SPRING 2011
oodland Hills COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
A Bunch of Puppies! WHSD presents 101 Dalmatians
â?‹
Local Student Takes a Gap Year in Tanzania
Contents Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 |
SPRING 2011
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
What’s Inside page 2
5
© 2011 UPMC
30
Breathe Easy — Don’t Snore Your Life Away
17 page 3
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future Stomachaches: When to Worry
page 4
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are You Allergic to Your Bed?
page 5
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
page 6
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Could It Happen to You?
page 7
Meet Our Physicians Free Vascular Screening
38
Publisher’s Message | 2 FEATURES
|
UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 17
COMMUNITY INTEREST
|
IN Kids | 35
|
Woodland Hills School District News | 5
|
Older Adults in Woodland Hills Area | 30 Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation
|
C.C. Mellor Library Happenings | 34
|
Local Girl’s Tanzanian Travels | 38
|
Woodland Hills Area Worship | 40
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS |
|
|
Juniper Village | 29 Community Hearing | 32
|
The cast of Woodland Hills Academy’s musical, 101 Dalmatians
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS |
ON THE COVER
ProBikes | 4 Garage Door Doctor| 21
IN Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 1
oodland Hills SPRING 2011 Welcome to the spring issue of Woodland Hills Magazine. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and fun. Typically, I use this space to talk about your community or features in the magazine that spotlight the people in your community who are doing wonderful things. Well, this time I want to update you regarding our newest feature for 2011— our new website. Without venturing too far into the realm of shameless selfpromotion, I want to emphasize that this website is something for you, our readers. How so? Well, you can have input and help shape the website just like your ideas help shape your magazine. Now you have a place to list all of the nonprofit community organizations that are active in the community. We are also developing pages where we list the local houses of worship. In addition, we now offer every magazine in a fully downloadable PDF format, rather than the outdated flipbook format we used to have. This will allow you to send the magazine, or links to it, to friends and family both near and far. We tied our website into Facebook as well, not to get the biggest list of “friends” we could get but to have a place to keep our readers abreast of all the news we get between issues. It also gives us a place to upload all the photos from community events that we don’t have room for in the magazine. As with all things, there’s always room for improvement, but we always have open ears. If you have comments about our new website or want to see your organization listed, e-mail mark@incommunitymagazines.com with your link or feedback. There’s no charge for listing your church, synagogue, or scout troop’s link, so send your links in today! And if you happen to be on Facebook and like what you see in the magazine, don’t hesitate to click that “Like” button. It’s always nice to be liked! I hope you have a wonderful spring!
IN Woodland Hills is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Woodland Hills 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
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Susie Doak Pati Ingold
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions
Wayne Dollard Publisher
A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
When I think about spring, I can’t help but think about light. The days get “lighter,” and the sun stays with us a little longer each day. When we have a great idea, a light bulb goes off in our minds. At Woodland Hills Magazine, we try to spot-light our communities. What are you doing to be a “light”? If you or an organization that you volunteer or work for is a light in the community, will you let me know? So many good deeds are left unsung! If you have a family member who is in the armed forces, or if your church group or even Mom or Dad are providing a service to someone in need, we want to know! Please e-mail your ideas and photos to me at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. On page 38 of this edition, I want to introduce you to Amanda Wilson. She decided to take a “gap year” after graduating from high school and head to Tanzania to teach English to students in the second and fifth grades. Amanda is another fine example of young people from this community, reaching out to help others. As we look forward to warmer and brighter days ahead, I hope you will enjoy this edition of Woodland Hills Magazine.
Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor
2 724.942.0940 to advertise
Woodland Hills
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." –Charles Dickens
Nicholas Buzzell Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes Jason Huffman Jessie Jones Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968
Summer content deadline: May 3, 2011 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
Powered By Passion C
raig Cozza knows that biking is addictive, and he wants to do everything he can to get you passionate John F. Kennedy put it best when he about cycling, fitness, and the well being that goes said, “Nothing compares to the simple along with cycling. Not because it sells bikes, but because bikers are part of a unique community of pleasure of riding a bike.” enthusiasts who share fitness, camaraderie, fun, and because biking is “green.” Biking is great physically, mentally, and emotionally. You release your negative energy into nature, and nature recycles it, endorphins flowing. It's really tough to go on a bike ride and come back in a bad mood. Can't do it! “Biking is a no-impact sport, and the second largest sport in the USA, only second to walking,” Cozza said. “But with walking or running, there’s an impact. Runners usually become bikers because you do not get beat up from the impact. You can go out for a long, hard ride and come back with only your muscles being tired, not your joints. Our trails, single-tracks, and roads are great and growing rapidly in the Pittsburgh region.” Pro Bikes supports every organization you can think of when it comes to biking, from a multitude of charity rides like the annual Race to Anyplace, various M.S. 150's, school programs, racers and racing, fitness and fun rides, as well as every type of cycling imaginable. “We support road, mountain, trail, cyclocross, triathlons, unicycles, BMX riding and everything in between” says Cozza. “We currently support 15 plus race teams.” That support brings people back to the shop for service, fittings, bikes, supplies, and training. The success of Pro Bikes has led to the expansion of all three locations, tripling the square footage in the South Hills, Monroeville and Squirrel Hill locations. “We’ll be finished with all three of the expansions by spring, which will help us do a better job of meeting people’s needs,” Cozza said. “Our three major brands are Cannondale, Specialized, and Giant. We carry 15-plus other specialty brands. We buy and sell the best – a true pro shop for every type of riding – and we service and fit everything. We’re the fourth largest Cannondale dealer in the country. Our goal is to get more people on bikes because it is a healthy lifestyle. We can start kids as young as two on balance bikes, and fit people well past their 70s. We also help people train or find them a coach for an event if they need it.” The expanding Squirrel Hill Pro Bikes will have four floors—over 13,000 square feet—making it one of the largest in the country, offering everything biking. It will be a comprehensive, full-service bike facility with something for everyone. Pro Bikes will also be a “spin center” with focused training, coaching, and professional bike fitting. There will be a custom building and teams area, and people can sign up for maintenance and training workshops. By
a Cannondale CAAD 9 Road Bike or a Specialized Hybrid Bike. at www.ProBikesLLC.com 4 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
spring, these amenities will be available in all locations to help even more people with anything from lubing a chain to fixing a flat to riding skills and triathlon techniques. “We’re teamed up with local coaches and can offer training and rides to help everyone accomplish their goals,” Cozza said. “Our big push is to get people out supporting charity events, races, and rides, and to keep growing fitness and cycling in western Pennsylvania.” Cozza hopes that all people will give cycling a spin and stop in to see the enthusiasm for biking that Pro Bikes and its employees can impart. “We are ‘Powered by Passion,’ because we are passionate about cycling, fitness, and well being,” Cozza said. “We’re bike people. That enthusiasm pours over, and you get hooked. It's a way of life—a really good way of life!”
SCHOOL DISTRICT
A
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Members of the Woodland Hills School District, have communicated to you in the last few issues of this magazine about the great improvements taking place in the Woodland Hills School District. We have made continuous and steady improvement over the last two years, particularly in our test scores. But being a great school district means doing more than just improving test scores. A great school district has a broad and challenging curriculum. A great school district educates the “whole” child – academically, culturally, and socially. A great school district teaches a child how to compete globally – how to succeed in the world – how to work with others – how to be on a team. A great school district is dedicated to providing a “Total Education.” The Woodland Hills School District is a great school district because we can say “yes.” Yes, we do everything that a great school district needs to do. The three core values that are the foundation of everything we do in Woodland Hills keeps us on the road to greatness. In Woodland Hills, we guarantee that everyone – students and staff – has: ■ A safe and secure school ■ A world class curriculum ■ Permission to dream.
I
■ Alternative programs to help each student learn in the most appropriate setting; ■ A district-wide anti-bullying program that is school based; ■ Principals and teachers requiring better behavior from students resulting in many fewer expulsions than we saw two years ago; ■ Technology integration throughout the entire curriculum in all of our schools; ■ Innovative programs such as “College Now” that give our students a chance to earn free college credit while still pursuing their high school diplomas; ■ Opportunities both in our schools and off campus (Forbes Road Career & Technology Center) to enter the post-secondary business world already trained to begin work. We also educate our students in all grade levels in: music and the performing arts; the visual arts; foreign languages; extra-curricular activities such as Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, Junior Achievement, Entrepreneurial competitions, Writing competitions; citizenship skills and community service. We encourage them to participate in athletics. A great school district is more than just a summation of test scores. Just as a whole person is more than their address or vital statistics. At Woodland Hills, we want our students to be Swiss army knives. Specialty tools may have their place in the world, but a Swiss army knife can do it all. By committing our resources to educating the “whole” person, our students leave Woodland Hills prepared to make a positive impact in the world and in their communities, and to live a fruitful, full and rewarding life. Sincerely,
Some of the changes we have implemented over the course of two years that contribute to making us great are: W lt M li Ph D Walter M. C Calinger, Ph.D. Superintendent All material has been prepared and written by Maria McCool, Director of Communications for the WHSD. Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
SCHOOL DISTRICT
school NEW PLAN FOR ELECTION OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
HOW TO BECOME A CANDIDATE FOR SCHOOL BOARD
As of September 23, 2010, the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County directed that the Woodland Hills School District be divided into three (3) electoral regions for purposes of electing members to the Board of School Directors. Two members of the Board will be elected from each region. Three members will be elected as at-large members. The new procedure will be phased in starting with the 2011 elections, when each region will elect one Board member and when two members will be elected on an at-large basis. Because each board seat is a separate office, a candidate can elect to run for both a region seat and an atlarge seat in the same election. The possibility exists that the same candidate could win both a region seat and an at-large seat. If that happens, the candidate will choose which seat they want to fill, and the other seat will be declared vacant. There are procedures set forth in the School Code that will be followed to fill the vacant seat.
