’t control “Screening absolutely saves lives. We genetics, you can take steps to control can help people change the outcome many other risk factors by eating a once we know the risk-factor levels,” healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, Dr. Edmundowicz says. and maintaining a healthy body weight. Some changes — like quitting smoking — Heart-Healthy Resources at can have an immediate impact. UPMC Mercy

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

Michael A. Fallert, MD, chief of cardiology at UPMC Mercy, says doctors use tools such as EKGs, stress testing, ultrasound, and CT scans to look for signs of atherosclerosis in the heart, neck, legs, and arms — especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease.

“The bottom line is: If you know your numbers and know your risk, you can do something about it,” Dr. Fallert says.

Risk factors that can’t be chaged

Know your numbers

Become heart smart

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

Take time to educate yourself about heart disease and the treatments available. The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute website is a one-stop source of information about cardiac conditions, as well as UPMC’s full spectrum of cardiovascular services from routine screenings to advanced cardiac care.

• Family history of heart disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral artery disease • Age (65 and older) • Gender (men have a greater risk of heart attack)

Risk factors that can be changed • • • • •

Smoking High blood pressure High cholesterol levels Obesity Physical inactivity

Monitor

Target Levels

Cholesterol

less than 200 mg/dL

Blood Pressure

below 120/80

BMI (body mass index) 18.5–24.9

Ask your doctor

• Take your medicine. If medicine is needed to control your blood pressure, make sure you take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Be sure to check it out at www.UPMC.com/HeartandVascular.

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

1-800-533-UPMC

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful

What Parents Need to Know

Regular exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy life. Many of us, however, still struggle to fit even a moderate amount of exercise into our schedules.

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

Exercise:

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death

www.UPMC.com/Today

But there are plenty of people who are getting too much exercise. If some exercise is good, they think more will be better. Not true. In fact, excessive exercise can lead to a host of physical issues, including injuries, the loss of lean muscle mass, a weakened immune system, sleep problems, irritability, and depression. A study in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that too much vigorous exercise also can increase the risk of heart problems.

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

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

UPMC Spotlight

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

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

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

1-800-533-UPMC

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

www.UPMC.com/Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcoming New Physicians to UPMC Mercy To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Anesthesiology

Head & Neck Surgery

Nephrology

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Albert J. Carvelli, MD

Grant Shale Gillman, MD

Khaled Abdel-Kader, MD

Shailen F. Greene, MD

Steffanie J. Labate, MD

Andrea F. Lewis, MD

Jose F. Bernardo, MD

Margaret E. Reidy, MD

Joel M. Pomerantz, MD

Andrew A. McCall, MD

Patricia Khalil, MD

Maria F. Twichell, MD

David M. Ruttum, MD

Ryan Jeremy Soose, MD

Kelly V. Liang MD

Joseph F. Talarico, DO

Andrew Burchess Tassler, MD

Preethi V. Murty, MD

Psychiatry

Manisha Loomba Trivedi, MD

Kristin Woodbury, DO

Christopher J. Passero, MD

Saghir Ahmad, MD

Cardiology

Infectious Diseases

Neuroradiology

Kristina M. Curci, MD

George S. Mendenhall, MD

Bernard J. C. Macatangay, MD

Vera Rachel Spelling, MD

Antoine B. Douaihy, MD

Kathleen Rebecca Sheridan, MD

Hoang Minh Trang, DO

Julie A. Kmiec, MD

Amesh A. Adalja, MD

Internal Medicine

Neurosurgery

Radiation Oncology

Lakshmipathi P. Chelluri, MD

Maliha Ahmad Kamal, MD

Robert M. Friedlander, MD

Ryan Patrick Smith, MD

Lillian L. Emlet, MD

Oksana Karpov, DO

Brian T. Jankowitz, MD

Kevin Ho, MD

Abdul Q. Khan, MD

Anna M. Boettcher, MD

Critical Care Medicine

Diagnostic Radiology

Ashish Sharma, MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Neal J. Klitsch, MD

Adam Edmund Sohnen, MD

Michael F. Lupinetti, MD

Marios D. Papachristou, MD

Stephanie L. Nicholas, MD

Jamie L. Parent, MD

Sara A. Majewski, MD Iclal Ocak, MD Daria Elizabeth Setlik, MD

Radiology

Laboratory Medicine Thomas S. Talamo, MD

Amy Vogia, DO Ophthalmology Tineke L. Chan, MD

Urology

Emergency Medicine

Maternal Fetal Medicine

Vasiliki A. Christopoulos, MD

Ronald M. Benoit, MD

Michael C. Campbell, MD

David Collier Streitman, MD

Paul William Conrad, MD

Jodi K. Maranchie, MD

Kimberly V. Miller, MD

Ankur Ashok Doshi, MD Robert J. Hyde, MD

Neonatology

John M. Murray, MD

Charles V. Bender, MD

Troy Christian Sims, MD

Avni Patel Vyas, MD

Timothy Wu, MD

Beverly S. Brozanski, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery

Barbara A. Clouser, MD

Lisa Blackrick, MD

Endocrinology

Barbara Ann Cohlan, MD

Jennifer Pennock Holst, MD

Kara L. Gardner, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery/Podiatry

