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t. Lebanon From the Publisher Welcome to the summer issue of IN Mt. Lebanon. While we focus on the communities that we serve, we don’t live in a bubble. The world throws curveballs at each of us, and each of us has to decide whether or not to swing at it. In the case of the Boston Marathon bombing, the city swung and knocked it out of the park. Residents came together to present a united front. First responders put their lives on hold and on the line until the threat was removed. Boston is not unique in that regard. Over the past decade or more that I’ve been publishing magazines, I’ve had the good fortune to come into contact with a lot of residents in the communities we serve. I’ve met dozens upon dozens of municipal officials, police and fire chiefs, EMS teams, and elected officials. I’ve seen them deal with their own issues, and I’ve seen them from time to time mourn their losses in the press. What I’ve seen and who I’ve met along the way has convinced me that the resilience of Boston is not a regional attribute. It’s a way of life that seems to be somehow tied to our very genes. Fortunately, not every city will face a challenge of that magnitude. But we do have it in us to take the inspiration demonstrated by the people of Boston and apply it to our daily lives. We can take small steps every day to ensure that the community we live in is a little bit better by the time we lay our heads down on the pillow at night. Whether it’s raising money for a cause, or visiting someone who needs to see a smiling face, young or old we can all do something to make our surroundings a little bit better. And by making things a little bit better for each other, hopefully, we can be better prepared to help one another if things suddenly get worse. This May, we honored volunteers and organizations in the community that help make a difference in such ways. Those people and causes were chosen by you, and we are proud to thank them for their service to their communities. We thank you for your dedication to our magazines and hope that you continue to be part of them and contribute your thoughts and ideas to our editors. There are many more stories to be told, and we always welcome your help in finding them.
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t. Lebanon
Wayne Dollard, Publisher
Fall content deadline: 7/19/13
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Mt. Lebanon
INSIDE
IN Mt. Lebanon is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Mt. Lebanon 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.
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IN Mt. Lebanon Magazine | SUMMER 2013 |
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Industry Insights
Healthy Pet Products Tips for Safe Flea & Tick Control ............... | 12
Julian Gray Associates Don’t Gamble with Medicaid Coverage .... | 16 | IN Community Magazines honored community volunteers at its first ever CASE Awards celebration. Cover photos by Carl P. Stillitano/CPS Photography
on the cover
Visions Remodeling & Home Repair Considerations in Kitchen and Bath Remodeling ................................... | 34
Drs. Jay & Adam Feuer Mighty Molars ........................................ | 36
UPMC TODAY
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2013
Vein Institute of Pittsburgh You Don’t Have to Live with Painful Varicose and Spider Veins ..................................... | 40
What’s Inside
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With Heartfelt Thanks
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Health Care Reform: We Have the Plan
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A Closer Look at Medical Imaging
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Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
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Smart Tips for a Safer Summer
Becoming a Whole New You
© 2013 UPMC
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Features
CASE Awards 2013 ........................................................................... | 6 Get Involved in the 2013 Relay for Life® ........................... | 10 International Women’s Conversation Circles .................... | 38 Real Estate in Mt. Lebanon .................................................... | 54
What Do Other Countries Know That We Don’t? ....................................... | 87 Business Spotlight
Dan Ryan Builders ............................ | 57 Golden Estate Sales ........................ | 58 Coldwell Bankers’ Sherry Tom ... | 67
Saving the Bell Tower ............................................................... | 74
Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists ........................................... | 79
“Life Is Sweet Chef Showcase” Adds Flavor to the Lives of Mt. Lebanon High School “Best Buddies” ........ | 80
Advanced Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation ..................................... | 91
community interests
Dining Out
Seeing Is Believing: Laser Vision Correction Often Eliminates Need for Glasses or Contacts .......................... | 14
Club Colony ......................................... | 33
Mt. Lebanon Public Library News & Events ....................... | 22 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ..................................... | 45 Tips on Summer Sun Safety from UPMC Urgent Care ... | 92 Special Value Coupons .......................................................... | 96
Donte’s Pizzeria ................................ | 42
Inaugural
CASE AWARDS Honors Unsung Volunteers
Nearly 500 people turned out for the inaugural IN Community Magazines’ Community Awards for Service Excellence (CASE) presented by Northwest Savings Bank on May 10 in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field.
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he awards were created by former IN Community Magazines editor Monica Haynes to honor the work of individual volunteers and nonprofit organizations throughout the magazines’ coverage area. A total of 111 awardees representing 33 magazines received certificates during the event, for which WTAE-TV anchor Andrew Stockey served as Master of Ceremonies. IN Community Magazines publisher Wayne Dollard welcomed attendees and spoke about the importance of community service, as did Northwest Savings Bank president Chris Martin. Providing a perfect ending to the evening was an acoustic set by The Clarks. Below is Haynes’ first-person account of how the awards came to be. During my tenure as an editor for IN Community Magazines, one of the cover stories we did was about food pantries, those places that provide grocery basics for those who don’t have enough income to keep their kitchens stocked. This meant finding a food pantry to visit so I could conduct interviews. I found one and scheduled an interview around noon, which
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is the time it opened. It was a cold, blustery day as I made my way up the hill to the church, where the food bank was located. There were some slick spots on the road and I was praying the whole way up, “God, please don’t let me slide over the hillside.” Finally, I arrived at the church. Inside, it was buzzing like a hive with volunteers moving about among the shelves and tables to fill the grocery bags with various food items for pickup by those signed up for the pantry. Most of the volunteers were retirees and could easily be in their nice warm homes instead of braving the cold wind and snow flurries to help their fellow residents. I imagine they could ditch Pittsburgh altogether during the winter months to enjoy three or four months of Florida sun. But they didn’t. Every week, they made their way to that church and filled those bags and answered the phones and signed people up, listening to the stories of how they ended up needing to utilize a food pantry. The volunteers always treat them with dignity and respect. They listen with compassion. I was inspired by these volunteers and others
Mt. Lebanon
I’d met and talked to. There was a couple who volunteered with a group that helped senior citizens. The husband would help the senior by carrying out home repairs. The wife would drive him or her to doctor appointments and to shop at the supermarket. Many times they’d go above and beyond their initial volunteer duties. People need to know about these and all the unsung volunteers and organizations that serve so unselfishly the members of their community, I thought. I wrote a proposal for an awards program that would shine just a bit of light on these volunteers. I knew they didn’t do it for recognition or any fanfare, but I was so inspired that I felt if others were able to know about what the volunteers do and how they give, they might be motivated and inspired to do the same. When I presented the proposal to Wayne Dollard, publisher of IN Community Magazines, his immediate response was, “Let’s do it.” And so I set about developing the categories, the criteria, the nomination form, etc. We put the nomination form in all the magazines, but also sent forms to clubs, schools, libraries, senior centers, and places that
Photos by Carl P. Stillitano / CPS Photography
Youth Volunteer of the Year, Amy Katz: Amy has
leveraged her own experience into a personal mission to help others, including extensive fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Four Diamonds Fund (benefits Penn State Hershey Hospital pediatric cancer research and care) and the American Cancer Society (Relay for Life). Her commitment was stretched to the limits in February when she participated as a dancer in the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON), enduring 46 straight hours on her feet FTK (For The Kids), and collectively raising over $12 million for the Four Diamonds Fund.
utilize volunteers. I knew that I wanted young people to have a category. Over the years, I have encountered so many amazing high school and college students who have donated countless hours and their talents to help others. I wanted them to be recognized for being so outstanding when it is so easy to think only about themselves and having a good time. Slowly but steadily, the nominations came in and it was very humbling to see what people were doing in their communities, in their schools, churches, hospitals, food pantries, athletic fields, senior centers, community centers, etc. Personally, it made me want to go out and do more. I was enlightened and moved by their giving and doing. Some had been giving of their time, efforts and resources for decades. Some youngsters not only volunteered for organizations but started their own organizations and groups to help fellow students, younger students, students with disabilities, or to help older residents. There were organizations, both large and small, quietly going about their missions of healing, helping, saving, counseling, teaching,
Chris Martin, President of the Southwest Region of Northwest Savings Bank (center) poses with the Mt. Lebanon area winners.
Volunteer of the Year,
Betsy Teti: Betsy’s volunteer work has been a part of her life since she was a teenager. “I was always taught that those who are blessed need to return those blessings,” she says. “What I have given has been returned to me 10 times over.“
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encouraging and caring. The year of planning, sorting, reviewing and selecting culminated in a marvelous awards dinner, which shined just a little bit of the spotlight on young and more-seasoned volunteers and small and large nonprofit organizations. “As someone who has managed volunteers for 10 years, it was wonderful to witness your recognition efforts of so many deserving individuals and organizations. Thank you again,” said Vickie Mottern, volunteer and outreach coordinator for Brevillier Village, where IN Harbor Creek CASE honoree Catherine Pugliese volunteers. “I just want to take a minute to thank you for such an amazing event. We are so grateful to be recognized as Small Nonprofit of the Year for IN Norwin at the Inaugural CASE Awards,” wrote Jodi Fowler, one of the founders of Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund. “At Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund, we truly believe that our work is blessed by God, and our purpose is to serve oncology families in need. Never did we imagine, when Genre was diagnosed
with leukemia, that we would be at this point, developing our organization and receiving this amazing award because of our incredible volunteers – just a few years later. We honestly appreciate the opportunity this allows to share our story and mission with readers in our community.” “My family and I had a wonderful time! It was a great event! The food was excellent; the speeches interesting, nice and short; Andrew Stockey was wonderful; and we thoroughly enjoyed The Clarks. Thank you for this honor and recognition and a fun family evening to top it off,” wrote IN Chartiers Valley Volunteer of the Year Susan Zuk. These are just a few of the comments IN Community Magazines received about the awards dinner. We’d like to thank everyone for their participation. And we would like to congratulate all of our honorees, all of the nominees and even those who were not nominated. It is your constant devotion to helping others, which all too often goes unnoticed, that makes our communities a great place to live!
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
earth day 2013 Photos by Clif Bumford
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Mt. Lebanon
For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags
Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Get Involved in the 2013 ÂŽ Relay For Life of Mt. Lebanon Saturday, June 15th, 9 a.m. through Sunday, June 16th, 9 a.m. Mt. Lebanon High School Stadium
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Mt. Lebanon
The American Cancer Society needs your help to make the upcoming Relay For Life of Mt. Lebanon a success. As the world’s largest grassroots fundraising program, the Relay For Life movement mobilizes friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, service organizations and faith-based groups in communities throughout the country, to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and provide everyone an opportunity to fight back against the disease. Funds raised at the Relay For Life of Mt. Lebanon help the American Cancer Society get even closer to bringing an end to cancer as we know it. On June 15th and 16th, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday through 9 a.m. on Sunday, Mt. Lebanon will be hosting its 4th annual Relay For Life at the Mt. Lebanon High School Stadium. During the Mt. Lebanon Relay, teams of people will take turns walking around a track and will camp out overnight. Because cancer never sleeps, the Relay takes place overnight, for 24 hours in duration. Throughout the event, there is free entertainment and activities for all to enjoy. Enter the Miss Relay Pageant, buy a chance for a great prize, or take a shot at someone special in the dunk tank. Lots of food, beverages, and snacks are available for purchase. Catch up with your friends and neighbors. Relay is fun for people of all ages.
Cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to participate as special guests. Join in the opening ceremonies at noon on Saturday or register to attend the Survivor dinner, which is free for all Survivors and a guest. One of the most touching moments during a Relay For Life event is the Luminaria Ceremony which takes place after sundown, honoring the community’s cancer survivors and remembering those lost to the disease. Glowing luminaria bearing the names of loved ones who have battled cancer surround the track. Everyone is welcome to attend this ceremony and purchase luminaria in honor or memory of those who are special to them. Not interested in walking? Consider volunteering to help with Relay planning or on-site activities. Become a sponsor by making a financial donation or buying an advertisement for the event program. Or, come to Relay as our guest --- Relay is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m. on Sunday. To join the Relay For Life of Mt. Lebanon as a team member, survivor, volunteer, or sponsor, visit www.relayforlife.org/pamtlebanon or contact Michelle Heil at 412.919.1055 or michelle.heil@cancer.org.
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Mt. Lebanon
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Seeing Is Believing: Laser Vision Correction Often Eliminates Need for Glasses or Contacts
Imagine waking up in the morning and not having to reach for your glasses or contacts. If that sounds too good to be true, then you should consider laser vision correction surgery, a procedure performed by surgeons at UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center. This procedure often allows patients to see better without glasses and contacts. According to Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac., director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service and the Center for Integrative Eye Care at UPMC, laser vision correction has been performed at UPMC for some 20 years. UPMC was among the first in the region to offer laser vision surgery and was the only center in the area to participate in the initial studies of the procedure that resulted in its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Focus on Patients “UPMC has the longest continuously running program in Pittsburgh,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. “What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits. We also encourage our patients to meet and talk with their surgeon well in advance of their scheduled surgery so they feel completely comfortable with everyone and everything involved in their pre- and post-operative care. All of these things will help achieve good outcomes.” According to Dr. Dhaliwal, good candidates for laser vision correction are healthy individuals with healthy eyes. “People who have eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts would not be candidates for this surgery,” she says. Multiple other factors are involved in deciding if laser vision correction is right for you, and these are addressed during a complimentary evaluation with your surgeon.
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Mt. Lebanon
The actual procedure, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes, involves the use of very sophisticated lasers that sculpt the cornea, enabling the patient to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. “If I perform a procedure on a Thursday afternoon, I would be surprised if, at the patient’s follow-up appointment on Friday, they did not have improved vision,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. Beyond the potential biggest benefit of the procedure, no longer needing glasses or contacts, other typical advantages include reduced risk of infection related to contact lens wear for those who will no longer require vision correction after surgery. “The number one risk factor for developing an infection in the cornea is sleeping in your contact lenses,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “And tap water is not sterile. There have been incidents of blindness when people have used tap water to clean their contacts.” In addition, people who wear contact lenses can often develop an allergy to them or can over wear them, particularly if they lead active lives that may prohibit the regular use of glasses. There are some side effects that are associated with laser vision correction, such as a glare or halo effect that seems to be more apparent at night, dry eye, and inflammation, which is mainly treated with eye drops. “All of these things tend to get better over time,” said Dr. Dhaliwal, who trains, teaches, and educates physicians interested in performing laser vision correction nationally and internationally. Although laser vision correction is not covered by insurance, there are discounts available and cost should not deter a patient from engaging in conversation about the benefits of this procedure.
Customized Care “We deliver a truly customized laser vision correction experience to each patient,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “This includes an individualized map of the patient’s eye, which accounts for conditions such as astigmatism and the amount of their nearsightedness. Each treatment will be tailored and delivered to the cornea so that the patient receives the best possible outcome. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of procedure.” UPMC refractive surgeons have been selected to take part in a study that will evaluate a new imaging device used during laser vision correction surgery. The results of this study will be presented to the FDA.
“ What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits.” Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac.
For more information about laser vision correction or to make an appointment, call the UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center at 412-647-2917 or visit UPMC.com/LVC.
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Don’t Gamble with Medicaid Coverage
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edicaid (referred to as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania) is a comprehensive healthcare program which covers a wide variety of people who need medical care and meet certain financial eligibility guidelines. However, for seniors, Medicaid is a very important resource covering over half of all nursing home care which currently costs approximately $100,000/year. Therefore, most people who require long term skilled nursing care eventually must deal with qualifying for this program. First: Know when you need help. Most people don’t plan to go to a nursing home. Medicare covers only a maximum of 100 days and many times less, so at roughly $8,000/month, the arrears add up quickly once insurance coverage ends. Get advice immediately on your options before Medicare coverage ends. Second: Recognize potential problems. Medicaid is a taxpayer funded program and before the government is going to foot the bill for your expensive care, there will be an exhaustive financial review
process. This will involve a detailed review of five years of all of your investments, bank accounts, real estate transactions and transfers (i.e. “gifts”). If you are aware of problems providing this information, or worse yet, gifts that may have occurred during this “look back” period, plan to deal with it immediately. These problems could lead to delays or denial of coverage. Third: Communicate. The Medicaid application process can take several months to produce a decision. During this time period, the nursing home is waiting to be paid and is bearing the risk of a denial of the application. Therefore, it is important to keep the lines of communication open between the resident and the nursing home and the County Assistance Office. These parties should be made aware periodically of the progress and status of the application. Fourth: Don’t delay appeals. Many applications are denied at first. This could be a result of incomplete verification or gifts which are not exempt from penalty. It is crucial to appeal in a timely manner to maintain the retroactive coverage requested in the initial application. Applicants have a 30 day right to appeal. At this point, the applicant may simply need more time to provide additional information or a more complex legal issue needs to be resolved. Either way, if you do not quickly file the appeal, you will not even have the chance to fix things. Finally, consider seeking experienced legal advice. As stated previously, the stakes are high and applications and appeals can take several months to resolve. For example, if the unpaid nursing home balance is $8,000/month and an appeal is denied after six months, the nursing home will expect to be paid the arrears of $48,000 from the applicant. If the applicant does not have the funds to pay, the nursing home may pursue collection from the adult children of the nursing home resident (see our previous column on PA Act 43 – Filial Responsibility). While all parties involved desire a smooth transition to Medicaid covered care, nursing facilities are a business like any other and must be paid for their services. (So, if things don’t go right with the application, the nursing home resident’s children may be seeking legal counsel anyway – and not under the best circumstances.) Medicaid coverage for long term care services is an extremely complex blend of Federal, State and local laws, rules and customs. While our hope is that all seniors plan ahead for the contingency of needing long term facility care, when faced with an immediate need for such care, families should not gamble with not only the health and safety of a loved one, but with the financial consequences as well. Julian Gray and Frank Petrich are both Certified Elder Law Attorneys with over 55 years of combined elder law experience who practice in the Pittsburgh area at Julian Gray Associates. Send questions for consideration in this column to elderlawguys@grayelderlaw.com and visit their website at www.grayelderlaw.com.
