FALL 2012
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
S TA F F
FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the Fall issue of IN West Allegheny magazine! As I write this, we are having one of the hottest summers on record, and it doesn’t look like the record-breaking temperatures will end just because the leaves will be changing colors soon. So while this is the fall issue, I want to reiterate some summer tips from the health department to help you stay safe in the heat. The last two points are probably the most critical because they deal with children and the elderly. • Stay cool indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. Fans don’t help much when temperatures are in the 90s. A cool bath or shower is a more effective way to cool off, if you don’t have air conditioning. Better yet, visit someplace that does, such as a senior center, theater, mall or neighbor’s house. • Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight cups a day, but avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks which actually cause you to lose more fluids. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, which add heat to your body. • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed hat provides shade and helps keep the head cool. Sunscreen can prevent sunburn, which can affect your body’s ability to cool itself and also cause a loss of body fluids. • Avoid strenuous physical activity, particularly during the hotter part of the day. • Never leave a child, or a pet, in a vehicle alone on a hot day. A child may become disoriented in just five minutes, unconscious in 10 and brain-damaged in 20. • Use the buddy system and check on the elderly and the infirm who do not have air conditioning and are less able to take care of themselves. For senior citizens, local governments also establish cooling centers to help people to beat the heat. Contact your local municipality for the one nearest you before the temperatures top 90 again. As always, enjoy your fall, IN West Allegheny! Wayne Dollard Publisher
WE WANT TO KNOW:
How did you meet your spouse?
Winter content deadline: 10/17/12
Some of the best stories we hear are how two people happened to get together. Some met in bars, some in supermarkets, others met in more unique circumstances. Send us your story of how you met your spouse. We’ll run the best ones in the next issue. Also include a photo of you and your spouse, how many years you’ve been married and when your anniversary is. Send your story to mark@incommunitymagazines. com or mail them to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. You can also fax us at 724.942.0968.
You don’t have to live with painful varicose and spider veins. Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?
Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at the end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answer questions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were very important as were the answers that were given. Here are some examples:
What is Phlebology?
Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement of this field are The American College of Phlebology and the American Venous Forum.
Why should I see a board- certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins
When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important to be proactive in the choice and research of who will become medically responsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venous disease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision. Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who has taken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often a member of organizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additional requirements set by the certifying board. After meeting these requirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him or herself as board-certified.
Is membership the same as board certification?
This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many different organizations, these organizations only require an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification where qualification is determined through training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology and those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”
I had a free screening at a health fair and was told that I don't have venous disease, but I still have aching, pain and discoloration at the ankles. What should I do?
While free screenings can be informative, remember that this is just a brief glance into a patient's venous system. A complete venous exam and venous mapping by a boardcertified phlebologist is best to determine if a patient has venous disease. Since a proper venous ultrasound is such an integral part of this evaluation, the American College of Phlebology has set requirements for it that include the following: • A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician. • A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may result in outright treatment failure. • Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters. • A ve nous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and then interpreted by a physician.
If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office?
Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ because patients are often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, most insurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questions about the second opinion being covered, contact member services on the back of your insurance card.
This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider.
724-934-VEIN (8346)
Terrance R. Krysinski, MD General Surgeon Board Certified Phlebologist Vein Institute of Pittsburgh 724.934.VEIN (8346)
INSIDE
IN West Allegheny is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the West Allegheny 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.
IN West Allegheny | FALL 2012 |
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FEATURES
Classic Cars Car Buffs Abound in the Region .............. | 12
Back to School ............................... | 30 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS ON THE COVER
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The West Allegheny Marching Band performed as Oakdale residents enjoyed diverse fun events with a carnival feel at the Oakdale Hose Company’s Annual Street Fair. See story on page 26.
The Vein Institute ........................ | 2 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Steel City Airsoft ............................. | 25 Cover photo by Kathy Rudolph
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COMMUNITY INTERESTS
West Allegheny School District News ..................................... | 4 Local Artists Showcased at PTI ................................................. | 9 Tenth Annual “Mr. West Allegheny” Pageant ....................... | 14 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ..................................... | 17 Oakdale Hose Company’s Annual Street Fair ....................... | 26 FEATURES
An Evening Under Construction Western Allegheny Community Library has Successful Fundraiser ........... | 32
Groundbreaking for Coraopolis Commissary Supporting our Military Personnel and Veterans ........................................ | 36 WE WANT TO COVER YOU! Do you have an event coming up that you’d like to publicize? Do you have an event that you want us to cover? Let us know! Go to www.incommunitymagazines.com/events and fill out the form. Events will be announced in the upcoming issue. If our deadlines don’t match yours, we may decide to send our photographers to cover the event for an upcoming issue. We’re looking for fundraisers, charity drives, social functions, class reunions, church festivals, awards presentations and more! If you’re not sure you have an event worth featuring, give us a call at 724.942.0940 and we’ll help you out!
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West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
WEST ALLEGHENY GRADUATES AND STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT FBLA NATIONAL CONFERENCE West Allegheny High School 2012 graduates Kristen Rohm and Josi Sinagoga, along with students Aubrey Leasure and Vishmayaa Saravanan placed among the top ten in the country at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference held June 29-July 2 in San Antonio, Texas. Rohm and Sinagoga’s team took fourth place in the Marketing category. The top 15 finalists in this event reviewed a case study and presented their marketing solution to a panel of judges. The team of Leasure and Saravanan received national recognition and took seventh place in the Business Ethics category. The awards were part of a comprehensive national competitive event program sponsored by FBLA that recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. For many students, the competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers. In addition to the competitions, students immersed themselves in educational workshops, visited an exhibit hall, and attended motivational keynotes on a broad range of business topics. To qualify for the national event, the
marketing team of Dave Kline, Rohm, and Sinagoga took first place at the FBLA State Leadership Conference held at Hershey, Pennsylvania in April. The team of Leasure and Saravanan took second place in the Business Ethics category at the state conference. This is the fourth consecutive year that someone from the West Allegheny High School FBLA Chapter has placed in the top ten at the national level. Pam Volakis and Julie McGough are the FBLA staff advisors. Video Production teacher Mike Shaffer chaperoned the students to the national competition.
Aubrey Leasure and Vishmayaa Saravanan, Josi Sinagoga, and Kristen Rohm.
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West Allegheny
fluidpowerpix
West Allegheny Middle School seventh graders Sarah Behr, Sai Bhatti, Garrett Powell, and Yash Lahoti won the Teamwork Championship trophy at the NFPA Fluid Power Challenge.
WEST ALLEGHENY WINS TOP
The West Allegheny Middle School team of Sai Bhatte, Sarah Behr, Yash Lahoti, and Garrett Powell took first place in the Teamwork category at the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) Fluid Power Challenge sponsored by Wojanis Supply Company May 8 at the Community College of Allegheny County. Out of the ten schools participating, West Allegheny was the only first-year contender to win in a category. A total of 80 middle school students competed to solve a problem by designing and constructing a mechanism utilizing fluid power technology. Awards were also given for best design, best portfolio, and best overall solution. The competition actually began at a workshop in April where students received the assignment of developing and building a mechanism that used hydraulics and pneumatics to lift weighted objects and place them on a platform. Back in the classroom,
they worked during their lunch period for three weeks to design a prototype and create a manual. At the competition, they were required to build the device on site using only the manual they wrote and give presentations before a panel of hydraulic professionals who served as judges. According to NFPA, the program was designed to introduce students and their teachers to the world of engineering and careers in fluid power. The challenges are intended to encourage students to select more mathematics and science courses in their high school curricula as a basis for technologybased postsecondary studies.