Jennifer L. Kloesz, MD

Nicholas J. Lowery, DPM

Family Medicine

Burhanuddin Mahmood, MD

Brent E. Clark, MD

William J. McCarran, MD

Pain Management

Richard Rocco Telesco, MD

Karsten Bartels, MD

Gastroenterology

Amy M. Urban, DO

Shahid Masood Malik, MD

Kalyani Rai Vats, MD

Pediatrics/General

Jon F. Watchko, MD

Rita Kaul, MD

Geriatric Medicine

Vascular Surgery

Toby Debra Yanowitz, MD

George H. Gleeson, MD James Richard Sahovey, MD

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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

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The name you trust in women’s health is right here at Mercy. UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services are growing to provide comprehensive women’s services by bringing you the same experts who practice at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. In addition to community-based physicians and midwifery, these expanding services for women are consistent with Mercy’s rich tradition of care. UPMC’s complete range of specialty services for women covers obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, women’s cancer, and much more. From checkups and preventive care to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatments, the superb doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercy and Magee are with you every step of the way on the path to good health. We work closely with your primary care physician to provide seamless care. And every service is backed by UPMC’s world-class care, providing peace of mind when you need it most. To learn more about UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMCMercy.com.

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Thank you!

from the Faraci family

I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for all of you my heart has no bottom” — author unknown During this incredible difficult journey since Bill’s diagnosis in June of 2010, there were many days we thought we could not go on. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, another test would come back with more bad news. Many days spent crying, incredible sadness and unable to get out of bed played out day after day. But, never a day went by that you, our friends, would be there to pick us back up and make sure we moved forward. I truly will never be able to thank you all enough. The dinners that were always there when we got home from the hospital were truly a welcome sight and very delicious. Thank you for the phone calls (even though I didn’t always return your calls) they meant so much to me. Thank you to the South Fayette Administration for their determination to make sure Bill could see the Lions play their terrific season. Thank you for the endless cards, gift cards, money, etc that helped us get through the difficult financial burdens we have been dealt. Of course, the fundraiser, truly newsworthy as to what this community, friends and family are all about. The list of names go on forever, all of you have a special place in our hearts. Most of all thank you for being terrific friends, neighbors and a strong support system. The Faraci’s will always remember what you have done for us. We love you all. Thanks again, and God bless.

38 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

South Fayette

by Pamela Palongue According to Lou Iannazzi, general manager of Alpine Electric, one person per day is electrocuted in the U.S. A big part of the reason is homeowners often try to tackle their own electrical problems, and a small job can be just as dangerous as a major project. Iannazzi, who has over 40 years experience in the electrical business, stresses the importance of hiring an electrical contractor for your home that is experienced and trustworthy. Alpine electricians are licensed, drug tested and have passed background checks before even entering a home. They also attend weekly training meetings to constantly improve their service. Iannazzi adds that they take special care in treating the homeowner and property with respect, even donning booties prior to entering the home and laying down a protective carpet to protect the floors. Alpine Electric follows a protocol prior to any work being done that includes a free electrical panel inspection. This includes a panel inspection and checking circuitry. Before work begins, everything is explained to the homeowner and they are given an “Up Front Price” for the work. Alpine Electric follows Iannazzi has developed a a protocol prior to any National service price guide work being done that which has set prices for any type includes a free of work to be done, based upon electrical inspection. his years of experience in the field. This includes a panel Once the price has been quoted, inspection and checking the customer only pays the flat circuitry. Before work rate, regardless of any additional begins, everything is supplies or labor needed to explained to the complete the job. This gives homeowners a sense of security homeowner and they knowing exactly how much the are given an “Up Front job will cost up front. Price” for the work. This is especially important in a city like Pittsburgh where many of the homes were built prior to the 1940s. Many of these homes have what is called “open wiring” or “knob and tube wiring.” Simply put, this is dangerous. In these homes there is no grounding to protect the house or its occupants and it is uninsurable. Alpine Electric can re-wire the house, bringing it up to code and making it safe and insurable. Having a guaranteed price can bring peace of mind when having work done on an older home that sometimes can lead to surprises. Although there are many people upgrading their homes with major projects, Alpine Electric can also help with minor jobs that can make like easier. Their company motto, “Empower Your Lifestyle,” is all about making small changes that can make life easier for your family. Iannazzi has created a home owner wish list, for example, adding an outdoor door chime or under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Alpine can also add a surge protection system that will not only protect your expensive electronic equipment, but your family as well. They are available for emergencies 24-7. There is a set dispatch fee which varies on nights, weekends and holidays, but the work will cost the same, regardless when you have it performed, so there are no surprises when it comes to the bill. If you would like to talk to someone at Alpine Electric about improving the safety and quality of your home, you may contact them at 412.257.4827 or visit their website at www.callalpine.com. South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

INdustry SPOTLIGHT

Connect with re-wiring experts

Wrestling

Tyler MAnion South Fayette Township resident Tyler Manion, who attends & wrestles for Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, won the 2011 WPIAL / Southwest Regional AAA Wrestling Championships in the 140 pound class. The high school junior then went on to place 6th in the 2011 PIAA AAA State Wrestling Championships. His placing at States qualified him for the 2011 National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Junior National Wrestling Championships held in Virginia Beach. Coming into the tournament seeded 6th out of 56 competitors that included 11 other state champions, Tyler placed 4th to earn Oﬃcial High School All-American status. Some of Tyler’s 2010-2011 season accomplishments included winning the 2011 Allegheny County Wrestling Championships pinning every opponent to the Finals & winning the Finals 5-0, placing 2nd in the 2011

WPIAL Section 1AAA Wrestling Championships, placing 5th at the 2010 Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament (the #4 high school wrestling tournament in the country), placing 2nd at the 2011 New Oxford Wrestling Tournament where he only lost due to an Injury Default, making the top 12 of the 2010 Beast Of The East Wrestling Championships (the #1 high school wrestling tournament in the country) in Delaware & being ranked either 1st or 2nd during the high school season by the PostGazette, Tribune Review & WPIALWrestling.net. He just finished his season winning the 2011 PAWF Lock Haven University Freestyle Wrestling Tournament & then the 2011 PAWF Pennsylvania Freestyle Wrestling State Championships where he wrestled in the Junior 154 pound class & won Pool A & placed 4th overall. He completed the season with a total record of 49-16 with 21 pins.

