SUMMER 2013
Soaring with the Eagles!
Local Scout Achieves Scouting’s Highest Honor
Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School
Visit the Garden Adjacent to the Borough of Jefferson Hills Municipal Center
business spotlight
C O V E L L I L AW O F F I C E S , P. C .
For the Love of People I
f there is one fundamental requirement to being a good attorney, it might be possessing the desire to help people. Joe Covelli, who has been practicing law for more than 30 years now, loves to help people.
Regrettably, attorneys often see their clients at some of the worst times in their lives; the breakup of a marriage, the death of a loved one, a dispute with a neighbor. The circumstances aren’t always pleasant, but fortunately Covelli always is. His upbeat attitude and hopeful demeanor are often exactly what an emotionally weary client needs. A quiet confidence, attained from years of handling the most complex of cases, seems to be the calming influence that people need at desperate times. “One of the things that I love the most about the practice of law is interacting with people,” explains Covelli. “It’s the greatest joy being able to help people.” Unlike many downtown law firms that specialize in only one type of case, Covelli’s firm handles everything, from divorce and custody cases to real estate disputes. “My motto is, ‘The only law firm you’ll ever need... right in your own backyard.’” says Covelli. One area of his practice that has become increasingly necessary is elder law. With a larger demographic of retired people, most everyone is either retirement age or has a parent who is retired. Covelli’s practice helps to ensure that older persons and their finances are protected as they age, with a solution that is right for them. “Each person’s needs and life situation is different. There is no single right answer to helping everyone,” adds Covelli. He and his 10 associates take the time to thoroughly counsel each individual, so that they are aware of all their options. “It all starts with representing our client,” he says. “Their welfare has to be paramount in considering any action we take and that cannot be overstated.” One underlying common denominator in all areas of Covelli’s practice seems to be compassion. It’s hard to help people without compassion, and this quality seems to emanate from his team. This commitment to the best possible outcome for his clients, no doubt contributed to Covelli being voted the Best Lawyer by McKeesport Daily News and the Trib Total Media Readers’ Choice Gold Award as being the “Best Lawyer” for two years. There are thousands of lawyers in Pittsburgh, but Covelli has a habit of standing out in a good way, which extends to the entire community. He has served as a Rotary Club president, and is the current president of the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce. Through the Chamber, he also works closely with the Future Business Leaders of America and The Angel Project. He also finds time to serve on the Board of Governors for Duquesne Law School, and as an advisor to the Thomas Jefferson High School Mock Trial Team. Clearly, he is deeply invested in the community and its young people. *In the coming months, Joe Covelli will be offering his advice on a variety of legal issues that affect most everyone in the community through our Industry Insight features. For more information or for a consultation, please visit the website at www.CovelliLaw.com or call 412.653.5000.
Trib Tota l
Readers’
Media
Choice A ward
“Best At
torney”
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 1
Thomas Jefferson Senior Makes a Difference in the Community
By Matthew J. Fascetti
E
ven as a young child, Thomas Jefferson Senior Jesse Hinkle enjoyed the outdoors and cared about the environment. So it was only fitting that when the time came to develop a Girl Scout Project to earn her Gold Award, Hinkle chose to start a recycling program in the parks and schools within the district… a program that has made a tremendous impact on the community. Because of Hinkle’s efforts, there are now a total of 10 well-decorated recycling bins within the school district (2 at Jefferson Elementary, 1 at Gill Hall Elementary, 1 at McClellan Elementary, 3 at the middle school and 4 at the high school); as well as a bin at each of the borough parks. There is also a recycling dumpster at both the high school and the middle school. In addition to caring about the outdoors, when choosing a project Hinkle wanted something that was sustainable well into the future. Once she developed the idea, she took her idea to Jefferson Hills Borough where she met with Toni Trasp, who was very excited about Hinkle’s ideas and advised her to propose the project to the school board. “I explained to the school board that the schools and the parks currently didn’t have any recycling bins, “Hinkle explained. “Once I told them what I wanted to do they were on board immediately.” Further talks were held with Tom Lovell, Jefferson Hills Public Works Director, and Erika Deyarmin of Waste Management, and a plan was set into motion. Hinkle kicked off a comprehensive PR campaign that included speaking with local boy scouts and girl scouts troops and explaining her project as well as speaking at the schools. Through a collaborative effort with the borough, local schools, and Waste Management, Hinkle held a Recycling Rally Day April 5th at the borough building. The event enjoyed a wonderful turnout and was not only informative, but fun as well. She invited all the children from the elementary schools as well as local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. Hinkle taught them about recycling and had them make bird feeders from collected milk and water containers, and the Girl Scouts decorated all the recycling bins that are now at the schools and parks. Waste Management provided a recycling truck outside and groups were able to tour the truck. “It was a great day for everyone, “Hinkle explained. “I got support from so many different people. I’m really happy to see this project was received so well; I am really proud of it.” Hinkle also thanks school board member Carolyn Bourgeois and West Jefferson Hills School District Facilities Manager Dennis Sobczak for their support on this project. In addition to being an excellent student, Hinkle was a member of the volleyball, basketball and track teams at Thomas Jefferson. Next year she will be taking her talents to Chatham University where she will be studying Occupational Therapy. Though she will be moving on, Hinkle is hoping the local scout troops will help expand her idea even further, perhaps into the parks in Pleasant Hills and beyond. “Recycling is important. I really hope this keeps growing until it is everywhere in every community,” Hinkle added. It is refreshing to see a hometown girl making a difference in the community. She sets a wonderful example and gives us a simple, yet important reminder… recycling is easy and takes no more time than throwing something in the trash. There is no excuse not to do it! 2 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