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Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
Look to the By Judith Schardt
“If we did the things we’re capable of, we’d astound ourselves.” —Thomas Edison, American Inventor
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eople recovering from serious illnesses or traumatic injuries must push beyond their comfort zones to achieve normal functioning. Athletes know what it takes to achieve distinction – constantly testing themselves shows them that their capabilities amaze not only others, but themselves as well. There is a place in the Pittsburgh suburbs that believes that practice, patience, respect for yourself and others and pushing past your limitations will get you success. The Skating Club of Mt. Lebanon (SCML), a figure skating club, welcomes competitive and recreational skaters. New members are always welcome. Currently, they have 120 members whose interests include moves in the field, freestyle and dance. They have two rinks, one in Mt. Lebanon (Recreation Center) and one in New Kensington (Valley Sports Complex). According to member, Donna Mathay, the Club was founded 52 18 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Mt. Lebanon
years ago as the Ice & Blades Club of Washington, PA. The rink was outdoors in Washington Park and tests took place in all kinds of weather. In 1978 the Club began sponsoring tests indoors at the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center and shortly after, the Ice & Blades officially moved there and changed the name to the Skating Club of Mt. Lebanon. The Mt. Lebanon rink was the site of the compulsory figures portion of the 1983 National Championships. SCML hosted the 1986 and 1999 South Atlantic Regional Championships, as well as the 1990 Eastern Sectional Championships. SCML began hosting the Mt. Lebanon Invitational in 1985 and continues to do so today. SCML welcomes competitive and recreational skaters. Their skaters have competed at regional, sectional and national levels of the United States Figure Skating (USFS) championships.
Stars
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.� (Winston Churchill, Former British Prime Minister)
The Club offers regular USFS sanctioned test sessions which are open to club members and other skaters. Test applications are due ten days before the test date and are available at the rink or by contacting Beth Malloy at beth.malloy@verizon.com. The Club also provides plenty of ice time for members who just want to skate for fun and recreation. Barb Calfo, President, is proud of the Club’s history and Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
Look to the Stars
the many things planned for its future. They’ve held 30 annual Invitational/Learn to Skate Competitions, sanctioned by the USFS and featuring skaters from the tri-state area. Referees, accountants and judges (all USFS members) are brought in for the competition. Ms. Calfo said the Club produces an annual holiday show and has joined with the Music of Mt Lebanon and Latshaw Production Orchestra to fundraise for the Denis Theatre, which included VIP seating on the ice and a catered dinner. Music of Mt. Lebanon has already reserved the ice for this year’s production on December 30, 2013.
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The Skate Dance Dream Production Company approached SCML to collaborate on a production for July 26 and 27, 2013. This show will blend figure skating and dance, giving the participants a chance of a lifetime to perform with stars and allow them to attend seminars, rehearsals, and meet and greets. If you are or know a skater and would like information, contact Barb Calfo at 412.576.9441 or at barbcalfo@aol.com. She will gladly answer any questions. Who knows? You could be the next star of Mt. Lebanon.
A t a Mt. Lebanon Commissioners
meeting on April 22, commissioners voted unanimously in favor of allowing dog walking in Twin Hills Park. Prior to the ordinance, the park had never been listed with the municipality as one where dog walking was permitted. Signage erected nearly 20 years after the municipality acquired the land prohibiting dogs in the park served only to confuse residents living in the area who had been using the park all along, which fast-tracked the ordinance. Commissioner Kristen Linfante reinforced the point that even though dogs will be permitted, they must remain leashed at all times within the park. “I just want to point out…that this ordinance does state that animals permitted in these passive parks must be on leash. That has been something that has always been in the ordinances for all of our passive parks,” she said.“Off leash is not permitted.” On her blog, Commissioner Kelly Fraasch advocated for an off-leash, formal dog park near Cedar Boulevard as part of her plan for Robb Hollow Park, which she contends would eliminate many of the issues the municipality has with dogs in other parks. “I think having a dog park in Mt. Lebanon can address the needs raised by the debate for Williamsburg Park and our community can have a designated spot for dogs to play off leash,” she wrote.“This could alleviate any stress on our local parks/ parklets and rather than going to South Park, residents can drive or hopefully walk over to Robb Hollow to take their friendly pooches to the park for a playdate.” For more information head over to Kelly Fraasch’s blog on the topic at http://bit.ly/ ZQYm06, or go to http://bit.ly/ZQY613 to read and sign the petition for the plan.
Twin Hills Park Now Pet Friendly Petition Circulating for Formal Dog Park in Lebo
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E
veryone knows that the Mt. Lebanon library is regarded as one of the best. Not only is it enjoyed by residents of the municipality, but people also flock to this library from throughout the region. What makes this library so magnetic? What makes it excel? According to Director Cynthia Richey, the willingness to change and adapt to the needs of society has enabled Mt. Lebanon Public Library to remain dynamic and vibrant. Books were always a part of Cynthia Richey’s life. At the age of 13, she began working as a page at her local library and continued to work in libraries throughout high school and college. It wasn’t until she was offered a job as a children’s librarian at Pleasant Hills Public Library (that was contingent upon her beginning a graduate program in Library and Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh), however, that she began to realize that she could transform her love of books and her enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of children and their families into a career. And what a career it has been! Mrs. Richey has been the Director of Mt. Lebanon Public Library for over 17 years. Throughout this time, many sociological changes have occurred. Gone are the silence-only, strictly-business library atmospheres of the past. With us are new and advanced technologies that open the doors of communication and effective research ever wider. Gone are the oncefamiliar strongholds of a neighborhood such as the community center. The library has now become the common meetingground for all ages as well as a place to learn and discover. Cynthia notes that the “public library’s mission is to meet the needs of the public with the most current, valid information available – using contemporary methods for delivery of service, with the skilled, mediated assistance of professional librarians, and, above all, to serve as a community center, a gathering place, sometimes in the physical library, sometimes in the virtual world.” What makes Mt. Lebanon Library one of the best in the region? First, there are over 275 volunteers that work to maintain the library, doing things such as shelving DVDs, planning and maintaining the library gardens (which won the 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Great Gardens medium category for Fall/Year-round Gardens), making posters for programs and operating The Book Cellar, the Friends of the Library’s year-round used 22 724.942.0940 to advertise |
book shop. Also, the level of support from both the municipality and the residents of Mt. Lebanon provides the library with what it needs to maintain that “margin of excellence.” The commission has provided the funds for the library to be open for 68 hours a week, including Sundays. Residents are continually generous with their donations. Mt. Lebanon Public Library also continues to excel because of how it adapts to the rapid evolution of technology. In fact, the library was one of the first in the area to have Wi-fi. They are equipped to provide patrons with books and resources for their e-readers. They have a plethora of quality databases that provide the most accurate, up-to-date research and information available. The library has express or self-checkout, which allows the staff to provide more direct public service. In addition, the library has its own Facebook page and Twitter account, where news and information about library events is posted, as well as topics of interest to patrons or issues about libraries, library services, events and the like. Mt. Lebanon Library also has a Flickr account and a Pinterest page. Finally, there is a texta-librarian service, where people may communicate via text with any questions they may have. Mrs. Richey remarks that the library staff likes to use the phrase, “This is not your grandmother’s library” and goes on to say that “…in fact, with such rapid technological changes, this isn’t even your mother’s or big sister’s library, either!” She reflects that the reality is that people have gadgets, and they want to be able to use them. The library teaches them how and provides information that they can use and download onto their devices. For Cynthia and her staff, the key to continued success is to embrace the changes that technology brings and to have a willingness to look at things in a new, fresh way. The Mt. Lebanon Library is a space where people of all ages and paths of life come together to learn and grow while mutually respecting one another. It is a place where young adults feel welcomed. Many youth come directly to the library after school to study until their parents are home from work or to participate in one of the many after-school programs available for them. With that in mind, more creative ways of using the library space have recently been implemented, with areas for discussion and collaboration on team projects in addition to the traditional quiet areas. For older generations, the library bridges the digital divide by providing free access to computers, the Internet, Wi-fi, etc.
Mt. Lebanon
Change is the Key to Growth at the Mt. Lebanon Library by Melanie O. Paulick
Indeed, libraries bring generations together by providing life-long learning opportunities for all ages. It has become a place where people come when they want to be social. In today’s age, where devices and gadgets connect but, paradoxically, can isolate, Cynthia notices people arriving to read and study alongside others, even if they’re not actually interacting. Still, one of Cynthia’s favorite places is the children’s library. She began her library career as a children’s librarian and, in her words, “Once a children’s librarian, always a children’s librarian.” Mrs. Richey remarks that libraries serve as children’s door to learning and that the early literacy activities that a public library provides are invaluable in preparing children to be school ready. “Learning and important brain development begin at birth,” she says, “…so it’s important for libraries to have strong children’s programs that emphasize early literacy and model those activities for parents.” As for how parents can ensure that their children learn to love books and love reading? “The most important activity is to read to your children from birth and keep reading to them even after they can read for themselves,” notes Mrs. Richey. “This can bridge the gap between what a beginning reader can read and what that child can appreciate when being read to.” Children should also observe parents reading, which signals that it’s important and a “grown-up” activity, also. Furthermore, Cynthia explains that “It’s crucial for boys to see their dads or other males reading. Male teachers should read aloud to their classes as frequently as female teachers do. So often boys lose interest at about age ten and one of the reasons is that it’s not seen as a ‘guy thing.’” Mrs. Richey, who is the 2013 recipient of the Association for Library Service to Children’s (ALSC) Distinguished Service Award, admits that “…there is nothing better than seeing the delight in a child’s eyes when they first discover the power of stories or the printed word.” She still loves making recommendations of favorite books to young people and finds it extremely rewarding to see them returning to the library week after week, year after year. “We know that we’ve opened the world for them and helped make them readers,” she explains. “And, as Frederick Douglass famously said, ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.’” For more information about Mt. Lebanon Library, visit: www. mtlebanonlibrary.org. Their Facebook page is: Mt. Lebanon Public Library and their Twitter account is: @MtLebLibrary. Have a question? Text askLebo, type your question, and send it to 66746. Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
Chairs for by Melanie O. Paulick
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Mt. Lebanon
CH
HAIRity
i
n the fall of 2012, the Mt. Lebanon library received new seating through generous donations made for that purpose. While much of the old upholstered seating was donated, over 125 wooden chairs remained. The library decided to call upon creative members of the public to take a chair (or two) home to refurbish and decorate them however they chose. Artists logged out the chairs at the circulation desk and returned them to the library before the date of the Chairs for CHAIRity sale. They also set their own prices for the chairs. On April 19th, 2013, at a special after-hours event, the chairs were sold and all proceeds benefited the library. The Chairs for CHAIRity event is one of many innovative ways that the Mt. Lebanon library successfully fundraises to ensure quality service to its patrons. Turning something that may have been discarded into another person’s treasure while at the same time successfully fundraising is, indeed, indicative of the visionary staff and volunteers. According to director Cynthia Richey, “…libraries need to look for creative ways to raise money not only to stay open and offer basic library service, but also to provide that margin of excellence… people see the library as a public good, even if they don’t use a library themselves – and this is beneficial in fundraising.” The library raised $7,500 through the Chairs for Chairity Event.
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Mt. Lebanon Public
Mt. Lebanon Public Library
NEWS
M
t. Lebanon Public Library provides 41 databases of great value to adults, teens, and children. With only a library card people can use these online resources to conduct research, look for information about an author for a book group, read a newspaper from California, take a course in accounting or Spanish cooking, learn French or Mandarin Chinese, study for college entrance exams, update a résumé, watch a film-festival hit, and so much more. To access the following databases, and to see the complete list, go to: www. mtlebanonlibrary.org, and click on Research & Reference, Online Databases, A-Z List.
America’s Newspapers
Search current and archived coverage of issues, events, people, government, sports, and more with the largest collection of full-text U.S. newspapers. Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library.
Legal Forms
Fully editable Pennsylvania legal forms, including: divorce, wills & estates, real estate, landlord/ tenant, etc. Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library. Lexis Nexis Library Express
Offers news coverage from regional, national, and international newspapers, company profiles of over 50 million companies, case law, statutes, court decisions, and law reviews for legal research. Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library. Mango Language
An online language-learning system teaching actual conversation skills for a wide variety of languages.
Brainfuse
Muzzy Online Languages
Free Online Homework Help! Chat with a live tutor using a virtual classroom, available 7 days a week, from 2 - 11 p.m. Tutoring is available for elementary, middle, and high school; intro college; and adult education. Includes a writing lab and résumé assistance. Funded by a generous grant from Eden Hall Foundation.
Interactive online language course for children. Learn English, French, Italian, German, or Spanish. Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library.
Gale Virtual Reference Library
Includes access to more than 50 reference eBooks; covering 14 different subject areas: literature, history, health, science etc. Includes The College Blue Book and Scholarships, Fellowships, and Loans. You may access each title individually or search entire collection at one time. Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library. IndieFlix
View award-winning shorts, features, and documentaries from more than 50 countries. Over 4,500 selections; including film-festival hits from Sundance, Cannes, Tribeca, and more. Available on Apple, Android, and all Internetenabled devices. Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library. Learning Express
An interactive online learning tool featuring over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and eBooks related to job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college entrance exam 26 724.942.0940 to advertise |
preparation, GED exam preparation, and basic skills improvement in reading, writing, and math, for all ages. Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library.
Mt. Lebanon
Novelist
Fiction database that helps you find books by subject, read reviews & annotations, get discussion guides and much, much more. Offers many suggestions for author read-a-likes. Universal Class
Over 500 non-credit continuing education courses for personal enrichment on many subjects from Accounting to Yoga. Access to your course is available 24/7 via the Internet. Attend class and do assignments on your own schedule. Each course has a real instructor whom you may communicate with using email. Register and learn something new today! Funded by Mt. Lebanon Public Library. To access the following downloadable eContent, go to: www.mtlebanonlibrary. org, and click on eMedia Collection, eBooks, eAudiobooks, or eMagazine. One Click
Download and listen to Audiobooks on your computer and many portable devices, including iPods, iPhones, iPads, and DRM 10 compatible portable music players. Overdrive
Read eBooks on your home computer,
Library Database laptop or mobile device, Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc. Free eBooks, automatic returns, and no late fees! Zinio
Choose from more than 300 free digital magazines, including Consumer Reports, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Seventeen and US Weekly. Opt in for an email notification when new issues of your selected magazines are available.
Volunteer Opportunities at Mt. Lebanon Public Library!
T
he word volunteer stems from the Latin word for choice. Mt. Lebanon Public Library is fortunate, indeed, that so many members of our community choose to volunteer at the library. People volunteer for many reasons: personal satisfaction, a desire to give to others, a keen sense of social responsibility, a love of books and reading, or an opportunity to socialize with like-minded others. In 2012 more than 300 volunteers contributed more than 13,400 hours to the library! The library always needs more volunteers to help fulfill its mission. What do library volunteers do? Among the innumerable activities they operate and staff The Book Cellar (the library’s year-round used book shop), conduct library programs such as our Language Groups and Book Clubs, keep books in order on the shelves, landscape the library grounds, prepare new books for the public to check out, teach computer classes, make posters and flyers for programs, deliver books to institutional or homebound residents, edit and mail the Library Newsletter, and conduct our fabulous Garden Tour, Beer Fests, and other fundraising events each year. Some of the areas for which the library needs additional volunteers are: The Book Cellar—Help with this terrific year-round used book shop benefiting the library. Computer Coach—Provide interactive computer instruction for individuals and small groups. Library Gardener—Participate in hands-on gardening and landscaping activities in the library’s award-winning garden. Gadget Guru—Guide individuals or small groups in hands-on instruction for new technologies and related library resources, such as tablets, eReaders, or smart phones as well as downloadable digital library content, like eBooks, digital magazines, and media. Library Aide—Help keep library materials in proper order and help with book displays and other special projects. Program Partner—Assist librarians in presenting library programs for adults, teens or children or present a program of your own. Mt. Lebanon Public Library invites everyone to become a member of the impressive group of volunteers. Please ask at the library for a volunteer form or download one on the library’s web site. www. mtlebanonlibrary.org/volunteering-library. Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
Mt. Lebanon Public Library
16 Castle Shannon Blvd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412.531.1912 • www.mtlebanonlibrary.org Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. / Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m. (Jan - May)
J U N E • J U LY • AU G All library events are on our website www.mtlebanonlibrary.org The calendar of events website is www.eventkeeper.com/code/events. cfm?curOrg=MTLEB Be advised that non-library events are also included on the calendar. Some are simply organization meetings, but others may be of interest to the community. The following are strictly library events:
to the GFC of 2008. Three texts will be used and a copy of each will be on reserve at Mt. Lebanon Public Library.
Brewer). Presentation, book signing and light refreshments. For middle and high school students and adults.
Summer Reading Clubs for all ages! Join us! June 10 – August 10, 2013 Adult - Groundbreaking Reads... Teen - Beneath the Surface... Kids - Dig into Reading! More details TBA.
Exciting Events
College Freshman Survival Guide 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 11 This orientation program for upcoming college freshmen based on real life experiences is presented by Martha Kulic of Outreach Teen and Family Services.
The Civil War Era - A Geographic Focus 10 a.m., Mondays, June 17, July 15, and August 19 Meeting on the third Monday of each month, this new lecture/discussion series will focus on the geographic aspects of historical events prior to, during and immediately following the Civil War. Each session will last 2.5 hours. Presenter Rodger Duffy has a Master’s Degree in Political Geography from Northwestern University. Rodger taught Political Geography at DePaul University in Chicago and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Until recently, he led the American History Book Group at the Mt. Lebanon Library for the past seven years.
