APRIL/MAY 2013
Prime 1 Builders Making Your Home Dreams a Reality
The Peters Township 6th Grade Girls “A” Team won the Championship for Pittsburgh Metro Invitational Tournament - 2012-2013 Season.
eters Township
Through February 20, 2013 the Team had a record of 28-7.
eters Township
Front Row: Payton Fremer, Isabella Mills, Caroline Fyock Middle Row: Lia Sideris, Abby Daniels, Katie Wockley Top Row: Lindsey Bedillion, Jill Yeates, Makenna Marisa, Abby Crookshank
June/July content deadline: 5/6/13
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Peters Township
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Peters Township
INSIDE
APRIL/MAY
IN Peters Township is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Peters Township 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.
2013
IN Peters Township Magazine | APR/MAY 2013
ilders Prime 1 Buur Home Making Yoa Reality Dreams
82
Industry Insights
Zacharia & Brown Free Nursing Home Care for Qualified Disabled Veterans .................................. | 46
The Goddard School on the cover
|
Preventing Summer Learning Losses During Early Childhood ........................... | 49
Rodger McCuean, Dan Meade and Jerome Davis from Prime 1 Builders, are looking to make your renovations great!
Dr. Barry McKnight Prosthodontist Is There a Prosthodontist in your Future? ... | 52 Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic The Real Truth About Pet Food .................. | 54 Pittsburgh Family Foot Care, P.C. Put Spring In Your Step ........................... | 56 36
40
44
Drs. Jay and Adam Feuer Might Molars ......................................... | 60
Features
Swift Audiology
Canonsburg Lake Celebrates 70 Years ..................................... | 32
Helps Navigate the Options of Hearing Aids and also Provides Lifetime Care ............... | 80
Peters Township High School Hosts First Student Leadership Consortium ............................................................. | 38 Peters Township Shines at NHD-Pitt Competition ............. | 42 Hollywood Casting Director Got His Start in PTHS Drama Productions .............................................................. | 50
H Financial Management “It Depends” ......................................... | 84 Louis Anthony Jewelers 2013–The Year of the Snake (Jewelry, That Is!) ................................................ | 85
Community Joins Together to Support Injured Veteran .. | 58 Home Improvements in Peters Township ................................ | 62 Peters Hockey Makes it to Penguins Cup, Finishes Season 17-4 ........................................................................................... | 86 community interests
Peters Township Municipal ...................................................... | 10 Peters Township Parks & Recreation .................................... | 17 Peters Township Library ............................................................ | 24
Business Spotlight
Prime 1 Builders .............................. | 6 Patio Concepts ................................. | 47 Circulatory Centers ........................ | 57 Pleasure Pool & Deck
LLC ............ | 70
business
spotlight
Prime 1 Builders Making Your Home Dreams a Reality F
or nearly 20 years, Prime 1 Builders has been serving Pittsburgh homeowners north, south, east and west, helping them to renovate and add onto their existing homes with style. Dan Meade, president and general manager of Prime 1, said the company prides itself on being a full-service general contractor that will help you take the guesswork out of the massive undertaking that home renovations and additions are. “Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, we do it all,” he said. “We are extremely proficient with kitchens, baths, living areas and master bedroom suites, because those are primarily what we see ourselves doing on a day-to-day basis. But we’ve also built entire custom homes for our clients as well, so we really do it all.” One of their more ambitious projects was featured on the cover of Pittsburgh Magazine, as Home of the Year 2010. An old tin shop and warehouse on Pittsburgh’s South Side was converted into a two-story contemporary residence. “That’s one of those jobs that not only shows you the extent of what we can do, but is one that really stands out in your memory because it was both a creative and unique situation,” Meade said. When you contract with Prime 1 Builders, you’ll see Dan supervising your project every step of the way. You’ll get a site foreman for your job who will be there from start to finish. Workers are company-employed and handle the majority of the work. “We don’t broker out our work,” Meade said. “You see us on site from the beginning until the end, not a revolving door of subcontractors and other tradesmen coming through.” Prime 1 Builders can also perform difficult structural repairs in your home, install home elevators, and perform insurance restorations and emergency services. Prime 1 Builders also prides itself on its commitment to the building industry as well. Meade recently completed coursework to become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, which means he’s familiar with all the codes and regulations surrounding construction for seniors who wish to stay in their homes longer as they grow older. The certification also dovetails with current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Meade is also a member of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, sits on the Board of Directors, and is Chairman of the Remodeler’s Council. For more information on Prime 1 Builders, or to consult with them about ideas for your home, go to www.prime1builders.com, where you can see examples of many of their completed projects, or call them directly at 412.257.0160.
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Peters Township
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Peters Township CC 5K The annual Peters Township CC 5K will be returning to Peterswood Park on Saturday, June 15. This family friendly event features competition for men and women ranging from ages 10 & under to 60+. Pre-registered runners will enjoy a reduced entry fee of $20 and be guaranteed a commemorative t-shirt. Race day registration is available at a rate of $25. Trophies, door prizes and refreshments add to the fun. Runners will not want to miss this year’s revised course with a fast downhill finish! Registration forms can be obtained from the PT Recreational Center, via email at PetersTwpCrossCountry@aol.com or by calling Steve Pakela at 724.941.3332.
BUNNY HOP
Photos by Primetime Shots
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To see more photos of this event, visit facebook.com/icmags
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Peters Township Municipal Pages
Dates to Remember 4/15
2012 Year End Income Tax Reconciliation Due (pay to Jordan Tax)
4/19
Taste of the Township – 7 to 11:30 p.m. at Valley Brook Country Club
4/20
Clean Up Day – 9 a.m. at CRC
4/20
EQB Special Recycling – 9 a.m. - Noon at Public Works Garage
4/30
First Quarter Earned Income Tax Due (pay to Keystone Collections)
5/27
Memorial Day – Municipal Offices, CRC, and Library closed. Council meets following Tuesday.
5/27
Memorial Day Parade – From Middle School to VFW 9 a.m.
5/27
Memorial Day – Garbage collection delayed one day all week.
6/7
Municipal Real Estate Tax Due at Discount
6/15
Tennis Fun Day at Tennis Center, 9 a.m. -1 p.m.
6/29
Community Day – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Peterswood Park Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. CRC closed
It’s spring clean up time!
Drug Take Back Program The sixth National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has been scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications. Four drop sites have been identified for Peters Township residents. They are: • McMurray Dairy Bar – 601 East McMurray Road • Firehouse Subs – 126 Gallery Drive • Kmart – 4041 Washington Road • Walgreens – 200 East McMurray Road In the five previous Take-Back events, the DEA in conjunction with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications that were removed from circulation. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications.
The annual clean up day is Saturday, April 20, and the Peters Township Environmental Quality Board, along with the Public Works Department will be coordinating the event. Volunteers will gather at the Community Recreation Center at 9 a.m. You may request a street or location assignment in advance by calling 724.941.6161, or they can be made the date of the event. The event will start with coffee, donuts and juice. At the CRC you will be given bags, gloves (if you need them) and vests, as well as a Peters Township t-shirt. This is a great service event for people desiring a quick and easy way to help the community look better. Groups and individuals that are not comfortable working on roads can also collect along streams or parks. If this date is a conflict arrangements can be made through public works to collect on a different date. You may also sign up online at www. peterstownship.com and then select Citizen Action Line and under Other, select Clean Up Day Registration.
Peters Township Council Members
Frank Arcuri Chairman 10
Peters Township
Robert Atkison
David M. Ball
James F. Berquist Vice Chairman
Robert Lewis
Monica R. Merrell
Gary J. Stiegel, Jr.
20+ Years of Service TM
We have a lot of great employees and it is hard to recognize all of them. Every year we have employees who reach milestones of 20+ years of service. This year they are 20 years: Jay Davis, Police Officer; 25 Years: Harry Fruecht, Police Chief, and Dan Coyle, Fire Chief; 30 Years: Ron Sweeney, Light Equipment Operator; 35 Years: Michael CarsoDetective/Sgt., William Gebauer, Police Officer and Peter Overcashier, Public Works Director.
L to R: Harry Fruecht, Ron Sweeney, Bill Gebauer, and Peter Overcashier.
Board Positions Available Environmental Quality Board Zoning Hearing Board Alternates Please send letter of interest with brief background to MASilvestri@ peterstownship.com or mail to 610 E. McMurray Rd., McMurray, PA 15317
Earned Income Tax April 15 is the deadline for not only filing your Federal and Pennsylvania State tax returns, it is also the deadline for filing your 2012 Peters Township Tax Earned Income Tax return. In 2012 for the first time all Pennsylvania employers were required to withhold earned income taxes from their employee’s paychecks. Despite this change all taxpayers are still required to file a final return. Business owners are required to pay quarterly estimates as well as to file a final return. By this time all Peters Township Earned Income Tax taxpayers should have received a final return from Keystone Collections Group. If you have not, please contact Keystone at 724.978.0300 or download the form at www. keystonecollects.com. The Earned Income Tax final return is located in the Taxpayer Resources section of the site under Forms.
Garbage Collection Discounts Peters Township Senior Citizens, age 65 or over
are eligible for a 10% discount on garbage service. You can receive a discount by simply providing a photo ID that includes your date of birth and current address. You can stop by the Municipal Building to register or you can fax your photo ID to 724.942.5022. In addition Senior Citizens age 65 or over, widows or widowers age 50 or over and those totally disabled with an annual income below $35,000 may be eligible to receive an additional discount. To find out more or for an application form, call the Peters Township Municipal Office at 724.941.4180.
www.peterstownship.com 724.941.4180 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Peters Township Municipal Pages
nts e m t r a p e D ip h s Peters Town 12 Snapshot of 20 t Police Departmensponded to 5,615 calls for
Library
074 the Library: 195, rograms to rs o it is V re 737 p ns of The department children attended e actual violatio 46 ams er ,8 w 20 0 38 , se o th ended 145 progr att s lt u service. Of ad g n u yo 1, 734 s ode. ded 240 program en the PA Crime C att s lt u ad 6 11 14 5, ardholders: 35,7 C ry ra ib L f 23 o : rs er Numb time Office Number of Full3 : rs ce ffi O time tion Number of PartParks & Recrea : 410 2, s: n io at it C c ts Traffi from 304) Accomplishmen ovation ted: 259 (down cu se ro P es ar-Tru Court Ren m H e) ri r C as te re en ec C d is n 0% Ten from 89 (2 DUI: 68, down ts en d ci completed in omplex: ief: 70 Field 5 Sports C k ar P Criminal Misch d o o sw er Pet .75%) stalled (increase of 14 turf and lights in al ts ci en fi d ti ci ar in 81 : duct n on Bruni Drive o si an xp E k ar P Disorderly Con Peterswood ) (down 2.41% completed ed from 124 ng fountain add ki n ri Theft: 94, down d k ar P te Ska 24.19%) (decrease of ed st ve ar h 6 15 ent: Deer Managem Events: 17%) e) as (decrease of re ec d Bunny Hop sions: 40 (32% Deer/Car Colli Community Day h xt si s it ed iv Police rece Haunted Trail Peters Township d which is the highest rts war Summer Conce ile b o m AAA Platinum A to u A an ic y the Amer Winter Concert ysis of award offered b al an ar ye ve fi a ed on 4K Race Association bas orts. eff t en em rc fo Fishing Derby departments’ en Movie Night Tree Lighting Fire Departmentteer Firefighters: 17 n Touch a Truck e, m ti Number of Volu llfu 11 : rs Firefighte Tennis Fun Day Number of Paid teers: 150 6 part-time umber of Volun gency N er l ta em o r T fo lls ca f Total number o 5 s response: 99 crease) Planning me: 4.97 minute ti se n o sp its: 116 (35% in re m er ge P al ti Avera en id es New R 358 uilding Permits: B l ,405 ta o T average of $325 an at , ld o Public Works ps: 315 S es m 403 Ho u ions: 112 Yard Waste PickEnforcement Act e d o C 4 5. : ed Road Miles Pav uvenated: 9.16 Road Miles Rej
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Peters Township
Major Road Closure The good news is the long awaited Valley Brook/Washington Road project is slated to begin May 15. The bad news is the project will begin May 15, and with it, a year plus major detour. Gulisek Construction has been hired by PennDOT to construct this intersection. The new intersection will be a little north from the current one and will result in a relocation of the Old Washington/ Valley Brook Intersection also (see drawing). The project will result in Valley Brook Road being closed just west of St. Petersburg Center, meaning access to Old Washington will be closed and vehicles will not be able to go under Route 19. Through traffic on Route 19 itself will be minimally impeded during the construction. The official detours are Boyce Road from Route 19 to Mayview Road and East McMurray Road from Valley Brook tor Route 19. The closure will be at least
until the end of July 2014. This means over 11,000 vehicle trips per day will need to be displaced. The Township is currently working to implement a variety of mitigating measures to accommodate the displacement. We know that unofficial detours will be taken and many will be through residential neighborhoods. A series of mitigating measures are being examined including additional speed sign, stop signs, weight limits and increased police enforcement. In addition reducing unnecessary trips on East McMurray Road will be a key. The Township will be initiating discussions with the school district concerning bus access as well as student and parent driving to the four schools on East McMurray Road. Even though significant planning has been done to address issues, we realize that motorists can demonstrate significant ingenuity, so we will need to make adjustments to mitigating measures to react to unplanned issues. Our goal is to ensure the roads are safe and that traffic is not unnecessarily impeded. We do ask that if you are travelling through a residential neighborhood, you drive safely and within the speed limits. This will be the most significant road shutdown the Township has seen since the Valley Brook/East McMurray Road intersection project. It will test all our patience, but an improved Valley Brook Route 19 intersection will greatly benefit overall transportation throughout the Township.
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Surge Protectors In recent months the fire department has responded to numerous incidents related to electrical emergencies. These incidents commonly occur during storms involving snow, rain and high winds. Electric service to our homes and businesses can be affected due to these types of inclement weather. Surge protectors are used to provide protection from power surges or spikes in electricity. A power surge or transient voltage is an increase in voltage significantly above the normal flow of electricity. The common voltage in households across America is 120 volts; if voltage rises above this level a problem occurs, and a surge protector helps to prevent that problem from occurring. Excessive electricity can be compared to a garden hose with too much water pressure – the hose will burst! An electric wire with excessive or high flow of electricity will overheat and glow like a filament in a light bulb. This dangerous condition can overheat or melt the wire, cord or plug, potentially starting a fire. Surge protectors are designed to reduce, absorb or dissipate this excess electrical energy. Many homeowners use surge protectors for the abundant number of electrical outlets supplied. Surge protectors and power strips should not be confused; Power strips may not provide any type of surge protection. They may just simply allow for numerous plugs in one location. However the main purpose is not to provide multiple outlets but to protect electrical devices. The fire department commonly finds overloaded surge protectors and power strips as a cause of residential structure fires. Many surge protectors are a single use (single surge). The device receives a substantial spike in energy and is no longer able to function as it was originally designed. Surge protectors also are available in different levels of protection; commonly the less expensive protector provides a lower level of surge protection. Some high quality surge protectors are designed to take multiple hits of excessive electricity. Also available are whole house surge protection devices or surge arrestors that are installed by a certified electrician at the main panel box of the home. These devices can provide protection to all circuits. Depending on the type or model purchased, many of these units are equipped with LED status lights to notify the owner of an issue or the life of the unit. As always the fire department encourages the purchase of high quality UL approved surge protectors, adequate smoke detection and fire extinguishers on every level of your home. For more information on fire prevention in your home contact the Peters Township Fire Department at 724.941.4176 or our visit our website www.petersfiredepartment.org
www.peterstownship.com 724.941.4180 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Peters Township Municipal Pages
Township Residents Share Ideas and Help Shape the Future On January 29th, 30th, and 31st, over 100 Peters Township residents took part in the Growth Scenario Workshop held as part of the effort to update the township’s comprehensive plan. The event was a forum for residents to discuss their concerns and ideas for future growth and development with fellow community members, township staff, elected and appointed officials, and the comprehensive plan consultant team. The workshop kicked off with an evening of informative presentations. In front of a packed house, featured speakers discussed the challenges and trends communities face today, innovative transportation options and how good design and planning can help create great places. On the second day, residents took part in group work sessions applying lessons learned from the presentations. Each group began by discussing what they valued in the community, their visions for the future, and what they would like to see preserved, enhanced or reinvented. Next, groups played the Development Chip Game which was a hands-on, interactive opportunity to plan for future land use within the community. Participants were given “chips” that represented various forms of development – multiple types of residential neighborhoods, suburban strip commercial, suburban office, multifamily housing, employment centers, and mixed-use. Groups discussed where to locate the chips based on their values, visions, and desired intensity and character of new development. Participants also proposed areas to be preserved, parks, trails and infrastructure improvements. At the end of each session, the groups presented their development scenario showcasing their overall values, goals and ideas. On the final evening, the consultant team summarized the input received and presented the preliminary findings. Some of the key input received included preserving the rural character, mitigating traffic, improving roadways for safety and efficiency, providing more connectivity (roads, sidewalks and green space), creating a distinct town center, improving the aesthetics of new and existing developments, creating inviting public spaces and providing alternative housing options. (To view a full report of the findings, please visit www.planpeters.com.)
A group of participants gets introduced to the Development Chip Game.
Workshop participants discuss the placement of development chips, where to make infrastructure improvements and create or preserve greenways such as trails, parks and sensitive natural areas.
Overall, the workshop proved to be an informative and thought-provoking endeavor. Input was received, issues were vetted and common goals were discovered. From now until August, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee will use the input and ideas to craft recommendations for future land use and development. Drafts of the plan will be periodically uploaded to www.planpeters.com for public review and comment. Please continue to monitor the project and provide your input as drafts are released. If you were unable to attend the workshop, you can find the event presentations and each group’s Development Chip Game map on www.planpeters.com. If you would like to provide additional input or get involved, please visit the project website or contact Grant Shiring at 724.942.5005 or landuseplanner@peterstownship.com. 14
Peters Township
A group presents their ideas.
