IN West Mifflin by IN Community Magazines

WINTER 2010

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

West Mifflin’s VFW Post 914 Keeps Community First Resolve to Keep Your Resolutions

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The Perfect Hostess Gift

Welcome to our winter issue! At this time of year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking that journey with us that was 2010. This year was one full of blessings for Community Magazines, as we’ve grown to serve 32 communities throughout Western Pennsylvania. While it’s been a challenge for us, it was one that we met head-on, and with great success. For that, I would like to thank my staff. I’d also like to thank two other groups who make this magazine what it is – you, our readers, and our advertisers. Firstly, it’s our readers who help shape this magazine into what you see in your hands right now. Those of you who took the time to call, e-mail or write-in with your ideas and events are the ones who set our table of contents. We pride ourselves on the fact that we listen to you and your ideas because, in the end, this is your community and you know it best. So I continue to encourage you to send in your ideas to our editor at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. Secondly, to our advertisers, I thank you for your continued support with Community Magazines. I’ve heard from so many of you that advertising with us is working for you, and I’m proud that our magazines are a great vehicl e for you. But what is also important is that by advertising with us, you’re also supporting your community. You’re giving those who read these magazines the content that they enjoy and look forward to each issue. Because of you, our readers can be entertained and informed. So, readers, in this last issue before 2011, I urge you to take a second or third glance at the advertisers who support your community magazine before you make your holiday gift lists. If you like this magazine, let them know and make a point to stop in their businesses. They’re not just trying to sell you something, they’re also your neighbors and community sponsors. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and the best that 2011 has to offer!

WINTER 2010 IN West Mifflin is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the West Mifflin area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard AS S I STA N T TO T H E P U B L I S H E R

Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com E D I TO R I A L AS S I STA N T

Jamie Ward j.ward@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue GRAPHIC DESIGN

Michael Andrulonis Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Susie Doak Pati Ingold

Bill Ivins Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you. –TA BAron

As the holiday season approaches, I hope you’ll step away from the list making and cookie baking for just a few minutes to enjoy the information we have compiled for this edition of West Mifflin. As always, our goal is to offer a bit of insight into the community. Some of our most interesting features focus on residents and their passion in all things “community.” As you are going through your busy days (and holiday parties) please don’t forget to let us know about any person or organization who you feel would be interesting for us to feature. We get some of our best story ideas and are so inspired by our readers! The amount of good will and charitable activity that seems to flow from the West Mifflin community is amazing and awesome. From all of us at Community Magazines, we hope that your holiday will be filled with a good dose of peace and a little bit of joy, and that you’ll be surrounded by the love and companionship of those who mean the most to you.

Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor

Nicholas Buzzell David Mitchell Brian Daley Tamara Myers Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Robert Ojeda Rose Estes Annette Petrone Beatriz Harrison Tara Reis Jason Huffman Vincent Sabatini Jessie Jones Michael Silvert Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.

CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

www.incommunitymagazines.com Spring Issue Deadline: 2/8

Contents West Mifflin | WINTER 2010 |

8 Publisher’s Message

FEATURES

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13 |

West Mifflin VFW Post 914 | 3 Easy Ideas for Creating Custom, Memorable Holiday Cards | 4 Back Pain — Many Causes, Few Cures | 6 Cardio Exercises — Keeping the Most Important Muscle Fit | 8 UPMC Today Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 13 Volunteering Brings More Joy Than Imagined Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down

Winterizing Your Car Can Keep You Rolling Despite the Conditions | 28 | | | |

COMMUNITY INTEREST

West Mifflin Events | 11 West Mifflin Community Information In Kids | 21 Houses of Worship | 25 Older Adults in West Mifflin | 26

Inside of St. Agnes Church.

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ON THE COVER

The Perfect Hostess Gift | 29 Real Estate in West Mifflin | 30 Resolve to Keep Your Resolutions This Year | 31 Those Unwholesome Christmas Memories | 32

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

West Mifflin

West Mifflin’s

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Keeps

Community First They served our country in foreign theaters during times of war. World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan — there’s no shortage of conflicts needing brave men and women to step up and answer the call. And when they return, they are welcome to join the local VFW, and in West Mifflin, that local VFW Post 914 will keep them active and serving their community for years to come. Established in 1991, Post 914 has programs that support current service men and women, students and disabled veterans. “We support our troops all over,” said Post Commander Charles Krebs. “We send packages to our 914 people. We also get material and give it to other organizations that ship it out for us. We do hospital programs for our veterans at Southwestern Hospital and Aspinwall. We give them treats and comradeship. Most are bedridden. We try to do eight programs a year.” other programs the VFW participates in include “operation Uplink,” where phone cards are purchased and sent overseas so that troops can call their family and friends. The VFW also supports the West Mifflin Junior roTC, band and cheerleading programs, as well as the little league, softball league and soapbox derby. Some of their big sources of public visibility are parades. “We march in just about anything that comes along,” Krebs said. “We march in community days, Memorial Day, when we’ll do services at the Lebanon Church Cemetery with our color guard and firing squad. We have a Pearl Harbor function that we do with the West Mifflin High School.”