Slovak Heritage 7 p.m., Monday, June 3 “Overview of Slovak Folklore and Crafts” Larry Kozlowski will demonstrate some of his Slovak crafts and art as well as telling some entertaining Slovak folklore. Sahaja Meditation - Free Summer Session Classes 7:30 p.m., Mondays, June 3 through August 26 (No classes on May 20 and June 10) Discover the beauty within with simple meditation techniques. Meditation improves physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual health and brings out a wellrounded personality, if practiced regularly. These classes are offered free of charge or obligation. No reservations are required. The History & Impact of Financial Power: The Vampiric Rise, Fall & Rise Again of Financial Capitalism 7 p.m., Tuesdays, June 11, July 9, and August 13; 1:30 p.m., Saturdays, June 29, July 27, and August 31 This year-long series meets monthly and will be a study of the historical, political, and economic roots of The Great Depression and The Great Financial Crisis of 2008. This innovative and interactive program will attempt to determine whether the same processes, problems, and structures which led to the Great Depression also contributed
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Mt. Lebanon
Knitting Circle at the Library 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays, June 12, July 10, and August 14 Do you or your child enjoy knitting? Crocheting? Handwork? If so, come and enjoy working together – parents and homeschooled children as well as other adults are welcome. Learn new skills, share your expertise, and make friends during this daytime group! Author Talk: Chris Rodell 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 12 Latrobe-based Chris Rodell writes weekly offbeat travel features for msnbc. com and has written features and essays for Esquire, Cooking Light, People, Maxim, Men’s Health, Playboy, Golf, Details, and Arnold Palmer’s Kingdom magazine. He is the timeline curator for www.ArnoldPalmer. com and blogs at www.EightDaysToAmish. com. He has written for many of the most prestigious magazines in America and been rejected by the rest. He is also the author of Use All the Crayons. Stacey Innerst Talks Beatles & Books 7 p.m., Thursday, June 13 Post-Gazette cartoonist Stacy Innerst will introduce his latest illustrated work, The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny), (authors Kathleen Krull and Paul
9th Annual Garden Party in the Courtyard 6 p.m., Saturday, July 6 You are invited to a pre-tour Garden Party hosted by the Library Board of Trustees in the Library Garden Courtyard. Enjoy complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres in the library’s lovely courtyard setting. Tickets are $30 per person in advance or at the door. Benefactors and Patrons of the Mt. Lebanon Public Library Garden Tour receive free admission to this event. Your support is greatly appreciated! 23rd Annual Garden Tour 12 noon - 5 p.m., Sunday, July 7 Tickets for the Garden Tour will be available in advance for $15 per person or $20 on the day of the tour at the library. At the library, tour activities will include the annual plant sale, free consultations with a Pittsburgh Rose Society Consulting Rosarian, and special promotional offers at The Book Cellar. All plant specimens are donated from local gardens, appropriate for our growing conditions in Western Pennsylvania and offered at discount prices. All proceeds from this event benefit Mt. Lebanon Public Library.
J U N E • J U LY • AU G 13th Annual Concerts in the Courtyard 7 p.m., Thursdays in August Join us for our popular series of Concerts in the Courtyard. No reservations or tickets required! Here is the line-up. Save these dates to enjoy some al fresco entertainment brought to you by Mt. Lebanon Public Library! August 1: Olga Watkins Band – Original Blues, Soul & Funk August 8: Hardbark Sycamore – Folk, Rock & Acoustic August 15: Resonance Trio – Caribbean/Jazz Quintet August 22: Jeff Berman’s Eye 2 Eye – Hauntingly beautiful, worldly folk-jazz Dulcimer & Percussion Duo
Weekly & Monthly Activities: South Hills Community Flute Choir 7 p.m., Thursdays All flutists from the South Hills area are welcome to join the South Hills Community Flute Choir. Flute players of all levels, ages, and abilities are invited to practice with the group.
412.221.2248 724.745.7422
South Hills Scrabble Club 1 p.m., Saturdays South Hills Scrabble Club welcomes adults and kids ages 10 and up for an afternoon of friendly competition!
www.colemanmitchell.com info@colemanmitchell.com
24 HOUR
Reader’s Theater 12:30 p.m., Mondays This group rehearses pieces and then performs for August 29: Mt. Lebanon High School senior living facilities in the South Hills. String Quartet – Classical Star Wars Day 12 noon – 3 p.m., Saturday, August 10 Details TBA Beer Garden Bash 6 – 8:30 p.m., Saturday, August 24 The Pittsburgh region’s finest craft beers will flow at the library’s fourth annual Beer Garden Bash on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This library-courtyard event, sponsored by the Friends of Mt. Lebanon Library, will feature more than a dozen ales and lagers as well as a scrumptious gourmet picnic meal. Additionally, super-talented steel drum artist Dan Meunier will create a Caribbean vibe for the event. Tickets will be on sale starting Monday, July 8th at the library’s front desk for $30 each. All proceeds will be donated to support books and programs at the library.
EMERGENCY SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK ON ALL BRANDS
Carnegie Screenwriters Group 10 a.m., Saturdays, June 15, July 20, and August 17 This group meets monthly at the library and engages in script readings, networking and discussions of writing and filmmaking. New members are welcome. Mt. Lebanon Writer’s Group 7 p.m., Tuesdays, June 11, July 9, and August 13 Join other writers in sharing and editing work for personal use or for publication. International Women’s Conversation Circles 10 a.m., Wednesdays, June 12, July 10, and August 14 Have you recently moved to Mt. Lebanon from another country? Please join us for tea, refreshments, and conversation. Learn about your community while you make new friends! New women residents are welcome to practice their English while they learn about local activities and services available for themselves and their children. All women are welcome to meet their new neighbors from around the world, share information about our community, and learn more about the diverse cultures that enrich Mt. Lebanon. Folksong Sharing 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, June 19, July 17, and August 21 We are an informal group of lovers of folk songs.
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J U N E • J U LY • AU G continued from previous page
Senior Specials:
Just for Kids:
Mt. Lebanon Conversation Salon 10 a.m., Tuesdays, June 4, July 2, and August 6 Join friends and neighbors in talking about current events and issues touching all our lives.
Open Art Studio Saturdays! 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, June 1 through August 31 Stop by the Children’s Library every Saturday and make a simple art project to take home!
Creative Connections 2 p.m., Wednesdays,
Summer Reading Club Opening Day!! “Dig Into Reading!” 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday, June 10 4 p.m. – Afriku Yetu Celebrate the beginning of our library summer programs with this outdoor concert for all ages featuring the amazing music, drums, and dance of Afrika Yetu! There will be several other opening day events for Summer Reading Club, too. Details TBA.
June 5: Pittsburgh South Hills Keystone Chorus (Barbershop music classics) July 3: Game Day—more details to follow Aug 7: TBA Join us on the 1st Wednesday of the month for entertaining and enlightening programs especially suited for adults ages 50 and over.
Teen Activities: Stacey Innerst Talks Beatles & Books 7 p.m., Thursday, June 13 Post-Gazette cartoonist Stacy Innerst will introduce his latest illustrated work, The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny), (authors Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer). Presentation, book signing and light refreshments. For middle and high school students and adults. Teen Lock-in 7 – 11:55 p.m., Friday, August 2 Go “Beneath the Surface” of the library after hours at our teen summer lock-in. There will be teens all over the nation having lockins at their local libraries. Details TBA.
Chess Club 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, June 4. 18, July 2, 16, August 6 and 20 Chess fun for kids in kindergarten grade 7. Tail Wagging Tutors 7 p.m., Thursdays, June 6 and August 1 Children can read aloud to a furry friend! Dog listeners are trained by Therapy Dogs International. Registration required. Pet Show 1 p.m., Saturday, June 22 Details TBA.
Lego Club 4 p.m., Wednesdays, June 26, July 24, and August 28 Come create Lego structures – each month we choose a different theme. Kids must pre-register. For kids ages 7 - 12. Terrific Tuesdays! 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Fun hour-long programs for kids entering grades 1 - 4. Weekly themes TBA. Touch-A-Truck Sunday, July 14 Come explore genuine trucks, fire engines, police cars, construction vehicles in our parking lot at this unique event. Details TBA. Fun with Animals 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21, and 28 Join naturalist Verna McGinley and learn about our animal friends & neighbors! August 7: Mother Nature’s Diner -- All about birds, including a visit from a live bird (weather permitting). August 14: Never Say Ugh to a Bug -Puppets, stories, and learning fun about our littlest friends. August 21: Reptiles & Amphibians -- Find out where these animals live and what they eat. We’ll meet a live animal today as well. August 28: Water, Water Everywhere -Explore ponds, streams, rivers and seas and the animals that live in and near the water. Visit with a live animal too! For children ages 3 - 6 and their families.
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Mt. Lebanon
Reach for the Stars Jefferson Elementary School is proud to have great readers! During the month of January, the school participated in their second annual Reach for the Stars reading incentive program sponsored by Usborne Books & More. The students read and logged their minutes for 10 days and at the same time asked friends and family to sponsor their reading efforts. The 34 students who participated read over 11,617 minutes and raised more than $1,000 in educational materials and funds for their school. Pictured below are the school’s six Star Readers: Each of these students took the extra challenge, going above and beyond the suggested 300 minutes by reading over 1,000 minutes and collecting $100 in sponsorship funds. From left to right- Charley Gyurina, Sophia Gonzalez, Gabriella Police, Connor Frank, Madeline Gyurina and Ryan Frank. For more information on the Reach for the Stars reading incentive program and how your school can participate, please contact coordinator Judy Kinnee at 412.680.9205 or jlkinnee@gmail.com.
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Mt. Lebanon
dining out
MUSIC • DINNER • DANCING Club Colony Management Team: seated l to r: Darrin Bell, Vice President of Operations; Danielle Fingers, Bar Manager; Dave Evans, Bartender. standing l to r: Domenic Pulice, Executive Chef; Anthony Vaughn, Sous Chef
Open WednesdaySaturday Night at 5 p.m. Available for Private Parties 7 days per week 1928 Cochran Road Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412.668.0903 TheClubColony.com Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
Considerations in Kitchen and Bath Remodeling T
here are many things to consider when thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. This article will cover some of the more important issues. Some of the main reasons to remodel a kitchen or bathroom are:
• Current style is out of date – This is the
most compelling reason. Newer kitchens have natural stone countertops (granite, quartz, marble), undermount sinks, hardwood or modern porcelain tile flooring, decorative tile backsplashes, full overlay cabinet doors, modern appliances and lighting fixtures, undercounter lighting, and more. Updated bathrooms include large tiled showers with glass doors, underfloor heating, granite countertops on modern vanities, and many other options. In many cases, remodeling is done when preparing a home for sale, because without these modern features, the home will not appeal to as many potential buyers.
• Space is not functional enough – Open
floor plans have been in demand for well over a decade, and many older homes were not designed this way. It is quite common for homeowners to seek more openness by removing partition walls between a kitchen and dining room, either for just opening the
space, or to create a truly large eat-in kitchen.
• Structures or fixtures are broken – Leaky plumbing, appliances in disrepair, cracked floor or wall tile, sinks with rust stains, and many other such problems create an extra incentive to remodel, even if the style is not outdated.
• Resale value – Kitchen and bath
remodeling are among the home improvement projects that return the highest percentage of the cost to the home’s resale value. In this way, many people see the project as an investment, not an expense. Steps to take to ensure a successful remodeling project:
• Educate yourself about current styles
and materials – Do some online research to learn about current trends in style and functionality. Look at a lot of pictures of modern or recently remodeled homes. Learn about the basic features and pluses and minuses of materials like granite and quartz, newer appliance capabilities, etc.
• Realistically assess what you are capable of
doing yourself – You might be able to perform some or all of the work yourself, but be honest
with yourself. Taking on more than you are really capable of will result in long delays, a lot of personal time invested, and perhaps substandard work that will be conspicuous for a long time.
• Select professional help carefully –
Look for companies that have a good track record and are reliable. Ask friends that you trust whom they have used. Look for contractors that are licensed (check the PA attorney general’s web site - http://www. attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx). Ask if the contractor has a significant liability insurance policy (at least $1 million), and ask for certificates of their policy. Same for worker’s compensation insurance. If your home was built before 1978, look for contractors that are certified by the EPA as “lead safe,” as lead-based paint can be a hazard. Credibility is enhanced if the contractor has designers on staff to help you with style and selections, and has a showroom to allow you to look at the selections firsthand.
• Plan for the disruption – A major
remodeling project is bound to impact your home and routine for some amount of time. Make provisions to work around these inconveniences. In the end, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be one of the most satisfying and long-lasting projects that you will undertake. Plan and prepare for it carefully, and enjoy the rewards for many years!
This Industry Insight was written by David Neff. David Neff is managing partner of Visions Remodeling & Home Repair, a South Hills based company specializing in all aspects of home remodeling and repair services. Visions Remodeling and Home Repair is located at 2544 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. 724.745.9888 or visit www.visionsremodel.com
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Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
Mighty Molars B
ack teeth, or molars, play an important role in our health, wellness and even our appearance. Yet many of us are likely to pay more time and attention to maintaining our front teeth, because they are readily visible to those whom we’d like to impress with a nice white smile. Understanding the true value of our molars and the consequences of living without them will encourage us to take better care of all of our teeth now and reap the benefits for a lifetime. Let us start with the form and function of our front teeth versus those in back. Our front teeth are called incisors and they are designed to cut and tear food as we bite off (hopefully not any more than) what we are about to chew. They are wide, relatively thin and their roots are single conical structures. Molars are blunt with broad, uneven surfaces. They have two, three or even four roots that anchor them tightly in our mouths. This is necessary for the forces they endure every day as they grind up our food into smaller pieces, making it easier for us to swallow and digest each bite. If we think about it, we notice that our first chewing motion with our molars is cautious. It’s an information gathering bite to determine the consistency of the food. Is it crunchy? Soft? Should it be chewed at all or allowed to melt in our mouths? Our tongue steps in then (the
cheeks help, too) and pushes the food toward the molars, guiding it first to be chewed and then toward the throat to be swallowed. What would happen if we forced our thin, singleroot incisors to chew all of our food? Incisors are not meant to occlude much, meaning the upper and lower front teeth aren’t built to withstand repeated edge-to-edge contact. In a normal resting position, the upper incisors rest just in front of the lower incisors. If we chewed all of our food with our incisors, we would notice very quickly that they are inefficient for breaking up food, and the wear and tear would damage the tooth and surrounding bone, causing the roots to become loose. The lack of molars would undeniably limit the variety of food in our diet, leading to any number of other nutrition-related problems. Sadly, this is very common in elderly patients who choose not to replace molars and to whom a balanced diet is so important. Molars also serve as space maintainers, horizontally and vertically. Horizontally, if we lose our molars, neighboring teeth will drift slowly into the vacant space and our front teeth will eventually spread, leaving noticeable gaps between them. Vertically, the space maintenance of molars contributes significantly to the shape of our face. Without molars, what’s to stop our lower jaw from bumping into our upper jaw? Gums bumping into gums might not sound uncomfortable, but consider the years that sunken cheekbones and a collapsed jaw (not to mention the wrinkles) will add to our appearance. This can be worsened by the gradual deterioration of our jaw bones that occurs without the bone-anchoring roots of teeth. And don’t forget about our remaining front teeth. Think of door stops preventing door knobs from knocking holes in our walls. Allowing our incisors to clash into each other without the molars as vertical “stops” can damage the front teeth, and the pressure can cause them to become loose and fall out. Taking care of our natural molars is the best way to prevent their loss, and restoring damaged molars is always preferable to having them pulled or replaced. When the teeth we were born with are missing or cannot be restored, there are many options for molar replacement. Ask your dentist about implants, crowns, bridges and dentures. These treatments can be used alone or combined in exciting new ways to provide stable, affordable and attractive results. Now that we’ve brushed up on the benefits of molars, let’s go brush and floss them some more, and be sure to visit our dentist regularly for complete oral care. We now know that taking good care of our back teeth allows us to maintain balanced nutrition, a youthful appearance, and yes, a beautiful smile that everyone can see. Leaving our molars out of sight and out of mind (or out of mouth!) can lead to many undesirable short and long term results. This Industry Insight was written by Drs. Jay and Adam Feuer. Jay Feuer D.D.S., M.A.G.D. is a family dentist practicing at 3035 Washington Road in McMurray, PA. Call the office at 724.941.2200 for more information or visit his website at www.drfeuer.com.
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Lebo Middle-Schooler Places Second in Health Department’s Earth Day Poster Contest Winning Posters Depict “Pollution Prevention Starts with You” Theme Three students in grades 6-8 are winners in the 14th annual environmental poster contest sponsored by the Allegheny County Health Department in commemoration of Earth Day 2013, April 22. The theme of this year’s contest was “Pollution Prevention Starts with You.” Pollution prevention is the act of eliminating or reducing harmful waste and pollution before it is made. Students were encouraged to create posters depicting their environmental knowledge of ways that pollution can be reduced, such as by recycling or limiting the use of electricity. Second place was awarded to Camden Jennings of Mellon Middle School, Mt. Lebanon, for a poster declaring the “The world is in your hands.” and showing a globe of the Earth in the palm of a hand with green leaves falling all around it. The winning posters are available for viewing on the Health Department’s web site at www.achd.net/air/2013postercontest/.
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International Women’s Conversation Circles On April 10, 2013, the International Women’s Conversation Circle group added a twist to their monthly tea. For this gathering, the women were invited to come in their native dress. Colorful clothing from Colombia, China, Japan, Syria, India and Thailand filled the room, and everyone admired the style and beauty of the various cultures represented. This monthly event, hosted by Mt. Lebanon Public Library in cooperation with Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, is open to women from different countries who are interested in practicing their English, learning about various events and services available to them, and meeting new people.
Photos by Melanie O. Paulick 38 724.942.0940 to advertise |
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Corbett Administration Recognizes Mt. Lebanon for Commitment and Dedication to Community Improvement Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, on behalf of Governor Tom Corbett, today recognized municipalities and local government officials around the state for their dedication and commitment to strengthen their communities and better serve their residents. “The governor and I understand the immense responsibility you all have to provide solutions that make your community a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family,” Cawley said. “Today is recognition of your dedication to public service, and a celebration of leadership and innovation that has resulted in vibrant communities for the citizens you serve.” The recognitions were part of the 17th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence. In total, eight local government leaders and 12 communities across the state received awards that were presented at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. The Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence are presented annually to communities and individuals by the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services (GCLGS), an office within the Department of Community and Economic Development that works to assist Pennsylvania’s 2,562 local governments. A panel of judges from the GCLGS reviewed applications submitted by municipal organizations and officials from across the state and selected the award recipients. Mt. Lebanon was recognized for its intergovernmental cooperation through the creation of a regional municipal recycling competition to boost the waste being recycled. The multi-municipal recycling competition brought together 10 diverse Pittsburgh communities in the South Hills and increased the annual rate of recycling by over 10 percent. The community awards cover 10 categories, including: building community partnerships; promoting community and economic revitalization; innovative community and governmental initiatives; fiscal accountability; innovative planning and sound land-use practices; intergovernmental cooperation; responding to adversity; innovative energy conservation; and innovative environmental partnerships.