In order to run for both a region seat and an at-large seat, a candidate must file separate paperwork with the Allegheny County Elections Division, including signatures, for each seat. A candidate who intends to run for both a region seat and an at-large seat must file a nomination petition for the region seat and in addition, must file a nomination petition for the at-large seat. The Allegheny County Elections Division has posted information on the County website regarding the upcoming 2011 election. The election calendar posted on their website indicates that the first date candidates can start obtaining signatures is February 15 and the last day to circulate and file petitions is March 8, 2011. The election calendar is subject to change, however, and candidates should check with the Elections Division to confirm these dates.
Boroughs Included in School Board Regions (l-r) Sitting: Colleen Filiak, Barry Driscoll (Vice-President), Marilyn Messina (President) Robert Rinsma; Standing: Fred Kuhn, Robert Tomasic, Randy Lott, Robert Clanagan. (Missing from photo: Brian Estocin)
6 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
Region 1- Churchill, Wilkins, Chalfant and Turtle Creek Region 2- Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale and Edgewood Region 3- Forest Hills, Braddock Hills, North Braddock and East Pittsburgh
AT-LARGE SEATS
The 2011 elections, and the elections every four years thereafter, will involve two atlarge seats. According to the Allegheny County Division of Elections, a candidate for an at-large seat only has to file one nomination petition for an at-large seat in order to be eligible to be elected to either of the two at-large seats. The candidates receiving the highest and second-highest number of at-large votes will be awarded the at-large seats. A candidate who also wants to run for a region seat has to file separate nomination petitions for the region seat and for the atlarge seat. NOMINATION PETITIONS
With regard to signatures required on the nomination petitions, according to the Division of Elections: (1) The minimum number of signatures required on a nomination petition is the same regardless of whether the candidate is running for a region or an at-large seat; a candidate who is running for an at-large position DOES NOT have to obtain more signatures that a candidate for a regional position; (2) Signatories on an at-large petition DO NOT have to be from each of the three regions; and (3) Separate signatures are required to support a nomination petition for a region seat and to support a nomination petition for an at-large seat. In order to ensure that the proper number of signatures are filed, candidates should obtain more than the required minimum number of signatures, in case of an objection to any particular signatures. More information is available on the WHSD website (www.whsd.net) or prospective candidates can contact the Allegheny County Division of Elections at the following address: Division of Elections 604 County Office Building 542 Forbes Avenue, Suite 604 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412.350.4500
Congratulations to the District’s Latest Nationally Certified Teacher ason Coleman, teacher and technology integrator at the High School, has achieved National Board Certification. In order to achieve this honor, Mr. Coleman underwent a rigorous examination and review by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Mr. Coleman has been certified in the area of Adolescence and Young Adulthood/Social Studies - History. "I set forth on this journey as a personal reflection of myself as an educator in hopes of making myself a better teacher," said Mr. Coleman. "This process not only led to a validation of my work as an educator, but as a Woodland Hills graduate myself, I am proud that I am able to use this experience in a positive way for the students and staff of the Woodland Hills High School as an instructional coach.” We offer our congratulations to Jason on this very important professional achievement.
J
WHHS Entrepreneurship Team Scores Again ongratulations to our High School students that competed in the Second Annual JA Titan FedEx Challenge. Last year’s team won again which earned them a chance to compete in the Grand Championship coming up in May 2011. The team members are: Brandon Sachs, Anthony Young, and Monte Chapman. Mrs. Sheila Thompson, WHHS teacher is their coach and mentor. This is the second year that Junior Achievement has hosted the FedEx Ground JA Titan Business Challenge here at Woodland Hills. The Woodland Hills team competed in a virtual setting against Montour and Upper Saint Clair High Schools. The teams strategize; fine-tune their decisions; and match wits against their opponents, in order to ensure that the performance of their companies is consistent and strong. This year, the Woodland Hills team took THIRD PLACE in the Regional Challenge. This is the second year that this team will participate in the Grand Championship. Each team member was awarded a certificate of participation and a $50 Best Buy Gift Card. Congratulations to everyone and we wish them the best of luck in the coming Championship competition.
C
Left to right: Mrs. Sheila Thompson, Brandon Sach, Anthony Young, Monte Chapman and Sara Kaczynski, JA Director of Marketing & Special Events. Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dr. Nikia Owens, Associate Vice President College Access, Jennifer D'Amico, WHHS Campus Coordinator, and Joyce Fratangelo, Senior Consultant-Pittsburgh Region.
GATE students at Edgewood, Dickson, and Wilkins Elementary Schools discovered the answer by building their own structures. This year, Mrs. Karen Schollaert's students are studying Architecture. She had them research the science behind geodesic domes and read articles about Buckminster Fuller, the inventor of this peculiar structure.
College Access Program Has A New Staffer The College Access Center has a new face in the office. Her name is Jennifer D’Amico and she is the Campus Coordinator for the Project Grad program. Jennifer is no stranger to the District. She graduated from Woodland Hills in 2000 and received a B.S. in English Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2004. Jennifer also has a M.A. in English and Cultural Studies from Carnegie Mellon University. She has taught English and Language Arts and Remedial Reading and has also worked as an Educational Liaison for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at IUP in Curriculum and Instruction. We are fortunate to have someone so closely connected to the District and so well qualified to help our students pursue their dreams of higher education. Welcome back, Jennifer! Woodland Hills Junior High School will be performing Disney's “High School Musical Jr” on April 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. in the WHJH Auditorium. Tickets are $6.00 and can be purchased at the JH Box Office on April 4-7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or one hour before showtime. The show is being directed by WHSD alumni Tyler McGuigan and choreographed by Anthony Martello. Additional assistance is being provided by teachers Joseph Ohodnicki and Heidi Balas.
8 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
The students built geodesic domes using newspaper rolls large enough to hold about 6 students. Inside the pictured dome are Dickson 2nd and 3rd graders: Katherine Hoener, Rhea Godhainia-Carter, Derrick Lawrence, Nick Brozio, Adrian Nanji, Zachary DiPippa, Isabella Atri, and Justice Mock. Yes, they all fit.
ndrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” is the longest running musical in Broadway history. “Phantom” has just been released for high school productions and Woodland Hills is proud to be one of the first in the area to mount this challenging production. The students and production team have been hard at work for months preparing to reproduce this ambitious show. Eric Sciulli will be performing the title role with Marika Countouris and Monica Buzzard sharing the role of Christine and Peter Sorek staring as her lover, Raoul.
A
“The Phantom of the Opera” is set at the Paris Opera House, a young soprano becomes the obsession of a disfigured musical genius. The beautifully haunting score won seven Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” in 1988, with memorable pieces such as “Music of the Night” and the title song “Phantom of the Opera.” The Box Office opened to the public March 1, 2011. All tickets are $10.00. Tickets can be reserved by calling 412.244.1100, ext. 5187 or 5154. BOX OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday 6-8 p.m. Wednesday 2:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday 6-8 p.m. The Box Office also opens one hour prior to curtain. SHOW DATES/TIMES: 8 p.m. shows are Friday, April 29; Saturday, April 30; Thursday, May 5; Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 1 p.m. shows are Saturday, April 30 and Saturday, May 7 For more information, please email Patricia Moore, Business Manager, at moorpa@whsd.net or call 412.244.1100 ext. 5187. Order your tickets early!
5th Annual Spaghetti Dinner “Between Shows” of Woodland Hills Musical The Woodland Hills High School Band Parents’ Organization will host its 5th Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, April 30, 2010 from 3:00 – 7:00pm in the Woodland Hills High School Cafeteria, 2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. The dinner, held in conjunction with award winning Woodland Hills High School’s spring musical, enables theatergoers to enjoy a dinner theater atmosphere either after the matinee or before the evening show of this year’s performances of “Phantom of the Opera”. The menu includes spaghetti with homemade sauce (choice of meatless or a beef/sausage blend), salad and dressing, bread/butter, coffee, cold beverages and homemade desserts donated by the band parents. Dinner guests will be served by members of the WHHS Band and Images. Dinner tickets are $6 for Adults, $4 for children (12 & under) and are available at the door. Proceeds from the spaghetti dinner, help the Woodland Hills High School Marching Band and Images Visual Ensemble finance trips and competitions. Tickets for Phantom of the Opera may be purchased at the Woodland Hills High School box office. Box Office Hours are Tuesdays 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Thursdays 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and one hour before show time.
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
SCHOOL DISTRICT
❊
at Woodland Hills High School
D
id you know that there is a greenhouse at the high school? Perhaps not, but for the past two years with the help of Mrs. Everhart and the Science Department, the greenhouse is getting back to its former use and glory. The greenhouse is full of budding vegetables, blooming flowers and shrubs and now making an ideal location for enrichment opportunities. Numerous science classes, gifted classes and art classes now enjoy this vast learning center which provides a “hands on” experience for our students to meld ecology and environment into education. Recently our efforts have been noticed by the community, as we have been awarded a $500 donation from the Late Bloomers Garden Club, allowing us to install a much needed sprinkler system for which we (and the plants) are very thankful for receiving.
High School seniors and chaperons pose in Times Square while on the Muisc Department trip to New York City in January. The group toured the sights and saw several Broadway plays.
10 Woodland Hills 10 IN724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
If your child will be five years old by September 1, 2011 we invite you and your child to attend one of our kindergarten registration events at our elementary schools. Registration staff will be available to help parents finalize their paperwork. Speech Clinicians will be available to screen registrants for speech and language, kindergarten teachers will be available to perform kindergarten readiness assessments, and the school nurses will meet with parents to review their child’s immunization records to ensure that the required vaccines have been administered before school begins. Parents and children will also have a chance to meet the school principal and make appointments for a school tour at a future date. The forms needed for kindergarten registration are available on-line at the District website (www. whsd.net). Registration packets are also available at all our schools and at the Central Registration Office in the Administration Building at 2430 Greensburg Pike. Parents may pick up the registration forms in advance; and complete and bring the forms with them to the on-site registration at the schools.