In addition, the VFW also supports the Walt Kudzma Scholarship, which awards one $300 first-place award, one $200 secondplace award, and one $100 third-place award for essays written by seniors. “Everything we generate as far as money and donations goes right back into the community,” Krebs said. “We have two fundraisers a year. This year, we worked with Bob Evans and did a fundraiser with them. Unlike most VFWs, we do not have a bar, so this income allows us to continue doing the programs we do.” The West Mifflin VFW Post 914 has nearly 150 members, a quarter of which are Vietnam veterans. The post received a recruitment award in September from the Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 29, however, for recruiting more than

10 new members from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Krebs said that every member of Post 914 goes out of their way to help the community, and while there are larger posts with more members, 914 is more active than the rest. “We do more than some of the posts that have several hundred members,” he said. “We believe in our mission, which is to, ‘Honor the dead by serving the living.’” For more information on the VFW in general, go to www.vfw.org. For information on Post 914 in particular, including membership requirements, fundraisers and current news, go to www.vfw914intrepid.org. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., at the Thompson run Athletic Club, 4901 Ball Avenue, West Mifflin, PA 15122.

Pennsylvania Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 29 Commander William Gribbin, left, presents a recruitment award from Frank Mills, VFW State Commander for 2009–2010, to VFW Post 914 ‘Intrepid’ West Mifflin Quartermaster Mike Mauer. Thanks to Mauer’s efforts, more than 10 new members – mostly younger veterans from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan joined VFW Post 914 last year.

West Mifflin | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Easy Ideas for Creating Custom, Memorable Holiday Cards Even with the popularity of using e-mail, social media, and texting to communicate with friends and family, holiday cards continue to be a time-honored tradition. In fact, according to a survey from holiday cards and thank you cards retailer Cardstore.com, 43 percent of Americans prefer a greeting card from a loved one instead of $10, and 63 percent think sending a special occasion greeting through a social network is inappropriate. While survey results show most people prefer to receive holiday cards, people mistakenly think that creating these custom cards is time consuming. Thanks to technology, new products, and online greeting card sites, this isn’t necessarily the case. By following the tips below, creating custom, personalized holiday cards can be easy, fun, and inexpensive.

Picture Perfect – Getting a perfect holiday picture does not have to involve a three-hour photo shoot with an expensive photographer. Oftentimes the best holiday shots are the candid, everyday ones shot at home. For professionallooking DIY images, use natural light (if indoors, shoot near a window), get up close, and have the subjects involved in a favorite activity. Laugh, have fun, and shoot away. Even if the shots aren’t perfect, use photo editing software – sometimes just simply changing the image to black and white or cropping out unwanted parts can transform the image. Source: Cardstore.com

Let Your Child Be the Artist – Instead of uploading a favorite photo for holiday cards, simply scan a child’s favorite drawing and quickly upload to a photo greeting card site. This is an especially cute idea for classroom or grandparent holiday cards.

Collage Card – Instead of spending hours deciding which photo to feature for the holiday card, just choose several photos taken throughout the year that highlight favorite adventures and memories. Visit a favorite online card store and select one of the many templates available.

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Keep It Simple – Scour the crafting and dollar stores where there are a variety of inexpensive products to make handmade cards. Use blank cards and embellish with just one or two items – any more and it can be daunting, especially if more than 50 cards need to be made. For instance, punch out polka dots in festive holiday papers using a circle punch and adhere them to the card front in a random, whimsical pattern. Or, run a piece of grosgrain ribbon across the front of card and adhere a glittered embellishment or button.

Use a Kit

– For those who lack the creative bug or are really strapped for time, use pre-assembled DIY holiday card kits. Cardstore.com has embellished card kits that combine the time-saving elements of digital photo cards with the personal, handcrafted touch of dimensional accents. Order the photo cards online. Once they arrive, decorate the cards with the provided coordinating stamps, gems, and glitter glue. Tips and creative inspiration included and no extra trip to the craft store needed!

By following these tips, you can create easy, thoughtful and meaningful holiday cards that share the festive joys of the season.

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Many Causes, Few Cures

t’s the kind of thing that can come in an instant like a lightning bolt, or sneak in over the course of weeks like a persistent fog. In any form, it’s unwelcome and costs U.S. businesses millions of dollars in lost work and sick days. It’s back pain, and while it’s not totally understood, it’s totally real for millions of Americans. There are several varieties of back pain, each with their own names base d on the location on the spine from which they seem to originate. one of the more common ones that you may have heard about is “lumbago,” or lower back pain. The name stems from the lumbar section of the spine, and the condition has fueled an estimated $70 billion industry in itself in physician services, self-help remedies, ointments, devices and more. America’s obsession with lumbar and its proper sup port has led to seats with lumbar adjustments being standard in most high-end vehicles. For those who drive economy cars, there are pillows, wedges, lattices of beads and vibrating heating pads that plug into your car’s lighter socket, each proclaiming more relief than the next.