Fall content deadline: 9/2/13
INSIDE
Soa
SUMMER Local Sc ring w 2013 ith th out Ac hieves Scoutin e Eagles g’s Hig hest Ho ! nor
IN West Jefferson Hills is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the West Jefferson Hills area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
IN West Jefferson Hills Magazine | SUMMER 2013 | Steel Cente r Area Technical Vocational School
Visit the Garden Adjacent to the Borough Jefferson of Municipa Hills l Center
7
Industry Insights
Cusumano Insurance Agency, Inc. Easy Tips for Locating a Water Leak .......... | 21 Jefferson Hills Manor With his scouting friends, troop leaders, family, and contributors by his side on June 1, Thomas Jefferson High School Junior, Spencer Graves, presented his Eagle Scout leadership project to the Borough of Jefferson Hills. Spencer’s Eagle project created a memorial garden adjacent to the Municipal Building. Thank you to everyone who contributed to Spencer’s project! on the cover
|
Spencer with his parents Victor and Beth Graves, grandmother Shirley Graves and brothers Sean and Ryan. Photos by Primetime Shots
UPMC TODAY
Therapeutic Technology Works to Bridge the Generation Gap ...................................... | 37
NovaCare® Rehabilitation Meet Kevin Westrick ............................... | 58 Kaiser Dental The Key to Your Family’s Oral Health ......... | 61 Business Spotlight
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2013
Covelli Law Offices, P.C. ............... | 1 South Hills Gastroenterology Associates ............................................ | 40
What’s Inside 2 With Heartfelt Thanks 3 Becoming a Whole New You
4 Health Care Reform: We Have the Plan
5 A Closer Look at Medical Imaging
6 Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
7 Smart Tips for a Safer Summer
2
© 2013 UPMC
UPMC_Today_Mercy_Summer_2013_Final_2.indd 1
29
41 5/14/13 11:50 AM
Features
Thomas Jefferson Senior Makes a Difference in the Community ................................................................................... | 2 CASE Awards 2013 ............................................................................ | 12 Real Estate in West Jefferson Hills ....................................... | 14 community interests
Borough of Jefferson Hills........................................................ | 4 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ...................................... | 29 Tips on Summer Sun Safety from UPMC Urgent Care ... | 38 West Jefferson Hills School District ................................... | 41 Seeing Is Believing: Laser Vision Correction Often Eliminates Need for Glasses or Contacts ............................ | 62
Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists ........................................... | 59
Borough of Jefferson Hills CELEBRATE OUR EARTH BY HELPING TAKE CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY The Borough of Jefferson Hills celebrated Earth Day 2013 by asking volunteers throughout our community to volunteer three hours on Saturday morning, April 20 to “clean up” our neighborhoods of roadside trash. Special vests, gloves and bags were given to each volunteer and the Borough served a continental breakfast and snacks before and after the event.
In this photo, Borough volunteers Guy Reschenthaler, Jan Cmar and Dave Montgomery worked along Peters Creek.
We would like to have greater participation in this worthwhile event next year by our church, school, scouting and other community groups. If you would like to help us make plans for your group to join us next spring, we’d love to hear from you! Call the Borough offices at 412.655.7735 and leave a message for Jan Cmar or Dave Montgomery.
Real Estate Tax Reminder The Borough of Jefferson Hills will be mailing 2013 real estate tax bills July 1, 2013. Please take note of the following important real estate tax dates: July 1, 2013 – August 31, 2013 2% Discount Period September 1, 2013 – October 31, 2013 Face Amount Period After October 31, 2013 10% Penalty Period The Borough’s Tax Collector, Josephine Lipnicky, will be at the Borough of Jefferson Hills Municipal Center, 925 Old Clairton Road, to accept real estate tax payments from 9 a.m. – Noon on the following dates: Thursdays - 7/18, 8/8, 8/15, 8/29 and Saturdays - 7/27, 8/24. If you choose to mail in your payment, please mail it to PO Box 826, Jefferson Hills, PA, 15025. In an effort to save money for the taxpayer, the Borough of Jefferson Hills and the West Jefferson Hills School District mail their real estate tax bills together in one envelope. The bills will be on different colored paper. In addition, if you would like a return receipt of payment, please mail the entire bill back to the tax collector for processing with a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you do not receive your tax bills by July 15, 2013 or have questions concerning your real estate tax bill, call Ms. Lipnicky at 412.226.2230. 4
West Jefferson Hills
Would You Like to Serve on a Borough Board or Committee? The Borough of Jefferson Hills has openings for volunteers on the following boards and committees: Borough Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission and Recreation Board. Please send a letter stating your interest to Acting Borough Manager, Mr. Andrew McCreery, 925 Old Clairton Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 or call Mr. McCreery at 412.655.7735.