PETERS TOWNSHIP ARROWHEAD TRAIL AND MONTOUR TRAIL The Peters Township Arrowhead Trail and Montour Trail offers 7.8 miles of paved and unpaved trails for a wide diversity of users. Because there are many benefits that the trail offers to its users, it has become more widely visited. We would like to encourage everyone to become familiar with and follow the trail rules and etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all. TRAIL RULES • No motorized vehicles except for use by individuals with mobility disabilities • Wheelchairs as defined by the Department of Justice are permitted • Motorized vehicles cannot be wider than 36” • Motorized vehicles cannot travel faster than 15 mph under its own power on a level surface • Other power driven mobility devices powered by internal combustion engines may NOT be used • Please keep a clean area – Pack out trash • Slower users should use the right side of path • Watch speed, especially at entrance/exit points • Animals must be leashed; horses prohibited • Clean up after your pet • Enter/exit the trail at designated access areas • All must yield to maintenance or emergency vehicles • The trail is open daily from dawn until sunset • Alcohol is prohibited TRAIL ETIQUETTE • Be friendly and courteous to others • Watch out for other trail users • Respect the rights of the property owners • Give an audible warning when passing other trail users • Ride at a safe, controllable speed • Travel in a consistent, predictable manner • Check behind you before you change position on the trail • Slow down and form a single-file line in congested areas or other hazardous conditions • Observe trail rules and signs • Report illegal activities to the Police Department • Do not disturb plants or animals • Helmets and safety equipment are recommended • Use caution when using headphones; you may not be able to hear people trying to warn you
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PETERS TOWNSHIP PARK RULES It is that time of year when the weather starts getting nice and residents are getting out visiting the parks more often. Please be sure to know and follow all park rules and Township Ordinances. To highlight some: no alcohol in any parks properties or facilities, all animals must be leashed, and you must pick up after your pet. Picking up after your pet includes proper disposal of the waste – leaving the bag along the trail or in the park is not proper disposal. Please take the waste to the nearest trash receptacle. These rules and ordinances exist to provide a safe and pleasurable experience to our park users. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Looking For a Public Service Project? The Public Works Department has a supply of stencils and markers that can be placed on or next to storm sewer drains letting people know that these installations carry water to streams and ultimately, to drinking water supplies. Using the storm sewers to dispose of waste liquids only contaminates nearby streams, harming wildlife and aquatic creatures, and in sufficient quantity, endangers our drinking water supplies. Educational literature is also available. If you’re looking for an environmental public service project for your group, contact the Public Works Department at 724.941.6161.
www.peterstownship.com 724.941.4180 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Peters Township Municipal Pages
Peters Township Concentrating on Water Quality Related Projects By Matthew J. Fascetti
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It may come as a surprise to some of you that Peters Township lies within two different major watersheds - the Lower Monongahela and the Upper Ohio. These major watersheds are further divided into smaller sub-watersheds. Peters Township contains three significant sub-watersheds within its borders - Chartiers Creek, Peters Creek and Brush Run. With watersheds come many federal, state and local regulations as well as many issues that residents can help with as well. So what is a watershed? A watershed is essentially an area of land that drains to a common point. They come in all shapes and sizes and cross county, state and national boundaries. Residents and visitors can greatly affect watersheds. A stream is impacted by land uses in a watershed. Major land uses include forest, agriculture and pasture, residential, commercial and industrial. According to Mark A. Zemaitis, P.E., Director of Engineering for Peters Township, the township (as well as many other urbanized areas throughout the state) is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. EPA to obtain an MS4 Permit for the purpose of discharging storm water from its storm sewer system to surface waters. This MS4 Permit (which stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) was first obtained by the Township in 2003 and is scheduled for renewal in 2013. The goal of the permitting process is to improve surface water quality through the regulation of storm water discharges, which can be affected by activities within the watershed. “In the upcoming years, to comply with the requirements of the MS4 Permit, Peters Township will be focusing on water quality related projects within the Brush Run watershed,” said Zemaitis. “One or more projects are being considered in partnership with the Township’s Environmental Quality Board and include potential stream bank stabilization, riparian buffer restoration, and retrofitting of existing storm water management facilities within the watershed.” Peters Township
As residents, you have more control over watershed health than you might think. There are many ways you can preserve and protect local watersheds by keeping your own property watershedfriendly. They include: planting a rain garden, which is created by planting water-loving plants within a collection basin or depression to absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. You can also add a rain barrel to save water for later use. Limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers on lawns and gardens. If you must fertilize, choose a product with a low level of phosphorous. Most pesticides break down in soil, but storm water can wash them into nearby streams. Service your septic system every three years. Septic systems are one of the top polluters because of their limited lifetime and up to 35% failure rate. Falling septic systems send nitrogen, phosphorous and bacteria to nearby streams. Pick up pet waste. In a 20-square mile watershed draining to a small coastal bay, two to three days of droppings from a 100 pound dog would contribute enough E coli bacteria to temporarily close the bay to swimming. Buffer streams. If you have a stream on your property, provide a natural buffer of native trees, shrubs and plants along its banks to filter dirty storm water runoff before it enters the stream. Use commercial car washes. The best place to wash your car is at commercial car washes, many of which filter their water before directing it to treatment plants. Avoid paving. If you must pave, consider stone pavers for a patio rather than concrete and gravel for a driveway, rather than asphalt. Maintain your car properly. A smooth running car can reduce the amount of oil and other fluid leaks. Dispose of or recycle chemicals properly. Paints, oils, automobile fluids, pesticides and cleaning products should never be poured down the drain or storm sewers. Join a watershed organization. You will learn more about your own watershed and its unique qualities. Southwestern Pennsylvania is not usually a drought-prone area; therefore water conservation is usually not a hot topic. However, the drought of 2012 has caused an increase of attention to the quantity and quality of the water available to us. Farmers, gardeners and proud lawn owners have lamented the stunted crops, drooping flowers and brown grass throughout the area. Unfortunately, water quality managers and experts in many states anticipate prolonged water shortages in the coming years. A typical American family of four uses approximately 400 gallons of water a day while at home. Seventy percent of this water is used inside the home, and thirty percent is used outside on our lawns, gardens, pools and cars. It is time for all of us to make a difference. Residents can learn more about watersheds and suggestions to improve water quality on the Township’s website at www.peterstownship.com. On the left side of the screen, click on ‘Departments,’ then ‘Engineering,’ then ‘MS4 Permit’ to find out additional information.
Reading, Rec & More Parks and Recreation Department 700 Meredith Drive / Venetia, PA 15367 724.942.5000 / www.peterstownship.com CRC CLOSED for the respective holidays Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day and Saturday, June 29 - Community Day
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER HOURS Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.
SESSION 3 (8 weeks) May 4– July 1 Registration begins April 22, 2013
Easy ways to register: Online: www.peterstownship.com Walk in: cash/check/Visa/MasterCard accepted Mail in: check and registration form to the Parks and Recreation Department, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia, PA 15367
Class and Event Registration: Registering at the first class is risky.
Special Events RENTALS
Is your house too small to hold that BIG event? Have your next birthday party, family get-together or meeting at the Community Recreation Center! We can help meet your room space requirements. Room rentals fee for residents starting at $25 per hour. For more information, call the Recreation Center.
OPEN HOUSE/PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION
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What if a program is cancelled? Please register for programs at least one week prior to the start date to avoid cancellation. All classes must meet a predetermined minimum number of participants to be held. The Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel, combine or change any aspect of a program it deems necessary. Residents are given first priority during the registration process for events and classes. Sports programs are open to residents only. Refund policy: Full refunds will be given if requested more than 7 days before a class begins. All refunds requested by participants less than 7 days before a class begins will be assessed a $5 processing fee, plus any supplies already purchased. Refunds will not be given after the second class. Sorry, but refunds are not offered for special one-day classes or events, unless canceled. Call 724.942.5000 for information regarding day trips. Please allow 2-4 weeks for refunds to be processed.
35TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY DAY
What do Zumba, basketball, yoga, kids’ art classes, ballroom dancing and a walking/ running track have in common? The Peters Township Recreation Center offers all of these options and more! Come check us out at a free open house and find out more about the adult and kid-friendly programs offered at our state-of-the-art facility on Saturday, April 27. Instructors will be on-hand for demonstrations and refreshments will be provided. Day: Saturday, April 27 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Fee: FREE
Come and enjoy food, entertainments, raffles, games and more in Peterswood Park. Learn more about local vendors, what they have to offer and take advantage of their giveaways. Parking will be available at Bower Hill and the Middle School with a shuttle service to the park. Traffic will be one way through the park all day. If you are an area business that would like to donate to the event, donors will be acknowledged in our publicity if received by June 4. Don’t miss these wonderful opportunities and get involved in such a great community-wide event. Day: Saturday, June 29 Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Fee: Free
www.peterstownship.com 724.942.5000 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
Reading, Rec & More PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS TINY TOTS PRE-BALLET
Mark your Calendars! (More to follow in next magazine)
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Three one-week sessions held in Shelter 4 from 9 a.m. – noon Weeks of July 8, July 15 and July 22
PLAYGROUND PALS
Three one-week sessions held on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays only. Held at Elm Grove Park from 9:30 a.m. – noon Weeks of July 29, August 5 and August 12
MOMMY AND ME!
(AGES 2 – 3 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 An introduction to ballet for our youngest dancers! Students will learn basic ballet steps at the barre and across the floor while using exciting props and doing fun dance games. There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Day: Thursday Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member
(AGES 1.5 – 3 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 Adult participation is required for this intro to dance class for young dancers and those who may not be ready to go in by themselves. Exciting props will be used for a fun-filled first dance experience! Day: Thursday Time: 11 – 11:30 a.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member
PRINCESS BALLET
(AGES 3 – 6 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 15 Enjoy learning the glorious team sport of basketball. Have a blast learning to make baskets, dribble, pass and play. Enthusiasm, excitement and energy will be a part of every class! Instructor: “Koach” Tim Conroy. Day: Monday Time: 10 – 10:45 a.m. Day: Thursday Time: 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Fee: $87 Member / $130 Non-Member
(AGES 3 – 5 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 This is a fun-filled and popular princess themed ballet class. We will use props, dance to princess music, and learn basic barre, across the floor, and center combinations. There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Day: Thursday Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member
KIDS DANCE AND TUMBLE
BASKETBALL FOR CHILDREN
MAGICAL & KREATE FOR LIL ARTISTS
(AGES 2 – 3 YEARS) Minimum 7 – Maximum 14 Students will learn basic dance steps and beginning tumbling. They will learn log rolls, bear walks, crab walks, and somersaults while developing coordination, balance, and control! There will be an in-class performance on the last day. Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 – 11 a.m. Fee: $69 Member / $104 Non-Member
(AGES 4 – 5 YEARS) Minimum 3 – Maximum 10 Lil artists will have “just so much fun” creating arts and crafts projects! Please dress to get messy! FYI: All mediums used are non-toxic. Choose a time that works for you. Instructor: Karen Hartman Day: Tuesday Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Day: Tuesday Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member
DOG OBEDIENCE CLASSES BASIC DOG OBEDIENCE PART 1
Part 1 will cover all basic obedience commands, housebreaking, leash manners, safety, proper dog care and grooming, dog body language and behavior. Requirements: Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old. Handlers and observers must be at least 16 years of age. NO AGGRESSIVE DOGS. Day: Tuesday, May 14 – June 18 (6 one-hour sessions) Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $90 Residents / $135 Non-Resident ($30 for non-handler auditors) Instructors: Deborah Miller-Gurchak and assistant Kelly Pontiere Location: Community Room, 200 Municipal Drive, in the back of the Police Station (off of McMurray Road, near the Library) 18
Peters Township
BASIC DOG OBEDIENCE PART 2
For dogs and handlers who have completed a Basic Obedience Part 1 class, with us or elsewhere. Perfect the basics, and make your dog a safe and welcome member of the community. Great preparation for a Canine Good Citizen award, or any performance events. Requirements: Handlers and observers must be at least 16 years of age. NO AGGRESSIVE DOGS. Day: Tuesday, May 14 - June 18 (6 one-hour sessions) Time: 8:15 – 9:15 p.m. Fee: $90 Residents / $135 Non-Resident ($30 for non-handler auditors) Instructors: Deborah Miller-Gurchak and assistant Kelly Pontiere Location: Community Room, 200 Municipal Drive, in the back of the Police Station (off of McMurray Road, near the Library)
YOUTH AND TEEN
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ZUMBATOMIC
(AGES 8 – 12 YEARS) Minimum 4 – Maximum 20 The crazy-cool dance-fitness workout for kids set to hip-hop, salsa, reggaeton and more. Shake, wiggle and giggle your way to fitness in the Zumba style! Instructor: Christine Rauch Day: Wednesday Time: 6:15 – 7 p.m. Fee: $30 Member / $45 Non-Member
BEGINNER FENCING WITH TIGER FENCING CLUB
(AGES 8 – 18 YEARS) Minimum 8 – Maximum 23 Gain focus, discipline, agility, strength, speed, coordination in this class and develop emotional maturity while having fun learning an Olympic Games sport. Work out; one on one will teach fencers to quickly think on strategies CHOI KWANG DO / MARTIAL ARTS while maintaining coordination and speed. INSTRUCTION This martial arts class is designed for all ages. Instructor: Tiger Fencing Day: Wednesday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. TEDDY BEAR TEA It’s great for fitness, self esteem, attention Fee: $99 Member / $149 Non-Member (AGES 5 – 6 YEARS) span, self control, respect of others and Minimum 6 – Maximum 20 learning to become a leader. There will be belt Material fee: Required purchase of fencing Bring your favorite Teddy Bear and enjoy a cup rank testings done with positive encouragement glove $13 (paid to instructor). All other equipment provided: mask, jacket and foil of tea and a snack. We will do some crafts every two months at Choi Kwang Do of South weapon. and play a game or two. This tea is all about Hills School. Instructor: David Hinerman you and your best bear friend! Pre-registration Day: Thursday BALLOON TWISTING ART required. Ages: 3 – 5 years (AGES 7 – 15 YEARS) Day: June 1 Time: 10 – 11:30 p.m. Time: 5 – 5:30 p.m. Minimum 8 – Maximum 20 Fee: $6 Resident / $12 Non-Resident Minimum 2 – Maximum 8 per class Children will enjoy and appreciate the amazing Registration Deadline: Monday, May 20 Ages: 6 – 13 years skill of balloon twisting. Students will enhance Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. their own motor skills and coordination while ART EN ESPAÑOL Minimum 2 – Maximum 20 per class learning to make fun creations. We will learn to (AGES 6 – 13 YEARS) Family class ages: 6 years and up inflate, tie, and create fun hats and animals. Minimum 3 – Maximum 10 Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Instructor: Rebecca Kanar Hola! Draw, paint and sculpt lots of fun, colorful Minimum 2 – Maximum 20 per class Day: Tuesday Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. projects while learning a bit of Spanish! Los Fee: $90 Member / Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member Colores will be explored in so many ways! $135 Non-Member Material fee: $25 paid to instructor at first Instructor: Karen Hartman Uniform Fee: $25 uniform not class Day: Monday Time: 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. included; payment must be mailed once Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member classes start
CARTOONING & SKETCHBOOK JOURNAL
(AGES 6 – 12 YEARS) Minimum 3 – Maximum 10 This fun cartooning class requires lots of imagination and lots of laughs! Characters will be developed along with the basics of cartooning. Please bring an 8X11 bound Sketchbook, black marker and your imagination! Instructor: Karen Hartman Day: Wednesday Time: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $85 Member / $128 Non-Member
www.peterstownship.com 724.942.5000 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
Reading, Rec & More
Adult
POWER HOUR BOOT CAMP
Minimum 10 – Maximum 20 Kick it up a notch with this 60 minute class that WILL challenge your body and soul to become stronger, leaner and more powerful. All types of equipment and challenges are utilized! Modifications will be shown. Instructor: Suzie Bode, AFAA certified Day: Monday OR Wednesday Time: 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Fee: $50 Member / $75 Non-Member
DIRTY 30 BOOT CAMP
Minimum 10 – Maximum 20 Everyone has time for this 30 minute POWER class of cardio, strengthening and core exercises. With stations, drills and so much more, you might even have fun!! Modifications will be shown. Instructor: Suzie Bode, AFAA certified Day: Thursday Time: 9:30 – 10 a.m. Fee: $25 Member / $38 Non-Member
KICKBOX INTERVAL – COED
Minimum 10 – Maximum 20 This interval-style class has been proven to be the ultimate metabolism and fat burning workout. Alternate between cardio, kickboxing work and strength training drills. You will build core power, muscle and strength – guaranteed. Instructor: Suzie Bode, AFAA certified Day: Monday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $50 Member / $75 Non-Member
BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE YOGA
Minimum 6 – Maximum 20 This class offers a blend of various styles of yoga – Kripalu, Ashtanga, Sivananda and Yin yoga. Increase strength, flexibility and endurance and reduce the effects of stress using breath work, meditation, and yoga posture. YOGA MAT REQUIRED! Certified Yoga Instructor: Terry Gustas Day: Tuesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $55 Member / $83 Non-Member
BUTTS, GUTS, AND ENDURANCE
Minimum 6 – Maximum 20 Start with 30 minutes of fast-paced cardio and finish with 30 minutes of abs, thighs and butts! The endurance segment will combine running, calisthenics and plyometrics, 20
Peters Township
followed by 30 minutes of lower-body toning and sculpting. Certified Instructor: Jennifer Alexander, with over 20 years of experience Day: Monday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $40 Member / $60 Non-Member
20/20/20
Minimum 6 – Maximum 20 This class will keep you moving with two 20-minute segments of cardio exercise and 20 minutes of total body sculpting. Each class will be different with cardio segments, and each workout will challenge you without boring you with the same weekly routine. Certified Instructor: Jennifer Alexander Day: Tuesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $40 Member / $60 Non-Member
TOTAL BODY SCULPTING
Minimum 6 – Maximum 18 Join this strength training workout designed to shape and tone the body without building muscular size or bulk. The class will challenge your body by using free weights, resistance bands and the body ball. Any fitness level can enroll. Certified Instructor: Jennifer Alexander, with over 20 years of experience Day: Friday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $40 Member / $60 Non-Member
YOGA - EVENING
Minimum 8 – Maximum 35 An all-level class for those basically healthy individuals who are looking for a faster-paced introduction to yoga. This class can increase strength, flexibility and balance. It is taught in a non-competitive style where students work at their individual level. Yoga mat required. Instructor: Lynn Duda
Day: Tuesday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member
YOGA - MORNING
Minimum 8 – Maximum 35 An all-level yoga class, including sunsalutations, standing and seated postures. It is non-competitive and students work at their individual level. This class can increase strength, flexibility and balance. No prior experience required. Yoga mat required. Instructor: Lynn Duda Day: Saturday Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member
INTRODUCTION TO BALLROOM DANCING
(AGES 14 – ADULTS) Minimum 6 – Maximum 24 Learn ballroom for exercise, cruises, weddings, social etiquette, school dances or just for fun!! This course gives an introduction to the most popular dances requested at this time. It includes the slow and fast social dances in Ballroom and Latin styles. Instructor: Kathy Burchill of Dryden Dance Center
BALLROOM I
Learn basic steps and patterns in the four most used dances; Foxtrot Swing/Freestyle, Waltz and Cha Cha Cha/Salsa Day: Tuesday Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. Fee: $75 Member / $113 Non-Member BALLROOM II (Ballroom I required) Review dances in Ballroom I and add new patterns. Day: Tuesday Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m. Fee: $75 Member / $113 Non-Member
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STEP IT UP + ABS
Minimum 6 – Maximum 18 High energy, heart pumping classes using step choreography to keep you moving and grooving to the beat of the music! No two classes are ever the same! Intermediate to advanced levels. Instructor: Marjorie Kay Yaksich, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America Certified Day: Tuesday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Day: Thursday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $30 Member / $45 Non-Member
ZUMBA
Minimum 10 – Maximum 75 ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music and dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system. Certified Zumba Instructor: Debbie Colditz *Includes Zumba Toning which utilizes lightweight toning sticks/or dumbbells. Sticks can be purchased from instructor or bring 1 - 3 lb. hand weights. Day: Tuesday Time: 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Day: Wednesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Day: Friday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $50 Member / $75 Non-Member
ZUMBA (90 minutes)
Minimum 10 – Maximum 75 This is the one-hour Zumba class followed by an additional 30 minutes of Zumba Toning. It is a total body workout that will elevate the participant’s fitness regime. Bring 1 - 3 lb. hand weights or Zumba Toning sticks. Certified Zumba Instructor: Debbie Colditz Day: Friday Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $75 Member / $113 Non-Member
MIXED LEVEL – YOGA FOR EVERY BODY
Minimum 8 – Maximum 15 This Hatha Yoga class joins the breath (prana) to the postures (asanas) to create a flowing practice. This class is designed to increase strength, flexibility and balance for overall health, well being and harmony. Instructor: Gayle Zacharia, Certified RYT Day: Wednesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Day: Thursday Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $55 Member / $83 Non-Member
TAI CHI FOR WELLNESS
Minimum 6 – Maximum 15 Tai Chi for Health improves balance and strength, and generates vitality and mental focus through gentle flowing movement. This “meditation in motion” is a time tested practice to energize your body and calm your mind. Relaxing yet challenging, it can be rewarding for all ages and fitness levels. Instructor: Tracy Eisenman Day: Thursday Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $80 Member / $120 Non-Member
SKINNY JEANS KETTLELATES: KETTLEBELLS, PILATES & YOGA
Minimum 8 – Maximum 20 Class includes 30 minutes of kettlebells and ab circuits, followed by 30 minutes of upbeat Pilates & Yoga. Once you try kettlebells, you will be hooked! Build muscle and join the elite! Low impact and efficient! Bring kettlebell.