If you’re just dealing with day-to-day aches and pains, most doctors agree that compresses of warm, moist heat are the best way to cope. 6

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Despite the accoutrements that one can purchase, few provide total relief. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because the actual causes of run-ofthe-mill, everyday back pain are largely unknown. Many reasons for serious back pain are easily diagnosed because they have a direct causal basis or present with othe r symptoms such as weight loss, fever or incontinence. Someone in a recent car accident, for example, would know that their current back pain is a result of the collision. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been postulated that back pain may also be the result of stress at work or at home, reasons that would not show up in an MrI or X-ray. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just dealing with day-to-day aches and pains, most doctors agree that compr esses of warm, moist heat are the best way to cope. over-the-counter pain relievers are also safe, so long as you take them as directed. Chiropractors and physical therapists may be able to suggest a stretching regimen that could alleviate some of the more common aches and pains associated with the spine. In fact, more and more chiropractors have integrated techniques into patient visits other than the basic routine adjustment.

Exercise and patient education are the best tools out there in helping the patient in the long term.

You might be surprised to find that your first chiropractic visit may include 15 minutes of massage therapy, where warm, moist heat compresses are placed on your back, followed by 15 minutes of TEnS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which zings and zaps your muscles with a pleasant tingling sensation. While it all feels great, scientists are split as to whether any of it works for the long term. A study by the American Academy of Family Physicians came to the conclusion that while heat packs, deep heat, and massage are useful in the immediate relief of symptoms, long term effectiveness is still in question, and the use of TEnS therapy has demonstrated no long term effectiveness at all. What the study did conclude is that unless the pain is the result of a deeper medical condition, like can cer or infection, exercise and patient education are the best tools out there in helping the patient in the long term.

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♥ cardi

exercisesKeeping the Most Important Muscle Fit

hen it comes to exercise, it’s hard to break through the hype and advertising ploys for the newest and best cardio machine or workout. However, the best cardio workout depends on engaging the heart through a multitude of levels and workloads, said Dan Griffin, general manager of oxford Athletic Club. Griffin, who is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, said people are becoming more educated when it comes to their cardio workout. “People understand you do not have to do long, slow distance exercises, to be in the fat-burning zone. The studies are showing now that low-intensity heart maintenance levels are just as efficient for calorie burn. Middle heart rates – the kind of

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exercises where you can talk to your neighbor, but can’t recite the Gettysburg Address – those work well also,” Griffin said. “The higher heart levels have a whole different physiological response and work on different parts of your body. Some who do a little bit of exercise in all three ranges lose weight quicker, and it doesn’t take more time. You take those 30-40 minutes you usually dedicate to your workout and break it up.” Griffin said there are new workout machines that take advantage of that data to help athletes meet those various heart ranges. “There always are machines that are the ‘hot machines.’ In the ‘80s and ‘90s, it was the stepper, and now it’s treadmills, ellipticals, and multi-angular training. With a treadmill, you’re in one plane, moving forward. With multi-angular and multi-plane machines you’re moving forward, and you’re also going left, right, forward and back,” Griffin said. “Another hot machine right now is the ArcTrainer, which is a cross between a stepper and an elliptical. With step training, few people can last long enough to make that work right, so the ArcTrainer is a favorite among tennis players and other athletes who come in.” In addition to specialized cardio machines, Griffin said circuit training still gives people a great workout. “Circuit training is still alive and well. We have trainers who take people through workouts that are as demanding as can be,” he said. “Unless you need bulk and heavy lifting, there’s a lot to be said for this functional training where you’re pushing sandbags and working out without stopping between sets. I’ve done it, and have gotten my heart rate from 130 up to 170, and it stays within that range within the whole half hour. The key though, is to do it in a circuit fashion. That way, you don’t have to stop between exercising.” Griffin said that because circuit training focuses on different muscle groups, the workouts typically are faster to get through. “Muscularly, you don’t need the rest because you’re working a “...the best cardio different muscle group each time,” he said. “ workout depends on Cardio-wise, you may engaging the heart have to wait 30 seconds or so between sets, through a multitude but you can definitely of levels and be fit by doing that.”

workloads...”