Borough of Jefferson Hills Welcomes New Police Officers
Borough of Jefferson Hills Mayor Michael Green poses for a photo with Officers Corey Brunetti and Ryan Pokorny
In late winter and early spring, Council hired two new police officers to replace retiring officers Sam Inks and Dave Provins. Their hiring brings the Borough police force to 17.
Officer Corey Brunetti Corey Brunetti, 23, has known that he wanted to be a police officer since middle school. That’s because his father, retired Sergeant Rich Brunetti of the South Park police force gave both Corey and his brother, Jason, who is a Peters Township patrolman, a clear picture of the job. “I have had the opportunity to see and talk about both the positives and negatives of the job,” Officer Brunetti said. To prepare for his career in law enforcement Officer Brunetti attended Penn State University in Altoona and graduated in 2012 with a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. “My Sociology courses gave me a sense of how people interact with each other and insight into why people do what they do,” Brunetti said. Graduating from the Allegheny County Police Training Academy and an 11-week internship with the Peters Township police force rounded out Brunetti’s training. Officer Brunetti said he’s very happy to be hired at Jefferson Hills. “Getting a job in such a reputable department has been a major career aspiration for me. I’m happy to be working in a community where I can see raising a family,” he said. Officer Brunetti said he looks forward to getting to know the Jefferson Hills community, and will be proactive in trying to help our residents obey the laws, such as driving carefully. “I would like to help prevent problems,” he said.
Officer Ryan Pokorny
Borough of Jefferson Hills Police Chief Gene Roach congratulates new officer Corey Brunetti at the May Council meeting.
Officer Ryan Pokorny, 31, grew up in South Park and is a graduate of South Park High School and Community College of Allegheny County where he earned a degree in Graphic Communications. Officer Pokorny attended the Allegheny County Police Training Academy, and since graduation in 2004, he has worked as a part-time police officer for various communities in Western PA, including North Braddock, Turtle Creek, Rostraver Township and Ingram. Pokorny is happy to now be employed as a full-time Police Officer in the community where he makes his home with his wife Melissa and baby daughter, Olivia. He wants to continue to attain additional police training, especially in areas of DUI/drug detection. Eventually, he would like to be considered for training as a Drug Recognition Expert to assist him in recognizing drug impairment in anyone operating a vehicle. Now that Officer Pokorny is a full-time employee of Jefferson Hills, we are sure to get to know him. But for now, he might not be the most famous Pokorny in our area. His grandmother, Sarah Pokorny was a lunch time helper at Gill Hall School for 40 years, and was extremely popular with the students and their families. “I see a lot of familiar faces and names since I also worked at Bill’s Texaco (on Old Clairton Road),” he said. “But most people still ask Officer Ryan Pokorny takes the me if I’m related to Sarah Pokorny,” he said Law Enforcement Oath of Honor with a smile. West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
Borough of Jefferson Hills
Memorial Day in Jefferson Hills Local scouts and residents carried the American Flag in the annual parade from Floreffe Fire Hall to the historic Lobb’s Cemetery in the annual Memorial Day observance. We honor and thank our fallen heroes and all veterans for your service to our country.
Lobb’s Cemetery, a local Historical Landmark, is the beneficiary of NRG Energy’s program “Global Day of Giving.” The Elrama Power Plant workers contacted the local West Jefferson Hills Historical Society with a plan to benefit this valuable historical cemetery. The workers: Mark Weinheimer, Becky Siudela, Ethan Russell, Bob Lippert, Greg Thompson, and Dave Becze all employees of NRG Energy, Elrama Power Plant, worked together to restore parts of the landmark site. Flowers were planted in the flower boxes previously built by Brandon Oskin as an Eagle Scout project, the flag pole was painted, the cannon was painted and air put in the deflated tires (all tasks accomplished while not disturbing a robin’s nest built in the cannon), iron fencing realigned, and resetting a tombstone and signage. All area residents and historical society members thank NRG Energy, Elrama Power Plant workers for a job well done.
6
West Jefferson Hills
Global Day of Giving
Base camp at Everest complex was home for six weeks
Borough of Jefferson Hills
Mount Everest Climber, Jim Holliday Presents Program at Jefferson Hills Qualities of Courage and Fortitude Stressed in Presentation Jim Holliday displayed his boots and other gear he used in his Mt. Everest climb.
Sixty years ago, on May 29, 1953, New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made the first confirmed ascent of the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest, which reaches 29,029 feet. Since then, about 4,000 people have made the attempt to conquer the mountain that straddles the border between Nepal and the Chinese province of Tibet. The journey in the blazing sun is treacherous, and mentally and physically taxing, and more than 225 people have died attempting the climb. On May 19, 2011, Pittsburgh resident, Jim Holliday became one of the select 660 to reach the top of Mt. Everest. He accomplished his victory with courage, determination, hard work and training, a team of 28 guides, and the desire to fulfill a promise made to his late mother, Mitzi Holliday, who encouraged him when he was just an eight-year-old, to achieve his dream. At age 56, Holliday kept that promise, arriving at the Everest Summit with his axe and his late mother, Mitzi Holliday’s photo. “We are here, mom. We are on top of Mt. Everest,” Holliday wrote in his journal. Holliday was a guest of Jefferson Hills Library on April 18 to show the slide presentation of his two-month Everest journey and display and demonstrate the gear he used in making the climb. Local scouts, their families and other residents listened as Holliday spoke of the training and determination it took to reach his goal including regularly climbing the steps of the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. “With dedication and the willingness to work, you can achieve anything... the world is yours,” Holliday told his audience.