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
dining out
Donte’s Pizzeria
Castle Shannon
Serving Smiles By the Slice
D
waine Marasco knows a thing or two about food. With more than 30 years under his belt in the food service industry, and 20 of them cooking in restaurants, Dwaine has been making hungry bellies full with Italian food in the South Hills for as long as he can remember. Seven years ago, he opened Donte’s Pizzeria in South Park and last fall, he brought the success of that restaurant to Castle Shannon, where it’s flourished. “I thought the opportunity was good here,” he said. “It’s a friendly community for mom-and-pop type places. Places that aren’t chains.” And in continuing with the mom-and-pop theme, Donte’s is a place where you can walk in for a quick slice of pizza, or hang out with some friends to watch the game. They also have take-out service available for families on the go. We had the opportunity to try Donte’s pizza and Italian hoagie, which are staples of the restaurant. Dwaine prides himself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and it shows in his food. Our pizza was a white pizza with spinach and tomatoes. It arrived at the table with a golden-brown crust and was a canvas of vibrant reds and greens glistening with flecks of oregano and other spices bathed in olive oil. What we noticed right away was how refreshing the pizza was. The dough was light and airy, but with a crisp crust and bottom. It was not a salty dough, which you commonly find with pizza, and made an excellent vehicle to deliver the flavors on top of it. While there were hints of garlic, they were balanced and not overwhelming – this is a pizza you can eat for lunch and not have
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your coworkers handing you Altoids for the rest of the afternoon. The cheese is real and fresh. There are no pools of grease that you find in cheaper cheese. Donte’s uses an aged provolone for many of its dishes that not only delivers a smoky bite to it, but it serves to hold the toppings to the pizza crust so they’re not sliding down your chin. Our Italian hoagie was served on Mancini’s bread delivered fresh that morning. At Donte’s, your Italian includes cooked and Genoa salamis, capicola and mortadella, which adds a touch of sweetness to the sandwich. Toppings that come standard include sliced lettuce, tomato and onions, provolone, and Italian dressing. There’s no skimping with this hoagie, and we counted eight layers of meat covered with a healthy layer of aged provolone. While hearty, you won’t be struggling to bite down into the delicious combination of flavor sitting in front of you. Donte’s also offers pasta, calzones, salad, wings and desserts in addition to its pizza and hoagies, and rotating daily lunch specials will help you get acquainted with the menu quickly. Party trays are also available for larger gatherings. For more information on Donte’s Pizzeria in Castle Shannon, go to www.dontespizzeria.com, where you can download a menu and check hours, or call them at 412.668.2522 to order today. They are located at 3805 Willow Avenue and there is ample on-street parking available. If you’re closer to South Park, check out their original location at 6409 Brownsville Road or call 412.655.2004 to order.
Teen Center Plans Summer Events The Mt. Lebanon Teen Center has t wo awesome summer events planned geared at helping you stay cool!
Both are pool parties at the outdoor pool from 8-10 p.m. Admission is $4. Friday June 7 is for all current middle school students. (6, 7, & 8 grade) Wednesday August 21 is for rising 7th & 8th graders. For more information on this and all of the Mt. Lebanon Teen Center’s events, go to www.mtlteencenter.com
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
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UPMC TODAY
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2013
What’s Inside 2 3
With Heartfelt Thanks
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Health Care Reform: We Have the Plan
5
A Closer Look at Medical Imaging
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Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
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Smart Tips for a Safer Summer
Becoming a Whole New You
© 2013 UPMC
With Heartfelt Thanks A local sports fan expresses thanks to fast-acting strangers and his UPMC Mercy medical team for a second chance after surviving a near fatal cardiac arrest earlier this year.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, SCA is the nation’s leading cause of death, killing more than 325,000 people each year. During SCA, heart function ceases abruptly without warning. More than 90 percent of SCA victims die because the heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body. At UPMC Mercy, cardiac electrophysiologist Stuart Mendenhall, MD, implanted an internal defibrillator — a device that will shock David’s heart if he goes into cardiac arrest again. Dr. Mendenhall says SCA can strike with little or no warning. While it is more common in older adults, SCA affects people of all ages, gender, and race — even those who are seemingly in good health. Knowing the risk factors and leading a hearthealthy lifestyle can help prevent some possible causes, including coronary heart disease.
Do the right things “Awareness is key. You can significantly lower your risk by staying active, eating healthy, and not smoking,” says Dr. Mendenhall. “If you have risk factors, see a doctor for an evaluation.” Although David’s only warning was shortness of breath, he had several risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease.
David Allen, 66, was walking uphill to the CONSOL Energy Center for a Penguins hockey game when he felt short of breath. That’s the last thing he remembers until waking up in the Emergency Department at UPMC Mercy. David had survived a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). A fast-acting team of strangers — an off-duty Pittsburgh police officer and an ex-Army medic who together performed CPR, a bystander who ran for help, and a hotel bellhop who grabbed a defibrillator — saved his life. At UPMC Mercy, doctors determined he had experienced an electrical “short circuit” due to an irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.
A rare second chance “I was lucky people were around who knew CPR and were willing to get involved,” says David, a Beaver resident. Christopher Wentz, MD, a cardiologist from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Mercy who treated David, says SCA is a serious medical emergency. “Most people don’t get a second chance,” he says. “You can die within minutes if not treated.”
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David says he’s not wasting his second chance at life. The former pack-a-day smoker kicked the habit immediately and plans to start exercising. “I’m going to do a better job of taking care of myself. I owe that much to everyone,” he says.
Who’s at risk If you experience any of these symptoms or risk factors, ask your doctor whether heart testing or evaluation by an electrophysiologist or cardiologist is necessary. • A family history of heart disease, heart attack, or cardiac death • Unexplained fainting, near fainting, or palpitations • Chest pain, shortness of breath • Previous heart attack or SCA • Cardiac risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or high cholesterol To learn more about cardiac and vascular services, visit UPMCMercy.com and click on Our Services. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor.
Becoming a Whole New You Struggling to lose weight or keep it off? The UPMC BodyChangers program can change your body and your life.
Larissa Myaskovsky figures she tried about a dozen diets over 20 years, losing weight only to regain lost pounds. It wasn’t until she enrolled in the UPMC BodyChangers program that she saw lasting results. “BodyChangers was different,” says Larissa, 42, a borderline diabetic who wanted to lose weight without surgery. “It helped me realize losing weight is a permanent lifestyle change. It gave me the tools I needed to succeed.”
A healthier lifestyle Based at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, and a joint venture of the UPMC Life After Weight Loss and bariatric surgery programs, BodyChangers provides a social support system to promote healthy lifestyles. “We offer a comfortable environment for people who want to maintain weight loss — and become healthy and fit,” says Jeffrey Gusenoff, MD, a plastic surgeon at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers. Designed originally for bariatric surgery patients, BodyChangers now supports anyone needing help with their weight loss journey. The program includes: • An exercise class with a personal trainer who tailors activities for each individual • Group sessions with a behaviorist who teaches coping skills • Yoga and belly dancing classes • Cooking classes and “Destination Education” trips to community places, like grocery stores and markets • Group activities, such as biking, kayaking, and walking “We’re showing people different ways to achieve wellness and have fun,” says Vicki March, MD, an internist at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers.
A turning point The program appealed to Larissa, an O’Hara Township resident with two young children and a full-time job. She signed up for BodyChangers’ basic free membership, which includes a newsletter, recipes, and educational seminars. She also attended optional cooking demonstrations and met with a nutritionist. “It was a turning point in my thinking,” says Larissa, who lost 65 pounds and at 5’1” is now a healthy 115 pounds.
BodyChangers saved my life For Beth Walley, 49, of Carnegie, BodyChangers was a lifechanging experience. Having lost and regained a great deal of weight on various fad diets, she knew she was in trouble when she couldn’t keep up with her elderly mother at the grocery store. With her weight topping 400 pounds, she joined BodyChangers to prepare for bariatric surgery, but soon started attending other classes and events. Beth lost 50 pounds prior to her bariatric surgery in January 2012, and she is now down to 170 pounds. “The support I received through BodyChangers was key to my success. I feel great,” says Beth. “BodyChangers saved my life. It changed my body and my mind.” Basic membership includes free educational seminars and a newsletter. Other BodyChangers membership levels range from $25 to $50 a month. To learn more, call 1-855-BODY-CHG (263-9244) or visit UPMC.com/BodyChangers.
Interested in learning more about UPMC’s bariatric surgery programs? Free information sessions are offered several times a month at Magee, UPMC Hamot, UPMC Horizon, and UPMC St. Margaret. Visit UPMC.com/Bariatrics for more information.
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Health alth Car Care re e Reform: Refform: We We Have Have the th Plan UPMC Health Plan has cr created eated a w website ebsite tto o pr provide ovide inf information ormation tto o help y you ou learn ho how w health car care e rreform eform ma may y aff affect ect y you ou and y your our ffamily. amily.
The formal name for health care reform is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA). Signed into law in March 2010, the ACA made broad changes to the way health insurance will be provided and paid for in the United States. Several important reforms have been adopted since then. Extended coverage for dependents, full coverage for preventive care, and plain-language coverage explanations were all prompted by the ACA. In 2014, more parts of the ACA will go into effect, including the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget. According to the ACA: đ Marketplaces must be operational for open enrollment by October 2013 đ Each Marketplace will have Navigators to help people enroll đ Marketplace plans will be presented in only four cat i (platinum, gold, silverr, and bronze) to help consumer compare plans from different providers
Health car care e rreform eform and yyou ou Health care reform will affect nearly everyone. The qu most people are asking is how health care reform will them personally. To To help you better understand tand chang related to the ACA and the resulting effect on health insur UPMC Health Plan created an informative website. The consumer-friendly site offers unbiased information about Marketplaces and other elements of health care refor wide range of people, including: đ Individuals and family members who want to learn
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đ Health care providers treating patients in this new environment đ Employers looking for coverage for their employees đ Producers who sell insurance plans to companies and individuals đ Marketplace Navigators who are responsible for providing impartial advice on how to choose among competing plans On the website, you will find the answers to basic questions, such as: đ Who can get health insurance? đ What will be covered? đ Where can I shop for insurance? đ When will changes happen? đ What financial assistance is available? UPMC Health Plan’s website and support staff are committed to providing an unbiased forum in order to make health care reform easier to understand and to explain what changes can be expected as our nation continues to implement the ACA.
A Closer Look at Medical Imaging Medical imaging plays an integral role in diagnosing medical conditions of all kinds — from broken bones to life-threatening tumors. UPMC radiologists are leaders in helping to ensure both quality and patient safety during testing.
Medical imaging lets your doctor take an immediate and detailed look deep inside your body. More than 200 noninvasive tests are used to diagnose medical problems that once required exploratory surgery — or simply went undetected.
Types of medical imaging Imaging tests that use ionizing radiation include: • Computerized tomography (CT scan) • Mammography • Radiography (x-rays)
For women preparing to schedule their next annual mammogram, Jules Sumkin, DO, chief of radiology at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, emphasizes that nothing is more regulated in medical imaging than mammography. “There are very strict guidelines, and UPMC has always operated at or below established national standards for radiation exposure, ” he says. “New technologies like digital mammograms further reduce what are already very low radiation levels.”
Others use a different form of energy: • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — uses magnetic fields • Ultrasound — uses sound waves As the use of diagnostic tests increases, there’s growing research on their long-term impact on patient health. That’s especially true for radiation-based tests and their possible link to cancer. “Many medical professionals are concerned about some of the methods used to calculate the risk posed by such tests, and the confusion it’s creating among patients,” says Mitchell Tublin, MD, chief of radiology at UPMC Presbyterian and a leading expert on CT scans. “It’s important to talk to your doctor before deferring a test so that you clearly understand both the risks and benefits offered.”
Setting the standard nationally UPMC has one of the largest radiology programs in the United States, and its radiologists include some of the nation’s leading authorities on medical imaging safety. “On many fronts, we are helping to define the national safety standards for both patients and health care personnel,” says Emanuel Kanal, MD, director of magnetic resonance services at UPMC Presbyterian, whose innovative work on MRIs has been adopted by both the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiologists. “As a health care system, UPMC is continually investing in research, training, and equipment to minimize patient risk, such as radiation exposure from medical imaging,” says Christopher Deible, MD, PhD, medical director of radiology informatics at UPMC Presbyterian. “We’re also working to standardize imaging services at all UPMC hospitals, following best practices, and participating in national reporting initiatives.”
What can you do to be proactive? “Ask your doctor if a nonradiation test — like an MRI or ultrasound — can be substituted. That’s not always possible, though, since tests like CT scans may provide a higher level of detail that could be essential in some conditions,” says Janet Durick, MD, vice chair of clinical operations for the Department of Radiology for UPMC. “You should also ask if a test is truly needed — and don’t be disappointed if your physician doesn’t order an imaging test for a condition that could be addressed through a medical examination.” For more information about imaging safety for adults and children, visit Radiologyinfo.org, Imagewisely.org, or Pedrad.org.
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Is Assisted Living the Right Choice? For seniors and their families, assisted living can offer the ideal solution when extra help is needed for life’s daily activities.
Terry Schwartz of North Huntingdon was dogged in her search for the perfect living facility for her mother, Ethel Yanowitch. “For six years, Mom lived with our family, so I wanted a place that truly felt like home — but where she could also get the increased care and supervision she needed,” says Terry.
“Assisted living is tailored for seniors who need help with daily living activities, such as dressing, grooming, walking, and taking medications — but who don’t require skilled nursing care,” explains Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Senior Communities and Community Provider Services.
After visiting 10 different senior care facilities, she chose UPMC Senior Communities’ Weatherwood Manor in Greensburg. Mrs. Yanowitch, 90, has been a resident there for two years and, Terry says, “It has exceeded our expectations in every way. Mom loves it there.”
Each UPMC facility provides on-site nursing care and medication management. All residents have spacious apartments with private baths and kitchenettes. Three restaurant-style meals are served daily. Before moving into a UPMC Senior Communities assisted living facility, residents are carefully assessed and individual care plans are created for them. “Because our health and lifestyle needs change as we age, residents also receive regular assessments to ensure they’re receiving the best possible care,” she adds. To learn more about UPMC Senior Communities assisted living options — as well as the personal care facilities at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville and Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry — visit UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.
Understanding Assisted Living Personal care homes and assisted living facilities once meant the same thing in Pennsylvania — but that’s no longer the case.
Terry Schwartz and her mother, Ethel Yanowitch
For Terry and her mother, assisted living represents the “best of both worlds.” It offers an increased level of services while encouraging and supporting residents to be as independent as possible through activities and socialization. UPMC Senior Communities offers assisted living options at: • Cumberland Crossing Manor, McCandless • Seneca Manor, Penn Hills • Strabane Woods, Washington • Weatherwood Manor, Greensburg
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Pennsylvania now distinguishes the types of basic services that can be provided by personal care and assisted living residences. One of the fundamental differences is that assisted living facilities must provide health care services that will enable the residents to “age in place” as their health declines and their care needs change. Weatherwood Manor recently received licensure as an assisted living facility under new state guidelines. UPMC Senior Communities’ Cumberland Crossing Manor, Seneca Manor, and Strabane Woods also are converting from personal care to assisted living licenses. “Assisted living community licensure is an expression of UPMC Senior Communities’ commitment to offering older adults and their families the kind of continuing care they need and depend on to safely and confidently age in place,” says Ms. Brodine.
Smart Tips for a Safer Summer During the summer, UPMC Mercy sees an increase in its number of emergency, burn, and trauma patients. Learn what you can do to stay healthy and safe this summer.
At the region’s only combined Level 1 Trauma and Comprehensive Burn Center, UPMC Mercy’s physicians and staff know from experience that treasured summer traditions can lead to serious, life-changing injuries. “Accidents can happen in a split second, but with caution, many can be prevented,” says Michelle Fontana, BSN, manager of Trauma Clinical Services at UPMC Mercy. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, the hospital is focused on providing the highest quality trauma and burn care in western Pennsylvania, as well as leadership in education and community outreach. “The UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center offers injury prevention programs year-round, including a free fireworks safety clinic in July,” adds Ms. Fontana.
Fireworks Each year, thousands of people are hurt by fireworks, which can cause severe burns, scarring, permanent disfigurement, blindness, and death. Even sparklers can be dangerous. “The tip of a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees, hot enough to cause a third-degree burn,” Ms. Fontana explains. To enjoy fireworks safely: • Don’t buy or use illegal fireworks. Only use fireworks permitted under state law • Take the family to watch a professional fireworks display in your community • Teach your children to stay away from firecrackers, sparklers, and other fireworks For more information about fireworks safety, contact the UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center at 412-232-8375.
A Life-Saving Difference According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, severely injured adults who receive care at a Level I Trauma Center like UPMC Mercy are 25 percent more likely to survive than those treated at a nontrauma center.
Here are a few ways you and your family can avoid injury while enjoying two of summer’s favorite outdoor activities:
Riding ATVs As the popularity of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has increased, so have the number of accidental injuries, especially to the head and spine. “ATVs are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles that can cause serious injuries,” says Ms. Fontana. To stay safe on the trails, be sure to: • Always wear a helmet • Only ride off-road and avoid unfamiliar terrain • Never let children drive adult ATVs
That designation allows UPMC Mercy to provide the highest level of trauma care. “Our multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists is ready around the clock to care for seriously injured patients,” says Tom Gronow, the hospital’s vice president of operations. The UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center is a state-ofthe-art unit dedicated exclusively to the care of trauma and burn patients. “It requires a serious commitment of resources to provide such exceptional care,” says Mr. Gronow. “However, there is no substitute for the medical expertise of a Level 1 Trauma Center when it comes to treating serious life-threatening and disabling injuries. We see proof of that in the lives we save every year.”
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC Mercy
1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
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Don’t let a nonhealing wound slow you down. A chronic wound is cause for concern – and deserves exceptional care. The kind you’ll get from UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Mercy. For conditions ranging from diabetic foot ulcers to slow-healing surgical wounds, our team of experts will develop a treatment plan that works best for you. And our wound experts are leaders in limb preservation technology and treatment. If you want to get back on your feet again, why would you choose to go anywhere else? To learn more about UPMC Wound Healing Services and see if it’s right for you, call 412-232-5744, or visit UPMCMercy.com/WoundHealing.
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
Announcements
The Noah Angelici 6th Annual Memorial Golf Event June 10th Mystic Rock Golf Course 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start/18 hole scramble Benefits Noah’s House of Hope
The Noah Angelici Hope Foundation was founded in remembrance of Noah and to help others like him. Noah and his twin brother Jackson developed a rare disorder before birth, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), resulting in several blood vessels connecting the twins. This condition required a unique and lifesaving fetal surgery performed by only a few surgeons worldwide. After birth, Noah bravely fought for 2 1/2 years before it eventually claimed his life in December of 2007. For entry form and more information, contact Jane Klimchak at 724.350.2940 or jane@noahshouseofhope.com.