Stickel Among Comcast Scholarship Honorees

Trophy. Four academic high schools and two other career and technical centers also entered this competition.

The Comcast Foundation, founded in 1999 to provide charitable support to its local communities and to empower and enrich lives, has announced the 2011 recipients of its annual Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program. Among those is Jessica Stickel of South Fayete High School. “Comcast is proud of its Leaders & Achievers scholarship recipients. They represent some of the best and brightest high school seniors who also demonstrate civic involvement in the communities we serve across the country,” said Charisse Lillie, Vice President, Community Investment of Comcast Corporation and Executive President of the Comcast Foundation. “We are thrilled to support their educational eﬀorts with these scholarships.” The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program 40 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

provides one-time $1,000 scholarships to students who strive to achieve their potential, who are catalysts for positive change in their communities, who are involved in their schools, and who serve as models for their fellow students. The philosophy behind the program is to give young people every opportunity to be prepared for the future, to engage youth in their communities, and to demonstrate the importance of civic involvement, and the value placed on civic involvement by the business community. Since the program’s inception there have been over 15,000 scholarship winners totaling more than $15.4 million.

Parkway West CTC’s IT Essentials Program Dominates at 2011 Pittsburgh Public Schools IT Competition The following network related events were all won by Quarker Valley’s Aireal McCullough and South Fayette’s Tyler Soubie as a Parkway West Team I. In addition to individual trophies for each event they won, each of them also received a Grand Champion South Fayette

Team Online Exam Champion Participants competed in an online exam that was designed to mimic the questions on the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Level Technician) exam. This certification validates the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. Team Tech-O-War Champion All networking teams from each participating school went head-tohead in a ‘bracket-style’ elimination tournament. Teams needed to answer networking related questions that would qualify them to the next round. Team Router Configuration Participants competed to configure a router similar to what someone might find in a home or small oﬃce environment. They were given a list of configurations that needed to be made. Our team completed this event in 14 minutes and received a score of 100%. Team RFP Champion Participants responded to an RFP (Request for Proposal) for a multisite network upgrade. They needed

to present their proposal/bid to a panel of judges and were scored on their presentation. CCNA Team Grand Champions Overall CCNA Champion!!!

Team Computer Configuration Participants needed to configure a Windows xP computer quickly and accurately. They were given a list of configurations that needed to be made. Our team completed this event in 12 minutes and received a score of 92%. In the SkillsUSA pictured from left to right: Zach Scribner – Montour David Ball – Montour Anjelica Ayres – West Allegheny Christopher Carr – West Allegheny Nikki Luc – Montour Tyler Kashella – West Allegheny Kayla Garbera – Montour Rachel Zolkiewicz – Montour James Latimer – Sto-Rox Emily Gollick - Montour

news... South Fayette Technology Student Association (TSA) scores big at State Finals The South Fayette TSA Student Team competed in several events April 14th through April 16th at Seven Springs Resort and Conference Center and included Jessica Barton, Varun Thangavelu, Matt Leger, Radhir Kothuri, Richie Klimek, Nick Miller, Jon Bernhardt, Joe Leja, Ryan Eberle, Chris Guyan, Jake Sustrich, Jon Albert, Josh Phillips, Jon Walasik, Brett Ley and Anthony Walasik. Once again our students placed within the top 10 of the state in various competitions. Mr. Brian Garlick introduced the TSA program to South Fayette students 15 years ago and he has seen the enthusiasm grow each year for the engineering students. Mr. Garlick notes, “Over the past 15 years, the TSA club has continually grown in enrollment, from 4 students its’ first year, to 35 to 40 in the past few years. Our state has the third largest student enrollment in the nation, so, for our members to finish in the top 10, it’s quite an accomplishment and honor.” Here are the students who placed and their competition and placement at the State Finals: Chris Guyan – CAD 2D Architecture – 7th place Chris Guyan & Joe Leja – Construction Renovation – 10th Place Jess Barton & Nick Miller – Structural Engineering – 9th Place Radhir Kothuri, Jon Bernhardt & Varun Thangavelu – System Control Technology – 6th Place Ryan Eberle & Matt Leger – Technology Problem-Solving – 8th Place This is another example of the project based learning South Fayette is providing for students to better equip them for life post high school and their career pathways.

RECENT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTIONS NEW ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS The Board adopted a resolution permitting the Firearms Owners Against Crime to secure a license for small games of chance. The Board adopted an ordinance amending Article XII and IX of the Township Code regarding “Impervious Surface Lot Coverage” percentage in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the participation in the retrofit phase of the Allegheny County Energy Program.