The Mt. Everest complex with Everest the black peak.
Holliday as he reached the Mt. Everest summit, holding the photo of his late mother, Mitzi Holliday.
Scouts try on special sunglasses used in the Mt. Everest climb
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Borough of Jefferson Hills Borough of Jefferson Hills
ZONING HEARING BOARD SERVES COMMUNITY “The Zoning Officer told me that I can’t build my pool closer than 10 feet to the property line, but my lot is sloped on one side, so in order to have the pool fit I have to place it within 8 feet of my property line. What can I do?” “The Zoning Officer sent me a violation notice for a sign on my business stating it was in violation of the Ordinance due to its size. What can I do?” “I want to start a business out of my home, and the Zoning Officer told me that it requires a Special Exception approval. What can I do?” To address all of these cases, and similar ones, Chairperson Pennsylvania Zoning Law and the Borough of Jefferson Hills G. David Parme Zoning Ordinance has established the Zoning Hearing Board. Vice Chairperson This group of Council-appointed Borough residents is able Crystal Alfonsi to grant variances from the Zoning Ordinance requirements Secretary after a public hearing is conducted and it is determined that Daniel Chiacchia there is a hardship to the property owner and the granting Regular Members of the variance will not negatively affect the surrounding Lawrence Krutules II property owners. The Borough of Jefferson Hills Zoning Hearing Board Paul Calise consists of five members and two alternates. Board members Alternate Members serve for 5-year terms. The Board helps to assure fair and Karen Devine equitable application and administration of the Borough’s Beverly McConeghy Zoning Ordinance. This is accomplished through various means such as hearing appeals for variances, special exceptions on the Zoning Officer’s determinations, and by granting relief from ordinances in certain hardship situations. The Zoning Hearing Board does not have the power to make or modify zoning policy and also has no enforcement powers. The Borough Zoning Officer handles enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Hearing Board functions as a quasi-judicial body by scheduling hearings and appeals, taking evidence, and issuing written decisions in accordance with the law. The Board plays a vital role in developing a more effective Zoning Ordinance by working to detect weaknesses in the Borough’s zoning law. It may also request the Planning Commission to consider a zoning amendment. The Jefferson Hills Zoning Hearing Board holds meetings as needed.
Bottom Row: Dave Parme (Chairman); Crystal Alfonsi (Vice Chair) Top Row: Paul Calise, Dan Chiacchia, Beverly McConeghy
8
West Jefferson Hills
Important Information From Our Police Chief on Identity Theft Be alert to telephone scammers trying to collect personal data while posing as your bank or financial institution
Borough of Jefferson Hills Police Chief Gene Roach has recently received information from our local banking institutions that telephone scammers are calling residents posing as banking officials in order to obtain personal information such as account numbers or other personal information. As an example, the caller reports a fictitious problem with a bank/credit account; then requests personal and/or account information to rectify the issue. The JHPD has confirmed that these callers are always telephone scammers trying to steal your personal data while posing as your financial institution. Reminder: NEVER give out your personal information or account details over the phone unless you made the call, no matter how legitimate the call may seem. If you receive a call from someone who claims to be from your bank, credit union, credit card company or other financial institution and the caller reports your account has been defrauded, ask the caller for details; then hang up and call your bank or credit union to tell them what has happened. If your account has been compromised, either put a stop on your account or close your account and contact the police department. The Federal Trade Commission has some great facts for consumers at www.ftc.gov: Topics include: Get Your Free Credit Report; Register for Do Not Call: Fighting Back Identity Theft; Consumer Complaint – Report it to the FTC.
Jefferson Hills
Library k News Hundreds of people browsed through the thousands of books on display at the Municipal Building Community Room. The Preview Party buffet table held a beautiful assortment of appetizers and desserts.
Borough of Jefferson Hills THE FRIENDS OF THE JEFFERSON HILLS LIBRARY THANK OUR SPONSORS, CONTRIBUTORS AND VOLUNTEERS! SPONSORS: SILVER LEVEL DEAN HONDA EASTMAN CHEMICAL-JEFFERSON SITE VIRGIN CARPETS, INC. BRONZE LEVEL JEFFERSON HILLS REAL ESTATE, INC. STEPHEN D. SLATER FUNERAL HOME
THANKS FRIENDS! The Annual Book Sale by the Friends of the Jefferson Hills Library this spring was a huge success with the Friends raising over $7,000 for unbudgeted books, programming and supplies. Thank you to all who donated books, boutique items and their time and talents to this worthy community project.
A card catalog made a great display case for scarves that sold for under $5
Mom and daughter Brandi and Caitlin Moyer Dinardo enjoy the great bargains at the boutique.
A boutique displayed handbags, jewelry, scarves, photo frames and other treasures for sale. West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Borough of Jefferson Hills
The 2013 Summer Library Program QUESTYINZ 2013
Summer Reading Club 2013 begins on June 1 and continues through July 25. Register for individual story times online through EventKeeper at www.jeffersonhillslibrary.org. Beginning June 1, reading minutes can be tracked by logging onto “Questyinz.”