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West Mifflin

West Mifflin Borough

Upcoming Events

www.westmifflinborough.com Walk Live Classes New Season

WMBL West Mifflin Little League sign-up anytime on-line – www.leaguelineup.com/WMBL

Duquesne Students Allowed to transfer to West Mifflin Area and East Allegheny High School Duquesne Students will be allowed to continue attending West Mifflin Area High School. Legislation was approved by the State House of representatives. State reps. Bill Kortz, DDravosburg, and Marc Gergely, D-White oak, noted that the bill addresses the concerns of the state Supreme Court, which ruled on Sept. 30 that the current law that allowed for the reassignments of the Duquesne students was illegal. Duquesne District closed the High School in 2007. The new legislation calls for the formation of an advisory committee that will include members of the various school districts and residents. Currently there are 175 students from Duquesne School District. Districts who accept students are being paid tuition. The only other stipulation is that the district must be located within three miles of the border of Duquesne.

December 6, 2010 – February 28, 2011 Mondays & Thursdays 6–7 p.m. (except when school is not in session) ECEC Building Gym - West Mifflin Middle School - Cost is $20.00 need more information? Call Cheryl at 412.303.5386 Get fit while having fun! our music sets the pace and motivates. Seventh Annual Christmas Toy Drive

november 18 through December 16, 2010. All donations of unwrapped toys and clothing for local needy children, ages birth to 18 years old. Items may be left at the offices of Allegheny Chiropractic in the WM Borough building. In cooperation with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and the WM Area School District, all toys and clothing donated by you will be distributed to children in our area. WE THAnK YoU For YoUr GEnEroSITY! More info 412.460.1166

The Allegheny County Parks Department today announced the north Park and South Park ice rinks will open on Thursday, november 4, weather and conditions permitting. The 2010-2011 ice skating season will run through mid-March 2011. The Parks Department will once again offer both free and paid skating lessons throughout the season to residents ages five and older. See the attached schedule for a complete list of operating hours, lesson times, admission fees, rink rental fees, and skate rental fees. The north Park and South Park ice rinks offer gift certificates, and the rinks are available to rent for special occasions. For additional information, call the north Park Ice rink at 724-935-1280 or the South Park Ice rink at 412-833-1499. 2011 Family, Senior and Individual Pool Pass Certificates and 2011 Senior Golf Certificates are available as holiday gifts. Call 412-350-2468 for details.

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West Mifflin Borough Municipal Building 3000 Lebanon Church Road West Mifflin, PA 15122 Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone: 412.466.8170 Fax: 412.466.8173

Administration Mayor: Chris Kelly ckelly@westmifflinborough.com

Borough Manager:

Recreation Administrator:

Public Works

Lance Maha 412.464.1918

412.461.5300

Council President: Regis L. Stephenson

Vice President: John T. Munsie John Andzelik Joseph B. Falce Robert Kostelnik Michael Olack Rhonda Popovich

Richard Janus rjanus@westmifflinborough.com

Departments

Fire Departments Homeville Volunteer Fire Company #1 3900 Greensprings Avenue West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.9475 Duquesne Annex Volunteer Fire Company #2 1620 Pennsylvania Avenue West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.466.7500 Volunteer Fire Company #3 3722 Rodeo Drive West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.469.0219

Administrative Assistant:

412.466.8174

Skyview Volunteer Fire Company #4 660 Noble Drive West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.9553

Diane Wrobleski dwrobleski@westmifflinborough.com

Chief Building Inspector:

Ambulance Service

Public Works Director:

Walter "Butch" Anthony banthony@westmifflinborough.com

James Hess jhess@westmifflinborough.com

Field Inspector:

Prism Health Services 4821 Buttermilk Hollow Road West Mifflin, PA 15122 Business Office: 412.466.5111 Emergency: 911

Administrative Assistant: Anna Marie Kuzma amkuzma@westmifflinborough.com

Recreation/Community Development

William L. Best bbest@westmifflinborough.com

Police Department Chief of Police: Joseph Popovich 4733 Greensprings Ave West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.461.3125 Fax: 412.461.3944 Emergency: 911

Elected officials Pa State Representative: William C. Kortz 38th Legislative District 751 Pittsburgh-McKeesport Blvd. Dravosburg, PA 15034 Phone: 412.466.1940 Fax: 412.460.3023

PA State Senator: Jay Costa, Jr. 43rd District 3000 Lebanon Church Road First Floor West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.2784 Fax: 412.466.2700

West Mifflin School District West Mifflin 3000 Lebanon Church Road Suite 300 West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.9131

Administration Superintendent: Dr. Janet Sardon 412.466-9131 ext. 3002 sardonj@wmasd.org

Assistant Superintendent: Dr. Daniel Castagna 412.466.9131 ext. 3003

Board Secretary/ Business Manager:

Director of Technology: Mr. Joel Tachoir 412.466.9131 ext. 3020 tachoirj@wmasd.org

Director of Security: Mr. Joseph Gajdos 412.466.9131 ext. 1006 gajdosj@wmasd.org

Public Relations Coordinator /Grant Writer: Mrs. Robyn Tedesco 412.466.9131 ext. 3019 tedescor@wmasd.org