❋ If Spring Is In
The list of documents you need to bring with you include: ❋ Parent or guardian’s photo ID (only a parent or legal guardian may register a child) ❋ Current deed or lease ❋ Additional proof of residency (examples: current utility bill, pay stub with name and address, or some type of mail of an official nature ❋ Child’s birth certificate (or baptismal certificate with birth date) ❋ Child’s immunization records Registration staff will make copies for our records and return originals to you. Event Dates & Times: Monday, April 11, 2011 @ Dickson Elementary from noon-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011 @ Fairless Elementary from noon-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @ Edgewood Elementary from noon-7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2011 @ Wilkins Elementary from noon-7 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2011 @ Shaffer Elementary from noon-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ Woodland Hills Academy from noon-7 p.m.
The Air, Can Kindergarten Registration Be Far Behind?
Kindergarten slots at the Woodland Hills Academy are chosen by a lottery that will be held on Tuesday April 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm in the Academy auditorium. For more information, parents can call the Academy at 412.824.2450. When registering a child for kindergarten in the District, parents interested in the Academy should complete a lottery postcard in order to have their child’s name entered into the Academy Registration Lottery. Attendance Zone Information The municipality you live in determines which elementary school your child will attend. Braddock Braddock Hills Chalfant Churchill East Pittsburgh Edgewood
Wilkins Elementary Edgewood Elementary Wilkins Elementary Shaffer Elementary Wilkins Elementary Edgewood Elementary
Forest Hills North Braddock Rankin Swissvale Turtle Creek Wilkins Township
Edgewood Elementary Fairless Elementary Edgewood Elementary Dickson Elementary Shaffer Elementary Wilkins Elementary
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
SCHOOL DISTRICT
W.H. Academy
Edgewood
Woodland Hills Musicians Selected for Honors Bands
Five Woodland Hills High School students were selected for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s (PMEA) District Band East and Orchestra. Eileen Wu, Nathaniel Mallick, O’Connor Rudge, Jonathan Kelly, and Mario Scaramouche performed in the District Band and Madeline Marcelle represented Woodland Hills in the District Orchestra. The Band concerts were held at Greater Latrobe High School and the Orchestra concerts were held at Fox Chapel High School. Mr. Thomas Crone is the Band and Orchestra Director at the High School. Justin McCord and Breanna Seaman represented the District in the PMEA Junior High District Orchestra. They performed a concert at Shaler Middle School. The Band and Orchestra teacher at the Junior High is Ms. Beth Priore. The District sent nine elementary students to the Elementary Honors Band. They performed in an All Star Concert at Dorseyville Middle School. The students come from four schools in the District: Fairless Elementary: Shayne Williams (trombone) and Micala Dyer (flute); from Woodland Hills Academy: Joseph Hughes (trumpet), Greta Brooks (clarinet) and Derek Ricketts (flute); from Edgewood Elementary: Bobby Carr (clarinet) and Jacob Kennedy (clarinet); from Wilkins Elementary: Lilly Adams (clarinet) and Marlena Gregor (trumpet). The students from Fairless, Edgewood, and Wilkins are taught by Band Director Ms. Lora Hertrick and the students from W.H. Academy are taught by Music teacher Ms. Lisa Endler. Congratulations to our teachers and students who are representing our District with such pride and distinction.
Fairless
W.H. High School
W.H. Jr High Wilkins
The Heinz Endowments has awarded the Woodland Hills School District a $200,000 grant to conduct a two-year pilot program to educate and empower students regarding healthy lifestyles. The grant will be used at the High School and our staff is currently conducting research to aid in the development of the program. Details about the program will be available this summer. We anticipate that the program will begin in 2011-12 school year. The initial plan for the program is to focus on healthy nutrition, life-long exercise, stressreduction, and positive self-esteem. A health centered life-style approach will focus on the whole person.
12 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
It is the project’s overall goal to help teenagers demonstrate an understanding of healthful behaviors that they can easily incorporate into their lives and which will enhance their growth and development. The Woodland Hills School District and is proud to be a recipient of this grant and appreciates the opportunity to help the Endowments actualize its mission. The foundation supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.
WHF Awards Ten Mini-Grants for 2010-2011 The Woodland Hills Foundation (WHF) assumed responsibility for the Mini-Grant Program in 2002 to support, encourage, and facilitate great teaching ideas in the Woodland Hills School District. In the last eight years, the WHF has awarded nearly 100 Mini-Grants for over $45,000. Mini-Grants help educators expand the learning experience of their students and acknowledge great teaching ideas. We are pleased to announce that the WHF has awarded the following 10 Mini-Grants for a total of $5,706 for the 2010-2011 school year: ❋ The Sound of Therapy, Sara Michalski, Duffy Rooney, Evan Hertrick, Janice Walter, and Jerry Chessman – Shaffer Elementary ❋ Diary of A Wimpy Kid, Erik Meredith – Shaffer Elementary ❋ Kindergarten Mail Call, Robin Frederick - Edgewood Elementary ❋ Buddy Books, Jennifer Sperduto, Lauren Weisser, Elizabeth Peterson, and Julia Damico – Edgewood Elementary ❋ Stepping Toward the Future, Bethany Wagner - Dickson Elementary ❋ Salvaging Sisterhood, Jamie Heffley – Dickson Elementary ❋ Dickson School News, Martin Sharp and Lori McDowell - Dickson Elementary ❋ Read Across the World, Martin Sharp - Dickson Elementary ❋ Fairless Service Club – Take 2, Rachel Scholze – Fairless Elementary ❋ Jr. High Video Learners, Justin Rodrigues, Heidi Balas, Rhonda Green, Kristen Kibler, Andrew Heffner, Cynthia Baskin, and Jared Herman - WHJHS Please visit www.woodlandhillsfoundation.org for summaries of previously funded Mini-Grants, scholarships, the All-District Art Show, the Alumni Cabaret, and other WHF activities.
tudents from the Woodland Hills Academy put on a musical, “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, Kids.” The cast consisted of 5th, 6th , and 7th grade students. The show was directed by Mrs. Lisa Endler, Music Teacher and produced by Mrs. Courtney Rowe-Lenahan, RTI Reading Specialist. It was a true school community production with many parents and community members helping to make the show a success. The sets were designed and built by Mr. Jeff Hanchett. Make-up was done by Ms. Katherine Baverso. Costumes were the result of the hard work of many parents, especially Mrs. Love, Ms. Lum, Mrs. Lauble, and Mrs. Kathy Lenahan. Mr. Joe Slick provided exceptional sound and the accompanying photo. A special addition to the cast was over 50 Kindergarten students who played the kidnapped puppies in Cruella's fur vault. Thanks to kindergarten teachers: Mrs. Bagwell, Ms. Wheeler, and Mrs. Conley for their help preparing those students. Pictured in the photo are (standing L-R) Hannah Rauenzahn as Anita, Mrs. RoweLenahan, Mrs. Endler, Stephanie Lauble as Cruella DeVil, Jaymond Dunn as Roger (kneeling L-R) Kris Benjamin as Pongo and Katie Hanchett as Perdita.
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
SCHOOL DISTRICT
ongratulations to the Woodland Hills Equations team who took first place in the Regional Equations tournament held recently at the High School. Team members Stephen Arndt, Sara Pope, Jordan Potter, James Price and Mitchell Rode emerged victorious from a field of seventeen teams from seven different school districts. A special congratulations goes out to Ben Hellner-Burris who finished second overall and Louis Saleone who finished fourth overall, and to GATE teacher Mr. Jeff Snyder who prepared the students for the tournament. We are proud of all Woodland Hills Equations team members for an outstanding job. On the next day, the Junior High Regional Equations Tournament was also held at the High School. The Woodland Hills Junior High team placed third out of 21 teams. The members of the victorious team were: J. Pike, Emily Scifo, Erin Huang, Seamus McGuigan, and Justin Newman. Nelson Zhukas was the third highest scorer out of 105 students. We are proud of all of our Woodland Hills Equations team members for an outstanding job.
Woodland Hills Producing Plenty of Millionaires! his is the second year for the Woodland Hills Millionaire Book Club. Over 250 students from all five of our elementary schools: Fairless, Wilkins, Dickson, Edgewood, Shaffer, and the Academy signed up to be members of the book club. The goal for each grade level is to read 1 million words by the end of the school year. The club members’ progress will be monitored, charted, and celebrated throughout the upcoming months. Free books will be given to members of the club at each meeting. Club members will also receive awards and T-shirts for their participation and achievements. The first evening meeting was held on January 26 at Wilkins Elementary School. Parents, students and teachers socialized and talked about the “enriching” power of reading. Andrea McNeil, the children’s librarian from C.C. Mellor Library in Edgewood, helped our students sign up for their own library cards, so they can become accustomed to using the library as a resource – for school and for fun. Future evening meetings are being planned and will be announced when the dates are confirmed. Good luck to our future Millionaires!