Jefferson Hills Library’s 2013 Summer Reading Program Schedule Our exciting program includes themes about dinosaurs, fossils, “nature’s diggers,” and gardening.
READING PROGRAMS PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN (Suggested Ages 3-6) 10 – 11 a.m. Tuesdays, June 18, 25, July 2, 9, 23 (Our July 16th Wildlife Program will begin at 1:30 p.m.) Story time, craft, and snack
ELEMENTARY
(Suggested Ages 6 and up) 10 – 11:15 a.m. Thursdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 (Our July 16th Wildlife Program will begin at 1:30 p.m.) Story time, craft, and snack
QUEST CAMP AND PIZZA
(Suggested Ages 6 and up) We will be working as a group. Following the Elementary Program 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. We will do “Questyinz”, our online reading program, & then enjoy pizza & refreshments. Thursdays, June 20, 27, & July 11, 18
10
West Jefferson Hills
SPECIAL PROGRAMS June 20th- Home Depot
10 – 11:15 a.m. There will be a special program about planting and gardening. Expect to get your hands dirty!
June 27th - Carnegie Museum of Natural History
10 – 11:15 a. m. A docent will present a “hands on” program about dinosaurs.
July 9th - Intergenerational Program
(Tweens, Teens, & Adults) 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Joyce Schmidt, our local historian will present a program about fossils in the Pittsburgh Area.
July 16th – The Animal Rescue League & Wildlife Center
For all ages 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Learn about the animals, which are nature’s diggers and meet one that lives in our area.
July 23rd – Dinosaur Party Preschool/Kindergarten 10 - 11:30 a. m.
July 25th – Dinosaur Party
TEEN TIME July 11, 18 & 25 1 – 2 p.m. Activities, book talk, snacks and weekly raffles.
Kindergarten – 5th 10 – 11:30 a.m. Thomas Jefferson High School football coach Bill Cherpak has donated a helmet signed by him and the Jaguar team! All participating program readers will receive tickets!
Upcoming West Jefferson Hills Historical Society Programs Summer 2013 The public is invited to join the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society for its monthly programs at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Borough of Jefferson Hills Municipal Center
Borough of Jefferson Hills
Request a FREE library card today! …. and have access to the catalog of the entire online collection of all eiNetwork public libraries in Allegheny County. There are about 3.5 million items listed in the catalog, and they include: books, videos, DVDs, CDs, eBooks, audiotapes, magazines and more! Please enter the following information to set up your account on line at www.jeffersonhillslibrary.org. Or you can also fill out the information below and return it to the library, and we will send you a library card! It’s that simple!
Birthday ________________________________________ Gender (circle one)
July 24 Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Golden Age of Television presented by George Wilson August 28 Wednesday at 7 p.m. Tim Tokosh from Elizabeth Township and a member of the Antique Bottle Collectors Club of Pittsburgh will be the presenter. The audience is encouraged to bring bottles or crocks to share with the group. September 25 Wednesday at 7 p.m. Antique Road Show Format (antique expert to be announced)
MALE
FEMALE
Notice Preference _______________________________ Telephone _____________________________________ NAME ________________________________________ Last First Middle Address: Street ________________________________________ City __________________________________________ State _________________________________________ County ________________________________________ Zip Code ______________________________________ PHONE NUMBER ________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS ________________________________ DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER ________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ I am responsible for all materials borrowed with this card as well as any fines owed to the Library If registering children: Responsible Person _______________________________ Address _______________________________________ Phone Number __________________________________ West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Photos by Carl P. Stillitano / CPS Photography
Inaugural
CASE AWARDS Honoring Unsung Volunteers
Nearly 500 people turned out for the inaugural IN Community Magazines’ Community Awards for Service Excellence (CASE) presented by Northwest Savings Bank on May 10 in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field.
T
he honorees and their guests were welcomed to the prestigious event following a short reception. A total of 111 awards were presented to individual volunteers, non-profit organizations and corporations who have demonstrated exceptional service to the community either through direct volunteer efforts or support of non-profits. They represented a cross section of both young and old from 33 different communities in western Pennsylvania. Some of the honorees traveled from as far away as Greensburg and Erie to participate. Popular anchor Andrew Stockey of WTAE-TV served as Master of Ceremonies and presented the honorees with their certificates. Stockey opened with some remarks on the importance of volunteerism and his own community service background. IN Community Magazines publisher, Wayne Dollard, addressed the assembly, with special thanks to his wife Lisa, his staff and to the honorees for their service. Dollard read a poem about the importance of making every
12 724.942.0940 to advertise |
moment count and finished by expressing his hope that the awards will become an annual event to recognize outstanding accomplishments in volunteering. Chris Martin, Northwest Savings Bank president of the southwest region, congratulated IN Community Magazines on the success of the event in highlighting nonprofits. Northwest Savings Bank sponsored the event. Monica Haynes, who originated the concept for the CASE awards, spoke about the process of developing the recognition program. Haynes, a former editor with IN Community Magazines, had visited a local food pantry to conduct interviews on a snowy Pittsburgh day last winter. She was inspired by the dedication of the food pantry workers, who despite treacherous, slick streets, had left their warm, safe homes to honor their volunteer commitment in order that others less fortunate might have enough food to eat. The experience led Haynes to meet with Dollard regarding the possibility of honoring
West Jefferson Hills
volunteers who donate their time, talents and money to improve the community. Haynes said Dollard’s immediate response was, “Let’s do it!” “I knew they didn’t do it for any recognition or fanfare,” explained Haynes, “I felt if others were able to know about what [they were doing] they might be motivated and inspired to do the same.” With a firm commitment from Dollard, the initial planning began and an appeal was placed in each of IN Community’s 37 magazines to nominate teen volunteers, adult volunteers, non-profits and corporations who exhibited extraordinary levels of service to the community. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of names being put forward as possible honorees. A selection committee sorted through the stacks of nominations to narrow the field to just one honoree for each category in every school district. (The magazine coverage area is based on school district lines.) There were volunteers honored from ages
Chris Martin, President of the Southwest Region of Northwest Savings Bank (pictured on the right) poses with the West Jefferson Hills area winners.