School Board Board President:

Mr. John Donis Term Ends: 2011 412.466.9131 Mr. Richard Fialkovich Term Ends: 2011 412.466.9131 Dr. Albert Graham Term Ends: 2011 412.466.9131 Mr. Ned Mervos Term Ends: 2011 412.466.9131 Mr. Phil Shar Term Ends: 2013 412.466.9131

Schools

Mr. Dennis Cmar 412.466.9131 ext. 3004 cmard@wmasd.org

Mr. Michael Price Term Ends: 2013

Director of Buildings & Grounds:

Mr. Ted Cale Term Ends: 2013 412.466.9131

91 Commonwealth Avenue West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.9131 Principal: Dr. Mark Hoover

Mr. Nicholas Alexandroff Term Ends: 2013 412.466.9131

West Mifflin Area Middle School

Mrs. Sandra Wells 412.466.9131 ext. 3006 wellss@wmasd.org

Acting Director of Special Projects: Ms. Mary Jane Hudak 412.466.9131 ext. 3028

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Board Vice President:

Mrs. Kathleen Bracco Term Ends: 2011 412.466.9131

West Mifflin Area High School

371 Camp Hollow Road West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.9131 Acting Principal: Mr. Brian Plichta

Early Childhood Education Center 515 Camp Hollow Road West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.9131 Superintendent/ECEC Principal of Record: Dr. Janet M. Sardon

Clara Barton Elementary 764 Beverly Drive West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.9131 Principal: Mrs. Noelle Haney

New Emerson Elementary 1922 Pennsylvania Avenue West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.9131 Principal: Mrs. Cathryn Brundage

Homeville Elementary 4315 Eliza Street West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.461.9131 Principal: Melissa Bracco

New England Elementary 2000 Clairton Road West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.466.9131 Principal: Mr. Michael Sable

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Volunteering brings more joy than imagined.

ccording to Carol Diethorn, Kenneth ochs was a bit of a daredevil in his day. And he’s got the stories to prove it. “When you’re 91, you’ve got all kinds of stories to tell,” Carol says of Mr. ochs, whom she spends time with every week as a volunteer with open Your Heart to a Senior, an initiative of United Way of Allegheny County in cooperation with Family Services of Western Pennsylvania and north Hills Community outreach. “I used to be really active and I was a tennis pro for a long time,” Mr. ochs explains, “but my eyes became gradually worse and now I don’t see.” Carol accompanies Mr. ochs on walks through South Park once or twice a week and both enjoy not only the exercise, but also the company. “Carol is really good; she leads me so I don’t traipse anywhere I shouldn’t be,” he says with a laugh. Laughter seems to be a regular part of their routine. During their mile-long walks, they exchange stories of their lives and share advice. “It’s funny,” Carol confides, “he thinks he’s the care recipient, but he’s really doing more for me than I do for him. I get so much out of it, and I come home feeling great.” Currently unemployed and looking for a new job, Carol saw an opportunity to volunteer as a way to do something that gives her meaning. “It really puts perspective on things,” she says of her experience with Mr. ochs and other seniors she drives to doctors’ appointments. “Who needs anti-depressants?” she jokes but quickly takes a serious turn, “It brings a lot of joy in my life.” right now, open Your Heart to a Senior is looking for volunteers in every corner of Allegheny County, from as little as an hour a month to routine weekly visits. Whether it’s help with grocery shopping, home safety checks or snow shoveling and yard work, thousands of seniors in our neighborhoods could use some assistance. In addition to individual volunteers like Carol, families and groups are also welcome. To learn more or become a volunteer, visit www.openyourhearttoasenior.org or call 412.307.0071. “It’s a fine organization,” Mr. ochs volunteers, “I can’t say enough about it.” Given enough time and his penchant for storytelling, though, he probably could. 24

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Calvary Baptist Church Walker & Anborn Drives, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.2006 www.calvarybaptistwestmifflin.com

Christ Lutheran Church 405 Kennedy Avenue, Duquesne, PA 15110 412.466.7773

First Baptist Church 3427 Cypress Street, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.2522

Holy Spirit Catholic Church 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.894.8805

Holy Trinity Catholic Church 529 Grant Avenue Extension, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.466.6545

Homeville Christian Church 4702 Eliza Street, West Mifflin, PA 15122

Jehovah’s Witness Pittsburgh Congregation 1075 Camp Hollow Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, 412.466.2644

Lebanon Presbyterian Church 2702 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin, PA15122 412.466.7184 www.lebanonpc.org

Lincoln Place Church Of The Nazarene 5604 Interboro Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15207 412.461.1133

Morning Star Baptist Church 816 Oak Street, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.7861

Mount Zion United Church Of Christ 236 Bellwood Drive, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.5202

Resurrection Catholic Church 3909 Donna Avenue, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.8087