Contact Nancy for recommended weights. Instructor: Nancy Griffin Day: Monday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member
KETTLELATES: KETTLE BELLS, PILATES & YOGA Minimum 8 – Maximum 30 Best workout ever! Includes 30 minutes of kettlebells, and ab circuits, followed by 30 minutes of upbeat Pilates and yoga. Once you try kettlebells, you will be hooked! Build strength and join the elite! Bring kettlebell. Contact Nancy for recommended weights. Instructor: Nancy Griffin Day: Tuesday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member
KETTLEBELL FUSION
Designed with the safest kettlebell moves in mind, abdominal circuits that will help you own core strength, followed by upbeat Pilates and refreshing yoga-inspired moves. You will build muscles, whittle your waist, and improve flexibility in this fun, upbeat format! Instructor: Nancy Griffin Day: Thursday Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Fee: $56 Member / $84 Non-Member
MEN’S ADULT VOLLEYBALL
A drop-in format meets on Thursdays from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Must be a township resident and a member of the Community Recreation Center. Ends last Thursday in May, resumes in September. Coordinator: Dave Davis
YOGA - WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Minimum 8 – Maximum 15 Take the time to unwind. Join the breath with postures and movement to bring the body and mind to a state of revitalization and restoration. An emphasis is on the basics and building on to one’s individual practice. Please bring mat. Instructor: Gayle Zacharia, Certified RYT Day: Wednesday Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $55 Member / $83 Non-Member
www.peterstownship.com 724.942.5000 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
Reading, Rec & More
PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES AND ONE-DAY EVENTS CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY “NEW”
(AGES 18 AND OVER) The Peters Township Police Department will be hosting their first annual Citizens Police Academy. This informative, hands-on program will give citizens the opportunity to learn about police work. Topics include forensics, drug trends, ID thefts/scams, SWAT, bike patrol, social media, and more. Contact Police Department at 724.942.5030 to sign up. Day: Thursday Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Community Room, 200 Municipal Drive, in the back of the Police Station (off of McMurray Road, near the Library)
JAM NIGHT IN PETERSWOOD PARK
(AGES 13 – 19 YEARS) Minimum 6 Do you love to play an instrument? The stage is yours! Come join others who love to play an instrument; perform solo or with others. Join us at Peterswood Park at the amphitheater for our first Jam Night. (Electricity is available.) If you don’t play, come and listen, bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the music. Registration required if playing an instrument. (will cancel if raining) Day: May 15 Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. Day: June 19 Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. Fee: $5 Resident / $8 Non-Resident Registration Deadline: May 10 / June 14
CHESS
(AGES 7 YEARS AND UP) Minimum 6 – Maximum 24 Join us for chess instruction and playtime at the Peters Township Recreation Center. We all like to exercise our body, but how about exercising your mind? Bring a friend to have some fun with chess. Instructions include openings, middle game, end games. Instructor: Eric Berthoud Day: Wednesday Time: 5 – 6 p.m. Fee: $30 Member / $45 Non-Member
REIKI
REFLEXOLOGY
INTRO TO PLANT-BASED LIVING, COOKING DEMO, AND FOOD SAMPLES
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes BIKE RIDE ON ARROWHEAD balance in the body. Basic information and All ages welcome! Enjoy a bike ride with the hands-on treatment. family on Arrowhead trail… celebrate bike safety Instructor: Lois Reich, Licensed Massage month, have your bike inspected (if Therapist and Reflexology Trainer pre-registered), pick up some bike safety flyers Day: Thursday, May 23 and enjoy the ride with your family. Water will be Time: 7 – 8 p.m. available. Remember to wear your helmet! Day: Tuesday, June 25 Pre-registration is required for bike inspection. Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Day: Saturday, May 4 Fee: $15 Member / $23 Non-Member Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Fee: $5 Resident / $8 Non-Resident HYPNOSIS (fee for bike inspection – 6 minimum) Learn how to use your imagination to improve Deadline for bike inspection sign up: your ability to cope with stress, anxiety and selfApril 26, 2013 22
Peters Township
doubt. Hypnosis can do extraordinary things without great effort. Deep relaxation helps control stress. You can reach it with hypnosis. Instructor: Lois Reich, Certified Hypnotist, Member of the Natl. Guild of Hypnotists Day: Thursday, May 9 Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Day: Tuesday, June 18 Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $15 Member / $23 Non-Member Reiki, a Universal Energy healing method, is helpful for stress, emotional issues and even cancer. Local hospitals offer this treatment. You can learn Reiki easily and help yourself and others. Instructor: Lois Reich, Master Reiki Teacher Day: Thursday, May 2 Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Day: Tuesday, June 11 Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Fee: $15 Member / $23 Non-Member
Do you have high blood pressure? Elevated cholesterol? Chest pain? Type II diabetes? Osteoporosis? Cancer? Battles with weight? Clinical research studies demonstrate this can be an effective alternative to a lifetime of drugs, repeated surgeries, and side effects. Instructor: Tracey Eakin Day: Thursday, May 16 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Day: Thursday, May 30 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Day: Thursday, June 13 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Day: Thursday, June 27 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $25 Member / $38 Non-Member (fee is per class date)
PROGRAMS FOR MATURE ADULTS
SENIOR LUNCHEONS/PICNICS (Age 55 and Over) Bring a covered dish and enjoy some long overdue conversation. The senior lunches are held on the second Wednesday of the month and are open to anyone over the age of 55. Co-sponsored with the Area Agency on Aging. No fee. Day: April 10 Time: Noon – 2 p.m. Location: Multi-Purpose Room Day: May 8 Time: Noon – 2 p.m. Location: Multi-Purpose Room Day: June 12 Time: 4 – 6 p.m. Location: Picnic Shelter 4
SENIOR BUS TRIP HISTORY AND SCIENCE… OH MY! Come along as we enjoy the day as we visit the Heinz History Center, have lunch at the Spaghetti Warehouse and then on to the Carnegie Science Center. This is the perfect tour if you don’t like to drive in traffic! Package includes: transportation, Heinz History Center, lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse, Carnegie Science Center and meal gratuity.
Day: May 23, 2013 Approximate Departure: 9:30 a.m. Approximate Return: 5:30 p.m. Fee: $95 per person Registration Deadline: April 15
LINE DANCING – IN THE MORNING
Minimum 7 – Maximum 15 Line dancing will open your life to a whole new world!! It’s great fun, and good exercise for the mind and the body! Line dancing has been proven to be the best exercise to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease! Two left feet? No problem! Instructor: Frieda Hayson Day: Thursday Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Fee: $55 Member / $83 Non-Member
ZUMBA GOLD
Minimum 10 – Maximum 40 Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Certified Zumba Instructor: Debbie Colditz Day: Tuesday Time: 6:30 – 7 p.m. Fee: $25 Member / $38 Non-Member
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SILVERSNEAKERS® YOGA STRETCH AND MUSCULAR STRENGTH & RANGE OF MOVEMENT CLASSES:
(AGES 65 AND OVER)
MUSCULAR STRENGTH & RANGE OF MOVEMENT
Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance; and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. Free to select Medicare/local health care plan qualified participants. Day: Monday & Wednesday Time: 10:15 – 11 a.m.
YOGASTRETCH
will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. AFAA Certified Instructor: Suzie Bode Day: Thursday Time: 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Fee: $80 Member / $120 Non-Member (Fee, if not covered by health insurance); this includes all classes offered in the session.
CARD GROUPS AT THE CRC 500 BID
Card Players meet the fourth Tuesday afternoon of the month at the community center from 1–4 p.m. Drop-ins welcome. No pre-registration required. Men and women of all ages are welcome. Beverages and snacks are provided. Donations welcome. For more information call Rae Helman at 724.941.1081.
BRIDGE
We are looking for new players! Group meets September through May. For more information, call Joan Knoll at 724.743.1767. Fee: $15 per year used for supplies and a charitable donation. Location: Community Room, 200 Municipal Drive, in the back of the Police Station (off McMurray Road, near the Library) Marathon Bridge: First Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Duplicate Bridge: Third Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
www.peterstownship.com 724.942.5000 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
Reading, Rec & More Peters Township Public Library 616 E. McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 724.941.9430 www.ptlibrary.org
Library Hours Monday – Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday (Sept.–May)
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 12 noon – 4 p.m.
Closed: Sunday, May 26 (start of closed Sundays in summer) and Monday, May 27, 2013
Celebrating National Library Week April 14 – 20, 2013 Homemade Music in Pennsylvania Join us as we sing songs, play homemade musical instruments, and explore Pennsylvania’s past Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m. To kick off National Library Week, the entire family is invited to join us at the library as we welcome Paula Purnell, Pennsylvania Humanities Council Commonwealth Speaker, as she presents Homemade Music in Pennsylvania. Ms. Purnell will demonstrate a host of homemade musical instruments while sharing songs from Pennsylvania’s past, with audience members invited to play along! Program followed by light refreshments and crafts; audience invited to do a little instrument making of their own. Please bring an empty water/soda bottle (any size will work although not flimsy plastic) to create your own personal musical instrument. Paula Purnell is an educator and musician from Greensburg, PA. She teaches education courses and presents workshops and professional development classes on regional history, folk music and art integration. She has released six albums of original music, including two Parents’ Choice Award Winning Children’s Albums. Additional information about Paula Purnell is available at www.newlanders.com. This presentation is a program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
www.ptlibrary.org 724.941.9430 24
Peters Township
Amateur Photography Contest sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Lensshooters and the Peters Township Public Library Calling all amateur photographers! The library, in cooperation with the Western Pennsylvania Lensshooters, will be hosting a photography contest. Three categories will be judged; photos of people, landscape, and animals. The 1st prize in each category will be $25, 2nd prize will be $10, and 3rd prize will be a certificate. All winners will receive a 2013-14 membership to the Western Pennsylvania Lensshooters Camera Club. Deadline for entries to be submitted is Thursday, April 25, 2013. There is a $3 fee per entry and a maximum of three entries per person. Photographic prints must be no smaller than 5” x 7” and no larger than 8.5” x 11”. Prints may not be framed or mounted, and may be delivered to the library’s circulation desk. Each entry must have a completed entry form (available at the circulation desk) along with the $3 fee. Cash or checks will be accepted. Checks may be made out to: Friends of the Peters Township Public Library. Winning photographs will be on display at the library from May 1 – 22. All entries may be picked up after May 23rd. For addition information, contact Jim McNutt at jpgh1001@yahoo.com. Contest restricted to amateur photographers. Members of Western Pennsylvania Lensshooters are not eligible to participate.
Reading, Rec & More
Remember... Please join us for our 12th Annual Taste of the Township. Friday, April 19, 2013, 7 – 11 p.m. at Valley Brook Country Club. The following local restaurants will be participating: Arlecchino Ristorante, Atria’s Restaurant & Tavern, Bella Sera, Bethel Bakery, Calabria’s at Frosty Valley, Cambria Suites Reflect Bistro & Bar, Capstone Grill, Center Plate, Cookies by Susan, Dinner Tyme, Edible Arrangements, Firehouse Subs, Franco’s Trattoria, Giant Eagle, Grande Italian Restaurant, Juniper Grill, Merante Brothers Market, Open, Panera Bread, Table Lakeside, Texas Roadhouse, and a sampling of Asian cuisine from local Chinese restaurants.
Guests will also enjoy a silent auction, Chinese auction, a raffle, and entertainment provided by Lucarelli Jazz. John Banaszak, Pittsburgh Steeler #76 and three time Super Bowl Champion, will be featured as a special guest.
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Tickets are available at the library’s circulation desk for $50 each. Checks may be made payable to the Friends of the Peters Township Public Library. All proceeds benefit the Peters Township Public Library.
Electronic Resources at the library The library offers an exciting array of online resources at our website available 24/7 with a valid Peters Township Public Library Card, including the following: Universal Class
Scholastic BookFlix
Have you tried our Universal Class courses? This online resource features over 500 free online courses covering a wide range of topics. Courses are available 24/7, feature real instructors, and the capability of communicating with other registered students. Some of the classes qualify as continuing education units. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to learn something new! Visit the 2nd floor Reference Desk with your valid Peters Township Public Library card to register to access Universal Class.
Children in grades PreK-3 can enjoy classic video storybooks from Weston Woods paired with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic. It’s a fantastic way to reinforce early reading skills and introduce children to a world of knowledge and exploration! Go to the “Find Information” link in the left hand menu of the library’s website and select “Online Databases” from the drop down menu to find the Scholastic BookFlix link.
Freegal Downloadable Music Library patrons may download up to three songs per week from Freegal. The music files are downloaded as MP3 files which are compatible with any MP3 player or device. Files can be transferred to any computer, MP3 player or even burned to a CD. VVisit the 2nd floor Reference Desk with your valid Peters Township Public Library card to register to access Freegal.
Scholastic TrueFlix Using video, audio, images and text, children in grades 3-5 can enjoy the award-winning True Books content to help hone literacy skills, build knowledge of subjectarea content, and cultivate 21st century skills through the inquiry process. Go to the “Find Information” link in the left hand menu of the library’s website and select “Online Databases” from the drop down menu to find the Scholastic TrueFlix link.
These and many other online resources can be found at our website www.ptlibrary.org. Check them out! Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Reading, Rec & More Children’s Programs Call or stop by the Children’s Reference Desk to sign up for weekly children’s programs for ages Birth - Kindergarten. The spring session runs 8 weeks, April 1 – May 24. Please see our website at www.ptlibrary.org for a full listing of programs.
Spring Programs for Babies through Kindergarten
Preschool Story-time
Ages: 3 ½ – 5 Tuesdays, 1 – 1:45 p.m. OR Wednesdays, 10 – 10:45 a.m. Book Babies They’re almost ready to read on their own—help them get Ages: Birth – 12 months with an there with this parent-optional adult preschool story-time. Stories, Tuesdays, 10 – 10:20 a.m. games, activities, movies, crafts You can’t start too early at and more make this 45-minute the library! In this 20-minute program, babies will gain contact program a big hit. with language through stories, songs, rhymes, and finger plays, Bodies in Motion helping them take their first steps Ages: 2 – 5 with an adult toward a lifetime love of books Thursdays, 11 – 11:30 a.m. OR and reading. 1 – 1:30 p.m. Have fun and keep fit at the Mother Goose Story-time library! A 30-minute program filled with wiggling, giggling, Ages: 12 – 24 months with an jiggling fun! adult Tuesdays, 9:15 – 9:35 a.m. OR 11 – 11:20 a.m. Tiny Tunes Toddler They’re just learning to Ages: 2 – 3 ½ with an adult talk—give them something to Mondays, 11 – 11:30 a.m. talk about! Twenty minutes of A fun, casual program of books, fun rhymes, songs and finger plays encourage language playing with and learning about music. Every week explore a growth and love of reading. different theme and way to make music with your toddler.
Toddler Tales
Ages: 2 – 3 ½ with an adult Wednesdays, 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. OR Thursdays, 10 – 10:30 a.m. They can walk, they can talk—and they can learn! This 30-minute program adds crafts and fun to stories for further encouragement on the way to becoming lifelong readers.
Tiny Tunes Toddler/ Preschool Ages: 2 – 5 with an adult Mondays, 1 – 1:30 p.m. A fun, casual program of playing with and learning about music. Every week explore a different theme and way to make music with your toddler or preschooler.
Abby O’Korn and London Rutherford enjoyed our American Girls Tea Party on February 9th
Kindergarten Story-time: Veggie Tales: All about Vegetables Ages: Kindergartners and 5-year-olds Fridays, 10 – 11 a.m. OR 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. This full-hour program goes the next step in learning and loving reading through stories, activities, crafts, and movies, all about vegetables!
It’s Crystal Clear: the Science of Crystals Ages: 2 – 5 with an adult Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2 – 2:20 p.m. OR Saturdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 9:30 – 9:50 a.m. Learn about the science of growing a variety of crystals using various materials. Enrollment limit of 25 per class, so sign up today!
www.ptlibrary.org 724.941.9430 26
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Programs for Grades 1 and up Magic Tree House Book Club Ages: Grades 2 – 4 April 6: Afternoon on the Amazon; May 4: Season of the Sandstorms Saturdays, 10 – 10:45 a.m. Travel with Jack and Annie in their magic tree house when you read a great Magic Tree House book by Mary Pope Osborne. Join us for a discussion and activities based on these great books!