Large Non-Profit of the Year, Sisters Place, Inc:
Sisters Place is a supportive housing community committed to assisting single parent families who are homeless in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Their mission is to assist families toward selfsufficiency by providing housing and supportive services.
2013
Case
Awards
Volunteer of the Year, Don and Linda Paterni: Don and Linda are regional representatives for Free Wheelchair Mission, a non-profit, faith-based, humanitarian organization that created an amazing wheelchair from a simple steel frame, resin lawn chair and mountain bike tires. The cost of this chair is only $71.88 to make and ship. In the last 12 years, FWM has given away 700,000 wheelchairs in over 86 countries through churches, businesses, organizations and ordinary people.
Youth Volunteer of the Year, Ashley Button:
Ashley is a 9th-grade student at Thomas Jefferson High School and dedicates of lot of her time to volunteering. Her community service includes volunteering two nights a week at Atria’s Senior Living, and at the Jefferson Library with preschool/ kindergarten story times. Not long ago, after hearing that Children’s Hospital was taking donations for dresses and suits so they could have a prom for children who were there, Ashley donated items from her and her little sister’s closet, and sought donations from neighbors, as well. She offers her time to neighbors to babysit or spend time with seniors on her street. One of her biggest undertakings was collecting donations for a man and his grandson, who lost everything in a fire. Ashley sent out mass emails seeking donations and sought additional donations at her school’s open house.
13 to 86. Non-profits and corporations, both large and small, received awards for their work. “As someone who has managed volunteers for 10 years, it is wonderful to witness your recognition efforts of so many deserving individuals and organizations,” commented Vickie Mottern, volunteer coordinator for Brevillier Village, located in Harborcreek in Erie County. “We are so grateful to be recognized as Small Non-Profit of the Year for Norwin,” said Jodi Fowler, one of the founders of Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund. “Never did we imagine... that we would be at this point, developing our organization and receiving this amazing award because of our incredible volunteers – just a few years later.” “It is a great event!” said Chartiers Valley Volunteer of the Year, Susan Zuk. The night was capped off with live entertainment provided by The Clarks, as guests rocked the night away. IN Community Magazines would like to thank everyone who made the awards event possible. We would also like to congratulate all of our honorees, the nominees and even those individuals who were not nominated and yet serve on a daily basis. It is your constant devotion to helping others, which all too often goes unnoticed, that makes our communities a great place to live! West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Real Estate IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS Real estate is a big part of our lives. For the vast majority of us it is the biggest purchase we will ever make, as well as the largest investment. Not to mention the fact that our purchase is “our home”…the place we laugh, cry, raise children, share timeless memories with friends and family and so much more. So it is very important that we understand every aspect of the selling and purchasing of a home. This includes mortgage and finance information, curb appeal, new housing developments and new ways to look for homes. CURB APPEAL Curb appeal is a well-known term that refers to the attractiveness of the interior and exterior of a home. While the term seems overused, it is a very real phenomenon. The old saying goes, “You only get one chance at a first impression.” This phrase perfectly explains the importance of curb appeal. When someone pulls up to a house for the first time, things like paint, landscaping, carpeting and light fixtures, just to name a few, make a huge difference in the person’s opinion. It is much harder for most people to envision the potential of a home when unattractiveness abounds everywhere they look. Most people looking at a home make a snap judgment the moment they enter the property. Sure, these snap judgments can be changed with other positive attributes, but why take the chance when adding curb appeal can be so easy and costeffective? Curb appeal can be accomplished by any number of methods including exterior decorations, repainting, extensive attention to the landscaping, timely grass cutting, new or even recently professionally cleaned carpeting, new hardware on the kitchen cabinets, new stain on a rear deck, new
14 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
exterior and interior light fixtures and de-cluttering of the interior of the home. Always think of curb appeal when marketing your home or looking at a new home. It may not sell your home on its own, or entice you to buy a home on its own, but it does make a difference. You won’t be sorry because it is worth the time and relatively low cost.