NEW FACES AT THE TOWNSHIP

Peggy Paterson Administrative Assistant to the Township Manager

Tammy Rosko Administrative Assistant Planning Department

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

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

On the

ROAD By Mark Berton

Ashly Hunt

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

44 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

South Fayette

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

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

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

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

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

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

Older Adults

S O U T H FAY E TT E

GET YOURSELF

Exercise is important for every age, and mature adults are no exception. According to UPMC Sports Medicine’s Dr. Jeanne Doperak, “The ultimate goal—whether you’re 3 or 104—is some sort of activity.” Dr. Doperak suggests a combination of aerobic exercise (exercise which raises the heart rate and increases the body’s need for oxygen,) two days a week of strength training, and some sort of balance and flexibility training. Before beginning any type of aggressive workout program, it is always best to consult your physician. Many people make the assumption that running is bad after a certain age, but this actually depends upon the individuals and their physical condition. Dr. Doperak explains, “As we age, our activities don’t necessarily have to change but the way we train has to be adjusted. We do not recommend that anyone over the age of 30 [engage in] impact activities every day.” An example of an impact activity would be jogging. It is recommended that impact activities be staggered with non-impact exercise such as yoga, tai chi or bicycling every other day. If an individual cannot tolerate impact activities due to arthritis or other problems, swimming is an excellent aerobic exercise (as is bicycling, which can be done with a recumbent stationary bike).

Yoga and tai chi rotated with impact exercise can fulfill the need for balance and flexibility training. Many churches, synagogues, libraries and other non-profit organizations offer classes for free or at reduced rates. Also important to overall optimum physical health is strength training. Although strength training conjures up images of heavy weightlifting, Dr. Doperak suggests that this can be accomplished with weights as light as two pounds. With active workouts, it is vitally important to replenish liquids in the body, especially in the summer months. A vigorous activity such as jogging or tennis for more than 10 to 20 minutes requires fluid replacement. Serious dehydration depletes the body of electrolytes which ensure that the heart’s electrical system works properly. Dr. Doperak recommends water as the best replacement. Although there are many drinks on the market that advertise their benefits of electrolyte replacement, they can also be quite high in calories. Individuals trying to reduce their weight will conversely be adding more calories to their diet. The main thing to remember is that bodies need movement to be healthy. As Dr. Doperak says, “Keep moving.”

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INdustry INsight

East meets

West inVeterinary

Exciting new developments in veterinary medicine and services are evolving in animal clinics and hospitals all over the world. The goal is to integrate principles of both eastern and western medicine in an artful combination, or alone, to tailor the treatment needs specifically and most importantly safely, to the individual patient. At Bridgeville Animal Hospital in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, they’ve been integrating alternative medicine and treatments into their protocols for over a year now, expanding their treatment options as they learn more and are then able to provide more treatment modalities for their patients. Started as Bethel Park Animal Hospital in November of 2000, construction forced a move to another facility in May of 2006, which is larger, warm and inviting. There are 3 full time veterinarians on staﬀ, as well as a caring and compassionate staﬀ. Here’s a little bit about the doctors and their interests:

Medicine

Dr. Joanna Rubin, VMD is founder and owner of the practice. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Dr. Rubin’s interests are broad, enjoying all aspects of small animal medicine and soft tissue surgery, with a special interest (and love for,) the senior and geriatric patients. Dr. Carolyn Brown, DVM is a 2004 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Brown has contributed the greatest portion of interest and study in alternative medicine. She recently studied veterinary acupuncture at International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and passed her initial exams. Her certification is expected later this summer. Her knowledge of acupuncture and increasing knowledge of herbal remedies adds the crucial piece of eastern medicine that as a team of doctors, will access to best help the patient. Dr. Michael Meneo, VMD is a 2009 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Meneo brings to the practice, some very valuable skills and interests. In addition to traditional small animal medicine and surgery, he’s quite knowledgeable and skilled in some orthopedic procedures that the clinic used to refer to specialty hospitals, including but not limited to anterior or cranial cruciate repair and patellar luxation repair. In short, Bridgeville Animal Hospital is now proud to oﬀer traditional medicine and surgery, along with these emerging treatment modalities: digital radiography, Laser therapy, cutting laser surgery, veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and orthopedic surgical procedures. The veterinary hospital is excited to continue to evolve and add other treatment and diagnostic options in the future. This INdustry INsight was written by dr. Joanna Rubin, VMd. she is the President of the Bridgeville animal hospital. dr. Rubin graduated in 1997 from the University of Pennsylvania school of Veterinary Medicine. The Bridgeville animal hospital is located at 420 Bower hill Rd. Bridgeville, Pa 15017. Call for appointments: 412.220.9400.

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 49

R E A L E STAT E

S O U T H FAY E T T E

AN ENJOYABLE LIVING SPACE

IS AS CLOSE AS YOUR

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

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

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www.boniorthodontics.com South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 51

R E A L E STAT E

S O U T H FAY E T T E

WALKER-EWING LOG HOUSE—

More Than

200 Years of History

in Our Own Backyard Ed Snarey has a particular interest in the Walker-Ewing Log House in Settler’s Cabin Park, mainly because he can trace his lineage back to the Ewing family. He’s not alone. Members of the Pioneers West Historical Society either have a similar bond, or a love of preserving the house in general. “The initial building was started by the two Walker boys in 1762,” Snarey said. “It

“ I’m 85 years old, but I appreciate the fact that my ancestors came over here in the 1600s and 1700s.” was in the time of the French and Indian War, and from what we understand, the Walkers were chased oﬀ the property by Indians. Upstairs, there is 1762 carved into the stone. We surmise that was when it was started. We think it was finished in 1792. None of that can be oﬃcially confirmed, but that’s the best knowledge we have.” The Walker home was later given to the Ewing family as a wedding gift, Snarey said, and the Ewings finished building it in 1792. The family kept the home generation after generation until Mrs. Jane Grace, a Ewing