Reading, Rec & More
Programs for All Ages Girls’ Book Club Ages: Girls Grades 3 – 6 April 8: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix; May 13: Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo Mondays, 6 – 7 p.m. It’s a girls’ night out with Miss Linda! Enjoy reading together, and sharing in this special girls’ only book club!
Paws for Reading Ages: Grades 1 and up April 13, May 11, June 8 Saturdays, 10 – 11:20 a.m. Visit with a registered therapy dog at the library to gain self-confidence and fluency by reading to attentive animals. Sign up for your 20-minute slot.
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Family Story-time May 9, June 13, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Bring the whole family to this once-a-month evening story-time. Come for a night of crafts, movies, and of course stories! It’s a great way to end the day with family and friends. Upcoming themes include: Mother’s Day Story-time (May 9), and Father’s Day Story-Time (June 13).
Classic Movie Nights Tuesdays, April 16: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; May 21: The Jungle Book 6 – 7:45 p.m. Enjoy a classic movie on the big screen with lots of fresh popcorn!
Art Programs Watercolor Pencil Drawing Ages: 6 ½ - 13 4 weeks, April 9 - 30; Tuesdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Limit: 15 children Cost: $15 plus supplies Instructor: Diana Koch Students will learn basic drawing techniques using watercolor pencils. Register at the library’s circulation desk; please see supply list when registering.
Scratch Board Techniques Ages: 6 ½ - 13 4 weeks, May 7 - 28 Tuesdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Limit: 15 children Cost: $15 plus supplies Instructor: Diana Koch Students will learn scratch board drawing techniques. Register at the library’s circulation desk; please see supply list when registering.
Young Adult Programs Programs for Tweens and Teens in 6th – 12th grade unless otherwise noted; please register at the Children’s Reference Desk unless otherwise noted.
TOURNAMENTS
PROGRAMS
Mario Kart Tournament!
Just Dance Party Celebrate Earth Day Ages: Grades 2 – 6 Sunday, April 21, 1 – 2 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day at the library as we make some neat crafts using recycled materials.
Saturday, April 20, 1 – 3 p.m. Do you love the video game “Just Dance”? Join us for an afternoon of dancing as we play “Just Dance 4” in the Teen Room!
All Ages Welcome! Saturday, May 18, 1 – 3 p.m. Challenge your friends to this classic game! First-place winner will go home with a special prize!
“I Can Make That Out of This?” Thursday, April 25, 3 – 3:45 p.m. In honor of Earth Day we will be learning how to make tons of neat things such as scarves, keepsake boxes, picture frames, bags, etc. out of recycled materials!
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Reading, Rec & More
Young Adult Programs Programs for Tweens and Teens in 6th – 12th grade unless otherwise noted; please register at the Children’s Reference Desk unless otherwise noted.
Outsmarting Investment Fraud
PROGRAMS (cont.) Flashback Movie Night Thursdays, April 25: Better Off Dead; May 30: The Goonies, 6 – 8 p.m. Join us the last Thursday of the month for a movie about teens from the ‘80s. These hilarious films will give you an idea about what life was like when your parents or teachers were teens!
Make Your Own Monopoly Party Thursday, May 9, 4 – 5 p.m. It seems like there are a million different types of Monopoly games. Come to the library to make YOUR OWN monopoly game! Templates and materials will be provided. Challenge your friends to a game before you leave!
Ongoing Programs For more information, please see the library’s website.
Gamers Unite! Every Monday, 3 – 5 p.m. Do you love video games or board games? Challenge your friends to a Wii or Xbox challenge or choose from one of our many board games.
Teen Crafternoons Every Tuesday, 3 – 5 p.m. Do you love to make things? Come to the library every Tuesday for an afternoon of crafting. The library will supply materials and you can create whatever you like! 28
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Teens having fun with “Just Dance”
Trading Card and Anime Youth Advisory Council Club Meetings Every Friday, 3 – 5 p.m. Like Pokemon and YuGi-Oh? Join us on Friday afternoons for casual trading card games with your fellow teens.
After Hours Movie Night Fridays, April 5, May 3, 5 – 7 p.m. Join us the first Friday of the month for a special movie night in the Teen Room AFTER the library closes! Check our website or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ ptlibraryteens) for movie selections.
Culinary Creations Saturdays, April 20, May 18 11 a.m. - Noon Join us to make some delicious treats at the library. All supplies will be provided. Make sure to come hungry!
Saturdays, April 6, May 4 11 a.m. – Noon Looking for volunteer hours or leadership opportunities? Come to the monthly meetings of the library’s Youth Advisory Council, and help your library serve you better! We meet the first Saturday of the month.
Teen Book Club Saturdays, April 6: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson; May 4: Th1rteen R3easons Why by Jay Asher Noon – 12:45 p.m. Meet with friends to discuss a fun book that was voted on by the Teen Advisory Council. Books will not necessarily follow a particular theme but will be what YOU voted to read! Check our website or Facebook page for details! Want us to email you the book we choose? Email readerserviceslibrarian@ ptlibrary.org to sign up for our teen e-newsletter! Keep checking our Facebook page for summer selections!
Thursday, April 18, 7 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Caitlin Vancas, Public Relations Director of the Better Business Bureau of Western PA Many people are confident they would never fall for a scam, but the truth is that savvy Americans across all demographics are targeted by investment scams. According to a national telephone survey, only 44% of respondents received a passing grade on a basic financial literacy knowledge test. Your Better Business Bureau (BBB) hopes to change this statistic as we join forces with FINRA Investor Education Foundation to provide resources and tools to help thwart investment scams and fraudsters. Join us for an educational program to identify tips for outsmarting investment fraud and protecting your money. Educational brochures and giveaways will be provided to attendees.
The Affordable Care Act – At a Glance Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – Noon Panelists: Jerry M. Bonenberger, Senior Account Executive at BABB, Inc; Patricia Raffaele, Vice President, Advocacy & Communications at the Hospital Council of Western PA; PA State Senator Matt Smith, Representative of the 37th Senatorial District Hosted by: the League of Women Voters in Washington County, the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce, and the Peters Township Public Library Through a panel discussion format, this program about the Affordable Care Act will provide
Reading, Rec & More
Adult Programs For all free programs, please register at the library’s circulation desk, call 724.941.9430, online at the library’s website (www.ptlibrary.org) through EventKeeper or by email at programs@ptlibrary.org (please include name of program, name of participant, and phone number). For those programs with fees, registration must be completed in person at the circulation desk; registration is not complete until payment has been received. basic information about the parts of the law that will take effect in 2014 and explain the new way individuals, families, and small businesses will be able to get health insurance. Whether you are uninsured or currently have coverage, you will learn how to explore your new options for insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Small business owners can hear a reap of provisions already in effect, the impact of future provisions, and the actions needed to maintain compliance. Learn more about “Exchanges” – organizations where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase health insurance. Light refreshments will be served.
An Earth Day Film Screening: Dirt! The Movie Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m. To celebrate Earth Day, the PTPL GO Green Club will host a screening of the film Dirt! The Movie. The film is an insightful and timely film that tells the story of the glorious and unappreciated material beneath our feet. One teaspoon of dirt contains a billion organisms working in remarkable balance to maintain and sustain a series of complex, thriving communities that impact our daily lives. Dirt! The Movie takes a humorous and substantial look into the history and current state of the living organic matter that we come from and will later return to.
The Steelers Encyclopedia Author Talk Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 – 8:15 p.m. Presented by: Chuck Finder, author of The Steelers Encyclopedia Join us as Chuck Finder discusses his recently published book The Steelers Encyclopedia. Chuck Finder was a sportswriter and columnist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for 25 years and
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covered the Steelers in Super Bowls XXX, XL, and XLIII. He will be sharing Steelers history through first-hand accounts! Copies of The Steelers Encyclopedia will be available for purchase at the reduced rate of $22. To “kick off” this special event, we will be hosting a Tailgate Party in the library! There will be lots of fun for the whole family!
Book Talk: Bill Mauldin: a Life Up Front Thursday, May 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Presented by: Todd DePastino As a tribute to veterans and in cooperation with the Memorial Park Post 764 VFW, please join us for an illustrated talk on the great World War II cartoonist Bill Mauldin, an army infantry sergeant who rocketed to fame at age 22 with his wildly popular feature “Up Front.” Week after week, Mauldin defied army censors, German artillery, and General George Patton’s pledge to throw him in jail for insubordination to deliver his grim depictions of war to “Stars and Stripes” and hundreds of homefront newspapers. Readers followed the stories of Willie and Joe, two wise-cracking ‘dogfaces’ whose mud-caked uniforms and pidgin of army slang and slum dialect bore eloquent witness to the world of combat and the men who lived – and died – in it. We have never viewed war in the same way since. Copies of Bill Mauldin: a Life Up Front will be available for purchase at the reduced rate of $10 after the program; light refreshments will also be provided. Todd has written three other books and has a Ph.D. in American History from Yale University. He teaches at Waynesburg University where in 2008 he won the LucasHathaway Award for Teaching Excellence. He is collaborating with Wind and Stars Production Group to write and co-produce a documentary film on Bill Mauldin to be aired on public television in 2015. Todd DePastino is founder and executive director of the Veterans Breakfast Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to sharing veterans’ stories with the public.
www.ptlibrary.org 724.941.9430 Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
Reading, Rec & More
Adult Programs (cont.)
Jump Start Your College Financial Aid Planning Thursday, May 16, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Jayeann Harr, Higher Education Access Partner for SW Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency This new program is geared toward parents of students in elementary and middle school who would like to learn more about the college financial aid process, the programs for aid that are currently available, and how to apply for scholarships. This overview will help you gain an understanding of your options to fund your child’s education, well before the critical high school years.
Speak Chinese in Just 2 Hours! Ages: 10 and older Sunday, May 19, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $15 Instructor: Barbara Chen, M.Ed. (native Chinese speaker) As China rises in the world as an economic powerhouse, some knowledge of the Chinese language can be beneficial for future career opportunities. This workshop will help you grasp a basic understanding of some important Chinese phrases and will help break the ice with a Chinese counterpart. It will also help demystify some aspects of the Chinese language.
Sign Language Introduction for Young Adults/Adults Ages: 9th grade and older 6 weeks, June 3 – July 8 Mondays, 7 – 8 p.m. Cost: $30 Instructors: Erin Campion, M.Ed. (foreign languages), Rachel Campion (deaf/fluent ASL speaker) Join us for an introduction to sign language, ASL, and aspects of deaf culture. Students will learn to use their eyes, face, and hands to communicate. The class will be fun, educational, and paced for learners of all ages and skills.
Peters Township Public Library awarded grant to host programs in commemoration of 150 years of the Civil War Civil War 150: Exploring the War and Its Meaning Through the Words of Those Who Lived It Discussion Series facilitated by Dr. Elaine Frantz Parsons Civil War 150 is a national public programming initiative designed to encourage public exploration of the transformative impact and contested meanings of the Civil War through primary documents and firsthand accounts. This project is presented by The Library of America in partnership with The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Session topics and dates include: Sunday, May 5, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Discussion topics: Secession and Union; Reckoning with the War (Civil War Readers provided) Limit: 25 participants (high school graduates and older) Sunday, June 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Discussion topics: The Experience of Battle; From Slavery to Freedom (Civil War Readers provided) Limit: 25 participants (high school graduates and older) Thursday, July 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Topic: Why did the Klan Wear Bizarre Costumes? Presented by: Dr. Elaine Frantz Parsons Limit: 80 participants Materials for the programs will be available at no charge to participants. Four Civil War Readers are part of the program resources available through the Gilder Lehrman Institute in partnership with The Library of America and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dr. Elaine Parsons, Civil War Scholar and Associate Professor of History at Duquesne University will facilitate the programs. She is currently compiling a book about the Ku Klux Klan entitled Constructing the Kuklux: The Ku Klux Klan and the Modernization of the Reconstruction-Era South A separate registration is required for each of the three free programs. Register to attend any of these programs at the circulation desk, by telephone, or by email at programs@ptlibrary.org
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ONGOING PROGRAMS For more information, please see the library’s website.
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Afternoon Book Club for Adults
Cooking Club
3rd Wednesday of every month, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
1st Thursday of the month, 7 – 8:45 p.m. Cost: $5 per meeting (collected at each meeting) to defray the cost of food samples and plates/utensils. Questions? Please email the club at ptplcookingclub@gmail.com.
Evening Book Club for Adults 2nd Wednesday of every month, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Laughter Club
Mystery Book Club for Adults
Thursday, March 21, 10 – 11 a.m. (upcoming dates in 2013: June 20, September 19, December 19) Facilitator: Julie Ann Sullivan, Certified Laughter Leader
Last Wednesday of every month, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Writer’s Workshop Mondays, 7 – 9 p.m. OR Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Cost: $20 per month The Writer’s Workshop meets weekly at the library and focuses on writing for children and teenagers.
Adult Writing Workshop 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Leader: Linda Foltz Adult writers of all skill levels and genres are welcome.
World War II Discussion Group Last Wednesday of every month 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. A monthly discussion series featuring topics pertaining to World War II. New members always welcome!
GO Green Club 3rd Monday of the month, 7 – 8:45 p.m. For more information or to join the club please email ptplgogreenclub@gmail.com or call 724.941.9430.
Coupon Club
All computer classes cost $5 (unless otherwise noted), and require basic mouse and keyboarding skills. There is a limit of 12 students per class, unless otherwise noted. Computer classes are scheduled on Tuesdays from 7 – 8:45 p.m.
Burning CDs
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 – 8 p.m. Questions about the club? Email ptplcouponingclub@gmail.com.
April 16 Limit: 10
Beading Club 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6 – 8 p.m. Ages: 12 and up Instructor: Karen Krohner of Beads 2 Wear
Photo Club 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7 – 9 p.m. Cost: $15 (annual dues)
“Roots” Genealogy Club
Internet Assisted Job Search April 23
Basic Graphics April 30 Limit: 10
Protecting Your Computer May 7 Limit: 10
2nd Tuesday of the month, 1 – 3 p.m. Facilitator: Cathy Pigford
Doing Research on the Web
Wii Sports for Seniors
Getting the Most Out of E-mail
Every Monday, 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon
May 14
May 21
PowerPoint Presentations May 28
Arts Programs Introduction to Crochet
Computer Programs
Join us for a 4-week class to learn the basics of this old, now-new-again art of 4 weeks, April 1 – 22 and/or April 29 – crochet. We’ll enjoy learning about the May 20 originality of this craft and see how to Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Cost: $30 per 4-week session (includes a use it in decorative and creative ways start-up kit with crochet hook and yarn) that are limited only by your imagination. It’s not just about afghans! Instructor: Cathy Layton
Basic Excel Spreadsheets 1 June 4
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
Canonsburg Lake
C el e b r a t e s Years 70
Spring festivities pay tribute to Canonsburg Lake
We’ve come a long way since 2010, when we shared with you two diverse photographs of Canonsburg Lake; one showing the beauty and serenity of the Lake, and the other highlighting the unfortunate deterioration. Celebrate the progress we have already made and the efforts coming ahead by bringing your friends, family and neighbors to two upcoming fundraising events: Monday, April 29, 7 - 9 p.m. at the Table Lakeside restaurant; and Monday, June 3, 7 – 9 p.m. at the Juniper Grill. 100% of the $40 per person contribution 32 724.942.0940 to advertise |
for each event will go towards saving the Lake. These events will provide an opportunity to enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, appetizers, and good times with others who value Canonsburg Lake as a wonderful community resource and desire to “save it” for future generations.
What progress has already been made?
Last year, a $2 million project to stabilize Canonsburg Dam was completed. This effort was overseen by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and a state H20 grant. The design was completed by Michael Baker
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Jr. Inc. and included high capacity rock anchors, incorporation of a low level outlet and replacement of the training wall in order to remove the dam from the state’s list of unsafe dams. The stabilization of the dam is one component of an effort to maintain and improve the Lake which over the past 70 years has suffered from the accumulation of silt, resulting in diminished fish spawning due to reduced water depth and changes in habitat. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 2008 reports indicated that samples of water quality showed that it was good and did not contain mercury or radioactive materials.
What great news for fishermen!
What’s happening next?
Now that the stabilization of the dam is complete, Michael Baker Jr. Inc. is continuing to work with “The Canonsburg Lake Restoration & Improvement Committee” and has moved on to the next phase which is to plan and execute the most cost-effective and efficient way to remove deposited silt from the Lake which will restore degraded areas and ensure the future health and habitats in and around the Lake. This phase is likely to take some Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
time to implement the full project, although smaller phases are being developed to help start the project this year. As these phases are being completed, “hands-on” volunteers will be recruited to help transform areas around the Lake. It is likely that during this anniversary year, you will see visible progress.
What can you do?
Pack your fishing gear, kayak, and binoculars and enjoy the beauty of the Lake. Next, please send your donation to “Save Canonsburg Lake,” WCWA, 760 Lakeside Drive, McMurray, PA 15317, so that improvements to the Lake can continue. Visit our updated website: www.savecanonsburglake.org.
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Princess Ball Photos by Primetime Shots
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To see more photos of this event, visit facebook.com/icmags
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Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
Peters Township High School Hosts First Student Leadership Consortium By Matthew J. Fascetti
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uthor Bo Bennett said, “Without initiative, leaders are simply workers in leadership positions.” The Peters Township Student Executive Council wanted to make sure they were doing the best they could for their school, so they took the initiative to start the student leadership consortium. The Student Executive Council consists of class officers and student council members. This group collectively came up with the idea to branch out and collaborate with other school districts about how student leadership is handled in their district, issues that affect their school and how they tackle these issues. After reaching out to local districts, they received a great response and a conference was planned. The inaugural conference took place on February 28th at Peters Township High School. Student leaders attended from Elizabeth Forward, Mt. Lebanon, North Hills, Peters Township, Quaker Valley, Ringgold, South Fayette, South Park and Upper St. Clair. Chase Maszle, a senior leader at Peters Township High School who built the website for the Student Leadership Consortium, thought the conference was a great first step. “It was great to meet student leaders from other schools and share ideas,” he said. “I learned a great deal from everyone that came to the conference. It was amazing to see how every school district’s student government is run completely differently.” Students handled most everything dealing with the conference, from the website, to registration, to talking points. The conference was broken down into two breakout sessions as follows.