Deadline for registration is June 2.
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 53
Real Estate IN Mt. LEBANON Real estate is a big part of our lives. For the vast majority of us it is the biggest purchase we will ever make, as well as the largest investment. Not to mention the fact that our purchase is “our home”…the place we laugh, cry, raise children, share timeless memories with friends and family and so much more. So it is very important that we understand every aspect of the selling and purchasing of a home. This includes mortgage and finance information, curb appeal, new housing developments and new ways to look for homes.
CURB APPEAL Curb appeal is a well-known term that refers to the attractiveness of the interior and exterior of a home. While the term seems overused, it is a very real phenomenon. The old saying goes, “You only get one chance at a first impression.” This phrase perfectly explains the importance of curb appeal. When someone pulls up to a house for the first time, things like paint, landscaping, carpeting and light fixtures, just to name a few, make a huge difference in the person’s opinion. It is much harder for most people to envision the potential of a home when unattractiveness abounds everywhere they look. Most people looking at a home make a snap judgment the moment they enter the property. Sure, these snap judgments can be changed with other positive attributes, but why take the chance when adding curb appeal can be so easy and costeffective? Curb appeal can be accomplished by any number of methods including exterior decorations, repainting, extensive attention to the landscaping,
timely grass cutting, new or even recently professionally cleaned carpeting, new hardware on the kitchen cabinets, new stain on a rear deck, new exterior and interior light fixtures and de-cluttering of the interior of the home. Always think of curb appeal when marketing your home or looking at a new home. It may not sell your home on its own, or entice you to buy a home on its own, but it does make a difference. You won’t be sorry because it is worth the time and relatively low cost.
STAGING Selling a home requires more than a “For Sale” sign. Competition is fierce, and if you want the best offers and your home to sell quickly, home staging is essential. Staging involves cleaning, de-cluttering, and decorating a home so it appeals to buyers. Never confuse decorating for staging. Décor is an expression of a particular style, while staging is a strategy. According to www.globalspan.net, there are five basic steps to staging your home.
Real estate by the numbers
IN Mt. Lebanon Homes for Sale: 107 Recently Sold: 101 *Data provided by Realtor.com. Data presented is representative of the time of publication. For up-to-date information, go to Realtor.com.
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Our Real Estate Partners
#1 - Clean. Your home must sparkle! To achieve this level is often only feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too. #2 - Fix. Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea. #3 - Eliminate Clutter. The “50% Rule” requires that you eliminate the clutter in your home by at least half. This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter – it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn’t sell homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized. (Have you ever noticed that the really expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-free layout, while “cheap” stores are often a jumble of merchandise?) Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has as a central focus the elimination of clutter. #4 - Go Executive Neutral. Neutral colors sell. It’s a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you’ve just turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest. #5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won’t be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot “imagine” your home as their home. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to “see” themselves in it.
REVERSE MORTGAGE According to www.consumer.ftc.gov, if you’re 62 or older – and looking for money to finance a home improvement, pay off your current mortgage, supplement your retirement income, or pay for health-care expenses – you may be considering a reverse mortgage. It’s a product that allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your home or pay additional monthly bills. In a “regular” mortgage, you make monthly payments to the lender. In a “reverse” mortgage, you receive money from the lender, and generally don’t have to pay it back for as long as you live in your home. The loan is repaid when you die, sell your home, or when your home is no longer your primary residence. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage generally are taxfree, and many reverse mortgages have no income restrictions. There are three types of reverse mortgages: •• Single-purpose reverse mortgages, offered by some state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. •• Federally-insured reverse mortgages, known as Home Equity
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Renee Rose-Modrak is a Luxury Home Specialist with Keller Williams Real Estate Professionals. She is a multi-million dollar producer, specializing in new construction, luxury properties and residential sales. Renee previously spent 25 years in advertising. She has decades of philanthropic successes and currently sits on the board of Team Pouncey. Renee Rose-Modrak 724.941.9400 x113 • www.reneerosemodrak.com
Action Builders is a Design Build company. We believe in listening to our customers and designing within a budget. We pride ourselves on professionalism, quality and total commitment to your project. We back our projects with 30 years of experience and a five year warranty. Check out our website for more details. AB Action Builders 412.212.6009 • www.pittsburghadditions.com
Golden Estate Sales provides a service for people when they need it most. Clients include people downsizing their homes, individuals who have inherited properties, families moving to new homes, retirees, and those leaving their homes to move into assisted living/nursing facilities. Golden Estate Sales has Accredited Members of The International Society of Appraisers who are Antique & Residential Content Appraisers.
Golden Estate Sales
Golden Estate Sales • Patricia A. Golden 724.941.8373 • www.goldenestatesales.com
We specialize in fabricating granite counter tops for all jobs, whether it is for kitchen, island, vanity or decks. We provide the best price because we import our granite slabs directly and do our own fabrication onsite with no middleman markups. We will be happy to assist you with choosing colors, designs and provide you with information about granite counter top fabrication. New Choice Home Deco., Inc. 412.567.0596 • Pitgranite.com
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Real Estate IN MT. LEBANON Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). •• Proprietary reverse mortgages, private loans that are backed by the companies that develop them. Single-purpose reverse mortgages are the least expensive option. They are not available everywhere and can be used for only one purpose, which is specified by the government or nonprofit lender. For example, the lender might say the loan may be used only to pay for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. Most homeowners with low or moderate income can qualify for these loans. HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages may be more expensive than traditional home loans, and the upfront costs can be high. That’s important to consider, especially if you plan to stay in your home for just a short time or borrow a small amount. HECM loans are widely available, have no income or medical requirements, and can be used for any purpose. Before applying for a HECM, you must meet with a counselor from an independent governmentapproved housing counseling agency. Some lenders offering proprietary reverse mortgages also require counseling. The counselor is required to explain the loan’s costs and financial implications, and possible alternatives to a HECM, like government and nonprofit programs or a single-purpose or proprietary reverse mortgage. The counselor also should be able to help you compare the costs of different types of reverse mortgages and tell you how different payment options, fees, and other costs affect the total cost of the loan over time. You can visit HUD for a list of counselors or call the agency at 1.800.569.4287. Most counseling agencies charge around $125 for their services. The fee can be
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business spotlight
Dan Ryan Builders Brings Extensive Home Building Expertise to South Fayette’s Fieldcrest Community The new housing market is back, and if you’re looking for a builder that’s going to give you the most value for your hard-earned dollar, Dan Ryan Builders’ Fieldcrest community in South Fayette is for you. Started by the son of one of the founders of Ryan Homes, Dan Ryan Builders has been creating unique and affordable housing all across the East Coast since 1990. In 2012, they brought their expertise to the Pittsburgh market, and currently have several projects underway in the region. Homes in South Fayette’s Fieldcrest community range in the $224,000 to $279,000 range, and give buyers the latitude to choose from the seven models offered, each with a variety of options and extensions. The community Grand Opening, including the public unveiling of the decorated model home, will take place in mid-June. Fieldcrest is open for sales, though, with five homes already under construction. “Our mission statement is to create the best value in homeownership,” said Shaun Seydor, manager of Dan Ryan Builders’ Pittsburgh operations. “There are four main tenets that we strive to achieve: Recognized Quality, An Affordable Price, Excellent Service, and Satisfying Value.” As for market differentiation, “We maintain an inventory of quick move-in new homes and provide extensive options within our floor plans making us very flexible in the market. Our customer service is second to none and it’s based around communication with the homeowner to make sure they are very well informed throughout the complicated construction process, and further, that they receive a great value.” Seydor is a Pittsburgh native, holds a bachelors degree from Carnegie Mellon University and two masters degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. What’s more, he has a thorough knowledge of the region, and is helping to create the vision of Dan Ryan Builders in Pittsburgh. In Fieldcrest, there are 24 single-family homes under construction. Nationwide, Dan Ryan Builders expects to complete over 1,000 homes in 2013. Their dedication and volume have earned them a place among Builder Magazine’s Top 50 Builders in the Country. Also, the company is a 6-time winner of the Builder of Integrity Award, and currently over 90 percent of Dan Ryan Builders’ homeowners would recommend to their family and friends. Dan Ryan Builders’ commitment to quality shows in every detail. You’ll find standard features and name brand materials that would be costly options at other communities. When you choose Dan Ryan Builders, you’re getting not only the precise construction quality, but standard features that aren’t available from many other builders. For example, designer lighting packages, programmable thermostats, cultured marble vanity tops and cathedral ceilings are just some of the standard interior features. What’s more, the structure of the home maintains the same quality as the interiors. Homeowners can expect stick frame construction, poured concrete foundation walls, Carrier 90-percent high-efficiency gas heating and air conditioning units, landscaping packages including all shrubs, trees, mulch beds and grass, and complete concrete leadwalks and asphalt driveways as standard features. Kitchens include Aristokraft Cabinets, double bowl stainless steel sinks and G.E. appliances. All of this comes with a 10-year Builder’s Warranty and pre- and post-settlement walk-throughs underlying Dan Ryan Builders’ commitment to quality. To see all of Dan Ryan Builder’s home designs for Fieldcrest in South Fayette, as well as other Pittsburgh communities, please go to www.DanRyanBuilders.com/ Pittsburgh or call 724.939.1011 to speak with a Sales Consultant today.
L to R: CFO Paul Yeager, CEO Dan Ryan and COO Ronny Salameh
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business spotlight
Integrity and Professionalism Make Golden Estate Sales a Cut Above
We can help move household items once they are sold.
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t seems like running an estate sale business and owning an antique shop would go hand in hand. But the reality of this common practice, creates a situation where the best family heirlooms are never offered to the public. Often the person running the sale will cherry pick through a family’s belongings for merchandise to sell in their own store. When Pat Golden began conducting estate sales over 15 years ago, she made a vow never to run an antique store or flea market on the side, and never to buy merchandise that she was in charge of selling. “It’s a conflict of interest,” explains Golden. “For the same reason, to make sure that all of our practices are transparent, we donate everything left from the sale to a local charity. We have taken furniture, clothes and housewares to battered women’s shelters, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army. You name it, we have probably donated items to that nonprofit at one time or another.” From the beginning, Golden decided to hold herself and her employees to a higher standard than most estate sale companies. “After I have a home set up for the sale, I take my employees around and ask them questions about the price, quality and history of the items. I want to make sure that they are familiar with everything and always learning,” says Golden. “Knowledgeable employees help ensure that more items will be sold. If you know the history and the value of a particular piece of furniture, or can share with the prospective buyer that it is handmade, imported, vintage, or whatever makes that item special, they will recognize the value and it makes it more attractive.” She also has three times the number of employees on hand for the sale than what’s normally required. This almost guarantees that there will be someone free to answer questions 58 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Pat Golden owner We know how to attract buyers!
when a buyer is curious about a particular item. It also helps prevent theft, which unfortunately is an unpleasant reality. No one individual can know the value of every item from artwork to jewelry to motorcycles. But Golden is a member of the International Society of Appraisers, an accreditation that few others in her profession have achieved. “We have to take a test every three years to demonstrate that we are knowledgeable about changes in the field and stay updated. I also thoroughly research items that I’m unsure of to get the best price for the homeowner,” adds Golden. She is highly respected as an appraiser and has served as a volunteer appraiser at Heinz History Center’s Hidden Treasures event. Sometimes professionalism shows up in even the tiniest details. Golden uses green 3M tape which doesn’t disturb the finish of fine furniture when it’s removed. They also offer delivery for a minimal charge which helps move the sale along, since many people may want to buy the furniture, but have no way to transport it to their home. Her team also devotes a great deal of their time in preparing for the sale by photographing all the items which are then posted on their Facebook page, their website and the Pittsburgh Estate Sales website.
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Golden even takes the extraordinary step of purchasing insurance for a maximum of $2 million, to protect the homeowner against property damage and personal injury. “If a person comes to the sale and slips on the carpet, the homeowner is liable for injuries. I make sure that the person having the sale and our company are protected against such occurrences,” says Golden. Oftentimes, an estate sale signals a life transition. Someone may be downsizing or moving to assisted living, or perhaps even a death has occurred. With the family going through emotional changes, Golden’s attention to detail is a calm, comforting presence amidst what can be a chaotic time for homeowners. Her advice for any homeowner considering an estate sale is: “Pick two or three good companies and then go and visit their estate sales. See how they handle things, how they set up for the sale and what type of advertising they do. Then make your decision about who to hire for your sale.” For more information on Golden Estate Sales, please visit the website at www. GoldenEstateSales.com or call 724.941.8373. They are also on Facebook.
Real Estate IN MT. LEBANON paid from the loan proceeds, but you cannot be turned away if you can’t afford the fee. How much you can borrow with a HECM or proprietary reverse mortgage depends on several factors, including your age, the type of reverse mortgage you select, the appraised value of your home, and current interest rates. In general, the older you are, the more equity you have in your home, and the less you owe on it, the more money you can get. The HECM lets you choose among several payment options. You can select:
Our Real Estate Partners With Angelo Associates, a professional installation means your work will be done by skilled, experienced craftsmen using the finest tools and equipment available. We want to serve you. Please visit our office/showroom or call for a free design consultation and estimate in your home. You can also visit our website at: www.angeloassociates.com Angelo Associates Inc. 412.655.3430 • www.angeloassociates.com
•• A “term” option – fixed monthly cash advances for a specific time. •• A “tenure” option – fixed monthly cash advances for as long as you live in your home. •• A line of credit that lets you draw down the loan proceeds at any time in amounts you choose until you have used up the line of credit. •• A combination of monthly payments and a line of credit. You can change your payment option any time for about $20. HECMs generally provide bigger loan advances at a lower total cost compared with proprietary loans. But if you own a higher-valued home, you may get a bigger loan advance from a proprietary reverse mortgage. So if your home has a higher appraised value and you have a small mortgage, you may qualify for more funds. Reverse mortgage loan advances are not taxable, and generally don’t affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits. You retain the title to your home, and you don’t have to make monthly repayments. The loan must be repaid when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence. In the HECM program, a borrower can live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 consecutive months before the loan must be repaid. If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, be aware that: •• Lenders generally charge an origination fee, a mortgage insurance premium (for federally-insured HECMs), and other closing costs for a reverse mortgage. Lenders also may charge servicing fees during the term of the mortgage. The lender sometimes sets these fees and costs, although origination fees for HECMs currently are dictated by law. Your upfront costs can be lowered if you borrow a smaller amount through a reverse mortgage product called “HECM Saver.”
The process of buying and selling a house is a huge investment and we do not take that responsibility lightly. As full time Realtors we offer you experience and integrity to help you every step of the way. Give us a call to find out what makes us a multi-million dollar producing team and 5 Star Agents for customer service and sales. Sherry Toms/Casi Kuzel • Coldwell Banker 412.833.5405 • www.coldwellbanker.com
Whether it’s building your dream home or making a livable space come alive. Prime 1 Builders, Inc. excels in single home residential projects. From sustainable and energy efficient home design to custom renovations, we work to exceed your expectations and stay within your budget. Let Dan Meade and his team of craftsman, make your dream home become a reality. Call us today to discuss your project. Prime 1 Builders 412.257.0160 • www.prime1builders.com
•• The amount you owe on a reverse mortgage grows over time. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance and added to the amount you owe each month. That means your total debt increases as the loan funds are advanced to you and interest on the loan accrues.
In 1987 Inks Installations, a home remodeling business was established by Michael T. Inks. Today, Inks Installations is ranked at the top of the businesses involved in home remodeling. Inks is family owned and operated, serving Allegheny County and the surrounding areas, specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, additions, game rooms, roofing, siding, and other small jobs. For more information call or stop by the showroom!
•• Although some reverse mortgages have fixed rates, most have variable rates that are tied to a financial index: they are likely to change with market conditions.
Inks Installations 412.653.0850 • www.inksinstallations.com
•• Reverse mortgages can use up all or some of the equity in your home,
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Real Estate MT. LEBANON and leave fewer assets for you and your heirs. Most reverse mortgages have a “nonrecourse” clause, which prevents you or your estate from owing more than the value of your home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold. However, if you or your heirs want to retain ownership of the home, you usually must repay the loan in full – even if the loan balance is greater than the value of the home. •• Because you retain title to your home, you are responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. If you don’t pay property taxes, carry homeowner’s insurance, or maintain the condition of your home, your loan may become due and payable. •• Interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole.
FINANCING AND INTEREST RATES There is both good news and bad news when it comes to home financing and mortgage interest rates. The great news is that interest rates are still extremely low. According to bankrate.com, the interest rates on 12/26/12 were 3.59% on a 30-year fixed rate, 2.87% on a 15-year fixed, 2.77% on a 5/1 ARM and 4.07% on a 30-year jumbo. However, the bad news is that, due to new mortgage laws adopted after the nation’s foreclosure crisis of several years back, it is more difficult to get a mortgage than ever before. Credit scores are even more scrutinized and debt-to-income ratios are more strict. There is an infinite number of loan types out there, and lenders are
constantly coming up with creative ways to wrangle in new homeowners. The type of home loan you choose can make or break you as a borrower, so make sure you fully understand it before making any kind of commitment. Most prospective homeowners these days seem to be interested in 100% financing, generally because they don’t have the assets necessary for a down payment. Unfortunately, the proliferation of these types of home loan programs have increased the number of high-risk borrowers in the United States at an alarming rate. But if you take the time to educate yourself on the many home loan types out there, you’ll effectively decrease your chances of defaulting on your mortgage. That said, let’s talk about the many different loan types and programs available today. Below is a list of the types of loans available to potential homeowners.
Conforming Loans and Non-Conforming Loans One way home loans are differentiated is by their Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) eligibility. If the loan meets requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it is considered a conforming loan. If the loan does not meet all the underwriting requirements set forth by the pair of GSEs, it is considered “non-conforming.” The main guideline that determines whether a mortgage is conforming or not is the loan amount. Generally, a mortgage with a loan amount below $417,000 is considered conforming, whereas any loan amount above $417,000 is considered a jumbo loan. However, in Alaska and Hawaii the conforming limit is $625,500. Note that the conforming limit may change annually, and has risen quite a bit in the past few years as housing prices skyrocketed. A jumbo loan may meet all of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s loan underwriting guidelines, but if the loan amount exceeds the conforming limit, it will be considered non-conforming and carry a higher mortgage rate as a result. If your loan amount is on the fringe of the conforming limit, sometimes simply dropping your loan amount a few thousand dollars can
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lower your mortgage rate tremendously, so keep this in mind anytime your loan amount is near the limit.