T
14 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
Two Woodland Hills High School Students Earn
wo Woodland Hills High School students recently achieved the highest rank that a Boy Scout can earn. Senior James McKay and Junior John Gorol from Forest Hills Boy Scout Troop # 90, are now in very select company. They are part of the 5% of Boy Scouts nationally that have earned an Eagle Scout award. To earn this high achievement, they were required to fulfill badge and leadership responsibilities, and each scout had to plan, manage and lead a community service project. James McKay renovated the Woodland Hills High School soccer concession stand and John Gorol organized a bike safety rodeo in Forest Hills. James McKay is a lifelong Forest Hills resident, the son of Diann and Jim McKay. He is a WHHS tri-athlete, co-captain of the High School Boys Soccer Team, a WPIAL qualifying member of the High School Varsity Swim Team, and a member of the High School Varsity Tennis Team. He is also the Activities Coordinator for the Interact Club, a National Honor Society inductee, and a member of the High School Ski Club. James also works as a lifeguard for the Woodland Hills Community Swim program. He joined scouts when he was 13 years old. His renovation of the High School soccer concession stand took 230 man hours
T
and included stripping and repainting the interior of the stand, sealing and repainting the floor with non-skid material, replacing the countertop, and power washing the exterior. John Gorol also lives in Forest Hills. He is the son of Terri and Bill Gorol. John plans on attending college and is thinking of majoring in the computer field. He has been in scouting for 11 years. John serves as the Vice President of the Junior class. He holds leadership positions in many after school clubs and is a member of several athletic teams. He also volunteers at his church making pierogies and over the last four years, he has been promoted from “pincher” to “cook.” For his Eagle community service, John coordinated a bike safety rodeo that included a bike course, bike safety instruction, bike engraving, free helmets, bike tune-ups and prize giveaways. The bike rodeo was a success, even though the initial date was rained out. Overall, the project took 117½ hours of work. Congratulations to James and John and their families. We are proud of your commitment to Scouting and your hard work and determination in achieving such a significant honor.
l. to r. James McKay, Troop 90 Scout Master Richard Rode; John Gorol
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
SCHOOL DISTRICT
ighteen college students and two professors from Marietta College visited schools in the District to observe good teaching techniques for an entire week at the end of January. The student teachers who were going to start their student teaching upon their return to Ohio, spent time in our classrooms, observing and learning from the best teachers in Allegheny County. The college students were matched with teachers in their academic discipline and grade-level interest. The week was filled with activities, when they were not in the classrooms, the student teachers listened to presentations by District administrators, cheered our District boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, spent some time enjoying our swimming pools, and watched rehearsals of the high school musical. They involved themselves in our District culture and came away with a very positive view of our students, our schools, and especially the compassion and professionalism of our teachers. Some of the comments the visitors wrote on their evaluation forms were enlightening. The students saw that “excellent classroom management is an attainable goal;” “that expectations of students are kept high
E
regardless of background;” and that “the staff [of our schools] shared knowledge and went out of their way to spend time with the Marietta students.” “We all were welcomed so warmly.” The Marietta students all commented that in Woodland Hills, they saw the belief that “all students can learn at exceptionally high levels” was put into action in the classroom everyday. Each year, Marietta College sends its education students to a school district in a metropolitan area as part of its teacher-education curriculum. Marietta is located in a small Ohio town in a predominantly rural area and the professors in the education program like to expose their prospective teachers to bigger urban districts where their students are more likely to find jobs. Everyone in the WHSD made the students and their professors feel very welcome and we all enjoyed their presence. Their enthusiasm for teaching and education, reminded us that teaching is more than a job, it’s one of the most important and lasting ways for an individual to help shape a child and give him a better tomorrow. And by educating the future citizens of our nation, we can truly help to shape a better world.
“Excellent classroom management is an attainable goal.”
Marietta College Student Teachers Visit District
16 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
SPRING 2011
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
What’s Inside
© 2011 UPMC
page 2
Breathe Easy — Don’t Snore Your Life Away
page 3
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future Stomachaches: When to Worry
page 4
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are You Allergic to Your Bed?
page 5
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
page 6
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Could It Happen to You?
page 7
Meet Our Physicians Free Vascular Screening
Breathe Easy — Don’t Snore Your Life Away Do you wake up tired and grumpy? Does your partner shake you awake at night, begging you to roll over? Or is your partner the noisy one? Almost everyone snores occasionally while sleeping. But chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous condition that causes your breathing to stop. Left untreated, it can result in daytime sleepiness, irritability, and accidents — and even lead to serious health problems, says Mehboob K. Chaudhry MD, medical director of the UPMC McKeesport Sleep Disorders Center.
Why worry? During sleep apnea, your upper airway collapses, partially or completely. The oxygen level of your blood also drops, causing you to have a “mini arrest,” says Dr. Chaudhry. Your body responds with “internal CPR” to jumpstart your breathing — pumping you with insulin, adrenaline, and other stimulants to literally save your life.
• Morning headaches • Inability to concentrate • Anxiety and depression
• Skip the nightcap. Alcohol tends to relax the muscles and tissues in your throat. It’s also a stimulant, leaving you wide awake a few hours later.
But these nightly interventions can lead to a host of serious medical problems: diabetes (from too much insulin), high blood pressure (from too much adrenaline), plus inflammation of the arteries and high cholesterol (due to low oxygen levels). Since it’s tough to diagnose sleep apnea on your own, ask your bed partner about your sleep habits, or record yourself at night. The following are the most common signs and symptoms: • Loud and chronic snoring • Choking or gasping sounds
• Daytime sleepiness no matter how much sleep you get
www.UPMC.com/Today
• Going to the bathroom frequently during the night
• Sleep on your side. Gravity can make your tongue and soft tissues drop down, obstructing your airway.
• Breathing stops for 10 to 15 seconds
2
• Nighttime awakenings
If you suspect sleep apnea, see a doctor right away. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated with special devices and surgical procedures. Home remedies and lifestyle changes also can help reduce symptoms.
What causes snoring?
Snoring can occur at any age, but aging can make the pharynx, or throat, floppier. During sleep, air flowing past the floppy tissues and relaxed muscles at the back of your throat can create a vibration, resulting in snoring. Being overweight can cause snoring because extra fat tissue around the neck can narrow your airway. Anatomical defects such as a deviated septum or large tonsils also can cause blockages.
• Restless sleep
What can you do?
“Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. But if someone stops breathing while sleeping, that’s a serious event that must be evaluated,” cautions Dr. Chaudhry. According to Dr. Chaudhry, snoring can result from a cold or allergies because blocked nasal passages make you breathe through your mouth. Extreme fatigue or alcohol consumption also can cause snoring by relaxing your throat muscles.
Less common signs and symptoms
• Wear nasal strips, use saline spray and a humidifier. Opening your nasal passages allows air to pass through more easily. • Lose weight. Even a little weight loss can help open up your throat. • Exercise regularly. It promotes better, sounder sleep. • Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m. Stimulants like coffee, chocolate, and soft drinks can interfere with your sleep. • Stick to a regular sleep schedule. “Sleep is a reparative process. The body can take care of itself if we give ourselves eight hours of quality sleep,” Dr. Chaudhry says.
For more information, contact the UPMC McKeesport Sleep Disorders Center at 412-664-2790.
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future UPMC’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center wields a powerful “triple threat” against IBD: Groundbreaking immunology, genetics research, and innovative clinical care The primary goal of drug therapy is to reduce inflammation in the intestines. Medications include anti-inflammatory drugs; antibiotics to kill germs in the intestinal track; probiotics to restore good bacteria; corticosteroids to provide short-term relief during flare-ups; and immunosuppressants.
At age 23, John Oliver* is feeling better about the future. Free from the gutwrenching pain of Crohn’s disease since a second bowel surgery in 2008 — this time followed by a promising new treatment developed at UPMC using biologic-based drug therapy — he is now making plans to attend medical school next fall. “I think the medicine is working. It’s the best I’ve felt and the best I’ve looked,” says John, who earned his biomedical engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Duke University. His gastroenterologist, Miguel Regueiro, MD, clinical head and codirector of the UPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, says the future has never looked brighter for IBD patients. “Ten years ago, a diagnosis of IBD was devastating. Now, we have new medicines, a greater understanding of the disease, and better research,” he says.
IBD: Who’s at risk? Nearly two million Americans live with IBD, which is not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD involves two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and bleeding.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the small and large intestines, while ulcerative colitis affects the large bowel alone. IBD cuts across all ages, genders, and ethnicities, but generally affects Caucasians ages 15 to 35. While the exact cause is not known, experts believe IBD involves a compromised or overactive immune system. Because IBD may run in families, doctors also believe genetics plays a role. While stress and certain foods do not cause IBD, both can make symptoms worse.
Treatment According to Dr. Regueiro, drugs cannot cure IBD, but they can be effective in reducing the inflammation and accompanying symptoms. While some patients have mild symptoms requiring little medication, others have more debilitating flareups, and some patients have severe problems requiring surgery and even transplants.
In addition, the IBD Center recently developed a Visceral Inflammation and Pain (VIP) Center to help patients deal with both the physical pain and emotional stress of coping with IBD.
Exciting breakthroughs The latest generation of drugs, called biologic therapies, are proving very effective in inducing remission so that patients can lead normal lives. At UPMC, doctors took this approach a step further — as in John’s case — by prescribing biologic drug therapy after performing surgery to remove the damaged section of the intestine. In use now at other hospitals, this treatment has reduced the recurrence of Crohn’s disease in patients by nearly two thirds. * John Oliver’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.
Stomachaches: When to Worry Everyone gets a stomachache — or abdominal pain — from time to time. Most of the time, stomachaches are harmless conditions caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion. Frequent or recurring stomachaches are often due to stress and worry, even in children. But they can point to more serious medical problems. Harmless abdominal pain usually subsides or goes away within two hours. If you have the stomach flu your stomach may hurt before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea. In serious cases, the pain worsens or becomes constant. Sudhir K. Narla, MD, chief of gastroenterology at UPMC McKeesport and director of the hospital’s Center for Digestive Disorders, says you should call your primary care physician if mild pain lasts more than a couple of days, or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms.