STAGING Selling a home requires more than a “For Sale” sign. Competition is fierce, and if you want the best offers and your home to sell quickly, home staging is essential. Staging involves cleaning, de-cluttering, and decorating a home so it appeals to buyers. Never confuse decorating for staging. Décor is an expression of a particular style, while staging is a strategy. According to www.globalspan.net, there are five basic steps to staging your home. #1 - Clean. Your home must sparkle! To achieve this level is often only feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too. #2 - Fix. Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong
Real estate by the numbers
IN West Jefferson Hills Homes for Sale: Recently Sold:
66 47
*Data provided by Realtor.com. Data presented is representative of the time of publication. For up-to-date information, go to Realtor.com.
message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea. #3 - Eliminate Clutter. The “50% Rule” requires that you eliminate the clutter in your home by at least half. This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter – it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn’t sell homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized. (Have you ever noticed that the really expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-free layout, while “cheap” stores are often a jumble of merchandise?) Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has as a central focus the elimination of clutter. #4 - Go Executive Neutral. Neutral colors sell. It’s a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you’ve just turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest. #5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won’t be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot “imagine” your home as their home. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to “see” themselves in it.
REVERSE MORTGAGE According to www.consumer.ftc.gov, if you’re 62 or older – and looking for money to finance a home improvement, pay off your current mortgage, supplement your retirement income, or pay for health-care expenses – you may be considering a reverse mortgage. It’s a product that allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your home or pay additional monthly bills. In a “regular” mortgage, you make monthly payments to the lender. In a “reverse” mortgage, you receive money from the lender, and generally don’t have to pay it back for as long as you live in your home. The loan is repaid when you die, sell your home, or when your home is no longer your primary residence. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage generally are taxfree, and many reverse mortgages have no income restrictions. There are three types of reverse mortgages: •• Single-purpose reverse mortgages, offered by some state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
continued on page 17
Our Real Estate Partners 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
2013 is headed for a banner year in Real Estate. The interest rates are great!! Housing inventory is moving very quickly! Call me to discuss and service your Real Estate needs!
Ginger Damiani, ABR, QSC, Prudential Preferred Realty, Caste Village Office 412.854.7200 • cell 412.427.1396 gingerdamiani@prudentialpreferred.com
Jefferson Hills Lawn Equipment has the largest selection of homeowner and commercial equipment in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. From minor tune-ups and maintenance to major overhauls, our certified master technicians can get you up and running quickly. Visit our showroom filled with all your lawn & landscape equipment needs. Chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, zero turn mowers & tractors. Stop by today & see Harry, Michelle, Tom & Pat. JEFFERSON HILLS LAWN EQUIPMENT 412.655.2279 • www.jeffersonhillslawn.com
Northwood agents don’t just represent properties, we represent people. Since 1956, our experience has taught us that lasting relationships are the foundations of our future. Say hello to the New Face of Northwood at Northwood.com today.
5301 Clairton Blvd., Suite C Pittsburgh, PA 15236 412.886.8530 • Northwood.com West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
16 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
Real Estate IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
•• Federally-insured reverse mortgages, known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). •• Proprietary reverse mortgages, private loans that are backed by the companies that develop them. Single-purpose reverse mortgages are the least expensive option. They are not available everywhere and can be used for only one purpose, which is specified by the government or nonprofit lender. For example, the lender might say the loan may be used only to pay for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. Most homeowners with low or moderate income can qualify for these loans. HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages may be more expensive than traditional home loans, and the upfront costs can be high. That’s important to consider, especially if you plan to stay in your home for just a short time or borrow a small amount. HECM loans are widely available, have no income or medical requirements, and can be used for any purpose. Before applying for a HECM, you must meet with a counselor from an independent government-approved housing counseling agency. Some lenders offering proprietary reverse mortgages also require counseling. The counselor is required to explain the loan’s costs and financial implications, and possible alternatives to a HECM, like government and nonprofit programs or a single-purpose or proprietary reverse mortgage. The counselor also should be able to help you compare the costs of different types of reverse mortgages and tell you how different payment options, fees, and other costs affect the total cost of the loan over time. You can visit HUD for a list of counselors or call the agency at 1.800.569.4287. Most counseling agencies charge around $125 for their services. The fee can be paid from the loan proceeds, but you cannot be turned away if you can’t afford the fee. How much you can borrow with a HECM or proprietary reverse mortgage depends on several factors, including your age, the type of reverse mortgage you select, the appraised value of your home, and current interest rates. In general, the older you are, the more equity you have in your home, and the less you owe on it, the more money you can get.