TEAMWORK AWARD
AT FLUID POWER CHALLENGE
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
WEST ALLEGHENY TEACHER CHOSEN AS FINALIST FOR MICROSOFT’S PARTNERS IN LEARNING U.S. FORUM West Allegheny High School business and computer technology teacher Pamela Volakis was honored by Microsoft Corporation for her innovative use of technology in the classroom. She was selected as one of 44 educators currently from 15 states to showcase the creative ways she is integrating technology in and beyond the classroom at the Microsoft Partners in Learning 2012 U.S. Forum. Taking place in Redmond, Washington, July 31 and August 1, this annual event connected and celebrated the nation’s top educators who engage students through technology. In all, Microsoft selected a total of 100, who will compete for a chance to represent the United States at Microsoft’s Global Forum this fall in Athens, Greece. Volakis was selected for her project, titled MATH BINGO, where programming students designed a learning game using XNA Framework and Microsoft Visual C#. As gaming programmers, participants were required to collaborate with teachers and other students on the project. The next step was to complete the planning process, problem-solve, and implement the game. The result was a usable end product that was beneficial to other students. For 18 years, Volakis has been teaching programming and business courses at West Allegheny High School. In addition to teaching, she is an advisor for FBLA and the technology facilitator for the high school and has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh in the College in High School program and Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Department to test teaching programming with robots (FINCHES). Prior to teaching, Volakis was a programmer in the steel industry. “I have a strong passion to teach students how to think critically and problem-solve, and being recognized by Microsoft to be among the best in my field for inspiring my students to learn through technology is a motivational force to continue my efforts,” said Volakis. “Year after year, these educators continue to impress us with their high-quality lesson plans and their creative use of technology to engage and inspire students to learn,” said Andrew Ko, general manager, U.S. Partners in Learning, Microsoft. “These educators are essential in ensuring that our students are armed with the 21st-century skills that are vital to compete in the globally competitive workforce. Microsoft’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in empowering teachers in the U.S. and around the world with the resources to help them prepare our students to become strong future leaders.” Last year, more than 250,000 applicants from more than 70 countries competed at national and regional events across the world to qualify for this worldwide competition.
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West Allegheny
West Allegheny Announces SHASDA AWArd Winners
West Allegheny high school seniors VaughnShane Camarda and Casey Tague have been selected as West Allegheny’s 2012 SHASDA Student Performance Award winners. This award is designed to recognize improvement relative to expected performance. Areas of improvement used by administrators and staff in the evaluation process include attendance, grades, achievement test scores, academic subjects, and the practical and fine arts. These students were honored at the SHASDA (South Hills Area School Districts Association) Conference on April 28, 2012, at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Senior Vaughn-Shane Camarda has been a member of chorus and concert band for four years and a member of show choir and marching band for two years. He has performed in two fall plays and five musicals starting with the kids cast of Godspell. In his senior year, Vaughn-Shane had a letter to the editor published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and was selected to perform in the finale of the Gene Kelly Awards. He plans to attend C.C.A.C. then transfer to a four-year college to major in writing and performing. Vaughn-Shane is the son of Melinda McCullough of North Fayette Township and Mark Camarda of Beechview. Senior Casey Tague enjoys exercising and has worked taking orders at Garden of Eating Pizza for two years. She plans to attend C.C.A.C. to major in massage therapy. Casey is the daughter of Joseph and Carol Tague of North Fayette Township.
photo by shasdapix
Attending the SHASDA Awards Banquet were Dr. John S. DiSanti, superintendent; Debbie Mirich, board president; Joseph Tague, Casey Tague (SHASDA honoree), Carol Tague, Melinda Camarda, Vaughn-Shane Camarda (SHASDA honoree), Sophia Mooney, guidance counselor, and Chris Shattuck, high school assistant principal.
WEST ALLEGHENY HONORS 26 SENIORS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The West Allegheny High School 2012 senior class included 26 students designated as distinguished honor graduates – summa cum laude - for their outstanding academic performance: Row 1: Kayla McGoran, Morgan Brailey, Kristina Rosus, Josi Sinagoga, Julie Hanczar,
Amanda Gannon, Ashley Niznik, Erin Rodgers, Brittany Eakin Row 2: Jocelin Teachout, Laura Victorelli, Tiffany Wiechelt, Amanda Holl, Carly Ujevich, Emily Murn, Barbara Lesko, Emily Pia, Kristen Rohm, Allison Gloor Row 3: Michael O’Donnell, David Kline, Joseph Mort, Trevor Williams,
What to do with your old electronics Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles, cameras – electronic devices are a big part of American life. In fact, Americans own an average of 24 electronic products per household, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. With technology changing so rapidly and new “it” devices hitting the market every few months, a lot of those devices get discarded quickly. That adds up to a lot of potential e-waste. Some unused electronics just collect dust, but many get thrown away. The Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent report showed that nearly 1.8 million tons of e-waste was simply trashed.
Jared DiSanti, Jonathan Grebosky, and Thomas Forse. These seniors had a 4.0 or higher grade point average and were among the top ten percent of the class. Josi Sinagoga represented these honorees at the commencement ceremony on June 1 by presenting the senior student address.
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to keep old electronics out of the waste stream. DONATE. Donations give schools, nonprofits and lower-income families access to equipment they might not otherwise afford. Before donating, check with the organization to see what they need. TRADE UP. If you are ready to upgrade to something new, ask your local electronics retailer if they have a program that lets you swap retired technology for store credit toward your purchase. RECYCLE. Electronics in nonworking condition should be recycled. Check www.Earth911.com or www.e-stewards.org to find a recycling center near you. Many states have regulations about disposing and recycling electronics. Learn more about your state’s laws at www.electronicstakeback.com. DON’T FORGET THE BATTERIES. Recycling your rechargeable batteries is another easy step you can take. Retailers also recycle rechargeable batteries. Find out more at www.Call2Recycle.org. West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
The
Little Sisters of the Poor are preparing to Celebrate their
140th Anniversary with “A Heavenly Feast.”
Tickets are $150/person
For more information, please contact Kathleen Bowser at 412.307.1268 or adevpittsburgh@ littlesistersofthepoor.org.
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On October 25, the Little Sisters will continue their celebration of 140 years of caring for the elderly poor in Pittsburgh by serving up “A Heavenly Feast” Celebrity Chef Tasting. Eight priests from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, who are celebrity chefs in their own right, will dazzle our guests with their culinary wizardry. The evening, hosted by Honorary Chair Bishop David Zubik, will take place at the newly renovated Cardinals’ Great Hall at the St. Paul Seminary. The evening will include an offering of Wines from Cana and homemade Lemoncello, special recipes from our “chefs’” own collections, a unique assortment of live auction items, and the presentation of the St. Jeanne Jugan Medal to the Sisters long-time board chair and friend, James F. Will. John Barsotti, owner of The Common Plea, will lend his expertise from over 30 years as a restaurateur in Pittsburgh and provide support to our “celebrity chefs” as they offer their splendors to over 300 guests. This event will serve as the major fundraiser for the Little Sisters of the Poor as they pursue their mission of promoting the dignity of life for so many elderly poor in our region who otherwise would not know such security and love in their final years. With the generous support of our friends and benefactors, the Little Sisters of the Poor will continue their legacy of maintaining one of the top 39 nursing homes in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.