Conventional Loans and Government Loans Mortgages are also classified as either “conventional loans” or “government loans.” Conventional loans can be conforming or jumbo, but are not insured or guaranteed by the government. Then there are government loans, such as the widely popular FHA loan. This type of mortgage is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Another common government loan is the VA loan, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The maximum loan amount for these types of loans varies by county. Now that you know a bit about different home loan types, we can focus on home loan programs. As mentioned earlier, there are a ton of different loan programs out there, and more seem to surface every day. Let’s start with the most basic of loan programs, the 30-year fixed-rate loan.
Loan Programs The 30-year fixed loan is as simple as they come. Most mortgages are based on a 30-year amortization, and the 30-year fixed is no different. The 30-year fixed loan is just how it sounds, a loan with a 30-year term at a fixed interest rate for 30 years. What this means is that the loan will take 30 years to pay off, and the rate will stay the same during those entire 30 years. There isn’t much else to it. Let’s say you secure a rate of 6.5% on a 30-year fixed loan with a loan amount of $500,000. You’ll have monthly mortgage payments of $3,160.34 for a total of 360 months, or 30 years. You will be required to pay the same amount each month until the loan is paid off. So the total amount you would pay on a $500,000 loan at 6.5% over 30 years would be $1,137,722.40.
LOCAL HOUSING MARKET According to www.buildingpittsburgh.wordpress.com, unlike the overall U.S. market, the housing market in Pittsburgh does not have to bounce back from falling prices and is showing remarkable consistency across a number of metrics. For more than six months the prices of houses sold and the number of
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Real Estate IN MT. LEBANON homes sold has remained solidly up more than 10% year-over-year. That’s an unusual level of consistent growth, especially since the sales took place in periods of both higher and lower seasonal activity. The third quarter also showed a consistent trend in the year-over-year growth in new construction. Through nine months there were a total of 2,396 new dwelling units started compared to 2,155 during the same period in 2011, an increase of 11.2%. The increased activity was constant whether the construction was traditional detached single-family homes (and attached) or multi-family units, with each cohort up between 1012%. Permits were issued for 1,393 units of detached dwellings compared to 1,264 in 2011 and for 1,003 attached units this year compared to 891 last year. While there is growing evidence that financing conditions are normalizing so that buyers can buy, the dwindling supply of lots are keeping a broader housing recovery from spreading into 2013, although the construction of multi-family apartments will boom for at least the next 18 months. Following is a breakdown of new housing by county. •• Allegheny County — Single Family Detached, 609. Single-Family Attached, 392. Total, 1001.
Our Real Estate Partners Visions Remodeling & Home Repair (formerly Case Handyman and Remodeling) is your fullservice, locally-owned, expert home repair and remodeling company, based in Canonsburg. We offer the full range of home improvement services, including complete design and installation of the latest kitchen and bath concepts, and most any home repair or improvement project – large or small. For more information visit our web site at www.visionsremodel.com Visions Remodeling & Home Repair 724.745.9888 • www.visionsremodel.com
Northwood agents don’t just represent properties, we represent people. Since 1956, our experience has taught us that lasting relationships are the foundations of our future. Say hello to the New Face of Northwood at Northwood.com today.
•• Beaver County — Single-Family Detached, 108. Single-Family Attached, 25. Total, 133. •• Butler County — Single-Family Detached, 190. Single-Family Attached, 323. Total, 513. •• Fayette County — Single-Family Detached, 66. Single-Family Attached, 10. Total, 76. •• Washington County — Single-Family Detached, 251. Single-Family Attached, 74. Total, 325. •• Westmoreland County — Single-Family Detached, 169. SingleFamily Attached, 179. Total, 348.
SMARTPHONE APPS FOR HOUSE HUNTING This is 2013 and we are an “on the go” society. So doesn’t it just make sense to use apps for house hunting before contacting a real estate agent? According to www.msn.com, today there are dozens of cheap — even free — applications you can download that can make your home buying quest easier and savvier than ever before. So go ahead and download ‘em, take ‘em for a test drive … then hit the open-house circuit. This time, you’re guaranteed to waste less time finding a new “home sweet home.”
1797 N. Highland Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412-831-0100 • www.Northwood.com
John R. Swentosky, owner of Oxford Landscaping, has been providing landscaping/construction services to the South Hills of Pittsburgh for over 25 years. We are proud to offer an extensive variety of hard and soft scape services to commercial and residential customers. Phone 412.996.7589. Fax 412.221.6145. www.oxfordlandscapingpa.com. Follow us on Facebook for project photos and tips. P.L.N.A. Member. Oxford Landscaping 412.996.7589 • www.oxfordlandscapingpa.com
Some of the most successful real estate agents in the country are right here at Prudential Preferred Realty–Rock Solid in Real Estate! For further information contact Tony Mete at 412.833.7700.
Tools to help you find a home — all with GPS •• Realtor.com says its app has more listings — reportedly more than 3 million — than any other app in the country. You can highlight areas of town to search, check for homes for sale near you and search for open houses. Most homes show multiple photos as well as pricing
Prudential Preferred Realty 412-833-7700 • prudentalrealestate.com
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Real Estate and open-house info. (Free.) •• Zillow not only lets you see listings and the estimated worth of any home — not just homes for sale – but also has rental-rate estimates. (Free.)
Navigating the real-estate maze •• Dictionary of Real Estate Terms. Baffled by a bilateral contract? Confused by carrying charges? You need this dictionary. ($1.99 for iPhone and iPad. Other dictionaries available for different devices.) •• Mortgage Calculator. A solid calculator to help steer you through the finances of a home purchase, this calculator computes monthly rate, price per square foot and your amortization schedule. (99 cents for iPad and iPhone. Other calculators available for different devices.) •• Can you afford that home? Home Buying Power lets you input variables — desired payment or income percentage, plus down payment, loan term and interest rate — and then tells you how much house you can afford to pay for on a monthly basis. ($1.99 for iPad and iPhone.)
lets you compare those stats to the national average and to other cities. (99 cents for iPhone and iPad.) •• Want to know what kind of amenities your neighborhood has? Download the Walk Score app. It gives a home a score of up to 100, based on residents’ ability to walk to things such as a grocery, a pub, etc. The better the score, the more walkable the neighborhood. Somewhat related, Around Me tells you the distances to key spots such as banks, coffee shops and post offices. (Both are free for iPhone and iPad.) •• SiteWise gives the demographics of your prospective home’s immediate area, using info up to and including the 2010 Census. The app creates a demographic report that includes population by age, education level, number of children, household income, number of renters versus owners and more. ($9.99 for Blackberry and iPhone users.)
Choosing the right city and neighborhood •• Learn your neighborhood: With Wikihood, you can get a mini-tour of most any neighborhood in the world — everything from the history to the culture to companies in the area. (Free for iPad and iPhone.) •• Wonder where that smell is coming from? Worried by those airplanes flying low overhead? You need Suburb Scout. This app allows users to search for possible nuisances near a home — airports, landfills, sewagetreatment plants and more. ($1.99 for Android.) •• Are you worried about sex offenders? Consider getting Safe Neighborhood. This app gives you access to the National Sex Offender Registry and can tell you locations of sex offenders in your area. It’s a little controversial — not only can you search by address, but you can pull up names and pictures of the offenders. (Free for Android.) •• Trying to pick a new city? You might want to look at the crime statistics. The app Crime Stats lets you see statistics on several violent crimes and property crimes for cities nationwide, using FBI data. The app also 64 724.942.0940 to advertise |
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When looking hard at a home •• Photo Measures is an app that lets you take pictures of, say, a room and then allows you to save your measurements of the room’s dimensions on the photos. You can take photos during your walk-throughs of an appealing house, note the dimensions of walls and doors and cabinets, then plan your space and refer to the measurements later. ($4.99 for iPhone.) •• ColorSmart. With paintmaker Behr’s ColorSmart app, you can visualize colors in your prospective home. Just take a photo, then fill in the walls with a Behr paint color to check out the new look. (Free for iPhone and iPad.) You now have 13 new ways to find your perfect home — and no excuses.
IN MT. LEBANON WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT
or ‘Stephen, the deer head or stuffed bear in the den is not a good idea.’ Full Time: Real estate is not a part-time job. My agent needs to be available when a potential buyer is. I don’t want to have to wait until my agent gets off his/her shift at Walgreen’s before [responding to] an offer on my home. This is where an agent with a team can be beneficial as they can cover for each other so I can get the service I deserve.
Sometimes when the time comes to buy or sell a home the focus is so much on the homes that the real estate agent is an afterthought. However, it is very important to pick the right one for your needs. On the site www.mytitleguy.com is a blogger who has worked in the title industry for 11 years and has met and worked with countless real estate agents. He has come up with a list of things to look for before signing a contract with an agent: Personable: I want someone who does not make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Someone I can tolerate talking to or sitting across from on more than one occasion. Licensed: Sounds dumb but it is not. I want my agent to be licensed and in good standing, i.e. no complaints [no legitimate complaints one way]. Google is your friend. Go to Google.com, put [potential agents’ names] in quotations and see what Google and other consumers have to say about them. Tech Savvy: An agent who is savvy with technology is a non-negotiable for me. I want someone who has a strong website, who understands the Internet and search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. Not so much social media. Remember, 98% of consumers start their home search online — my real estate agent better know how to get my home to stand out online — where the eyeballs are.
estate industry is lack of communication. In an occupation that requires communication, the #1 complaint is lack of it. I want my real estate agent to communicate with me in the method that I prefer [email, text, phone call, Facebook, Twitter, smoke signal, Morse code etc.] whatever that is. I also want a regular schedule of check-ins — even if there is nothing to report. Keep me in the loop! Truthful: Someone who is going to tell me the truth whether I want to hear it or not. ‘Yes, Mr. Garner, that purple carpet is ugly and needs to go’
Integrity: Integrity is one of those [attributes] that many people say they have. In my opinion, integrity is demonstrated, not necessarily spoken. I want a real estate agent/Realtor to put my interests above [his/her] own. That offer of $400,000 on my $430,000 home may only equal a reduction of $900 for the agent’s commission but it equals a $30,000 reduction to me. If I’m buying with an agent and I’m interested in 4-bedroom, 2-bath homes, show them all to me, even the ones offering a reduced commission and the ones listed by an agent you don’t necessarily care for. Put my interests above your own. If my agent represents me, I want him/her to represent me.
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Knowledgeable: I want an agent who knows [his/her] way around the purchase contract and how to negotiate. Just because [agents are] licensed does not mean they understand either. I also want an agent who specializes in what I am buying or selling. Familiar with the local market: I would want an agent who is familiar with my neighborhood, builder, and local market conditions. Local market conditions — not an area 20 miles away. [Yes, markets can vary considerably in as few as 20 miles.] Communicates well and often: You would hope that service and communication would be the basics [for being] in the real estate industry…but sadly it is not. There are real estate agents out there who are horrible at returning calls or emails or even giving updates. Maybe that is why the #1 complaint in the real
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Real Estate IN Mt. Lebanon NEW HOME TRENDS The housing industry has taken a beating these past few years, but a glimmer of hope is on the horizon. Housing starts are increasing, according to a story by the National Association of Business Economics. Not surprisingly, though, the Great Recession curtailed many of the extravagances that buyers desired before things went south. Homebuyers want different things from their homes today. The watchword is “flexibility” — things such as rooms that serve multiple purposes and homes that can accommodate either “boomerang” children or aging parents. According to www.msn.com, [researchers] talked to homebuilders and industry watchers to find out what will be behind the front doors of new homes.
Easy access Accessibility is big and likely only to get bigger, says Kermit Baker, chief economist of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). “It’s strictly an aging-related thing: Boomers are getting older, and parents of boomers are getting older.” Baby boomers in particular are starting to think about what their homes need to look like if they’re going to stay in them as the years advance. That means single-story homes, homes with grab bars in the bathroom, fewer stairs and perhaps even wheelchair ramps. In the AIA’s most recent survey, almost half of the architects who responded said accessibility was a growing design priority.
A bigger garage — for everything but cars Not long ago, homebuilders were adding garage space to accommodate SUVs. Now some are making more room in the garage for all the other items families put there, from tricycles to golf carts. “We know that growing families accumulate a lot of stuff,” says Scott Thomas, director of product design for Pulte Group, which includes Pulte Homes, Centex and Del Webb retirement communities. “These garages help avoid clutter. A trend for the larger garages is to use part of it as a ‘man cave’ of sorts — space where you can fit two cars, in addition to a sofa, TV, weights, etc.”
The ‘resource center’ People want homes that are more flexible, more versatile. Rooms dedicated to one purpose are less popular now, according to the AIA survey. As homes shrank in the past few years, people asked, “Where’s that space going to come from?” Baker says. Those people are realizing that in a smaller home, rooms can serve multiple functions. David Barista, editor in chief of Professional Builder and Custom Builder magazines, calls these multipurpose areas “resource centers” — nooks that include a desk, printer, room for a laptop and even some cubbyholes for mail and bills. “You don’t need this huge den/office anymore,” he says. “Most families are working off laptops or iPads.” Also hearing that demand, Pulte Group has been adding “planning centers” to its homes — spaces adjacent to the kitchen “that serve as the family command center of sorts,” Thomas says. “It’s a place where the kids can do their homework and be within earshot of the parents. They are great for family organization, paying bills.”
Homes within homes Almost one-third of American adults today are “doubled up,” or living in the same household with another adult generation, the U.S. Census Bureau says. Those adults could be “boomerang” kids who have come back home to live after college, or aging parents who moved in with adult children. Homebuilders are starting to respond to this trend. “We’re seeing a huge growth in floor plans that include dual master suites,” Barista says. Lennar Homes has introduced its NextGen home in several areas of the country. “It really is a home within a home,” says Alan Jones, Arizona division president for Lennar. Imagine a home that contains a separate apartment with its own sleeping area, kitchenette, bathroom and perhaps even garage. A door connects it to the rest of the house, Jones says.
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business spotlight
Coldwell Banker’s Sherry Tom
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work F
inding the right Realtor for your home buying needs can be a daunting task when faced with the sea of faces and names available online. What’s more, if you’re new to the area, getting a referral on someone you trust can be just as difficult. Sherry Tom But if you’re looking for someone who’s going to offer you the personality and attention to detail you’re looking for, Sherry Tom is the only person you need to talk to. “I would say that when you choose me as your buyer’s or seller’s agent, you’re getting a team to work for you,” Sherry said. “In addition to me you get the benefit of Casi Kuzel who works as a full time Realtor exclusively with Sherry Tom and together they have helped buyer and seller find the home of their dreams. And although our talents are different, together this team has been recognized by the number of referrals that their past clients have given them. Because as you know, there is no bigger compliment then when a past client refers you to their friends and family members.” Tom’s been helping people buy and sell their homes in the South Hills and Washington County areas for over six years, and cut her teeth on the parts of the business that didn’t require licensure with her husband, who worked in the business as well. “For years, I did a lot of the leg work for him,” Sherry said. “He then branched off further into the mortgage business and real estate became a conflict of interest for him, so I went ahead and got my license and kept things moving forward.” While Tom and her assistant and frequent jogging partner, Casi both grew up in the South Hills, they are adept in working in areas as far south as North Strabane and Peters Township for their clients, and right now, Tom said the housing market is a seller’s dream. “The market is very good, but the inventory is very low. We need sellers. There are a whole lot of buyers, but not a whole lot of
inventory,” Sherry said. “There are still some communities building, so the new home market is still there. The tough part is getting people from out of state to wrap their minds around the older housing stock of the South Hills. If you grew up here, and you live here, your expectations Casi Kuzel are more reasonable. You know what to expect, and I never see it as a challenge to find a home for those clients.” Tom and Kuzel pride themselves on their abilities to get into their clients’ heads to find them the perfect home. “One of the most important things with us is forming relationships. If you’re expecting a stiff suit, it’s not me,” said Sherry. “We’re extremely on top of communication. Our communication is one of our biggest strengths. We return phone calls, e-mails and texts as quickly as we can, and for many of our clients, that’s not what they’ve received elsewhere. We are both very responsive and responsible. I am married and have three girls; Casi and I both attend McMurray Bible Chapel together with our families, so I understand family situations. My family is a huge part of my life.” For more information on Sherry Tom and how she and her team can help you buy or sell your next home today, call Sherry at 412.334.0922, or Casi at 412.708.3502. You can also email her at sherry.tom@pittsburghmoves.com.
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Our Real Estate Partners Not just ‘green’ — really green
Homebuilders have been edging toward greater energy efficiency in the past few years, with features such as compact fluorescent bulbs and Energy Star appliances. But Barista sees an even bigger leap. Once the realm of “out there” rich people, “net zero energy homes” — houses that create as much energy as they consume — are going mainstream, he says. “The production builders (larger builders) are becoming masters at building homes that have really tight building envelopes” — that is, homes that don’t leak air where not intended, he says. For several thousand dollars more, large builders are offering homes with solar panels that help power the house. That’s not only good for the environment, but it helps the homes stand out in the market. “I’ve heard of other big builders going in this direction, too,” Barista says.
Home plans that fit today
Another trend Barista sees is “home plans that work for today’s buyers,” he says. In other words, homes designed to accommodate the ways people live today and use their homes. Here are some examples: •• Laundry. “We’re seeing a lot of floor plans that have direct access to laundry rooms,” Barista says — for instance, a laundry alcove that’s right in the master suite, where it’s easy to use. He’s even seen laundry chutes. •• “Costco” pantries. One designer told Barista about the appearance of large pantries just off the garage where people can store all the bulk items that they buy at warehouse stores. •• Drop zones. These are small spots, usually near the kitchen, that are dedicated to dropping off your cell phone, keys, purse, maybe the mail, too. “It’s just another example of home plans working for today’s homeowner,” he says.