52 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

descendent, donated it to the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation which (according to a 1976 newsletter) planned to turn it into a “vacation, live-in museum.” However, those plans never materialized. “It was going to pot,” Snarey said. “Mrs. Grace had to go to [the foundation] and buy it back so she could turn it over to us. She’s been donating money to maintain it ever since.” And in that time, the Pioneers West Historical Society has been actively maintaining the property in earnest. “We’ve redone the roof. We resealed all of the logs. On the inside, we’ve put some new flooring in, removing a modern-day door that was put in, and put period logs back in. It was redone to make it look more like the original,” Snarey said. “[There is] a little wishing well, which has been repainted and resealed. New chinking was put in the

South SouthFayette Fayette

logs. We did a lot of work on it. And Mrs. Grace has been our benefactor. We don’t have any other projects going. We just keep that log cabin up. It’s in good shape on the inside now and the outside.” While the house isn’t open to the public

R E A L E STAT E

S O U T H FAY E T T E

After restoration

Before restoration

other than sporadic open houses, it is visible from the road. Snarey said the Pioneers West Historical Society worked extensively with Meadowcroft Village in Avella, which also has an historic period settlement that it maintains, to acquire the period building materials to make the house look as authentic as possible. “If we didn’t replace the roof, there wouldn’t be anything there,” Snarey said.

“We do have water and electric and gas and sewage, but it’s kept as old fashionedlooking as possible.” Other repairs to the property included redoing the driveway, which Snarey said became rutted over time. A mowing service keeps the property from becoming overgrown, but most other maintenance is done by the society. Even at 85, Snarey said he still checked in during the winter months to see if any work needed to be done. Fortunately, during one of those check-ins, he found a burst pipe that was caught early and repaired, resulting in no damages. “And the water company wasn’t too bad on us, so we got oﬀ lucky,” he said. “There are

only a few of us that are actually active. I’m 85 years old, but I appreciate the fact that my ancestors came over here in the 1600s and 1700s. I had an uncle killed in the Revolutionary War. The history goes back quite a bit.”

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 53

R E A L E STAT E

S O U T H FAY E T T E

by Pamela Palongue Once upon a time, they may Increase in Average Square Feet young people bought a upgrade to an house and lived there even larger, more happily ever after. End of luxurious home if story. Now an individual income allows. or couple may buy four or There are a 2000 2,200 sq. ft. five different houses in a few key lifetime and even more if considerations to 1970 1,500 sq. ft. they are working in an look at when industry where transfers buying a home 1950 happen frequently. In and upgrading it 1,000 sq. ft. today’s real estate as an investment. market, is it smart to buy Most importantly, and sell so many times? when selecting a Or is it safer to buy a neighborhood in dream home and remain there for life? which to live, take special notice of the school According to Sandy Goldstein a Pittsburgh district. Because parents want their children to be Real Estate Agent, it all depends upon the able to attend the very best schools, the school individual and the situation. Decades ago, people district is key to the area retaining its value over stayed in the same job for their entire lives. Now the long haul. Choosing an area that is safe, lowpeople may switch companies or relocate across crime and likely to the country for job opportunities. Corporate remain that way is executives may be transferred within their also important. company 10 or more times in a 25-year period. People tend to People are also basing their housing choices on gravitate their immediate needs, rather than longtoward areas term requirements. “Since 2009, I with shopping have noticed that there are fewer malls, groceries move up buyers. Most buyers and entertainment that are move up buyers are nearby as well. These ones that have out grown a elements will help small home or have ensure that your included a family member in home retains its the home,” says Goldstein. value when you are People begin their ready to sell it in a home-buying adventure in a few years. Another starter home, which may important have only two bedrooms and one bath. Then when they start a family and consideration is are more stable in their careers, they will advance to a mid-range home to accommodate the growing number of children. Eventually

54 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE

South Fayette

to make sure that you are not over-improving for your particular neighborhood if you hope to get a good return on your investment. Check comparable home prices in your area before making remodeling choices Goldstein has also pointed out that that Pittsburgh’s growing elderly population has created a need for housing that is sensitive to the mobility problems of this age group. Many older parents are moving in with children making inlaw suites more desirable. Retirees- mostly as empty-nesters don’t need as much space as a growing family. They also don’t need stairs. A type of dwelling called a “flat” has become popular. A typical flat has no basement, and the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom are all located on the ground floor. The upstairs may include one or two bedrooms and a bath for their adult children when they are visiting or residing in the home while taking care of their aging parents. Most older Pittsburgh homes do not fit this description. There were new flats being built in recent years, until 2008 when the economic recession halted new construction. In the future, with the greater numbers of elderly, this type of housing could be in short supply. Goldstein is optimistic about the current state of Pittsburgh real estate and says, “If you have a home to sell, now is the time. Inventory of homes is extremely low. The market has appreciated nicely and if the home is priced correctly, it will sell easily.”

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South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 55

South Fayette New Community Fast Becoming New Heart of the South Hills

rom virtually anywhere in South Fayette, progress on the Newbury Development can be seen. Whether you’re on Route 50, Thom’s Run, or I-79, the project has moved far beyond the earthmoving phase and has opened up Phase 2 for sales. Brett Malky, the President of EQA Landmark Communities and managing partner of Newbury Development Associates, said that the commitment to quality development in the heart of the South Hills is paying oﬀ in spades.