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1st Breakout Session – Positions in Student Government:
Breakdown of office, how it typically acts, what it works on, and how each school handles their specific position. The following positions were covered: • President (of class or student council or other leadership group) • Vice President* • Secretary* • Treasurer • Other
2nd Breakout Session – Students’ Interest in their School:
The students were divided to collaborate and share ideas with other districts student leaders with the same interests. The goal was to maximize collaboration, idea sharing, and diversity. The second breakout session covered the following interests: • Technology (teacher/student demonstrations for implementation of technology, bring you own device student tech support, etc.) • Gatherings (assemblies, pep rallies, large school events, etc.) • Character (promoting good character through the use of student projects, drug and violence prevention, etc.) • Elections (coordinates election process for becoming a student government leader) • Interconnectedness (shares student ideas, advocates for certain projects that unify students through the year)
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The conference was such a success that plans have already begun to have another one next year; Elizabeth Forward will be hosting. Christian Lesnett, Assistant Principal at Peters Township High School, is proud of the students. “It was wonderful to see students take the initiative to start the Student Leadership Consortium,” Lesnett said. “At our school, we want to empower students to do the leading. In order to do that, you have to give them power.” Lesnett also stated that he acts in a coaching role to his schools’ Student Executive Council; helping them with any questions or concerns they have, and guiding their endeavors, but allowing them to discuss and tackle problems on their own. An example of this was parents at a middle school PTSA meeting said they wanted training on social media. Lesnett handed it to the technology committee, explained what the parents were looking for, and the committee went to work putting together a tremendous learning session that included hands-on learning on the various social media sites using iPads. Lesnett adds, “We teach reading, writing, math and all the core classes very well. But we think it is important to learn beyond the classroom, and learning responsibility and leadership is a big part of that.” As long as we have dedicated, responsible students willing to work hard and take the initiative to make a difference, and we have teachers and administrators with the knowledge and thoughtfulness to guide them, the future is very bright. For more information about the Student Leadership Consortium, please visit www.paslc.weebly.com.
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
Peters Township High School Wins Fencing Division Championship and Earns National Ranking By Matthew J. Fascetti
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fter only four years of competition, the Peters Township High School fencing team has achieved great success, once again winning their league and achieving a national ranking. The team is made up of eight students; five boys and three girls. There are also seven students in the junior high that are allowed to practice, but not to compete. Team members include Joshua Bowman (Overall Captain and team MVP), Kenny Dodson (foil captain), Andrea Bryan (girls foil captain), Josh Larimer (epée captain), Christopher Laster, Ferderick Smith, Marska Usouski and Anna Zerkle. The team is coached by Elmira Ioultchieva, a foreign Russia Olympic coach and her son, Tim. Having such an experienced and knowledgeable coach has helped the team grow quickly. Team Captain Joshua Bowman played a big role in getting fencing started at the high school. When he was a little kid, he would grab every object he could find and would use it as a sword. It would eventually
turn into a passion. At age nine, he began competing at Tiger Fencing Club, which competes out of the Ukranian Orthodox Church in Carnegie. Ioultchieva coached Tiger Fencing, and once it became a high school sport at Peters Township, she agreed to coach the team. The team has ascended very well in four years. The first year they were just happy to compete, then in year two they won their division and placed second in the league. In year three they won the league, and this past season they won the league again. They compete in the Interscholastic Fencing Association along with Central and Oakland Catholic, Fox Chapel, Pine Richland, Upper St. Clair, Winchester Thurston, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township and Seton-La Salle. The foil season lasts from mid-January to the end of March; the épée season starts in April and lasts four weeks. There are the three weapons used
The team: Frederick Smith, Coach Elmira Ioultchieva, Christopher Laster; Assistant Coach Tim Ioultchieva, Foil Captain Kenny Dodson, Team Captain and League MVP, Joshua Bowman and Epee Captain Joshua Larimer.
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in fencing: foil, sabre and épée. The weapon used also affects the match. Foil is a light thrusting weapon that targets the torso, neck, and groin, including the back, but not the arms. Touches are scored only with the tip; hits with the side of the blade do not count, and do not halt the action. Touches that land outside of the target area (off-target) stop the action, and are not scored. Only a single hit can be scored by either fencer at one time. If both fencers hit at the same time, the referee uses the rules of “right of way” to determine which fencer gets the point. If both fencers begin their attack at the same time, neither fencer scores a point. The hand guard on the foil is small circle that only serves to protect the hand from direct stabs. Sabre is a light cutting and thrusting weapon that targets the entire body above the waist, excluding the hands. Hits with the edges of the blade or the point are valid. As in foil, touches that land outside of the target area are not scored. However, unlike foil,
these off-target touches do not stop the action, and the fencing continues. In the case of both fencers landing a scoring touch, the referee determines which fencer receives the point for the action, again through the use of “right of way,” The hand guard on the saber extends from pommel to the base of where the blade connects to the hilt. This is generally turned outwards during sport to protect the sword arm. Épée is a heavier thrusting weapon that targets the entire body. All hits must be with the tip and not the sides of the blade. Touches hit by the side of the blade do not halt the action. Unlike foil and sabre, épée does not use “right of way,” and allows simultaneous hits by both fencers. However, if the score is tied at the last point and a double touch is scored, nobody is awarded the point. The hand guard on the épée is a large circle that extends towards the pommel, effectively covering the hand. Fencing is a sport that takes athleticism, agility and the ability to shift your weight quickly and effectively. Often girls take to the sport faster because of dancing and tumbling backgrounds, whereas boys tend to want to use brute strength when they first begin, which is not generally effective in fencing. Fencing is a centuries-old sport that is still gaining popularity in the United States. Hopefully more area students will learn for themselves how fun fencing can be. Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
Peters Township shines at NHD-Pitt Competition P
eters Township’s youngest history enthusiasts made their presence known at the March 2nd and 3rd regional competition of the National History Day contest, known as NHD-Pitt. Twenty-eight middle school and high school students were among the 529 contestants who gathered at the Heinz History Center for this event. History Day is an opportunity for students to present historical papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, and original website designs pertaining to an annual theme. Entries this year focused on the theme of “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas and Events.” Fourteen Peters Township students returned from NHD-Pitt with medals, and in some cases cash awards. The next level of competition, NHD in PA, is slated for May 3-4, 2013 at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, PA.
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Winners in the 2013 Regional Competition First Place Awards Joshua Bowman, Joshua Larimer & Jason Lee, Grade 12 Senior Group Documentary Entry Title: Fighting Lead with Lies: How Deception was the Turning Point for Allied Victory in Europe Nicholas Wolk, Grade 9 Senior Individual Exhibit Entry Title: The Battle of Actium: Rome versus Rome Olivia Castellone, Grade 8 Junior Individual Exhibit Entry Title: Sex, Sports, and Segregation: Title IX in Action Second Place Awards Nick Larimer & Ryan Williams, Grade 10 Senior Group Documentary Entry Title: East Wind, Rain: Was knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack a turning point in U.S. involvement in World War II? Shreya Sharma & Angela Roberts, Grade 8 Junior Group Performance Entry Title: The Sounds of Silence: Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring Third Place Awards Jeff Bergman, Grade 12 Senior Historical Paper Entry Title: The Gilded Illusion of Bretton Woods: The Turning Point in Global Monetary Policy Delaney Wehn, Grade 10 Senior Individual Exhibit Entry Title: Division and Destruction of the “Dark” Continent Danielle Vulcano & Adianna Williams, Grade 8 Junior Group Exhibit Entry Title: “Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down this Wall” Morgan Malencia, Grade 8 Junior Individual Website Entry Title: The First Modern Olympics Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
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Peters Girls Lacrosse Top of Game
t was the first day of lacrosse season at Peters Township School District, and more than 100 students were signed up for tryouts for the girls and boys lacrosse teams. While talking with a district visitor that day, Peters Athletic Director Brian Geyer thought of how the sport had grown so popular in the past several years. Part of that popularity was due to the WPIAL recognizing lacrosse a decade ago as one of the sports it governed, Geyer said. But the A.D. attributed a lot of the sport’s popularity in the district to an early start in lacrosse training for students. Combined with off-season, “open gym” skill, strength and endurance sessions run by coaches to help students practice skills, Peters athletes have a continuous supply of practice and teaching in the sport, during which they also have ample time to bond with players whom they will be teammates of through high school. Starting with fourth graders in the district, volunteers teach lacrosse skills to the young athletes. The sport is originally a Native American
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Peters Township
By Jonathan Barnes
activity and historically has been much more popular on the East Coast than in the Midwest or on the West Coast. But in Peters, by sixth grade students are playing competitive lacrosse games with each other. Combined with the district’s Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity lacrosse teams, the consistent training in the sports appears to be bringing winning results. The Peters Girls Lacrosse team had another outstanding season last year, culminating in the team beating Pine-Richland Girls Lacrosse 21-19, to take the WPIAL championship. It was the team’s fifth WPIAL victory. Lacrosse has come to Western Pennsylvania in a big way, and is still growing in popularity. “It’s a great sport for kids, especially girls, to get recruited to play in college. The numbers of kids playing lacrosse haven’t reached soccer levels yet,” Geyer said. The sport is definitely growing each year in this area, Peters Girls Lacrosse Coach Kristin Slemmer said. A native of Philadelphia, Slemmer
said the sport is more popular there than it is here. In her fourth year as head coach for Peters, Slemmer, 27, played lacrosse while attending college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and was a four-year athlete there. It appears that others are like Slemmer, bringing their talents to plant a love of lacrosse in students’ hearts. A lot of former college players are coaching in this area, and some are starting club teams, Slemmer said. Unlike in boys lacrosse, where players hit or “check” each other with their bodies and wear helmets and shoulder pads, girls lacrosse only allows checking with players’ sticks, and players don’t wear pads or helmets. One key difference could make girls lacrosse harder in its own way: the pocket on the end of girls’ sticks is smaller than the boys’ and thus more difficult to use because it’s harder to catch the ball. Without respect to gender, it seems the sport’s speed, requisite player skills, and the aggressiveness needed to play the game appeals to every player in her own way. Judging from the fast-forward play of the team, you might guess correctly that the attitude comes straight from the top. “A lot of the girls on the team have the natural instinct to be aggressive and cause turnovers. I also push them to be aggressive,” Slemmer said. “But it’s learning how to balance the good and bad aggressive types of play.” The strength of aggressiveness in the players can quickly become a weakness if it results in mistakes, which cost the team. “We need to work on controlling the game,” Slemmer said. “We’re an aggressive team, so we get a lot of fouls.” This season will be a rebuilding year for the team, with special work needed to reinvigorate its defense. The team lost leading players from last year’s squad, including Isabella Dignazio (defense) and Sarah Bootman (midfield). Now, the team will put more weight on this year’s seniors, including leading players Hannah Wilcox (midfield), Caitlin Carey (midfield), Katie Denning (defense), and Hannah Dray (defense). Slemmer expects a lot from her team this season. “We should be a very competitive team this year. It’s mostly our defense we’re trying to rebuild; our offense is pretty much the same,” she said. Peters will face experienced competitors in section play including Mount Lebanon, Shadyside Academy, Upper Saint Clair, Oakland Catholic and Seton LaSalle. Mt. Lebanon and Shadyside Academy should prove to be two of the toughest section teams for Peters to beat. A casual observer might think that Peters girls lacrosse has just been incredibly lucky to get so many talented players together at once, all of them on the same team, but the team’s coach would argue that their success had little to do with luck. In fact, the wins are based in something much more practical and less fanciful. “I have a lot of dedicated girls who play out of season, and have the stick in their hands in the summer, by being involved with lacrosse clubs,” Slemmer said.
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 45
O
ften we have a military veteran and his/her family come to see us about planning for long-term nursing home care. Since the average cost of a nursing home in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is approximately $8,400 a month, many individuals have a great concern about how to pay, find, and obtain care, should they become sick. The unfortunate reality is that, insurance pays for very little of the cost and for only a maximum of 100 days. A recent situation arose in our office in which a veteran had been staying in a rehabilitation facility and his family was starting to look into nursing home care. During our meeting, we learned that he had a disability rated at 80 percent, and that he and his family anticipated paying out of pocket for his nursing care, which on average costs around $8,400 a month. The Department of Veterans Affairs identifies the disability rating as the “average detriment to earning capacity” resulting from the disability or disease. The ratings are assigned in 10% increments, ranging from 10% to 100% disabled. A higher disability rating indicates the veteran has a more severe disability, and therefore receives a higher monthly compensation payment. If this sounds like you or someone you know, it is important to understand the
Free Nursing Home Care for Qualified Disabled Veterans
options qualified disabled veterans have for nursing care. Under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act, the cost of a veteran’s nursing home care will be paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs if: • The veteran requires nursing home care for a service-connected disability, or • The veteran requires nursing home care and has a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more.
If the veteran qualifies under either scenario, the next step is to enroll for Veterans Affairs health benefits. After enrolling in the Veterans Affairs health system, the veteran should set an appointment at a VA Medical Center. At this appointment, the veteran and his/her family will meet with a primary care physician to discuss the veteran’s needs and desires. Usually the veteran will receive nursing home care at a VA nursing facility located on the campus of the medical center. However, if the VA nursing facility reaches its patient capacity, the veteran will receive nursing home care from one of a number of VA-contracted, privatelyrun, local nursing home facilities. Veterans requiring nursing home care for a service-connected condition or a veteran rated 70 percent or more have mandatory eligibility for admission to extended care services; and, those veterans are eligible to have indefinite care provided to them in the VA or in a VA contracted nursing home. Our client now understands that he has the option of obtaining the nursing home care he needs while saving around $8,400 in out-of-pocket expenses every month. With this option, he is still able to make the gifts and cover the other expenses he has, while receiving high quality nursing home care. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs has made these and other health care benefits available to qualified veterans. Lastly, it is important to realize that over time a veteran’s disability may become worse or a new disability may affect the veteran’s way of life. If a veteran feels their VA disability rating should be raised, the veteran should submit the proper paperwork to apply for an increase in their VA disability rating. A veteran receiving benefits may file VA Form 21-4138 to request a new evaluation if he or she develops a new disability or disease connected to his/her service, or if he or she finds his/her condition worsening. The VA may then increase the veteran’s disability rating and therefore increase the monthly compensation, and allow for the cost of a veteran’s nursing home care to be paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Christine Brown Murphy is a partner with the elder law firm of Zacharia & Brown, PC. Zacharia & Brown is one of the oldest, most established elder law firms in Western Pennsylvania. Their practice includes life care planning for seniors, elder law, Medicaid & Veterans Benefits eligibility, nursing home asset protection, care review and advocacy, and estate planning and administration. Contact information: www.PittsburghElderLaw.com, 724.942.6200, 111 West McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.
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business
spotlight
Patio Concepts – The Finest Furnishings for Outdoor Living
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f you plan to transform your backyard into the outdoor room of your dreams, you’re not going to find the perfect matching furniture at a local big box store. That’s where Patio Concepts comes in. With unparalleled customer service and attention to detail, Bob Drescher, CEO, and Doug Stone, General Manager, work one-to-one to ensure that the furniture or fire pit you choose meets your unique tastes, needs and budget. Customers are no longer purchasing just a table and chairs for outside dining. Those are almost secondary anymore. They are creating spaces that are extensions of their living rooms and kitchens for lounging, relaxing and visiting. The outdoor room is the gathering spot, just as the kitchen is indoors. Patio Concepts offers a great selection of comfortable deep seating pieces that make it possible for people to spend just as much time entertaining outdoors as they do indoors. Conveniently located at 2500 Washington Road in Canonsburg, Patio Concepts has been in business for over 15 years, and carries lines such as Agio, Gensun, Patio Renaissance, North Cape Internationals, Gloster, Poly-wood and Telescope, to name a few. “All of our brands are designed to be very low maintenance so they can be easily maintained by the homeowner, typically just by washing off with a hose,” Stone said. “Materials we offer include extruded and cast aluminum, wicker, which is very popular these days, and high-end woods such as epay or teak. These woods are very dense, and also require minimum maintenance. Our furniture is designed to last for up to 30 years, and many pieces are customizable to whatever our customers want. Our ability to work individually with customers and meet their specific needs allows us to stand out. Much of our business is custom order, special fabrics, special finishes, pretty much whatever our customers want, we do. Custom orders can be delivered as quickly as two to four weeks.” Patio Concepts also carries fire pits so you can enjoy your patio longer into the evening and during the colder seasons. “Our most popular fire pits are 42- to 54-inch diameter, and frequently include a seating chat group around them with four, ultra-comfortable swivel rocking lounge chairs,” Stone said. “Propane models are the most popular, and the faux, granite and aluminum finishes make your patio stand out. We also offer wood burning fire pits as well, affordably priced at $1,200.” And don’t forget about matching accessories, such as patio umbrellas in multiple sizes, shapes, fabrics and colors, to shade you and your guests from the hot summer sun. Patio Concepts has those covered for you as well. For more information on Patio Concepts, visit their Canonsburg showroom at 2500 Washington Road, near Cardello Electric, where you can see the quality and custom options for your patio needs, or call them at 724.745.5061. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m.
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
The Champs are Here!
PT Select Basketball Team Has 40 Win Season The Peters Township 6th Grade Boys Travel Basketball Team, known as PT Select, finished its season as Champions and won a total of 40 games. PT Select ended its memorable season by winning the Chartiers Valley League Tournament – a miniature version of the NCAA tournament and March Madness. PT Select’s also won its own Holiday tournament and the Pine Richland Tournament during the regular season. In just one season, these group of boys learned how to work hard, compete and win - in that order. They now can call themselves champions. 1....2....3....Beast Mode!!! Congratulations to the players of PT Select! Keeno Arrington • Brendan Brady Jakob Cervenak • Joe Ehland Gabe Maloni • Thomas Melonja Dax Ploskina • Alex Recker Christian Verner • Jim Weldon Josh Wise Photo by Teri Clements at Tri-Color Photography- tricolorphotos@comcast.net
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Head Coach Keenan Holmes Asst. Coach Jeff Verner
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 49
Hollywood Casting Director Got His Start in Peters Township High School Drama Productions
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eters Township High School Alumni Brett Benner, like many aspiring young actors, set out to make his mark on the Hollywood stage. Now, more than 20 years into his career, he has certainly done that, but not by appearing on the big screen. Benner found a perfect fit as a casting director and is a partner in the successful Romano/Benner casting agency, which he co-founded in 1999. They specialize in television series and pilot casting and currently are the casting directors for “Cougar Town” with Courtney Cox, and “Last Man Standing” starring Tim Allen. Other prominent shows they have casted include “Scrubs” for nine years and “One Tree Hill” for eight seasons. The more visible entertainment roles in Hollywood entertainment include actors, writers, producers, and directors, and casting is often undervalued or misunderstood. Good casting is one of the key foundations to the success of any show, movie, or production and can make or break even the best directors and producers. The process begins with the selection of actors for new pilot programs. Early in the year, the major networks usually develop nine or ten new comedies and as many new dramas to pilot in the fall, of which only a few will actually air. Casting the series regulars, or main characters, is the first step and some shows are even written with the leading actor or actress included such as “Cougar Town,” of which Courtney Cox is also one of the producers. After the regulars are selected, the work of the casting director is far from over. Each episode of the show contains many different actors that need to be cast as well as any special guest stars that appear for one to several episodes of the show. The week-toweek casting is done about two weeks in
By Tracy Fedkoe
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Peters Township
advance, but delays happen often, leaving the casting director screening through sometimes 40 to 50 people in one day. “Most of the time you know very quickly. There are a lot of bad actors out there going for every part and many don’t look anything like their pictures,” said Benner, adding a little humor. Like everything in Hollywood, the business is highly competitive and “your job security is only as good as your next show,” noted Benner.