Get medical help immediately if: • You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden. • You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. • You’re vomiting blood or having bloody diarrhea. • Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch. • You can’t move your bowels, especially if you’re also vomiting. The bottom line: Trust your gut! Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about lingering or unusual stomach pain.
1-800-533-UPMC
3
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are you among the millions of Americans suffering from lack of sleep? If so, droopy eyelids, wide yawns, and low energy are the least of your worries. Sleep disruption — not sleeping enough or sleeping poorly — can affect your memory, disease resistance, and leave you struggling to stay alert in school, on the job, and on the road. Studies show that people who get the appropriate amount of sleep on a regular basis also tend to live longer, healthier lives than those who sleep too few or even too many hours each night. So, what is a good night’s sleep? According to the National Institutes of Health, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. School-aged children and teens need at least nine hours of sleep each night. Tips to help you sleep • Stick to a sleep schedule. Get up about the same time each day, no matter how many hours of sleep you got the previous night. • Maintain healthy sleep habits. Go to bed only when you’re sleepy. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and relaxing — not too hot or too cold. Don’t text, e-mail, read, or watch TV in bed. • Make sure your mattress is comfortable. Remember, even a good quality mattress needs to be replaced within 10 years. • Exercise is great, but not too late. Avoid exercising within a few hours before bedtime. • Avoid caffeinated drinks after lunch. The stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, colas, teas, and chocolate can take as long as eight hours to wear off. • Avoid large meals at night. A large meal can cause indigestion that interferes with sleep. • Avoid alcoholic drinks before bedtime. While a nightcap may help you relax, alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep and tends to wake you during the night. And, for adolescents and young adults: • Avoid stimulating activities around bedtime. This includes intense studying, text messaging, video games, and lengthy phone conversations. • Avoid pulling “all nighters” during exams. • Sleep in on weekends — but not more than two to three hours past your normal wake time. Sleeping longer may disrupt your body clock. Find a more complete list of the benefits of good sleep at www.UPMC.com/Today.
AreYouAllergic toYour Bed? The dust in your bedroom might be making you sick. Dust mites, and dander, and fibers — oh my! These are just some of the microscopic menaces in ordinary house dust that can cause health problems. Dust mites are a common cause of allergies and asthma. It’s not the dust mite itself that can make you sick; it’s the dust mite debris (the mite’s feces and decaying body). Dust collects in every room of the house because it is easily trapped in linens, upholstery, carpets, and draperies. But the bedroom is a favorite habitat for dust mites because it provides a warm, humid environment, and plenty of food (dead skin from humans and pets).
Five ways to help wipe out dust mites While you can’t completely eliminate dust mites, these simple steps may help reduce their numbers: 1. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers, and encase box springs in vinyl or plastic covers. 2. Wash and dry bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, curtains, and bedcovers weekly in hot water (140 degrees Fahrenheit). If bedding can’t be washed, put the items in the dryer set at a high temperature for 20 minutes. 3. Vacuum carpeting and upholstery weekly. Using a HEPA-filter vacuum can help keep dust from floating back into the air. 4. Use a damp cloth or mop to remove dust from hard surfaces and exposed floors. This will prevent dust from becoming airborne and resettling. 5. Keep the indoor temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at no more than 50 percent. Dust mites aren’t the only puny pests that can invade your bedroom. Bed bugs have made a comeback in recent years. For tips on ways to avoid a bed bug infestation, visit www.UPMC.com/Today. Sources: National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency
4
www.UPMC.com/Today
UPMC Spotlight
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
Keeping track of health issues, test results, and medications is challenging for Sandy Hogue*, who is disabled and chronically ill. Because she must rely on cabs for transportation, seeing a primary care doctor can be an all-day affair. That’s why she was eager to sign up for UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that enables patients to receive and manage information about their health. Sandy uses it to monitor her glucose and high cholesterol levels, check test results, make appointments, renew prescriptions, and diagnose medical conditions — all from the comfort of her home in Westmoreland County. “It’s a good system. I get the medical treatment I need faster without spending a day traveling around,” says Sandy. “It keeps me in contact with my doctor and helps me monitor my medical conditions. And if I have anything contagious, like the flu, it prevents me from infecting other people.” More patients choosing HealthTrak Approximately 42,000 UPMC patients have signed on to HealthTrak, which gives them secure electronic access to their medical records, medications, and other information. HealthTrak recently was expanded to include eVisits — an online digital house call — with a primary care physician. * These patients’ treatments and results may not be representative of similar cases.
During an eVisit, patients select a symptom and complete an interactive questionnaire. A UPMC doctor then reviews the information and makes a diagnosis. If medication is needed, a prescription can be sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy.
“HealthTrak is great for college students who are far from home, the elderly, and other people who have trouble getting to the doctor. It doesn’t take the place of going to the doctor for regular check-ups, but it’s very useful,” Robin says. “If only UPMC could figure a way for me to see my dentist online!”
Oakmont resident Mark Gleeson* uses HealthTrak primarily to keep track of his medical records. In October, when the computer-savvy 83-year-old came down with a cough and cold late in the day, he decided to “see” a doctor via eVisit. Within an hour of completing the questionnaire, a UPMC doctor responded with medical instructions and a prescription for his sinus infection and chest congestion. “It was so convenient, and it worked! Within three days, I felt good as new,” Mark says. Convenience and comfort As a graduate student, Robin Sales* relied on HealthTrak to connect with her hometown doctor while attending school in Nevada. Now a young professional living in New York City, she continues to use the online service for eVisits, to fill prescriptions, and access her medical records. “It’s comforting. Having easy access to a doctor back home gives me the chance to find the right doctor for me locally, without rushing into it. It’s one less thing to worry about,” she says. Robin, who first used eVisit to consult a doctor about an eye infection, says the online questionnaire asks the same questions the doctor would ask at an appointment. When she needs medicine, her doctor in Pittsburgh faxes the prescription to her New York drug store two minutes away.
UPMC HealthTrak Benefits Manage your health from home with HealthTrak. Here’s what you can do online: • Send a message to your doctor • View medical records and test results • Renew prescriptions • Track current health issues such as glucose levels and blood pressure • Request appointments • Ask billing questions • “See” a doctor (digital house call) For more information or to sign up, visit www.UPMCHealthTrak.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
5
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Could it Happen to You? Most of us associate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with returning military veterans who have experienced the tragedy of war. But you don’t have to be a soldier to undergo the intense feelings of helplessness, horror, and fear that characterize PTSD. Imagine being in a terrible car accident on your way to the mall. For days and weeks afterwards, you constantly relive the accident in your mind. You take a different route to shop and, worst of all, your body won’t let you relax. You can’t sleep — and when you finally do doze off, you’re awakened by nightmares. You can’t concentrate, your heart pounds, and you break out in cold sweats. “We know that anyone who has undergone some kind of trauma can be at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder,” explains Anne Germain, PhD, associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Based at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, she currently leads several sleep research projects with returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who have PTSD. PTSD can be triggered by a single event you’ve experienced or even witnessed — be it an accident, violent crime, or natural disaster — or by ongoing trauma, such as child abuse or domestic violence. When we experience a life-threatening event, it’s normal for our body to react with a powerful, stressful response; it’s what enables us to fight or flee. “But for some people, these symptoms persist and worsen,” says Dr. Germain. “The toll can be profound if symptoms are ignored. PTSD has a devastating impact on the lives of people who have it — and on those around them. It also has enormous financial and economic implications.”
Did You Know? UPMC's Sleep Medicine Center — accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine — is the only multidisciplinary sleep medicine facility in western Pennsylvania. The center performs approximately 2,000 sleep studies annually for adult patients with all types of sleep disorders. The staff at the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center include board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and registered sleep laboratory technologists. To schedule an appointment, call 412-692-2880.
6
www.UPMC.com/Today
PTSD is a relatively new specialization in psychology, and experts are still trying to determine why it affects some people and not others. Fortunately, for most people, the symptoms of PTSD begin to ease in about a month. “If they continue, it’s extremely important to seek professional help,” notes Dr. Germain. “The best place to begin is to talk with your family doctor and seek a referral to a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.”
PTSD and sleep disorders Among the most troubling aspects of chronic PTSD for patients are the recurring nightmares and insomnia it can bring. There is growing evidence that such sleep disorders have a direct impact on both a person’s mental and physical health. Individuals with PTSD often say they have problems falling or staying asleep, and that the sleep they get isn’t refreshing and restorative. “Our sleep research studies with veterans show that they have many more sleep disorders than the general public, including sleep apnea and other breathing problems,” notes Dr. Germain. With PTSD, nightmares can become an ingrained behavior, affecting a person’s daytime functioning — from faltering concentration and poor memory, to emotional outbursts. “By stopping the nightmares and helping to make sleep more normal, restful, and restorative, patients can overcome other aspects of chronic PTSD in their lives a bit more easily. And sleep can be improved in a matter of weeks,” she says. Dr. Germain uses several methods to treat PTSD-related sleep disorders, including image reversal therapy. “We help patients replace a recurring nightmare with a more positive, affirming dream. They write it down and rehearse it several times a day to train the brain to have a new dream image.” Individuals interested in participating in Dr. Germain’s sleep research studies for military veterans are invited to call 412-246-6404 or visit www.veteranssleep.pitt.edu.
Meet Our Physicians Please visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) for more information about any of our physicians. To contact the UPMC McKeesport physicians listed below, please use the office phone number provided.