Provides a full range of remodeling, design, and decorating products since 1995. Locally owned and operated, we offer complimentary initial design service, friendly, knowledgeable staff, and quality professional installation. Products offered include kitchen and bath cabinetry, countertops, tile, hardwood, cork and bamboo flooring, carpet, area rugs, bath fixtures, and wallpaper. Walls, Floors, & More, Inc. 412.344.2400 • waIlsfloorsandmore.com
“I love being a Full Time Realtor and will ensure your satisfaction through the buying or selling process. My focus is on you to help you make the right decisions by providing you with the resources to do so. I look forward to helping you no matter if you are selling, downsizing or buying your dream home!” Denise C Marasco 412.977.5673 • www.howardhanna.com/agent/AgentDetail. asp?CEQ_AgentCode=56393
Jim Jenkins Lawn & Garden Center is the place “Where Every Lawn & Garden Should Begin.” We are a family owned business with 30 years of experience providing our customers with top-quality plants, products, and the knowledge to teach you to be a successful gardener. We offer the hottest trends in lawn and garden design and care, including unique and exclusive plants and decorating items. Jim Jenkins Lawn & Garden Center 412.221.3070 • www.jenkinslawnandgarden.com
continued on page 70 Rick Sikora specializes in the South Hills area. He has been in real estate for over 7 years and is a full time Realtor. He has over $10 million in home sales and has over 200 happy clients. His motto is “When buying or selling your home great service and technology matter most.” Call Rick Sikora for the best of both at 412.657.9318! Rick Sikora 412.657.9318 • www.rickcikora.com Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 69
Our Real Estate Partners Our services include: • New Landscape Designs and Shrubbery • Edging and Mulching of Beds • Retaining Walls • Concrete Driveways • Concrete or Paver Sidewalks and Patios • Fire Pits and Seat Walls Santel Landscape and Design 412.835.1854 • www.santellandscapeannddesisgn.com
Dan Ryan builders is a privately-held regional homebuilding company based in Frederick Maryland and current operations include 10 major markets in six states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Dan Ryan Builders enters the Pittsburgh market in five new communities in both the north and south markets. Dan Ryan Builders 724.939.1011 • www.danryanbuilders.com/pittsburgh
The house that flows Several builders and observers mentioned a trend that’s not exactly new, but continues to pick up speed: the open plan. As homes have gotten smaller in recent years, an open plan is a way to make a home seem larger than it is, Barista says. The most obvious example is the way many new homes now have a continuous space and open sightline — a great room — that extends from kitchen to dining area to living area, says Brent Anderson, Vice President of Investor Relations for Meritage Homes. That suits today’s more casual family, he says. “You can watch the football game while you’re cooking dinner.” By losing the walls and hallways, a home can seem much bigger, Anderson says. “If I walked through a home today that’s a 3,200-squarefoot, four-bedroom home, it looks, feels and lives better than a 4,000-square-foot home of 20 years ago. You would literally think that you are in a larger home. But you’re in a home that’s 20% smaller.”
Infill is in Finally, one shift doesn’t involve just what’s in homes but where homes are being built. There’s a real shift toward smaller-scale “infill” development projects within existing towns and cities — projects that emphasize affordability, access to public transportation, commercial opportunities and job centers, according to the AIA. “During the housing boom, builders were building where they could reach sufficient scale in their operations. So they needed big land parcels to produce the volume that they wanted to produce,” Baker says. But companies aren’t building as many homes right now and no longer need all that land, Baker says. Moreover, not everyone liked those sprawling suburbs where “you have to drive 15 minutes to get a quart of milk.” Hence, they are looking back into towns and cities, he says.
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Our Real Estate Partners Personalized plan for each individual buyer and seller. I work with in town and relocation moves. I have a preliminary meeting with each buyer to develop a plan for their home purchase. For sellers I work with them as a team to develop a marketing plan unique to their home and work with them through the mortgage, appraisal and inspection processes. Mary Eve Kearns • Howard Hanna 412.889.7244
Born and bred in Pittsburgh, Magnotti & Son Inc., located on Sawmill Run Blvd, has been in the same landmark location since it opened in 1950. Fifty years and three generations later it is still owned and operated by the Magnotti Family. Magnotti & Son offers one of the largest selections of granite, marble, and natural stone in the Eastern United States. Magnotti & Son, Inc. 412.882.5157 • www.magnotti.com
Dionne is a listing/marketing specialist in the Pittsburgh area. With a creative background (20+ years as a graphic designer), she has been able to climb to the top in her market utilizing her artistic ability. She has been coached by top coaching companies in the U.S. Dionne is a co-author of “The New Rise in Real Estate,” a book that has reached #1 on Amazon.com’s 2012 Best Seller List. Dionne Malush/ Exp Realty 724.554.3514 • www.PittsburghHouseValues.com
Realtors specializing in residential sales incorporating farms, investment properties, new and existing construction. Properties in Allegheny and surrounding counties. Over 25 years experience. Award-winning Five Star Realtors 2011 – 2013, million dollars producers. Our community service includes KW Cares, Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park as well as other charitable organizations. Sandy Goldstein, ABR, e-Pro; Marshall Goldstein, THE GOLD TEAM. Keller Williams Real Estate Professionals 724.941.9400 x 215 • www.sandygoldstein.com Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 71
Flock Leaders This space is reserved for leaders of religious congregations to submit ecumenical messages for our readers. If you want to submit your message, email mark@incommunitymagazines.com. Space is available on a first-come/ first-served basis. Topics should be of interest to people of all faiths. IN Community Magazines realizes the value of faith in people’s lives, however, we do not endorse or promote any specific religion in our magazines.
by Father David Bonnar of St. Bernard’s This summer, July 23rd, I will celebrate my Silver Jubilee as a Roman Catholic priest. It seems like only yesterday when then-Bishop of Pittsburgh, Donald W. Wuerl, ordained me to the priesthood of Jesus Christ in my home parish church of Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, Whitehall. I will never forget, moments before the start of Mass, the Bishop calling me into a room and saying, “Dave, thank you for giving your life to the Church.” The life of a priest is to be lived for others at the discretion of the Bishop and the needs of the Church. As I reflect on the past twenty-five years and the seven assignments, I have come to see that God is full of life-giving surprises. What a privilege it is to see these surprises unfold each day. It is as if I have a box seat in the drama of life. Every day there is an unexpected moment. Of course, not all of these surprises evoke excitement and joy, like having to bury two year-old Maddox Derkosh. Death remains the greatest and most confounding surprise. One of the biggest surprises for me came when Bishop Zubik sent me to Saint Bernard Parish with the charge to make it “A Church Alive.” As a little boy growing up in Castle Shannon, I never envisioned being pastor of such a huge and storied parish. What is more, I never dreamed I would be so close to home and my mom and dad’s roots of Brookline and Dormont, respectively. In these four years at Saint Bernard there has been an array of surprises. The beauty of these surprises is that they happen in the ordinary, and again and again, they reveal a loving God who cares about His people. His grace is always present, even during the most unsettling surprises. For example, I never saw so many little trucks in the aftermath of Maddox’s death. For every truck, there no doubt was a smile on a child’s face. One day, early on in my tenure as pastor of Saint Bernard, I was jogging on Washington Road when all of a sudden I tripped on the sidewalk and took a nasty spill. What a surprise! A total stranger happened to be driving by and witnessed the fall. Even more surprising, she immediately pulled over to the curb, rolled down her window and invited me to get in the car. In the back of my mind, I could hear my late mother saying, “David, don’t ride with strangers.” But I was writhing in pain and just jumped in the car. In the four minutes it took to get back home I came to know that this Good Samaritan was a Mt. Lebanon resident of the Jewish faith by the name of Charlotte Smith. She reached out to me and helped me. I could never have made it home without her. And yet, I shouldn’t have been surprised by her assistance because God has blessed me abundantly with so many loving people in my life within the wonderful communities I have lived. And so, this July I will be celebrating not only my twenty-five years of priesthood but also the many little surprises I have incurred along the way from God and countless people to whom I have ministered and who have also ministered to me. I am proud to count among the many surprises the privilege of being pastor of Saint Bernard Parish and serving the people of Mt. Lebanon and Dormont.
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St. Bernard
Eucharistic Procession
Story by Melanie O. Paulick On June 2nd, St. Bernard Catholic Church will have a Eucharistic procession on Washington Road following its 12:45 p.m. Mass. The procession will be held on the day of the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Fr. David Bonnar of St. Bernard’s explains that a procession “is a form of Eucharistic devotion in which the Holy Eucharist is carried in a monstrance by the priest through the aisles of the church and/or streets and Eucharistic hymns are sung.” Canon 944 of the Code of Canon Law states: “Wherever in the judgment of the diocesan Bishop it can be done, a procession through the streets is to be held, especially on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, as a public witness of veneration in the blessed Eucharist.” A hallmark of the Catholic faith is the belief in the actual presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It is significant, therefore, that the procession will take place on Washington Road because, in a very real sense, Christ will be brought into the community. Fr. Bonnar also points out that this special procession is another way for the parish to live out its mission statement wherein it states that they exist “through the power of the Eucharist.” The procession follows the establishment of a Eucharistic Chapel in the old baptistery of the church which is periodically open for Eucharistic Adoration. Eucharistic processions have occurred throughout the entire history of the church. In In the Presence of Our Lord, Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel tells of a time in 1685 when King Charles II of Spain was out on a picnic when he noticed a priest carrying the Eucharist to a poor, sick gardener. The King stopped his carriage and got out to adore Christ in the Eucharist. He then invited the priest and his acolyte to join him in the carriage and he took them first to the sick gardener and then back to the church. This is, explains Fr. Bonnar, one example of a Eucharistic procession. Many people will be involved in St. Bernard’s joyous event on June 2. The priests, deacons and faithful members of the congregation will participate. The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and the Eucharistic Adorers, of which there are hundreds, will be involved. Those who attend the 12:45 p.m. Mass that day will be invited to attend. The procession will begin at the church, continue down Washington Road to Academy Avenue, and head back towards St. Bernard’s. Following the procession, adoration will take place until 5 p.m. and there will also be fellowship and ice cream in Clairvaux Hall. While this is the first time in the recent history of St. Bernard’s that such an event will take place, Fr. David hopes to make it an annual occasion as the church continues to grow in its mission.
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Saving
Bell Tower the
Story by Melanie O. Paulick
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T
he bell tower of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Mt. Lebanon is undergoing significant renovations.
Underwritten by parish savings, the project began primarily because the bell tower was believed to be the source of persistent leaks over the past few years. To address these issues, a number of improvements are being made. First, all four sides of the tower are being pointed. A new rubber roof was installed on the floor of the bell tower. New steel frames that house the bells were built as the older ones had begun to sink into the roof. A modern electronic system was installed for the bells which now includes a remote control device. Finally, the very top of the roof had to be repaired as it had been damaged by wind. In the near future, the bell tower will be equipped with stateof-the-art lighting to accent the beauty of this church on top of the hill. A little-known fact is that the three bells within the tower have names. The largest bell, Bernard, is 73 inches in diameter and weighs 8,400 pounds. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the church. The second bell is named Regis. It is 54 ½ inches in diameter and weighs 3,556 pounds. This bell is dedicated to Saint John Francis Regis in honor of Archbishop J.F. Regis Canevin who was the Bishop of Pittsburgh when the parish was founded. The last bell, Thomas, is 44 inches in diameter and weighs 1,680 pounds. It is
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 75
dedicated to Saint Thomas Aquinas in honor of Father Thomas Bryson, the founding pastor of the parish. An ancient form of praise, the bells of St. Bernard’s ring each day at 8 a.m., 12 noon and 6 p.m. They ring to mark joyous occasions such as weddings and they ring to mark sorrowful ones such as funerals. They ring five minutes before Sunday Mass as a call to prayer. Also, they were rung manually by Maintenance Supervisor Jim Baranowski during the recent election of the Pope (as the new electronic system had not yet been installed). The bells at St. Bernard’s both toll and peal. The bell tower of St. Bernard’s, which sits on top of one of the highest points in Allegheny County, is known for its stature and beauty. The bells are significant to the surrounding community because they call attention and respect to memorable events and even to the time of day. The tower is even significant to a certain Red-tailed Hawk, who enjoys using it as a lodging place.
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Doing Good, All Year Long While charitable giving increases towards the end of the year as important community needs are showcased, such needs continue all year long. Unfortunately, giving tends to drop off after the holidays, leaving many organizations with a shortfall of donated goods, cash and even volunteers in the New Year. While it is true that part of the Christmas and holiday tradition is to give back to others, there are needs in our community throughout the year. What You Can Do Whether you volunteer or collect goods to donate, resolve to take simple steps in 2013 to better your community. To shine a light on ways to give back, here are three tips on how to make giving a year-long tradition: Tip #1: Simple Items Make a Big Difference: Many local charities collect clothes and essentials for families, particularly children, all year long. From warm coats and blankets to socks, toothpaste and soap, the simplest items 78 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Mt. Lebanon
can make a real difference for those in need. Consider donating gently used items after your annual spring cleaning, organize a donation drive in your neighborhood, or if you buy in bulk at warehouse clubs, choose a few items from each trip to set aside for donation to your favorite local charity. Tip #2: Think Outside the Can: Food banks are always in need of cash and food donations throughout the year. Feeding America says that for $1, food banks can provide 8 meals to men, women and children facing hunger; $50 will provide 400 meals. Call your local food bank and ask for their “most wanted” list. Often, proteins are at the top of the list along with peanut butter, baby food and juice boxes. Home gardeners with bumper crops can glean their harvests and share fresh vegetables and fruits so they don’t go to waste. Tip #3: Ways to Help are Closer Than You Think: Your local community center, religious institution or library most likely has programs to help those in need, so you can help as part of your regular routine. Ask if you can volunteer to serve meals to the homeless after church services, or offer to read to children at the local library. There are countless ways to lend a hand, so find one that feels right to you or visit volunteer websites for ideas. Every community will have unique needs and strengths. To make the greatest impact, those wanting to give back should ask about workplace programs that match volunteer hours, find out local donation guidelines, and make giving back a regular family activity.
Professional Excellence. Personalized Care.
Charles W. Cline, M.D.
Mark P. Gannon, M.D.
Surgical Oncology Breast Care Bariatric Surgery Robotic Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Colorectal Surgery and Screening Capsule Endoscopy Emergency Surgical Care
Peter K. Kummant, M.D.
Steven A. Esser, M.D.
Tunc O. Aksehirli, M.D.
Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists ~ Surgical Expertise Close to Home
Specializing In: General Surgery
Arnold E. Fingeret, M.D.
S
ome people think finding an experienced surgeon means fighting traffic to get to a hospital downtown. But with Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, the reality is you already have six experts in their related fields – right in your own backyard. The group has been growing and evolving under the direction of Dr. Charles Cline since 1988 and now includes Drs. Mark Gannon, Arnold Fingeret, Peter Kummant, Steven Esser and, more recently, Dr. Tunc Aksehirli. The practice has a combined 110 years of experience with expertise ranging from common general surgery procedures such as gall bladder removal, hernia repair and endoscopy (“scopes”) to more involved comprehensive breast care, cancer surgery, colorectal surgery and bariatric (weight loss) surgery. “Our patients not only receive the benefit of a skilled surgeon caring for them, but the benefit of the entire group when they come to see us,” Cline said. “There is always a colleague nearby in the clinical theater lending his skills, both intellectually and surgically. In fact, we pride ourselves on being a strong, cohesive group with excellent patient care as our primary focus.” Such collaborations have resulted in surgical options that are patient
specific as well as state of the art. Combined with the group’s adoption of the latest advanced techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, patients typically can expect a minimally invasive approach with shorter recovery times. “Robotic surgery has been around the Pittsburgh region for at least 4 - 5 years” Cline said. “It is similar to laparoscopic surgery, but adds 3-dimensional visualization and much greater precision with the use of the robotic arms. This allows us to combine the surgical techniques used in both classic open surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery, in a minimally invasive approach. Currently, we are following the national trend to include robotics in gall bladder, hernia, cancer and reflux surgery.” Because surgery is often just one piece of the overall care of a patient, a practice initiative led to the development of a Comprehensive Breast Program spearheaded by Dr. Mark Gannon, Medical Director, and Brenda Cline, R.N., M.S.N., Nurse Navigator. This program provides well-coordinated interdisciplinary care and support for women with any breast health issues, including breast cancer. Having this program with Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists allows women to obtain the multi-faceted treatment
they need closer to home. With few bariatric surgeons outside of the city of Pittsburgh, Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists has collaborated with Hope Bariatrics to offer patients weight loss surgery under the direction of Dr. Tunc Aksehirli. Now patients can explore the surgical options of gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding procedures in an easily accessible comprehensive bariatric program located in the South Hills. While the surgeons with Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists excel at staying current with the latest surgical techniques, their primary focus has always been the well-being of the patient. The practice’s motto “Professional Excellence. Personalized Care.” is a commitment to their patients to provide them with the highest level of individualized medical care along with that personal touch. Patients with problems as simple as skin lesions or as complex as diverticular disease and cancer receive the utmost attention, compassion and care from each of the group’s six board certified surgeons and their staff. For more information on Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, you can call them at 412.469.7110, visit their website at www.jeffersonsurgical.net, or find them on Facebook at Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists.
412.469.7110 • www.jeffersonsurgical.net Main Office 1200 Brooks Lane Suite 170 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025
Bethel Park 1000 Higbee Drive Suite 101 Bethel Park, PA 15102
Brentwood 3720 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Charleroi 1200 McKean Avenue Suite 107 Charleroi, PA 15022
Speers 17 Arentzen Boulevard Suite 102 Charleroi, PA 15022
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“Life is Sweet Chef Showcase”
Andrew Schnepp and mom
Dorian Smith, State Director of Best Buddies PA
Chef Andrew Hebson of Nola on the Square with his sous chef, Sean Reilly
Chef Domenic Branduzzi of Piccolo Forno with sous chef, Michael Supowitz with Rick Sebak
Chef Chaz from the Culinary Artists with his sous chef ambassador, Andrew Schnepp
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According to information provided by the Pennsylvania State Data Center, approximately 656 students with special needs were enrolled in the Mt. Lebanon School District in the 2011-2012 school year. In recent years, because of awareness and education, teachers, coaches, and peers have done a good job with inclusion in the classroom, on the soccer field or in the art club. But by the time some of these students hit their teens, an intellectual and social divide occurs between them and their peers and it becomes tougher to make friends and feel like they belong. Mt. Lebanon High School (MLHS) teachers, Adam Vlcek and Jodi Dunlap want to enhance the lives of these students so they can have an enjoyable and social high school experience. Vlcek and Dunlap coordinate the Best Buddies Club at MLHS, which pairs MLHS regular education students with MLHS intellectually disabled students for school and off-campus social activities throughout the year. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Best Buddies was founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver and has evolved into an international organization that has grown from one, original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. In order for the MLHS Best Buddies chapter and other local chapters to continue, a “Best Buddies Life is Sweet Chef Showcase” fundraising event was held at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Volunteer chefs were paired with Best Buddy members that acted as their sous chefs. Together they served their specialty cuisine to guests. Kevin Sousa from Salt of the Earth, Domenic Branduzzi from Piccolo Forno, Kate Romane from E2, Meghann Walsh from Cioppino, Andrew Hebson from Nola on the Square, Nick Mineo from Sausalido and Chef Chaz from The Culinary Artists were the featured chefs. Dorian Smith is the Best Buddies Pennsylvania State Director. “Best Buddies exists without state or
For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags
Andrew Schnepp and Rick Sebak
Adds Flavor to the Lives of Mt. Lebanon High School “Best Buddies”
Chef Kevin Sousa of Salt of the Earth with his sous chef, Teresa Plunket Wedding Solutions, Inc.