“We have had spectacular sales results at Newbury,” Malky said. “Our dedication to building excellence and a new kind of community demonstrate that people want projects like Newbury and not the same old subdivision. They want thoughtful design, attention to detail and a home that’s unique.” So far, 45 homes in Phase One have sold, ranging in prices from $280,000 to $1.2 million, and 10 people have already moved in and 12 more homes are under construction. In Phase Two, six of 15 homes have sold within the couple weeks of release, making

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Newbury the best-selling community in the South Hills, and one of the best in the entire Pittsburgh MSA. Newbury can oﬀer all of those aspects to homebuyers. The 325-acre, $450 million dollar, mixed-use development, underwent more than 18 months of conceptualization before work began on the site. Tennesseebased architectural firm Shapiro & Company Architects came to the South Hills to document thousands of homes, noting their architecture, design and placement on their lots. The information was distilled into a

Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0

“I love the whole concept - the way the plans were configured and the style of the houses. There are so many plans out there that have brick fronts with vinyl siding wrapped around. There’s none of that at Newbury. And when the business district is built, it will truly offer residents the whole live, work, play concept. I can’t say enough about it, really. It’s going to be a special thing. It’s going to be a real gem for the South Hills.” Dave Pirain, Newbury resident of 1 month

design for Newbury that would combine the best aspects of the architecture of the South Hills, looking like a neighborhood that’s always been there – new, yet already familiar within the surrounding municipalities. What’s more, consideration was given to South Fayette’s needs as well. Newbury not only is changing the face of South Fayette, it’s also improving on it. The main entrance to the commercial area will be oﬀ of Route 50, through the existing 84 Lumber store. Work on 84 Lumber’s new home at Newbury is nearing completion and they will be moving into their new home in the coming months. “This will have a true Main Street component complete with small shops, mom and pop retailers, restaurants and the like,” Malky said. “There will be a fountain for the kids to play in, a cotton candy kiosk and a booth playing calliope music. It’s going to have a small town feel. It will be a place to be proud of to live, work, play, dine and shop.” Newbury’s commercial district will also

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have a hotel, banks and every service imaginable with space for the national retailers, the local barber, chain vendors, and oﬃce buildings. Newbury Market is finalizing agreements of sale and leases for all the space within Phase One of the retail/commercial center. Restaurants, banks, shops, a hotel,

oﬃces, big-box and mid-box retailers will soon be announced. “We can tell you that we will have oﬃces, a hotel, banks, a grocery store, apparel and shoe stores as well as goods retailers…and as many as 5 restaurants in the first phase of Newbury continued on page 59

Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0 South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 57

Quality

Unparalleled

Every home in the United States is built to the minimum standards of a building code. That code addresses standards for safety, livability, and energy efficiency. The developer of Newbury has developed its own home performance standards to ensure that every home within its communities achieves the highest level of quality in the region, making these homes measurably better than typical code-compliant homes. Rather than default to the minimum industry standards, Newbury is committed to offering homeowners the opportunity to own a high performance home, using proven technologies and best practice construction techniques to deliver a better home. The home performance standards for Newbury were created in partnership with IBACOS (Integrated Building and Construction Solutions), a leading national research and development firm for the housing industry, and a strategic partner with EQA Landmark Communities for more than 13 years. The Newbury Home Performance Standards address the following criteria for construction quality and performance: 1. Energy – Improve the energy efficiency of the home to at least 30% better than energy code in order to reduce utility bills and ensure optimum occupant comfort. 2. Indoor Environmental Quality – Provide homeowners with better indoor air quality and a more comfortable living environment through the use of fresh air ventilation systems, high efficiency air filtration and less toxic building materials. 3. Building Durability – Build the home to last longer while minimizing the need for routine maintenance by using best practices in home construction to control the movement of water, moisture vapor and air through the home. 4. Materials & Resources – Reduce the environmental impact of the home by using sustainable building materials and efficient construction techniques. By building homes to these quality standards, Newbury is offering homeowners the benefits of improved comfort, healthier living environments, and the peace of mind of knowing that their new home at Newbury is the best home in the region. In addition, every home is built to an architectural standard and guideline at Newbury overseen by the founding architect and town architect, Brad Shapiro with Shapiro & Company Architects, Inc. Brad assures that every home in Newbury beautifully integrates with the surrounding homes to enhance the unique sense of place established by Newbury’s pedestrian-friendly master plan, community amenities, and neighborhood streetscape with sidewalks, street trees, street lights and generous front porches. And finally, a fundamental part of assuring the highest quality homes is partnering with industry leaders to assure that the best products are used in the construction of homes at Newbury. Every home at Newbury will have a high efficient, custom designed window from Andersen Windows. All exterior cladding materials will be long-lasting, durable products such as the factory finished James Hardie fiber cement siding with Colorplus Technology, natural stone or Cultured Stone®, or quality brick materials – there will be no vinyl siding at Newbury. And in addition to 10 foot ceiling as standard in every home at Newbury, all homes will benefit from two of the best product manufacturers in the industry who will be providing the appliances and plumbing fixtures for every home, namely Whirlpool Corporation and Kohler.

at Newbury

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Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0

continued from page 57 Market. We have more retailers interested in Newbury than we have space to accommodate, so we are building strong momentum with our current sales and leasing eﬀorts,” Malky said. “We also are encouraging our retailers to build in a more sustainable manner, and with ‘green’ buildings,” Malky said. “And, as with the residential component on top, everything will be tied together with sidewalks and be completely pedestrian-friendly.” In addition to all of the eﬀort prior to breaking ground, Newbury has some of the top names in the nation working on the home construction on site. Deklewa Home, Heartland Homes, S & A Homes and Stambrosky Homes all are part of the home-building team at Newbury. S& A’s Carriage homes will be completed soon, with a model opening in weeks, and Heartland townhomes will be completed this summer. What’s more, Newbury will be featuring one of the top zeroenergy homebuilders in the country to create homes on the site that will not only produce their own energy for running the household, but can actually sell power back to the electric company when the household’s power loads are at a minimum. “We’ll have our zero-energy model open this summer,” Malky said.