Meet our UPMC McKeesport Gastroenterologists University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Gastroenterology
Vipin Gupta, MD
Sudhir Narla, MD Leonard Baidoo, MD Hossam Kandil, MD Vijay Singh, MD Adam Slivka, MD Dhiraj Yadav, MD
Satish Kanakamedala, MD
Office Phone: 412-359-8900
Office Phone: 412-683-2488 Pradeep Kumar, MD Office Phone: 724-205-3318
Office Phone: 412-672-5766 Ragunath Appasamy, MD Office Phone: 412-488-7474
Meet our UPMC McKeesport Pulmonologists University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Michael Donahoe, MD Khaled Fernainy, MD Syed Haider, MD Phillip Lamberty, MD Euhan Lee, MD Matthew Woodske, MD
Associates in Respiratory Medicine Frederic Acevedo, MD Paul Fiehler, MD Mario Kinsella, MD Lewis Kline, MD Raheela Pirzada, MD Office Phone: 412-687-5573
Office Phone: 412-664-2851
Chaudhry Pulmonary Associates Mehboob Chaudhry, MD Rahat Chaudhry, MD Azmat Qayyum, MD Office Phone: 412-672-9240
Free Vascular Screening Program Millions of Americans suffer from vascular disease. Most don’t know they have it until they require medical attention. Early detection and treatment can save your life. Simple non-invasive carotid artery and peripheral artery screenings by our certified ultrasound imaging staff are available free or charge.
UPMC McKeesport Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center Oak Park Mall 2001 Lincoln Way, White Oak Every Tuesday and Thursday Noon to 2:30 p.m. • For individuals 50 years of age or older • No appointments necessary; walk-ins welcome
For more information, call 412-664-3012.
1-800-533-UPMC
7
UPMC McKeesport 1500 Fifth Ave. McKeesport, PA 15132
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
Follow UPMC on Facebook.
Even the smallest discovery is important. Doctors rely on quality images to make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions for their patients. UPMC is a leader in creating and adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance medical imaging and improve patient care. In fact, some of the most innovative advances in the field of radiology have happened in our hospitals. And our state-of-the-art computer system allows imaging scans to be quickly accessed and viewed by physicians across our network with just the click of a mouse. Our advanced technology and expert radiologists can make a real difference in your care. Whether you need an x-ray or advanced radiology testing, trust Imaging Services at UPMC McKeesport. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 412-664-CARE (2273) or visit UPMC.com/Imaging.
SCHOOL DISTRICT
New Vision Program Restores Eyesight, Confidence for Students By Stephanie Rex
ickson Elementary's School Nurse is leadVision Works will give no cost eye exams and glasses to ing a new initiative that is giving no cost eye children who do not pass their eyesight screenings with exams and eyeglasses to students in need. school nurses. The nurse will then sign a voucher and Lianne Greve is leading a new program in the fax it to Vision Works after receiving parent permission. Woodland Hills School District aiming to give eye“They make an appointment, take the voucher and sight back to students and empower educations. receive a complete exam,” Greve said. “If they need Lianne Greve Focus on America is a national initiative providglasses, they will be given glasses.” ing eye exams and eyeglasses to children who do not Students with no insurance qualify to receive glasses. have insurance. Greve, the school nurse at Dickson Elementary Greve said the initiative became a major discussion in the district in School in Swissvale, volunteered to lead the local program because September. Two students who were in severe need already have received she recognized its importance to the students' futures. exams and new eyeglasses at Dickson, she said. “Poor eyesight impacts children’s lives in many ways,” Greve said. More students should be coordinating exams in the next two weeks. “Up to the age of 12 years old, 80 percent of all learning takes place “We have so many children who need glasses who don’t have them visually. Only one in 10 children with vision problems wears glasses.” and the district has had problems with test scores and it’s possible that Greve also said vision problems can slow both academic and social getting these kids the ability to see will improve those scores,” Greve said. development. There also is a close correlation between the inability to read Assistant Principal Lyndsey Love said the initiative is one that will be and school dropout rates, truancy rates, crime rates and low wages. key in improving the education of some students at Dickson Elementary. Davis Vision is the supplier for eye insurance in all of the school “I think it’s really important for us as a school to offer this support to districts in Allegheny County. That company is teaming up with Vision families who need it in the district,” Love said. Works, which is located at the Waterfront and the Monroeville Mall. Reprinted with permission from Patch.com - a local news source that can be found at http://www.patch.com/
D
Honor WHSD Students Students are honored with the Wolverine Spirit Awards at the monthly legislative school board meeting. Students are nominated by their teachers. They are recognized by the school board directors and presented with certificates and gift cards by WHSD Superintendent Dr. Walter Calinger and their principals.
January 2011, Edgewood Elementary, Robert Carr and Khaliqa Spencer
December 2010 Wilkins Elementary, Emily Parasky and Terry Smith November 2010, Shaffer Elementary, Franchesqua Bannister and Mariah Leahew Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Woodland Hills
wo full weeks off for winter break this December presented a great opportunity for Woodland Hills School District children interested in learning to swim. Once again, the District joined with Woodland Hills Aquatic Team to offer free swim lessons to children living in the District. More than 10 members of the High School and Junior High swim teams volunteered their time to teach alongside instructors and coaches from Woodland Hills Aquatic Team. The four day lesson program attracted almost 50 youngsters in kindergarten through sixth grade. Participants learned basic water safety and basic swim techniques. For some it was an opportunity to overcome a fear of the water and for others an opportunity to learn more advanced stroke skills and the intricacies of racing starts and turns. A BIG Thank You to all the volunteers who made this program possible. Check out the district website for announcements about future lesson programs and the Community Recreational Swim schedule.
Claudia Zido sporting her medals from the Junior Olympics.
26 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
❋ Swim News ❋ WHHS Varsity Swim Coach Brad Nepa is keeping his eye on an up and coming Junior High swimmer. Eight grader Claudia Zido won 6 out of 8 events at the Junior Olympics swim meet held at Bethel Park High School. Coach Nepa already coaches Claudia as a member of the Woodland Hills Aquatics Club (WHAT). She is the belt holder for the club. During the Junior High swim season she won the 200 and 100 free events. Congrats to Claudia and Coach Nepa.
lends his support. Parents also volunteer to help students with homework. Our students are learning many valuable lessons, not only in their school subjects, but in the importance of learning, when they see so many adults giving their personal time to keep them on the right track academically. The students can take an activities bus home or be picked up by their parents at 7 p.m.
Lessons In and Out of the Water A new Study and Swim program has been introduced at the WH Academy this semester sponsored by the parent group, (PIE) Partners In Education. Forty-four parents have signed their children up to participate - about 50 kids in total. The participants stay after school, every Wednesday, meet in the cafeteria, do homework with parent volunteers present to help, eat pizza and then go swimming in the Academy pool. Aquatics Director Tori Zido and additional lifeguards are present at the pool as well as Principal Reggie Hickman who stays and
Newly Installed Honor Board There is something new at the WHHS pool – an Honors Board has recently been installed. It is a display of college caps that represent the schools where our athletes have continued their swimming careers upon graduation from Woodland Hills. There are still a few caps to add but the board covers the last 10 years.
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Woodland Hills 2011 Sports Camp Session 1: June 20-24 Session 2: June 27-July 1 Open to ALL Woodland Hills students entering grades 2-8 in August, 2011. Space is limited, so register early! Sports included:
Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleding, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball, Wrestling
Fee:
$25 for first child in family, $15 for additional children in the same family
Hours:
9:30-9:45 a.m..........Camper check-in 2:30 p.m...................Dismissal
Campers must wear:
Shorts, T-shirts and gym shoes
Campers must bring:
Bathing suit, towel, goggles (optional), bag to carry everything. (Please make sure your child’s name is in all clothing). Campers must also bring a lunch and a bottle of water.
Registration materials can be downloaded from the District website (www.whsd.net) or picked up in the High School Athletics Office. Space is limited and participants will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have questions call Korie Morton-Rozier at 412.244.1100 ext. 5141 or Tori Zido at 412.417.1378. All forms should be mailed to Victoria Zido, 185 Penhurst Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Questions??? E-mail Victoria at tori@whatswimming.org.
28 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
FOX Rehabilitation
Provides Local Therapy Services W
hether you are recovering from an illness, recent surgical procedure, or struggling with an ongoing health condition, FOX Rehabilitation Therapy Services can help. Located inside Juniper Village at Forest Hills, FOX Rehabilitation is a private therapy practice comprised of full-time physical, speech and occupational therapists who provide Geriatric Therapy Services. “At FOX Rehab we believe older individuals deserve the best life possible; regardless of their past or current medical conditions,” states Ron Fleck, Physical Therapist and Western Pennsylvania Regional Director for Fox Rehabilitation. “Through our therapy services we help patients find their strength and restore their lives. At FOX Rehabilitation our patients do not have to be homebound or have a skilled nursing need. Unlike home health agencies that bill under Medicare Part A, FOX uses Medicare Part B as their billing foundation. As a result, we can provide services in the comfort of your own home, or our at our local Out-Patient Therapy center located in Juniper Village at Forest Hills,” states Mr. Fleck.
“Juniper Village is very pleased to have FOX Rehabilitation here at our facility; and to be able to offer their services to the members of our local community” states Janet Wangler, Executive Director for Juniper Village at Forest Hills. “By offering physical, speech and occupation therapies we are able to help our residents stay stronger and be healthier as they get older. Our short term stays are also a great option for loved ones in need of care and therapy services after an out-patient surgical procedure.” For more information about FOX Rehabilitation’s services or to schedule an in-home therapy assessment, visit Juniper Village at Forest Hills or contact FOX’s Customer Care Division at 1.877.407.3422.