West Allegheny
By Kathy Rudolph he large, naturally lit space resembling a hip, art gallery was the perfect venue to view the works of local artists from West Hills Art League (WHAL) at an opening reception at PTI. Guests mingled with artists and enjoyed refreshments as they viewed traditional and abstract paintings and drawings. The WHAL exhibit proved that you don’t have to travel far to view or purchase original, fine art. Monthly events like the art exhibit are offered to the community at PTI. Since 1946, PTI, which is located in Oakdale, “has grown from a small, single discipline school to a twoyear college offering more than 25 programs to 2,000 students,” according to the website. “It is great to expose our students at PTI to the wonderful artwork and artists of WHAL,” said Ruth Delach, Vice President Institutional Advancement at PTI. “We also love to bring the community into PTI to view
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West Hills Art League Displays Works of
Local Artists at PTI
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1. Marianne Youngworth with her painting, Cynthia Gilberti, President of WHAL and Bill McFarland, First President of WHAL 2. Beth Hovanec, artist with her painting and drawing 3. Keith Jones, with his painting West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
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4. Ruth Delach, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at PTI 5. Diana Harris with her painting 6. Laurie Watkins and Patty Calabrese, PTI staff members 7. Irene Ackerman with her painting 8. Nancy Sheppard, Director of Human Resources at PTI 9. Linda Headland with her painting 10. Marge Gardener with her painting 11. W. Korol Selley with her paintings
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the artwork and see what we are all about.” A volunteer organization, WHAL provides speakers, demonstrations, networking, an artist’s market on the website and various opportunities for art exhibition. New members are always welcome. They meet on the third Thursday of every month from September to May from 7 to 9 pm at Sharon Presbyterian Church Community Center on Carnot Road in Moon Township. Cynthia Gilberti is the President of WHAL. “We have some wonderful artists,” said Gilberti. There is so much hidden talent
West Allegheny
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8 in Moon Township and the surrounding areas and we’d love to have them join us. We are looking for anything that is artistic such as sculpture, photography and young artists with digital art experience.” To learn more, visit WHAL’s website at www.westhillsart.org. “You don’t have to be good in art, but you have to have a love of art,” said WHAL’s Treasurer Audra Zampogna. “That is our motto.”
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West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Car Buffs
ABOUND
in the Region
By Jonathan Barnes or some, the smell of car wax, the heat of the springtime sunshine and the strains of Fifties music take them back to their younger days. In their minds, they go back to a time when having good weather and a great car for the afternoon — and the free time to enjoy it — were all that you needed for some fun. Nostalgia lovers, dust off the Turtle Wax car polish and break out the buffer. It’s the time of year again when you can lower the convertible roof and go cruising, allowing the wind to blow through your hair, smelling the spring flowers and watching the gawkers staring at you as you roll past them in your classic car. After all, what’s the sense of having an antique car or a classic muscle car if you can’t show it off and allow others to enjoy it? Sharing the love of design, beauty and mechanics of a classic car or muscle car is part of the joy of collecting such vehicles. It also can be a quick cure for any lingering winter blues.
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The weather has warmed up— prematurely, in the eyes of some weather observers—but not too early for the many car buffs in Western Pennsylvania who have been waiting for car cruise season to begin. Car cruises are an American tradition in which owners of classic and high-performance cars meet together in parking lots and other wide-open spaces to show off their vehicles and to enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun with other car lovers. Often these events include music or entertainment and food, and sometimes, they even have races. Western Pennsylvania is home to many of these events, thanks to the many gearheads who live in the region. Here is a sampling of some of the many popular car cruises in the Pittsburgh area:
Mineral Beach
(in Finleyville) – This popular event happens every Friday night starting the first Friday in May, and often includes motorcycles as well as cars. This larger cruise usually includes several hundred cars.
West Allegheny
Wendy’s (in Peters Township, along
Rt. 19) – This cruise is every Monday night beginning April 16, and is a smaller cruise that usually has about 50 to 100 cars.
McDonald’s (Meadowlands -
Racetrack Road) – This event is held every other Saturday, beginning May 5. It is a medium-sized cruise is sponsored by The Washington Cruisers Car Club. www.washingtoncruisers.com
Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise (Wexford) – Wexford Star Lite Car
Cruise is held every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting May 25, through Labor Day. This is one of the largest weekly cruises in the region, and usually has more than 1000 cars attending each week. The Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is free and is hosted and presented by North Way Christian Community. www.starlitecarcruise.com
Ultimate Car Cruise
(Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills)—Every Wednesday from
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 16 through October. This cruise and many others can be found listed at their website. www.carcruises.com
Flashlight Drags (Waynesburg)
– Features a car show, a car cruise, a vendor’s midway, music, food and more. The idea behind this event sprang from the need for local hot rodders to have a place to legally and safely race each other. The essence of the event is providing a safe environment in which to enjoy the excitement of street racing, with an equal measure of nostalgia—which is where the antique and classic cars displayed at the event make their greatest impact. www.flashlightdrags.com
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix International Car Show
(Schenley Park, Pittsburgh) – Held every July and touted by international media including National Geographic magazine, the Vintage Grand Prix once hosted competitive races between racers in vintage cars around the park’s winding roads, but for years the entire event has been for show, and as always, still benefits charity. More than 2,000 cars, many of them very high-end, will be displayed at the event, in which all makes of car are welcome. Held annually since 1983, the Vintage Grand Prix has raised more than $2.75 million to benefit autistic and developmentally
disabled people. All local car cruises are weather-dependent. Check the web sites for each cruise regularly to determine if a cruise will be held when foul weather could be imminent. While each car cruise is unique in its location and the makeup of vehicles, owners, and attractions, every car buff comes to the hobby by his or her own path. It could have started with a secret childhood yearning for a hotrod, or by catching a glimpse of something extraordinary in a shop window, seen totally by happenstance. Like a lover retelling the story of his romance, each classic car owner has a tale to tell about how he and his car were united.