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“And with that, homeowners will be getting a true, solar home, producing power through solar energy. They’ll still be connected to the grid, so if the power needs of the home rise, those needs will always be met, but the home will produce energy and, homeowners may be a net producer of energy.” Creating options like the zero-energy models have been a lynchpin of Newbury’s strategy from the start, not only because the developers believe in progressive designs, but because variety has appeal among homebuyers. Comfort, indoor air quality and energy performance are assured by Newbury’s strategic partnership with Carrier Corporation. Hearth & Home assure the best performing fireplaces in the marketplace as energy performance and beauty. “Buying a home is a big decision, and a lot of people have decided that Newbury is going to be the place where they want to spend the next phase of their lives,” Malky said. “Our job is to ensure that that home serves them for decades to come, and even generations to come. We’re looking to create neighborhoods and community. Over time, these homes will be neighborhood landmarks – the house where little Jimmy Smith grew up, or the house where the Smiths have the Fourth of July block party. It takes great people to make that happen, and Newbury is attracting those people.”

Ke l l y S m i t h : 4 1 2 . 6 8 0 . 5 2 0 0 South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 59

INdustry INsight

Change Your Mind,

Move Your Body By Lisa Troyer “Positive thinking…. is the key which unlocks the doors of the world.” —Samuel McChord Crothers Scientists say that your mind processes about 60,000 thoughts every day and 95% of these thoughts are the same thoughts you had yesterday. It is certainly an amazing statistic, but we all know that our mind controls everything we do and how well we do it. They say that 70% of anything you do in life is mental. Your thoughts have a ridiculous impact on your actions. Think of the Universal Law of Attraction (“like attracts like”); positive and negative thinking bring about positive and negative physical results. We can actually ‘think’ ourselves into success or failure. We learned this early on as children. Remember the book, “The Little Engine That Could?” I think I can, I think I

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can, I think I can. And he did! So when you apply the power of your mind to exercise, what are your thoughts? With all of those thousands of thoughts swirling around in your head each day, how many of them are positive? Try creating an awareness of your thoughts each day. Catch yourself if negative ones pop into your mind and then change it. For example: A negative thought may be, “I am fat” or “I look terrible” or “I hate exercise and can’t stick to a program.” These thoughts will not help you to move your body. In fact, the result just may be that you go sit in front of the TV and have a snack. Change your mind and think positive thoughts such as; “I’ve put on weight, but I’m going to do something about it right now” or “I feel great when I’m moving my body” or “I am choosing a healthier lifestyle by hiring a personal trainer.” Changing a negative mind to a positive mind will have a dramatic impact on your life. It will boost your self-esteem and confidence and give you the motivation to get active. Once you’ve taken these first steps in changing your mind, it is now time to apply that to moving your body. Keep repeating every positive thought and word and when you truly believe them, they will shape what you will become. Don’t ever underestimate the power of your thoughts. There is just too much scientific evidence that proves that positive statements are eﬀective in improving physical health. They beat into your subconscious mind that it is time to get to work so that all of the systems of the body function properly. The positive energy that you control that flows through your physical body will get you out for a brisk walk or a trip to the gym. Get excited by envisioning your body in perfect health. Just imagine a healthier, more fit you. And if you continue to struggle, know that you can find help getting you on a solid path to moving your body. “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can….. I know I can!” Don’t wait another minute, change your mind and move it. This INdustry INsight was written by Lisa Troyer. Lisa has been in the fitness industry for more than 17 years and is the owner of Fitness Fanatics in the Great Southern Shopping Center. She currently holds four nationally recognized fitness and personal training certifications and can be reached at 412.220.4190, ext. 3 or at fitnessfanatics@verizon.net. Check out www.fitnessfanaticsinc.com for more great fitness tips.

Looks to a New Season of Smiles From the opening of the front nine in 1991, Hickory Heights has been the golf course for those who want the country club experience at an affordable price. Sam Depe, III, the owner of the club, has more than 30 years of experience as a Class A PGA Professional, and more than 28 years experience as the head pro at South Hills Country Club, so he knows the game and he knows how to treat his patrons. He also knows how important it is to be an active member of the community. Hickory Heights is the meeting place for the Bridgeville/South Fayette Rotary Club, and is the home course for the South Fayette Varsity Golf Team. All South Fayette community golf clinics are offered at Hickory Heights, so it’s a well-known course with a well-known reputation for excellence. They have many packages for golf memberships, golf outings and fundraisers. “Whether you come to Hickory Heights to play golf or dine at Sammy’s Pin High Pub, we want you to leave with a positive experience,” Depe said. “We’d love for you to come back again and again.” And come back they do – with 18 holes of championship golf, four PGA Professionals available for lessons, complete golf outing planning and a delicious lunch and dinner menu at Sammy’s Pin High Pub, Hickory Heights isn’t a course you play and leave. It’s a destination. The full golf shop has everything the big-box sports stores have including offerings from Ping, Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, Mizuno, Footjoy and Adidas. The banquet facilities on site can accommodate up to 120 people, and is perfect for rehearsal dinners, graduation parties or business meetings.