Brett Benner filming an episode of Cougar Town
Unlike production and all of the functions of the stage set, there really is no direct career path or major when it comes to casting. But Brett Benner got there in a roundabout way and couldn’t be happier. “I knew I wanted to be in the entertainment business and once I got into casting, I realized it was very creative and you can even make a living,” said Benner. Benner was president of the Thespians Group at Peters Township High School and appeared in many of the musicals and plays throughout his high school career. At that time, Peters was producing five shows per year which gave students the opportunity to be involved in acting, production, set design, lighting and more. “They have an amazing program there. It was a great experience and based on that, I knew I wanted to act,” said Benner. Retired Peters Township Drama Director Barry Wood remembers Brett well. “He loved it and was an outstanding young actor who could do heavy drama as well as comedy. It was in his blood,” said Wood. After high school, Benner went to CMU and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting before heading to New York for two years where he appeared in several soap operas. His career aspirations took him to Los Angeles a few years later and he attended The Groundlings, LA’s school for improvisational comedy, with graduates including Will Farrell, Lisa Kudrow and Mike Meyers. One of his professors there was also a casting director at one of the larger casting firms, Liberman/Hirschfeld, and Brett got his start there as an assistant. Benner was a natural and was quickly promoted to associate and became casting director on “The Drew Carey Show” as well as “The Norm Show” for ABC. When the company was going through reorganization, he teamed up with his co-worker Debby Romano and
they took the plunge to open their own casting company. They got their first break with the casting of the critically praised but little seen series “Action” on FOX, starring Jay Mohr. From there, they met producer Bill Lawrence who had written a script for NBC called “Scrubs,” a new medical comedy. “We were young and clueless, and didn’t realize how lucky we were,” said Benner. The show ran for nine seasons on two networks and Brett was nominated for three Emmy awards during that time and won the Casting Society of America’s Artios Award for Outstanding Comedy Pilot Casting. While sad to end their run with “Scrubs,” Brett Benner and Debby Romano have many more current and future challenges ahead of them. Working on several pilots for the fall, they also have their steady shows “Last Man Standing” and “Cougar Town,” which Brett with his mom Aldine Benner in they expect to return for California another season. Benner attributes much of his success in casting to his acting background and familiarity with the industry from the other side. He often
Brett with partner Chip Sellers and their children Ryan and Madeline in Nova Scotia
reads with many of the actors during screenings. “We’re always looking for fresh people and everyone is fighting for the same actors,” he said. While there are many crazy times trying to get everything done by deadline when they don’t get scripts on time, Benner enjoys the excitement and constantly changing nature of his career. The best part, he said, is “Seeing a new actor get a break and watching their lives completely change.” After reading hundreds of actors for the regulars on “Scrubs,” he only recommended young Zach Braff who got his first big break as Dr. J.D. Dorian for the show’s nine seasons. When the producer asked him to read for a part, Benner appeared in an episode of “Cougar Town” that aired on January 15, 2013. While acting is in his background, he no longer has any interest in doing that as a career. “It’s an incredibly brutal business for actors. There are so many emotional ups and downs,” he added. With his busy career and a family with two children in California, Brett doesn’t get back to Peters Township much, however his Pittsburgh family loves to come and visit him in California and he still remembers his Peters Township roots where he developed his love for the entertainment industry. Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 51
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Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 53
The Real Truth T
here are more than 3,000 dog food brands in this country. That’s a lot of choices. It is also a multi-billion dollar industry, so corporate America knows there is a lot of money to be made. All of these companies know that as the human-animal bond grows, consumers are more likely to treat their furry friends like people; and those who market pet food know that this means we want to feed our beloved pets more and more like humans. But here is a VERY important fact: Nutritionally speaking, dogs are not humans with fur. I’m hoping that if I touch upon a few misconceptions, you will be able to make better decisions. As a veterinary doctor I insist that facts govern decision making. When they are used, they are to be scientifically proven. For instance, double blind studies with controls, placeboes, and statistics are important components when testing any product. Scientific facts do not come from people who are trying to sell you something, like the pet store clerk, who knows they make a greater margin on certain brands or may have an excess of one brand in the stock room. Facts do not come from a manufacturer’s sales representative who has been secretly planted in the aisles of a pet food store, armed with rehearsed speeches, while you are shopping for a competitor’s product. Facts rarely come from the website of the dog food company’s own web site. Facts do not come from an online blog that is really controlled by a dog food company. Lastly, facts do not come from a breeder who once got lucky and hit the genetic lottery which won them an award at Westminster. Let me show you how easy it is to mislead. “Pardon me, Mrs. Smith did you notice that bag of dog food you just put into your cart does not have any vitamin C in the ingredients list? We also know that vitamin C comes from fruit and I do not see any fruit on your pet food bag’s ingredients list. Look at our brand, it says right here, 20 mg of vitamin C in every cup! We all know how important vitamin C is for our immune system. That
about Pet Food label also has words like chicken meal, and chicken-by-products; that is disgusting! Our label just says chicken. Worst of all, do you see that it has CORN? Do you know some dogs are allergic to corn? Our product does not have any corn whatsoever.” Actually, vitamin C does not need to be ingested by cats and dogs at all. Their liver can manufacture this important vitamin entirely on its own from other raw materials in their food, a virtual necessity for animals that are primarily carnivores. Pet food labels are governed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), not the FDA (unless it is a prescription pet food, then it is regulated by the FDA and the rules become much stricter because it is seen as a drug). Prescription pet food has to have a proven therapeutic effect, which is a big reason why it is so much more expensive. AAFCO defines “chicken” on a label as the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of poultry or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails. It defines “chicken meal” as the dry rendered product from a combination of clean flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts of whole carcasses of poultry or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. So the only difference between the two is that chicken meal has the water content and fat removed prior to making the recipe and the other essentially does it afterwards. This is a key concept when organic materials will travel longdistances safely. A truck full of wet flesh only welcomes bad things. Can you say salmonella? When it comes to “by-products,” I cannot recall, while watching the nature channel, a lion or a coyote avoiding those. There is a lot of nutrition in what is defined by AAFCO as “by-products,” and the good pet food companies are not embarrassed to have it on their label. The truth is that corn is a fabulous source of nutrition for animals. Animals digest it differently than humans, and benefit from its slow and steady energy release. Statistically speaking, your dog is much more likely to be attacked by a deer than it is to be allergic to corn. So yes, “some dogs” are allergic to corn but “some dogs” have also been proven to be allergic to cucumbers and even cantaloupe. Also, corn-free diets started appearing simultaneously as the cost of corn sky rocketed due to its wide use in ethanol. AAFCO’s rule make it is easy to mislead consumers with the word “organic”, and there are no requirements to adhere to for the word “holistic,” so it means nothing on a label. So what brands can you trust? Well, start by picking companies that don’t try to earn your business by deceiving you using the tactics above. The company should own and operate their manufacturing plants, for the purpose of quality control. They should have a research center of substantial proportion where they are performing ongoing nutritional studies. Claiming to consult with veterinary nutritionists is not the equivalent. The company’s website should have a visible tab or link for veterinary professionals to engage in education and conversation. Finally, for your own education, go to trustworthy web sites such as ones developed by veterinary teaching universities like http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/nutritionsupport-service. What you feed your pet does mater. I am a big believer in the phrase “You can win the heart through the stomach,” as it applies to both humans and pets. I wish you well in navigating the deceptive world of the pet food industry. This Industry Insight was written by Brad Carmichael, DVM Dr. Carmichael practices at Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic, located at 211 East McMurray Rd. PVVC has been providing full service veterinary care to the Peter Township area since 1973. To make an appointment, call 724.941.5484. To learn more about PVVC visit pvvcinc.com.
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Peters Township
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 55
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Put Spring in Your Step
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ake a look down. There are 26 bones in the foot along with many muscles and ligaments. Your feet support all your weight, give stability and balance and withstand a formidable amount of pressure. Feet can tell us a lot about our overall health and certain health concerns may manifest themselves through foot abnormalities, yet they are often neglected. It is important to check your feet regularly and to maintain good foot hygiene. If discolorations, dry or cracked skin or changes in toenails occur, see a podiatrist for an examination for treatment and to interpret clues that may point to other concerns. Simple hygienic measures such as changing your shoes, washing your feet after a long day and using foot deodorants and antiperspirant powders will reduce the risk of foot odor and infection. Get walking. Start a personal walking program as a great way to
strengthen the muscles in your legs and feet and improve your foot health. Most authorities agree that a minimum of 30 minutes of moderateintensity walking five times a week will improve overall health. Here are a few reminders: 1. Wear breathable clothing and sensible shoes. Shoes should be comfortable and provide adequate support, cushioning, and shockabsorption. Tight-fitting footwear may look nice but can put undue pressure on certain areas of the feet, affecting our normal pattern of walking. Do not be afraid to ask your shoe store to properly size your feet. 2. Follow a program of pre-workout stretching. Stretch your hamstrings, Achilles tendon, and the plantar fascia on the bottom of your feet to prepare yourself for a long walk and prevent injury. 3. Cover more ground over a longer period. For people who cannot focus on speed, slower but longer distance walks are a suitable alternative. If you are new to a walking program, start with 30 minutes and build up by gradually adding several minutes each trip. 4. Pick up the pace. To get the most out of a walking program, the key is finding the right intensity. A good rule to remember – if you can easily sing along with your iPod or carry on a conversation, you are moving too slowly. Studies have shown that walking intensely, with short faster steps will not only increase your speed but can be as beneficial to a walking workout as sprinting is to a running program. 5. Increase the challenge. If you are fatigued after walking a 30-minute route, make a goal to increase the time weekly. Another option is to include hills or an incline on the treadmill to add challenge. 6. Vary your workouts. Switch up your exercise, alternating between shorter high intensity brisk walks and longer endurance walks, or add light hand weights to break up the routine. This avoids boredom and adds variety for those who tire of the same monotonous workout. Whatever walking program you choose, keep in mind that foot hygiene, comfortable clothes, good cushioning socks, and appropriate footwear are extremely important. As the spring weather comes, pay attention to your feet and get moving! This Industry Insight was written by Karen K. Luther. Karen K. Luther, D.P.M., Director of Pittsburgh Family Foot Care, P.C., Board certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery, Board certified, National Board of Podiatry Examiners, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. 2001 Waterdam Plaza Drive, Suite 207, McMurray, PA Tel: 724.941.9440 www.pffcpc.com
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Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 57
Community Joins Together to Support Injured Veteran By Tracy Fedkoe
Marine Corporal Doug Vitale selected as a recipient of a smart house from the Tunnel to Towers and Gary Sinise Foundation U.S. Marine Corporal Doug Vitale
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hen Alexis Abraham Vitale, a 2004 graduate of Peters Township High School, said good-bye to her husband Doug in July 2011 before his first infantry combat deployment, she never imagined she would get that “dreaded call” two months later. But it came. Doug had been seriously injured in September 2011 by an IED explosion which resulted in amputations of both legs and a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). He received a Purple Heart for his bravery. Vitale was the squad leader and the quick action of his men saved his life. He spent several months at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and soon after his wife joined him there they started receiving numerous offers for help. Representatives from the Semper Fi Fund, an organization that provides assistance to wounded Marines, told them about a program called Building for America’s Bravest sponsored by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Tunnel to Towers was started in honor of New York firefighter Stephen Siller who lost his life on 9/11 and provides programs for injured Doug and Alexis firefighters, first responders, and military Vitale in Tampa personnel and their families. Actor Gary Sinise founded his own nonprofit in 2010 dedicated to serving the nation by supporting our defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. Alexis applied for the program and Doug was selected in 2012 as one of 13 seriously disabled veterans who would receive a “smart house” to help him be able to live the most independent and fulfilling life possible. Now reaching a total of 25 recipients, the program has already completed homes for several men and planning efforts for Vitale and the rest of the heroes are well underway. While the national organizations will coordinate the effort and donate a huge percentage, these homes cost in excess of $500,000 so a great deal of local support is still needed. That’s where the generosity of people in Peters Township comes into play. Hundreds of people have already stepped forward to help by donating money or the time needed to organize and rally others. Leading the effort here in Peters Township are Denise Abraham, Alexis’ mother, and F. Lynn Foltz, a developer who has volunteered to coordinate the efforts of local people who are willing to donate their services to build the house and working with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in making that happen. The goal of the local effort is to raise $300,000, and they are already nearly halfway there. “What we can provide in dollars means more money to go to other recipients who may need it,” said Denise. The first major fundraising event was a Hero Walk held in September 2012 and sponsored by the local VFW Post 764 in Peters Township. The event raised $40,000 with the help of the firemen at the post, the Patriot Riders and many, many community 58 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Peters Township
members who participated or donated. Doug was a wrestler for the Kiski Area School District, so Peters Township decided to hold a match in his honor. The “Match for a Marine” was held on January 16, and 2,000 people came to Peters Township High School when they took on neighbor Upper St. Clair. With a goal of 1,000 attendees and $5,000 in donations, the community stepped up again and the event raised $32,500 for the house fund with all proceeds going toward the Vitale family. The event was also supported by the Peters Township School District, Peters Township Dance Team, Peters Township Wrestling Boosters, and VFW Post 764 as well as Upper St. Clair wrestling. Based on the response of the community so far, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of people are still donating to the VFW and other locations to show their support for Doug’s heroism and help provide him an accommodating place to live. Local professionals and businesses are also stepping up to show their support, including Ace Hardware, Dan Caste, Jonathan Kamin, and Marty Gillespie who are, or will be, contributing toward the effort. People in the areas near Doug’s hometown of Kiski are helping as well with the local Giant Eagle, elementary school and Doug’s home church pitching in. Friends from school have started efforts online to raise money through their websites including Pledges for Prayer, and Give Forward. Every little bit gets them closer to their goal of Doug and Alexis returning home to a house tailored toward his needs. Doug’s situation is unique because of the seriousness of his traumatic brain injury. He has been in Tampa receiving acute rehabilitation at the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital Polytrauma Center traumatic brain injury program and is making steady progress. “I don’t think he will be one of those ‘miracle cases’ where he wakes up and regains his ability to speak in one day, but I think we will continue to see him progress for years to come,” said Alexis. His brain injury was more serious on the left side, which caused him to lose the use of most of his right side, including vision. His young age of 24 and the brain’s plasticity are both in his favor for continued rehabilitation. Doug and Alexis, as well as their families, are staying positive and Doug continues to maintain his determination as well as sense of humor and loving personality throughout this struggle. “He laughs and cries with us every day,” said his wife. “He’s very happy and we’re grateful for what we have.” The houses provided by the Building for America’s Bravest program are not only electronically automated, they’re customized to meet the specific needs of the recipient in order to allow them to live the most independent lives possible. Many features in these smart homes are designed to ease the day-to-day challenges of living with a disability, including retractable cook tops, cabinets
and shelving, automated lighting, heating, air-conditioning and window treatments controlled by an iPad, as well as elevators, roll-in bathrooms, intercom systems and automated doors. Doug has right side neglect as well as a skewed center of vision so his house will have to be customized to work within his visual field and utilize his left hand’s capability to communicate and provide control for certain functions. Experts from Carnegie Mellon University will helping with the technology needed to make sure that it is designed and programmed to maximize Doug’s ability to function and move around on his own. Before they can concentrate on the features of their new home, they need to find a suitable plot of land. Their first choice—Peters Township. They are considering several buildable lots in the township that are currently for sale. Once they find a plot, the building process will still take nearly a year or more with Alexis coming back to be involved on a regular basis. While they are ready to move back now, they still need a place to meet their needs. The house where they are currently living in Tampa is very suitable for Doug and accommodates his parents who have moved in
Above, Doug Vitale and family with other Building for America’s Bravest recipients (courtesy of Faithful Joy Photos)
with them to help with the situation. They’re lucky enough to have received a donation from the Semper Fi Fund to adapt the bathroom in their rental with an open shower and were provided an accessible van from the Wheels for Warriors program from Operation Support our Troops. They are working with Accessible Dreams in Washington and hope to find an adapted home so they can come back before the end of the year to see their dream house being built and be amongst their friends, family and the many people who have helped, and will continue to help, them through this struggle. Right now, they’re not sure of their exact needs until they start working with the foundations, but they’re taking it one day at a time, making progress on the house, while Doug is making progress in therapy. After the move, they will begin to settle into a new state of normal, where Doug can become more independent and flourish in all of the love and support available from his friends, family, and neighbors in Peters Township. All of the money that has been raised to date has been from private individuals, businesses, and foundations. The Building for America’s Bravest Program will also be holding a benefit concert to raise funds for each of the smart house recipients. Based on Gary Sinise’s character in Forrest Gump, the Lt. Dan Band will be performing in Pittsburgh on August 9, with all proceeds going to the Vitale family. More information about this program, the benefit concert, and Doug’s progress can be found at www.tunneltotowers.org and www. garysinisefoundation.org. Donations are being accepted at Washington Federal Savings Bank on Rt. 19 South and can also be sent to the VFW Post 764 Relief Fund at 460 Valley Brook Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Please write Doug Vitale in the memo. Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 59
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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Home
Improvements In Peters Township I
f you have a home, you know how challenging it is to maintain it. Roofs leak, landscapes need weeding, and kitchens and baths need facelifts. If you’re handy, you can get by with your own sweat equity. However, most people don’t have the skills, let alone the time, to tackle major household projects – many of which will require you spending more time at the office just to be able to tackle the price tags such projects come with. Here, we try to cover it all for you – from financing your project to enjoying it when it’s complete. Building a home addition can be a good alternative to buying a new home or building a house from scratch. Besides saving money, it can be a means of investing in your home and customizing your home to serve your family’s specific needs and desires. But additions also bring up potential problems that may not make them the best option for everyone. An addition can drastically change the way a house looks from the road or yard. An addition that isn’t well planned can look like it doesn’t belong or doesn’t match the rest of the house in terms of style or overall shape. Planning an addition carefully with a skilled architect is the best way to ensure that the house looks as good, or even better, than it did before the addition. An architect should be able to produce sketches that give a sense of how the finished addition will look. To minimize the appearance of an addition, homeowners can usually choose to build onto the back of the existing house, thereby hiding the new construction from the road.