1965 Chevy Corvair Convertible All Chuck Schreiber of North Fayette wanted when he retired was a red convertible as benefaction for the 50 tough years of working as an engineer. In 2007, his desires would manifest as he retired from NES Equipment Company in Butler and treated himself to a red 1965 Chevy Corvair convertible. The Corvair is the 70-year-old widower’s most prized possession and the envy of his two adult sons who live in Erie. “I think they can’t hardly wait for me to die so they can get the car,” he said, laughing. “It really is a very nice car.” Schreiber found the car in the classified ads and immediately jumped on the opportunity. It was well-kept with some recent body work and a new paint job. Photos and text But that didn’t stop the retired engineer from taking by Brady Ashe it a step further by installing a new suspension system and brake lines. He also had a Corvair guru in Stoneboro a really nice classic driver. I’ve put completely rebuild and reinstall the car’s flat-six piston engine before most of my retired life into the car. I he personally replaced the convertible’s top. absolutely love it.” The North Fayette man takes the ’65 Corvair out for a spin every chance he gets when the weather permits and said he hasn’t had to put the top up for rain since May as he diligently monitors the local weather. Schreiber hits the local car cruise scene throughout the South Hills area two to three times a week. He frequents the popular hot rod gathering at Mineral Beach in Finleyville, the weekly cruise at Quaker Stake and Lube off Route 51 and the more intimate Slovene National Benefit Society’s cruise on Sundays. “It’s not a show car or anything like that,” Schreiber said, “but it’s
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
A night of Talent, Creativity & Fun Six West Allegheny High School Seniors Compete in 10th Annual “Mr. West Allegheny” Pageant By Kathy Rudolph ix West Allegheny High School seniors, Dylan Bongiorni, Jared DiSanti, Nabeel Haque, Dave Kline, Levi Seifert and Evan Story, did their “best to impress” at the 10th Annual Mr. West Allegheny Pageant held at West Allegheny High School Auditorium. Judges Doug Murdoch, Jessica Conforti, Jennifer Fox and Michelle Matoney rated the contestants in the categories of sports/ casual wear, formal wear, and talent. The awards included first place and “Mr. Congeniality.” Senior members of the National Honor Society Michelle Bartha, Emily Murn, Ethan Schweinsberg, Laura Victorelli and Rebecca Will planned and executed the event with the help of Suzanne Lambert, West Allegheny High School biology teacher and the faculty sponsor for the National Honor Society. Some of their responsibilities included recruiting the prospective contestants, publicizing the event, obtaining an emcee, and convincing business sponsors to provide prizes and a crown for the winner, according to the school website. “This year, the National Honor Society has decided to donate the admissions from the pageant to the local Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Lambert. “The monies will go to a local person who is approved. I think that is special.” The contestants opened up the show with a hilarious dance performance to the latest pop hits that featured difficult flips and choreographed moves while wearing fluorescent workout wear from what looked to be the 1980s. They also graced the catwalk in formal fashions by MW Tux, “voguing” across the stage, accompanied by escorts in lovely gowns. From interviews and talents displayed on a big screen, the contestants showcased their creative sides. One contestant impersonating a teacher/ judge on the panel got big laughs from the crowd. The audience also enjoyed the performance of Nabeel Haque, who starred in a short film about eating a brownie that gave him super powers. All of the contestants deserved awards for effort, but Jared DiSanti won the 2012 title of “Mr. West Allegheny.” His poignant piano performance of Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection” with the help of his father, John S. DiSanti, West Allegheny School District superintendent, wowed the crowd. Levi Seifert was close behind, winning the “Mr. Congeniality” title.
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Make Back to
n the rush to get everyone off to school, it’s easy to fall into a food rut, serving the same things for breakfast, lunch and snacks. But with some inspiration and a little planning, going back to school can taste a whole lot better than it used to. To make things even more fun, have the kids help with these recipes and ideas. Once they get the hang of it, they can experiment with new ingredients and do it themselves, taking one more thing off your to-do list. BREAKFAST: Start the day off with pizza — Breakfast Pizza, that is. This recipe layers eggs, cheese, turkey bacon, hash browns, sour cream and guacamole on your favorite pita or flatbread. Kids can make it as hot or as mild as they like. It’s a great way to sneak in avocados’ 20 vitamins and minerals, and it will give them energy to get going on their busy day. LUNCH: Skip the same old sandwiches and liven up the lunchbox with these tasty creations. Try a Tortilla Wrap made with chicken, Wholly Salsa, Wholly Guacamole and a hint of lime juice. Experiment with different kinds of tortillas, from whole wheat or sundried tomato, to spinach or jalapeño. For a full-of-flavor favorite, make a Mexican Turkey Torta. Thin turkey slices get topped with a zesty black bean and corn relish, crisp lettuce and your favorite guacamole. To help keep all the delicious flavors inside the roll, hollow it out a bit so the other ingredients don’t fall out. AFTER SCHOOL SNACK: Whether they need something to hold them over until dinner or a quick bite on the way to practice, these Wrap It Ups will do the trick. Turkey, garlic and herb spread, Havarti cheese, guac, lettuce and tomato get wrapped up in a tortilla or flatbread, then sliced into bite-sized swirls of deliciousness. Make them ahead of time, then just slice when it’s time to enjoy. Get more back to school inspiration — including quick-fix dinner recipes for busy school nights — at www. eatwholly.com. BAN THE BORING LUNCHBOX Keep school lunches interesting — and healthier — by including something nutritious to munch on. Guacamole and salsa are perfect for dipping into, and individually portioned packs of all natural Wholly Guacamole and Wholly Salsa are the perfect fit for a lunch box. Here are some “and” options to make lunch something fun to dip into:
Guacamole and… Zucchini sticks Baby carrots Whole grain pretzels Sweet potato chips
Salsa and… Blue corn chips Sliced jicama Cucumber slices Baked pita chips
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School Taste Better
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WRAP IT UPS
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UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Get Ready for Fall Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
What’s Inside 2
Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level
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Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
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A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
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Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
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Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship
© 2012 UPMC
Elevating Cancer Surgery for Women to a New Level Robotic surgery is transforming the treatment of gynecologic cancers with minimally invasive techniques that offer greater precision and promote faster healing.
For women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial (uterine), and early ovarian cancer, the use of minimally invasive robotic surgery is offering impressive results. “The robotic surgical system is truly revolutionizing the way we operate on certain cancers,” says Alexander Olawaiye, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and director of robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy. Also certified to perform robotic surgery at UPMC Mercy is gynecologic oncologist Wayne Christopherson, MD.
Enhanced clarity and precision With robotic surgery, surgeons also get a magnified, threedimensional view of the inside of the body — up to 12 times what the human eye can see. “That enhanced vision allows us to navigate with far greater precision around delicate internal organs, nerves, and large blood vessels,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “We’re able to see and dissect tissue and lymph nodes more thoroughly, which allows us to do a better job of removing any cancerous growths.” While surgeons applaud the robot’s surgical applications, patients appreciate the benefits it offers after surgery. “Because the incisions are small, there is less bleeding, less pain, and less risk of infection,” explains Dr. Olawaiye. “Most patients go home the day after surgery and return to their regular activities in a week or two.” The most advanced surgical care for all types of cancers is available to patients at the UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC Mercy. To learn more about all the cancer services and treatments offered at UPMC Mercy, visit UPMCMercy.com and click Our Services.
How robotic surgery works
Traditionally, women with gynecologic cancers faced a 12to 14-inch open incision that often involved weeks of recovery. Laparoscopic surgery offered patients a less invasive option, but its stick-like instrument often limited a surgeon’s range of motion. With today’s robotically assisted surgery, the robot becomes an extension of the surgeon’s hands, offering flexibility and a 360-degree range of motion that’s virtually impossible for humans to achieve. “We’re able to manipulate the tips of the surgical instrument at highly unusual angles,” says Dr. Olawaiye. “That gives us critical access to very compact and limited areas of the body.”
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Once you are put to sleep, your surgeon generally makes a series of small incisions (“ports”) in your abdomen. The number and size will vary based on your condition. A surgical cart is then attached to the ports, and specialized instruments are inserted into your body. Your surgeon controls the movements of these instruments from a nearby consol, using controls to guide the surgery. Your surgeon is always in charge — the robot moves only as directed.
Typical benefits of robotic surgery for select gynecologic cancers • Smaller incisions • Minimal scarring • Reduced blood loss
• Less pain • Shorter hospital stays • Faster recovery
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Give Your Back a Break Tips that can help you avoid back pain. Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away. Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.
Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.
What is PRP therapy? PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
Who should use PRP therapy? “PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds. To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following: Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier. Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles. Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either. Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load. Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt. Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if: • You have pain after a fall or injury. • You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. • The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. • The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss. Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today. Source: National Institutes of Health
It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including: • Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.
Is PRP therapy covered by insurance? Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.” For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.
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A Partnership of Hope and Transformation Every year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.
Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cuttingedge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).
A network like no other UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC Mercy — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients. “One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”
Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts “Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.
p UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.
“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter. “From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”
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“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”
Pillar I: Clinical Care From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include: • Conventional chemotherapy • Stem cell transplants • Biological therapy
• Targeted therapies • Hormone therapy • Perfusion therapy
Pillar III: Research UPCI physicians and scientists are recognized leaders in molecular and medical oncology research. Their primary goal is to discover new ways to prevent, treat, and cure all types of cancer, particularly those with the lowest survival rates. Working hand-in-hand with UPMC CancerCenter, UPCI’s investigators strive to translate their research into actual treatment. More than 300 clinical trials now underway at UPCI give patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they are broadly available. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 12th most-funded cancer research institution, UPCI received more than $174 million in support in 2011. UPCI is also western Pennsylvania’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. p Mark Sosinski, MD, a nationally recognized lung cancer specialist who joined the UPMC CancerCenter and UPCI team in 2011, says “This was a good fit for me and my research, but the strong leadership really stood out.”
The UPMC CancerCenter radiation oncology network includes 16 community-based radiation oncology centers and 10 dual radiation and medical oncology centers. Many of these sites offer innovative, advanced technology that allows for more precise tumor imaging and radiation treatment. The surgical oncology network specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including many rare and difficult tumors. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians has attracted national attention for work in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery; specialized procedures, such as the pancreatic Whipple; and regional perfusion therapy, which directs high concentrations of chemotherapy to the tumor site.
Pillar II: Specialized Care For patients with challenging or late-stage cancers, UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center is a beacon of hope and innovation. It is home to internationally regarded surgical, medical, and radiation oncology specialists who perform treatments and procedures unavailable elsewhere in the region. Hillman also has the area’s most advanced imaging technologies to detect cancer and monitor treatment. Nationally ranked Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features dedicated and comprehensive women’s cancer care, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. For patients with hard-to-treat cancers, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter offer disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics called Specialty Care Centers (SCC) designed to provide quick access to leading specialists. Many SCC reviews are done over the Internet, eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer is provided at the highly-ranked Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
Hillman Cancer Center Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary When the Hillman Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002, it was hailed as an architectural gem — its spectacular, glass-block walled atrium serving as a symbolic link between research and patient care. Today, Hillman Cancer Center is the treatment and research flagship of the growing UPMC CancerCenter network. A 350,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center, Hillman is home to UPMC CancerCenter’s pre-eminent clinical care for patients and UPCI’s internationally recognized academic and research programs. Here, patients and their families have access to specialized cancer diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment, including multidisciplinary outpatient stem cell transplant services. Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under construction at Hillman Cancer Center. u
Opening in January 2013, the new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans, and long-term follow-up services to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood malignancies. For more information, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
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Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests New state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.
It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care. That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.
“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”
Emphasizing patient and family-centered care Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television. “Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”
p The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.
“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.” Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent. “Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.
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Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact. “We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.” Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee. The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing. q
Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship Whether you have a minor concern or a more serious medical issue, your primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense in getting well and staying well. If you don’t already have a PCP, it’s best to find the right one before you get sick.
A trusted partner in your good health “It’s important to have a relationship with a PCP you trust and are comfortable with, even when you feel great,” says Jorge Lindenbaum, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and medical director of the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic. By getting to know you and your health history, your PCP can provide you with the best care possible.
Someone to watch over you Research indicates that people who have an ongoing relationship with a PCP are healthier than those without one. “Personalized care leads to patient trust, and that is vitally important in the doctor-patient relationship,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Patients who trust their doctors are shown to have improved outcomes, such as better control of their diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. If you need advanced care, your PCP is the most effective and efficient link to medical specialists, or advanced services or treatments. “For patients and their families, having a PCP to coordinate their care with specialists and other providers is a huge relief,” adds Dr. Lindenbaum. Since early detection can minimize the impact of many illnesses, your PCP will recommend screenings, including annual physicals, Pap tests, breast examinations and mammograms; prostate screenings, and colonoscopies. “Without a PCP, you might ignore important health maintenance issues,” he says.
Finding Dr. Right A PCP can be a family medicine physician, internal medicine specialist, pediatrician, or obstetrician/gynecologist. With so many types of PCPs, how do you choose? For many adults, internal medicine specialists or family practitioners are their PCP of choice. These physicians are equipped to deal with all kinds of health problems, whether simple or complex. “The benefit of having access to highquality, comprehensive care at one convenient location is something patients really appreciate,” says Dr. Lindenbaum. Two new physicians recently joined Lindenbaum Perryman and Associates-UPMC and are accepting new patients. Kelly Chaney, DO, an internal medicine specialist, earned her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisberg, W.Va., and completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. John Wohar, DO, also completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Mercy. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaney, Dr. Wohar, or any UPMC physician, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Did You Know? Back-to-school and sports physicals as well as vaccinations for children of all ages are available at the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic, located at 2000 Mary St. Appointments aren’t needed, and parking is free and plentiful. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 412-488-5705.
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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 information 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.
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
OAKDALE HOSE COMPANY’S ANNUAL STREET FAIR
Week of Entertainment and Fun Supports Company Mission To Keep Residents Safe
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By Kathy Rudolph he charming, business district of Oakdale was the perfect setting for a street fair with an old-fashioned, carnival feel that provided neighbors of all ages with many diverse and fun events and was courtesy of the Oakdale Hose Company.
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The week of entertainment ran the gamut from the “Hogs for Hoses Annual Bike Run” to a parade featuring area volunteer fire departments and the West Allegheny Marching Band. A patio filled with food booths and a beer garden was the perfect place to watch live, area bands at the stage across the street, including The HEDGG
Band, Mansfield 5, Justin Fabus Band and many others. Games and a bounce house were fun for families and raffles kept it exciting and provided a great opportunity to give back to the company. The street fair benefitted the volunteer fire department’s operating fund, including equipment, insurance, building costs and
other fees. The event took about three months to plan and two weeks to set-up. The company has 30 members with 16 of those that answer fire calls. Bill Hartman, Jr. is the chief of Oakdale Hose Company. “It’s great to have the community come together at the street fair and it also really helps us,” said Chief Hartman. “We are a 100% volunteer company and receive no funding from the borough, so every cent that we raise goes towards the fire department.” Other ways of fundraising include a monthly bingo that is held at the Oakdale Community Center for six months out of the year. The company also welcomes donations and volunteers to help organize fundraising events or answer fire calls. More information can be found on the company’s website at oakdalehosecompany.org. West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
Oakdale Celebrates I I Memorial Day I Parade to Pays Tribute to Those Who Have Served Our Country
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riends and neighbors came out to honor those who have given their best in service to our country at the Oakdale Memorial Day parade. The town resembled a movie set, with American flags swagged across storefronts and vibrant flowers planted everywhere, as the enthusiastic crowd waved flags when the parade passed by on Main Street.