St. Agnes Catholic Church

Free, Walk-thru Live Nativity Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18, 2010 7–9 p.m. Homeville Christian Church 4702 Eliza St West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.461.3731

622 St. Agnes Lane, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.466.2655

St. Rita’s Parish Community 219 West Schwab Avenue, Whitaker, PA 15120 412.461.4204

Terrace Church Of The Nazarene 1815 Worton Blvd., West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.346.0228

Walnut Grove Assembly Of God 44 Adams Avenue, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.469.3010

West Mifflin Community Baptist Church 3813 Fleetwood Drive, West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.466.5924

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT! Please submit your information, including a phone number and e-mail information to: marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com or call 724.942.0940

Whitaker United Methodist Church 124 Arkansas Avenue, Whitaker, PA 15120 412.461.5884

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Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation

Older Adults in West Mifflin A

Tax Planning for The New Year

by Jamie Ward mericans filing federal returns can Marzina says that the question many So you could give gifts of up to expect year-end tax planning to be $13,000 to 15 grandchildren and not pay people are asking is this: If you have a bit more complicated this time around assets that have significant capital gains a tax on it. According to the IrS, You because we don't know what the tax rates can't deduct the value of gifts on your income tax return unless they are left will be for 2011 just yet. The current to a charitable organization. rates, known as the “Bush tax cuts” Federal estate taxes may have been from 2001, are due to expire on Dec 31 repealed for 2010, but they are set to return of this year. on January 1, 2011, and will tax up to 55% So when the new rates get passed, on estates valued at more than $1 million. taxpayers won't have a whole lot of time In 2009 the rate only imposed a 45% tax to plan. Jeff Marzina, executive vice on estates in excess of $3.5 million, and president at Bill Few Associates says that the best plan of action here all assets got a “step-up” in basis when is to be prepared. someone died. This meant that no tax “For this year,” said Marzina, “it’s very would have to be paid on appreciated assets important that people be paying attention like stock and real estate. But under new to what happens in the political spectrum laws all assets inherited may be subject in terms of tax rates for the new year and to the capital gains tax. built in, should you accelerate taxes and If the current administration’s to make sure you have your advisers lined sell those assets in 2010 to ensure 15% up so when rates are set, you don’t wait.” proposal to allow rates to expire and rate, instead of waiting for 2011 and having the rate jump to 20%? return to 2009’s rate, the “step-up” in Each year, an individual is allowed The problem here is that taxpayers basis will return. Another proposal is to give a financial gift of up to $13,000 to any or as many individuals as they to have most of the current brackets stay won’t have a lot of time to make these decisions. According to Marzina, if want to without being subject to a gift but raise tax rates of the highest bracket, the new tax laws are in place by Dec. 1, tax. If you give beyond this, you must fill and taxes on dividends and capital gains jump from 15% to 20%. The republican there will only be a 30-day window to out a gift tax return, which goes against proposal is to extend current tax rates make any decisions this year. So the best the unified credit amount that they are allowed to give at their death. right now, for a period of 2 years and cap dividends thing to do is make those decisions and capital gains at 15%. as quickly as possible. this is not determined. 26

West Mifflin

How to Prevent Injury this Winter

by Jamie Ward

ith the winter months approaching, it's time to put away the golf clubs and short sleeve shirts and break out the

jackets. It's also time to start thinking about safety. According to the national Institute of Health, more than 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 65 slips and falls each year. It’s the number one cause of injury related deaths. So with snow and ice just around the corner (and if moving

Senior Agencies Steel Valley Resource Center 530 Miller Ave. Clairton, PA 15025 412.233.3080 Community Program Extension 3075 Clairton Road, Suite 948 Century III Mall, West Mifflin, PA 15123 412.532.0142

to Florida is out of the question), it’s a good idea to review some tips on keeping yourself safe this winter.

Transportation For Older Adults

• Buy shoes with a non-skid sole or with good traction to get

There are several agencies that offer free or reduced-rate transportation services to individuals who qualify:

a better grip with the ground. Leather- and plastic-soled shoes have the worst traction in winter weather. • Check for icy railings and avoid icy and uncleared sidewalks and walkways. • Take your time to map out the best route to get wherever you are going, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you feel you may need it. • If you have to walk over an icy surface, bending your knees and taking slower steps can reduce the risk of falling.

Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) 1.888.547.6287 Provides non-emergency medical transportation to residents of Allegheny County who have a valid Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance Card. Free Bus Pass for Senior Citizens The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses, trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtain identification cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you. Older Persons Transportation Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, senior center activities and other needs throughout Allegheny County is available to adults 60 years of age and older who live in Allegheny County. Call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460.

And as always, safety begins at home. Make sure the areas around your home are salted and cleared. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. If needed, as a family member or neighbor to help you.

ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984 ACCESS is door-to-door, advance reservation, shared-ride transportation provided throughout Port Authority’s service area. It serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities. There are no restrictions on the purpose or number of trips which may be taken by riders, except that riders are required to share their vehicle with others traveling in the same direction and at the same time. Are you a nonprofit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunity magazines.com with your center’s name and phone number. West Mifflin | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

DON’T LET

Winter Slow You Down –

Winterizing Your Car Can Keep You Rolling Despite the Conditions A lot of people think that getting ready for winter simply means an annual furnace check, turning off and draining outside faucets, and some shrink wrap over their windows. However, if you don’t winterize your vehicle, you may be stuck in that comfy living room waiting for a ride to come pick you up.

West Mifflin

interizing your vehicle isn’t nearly as hard as it may sound. In fact, thanks to the moderate climate of Western Pennsylvania, and the expediency of our regional public works professionals, there’s little if anything for us to do to prep our cars for winter weather. But there are some things that are just good sense. • Consider changing to thinner oil for the winter. The regular oil you use in the summer can get thicker in the cold of winter, leading to longer start up times until your engine is properly lubricated. If you aren’t the type who changes your oil on your own, ask your local mechanic about changing viscosity for the winter months. • Check the basics! If you don’t do anything else, make sure you cover the basics. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full with a fluid that won’t f reeze in low temperatures, and carry an extra gallon in the trunk. When the Pittsburgh slush flies, it’s easy to go through a full container of wiper fluid. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and that you have enough tread on them. A rule of thumb for minimal thread is to stick a penny in your treads with Lincoln’s head down. If the rubber doesn’t meet his hairline, your tread’s too low. Some people switch to snow tires for the winter, which is never a bad idea. Make sure your spare is inflated properly and that you have a roadside assistance kit. Emergency blankets can easily fit in glove boxes, as do flashlights, ice scrapers and extra gloves. • If you don’t have jumper cables, get some! Most car batteries lose charge due to cold temperature. Carrying jumpers not only increases the chances that you’ll find a good Samaritan to jump a charge off of, you can also be the good Samaritan who helps others who may be in distress. Winter driving poses a multitude of challenges, but if you cover these basics, you’ll eliminate a good bit of them. However, you can’t eliminate bad driving, so be alert and keep an eye out for others on the road this time of year.

When attending a party, I always try to remember to take a hostess gift. Hostess gifts are really just a small gesture – something to thank your host for being so welcoming. But, what to bring? It depends on how well you know your hostess and how formal the party.

Casual Parties Gifts of food and beverage are always welcome. In a pinch, your host can set out your cookies or drinks if supplies run low. Just check with your hostess to make sure they are serving alcohol before you decide on the Cabernet or riesling.

Formal Parties For parties that are more formal in nature, a gift of chocolates or bottle of champagne are wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Flowers are a great option if you have them arranged in a vase before you arrive or delivered the day before the party. Your hostess will be so grateful not to have to stop and tend to your gift while trying to welcome her guests!

Something More Personal? Scented candles, lotions or a CD of your host’s favorite type of music make great gifts. A homemade jar of jam, or muffins wrapped in a cellophane bag and tied with ribbon will be something your hostess will truly appreciate. For someone who loves the kitchen, soap and lotion caddies for the kitchen sink or beautiful kitchen towels are memorable gifts that won’t go unnoticed. Last fall, I received a basket of tomatoes from my friend’s Peters Township garden and was so thrilled! Always remember to place a small note with your gift. The next day, you host won’t be scratching her head wondering who was so thoughtful to remember her with that lovely gift!

West Mifflin | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

REAL ESTATE IN West Mifflin

Want to List your home?

January is the perfect month to do it!

If you’re sitting around wondering what you’re going to do after the playoffs – assuming the Steelers continue their success with the return of Big Ben – you may want to consider getting a move on listing your home. January is the perfect time to get your house ready for sale, said Lori Crandell, realtor and Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker. “January is definitely a good time to list a house. It’s the beginning of the spring market,” she said. “Especially after football season is over, people get bored and start looking at buying. I always tell people, if you’re going to list in the spring shoot for January or early February because you’ll get a leg up on the spring market before it gets saturated.” While you may not see a lot of foot traffic right away, Crandell said you can rest assured that your house will start getting online attention. The foot traffic you get will be from serious buyers, not people just browsing. “The latest statistics that I saw said that 88 percent of buyers start out looking for a home online,” Crandell said. “So it’s really important that sellers go online themselves and look at the differences between brokers. realtor.com is a very good source and the most popular website for consumers.” Another aspect of winter selling is the weather itself. Crandell said that some people worry about how their home will show if there’s a foot of snow on the ground, but if your house is attractive and inviting in the winter, you know it’s going to look good when it’s 85 degrees and sunny.