Depending on the size of an addition and the construction schedule, it may take weeks or months before an addition is completed. Bad weather can cause unanticipated delays, and working with an unreliable contractor can prolong the process even further. If a homeowner can’t afford to be patient during the planning and construction process, moving into a new, larger home may be a better option. An addition can be a good investment, helping to increase the value of a home. Using a home equity line of credit or getting a new mortgage that includes money to pay for the addition can be a wise financial decision, especially when interest rates are low. However, if the expected value of an addition – which a homeowner can estimate by studying the sale prices of nearby homes with similar characteristics – is less than its cost, it may be a poor investment. An addition is likely to raise the value of a home. After the addition is completed, a new assessment will raise property taxes. Prior to adding on, homeowners should estimate the value of their home with the addition and compute a new annual tax liability based on current tax rates. Building an addition is an ideal time to invest in energy-efficient fixtures and construction. Windows that prevent hot or cool air from escaping and low-energy-consuming appliances can minimize the cost of an addition by reducing energy bills and its environmental impact. Remodeling your bathroom is another popular way to jazz up your home as well as build equity. In some cases, not only is remodeling the bathroom an aesthetic choice but a functional choice as well. Giving your bathroom a boost doesn’t always have to require a boatload of cash or space – just a little planning and creativity before you get started. Refresh your bath’s
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look with a wow-worthy makeover that improves its style and function. Perhaps you have an old toilet that you want to replace with a high-efficiency model that will lower your water bill. Or perhaps the old tile is falling off your shower and you need to replace it. Whatever your situation is, there are many options to choose from, including do-it-yourself options. One popular and inexpensive option is to have a theme for your bathroom. Examples could be a Disney theme for a child’s bathroom, or perhaps a beach theme. This can be accomplished by painting the walls, adding a wall border and by well-placed décor. Some larger and more costly bathroom updates include new flooring, new sink and vanity and a new bathtub or shower. These improvements will get even costlier if you paid someone to do it for you. Decks on the rear or side of homes have become extremely popular in the United States. Used for entertaining or just relaxing, decks come in all shapes, sizes, designs and material. The most popular, and least expensive, deck material is treated wood. It is durable, however it will need to be painted or stained yearly or every other year depending on your climate. Composite decking products are building materials manufactured using a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. Composite decking materials are very popular because they require less maintenance than wood and often use recycled materials. Composite decking is easy to install and is guaranteed with a 20-year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering or termite damage. However, composite decking can be very costly. Vinyl decking made from Cellular PVC is a great choice for decking because it is essentially resistant to stains, mold, insects and fading. PVC material is low maintenance and is a sustainable building material. But like composite, it can get costly.
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Our Home Improvement Partners 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
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 412.257.0161 • www.prime1builders.com
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
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! Inks Installations 412.653.0850 • www.inksinstallations.com
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Home Improvements In Peters Township continued from page 64 Powder coated aluminum decking can be used to create a watertight floor for your deck. This unique material will never splinter, rot or rust. LockDry Aluminum decking is cool to the touch and is available in five colors. Aluminum decking is strong and lightweight. The LockDry system can be used to create a dry space to use under your deck on rainy days. Decks can be built right on the ground, or be elevated high in the air, depending on the design of your home. If you are building a deck yourself it is very important to check all local building codes and follow all of the guidelines very closely to ensure the safety and longterm durability of your deck. Bringing your family together is often difficult. A family game room is a fantastic way to upgrade your home and bring the family together. Whether you have an unfinished basement, an unused attic room or an empty garage, you can transform it into a fantastic oasis where your family can spend countless enjoyable hours. There are many aspects to making your game room remodel a
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success. First you should talk to a Design/Build contractor about water access, waste lines and additional electricity needs. The contractor can also offer advice on any changes that might be necessary to update the space, whether it be additional insulation for a garage or attic room or waterproofing for a basement room. Water access could also be an important aspect if you plan to have a bar or sink area. A Design/Build contractor can offer advice on what needs to be done to make the area completely usable. You might also want to speak with the contractor about creating an additional half bathroom for guests and family members to use when you’re entertaining. Electricity for lighting and appliances is also incredibly important. If you are updating an unused area of your home, the current electric wiring may not be able to handle the additional demands of a game room. The Design/Build contractor can guide you through what will need to be updated and how much it will cost. If finances are an issue there are definitely still projects you can complete yourself including painting, laying carpet, adding shelves or simply updating the dÊcor. Gone are the days when it was frowned upon to bring work home. Today a home is not a home unless it has a home office. Whether you are turning an extra bedroom into a workspace with store-bought furniture or
Our Home Improvement Partners constructing a full-scale two-level library and office, home offices are a regular part of what makes a house a home in 2013. Making the space your own is essential to effective use of a home office. Create a space that makes you more productive and relaxed at the same
Hess’ Landscape Nursery is located in Jefferson Hills at 1505 Gill Hall Rd, half way between Pleasant Hills and Finleyville. The nursery encompasses 5 acres of the area’s largest selection of unique conifers, Japanese maples and ornamental trees and shrubs. Owner Chris Hess has been designing and installing quality residential landscapes since 1984 upon graduating from Penn State University with a degree in ornamental nursery management. Hess’ Landscape Nursery 412.384.8002 • www.Hesslandscapenursery.com From small projects to major renovations, we are here for you. With more than 20 years of experience, we have the expertise to get the job done right. Your complete satisfaction is our first priority, and we work with you on a one-on-one basis to ensure you get exactly what you want with the quality you deserve. We have been in the local community since 1993. R.D. Boehm Contracting 412.831.3676 • southhillscontracting.com
time and that is a winning combination. A desk is an essential part of most offices. Choose one that meets your needs. If all you need is a work top to use your laptop from, consider a computer cart and save the space for a comfortable chair or small sofa. If you are in the market for a larger desk, consider office furniture resellers. They sell executivegrade used furniture for a fraction of the cost. Bookcases or other storage can be a nice addition. Not only can they store books, but they are also great places to display awards or showcase your favorite collection of knickknacks or memorabilia. Decide whether you prefer furniture pieces or built-ins. Antique shops have great deals on beautiful bookcases, and most local cabinet shops can design and install custom built-ins. If you have a closet in your office, visit your local home center for a plethora of storage and organizing options. A comfortable chair or two is a necessity. Choose long-lasting fabrics and sturdy frames. Go with classic styles that won’t end up as next year’s garage sale item. Test out the chair before you buy it. Desk chairs especially need to provide good support and be comfortable. We live in a society of over-indulgence. Nothing shows this like the home theater. So many popular home magazines have a page dedicated to converting your basement into a home theater, or something similar. The HGTV website has 16 home theater features alone. But how doable is the home theater in reality? First, you need a fairly large space, either a big family room or a basement. Second, you need to budget for all the furnishings including, of course, the stars of the show:
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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
ARK Home Improvements has been owned and operated by Tony Konopka and has been servicing the South Hills area with all phases of interior and exterior remodeling, garages and custom addition renovations. As well as offering preliminary design consultation and final architectural renderings of a proposed project. We have built an excellent reputation in our 28 years of business and our customer service record is impeccable. ARK Home Improvements 724.942.4222 • arkhomeimp.com
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business spotlight
Visions Remodeling & Home Repair (formerly Case Handyman & Remodeling)
Covering the full range of home remodeling and repair services.
C
ase Handyman & Remodeling has long been known in the South Hills area as a reliable company for everything from complete kitchen and bath remodeling to small “handyman” projects. That tradition is carried on now with a new name – Visions Remodeling & Home Repair. Founder Jeff Morris and his son Jeffrey remain with the company, and are joined by David Neff, a lifelong area resident and businessman who intends to be even more responsive to the home project needs of area residents. The company began operations seven years ago as a franchisee of Case Remodeling, and has grown significantly since then. But while the franchise model made sense as a startup company, it became unnecessary for an existing, thriving business. Visions will continue to operate with the same staff, services, and consistent quality that Case has been known for, but under a different name. Visions is a rather unique company in the scope of services that it offers to homeowners. While some companies may offer kitchen and bath remodeling, few of them are interested in working on small projects. On the other hand, there are many small handyman companies (sometimes one person) that don’t have broad capabilities, and may be unreliable. Visions can perform almost any home service – full remodeling, small repairs, roofs, basements, window replacements, and more. “We know how frustrating it can be for homeowners to find a good reliable, reputable source for their home repair and improvement needs,”
explains Neff. “I have experienced it many times myself. You need somebody that you can trust, even on small repairs that don’t involve a large dollar value. We want to be that company that you rely on. Many of our customers that count on us for the small stuff become clients for major projects, because they have experienced our quality and reliability, and they know that we are not just there for the high priced jobs.” Also different about Visions is the depth of their capabilities. Their office at 2544 Washington Road in North Strabane contains a showroom for kitchen cabinets, countertops and other items, but also has an inhouse granite fabrication facility, a complete wood shop, and a painting and staining facility. Having the granite fabrication allows Visions to offer not only complete kitchen countertops, but also smaller pieces for bathroom vanities, bar surfaces, tabletops and sills. These are usually carved from remnant pieces left over from larger projects, and are on display in the outside Visions lot. They fabricate from granite, marble, quartz, soapstone, and other popular materials. On top of all that, Visions also operates Pittsburgh Shed Company, one of the area’s largest suppliers of backyard sheds, garages and barns. Unlike many of Pittsburgh Shed’s competitors, sheds are built at the customer premises, and many varieties and options are offered. Several examples are in place on the Visions lot. For more information regarding Visions Remodeling & Home Repair, please visit the web site at www.visionsremodel.com, or for Pittsburgh Shed, www.pittsburghshed.com. Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 67
Home Improvements
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In Peters Township
home theater equipment – a big-screen TV, DVD player and speakers – and comfy seating. Also very popular for home theaters is floor and aisle lighting similar to real movie theaters, and perhaps even an old-fashioned popcorn maker. Frankly, home theaters are generally for those with deep pockets because there really is no way to make a home theater cheaply. Still thinking of taking the plunge? The home improvement website Home Time has a really useful feature on home theater planning. It covers everything you’ll need to consider, like the space you’ll need and even suggested room layouts, to maximize your viewing pleasure. Kitchens are the most popular room in the house to remodel. Many people consider the kitchen to be the center of the home and its most important component. Another reason it is so popular to remodel is there are so many things in the kitchen that can be remodeled... cabinets, cabinet hardware, countertops, floor, appliances, lighting, walls and sinks. There is very little right or wrong when it comes to remodeling your kitchen; it comes down to personal taste. There are so many choices when it comes to style, design and type of material for every component of your kitchen. When remodeling there is much to consider: cost, what is your goal, what is your situation (pets or small children could help decide what type of flooring to use, for example) and what is the cost vs. equity value of the remodel. If finances are an issue and you are not the handiest individual, there are still many simple and easy things you can do to add pizzazz and value to your kitchen. For example, you can paint your cabinets and add new handles rather than buying new cabinets. Adding a stylish splashguard behind your stove and sink is easy to do and adds great appeal. Painting the walls can also make a huge difference in your kitchen, as can changing the light fixture. If done well, landscaping can completely change the character and perception of a home. Landscaping encompasses anything on the outside of the home including grass cutting, plants, flowers, rock, mulch, borders, vegetable gardens and more. Beyond the aesthetics, landscaping can be beneficial to a property if designed properly. Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase cooling costs, and incorporating shade from landscaping elements can help reduce this solar heat gain. Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from 68 724.942.0940 to advertise |
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business
spotlight
Pleasure Pool & Deck LLC Our Philosophy is Simple:
ONLY THE VERY BEST WILL DO! T
he Bethel Park based company has been installing top-of-line in-ground swimming pools for over 25 years. This family-owned business is devoted to making the customer experience a pleasant one by taking pride in being upfront with their customers. We think buying and owning a pool should be fun and exciting so we work with the customers to keep them informed throughout the entire installation process and beyond. We specialize in the installation of steel-walled, vinyl-lined pools manufactured by Seablue, a company that has a reputation for highquality products. We believe that a steel wall pool is most suitable to the climate here in southwestern Pennsylvania and as an owner of a steel wall pool, you’ll know that beneath the surface, rests an advanced three-part structure dedicated to providing the ultimate in strength. Pool sizes and shapes vary and Pleasure Pool offers a large selection of pre-designed shapes or custom design pools. New advancement in the pool industry has allowed us to offer our customers numerous options when it comes to pool steps, benches, sunledges and lounges. Our qualified and experienced team of Pleasure Pool and Deck employees can handle all stages of the installation and oversee the job from start to finish. As their mission statement indicates, they have made a commitment to “Give you the opportunity to purchase a quality pool, at a reasonable price and installed in a timely manner.” Our retail store offers computerized water testing, liner replacements, chemicals and supplies. With our expertise, we help take the guesswork out of maintaining a clean and balanced pool. We offer pool openings and closings services to our in-ground pool customers and have been installing two of the most innovative pool products – the Salt Water System (a modern alternative to traditional chlorine systems) and the Automatic Pool Cover, which serves as a safety cover, solar cover and winter cover. So if you are entertaining the dream of an in-ground pool in your backyard for you and your family, please contact Pleasure Pool & Deck at 412.835.7727 for a FREE consultation.
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Home continued from page 68
trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9°F (5°C). Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F (14°C) cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop. Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your shading device casts. Also, homes in cool regions may never overheat and may not require shading. Therefore, you need to know what landscape shade strategies will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate. Also, if you can determine how much water your plants actually need, then you won’t overwater them and waste water. It is important to not only understand a plant’s particular watering requirements, but also evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration (Et) is the amount of water that is evaporated from the soil and transpired through the plant’s leaves. This amount of water needs to be replaced through watering. If you know your area’s Et rate, you can plan the amount of water to be replaced through irrigation. It’s best to water or irrigate your plants in the early morning when evaporation rates are low. This also provides plants with water before midday when the evaporation rate is the highest. Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cast an enchanting spell on any outdoor space. It is also very effective for safety and security purposes.
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Improvements
In Peters Township Examples of exterior lighting include: torches, candles, lanterns, solar ground lighting, flood lights, lamp posts, landscape lighting and general light fixtures. For setting a mood the most popular lighting is candles or small lanterns. For security and safety purposes, it is critical to have flood light or lamp posts or ground solar lighting or all. A burglar is much more likely to enter a home without a lot of light on the outside illuminating the property. With countless styles and options available, there are no right or wrong choices. The outdoor lighting a homeowner will choose will come down to budget and personal preference. Many of us take pride in our homes, investing countless hours rearranging and remodeling the interior. But it can also be refreshing to step out of the confines of the inside and spend some time outside. It’s especially enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall months. When the weather is favorable, it’s difficult to miss out on a nice day outside. But spending time outside doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your creature comforts. With a few small adjustments you can make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. Turning a yard, patio, porch or other outdoor area into a functional living space can be a rewarding task, and will expand your living space to the outdoors. With the right setup, you can spend more time in the sunshine and fresh air, and host events al fresco for friends, family and neighbors. Options for outdoor living include outdoor kitchens, dramatic lighting, fireplaces or fire pits, a water feature (like a fountain), outdoor living rooms, gazebos and pavilions. With so many options to choose from, for most people it will come down to price, climate where they live and available space in which to be creative. Ponds can be a wonderful addition to your property’s outdoor experience.
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Surprisingly, they are not as difficult to build as one might think. Before you start, call 811 or your local one-call center to have electric and gas lines marked so you know where to dig to steer clear of them. Then, when you map out the location of your pond, put it where it will be noticed – visible from a window, off a patio, or along a walkway – but away from the play areas of small children or pets. Keep clear of major root systems or mature trees, which can block too much of the sunlight plants and fish need. You’ll also need to be within reach of a grounded exterior outlet so you can plug in a pump, an essential tool for keeping the water aerated; most pumps come with a maximum cord length of 25 feet, and extension cords are not recommended. You may need to bury the power cord a few inches down in PVC pipe to hide it. Space permitting, you need at least 40 cubic feet for your pond – about 7 feet by 4 feet – to keep the water clean. An initial shallow terrace just inside the perimeter of the pond holds rocks that conceal the liner edge and keep it in place. A second, deeper terrace supports plants that live in
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Our Home Improvement Partners Your local South Pittsburgh Davey Office is your source for expert tree and lawn service. We offer the South Pittsburgh area comprehensive tree and lawn services for your home or business. Our expert staff includes certified arborists that live and work in your community and care about your landscape. We look forward to serving you! Please call 724.746.8852 for more information. Davey 724.746.8852 Taylor Rental, a premier rental center, has been serving the Pittsburgh area for 34 years. Our products include canopies, tables, chairs, concession equipment, pipe/drape, staging, contractor’s equipment (Bobcats, excavators), lawn/garden, floor care, plumbing, home improvement, etc. Delivery and pickup service is available. Reservations recommended. We fill propane tanks and motorhomes. New and used equipment for sale, and equipment repair available. Visit our newly renovated showroom. Taylor Rental Center 412.833.7300 • www.taylorrentalpittsburgh.com/bethelpark 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
Pleasure Pool & Deck is your neighborhood pool builder of steel wall, vinyl liner pools for over 25 years. Want to do business with a family owned operation where the boss still sells the pool and is on every job from start to finish? Then Pleasure Pool is the right choice for you! Beat the Heat and Call Us Today! Free Consultations! Pleasure Pool & Deck LLC 412.835.7727 • www.pleasurepoolanddeck.com Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 77
Our Home Improvement Partners Pittsburgh’s leading retailer of top of the line appliances, offering the latest technologies and what customers want. Visit one of our four Pittsburgh area locations, where our knowledgeable appliance specialists are ready to assist you, whether you are building your new home, remodeling your kitchen or just need to replace your washer and dryer. Where Pittsburgh Shops For Appliances® Don’s Appliances/Hillmon Appliance Distributors www.donsappliances.com • www.hillmonappliance.com 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
Miller’s Ace Hardware is your one-stop shop for all your home improvement needs. Our departments include: Hand & Power Tools, Housewares, Hardware, Plumbing, Electrical, Cleaning Supplies, Automotive, Paint & Sundries, Rental Place, Lawn & Garden, Garden Center, Grills and Bird Food & Supplies. Don’t forget to pick up a gallon of Clark+Kensington paint, ranked #1 by a leading consumer magazine! Miller’s Ace Hardware 724.941.7970 • www.millersace.com
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Home Improvements continued from page 77 the water and help balance the pond’s ecosystem. As you dig, you must slope the sides of the pond so that if the water freezes, the ice will push up instead of against the liner. Even in warmer climates, small ponds can change temperature rapidly, so if you’re adding fish you’ll want a deeper pond that will maintain a more consistent temperature and accommodate the fish – 18 to 24 inches for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi. To maintain the consistent depth of the water, you need to line the pond. A thin layer of sand and old newspapers or burlap bags softens the jagged edges of rocks and roots. But over that you will need to put a waterproof skin. There are several types of flexible liners meant for small ponds – made from polypropylene and EPDM, among other materials. Look for one that’s weatherresistant, so it will stand up to UV rays and freezing temperatures. It should also be rated “fish-safe” if you plan to stock your pond and come with a warranty of 10 to 20 years so your pond will be watertight for many years to come. Remodeling your home can generate tremendous equity for the future, as well as personal enjoyment in the present. Remodeling projects come in all shapes, sizes and costs. Projects can range from replacing flooring or a faucet, to installing new trim work or tile and replacing windows and doors. Remodeling can also take on the form of revamping or adding a bathroom, redoing a kitchen, overhauling your home’s exterior for improved curb appeal, or completing an addition to increase your home’s square footage and add valuable space. Big and small changes can both have an impact and will improve the way your home looks and functions, increasing its value and making it more enjoyable for you and your family. The key to any remodeling job is to make sure it makes sense financially. Not all remodeling jobs are cost-effective. For example, it is possible to pay $75,000 for a new addition, but an appraiser may be of the opinion that it only raised the value of your house by $50,000. It is very important that you do as much research as possible and talk to as many experienced professionals as possible so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.