At Fox Rehabilitation we offer: ❋ Our Therapists Make House Calls! We provide Geriatric House Calls in your home, for physical, occupational, and speech therapy. ❋ One-on-One Relationships: The same therapist’s are scheduled so they can learn the abilities and limitations of their patients. ❋ No Set Number of Treatments: We assess patients with evidencebased functional outcome measures. Coverage under Medicare Part B allows us to provide the correct level and length of care, as dictated by each individual’s unique need. ❋ We Treat Patients with Cognitive Impairments: Our staff members are trained to understand dementia and use techniques to treat dementia patients compassionately resulting in positive therapy outcomes. ❋ We offer Fox Better Living™ programs: Programs such as Fall Risk Reduction, Community-Based Exercise, and In-Home Safety Assessments to help families avoid future injuries. ❋ Proactive Approach: Staying well and strong is much easier than rehabilitating from illness or injury. We believe in the power of exercise to restore and in its ability to rehabilitate lives. Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation
Older Adults in Woodland Hills Keep Your Credit Card Secure ow that the holidays are behind us, you’re hopefully putting that smoking credit card back into your wallet or purse for a while. But even though this may be a down time for you and your credit card, it’s no time to be lax about your credit card security. So what do you need to know about keeping your credit card safe? First, off, don’t give yourself a pin number that’s easy to guess. Issuing banks typicall y assign you a random pin number when you first get your card that you can change later. Keep this assigned number and avoid picking a pin for yourself like “1234” or your birth date. While it may be easy for you to remember, those choices are also very easy for predators to figure out. If you make a lot of online purchases or just want to dip your toes into the world of Internet shopping, get yourself a dedicated card with a low credit limit. You can open up a secured credit card at most financial institutions that require you to deposit a balance to borrow against, allowing you to open a card with a $500 limit. Your deposit will gain interest and you will be able to use your card for online purchases. What’s more, most scammers try to run a small purchase
N
30 724.942.0940 to advertise |
through before running a larger purchase on the card. You may not notice a $0.32 charge right away, but when your bank calls you asking if you tried to purchase a $779 laptop, you’ll be happy your limit was low enough to be declined. If your credit card number is compromised, you should call your bank immediately and report it. While police are able to enforce credit card fraud on a local level, with the Internet the person trying to run your numbers may be six states away, if they’re in the United States at all. In all cases, the sooner it’s reported, the better. Your bank will cancel the card number and reissue you another card. While you’re online, keep in mind that your bank will most likely never contact you via email regarding your account. If you do get an e-mail from a bank that you use, double check the address. Chances are it will be slightly askew from any legitimate
Woodland Hills
address. Instead of “@yourcreditcard.com,” you may see, “@yourcreditcard1.com” or “@yourcreditcard.uk.” Banks understand that scammers routinely try to get you to give up your personal information via e-mail. Therefore, most have secured e-mail available through their websites, where you can be sure you’re talking straight to legitimate bank representatives. Lastly, if you have several credit c ards that you use often, take the time to flip them over and write down the 1-800 customer service numbers on the back and keep that list in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy in your purse or wallet. This way, when you notice your card is missing and are frantic, you can at least go to your list and call to report the missing card. In the end, you should treat your credit card like you would treat your cash—never leave it lying around.
SeniorAgencies Transportation For Older Adults 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 for the location nearest to 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. 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 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.
have owned my Home Instead Senior Care franchise for 7 years. During that time I have recognized the value of the work that our CAREGivers were able to accomplish with their clients and the positive change that we had on the lives of our clients’ families. But 2010 was an especially eye opening year for me. Perhaps it was because I have seen my 90 year old grandmother use Home Instead Senior Care and truly benefit from our services after her second hip fracture. Maybe it is because I recently saw my wife’s 91 year old grandfather and 88 year old great uncle pass away. Both men, true American heros having served during WWII so valiantly, then coming home along with my grandmother, starting families and being instrumental in the post war industrial boom. The one thing that I learned from these 3 amazing people, was that regardless of age, we all are proud of our families, our work ethic, and our desire to be independent. I feel great pride in the work that Home Instead Senior Care provides to our clients. I know today more than ever, that to do our job reliably, with consideration for clients and families, is one of the best ways to honor our elders. That is what I strive to do for my clients.
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
Share the Gift of Hearing Debra Comte, Doctor of Audiology and Owner of Community Hearing child laughing. Birds chirping on a spring morning. Your favorite song. The ability to hear these and all the sounds of life is a wonderful gift. For those struggling with hearing loss, this enjoyment is often replaced with frustration. Many people can improve their lives with hearing aids, but for some, financial limitations stand in the way. As an audiologist I have come across many instances where a patient’s quality of life has severely deteriorated with the loss of hearing. Their poor hearing has begun to inhibit their ability to understand a conversation or listen to instructions, let alone enjoy their favorite music or television shows. I see many patients that are unable to afford the hearing aids that could make their lives much more enjoyable. In order to assist those in need of hearing aids but unable to afford them, we at Community Hearing have recently started the Share the Gift of Hearing program. This program will provide free and discounted hearing aids to those most in need. We are asking for donations from the community in order to support the program. Donations can be made by check or by visiting our website, www.CommunityHearing.net, to make a secure payment via credit card or PayPal. We also are accepting donations of used hearing aids. Used hearing aids can be refurbished and reprogrammed to meet the needs of a new user. Community Hearing will also be contributing $1 to the Share the Gift of Hearing program for each pack of batteries we sell. The Share the Gift of Hearing Program can have such a positive impact, and I am excited to get started. I hope you share in my excitement and will consider a donation. Please call us at 412.499.3215 with any questions about the new program.
A
32 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
Make plans to attend the C.C. Mellor Memorial Library Annual Book Sale held in the Edgewood Club Ballroom, 1 Pennwood Avenue. It promises to be bigger and better than ever! Readers of all ages and interests will find lots to choose from among the thousands of items in the sale: books, movies, books on tape and CD, music CDs and tapes, magazines, and children’s games. And everything is at bargain prices. The weekend kicks off with a preview party for area residents and their guests (No Book Dealers) on Friday, March 18, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Hosted by the Drop Dead Book Club, this is a great time to join your friends and neighbors in browsing and purchasing books in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of good food, drink and good conversation. The cost per person is $20. Call the library at 412.731.0909 to make reservations. Weekend hours for the sale are Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Books are $2 for hardbacks (5 for $8), $1 for paperbacks (5 for $4) and $.50 for kids’ books (5 for $2). Monday and Tuesday are Bag Sale Days. Fill a bag for $6 (the Library provides the bags). Bag Sale hours are Monday, March 23 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are happy to take donations of books and other items up through the sale. We are also looking for volunteers; we need help setting up the sale, running the sale, and tearing down the sale. To volunteer, call Sally Bogie at 412.731.0909.
❋
We are looking for experienced writers!
Writers based in the IN Woodland Hills community interested in writing features that keep our readers up to date on what's happening! Respond to: hr@incommunitymagazines.com No Phone Calls Please!
34 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
at C.C. Mellor Library, Edgewood
Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job. Come hear the author, Stephen R. Swinburne, in person, read his story to us! Friday, March 25, 2011 C.C. Mellor Memorial Library @ 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Edgewood Community House Ballroom Other interesting activities include: ❋ Play with Museum–developed traveling trunk of book-related activities & games. ❋ Reflexologist, Pamela Fagelson, shows us how reflexology is integral to one’s overall health. ❋ Visit with the podiatrist. ❋ Participate in an A-mazing shoe activity! ❋ Every young child in attendance will receive a copy of the book.
The Allegheny County Library Association has announced its selection for this year’s community read. It is 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Walker. The overarching theme for the 2011 program will be rediscovering civility and kindness in an era when they frequently appear to be forgotten. A number of events are planned: Cami Walker will speak at OASIS on Thursday, April 7 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the downtown Macy’s Auditorium. Panel discussion on civility in government will be held at the Duquesne University Student Union on Monday April 11, time TBA. Barnes and Noble will hold an essay contest for all ages. Two local book discussions are planned: Forest Hills Library, Tuesday, April 12, 1 p.m. Edgewood Library, Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. If your book club would like to discuss 29 Gifts, contact Brenda at 412.824.3567 to reserve multiple copies.
SPRING
2011
G U N U R T L I N X R
K R R H W I I O S V A
F D G S B L S S O V Q
M T K O K N AW K H E G Z U F O S C S U WG
T E M P E R A T U R E
X M Y H G R F O J A R
R G X S T N P J B Z W
S N E E Z E N A B F Y
W U L D T G E R M A D
C G U H U S U R I V G
Cough Germ Nose Sneeze Temperature Tissue Virus Wash
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
germs...
36 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
Do you want the “Assurance” of a secure and loving childcare environment? Do you want the “Assurance” that your child will have a Christ-Centered learning experience? Do you want the “Assurance” that your child will be prepared socially and academically for grade school? HEAD START Program & PA Certified Teachers On Site • NAFCC ACCREDITED • KEYSTONE STARS – 4 STAR Quality Rating • State Licensed & DPW Approved • Child Care Partnerships and TANF Accepted • 3 FREE MEALS • Large fully-equipped Outdoor Play Area
BLESSED ASSURANCE Educating the whole child: body, mind and spirit Rankin, PA • Ages 1 through 5 years • 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT (412) 271-4727 E-Mail: blessedchildren1@verizon.net Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
ost people, when they turn 18, get ready to set off to college. Amanda Wilson hopped a plane to Tanzania and spent some time in Africa. “Basically, I was applying to colleges last year, and a lot of stuff around decision time wasn’t working out financially. Someone said, ‘Take a gap year,’ and that’s what I did,” Wilson said. “I started doing research and found out that I could go abroad and teach English.” Without a syllable of Swahili in her lexicon, Wilson delved into a culture on the other side of the globe to teach second and fifth-graders her native language. English is required of all Tanzanian students who wish to pursue secondary language. While it is no longer the primary official language of the country, it is the language of the country’s legal system and as important as Swahili. Wilson said that while some of the students knew an English phrase here or there, the majority knew as much English as she did Swahili.“All we had was a week and a half of training when I first got there,” Wilson said. “They did train us enough to give instruction in classes. In Tanzania and other African countries, it is mandatory that all secondary schools be taught in English. Kenya does this too. English is the int ernational language. It’s good for their economy, but it makes things difficult in rural schools.” Wilson stayed in volunteer houses in a tiny village nestled in a shallow valley on the plains of Tanzania.“I stayed in a village with no electricity or running water,” she said. “I had to get a couple of vaccinations for things like yellow fever, and I had to take malaria tablets.” Because of the poverty, W ilson said that she noticed that Tanzanians, culturally, aren’t focused on money as a driving force in life. “People aren’t money focused at all. Watching them and their day-to-day life, what it revolves around is their family all the time and working together. They’re less stressed about stuff,” Wilson said. “I was actually the first American that stayed long-term in the village, so I had a lot of secondary school students that spoke pretty decent English. They’d ask me about the American economy and the weather and the geography. There were a lot of questions about American government.” Despite their lack of concern for personal wealth, Wilson said the Tanzanians’ only notion of Americans is that it’s a far-off land of very rich people. “They generally see Americans as being very rich. They don’t have television or the Internet or anything. They don’t have any cultural perception of us or mediabased impressions,” Wilson said. “To them, we’re very far off, very disconnected. It was interesting, though, that all the people over there really like Obama. I did get a lot of Obama questions.”