RJ Campolo, Hickory Heights’ new executive chef, will be bringing Italian delights to the club, and dining room that used to be for banquets only, has been renovated and will be opening up for general seating. Campolo, who previously was the head chef at Scoligo’s at the Pointe at Robinson, said a lot of the food will be of the same caliber and variety as Scoligo’s, with some new dishes as well. “It will be a 15- to 18-item menu with specials,” Campolo said. “And, with the grand opening of the new dining room, it will mean some major changes for Hickory Heights.” The dining room will seat 80 to 90 and be open most nights. Designed by awardwinning architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Hickory Heights was intended to be 18 beautiful holes of golf on 170 wooded acres with level landing areas, well manicured fairways and challenging greens with great views and water hazards. Scenic beauty abounds with creeks, ponds and waterfalls that provide

a challenging round of golf for all skill levels. The facility has a staﬀ of 45 employees and held 14 membership events in 2010. Depe prides himself on the fact that everyone at the club guarantees that members come first. “We manage the facility to provide courteous service,” he said. “We treat people the way they want to be treated.” That word of mouth has been paying oﬀ – Depe said golfers who haven’t played the course in years are coming back again and again, bringing their friends with them. “They’re telling their friends of the great golf experience they’re having at Hickory Heights,” Depe said. “You can’t buy advertising like that.” If you are looking to take a swing at Hickory Heights, the club is located at 116 Hickory Heights Drive, Bridgeville, PA 15017. You can call them at 412.257.0300 or check out their website at: www.hickoryheightsgc.com.

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 61

INdustry SPOTLIGHT

Hickory Heights Golf Club

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South Fayette Township Library 515 Millers Run Rd. / P.O. Box 436 Morgan, PA 15064 412.257.8660 www.southfayettelibrary.org Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

THURSDAY, JUNE 2NDSATURDAY, AUGUST 31ST Summer Reading Club. Beginning in June, sign up for summer reading at the South Fayette Township Library, and receive a free canvas bag, while supplies last. If you read for at least 2 hours a week (1520 minutes a day), you can enter a weekly drawing at the library. Prizes will be awarded every Saturday from June 18th to July 30th. If you read for at least 14 hours during the summer, you’ll receive a finishers prize, and be eligible to enter additional prize drawings. Please note that the library will be closed on June 1st while we install our new computers.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 SAVE THE DATE! 11:00-3:00 PM. Summer Reading Kickoff & Friends Book Sale. Join us for a whole day of fun as we kick off our Summer Reading Program. Programs will include a Friends Booksale (with a Texas Roadhouse barbeque, face painting and balloon animals), a How to (Car)Toon program and workshop with Joe Wos from the Pittsburgh Toonseum, and ongoing Snapology and

Preschool Science activities. A Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held at the same time at the adjacent Senior Center. Donations of Books, DVD’s, etc. for Friends Book Sale welcome. To check for updated information and register for programs, click on Events at http://www.southfayettelibrary. org or call 412-257-8660. Donations of gently used books, DVD’s, VHS tapes and other media are always welcome.

WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 13TH-JULY 29TH 3:00-4:00 p.m. Summer Bridge Workbook Club. Keep your child’s skills sharp over the summer! Every Wednesday afternoon, kids entering Grades K-4 will do a workbook activity from their Summer Bridge Activity Workbook (to be purchased by

the parent/guardian), then watch a short educational video while enjoying a snack.Space is very limited, and registration is required. Go to Events at http://www.southfayettelibrary. org

SATURDAYS, JUNE 18THJULY 23RD One World, Many Stories Book Discussion and Story Writing Workshops

Grades K-2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Grades 3-5, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Grades 6-8, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Grades 9-12, 3:00-4:00 p.m.Participants will discuss stories from the around the world, then work on their own stories. At the end of the summer, stories will be bound into keepsake “books.” A guest writer or artist will be present each week.Space is very limited, and registration is required. Go to Events at http://www.south

fayettelibrary.org or call (412) 257-8660.Bookdiscussion titles will be listed on the website.

JULY 5TH-15TH 1:00-3:00 p.m. Chess Camp. Chess Instructor, Eric Berthoud, will help kids focus on improving their chess skills through play and strategy instruction. Choose beginner (July 5-8) or intermediate (July 11-15) session. Fees (to be paid at 12 p.m. the first day of camp) are $30-35 for one child, $45-50 for 2 children, and $5560 for 3 children (in the same family). Please pre-register under Events at to http://www.southfayettelibrary. org or call (412) 257-8660.

SATURDAY, JULY 30 12:00-3:00 PM. Summer Reading Finale Party. For all ages. Come pick up your finisher’s prize and enjoy refreshments and fun activities for the whole family. Summer Reading Club finishers can enter raffles for great prizes! Check out our website at http://www.southfayettelibrary. org for moreinformation as it becomes available.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SUMMER READING PROGRAM Volunteering for summer reading can be a wonderful experience for adults and teens. Call soon, so you can get in on the planning! Please contact Jody Wilson at wilsonj@einetwork or (412) 257-8660.

South Fayette | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 63

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