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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII The celebration included veterans leading the parade, followed by the mayor of Oakdale, Paul Hennemuth, the Boy Scouts, Daisies, Oakdale Youth League and other community groups. The West Allegheny High School Band provided great music and Oakdale and other local volunteer fire departments showed off their fire and rescue vehicles. Once the parade progressed to the war memorial, there was a ceremony that included Bill Gamble as master of ceremonies, a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and a poignant rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Shane Trealor, an 11-year-old West Allegheny talent who performs regionally and nationally. Refreshments followed at the Community Center, ending a morning of tribute to all who have given service to our country. To learn more about Oakdale’s upcoming events, visit the borough website at www.oakdaleborough.com. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
The Fall is not just a time of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s a time when the dormant diesel engines of the school buses fire up, SAT applications and college inquiry letters are sent, and students return to college campuses across the nation. In the United States, education is a $900 billion a year business, and that investment, either by the federal and state government, parents and students themselves via student loans, is a testament as to how important learning is to making a name for yourself in the world. Fortunately, for individuals and the economy as a whole, everyone is different and educational opportunities abound for people no matter what their interests or aptitudes. ★ College: College remains one of the most traditional avenues for graduated high school students to pursue. Colleges can be public or private and offer two-year or four-year degrees. While post-secondary education is not a requirement for securing work, those who obtain a college degree can expect estimated lifetime earnings of $2.1 million, according to the US Census Bureau. A master’s degree boosts that to $2.5 million, a professional degree averages $4.4 million, and a doctoral degree $3.4 million. High
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school graduates are estimated to earn just $1.2 million over the course of their lifetime, according to the same report. ★ Trade Schools and Vocational Careers: While vocational training can start in high school, thanks to regional vocational/technical centers that serve school districts, post-high school programs can take graduates from apprentices to masters of their field. What’s more, vocational programs aren’t like they used to be in the latter half of the 20th Century. Today’s vocational schools still cover trades such as carpentry, plumbing and stonemasonry, but they also excel in specialty fields such as computer networking, HVAC, and robotics. ★ Online Learning: Online learning is a relatively new form of degree program using the power of the Internet to bring students and schools together. Also known as E-learning or distance education, online programs have brought some big names into the fold as Harvard and MIT recently joined forces, offering a variety of free, online courses. Online education typically costs less than bricks and mortar schools. ★ Financing Education: No matter where you end up after high school, chances are you’re going to need to take out a few loans to make your goals attainable. Student loans come in a variety of forms ranging from federal to private. Scholarships often are attainable for eligible students, and are nice to have, but realistic students
Our Back to School shouldn’t expect to garner enough scholarship money to cover their entire academic career. Programs such as the Federal Stafford Loan can offset up to $23,000 of tuition, which can be increased to $46,000 if parents do not qualify for the Parent PLUS program. The downside to student loans is that you will be graduating with substantial debt to pay down. The upside, however, is that student loan interest rates are generally low, tax deductible and the loans themselves can be deferred until you are in a position to make payments on them, such as the time necessary for you to find a job. ★ Benefits of tutoring services: One of the keys to acquiring scholarships is good grades. While that’s totally on the student to achieve, there are many services available that can help that student put in the extra effort to make the grade. From SAT preparation centers to study centers that cover a broader range of curricula, these investments are well worth the cost if the result is several thousand dollars coming off your tuition bill because you got a 4.0 versus a 3.8 GPA. ★ Private Schools: Private Schools: If a student needs more attention or one-on-one help from teachers, private schools might be a good option. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of private school tuition tends to be around $17,441. ★ Benefits of Preschools: When it comes to early cognitive development, researchers have found that that children who attend preschool tend to show higher intelligence quotients than those who do not, according to Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Although sending your child to preschool can help them academically, it also improves their early social skills. Preschool is the time when children become aware of sharing and learning how to interact with one another. The classroom gives the young students a friendly, safe environment that allows them to grow and prepare for the later education in kindergarten and Grade School. Children who attend preschool are usually between 3-5 years old.
PARTNERS
Parkway West Career and Technology Center offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate employment and the ability to earn advanced placement credits at many community colleges, Parkway West CTC 412.923.1772
technical schools, colleges and/or universities. Students from 12 sending districts can attend half-day sessions at no cost. Benefits for students include the ability to earn industry certifications, membership in nationally recognized organizations, and co-operative education. Go to www.parkwaywest.org for more information!
No matter what your path in life may be, being prepared academically for that path is the key to future success.
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
An Evening...
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Under Constuction
n August 10 the Western Allegheny Community Library hosted a sophisticated evening of wine tasting, dinner, music, auctions and glimpses of the new library for a crowd of more than 220 library supporters at An Evening…Under Construction. Through ticket sales, auction bids and donations, the library raised approximately $24,000. Money raised will go to building renovations for the new facility. The space, under construction, was adorned with the colors of the new library logo, green and purple, and sparkled with Christmas lights. The silent and Chinese auctions which held items such as vacations, notebooks, televisions, jewelry, and sports memorabilia were wildly popular. Music was provided by the local band the RPGs. The MC for the evening, West Allegheny High School Football coach Bob Palko, joked that even though he might be a football coach he does actually read a lot of books (just about football.) Coach Palko passed the mic to Board of Trustees president Pam Perry who gave a teary thank you to all who attended and spoke of the Board’s dream for our new space and presented thank you plaques to the three supporting communities. All who attended enjoyed the full buffet dinner and desserts as well as wine for the evening provided by Kavic and Volant Mill Wineries. There is a critical need for a new
library in our community— one that meets the demands of today’s changing society and the residents of these communities realize this and came out with overwhelming support of the event. Our library serves the patrons not only with books but with computers to search for jobs, perform research for term papers; space for tutors to meet with students; as well as countless other functions. The new facility boasts three times more space and will offer ample space for programming and collection space. Plans include upgrades that will create a state-of-the-art library – your imaginarium.
WESTERN ALLEGHENY COMMUNITY LIBRARY HITS THE NAIL ON THE HEAD n May, the Library purchased a 14,500 square foot WITH SUCCESSFUL facility, located at 181 Bateman Road. The new facility provides an increase of more than 10,000 FUNDRAISER square feet from the 4,000 square foot space in which the
32 724.942.0940 to advertise
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Library is currently housed. “It has taken us quite literally years to bring the dream of a new library to fruition,” said Perry. “This larger facility will provide the space, independence and accessibility we so desperately need to provide services
to our library patrons.” However, this is not the end of the dream; it is only the beginning. The space, formerly an old office building, is segmented into small offices and needs a lot of renovations to open it into a space that can properly serve this community. The money for the renovations is hoped to be raised by the board over the next year. The down payment for the building was funded with support from North Fayette and Findlay townships. The previous owner of the building, DMC Imperial Associates, LLC, decreased the cost with a gift of $13,000. The total cost of the project renovations is expected to reach over $800,000. The Library plans to raise the needed funds through a community campaign that kicked off with A Special Evening Under Construction. This special fundraising event was modeled after the Library’s successful wine tasting events, but was hosted in the new facility while it is still being renovated.