Tanzanian awe of Obama stems from the fact that the country borders Kenya, where Obama held dual citizenship – American and Kenyan – because of his father being a British national. When Tanzania gained its independence from the British Empire in 1963, its new constitution prohibited dual citizenship, and Obama’s Kenyan ties were severed automatically in 1984. Wilson said that in addition to teaching, she was able to set up a choir and travel around the countryside every other weekend for supplies. She also took a week-long sojourn to see Kilimanjaro. Now that she’s back in Pittsburgh, ankle deep in the slush and snow that she didn’t miss in Africa, Wilson said she’s working on going to college to pursue a career of teaching music. She said she still misses her Tanzanian friends and will stay in touch via letters. Her father’s company raised money to purchase textbooks, which will strengthen her bond with her global neighbors. With the college track looming ahead, Wilson said her gap year was one of the best decisions she ever made, and she looks forward to the day when she can return.“I would definitely go back,” she said. “There’s no question about that.”
38 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
Amanda with one of her Standard 5 (equivalent of 5th grade) students, Upendo.
“Is the doctor in?” The call came in early in the morning and the woman’s voice on the phone sounded distressed. Her garage door wouldn’t go up, she had to leave for work, and the old wooden door was too heavy for her to lift. She needed help fast. This was not an unusual call for Leet Sommerfeld. After several years of helping home owners solve all kinds of repair problems, he had heard it all before. What was unusual about this call was the woman referring to him as “the doctor.” Thus a new name for the business was born on that early morning in 1979. At the Garage Door Doctor today, just as in 1979, Leet Sommerfeld and his employees deal with many types of garage door and operator malfunctions, including broken springs, broken cables, and garage doors that “get stuck” midway open. “The garage door is the heaviest moving part in the house, and often people are not aware that it can pose a safety hazard,” says Leet Sommerfeld Jr., who has taken over the operation of the company from his dad. “A door that is not working properly is dangerous for everyone, but especially for children and pets.” Sadly, the Garage Door Doctor has received calls from broken hearted pet owners whose pets were trapped under a closing door. Because of the safety issue, the Garage Door Doctor is recommending a yearly “check up” for garage doors in which parts are inspected, lubricated, and adjusted if necessary. Nowadays, the Garage Door Doctor is a third generation corporation. When Leet Sommerfeld Sr. incorporated his business from his Churchill home in 1979, he did not realize that the Garage Door Doctor would become a way of life for his son, Leet Jr., and his grandson, Brandon. “When I started the business in 1979, I wrote a letter that I had hand delivered to homes in Churchill, Monroeville, and Penn Hills in which I introduced myself, my family, and what services were offered by the Garage Door Doctor,” says Leet Sr. “People would tape the letter to their garage door and call when they needed us.”
If you have any questions about the operation of your garage door or your electric door opener, the staff of the Garage Door Doctor will be happy to help you. Please call 412.829.2007.
In time, Leet Sr. took on employees, but he was always assisted by Leet Jr. who helped even during his college years in the summers and on breaks. “After being awarded his degree in business management, Leet Jr. had thoughts of taking a job elsewhere, but he finally settled on the Garage Door Doctor where he does a terrific job not only because he knows garage doors, but because he knows people and cares about satisfying their needs,” says his proud dad. “He handles every job just as if he were working on his own home, and he has instilled that attitude in his employees.” Grandson Brandon also grew up in the business and today assists his dad with both residen-
tial and demanding commercial jobs. “Brandon was able to handle jobs on his own from a very early age,” says Leet Sr. “When he was a young teenager he would be dropped off on a job and the customer would say, “Isn’t your dad going to work with you?” Brandon did it all on his own, and the customers were always pleased.” Apparently customers still are pleased with the company, as the Garage Door Doctor has been awarded the Angie’s List Super Service Award every year since 2006. Angie’s List (an organization which provides its members with evaluations of home contractors based on customer ratings) presents the award to those businesses which receive consistently superior ratings from home owners.
Woodland Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
COMMUNITY WORSHIP All Saints Anglican Episcopal Church 412.793.0270
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 412.793.1394
Beulah Presbyterian Church 412.242.4570
Hebron United Presbyterian Church 412.371.2307
Calvary United Church of Christ 412.823.4347 Christ Lutheran Church and School 412.271.7173 Electric Heights United Methodist Church 412.824.3303 Emmanuel Lutheran Church 412.824.4525 Epiphany Lutheran Church 412.241.1313 Faith Bible Baptist Church 412.825.7450 First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood 412.241.4613 First Christian Church of Turtle Crteek 412.823.2582 Forest Hills Presbyterian Church 412.241.1647 Good Shepherd Catholic Parish 412.271.1515
Hope Lutheran Church of Forest Hills 412.242.4476 Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 412.271.1995 Laketon Heights United Methodist 412.241.9170 Living Spirit Ministry 412.351.1802 Lutheran Church of Forest Hills 412.242.4476 Madonna del Castello Church 412.271.5666 McMasters United Methodist Church 412.823.1988 Mount Hope Community Church 412.793.0227 Mount Olive Baptist Church 412.271.0303 Mount Olive Church of God in Christ 412.361.0503
Muhleman Memorial Methodist Church 412.823.5170 New Hope Baptist Church 412.271.8998 New Vision Community Church 412.241.6160 Parkway Jewish Center 412.823.4338 Penn Hills Baptist Church 412.793.6640 Penn Hills Free Methodist Church 412.793.7263 Presbyterian Church of America 412.793.7117 Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 412.824.9188
St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 412.242.3374 St. Colman Catholic Church 412.283.2564 St. James Episcopal Church 412.242.2300 St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church 412.824.0246 St. John Fisher 412.241.4722 St. Maurice Roman Catholic Church 412.271.0809 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 412.271.9300 Trinity Tower United Methodist 412.793.9000 Universal United Presbyterian Church 412.793.1355
Protestant Reformed Fellowship 412.371.2299
Word of God Catholic Church 412.241.1372
Resurrection Baptist Church 412.271.7355
Word & Worship Church 412.824.1616
Sri Venkateswara Temple 412.373.3380
Zion Lutheran Church 412.242.2626
SS. Peter & Paul Byzantine Church 412.466.3578
P AROCHIAL E LEMENTARY S CHOOLS Faith Christian School Wilkins Twp. 412.825.7455
St. Bernadette Monroeville 412.372.7255
St. Bartholomew Penn Hills 412.242.2511
St. Joseph Verona 412.828.7213
Good Shepherd Braddock 412.271.2492
North American Martyrs Monroeville 412.373.0889
Word of God Swissvale 412.371.8587
St. James Wilkinsburg 412.242.3515
St. Maurice Forest Hills 412.351.5403
St. Irenaeus Oakmont 412.828.8444
St. John the Baptist Plum 412.793.0555
We are interested in highlighting your church! If you are a member of the Clergy from this area and would like to contribute an inspirational message that all of our readers might enjoy, please contact Marybeth Jeffries, Managing Editor at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. 40 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Woodland Hills
FAMILY MEDICINE DR. BRENT CLARK
❋ Affordable Healthcare at $300 per year ❋ Immunizations
❋ Preventive Health Screenings ❋ Yearly Physical Examinations
9816 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, PA 15235. • 412.243.4525 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Thursday
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT! Please submit your information, including a phone number and e-mail information to: marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com or call 724.942.0940
603 East McMurray Road McMurray I PA I 15317 724.942.0940 www.incommunitymagazines.com
| IN BEDFORD COUNTY | | IN BETHEL PARK | | IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWINWHITEHALL | | IN CANON-MAC | | IN CHARTIERS VALLEY | | IN FOX CHAPEL | | IN HAMPTON | | IN KEYSTONE OAKS | | IN MARS AREA | | IN McKEESPORT AREA | | IN MERCER COUNTY | | IN MONROEVILLE | | IN MT. LEBANON | | IN MURRYSVILLE | | IN NORTH ALLEGHENY | | IN NORWIN | | IN PENN HILLS | | IN PETERS TOWNSHIP | | IN PINE-RICHLAND | | IN PLUM | | IN ROSS TOWNSHIP | | IN SENECA VALLEY | | IN SEWICKLEY AREA | | IN SHALER | | IN SOUTH FAYETTE | | IN UPPER ST. CLAIR | | IN WEST ALLEGHENY | | IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS | | IN WEST MIFFLIN | |
WOODLAND HILLS |