Chef Meghann Walsh of Cioppino with her sous chef, James Darwin
By Kathy Rudolph
Volunteers, Anna Robinette and Jamie Patterson
Chef Kate Romane of E Squared with her sous chef, Stephen
Volunteers, Joe Haynes and JC Cerny federal funding and solely on the generosity of individuals coming out to events such as this,” said Smith. “These individuals are supporting the mission to establish a volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Smith. Rick Sebak, of WQED, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. “Tonight is an evening of surprises,” said Sebak. “Best Buddies is a wonderful organization and is such a good idea that seems to be working.” To learn how to help or for more information about the Best Buddies chapters, visit the website at www.bestbuddiespennsylvania.org/.
Chef Nick Mineo of Sausalido with his sous chef, Lucus
Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines
Volunteer, Amy Olson
Jason’s Cheesecake Company
Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 81
Accolades for the Fre “Imagination is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” (Albert Einstein)
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Dreams become realities with the right people, funding and imagination. When communities band together for the common good, great things happen. The residents of Upper St. Clair (USC) know this firsthand. From its conception in 2008 to its dedication on Veterans Day 2011, Upper St. Clair Veterans Park (USCVP) was the product of a true community effort. It was the brainchild of T. J. McGarvey (Vietnam veteran and current president) and William Babcock (Navy veteran and vice president). They joined to design a dignified and appropriate memorial to all vets. Mr. McGarvey was destined to be the leader of the project since he had been involved in veteran activities. He assisted Winchester Thurston High School with a veteran video taping project; he was president of the North Shore Vietnam Vet monument in 1987; and he has helped with the Sharing/Caring Gateway Clipper rides that draw a thousand veterans. Mr. McGarvey is also involved in the Wounded Warriors Project and assists with an annual P.O.W./MIA vigil held at Soldiers and Sailors every September. The USC Veterans Park shows the love and commitment of the entire community. As you visit the park, you can sit and reflect on the surrounding wall; read information on the military branches from black granite monuments; and if you listen, you will hear flags snapping in the breeze. This unique park, encircled by flowers and shrubs, honors veterans from each branch of service—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard. Students from USC High School provided the service branch histories that are carved into the granite. The park’s goal was to give the youth an appreciation of the troops’ sacrifices made for our freedoms. Since no tribute existed in USC, the Township and School District came together
edom Savers in 2008 to fill that void. They appointed a Veterans Monument Committee which consisted of USC veterans, Township and School Board representatives and individuals from the community. The committee chose the grassy area between McLaughlin Run Road and the Municipal Building parking lot across from the high school for the site. Dozens of creative concepts poured in and the committee chose a veteran’s park as a wonderful way for Upper St. Clair to honor its veterans. The park would serve multiple purposes: to honor veterans; educate USC students and visitors about the armed forces; to beautify the McLaughlin Run corridor; and provide a place for peaceful reflection. Once the site and park concept were finalized, they formed a non-profit corporation, Upper St. Clair Veterans Park, Inc. to raise funds. Their goal: to have it built and dedicated by Veterans Day, November 11, 2011 (“11-11-11”), which they accomplished. The total cost was $535,000, most of which came from individual and business donations. Several in-kind contributions of goods and services for the construction came in as well, and the county provided a grant. Mr. McGarvey is so proud of the park, but stresses additional funds are needed for a maintenance fund. He wants to see a bronze military statue installed in the Dedication Plaza at the east end of the park. Contributions to USCVP are tax deductible for income tax purposes. Please visit the park and then donate to its future. Their motto is: “Please give. They did.” The website is www. uscveteranspark.org.
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Theater manager Chad Hunter and staff.
Zombies, Walkers and Infected! Hollywood Theater hosted some creepy corpse creators to help raise money for a digital projector in order to continue to show modern releases. The projector costs $75,000, and if you’re interested in donating, go to www.thehollywooddormont.org/ help-the-hollywood/donate/ for more information.
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Kyra Schon, who played the little girl in “Night of the Living Dead.”
Terry Callen and Ella Mae Smith.
Russ Streiner, who played Johnny in “Night of the Living Dead.”
Original budget for “Night of the Living Dead.”
Auction Table
Joe Unitas, lighting director of “Night of the Living Dead.”
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What Do Other Countries Know That We Don’t? Bethany Narey, Owner/CCT
T
he United States has the most expensive health care system in the world. However it does not have the most comprehensive health provision in the world. Thermography is often an oversight within the United States healthcare system, specifically in Pennsylvania. Thermography, state-of-the-art medical imaging technology, allows men, women, and children to detect disease, pain, and bodily dysfunction. Thermography – being a progressive imaging tool – utilizes current infrared technology to detect early signs of abnormalities throughout the body up to 10 years before other diagnostic instruments. Rather than looking for a structure or mass, thermography identifies vascular and cellular changes that are traced by temperate differences and visualized in color. Thermography has hundreds of applications from breast cancer detection, chiropractic applications, sports injuries, and visualizing pain; yet it is non-invasive, has no-radiation, and is completely painless. Why haven’t you heard much, if anything, about thermography? Thermography has been FDA approved since the early 1980s although it is still not widely used throughout the United States. The majority of Pennsylvanians do not even know it is an available option for them in their healthcare program. States such as California, Florida, and Connecticut have a large patient base that utilizes thermography because it is a safe alternative in their personal medical imaging choices. Thermography provides an option when it comes to imaging. Countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Brazil, Germany, and Poland utilize thermography extensively; this is shown by the medical literature being published from these countries. In fact, most of the research utilizing thermography is conducted in the mainstream hospitals and universities. These countries among others are more interested in thermography applications in neurology, rheumatology, and vascular medicine. However, the United States only utilizes thermography primarily in the breast health sector.
Sports Injuries
As the weather gets warmer more adults and children are getting back outdoors for walks, runs, sporting events and more. As with anything, sports can open up a doorway for injuries throughout the season. Digital infrared thermal imaging, also known as thermography, plays a huge role in sports medicine. Because thermography is risk-free, portable and, radiation-free, it is an ideal tool for assessing injury and helping aid clinical decisions. Thermography is able to ‘see things’ outside of other diagnostic tools. Meaning, instead of looking for a break or a structure like other medical imaging tools, thermography looks for cellular and vascular dysfunction through temperature patterns. This is ideal for injuries such as ankle injuries, stress fractures, myofascial pain syndromes, spinal pain syndromes, shoulder injuries, foot pain syndromes, and vascular disorders, just to name a few that are not visible through other standard tools. Thermography offers an invaluable window into the sympathetic response to pain and injury. Often younger children struggle with telling you where their pain is coming from leaving it difficult for parents and medical professionals to know where and how to treat the patient. Because thermography is the only medical imaging tool that can visualize pain through temperature dysfunction, it is ideal for children who have difficulty accurately expressing their pain and discomfort.
Breast Health
Breast thermography, also known as infrared imaging of the breast, is a pictorial representation of the infrared emissions of the breasts. A heatsensing imaging device is used to detect subtle cell changes up to 10 years before other diagnostic tools. Thermography is also non-invasive, painless, and has NO radiation. Today 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast disease, however traditional practice is for a woman to have her first mammogram between the ages of 40-50. This leaves a dangerous void for young women. Until now there have been no options available for women too young to receive a mammogram or those who find them uncomfortable or do not care to expose themselves to radiation. Researchers this year concluded that with the utilization of self-breast examination, mammography, and thermography, one has a 98% detection rate. Thermography provides a safe option and earlier detection for ALL women. This Industry Insight was written by Bethany Narey, the owner of Health Enhancing Thermography (HE@T). Bethany studied at Ohio University where she graduated with a degree in International Business and Marketing. Bethany is from the South Hills and decided that there was a need in her community for thermography and alternative medical imaging. After becoming a certified clinical thermographer she decided to open HE@T Thermography clinic. Located 110 Ft. Couch Rd in Bethel Park. For more information, visit www.heat-images.com or call 855.254.4328.
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Clean Water . . . Better Lives A Team from Bower Hill Community Church Travels to Haiti to Install Water Purification Systems
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The beach in Torbeck
ta cks ou se che eneau a e L v Tim in Cha system
The wa te building r system in Chav eneau
Rick Jacobs and Tim Lease remove the head from the well in Torbeck prior to installing the pump
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B y Tr a c y F e d k o e
ick Jacobs and his wife Pat are carrying on their life’s work in Haiti by providing water purification systems to communities in need. As a former environmental engineer and chemist, Rick and Pat started on their quest to have a direct impact on water quality through a non-profit organization called Living Waters for the World, which has designed a simple and effective water purification system now installed in over 500 locations to bring clean water to people in need. Their efforts started through the Bower Hill Community Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon where they are members. Several mission teams including Rick and Pat, who are from Upper St. Clair, and Alan and Betsy Hohlfelder, Rich Salvante, and Karl Casey, all from Mt. Lebanon, have installed the Living Waters system at three sites in Haiti— Torbeck, Chaveneau, and Camp Perrin. They have just returned from their third trip and plan on continuing their mission far into the future. The need for clean water is rural areas of Haiti and many other countries around the world is paramount. The United Nations estimates that over 780 million people don’t have access to clean water and 1.8 million people die of diseases related to contaminated water, such as cholera. The good news is that many of these problems are preventable with the proper systems and education. Simply having access to an available water source isn’t enough. Most of the towns and villages in Haiti have well water, but no way to ensure that it’s clean. The high temperatures there, combined with heavy rains and flooding carry the waste and trash into the well system and contaminate it. Additionally, dirty containers used to transport water from the wells and poor hygiene is adding to the problem. When the water tests positive for contaminants in an area, they begin the process by seeking local organizations such as churches to work with in preparing for the installation of the new system. The water system requires a separate building to be installed near the water source. The water flows through the system and ozone gas is injected through electricity to remove the contaminants. Ozone is a more potent disinfectant than chlorine and is not harmful. The power for the system comes from solar panels installed on the top, introduced in 2009 by a sister organization called Solar Under the Sun. The solar panels charge batteries that store the power for the system to run at night and reserve enough extra to run for a week. A bonus is that
the extra power can be used for other things such as charging cell phones, which makes money to help sustain the system. While the system can serve 500 to 1,000 people, the purification technique is only a part of the process of equipping villages with clean water. Education and training on how to use the system as well as proper hygiene are required to realize long-term positive effects. While Rick is on the technical installation team, Pat heads up the education of the residents there. She was involved in education programs at Bayer Corp., but the language barrier and the fact that many of the locals can’t read provides a challenge. Pat uses a lot of graphic depictions and hands-on activities to demonstrate the importance of proper hygiene and maintenance of clean water. Area representatives from Living Waters serve as translators as well as check on the system after the team has left and make any repairs if needed. The last piece of the equation required to make a lasting impact in Haitian communities with clean water is the commitment of local leaders and residents. The business model of this system is to make it sustainable in the local community. For that to happen, the locals have to own the system and make a commitment to using and maintaining it properly for it to have the maximum effect. Before a system is installed, local leaders, often churches, must come to an agreement and sign a covenant to carry out the responsibility associated with the gift they are about to receive. “Sometimes they are a little skeptical because of cultural differences. Building relationships is a key part to making sure our efforts make a difference,” said Rick. Not only do they have to learn how to use the system, provide the complete parts and transport them in suitcases, install it, and educate the people how to use it, they also have to raise most of the money required for the clean water system installation. The approximate cost for the technology, equipment, and travel is about $25,000
Testing water for contamination: the one on the left is contaminated, the one on the right is okay Camp P that wil errin teens he l hold th lp e purifie label bottles d water
Valdes Innocent from Haiti instructs the operators in running the system
Pat Jacobs leads the Camp Perrin health and hygiene class in song (“Use this Water”)
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for each site. Living Waters asks the local system is concluded by a community celebration communities in Haiti to provide the and the filling of many jugs of water. building in which it will be housed, or build While traveling on a volunteer trip to Haiti an appropriate structure. to work all week in 90-degree heat isn’t most The Bower Hill Community Church people’s idea of a vacation, the benefits can be has a core group of women, led by Mary easily seen. “Those of us that go, come back Good and Kathy Philson, who organize changed,” said Rick. On their first trip to Camp the fundraising for the Haiti Clean Water Perrin, they met a girl named Bethanie who Project. They have gotten quite creative by was drinking the contaminated water and was holding events such as a fashion show, tea not well. She made such an impression on party, comedy night, fun run, and a beer for everyone in the group that they sought to find water night at a local restaurant. “The church her when they returned in April 2013. After is very supportive and our members are generous,” said much searching, they were delighted to see that Pat. They are halfway to raising enough to install their Bethanie was doing much better and filled their fourth system in Haiti in Les Cayes and will hopefully hearts with her smiles. “They do get it,” said Pat. reach their goal by the end of the year. They also While the experience of helping others has work with other groups such as the Oshun Project at been a gift to the Jacobs’, they also have built George Washington University and Hearts United to relationships worldwide and stay in touch through raise money and complete the installation and Facebook, email, and a blog Pat created about her education in Haiti. experiences. They will continue to carry on this The clean water systems take about a week mission and want to recruit younger members to install and during that time the mission team to become educated on the system and the great integrates themselves into the local culture. need for clean water. The residents appreciate what they’re doing Donations can be sent to the Bower Hill and have brought in beds to provide sleeping Community Church, Haiti Water Project, at 70 accommodations and cook for them. “It’s very Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 where 100% humbling. They don’t eat like that every day,” said of the money goes directly to the clean water Pat Jacobs. “To make us one pot of coffee, they systems that benefit many people. would go out and pick the beans, roast them, and grind them by hand. It really makes you think about Above: Toasting the inauguration of the new water purification system in Torbeck Middle: Chaveneau celebration what we do have here.” The installation of every new Below: During the celebration Pat Jacobs recognizes the achievement of the health and hygiene class
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Tips on Summer Sun Safety from UPMC Urgent Care The mid-March snowstorm and the lingering cold weather had many Pittsburghers running for the sun at the first sight of warmer weather. But not so fast, caution two UPMC Urgent Care physicians, who urge awareness and protection when outdoors in the sun.
Minimize Sun Exposure
“Sunburn and heat-related illnesses are the two most common sun-attributed ailments we see in the UPMC Urgent Care centers during the summer months of June, July and August,” says Bret Rosenblum, MD, medical director of UPMC Urgent Care Wexford. “That said, we advise everyone to reduce their sunburn risk by limiting sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wearing protective hats and clothing, and using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, but 30 or higher for individuals with a family history of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Also, avoiding indoor tanning beds altogether will help prevent significant skin damage.”
Seek Medical Attention
If a person suffers a milder form of a heat-related illness, with symptoms such as headaches, weakness, dizziness, or an inability to continue current activity, Dr. Rosenblum suggests, seek out a cool area, preferably one that is air conditioned, removing excess clothing and hydrating with water or electrolyte solutions, and monitoring their condition closely. “Evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center could help determine if a higher level of care is necessary, such as a referral to an emergency department,” he says. “However, if the condition is not improving or is getting worse, and the person begins to faint, or experiences nausea, vomiting, or confusion, immediate medical evaluation at the closest emergency department for a more serious heat stroke condition may be necessary. In these situations, cold water immersion, ice packs, and IV hydration may be needed.”
Special Care For Children And The Elderly
According to Rachel Schroer, MD, medical director of the UPMC Urgent Care with Washington Health System, located in McMurray, Pa., people can still get sunburn even if the sun is not shining. “The harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn can penetrate the clouds and cause sunburns,” she explains.
Children and the elderly are the groups most at risk for developing sunburn and sun exhaustion, which is caused by spending too much time in the heat and direct sun, Dr. Schroer explains. “Great care should be taken to limit their sun and heat exposure.”
Self-Help Measures For Sunburn
In addition to the prevention methods previously mentioned, Dr. Rosenblum also adds that the ability to swim can be life-saving. “All children and adults who will be around water should have this skill which they can acquire through lessons at local YMCA centers and community pools,” he recommends. “Furthermore, while at the beach, heed warnings and signage regarding current conditions such as rip tides and rough water.”
If you take all of these precautions and you still find yourself suffering from sunburn, there are a number of ways you can care for yourself at home, Dr. Schroer advises, including drinking plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and water, staying well-hydrated, and applying a soothing aloe vera gel. “Severe sunburns fall into the category of first-degree burns, which puts you at risk for excess fluid loss and dehydration,” she adds. “However, should your efforts toward sunburn prevention and sunburn care at home fail to offer relief, a medical evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center can assess your condition and offer additional recommendations for aid.”
Avoid Strenuous Activities During Peak Temperatures
To prevent heat-related illnesses, Dr. Rosenblum recommends limiting strenuous activity during the hottest portion of the day, drinking plenty of fluids containing water or electrolyte solutions before, during, and after exercise, and avoiding soda or energy drinks, which can actually cause dehydration. In addition, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas, will help cool the body. “Sports teams also should be encouraged to schedule practice sessions in the morning or evening hours during the summer,” he notes.
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Consider Life-Saving Swimming Lessons
Medical Treatment Available Without An Appointment
A person with concerns about sun-related illness, can visit a UPMC Urgent Care center for further examination any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., without an appointment. “Our providers can access a patient’s electronic health records within the health system. This can be critical during an evaluation with regard to past medical history, medications taken, allergies, and results from previous tests and x-rays,” Dr. Rosenblum explains. “Additionally, a treatment summary, which is an important aspect of care, will be provided to the patient’s primary care provider and attached to their electronic health record if they visit a UPMC physician.”
For more information and a complete list of UPMC Urgent Care locations, please visit UPMC.com/UrgentCare.
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