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he operations of the Western Allegheny Community Library are funded in part through ongoing support from the three communities it serves – Findlay, North Fayette and Oakdale. In 1988, four friends met to discuss the formation of a library in their community and the Western Area Friends to Establish a Library (W.A.F.E.L.) was born. Their plans came to fruition when the Library was officially established in 1990 with 2,400 square feet and a collection of 3,400 books in its current location in the North Fayette township Community Center. Over the last 20 years the Library has grown its collection to 43,000 items housed in 4,000 square feet. Using every bit of available space, the books are stacked both vertically and laterally on top of the vertical shelves. New books are placed in piles on the floor until space can be made to get them into circulation. In the children’s section, children struggle to reach books on shelves that are over six feet high. With no private space available, tutoring and meetings must take place in public areas. Only very limited technology is available for Library patrons. The Western Allegheny Community Library Board of Directors will use this new facility to bring the Library up to date with technology and current trends in library services. The goal is to make it one of the best and most frequently visited community service organizations in the area. Ideas on the drawing board for the new facility include a coffee shop, meeting rooms including rentable program space with a kitchenette, a media center, laptop and desktop computers, self- checkout, outdoor space, child appropriate facility and furnishings in the children’s area, and a specialized story time space. The final plan is still under development and will depend on available funding. In these planning stages, the Board is focused on not just content and collections but perhaps more importantly, people and interactions. With this new facility, the Western Allegheny Community Library is hoping to create opportunities for people to come and experience life…to truly let their imaginations grow!
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he mission of the Western Allegheny Community Library is to provide the resources that bring the world to our community. The library is designed as an imaginarium for the Findlay, North Fayette and Oakdale communities – a place devoted to the imagination. Open seven days a week with programs, materials and events for children, middle grades, teens and adults, the Western Allegheny Community Library is a welcoming place where people want to be and ideas come alive. For more information call 724.695.8150 or visit our website at www.westernalleghenylibrary.org.
CREATING BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY SMILES
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www.boniorthodontics.com West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
PARKWAY WEST CTC
D’Amore places first in a statewide collision repair competition
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s our nation’s labor market slowly recovers from the current economic downturn, the importance of postsecondary education and technical skills training grows more prevalent each day for young people seeking employment in the cutthroat workforce. Derek D’Amore, a West Allegheny High School senior and student at Parkway West Career and Technology Center, is one of millions of high school students who spend half their schooldays at vocational training centers honing their labor skills. Like most career fields, the demand for employment far outweighs the amount of quality jobs available and the competition is stiff. But D’Amore, 18, stepped out of the ominous shadow cast by the millions of anxious craftspeople this summer when he placed first in a statewide collision repair competition through SkillsUSA, a national partnership of students, teachers and industry professionals
which works to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The 90-minute competition required its 19 participants to showcase their ability and knowledge of four different types of sheet metal repair on a Toyota fender. “When I heard the third and second Derek D’Amore place winners, I didn’t think I placed,” D’Amore said. “But when they announced that I won, my teacher and I made eye contact and I jumped so high my head felt like it was two inches from the ceiling.” The state champion qualified for the
Five Finish in National Competition Top 10
Parkway West Career and Technology Center students were among those representing the state of Pennsylvania in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Missouri June 24-27. The students qualified for the national competition by placing first in their events in April at the state-wide competition in Hershey, PA. The team of James Latimer, graduate of the Sto-Rox school distrct, plus David Ball and Rachel Zolkiewicz, both graduates of the Montour school district, placed 4th in the Entrepreneurship team competition for the second year in a row! James and David will be majoring in business at Robert Morris University in the fall, while Rachel will major in business at the Community College of Allegheny County. Seattle Buhite, from the West Allegheny school district, placed 5th in the Health Occupations Portfolio event. Seattle recently graduated and will be attending CCAC this fall to become a registered nurse. Derek D’Amore placed 10th in the Collision Repair Technology competition. Derek is a senior and a varsity football player at West Allegheny High School and knows that a career in the automotive industry is in his future. James, David, Rachel, Seattle, and Derek are examples of students who have truly benefitted from their decision to enroll in a career and technical education program at Parkway West CTC. Their experiences competing at the state and national level have provided them with a perspective on excellence that will be a positive influence on them for the rest of their lives. Congratulations to them for their Pictured from left to right, front row: SkillsUSA achievements and commitment to their Advisor/Business Technology Instructor, Lisa Love, chosen fields of study! Seattle Buhite, and Rachel Zolkiewicz. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit student Pictured from left to right, back row: David Ball, organization that serves students enrolled Derek D’Amore, James Latimer, SkillsUSA Advisor/ in career and technical education programs Auto Body Repair Instructor, Todd Kieffer nationwide. 34 724.942.0940 to advertise
West Allegheny
competition after winning an in-house Parkview contest and district competition consecutively. The state victory earned him a bid for a similar national contest where he placed 10th out of 42 contestants. D’Amore is fond of the SkillsUSA program because of the skills taught and hands-on experience afforded to him that’s applicable to the workplace. The WAHS senior currently moonlights at the Woltz and Wind Ford auto body shop in Heidelberg. “Without the knowledge and support of my [SkillsUSA] sponsors at Parkview, I definitely wouldn’t be qualified to do all the collision repair and auto body work I do at my job,” the 18-year-old said. Through SkillsUSA at Parkview, D’Amore has sharpened his skills by helping paint three police cars, completely restoring a jeep, installing a custom body kit on a 2003 BMW M3 and repainting a Scion TC with a two-tone black and orange custom finish. Aside from the tangible skills acquired through the program, D’Amore said its instilled in him the importance of time management under deadlines and time constraints as well as how to efficiently work with clients and coworkers. SkillsUSA is also an effective networking tool and has paved the way for several opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to the high school student. His first-place victory in the state competition earned him a full-ride scholarship to Ohio Technical College and, not even halfway through his senior year, he’s received numerous job offers including one from his current employer which has offered him a full-time staff position. “Skills has kind of opened up this whole other world for me and I’m really grateful for that,” D’Amore said. “It seems like something new opens up for me at every competition. It’s crazy.” D’Amore, who plays offensive line and inside linebacker for the WAHS football team, plans on competing in the SkillsUSA competitions again this year. He anticipates he will once again win the state competition and hopes he’ll be able to draw on last year’s experience to place higher at the national level. “I know what I did right and what I did wrong this year,” he said. “I know what to do to win it’s just a matter of going out and executing.”
PARKWAY WEST CTC
Automotive Training Center awards scholarship money
Congrats to Derek D’Amore (left) from Auto Body Repair/West Allegheny for being awarded $10,000 for placing 1st, and to Jesse Straffon (right) from Auto Body Repair/Moon Area for being awarded $6,000 for placing 2nd during the State SkillsUSA competition! The scholarship money was awarded by Automotive Training Center.