In Peters Township Financing Remodeling Projects
Refinance Your Home
While home sales may be sluggish, home remodels are roaring. In the second quarter of 2011, Americans were expected to spend $132.8 billion on remodeling – up 12.8% over the previous year, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
What it’s good for: Larger projects for a home you plan to live in for the long term. A “cash-out” refinance allows you to refinance your mortgage for an amount that is larger than
• Bathroom addition (53%) • Garage addition (59%) The data includes national and regional averages on over 20 common home improvement projects ranging from kitchens and baths to roofs and decks. Data for both midrange and upscale projects is provided on:
And it’s no surprise that these projects aren’t cheap. In fact, the same studies report that 57% of home-remodeling projects cost at least $20,000.
• • • •
Since saving your pennies in a pickle jar is probably not enough to update your master bathroom with a slate walk-in shower or add granite countertops to your kitchen, explore these options to finance your new-and-improved home.
The above numbers assume you’re hiring out the labor on the project. If it’s a do-it-yourself project, and you do a good job, the rate of return on your investment will be higher. Unless you plan on doing the work yourself, or not doing the project makes your house undesirable or unsellable, most home improvement projects will return less from your investment than you put in, so you might want to consider staying in your home a while to enjoy the results of your improved home!
Purchase a Variable-Rate CD What it’s good for: Projects that can wait until a fixed time in the future with a price tag you can pay by saving. If you plan to pay for the kitchen of your dreams the old-fashioned way – by saving for it – consider a variable-rate certificate of deposit. This savings vehicle is similar to a traditional savings account in that you can add money to it at any time (a fixed-rate CD does not allow additional deposits during the term of the CD). In return for an interest rate that may go up or down, the interest rate often is slightly higher than a traditional CD when you buy it. You make a low minimum deposit and lock in your money for a fixed time – usually at least 6 or 12 months. If you withdraw your funds before then, you pay penalties and lose the interest.
Open a Home Equity Line of Credit What it’s good for: Long-term projects that can be paid off over five or fewer years. The beauty of using the equity in your home is that you write yourself checks from a line of credit and pay interest on only what you borrow. Plus, the interest is typically tax deductible. While current low interest rates add to the allure, these credit lines can be tough to come by in this climate of lowered home values and tight credit. When interest rates rise, your home improvement project may become more expensive than you anticipated.
your current mortgage. You get the difference in a check – effectively rolling the sum into a newly financed 15- or 30-year mortgage. This can be an attractive option, as mortgage rates have hovered at historic lows in recent years.
Average cost of project. Added resale value. Percentage of investment recouped. Change from last year’s report.
The downsides include closing fees that can be in the thousands of dollars. Plus, the threshold to qualify, including income and home-value requirements, can be high – both of which can pose a challenge in this economy.
Return on your Investment Thinking about adding a deck or revamping the kitchen so you can up the price of your home before you sell? You might want to crunch the 2010-11 Cost vs. Value numbers, compiled by Remodeling magazine, before you do.
Projects with highest return on investment • • • • • • •
Replacing entry door with steel door (102%) Garage door replacement (84%) Adding a wood deck (73%) Minor kitchen remodel (73%) Vinyl siding replacement (72%) Wood window replacement (72%) Attic bedroom addition (72%)
Project with lowest rate of return on investment • Home office remodel (46%) • Sunroom addition (49%) Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 79
Swift Audiology
Helps You Navigate the Options of Hearing Aids, and also provides lifetime care.
W
ith more than 25 years of expertise when it comes to hearing improvement, Swift Audiology’s Debra Swift admits that the world of hearing aids can be an enormous, confusing sea of choices for those with hearing impairment. However, that same expertise allows her to help her clients cut through the confusion to get to a personalized solution that’s convenient, calibrated, customized and affordable. “A lot of people think that buying a hearing aid is like buying a computer,” she said. “But once they have that computer, can they program it for future improvements to accommodate changes in their hearing? Can they maintain it and keep it functioning like the day it was new? We counsel our clients right off the bat about their hearing aids, how to develop good practices in order to maintain them at home, as well as providing free in office service, cleanings and replacement of parts as needed. Hearing is a brain function. The ears are the pathway and that pathway becomes damaged due to noise, aging, illnesses, ototoxic medications, or even hereditary factors. Almost 95% of hearing loss is sensorineural (nerve loss) and hearing aids are needed to make up for the damaged hair cells (nerve). Hearing aids get the missing information to the brain, so that the brain can cognitively process speech and the sounds of the world that keep us acclimated and in communication with people! This is called aural rehabilitation and it is a process that takes time. Studies posted in the Archives of
Neurology have linked hearing loss to Alzheimer’s/dementia. For every 10% of hearing loss that goes untreated over a prolonged period of time, the risk for developing dementia is increased by 20%. We have certainly seen the relationship between hearing loss and dementia for years in our practice. How can we remember what we don’t hear or understand clearly? The brain slows cognitively and it takes extra effort to understand conversations, which is not only tiring but also frustrating, embarrassing and impacts the person’s self-confidence and sense of wellbeing, according to a National Council on Aging study. This study has shown that untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression as well. Wearing hearing aids daily reverses these effects and maintains cognitive processing. “We set realistic expectations in our counseling when we’re fitting a patient. They know what to expect. They know the brain will adjust. In the first month, they come in for several visits during this acclimation period,” Swift said. “People with hearing aids, when set properly, have benefit, but it’s not overwhelming. Adjustments are made at future visits to provide normal hearing as the patient acclimates.” With Swift’s maintenance and counseling plan, which includes lifetime cleanings and free batteries every four months during free walk-in clinics, patients can not only hear again at optimal levels, they can also go about their lives not worrying that their investments in their hearing will be wasted. “Not having the extended services that we
Save $1,200 per pair of Hearing Instruments
offer, is one of the reasons why so many hearing aids end up in the drawer after a time period,” Swift said. “A good provider will set you up on a program to cover all of these things on an ongoing basis. Then you have value and benefit for the cost. Is it better to buy a hearing aid for $1,000 that ends up in a drawer, with no service, or to pay a little more with bundled services, batteries, and warranties that provide everything you need for the life of the aids to hear well and extends the life of the aids? If a patient needs that price range, we have aids that include bundled services with them. We explain the differences and you make an educated choice. There are many options, and you’re never stuck with your choice, if it isn’t satisfactory.” Swift Audiology has helped patients continue to hear well for over 25 years. With free trials, 45 day NO RISK returns and 90 days to trade to another type or technology - these benefits make Swift Audiology stand out. Experience does matter when choosing a professional. Choose a local practice that you can trust, to help you find your most beneficial hearing aids. Call Swift Audiology today at 724.222.9010 or 724.942.4700 for a no cost, no obligation hearing screening and demonstration. There is no replacement for a Physician when it comes to Health Care, just as there is no replacement for a Hearing Healthcare Professional when it comes to Better Hearing.
“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.” Debra Swift, B.C.-H.I.S. Original Founder/President 25 years in Practice
Leslie Dunst MS.-CCCA Senior Audiologist
WASHINGTON 2107 N. Franklin Dr. Washington. PA 15301 (Washington Eye Center) • 724-222-9010
Dr. Janelle Kisiday Au.D., Dr. of Audiology
PETERS TOWNSHIP 3035 Washington Rd. Canonsburg. PA 15317 (Feuer/Happel Laser Bldg.) • 724-942-4700
Tammy Swift Certified Lyric Professional
NORTH HILLS 5900 Corporate Dr. Ste. 260 Pittsburgh. PA 15237 (McCandless Corp. Center) • 412-364-8338
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Peters Township
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 81
Winter Carnival Photos by Primetime Shots
The Original Peters Township School District’s Winter Carnival featured games and tons of prizes! Organized by the High School Student Council, children from all of the elementary schools were invited to the event at the High School! The carnival included a basket raffle with unbelievable items, delectable foods, a delicious bake sale, and countless games put on by multiple organizations at the high school like National Honors Society, Phase, Safe, FBLA, and SAAD.
To see more photos of this event, visit facebook.com/icmags
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Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 83
A
s a wealth advisor I’m frequently asked questions about money, the markets, retirement, and an assortment of other financial issues. Recently, my wife asked me “Why do you always say ‘it depends’ when you are answering a question?” (After 43 years of marriage she knows all my little quirks.) I replied by saying, “Well... ‘it depends’... there’s really no one answer because every situation is different... take retirement, for example.”
“It Depends”
There’s a mindset among some people who think that just because they’re 60 or 65, they should retire. Maybe they should or maybe they should not. It really depends on a number of qualitative and quantitative questions. I’m often asked “When should I retire?” I have a friend who is 62, and ever since I’ve known him he has talked about retiring from his job and he has the money to do it. Last November, he accepted an early retirement package his company was offering. After a couple of weeks working on some projects at his house, he called me and told me he thought he had made a mistake by retiring and was hoping his company would hire him back. Fortunately, the company did. When considering retirement, one should try to visualize what that really means. How many days per week do you really want to golf? How much time do you really want to spend with your grandchildren? How much time do you really want to spend traveling? Last week, friends and longtime clients of mine invited us to dinner at a new Italian restaurant called L’Angolo’s in Old Naples, Florida. (If you’re down there, I highly recommend this place... a memorable dining experience.) The owner came around and talked to us about their new business and her 73-year-old Mother making pasta by hand there in the restaurant. The word ‘retirement’ is obviously not in this lady’s vocabulary in English or Italian! Of course, if you are laid off in your late ‘50s or early ‘60s, you may not have a choice about retirement. It may be difficult to find acceptable employment at that age. Health issues may also prompt a decision to retire early. You may have to plan out of necessity. Finances obviously loom as a major hurdle to retirement, but seldom is it the only consideration. As a financial advisor I’m often asked: “How much money do I need to retire or what’s my number? Is it $1 million, $5 million or some other number?” The answer is “it really depends.” It depends on how much you need to support your lifestyle. Some people earn $150,000 per year and live on $50,000 per year. Others make $150,000 per year and spend $150,000 and maybe then some. Many people may not know what they spend and a cash flow analysis may be the first exercise to help them quantify their retirement goals. Something to keep in mind is that spending patterns and lifestyles do not usually change after retirement. Another question I’m asked is, “When should I apply for social security benefits?” If retiring, most people take their social security benefit early. Since the breakeven point is age 78, many feel they will take a “bird in the hand” approach. But taking the benefit at age 62, for example, can result 84 724.942.0940 to advertise |
in a 35 percent reduction in benefits. Some careful thought and advanced planning may help optimize these benefits over a lifetime. If on the other hand you have been fortunate enough to possess a pension plan, deferred compensation or stock options, a similar analysis can be used to optimize these direct income sources.
Peters Township
If income sources are not sufficient to support a lifestyle (and they usually are not), I’m then asked “What is a safe number for me to draw from my assets without depleting them during my lifetime?” Again, there is no easy answer since no one really knows how long they will live nor do they know what to expect as a return on their investment.
Investing in CDs or other fixed rate vehicles may not generate enough income (and that may be truer today than ever before). Volumes of sophisticated financial analyses have been prepared on this subject and unfortunately it is beyond the scope of this article, but a withdrawal rate of 4% annually is often considered a safe number. This doesn’t mean you couldn’t withdraw 5%, 6% or more with the right balance of investments if you are willing to accept the risk. Nor does it mean that 4% is a guarantee because it is not. With a successful investment plan geared toward the long term your financial goals may very well be attainable. But your financial future will be more secure if you engage an objective professional advisor to help – someone with experience you can trust with such complex financial matters. Finally, I’m sometimes asked “How much should I set aside for emergencies or opportunities?” A rule of thumb is 3 months’ worth of income, but I have clients who keep less on hand and I have clients who keep as much as one year’s income available. It really depends on what a person is comfortable with and this tends to be a subjective matter; there is no right or wrong answer. One additional question today is how to invest that cash since money markets are paying less than 1%. A high quality short term bond fund such as the Vanguard short term federal fund with maturities of 1-3 years might be considered (we have other solutions as well). Bottom line: everyone is different. There is no one size fits all retirement plans. You must figure out what’s right for you, establish some goals, consider your lifestyle and income sources, inventory your assets and be flexible knowing you will probably have to make some adjustments along the way. A trusted advisor may help you avoid a big mistake and help you take full advantage of all your resources, but most importantly, enjoy a worry-free retirement. This Industry Insight was written by Garrett S. Hoge. Garrett S. Hoge, CFP®, ChFC®, MS of H Financial Management, is a private wealth manager based in Southpointe serving the ever-changing financial needs of his clients. Please contact Garrett at H Financial Management, 400 Southpointe Blvd., #420, Canonsburg, PA 15317, Phone: 724-745-9406, Email: garrett@hfinancial.net, or via the Web: www.hfinancialmanagement.com. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Member FINRA/SIPC • Advisory Services offered through H Financial Management. H Financial Management is not affiliated with Triad Advisors.
2013 – The Year of the Snake (Jewelry, that is!) M ost of us will agree that 2013 so far is the year that has us wondering if we will ever feel the warm rays of the sun or catch a glimpse of a budding tree. Those who anxiously wait for the snow to melt while hatching a plan to overthrow the groundhog should be thrilled with this year’s top trends in jewelry!!! Flora & Fauna refers to nature inspired jewelry. Everything from butterflies to flowers to snakes and insects is on every designer’s radar this year. The snake in particular is enjoying the spotlight since 2013 is the serpent’s year according to the Chinese calendar. Some may shriek with dismay as the snake slithers its way into jewelry but the fact is this slinky silhouette first made its debut in the 1960s. Snakes have been trendy ever since then, mainly because they are a symbol of fertility, rebirth, transformation, protection and eternal love. Who knew all of that good stuff that most everyone desires in their life has been hiding
behind one the creepiest creatures in today’s culture?
Another nod to nature comes in this year’s color palette. For more than 20 years Pantone has been forecasting color trends. This year the global authority declares Emerald the color of the year. Lush and radiant, Emerald and varying shades of green are wildly popular in jewelry this season. Instead of waiting for spring to arrive why not summon it yourself with a gold snake cuff bracelet or a bold emerald cocktail ring? Forget Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow; you can bet he won’t be making an appearance in top jewelry trends for 2014!!!!
This Industry Insight was written by Amie Guarino Yadouga. Yadouga is a jewelry stylist for Louis Anthony Jewelers. She has a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from West Virginia University and has studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Amie has been involved in the family business since high school. For more information, visit Louis Anthony Jewelers at 1775 North Highland Rd., call 412.854.0310 or visit www.louisanthony.com.
Peters Township | April/May 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 85
Photo by Melina Young
Photo by Matt Polk
Peters Hockey Makes it to Penguins Cup, Finishes Season 17-4
Photo by Steve Baker
Front row: Brock Burns, Keenan Witmer, Matt Amelio, Jake Dachille, Zach Gielarowski; Middle row: Jesse Borne, Giovanni Carbonara, Max Boss, Evan Opeka, Brady Cochrane, Adam Alavi, Ben Mountain, Brian Baker Back row: Asst. Coach Ryan Tingle, Matt Kmonk, Joe Kittelberger, Carter Ekberg, Brad Tylenda, Trevor Recktenwald, Alex DeBolt, Sam Barnes, Chad Wyatt, Gavin Rebholz, Head Coach Rick Tingle
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ith 14 graduating seniors from the 2011-2012 Penguins Cup Finalist team, head coach Rick Tingle had his work cut out this season selecting and piecing together a team of mostly younger and inexperienced varsity players. Relying on the experience and leadership of veteran Senior leaders Captain Trevor Recktenwald, Assistant Captains Brad Tylenda and Alex Debolt, Coach Tingle would have to also rely on returning Juniors Evan Opeka, Joey Kittleberger and goaltenders Brian Baker and Jesse Born along with Sophomore Adam Alavi. The Indians struggled early in the season starting with two consecutive
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losses. As the younger players started to come together, the team added victories to move their record to 4-4. The team’s 4th loss against North Allegheny would be their last of the regular season as the young Indians surprisingly pulled off 13 straight wins to end with a 17-4 record, a Section 1 crown and top seed having the best record in PIHL AAA going in to the playoffs. With a bye in the first round of the playoffs, the Indian icers defeated both Pittsburgh Central Catholic and a tough State College team to advance to Consol Energy Center for its third consecutive Penguins Cup Finals to play rival North
Peters Township
Photo by Matt Polk
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By Jon Amelio
Allegheny. Though the young Indian team stood strong against North Allegheny, the third period proved to be the point where the much more experienced Tiger team took advantage and scored two unanswered goals to deny the Indians their names on the Penguins Cup. Only good things will come for next season as the team is left with a cupboard full of experience: 6 Juniors, 9 Sophomores and 3 Freshmen. The team would like to wish the very best to graduating seniors: Alex Debolt, Matt Kmonk, Brad Tylenda and Trevor Recktenwald.
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