It’s the beginning of the spring market. While you may not see a lot of foot traffic right away, you can rest assured that your house will start getting online attention. “During the winter is when it’s probably going to look its worst. Sellers, if they have pictures from the spring and summer, should make those photos available to the agent,” Crandell said. “If someone’s yard looks good in the winter, it’s going to look good in the spring, but if we have the snow that we had last year, it might hold someone back who can’t make out if the yard is sloped or flat. That’s why sellers should bring out pictures of the yard in other seasons.”

West Mifflin

other things that the winter provides advantages for include an opportunity for buyers to see how the furnace operates, whether the home heats evenly, and whether or not it has any drafty areas you’ll need to address. “There are some things you can’t tell in the winter, like air conditioning,” Crandell said. “You can’t tell if the air conditioning is working [when it’s] under 55 degrees, but that’s where a home warranty comes in handy. At least you’re covered by a home warranty and can get that rectified before it gets too hot.”

Resolve to Keep Your

Resolutions This Year B

efore the last notes of “Auld Lang Syne” fade and the last mouth horn goes silent, chances are you’ll be suckered into making another New Year’s Resolution that will also fade as fast.

Whether it’s to get fit, stop a habit, travel more, or reduce stress, experts say that while it takes time to develop a habit or behavior, the expectation of changing that developed habit over night is basically unrealistic. Studies have shown that little over 10 percent of those engaging in new Year’s resolutions actually follow through with their goals. Success in achieving those goals stems from taking baby steps, or realistic approaches to achievement. Denise Hardt, owner of Anytime Fitness at robinson Towne Center, said burnout is a major factor in people not following through with their workout routines. “Everyone should start a workout program in moderation,” Hardt said. “Control your motivation and enthusiasm so you don’t burnout after only a few weeks of exercise, and incorporate minor modifications into your workout every four weeks. overhaul you’re entire workout program every two to three months.” Hardt also said that figuring out where cardio exercise belongs in their routine also is

“Studies have shown that little over 10 percent of those engaging in new Year’s resolutions actually follow through with their goals.”

a factor that can help them to avoid burnout. “Most people think that starting out with cardio is good because it helps to warm up muscles before weight training. other people feel starting out with cardio may cause too much fatigue, which could lower your workout intensity and make lifting with proper form more difficult,” she said. “Truthfully, there is no right or wrong answer. Different people will need to rotate their routine differently. The best advice is to pay attention to your fitness goals. If you are focused a bit more on endurance try to do your cardio first when you’ll have the most energy. on the other hand, if your goal is to pack on muscle mass,

work the weights first before cardio.” Pursuing a healthier lifestyle is always a good idea, and while many people make it their new Year’s resolution to get back in shape, experts agree that any health program should be focused on progressive, attainable, and realistic goals. However, it’s also a great idea not to overindulge during the holidays in the first place. G aining 10 pounds after partying for a month, grazing cookies at the office and having extra desserts at grandma’s, is a lot easier than doing 30 minutes at the gym everyday for two weeks to negate those calories. While it's a cliche, moderation is still the key to a balanced lifestyle and you’ll be doing yourself a favor bypassing that cookie tray or second glass of wine in the first place.

West Mifflin | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

West Mifflin

Tips to Protect your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Poorly Maintained or Malfunctioning Heating Systems Are Often to Blame

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT! Please submit your information, including a phone number and e-mail information to: marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com or call 724.942.0940

As another heating season begins, the Allegheny County Health Department is joining with the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Coalition of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to remind residents about the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is the by-product of incomplete combustion of a fuel. Hundreds die each year nationwide from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, but most deaths could be prevented through greater awareness and education. Thirty-one accidental poisonings were reported countywide during last year’s heating season, October 1 through May 31. Twenty-four poisonings, including three deaths, were associated with heating systems or vehicles left running in enclosed spaces. Common sources of carbon monoxide are a malfunctioning or incorrectly vented furnace, hot water heater, space heater, fireplace, cooking stove or other type of fuel-burning equipment. Misusing a charcoal grill or a cooking stove to warm a house and leaving a car, van or truck running in an attached or integral garage are other possible carbon monoxide sources. To prevent carbon monoxide problems, furnaces and fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected before each heating season. Carbon monoxide home alarms can help as well, but are not foolproof and no substitute for regular furnace maintenance. Carbon monoxide poisoning may include any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, loss of hearing, blurry vision, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Everyone is at risk, but individuals with health problems such as heart or lung diseases, the elderly, infants, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Anyone who experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the premises and immediately call 911. The Carbon Monoxide Awareness Coalition (C-MAC) is offering a free brochure entitled “What You Should Know To Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide.” The brochure is available through the Allegheny County Health Department by calling 412-687-ACHD or visiting its web site at www.achd.net. C-MAC is a voluntary community service group that includes emergency, fire and health officials, natural gas utilities; instrument testing companies; and heating contractors. West Mifflin | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

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