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
Groundbreaking for Coraopolis Commissary:
y r a it il M r u o g in t r Suppo s n a r e t e V d n a Personnel By Kathy Rudolph Tough economic times have hit most Americans hard. But for a service member that is transitioning to civilian life, a young, military family surviving on a small income or a disabled veteran with limited resources, saving 30% on a week’s worth of groceries can mean everything. A groundbreaking ceremony for Coraopolis Commissary is helping to make this a reality for active and retired military personnel and their families within a hundred mile radius from its location to other areas in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Replacing the C.E. Kelly SF Commissary in Oakdale, the Coraopolis Commissary will be will be adjacent to the 316th US Army Reserve in Moon Township, at the intersection of University Boulevard and Business 376, by the old Pittsburgh International Airport. The 43,000 square foot store will cost $15 million dollars and will be completed in the Fall of 2013. The commissary will house produce, meat, grocery departments, an international delicatessen and bakery, ready-made foods and will carry over 18,000 items sold at cost plus a 5% surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Its location will also be convenient for military personnel and veterans traveling to shop from West Virginia and Ohio. Many responsible for the commissary participated and gave speeches at the groundbreaking ceremony included Maj. Gen. William D. Razz Waff, Commanding General, 99th RSC, U.S. Senator Robert Casey, U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy, U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire, U.S. Congressman Mark Critz, U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle, Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Chief Executive and Joseph Jeu, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Defense Commissary Agency. “This will be a great facility for all of our 36 724.942.0940 to advertise
military, active and reserve, families and retirees,” said Maj. Gen. William D. Razz Waff. “It is no secret that our service members today shoulder the burden of protecting our nation on a daily basis, yet their paid compensation is not always the same as their civilian counterparts. To compensate for this difference we have services and facilities such as the commissary and PX to assist them in stretching their dollars. Our service members rely on these benefits so they can make Mr. Rich Fitzgerald, U.S. Congressman U.S. Senator ends meet and we owe it Allegheny County Jason Altmire Robert Casey to them to make sure these Chief Executive are readily available.” Planning for the commissary came after the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) announced in 2005 that it was closing the Charles U.S. Congressman U.S. Congressman U.S. Congressman E. Kelly Support Facility in Tim Murphy Mark Critz Mike Doyle Oakdale. The past and present congressional delegation fought in bipartisanship for six years to keep the facility open, get approval by The Department of Defense, and secure the funds needed to build the new commissary, which finally came to fruition in 2011. “Members of the military make enormous Mr. Joseph Jeu, Maj. Gen. William sacrifices on behalf of our country,” said Director and Chief D. Razz Waff, Congressman Murphy, of the 18th district, Executive Commanding which includes Moon Township, where the General, 99th RSC commissary is being built. “But hunger should $27,000 dollars a year and that 30% savings not be one of them. Nearly $88 million dollars on groceries goes a long way towards keeping in food stamps are redeemed at commissaries children and families fed. They are an integral last year. People in the military rely on these part of this military compensation system.” affordable groceries to make ends meet and The commissary will be operated by some of these folks have fallen on hard times. The Defense Commissary Agency, which Some military households are getting by on
West Allegheny
is headquartered at Fort Lee, VA. More information can be found on the website at www.commissaries.com. “This event today is a testament to perseverance and dedication that our men and women in the military have been doing for generations,” said Senator Bob Casey. “This groundbreaking today speaks volumes about that kind of commitment and perseverance. When we think of ways to express our gratitude to our military, it is very difficult to achieve that. It is rare when we can take a step which will give meaning to that gratitude. This is one of those days.”
Carmen Cook, helped free Dachau, the first Nazi death camp, and Roxanne Buckels
Bryan Peterson and Captain Troy Luster
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
SEDATION DENTISTRY Do you wish you could achieve the perfect smile in a calm, comfortable, and soothing atmosphere? Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for patients too afraid to go to the dentist and receive necessary routine dental care. The term “dental phobic” is all too common and potentially compromises the health of a patient’s mouth and smile. If you fall into this category, don’t worry you are not alone. Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state through the use of different techniques. Sedative drugs (tranquillizers, depressants, anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide, etc.) can be administered in a variety of ways. In the past, intravenous (IV) sedation was given by injection into the blood vessels of the hand or arm. This was mainly used to sedate a dental patient. IV sedation is both safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. Today, however, sedation dentistry has progressed to be even more beneficial to provide a relaxing experience. Patients have alternatives to the traditional treatment options of inhalation (nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”) and IVs, such as those offering a “no needle” (meaning, no injection) approach that many people find more pleasing. Anti-Anxiety Premedication Dentistry is now the most utilized technique used in the United States to alleviate a patient’s fear. The technique is easy and requires no needles. These medications create a comfortable experience and many patients do not remember the visit. Anti-Anxiety Premedication maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for safety and a patient’s well being. Regardless of the type of sedation dentistry you receive, it is important to have a responsible friend/relative transport you to the procedure. It is mandatory for the friend/relative to drive you home after the procedure is complete. Sedation dentistry addresses some of the fears that keep people from going to the dentist on a regular basis. Patients are more likely to receive recommended routine care after receiving sedation treatment and they are less likely to neglect their oral health. One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact it might take hours to perform. Therefore, complex dental procedures such as total reconstructive treatment that normally require numerous visits can often be performed in a single visit. If you are afraid to change the appearance of your teeth because you are anxious about undergoing long or complex dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable and remove the apprehension to achieve the perfect smile.
38 724.942.0940 to advertise
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Troop 248’s
Haunted Cabin
Promises to Be Fun For All Ages
Once again Boy Scout Troop 248 of Oakdale is proud to bring to you its Annual Haunted Cabin for 4 nights only: October 24, 25, 26 & 27 7 to 9 p.m. each night at 248 Clinton Avenue, Oakdale. The Haunted Cabin grounds will cover almost a full acre of “haunting” for your pleasure. Come meet the ghosties and ghoulies, the three-legged beasties, and all the critters that call the cabin home. Cross the “Covered Bridge,” brave the “Creek Critters,” make your way through the “Maze,” pick the correct door for the maze OR venture the additional Maze, wander the “Grizzly Mansion,” and visit the “Barracuda Cove.” Make your way through the “Dead Man’s Pass” and through the “Grave Yard.” See “What’s Cooking” inside the cabin and visit the critter’s and creepy things around all corners of the cabin. You may even meet “The Cabin Witch” along your journey. Cost for the “Haunted Cabin” is $5/person. Scouts and other Youth groups that attend as a “Group” will receive a discount of $3/person. Make arrangements for scout groups/youth groups for specific nights & times by calling for VIP reservations @ 724.693.0549. Parking is limited: overflow parking is 1/4 block from the cabin. Refreshment stand available. Fun and Frights for all ages. Brave the cabin if you dare!
Findlay Township Holds
15th Annual Youth Fishing Derby at Leopold Lake
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ore than 75 residents broke out their rods and tackle boxes to participate in the 15th Annual Findlay Township Youth Fishing Derby at Leopold Lake. In preparation for the event, the lake was stocked several days ahead of time with trout and catfish. Residents competed to catch the largest and most fish that they could. Winners of the event won rods, reels, tackle boxes and tickets to sporting events.
West Allegheny | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
IN Community Magazines is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E) We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help. IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories:
Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit of the Year (staff of 10 or less); Large non-profit of the Year (staff of 11 or more). Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.
Name of nominee ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit (staff of 10 or less); Large non-profit (staff of 11 or more) Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for? ___________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination ______________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or non-profit organization? (Please, submit a type written statement of no more than 600 words) Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 If you have any questions, please, contact Monica Haynes at 412.254.8704. Deadline for nominations is October 8, 2012.
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B U S I N ESS D I R EC TO RY Donald C. Grau, CPA Tax Returns • Bookeeping Small Business Start Up PHONE: 412.264.5151 FAX: 412.264.5110 CELL: 412.770.7202
Grau & Co., LLC 200 Commerce Dr., Suite 210 • Moon Township, PA 15108 don@graucocpa.com • www.graucocpa.com
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