Our Real Estate Partners Voss TV & Appliance is a family owned and operated appliance and electronics store which was established in 1960. For over 53 years we have serviced the Pittsburgh area by offering the highest quality products and services. Voss offers a large variety of kitchen appliances, consumer electronics, laundry appliances, outdoor grills, mattresses, furniture, home theater equipment and seating. For more information, call or visit us on the internet. www.vosstv.com Voss TV & Appliance 412.653.3548 • www.vosstv.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
Our “customer first” philosophy is simple, and with hard work, dedication, trustworthiness, and a dynamic approach to the real estate industry, and meticulous attention to detail, we can assure you top quality service and success throughout all of your real estate transactions. Whether it’s selling, buying or managing, communication has been the key to our success for over 57 years. B.C. Artman & Co., Inc. 412.884.4900 • www.bcartmanrealestate.com
The HECM lets you choose among several payment options. You can select: •• A “term” option – fixed monthly cash advances for a specific time. •• A “tenure” option – fixed monthly cash advances for as long as you live in your home. •• A line of credit that lets you draw down the loan proceeds at any time in amounts you choose until you have used up the line of credit. •• A combination of monthly payments and a line of credit. You can change your payment option any time for about $20. HECMs generally provide bigger loan advances at a lower total cost compared with proprietary loans. But if you own a higher-valued home, you may get a bigger loan advance from a proprietary reverse mortgage. So
continued on page 18 West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
Real Estate WEST JEFFERSON HILLS if your home has a higher appraised value and you have a small mortgage, you may qualify for more funds. Reverse mortgage loan advances are not taxable, and generally don’t affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits. You retain the title to your home, and you don’t have to make monthly repayments. The loan must be repaid when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence. In the HECM program, a borrower can live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 consecutive months before the loan must be repaid. If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, be aware that: •• Lenders generally charge an origination fee, a mortgage insurance premium (for federally-insured HECMs), and other closing costs for a reverse mortgage. Lenders also may charge servicing fees during the term of the mortgage. The lender sometimes sets these fees and costs, although origination fees for HECMs currently are dictated by law. Your upfront costs can be lowered if you borrow a smaller amount through a reverse mortgage product called “HECM Saver.” •• The amount you owe on a reverse mortgage grows over time. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance and added to the amount you owe each month. That means your total debt increases as the loan funds are advanced to you and interest on the loan accrues. •• Although some reverse mortgages have fixed rates, most have variable
18 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
rates that are tied to a financial index: they are likely to change with market conditions. •• Reverse mortgages can use up all or some of the equity in your home, and leave fewer assets for you and your heirs. Most reverse mortgages have a “nonrecourse” clause, which prevents you or your estate from owing more than the value of your home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold. However, if you or your heirs want to retain ownership of the home, you usually must repay the loan in full – even if the loan balance is greater than the value of the home. •• Because you retain title to your home, you are responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. If you don’t pay property taxes, carry homeowner’s insurance, or maintain the condition of your home, your loan may become due and payable. •• Interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole.
FINANCING AND INTEREST RATES There is both good news and bad news when it comes to home financing and mortgage interest rates. The great news is that interest rates are still
extremely low. According to bankrate.com, the interest rates on 12/26/12 were 3.59% on a 30-year fixed rate, 2.87% on a 15-year fixed, 2.77% on a 5/1 ARM and 4.07% on a 30-year jumbo. However, the bad news is that, due to new mortgage laws adopted after the nation’s foreclosure crisis of several years back, it is more difficult to get a mortgage than ever before. Credit scores are even more scrutinized and debt-to-income ratios are more strict. There is an infinite number of loan types out there, and lenders are constantly coming up with creative ways to wrangle in new homeowners. The type of home loan you choose can make or break you as a borrower, so make sure you fully understand it before making any kind of commitment. Most prospective homeowners these days seem to be interested in 100% financing, generally because they don’t have the assets necessary for a down payment. Unfortunately, the proliferation of these types of home loan programs have increased the number of high-risk borrowers in the United States at an alarming rate. But if you take the time to educate yourself on the many home loan types out there, you’ll effectively decrease your chances of defaulting on your mortgage. That said, let’s talk about the many different loan types and programs available today. Below is a list of the types of loans available to potential homeowners.
Conforming Loans and Non-Conforming Loans One way home loans are differentiated is by their Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) eligibility. If the loan meets requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it is considered a conforming loan. If the loan does not meet all the underwriting requirements set forth by the pair of GSEs, it is considered “nonconforming.” The main guideline that determines whether a mortgage is conforming or not is the loan amount. Generally, a mortgage with a loan amount below $417,000 is considered conforming, whereas any loan amount above $417,000 is considered a jumbo loan. However, in Alaska and Hawaii the conforming limit is $625,500. Note that the conforming limit may change annually, and has risen quite a bit in the past few years as housing prices skyrocketed. A jumbo loan may meet all of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s loan underwriting guidelines, but if the loan amount exceeds the conforming limit, it will be considered non-conforming and carry a higher mortgage rate as a result. If your loan amount is on the fringe of the conforming limit, sometimes simply dropping your loan amount a few thousand dollars can lower your mortgage rate tremendously, so keep this in mind anytime your loan amount is near the limit.
Continued on page 20 West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
Real Estate IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS Conventional Loans and Government Loans Mortgages are also classified as either “conventional loans” or “government loans.” Conventional loans can be conforming or jumbo, but are not insured or guaranteed by the government. Then there are government loans, such as the widely popular FHA loan. This type of mortgage is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Another common government loan is the VA loan, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The maximum loan amount for these types of loans varies by county. Now that you know a bit about different home loan types, we can focus on home loan programs. As mentioned earlier, there are a ton of different loan programs out there, and more seem to surface every day. Let’s start with the most basic of loan programs, the 30-year fixed-rate loan.
Loan Programs The 30-year fixed loan is as simple as they come. Most mortgages are based on a 30-year amortization, and the 30-year fixed is no different. The 30-year fixed loan is just how it sounds, a loan with a 30-year term at a fixed interest rate for 30 years. What this means is that the loan will take 30 years to pay off, and the rate will stay the same during those entire 30 years. There isn’t much else to it. Let’s say you secure a rate of 6.5% on a 30-year fixed loan with a loan amount of $500,000. You’ll have monthly mortgage payments of $3,160.34 for a total of 360 months, or 30 years. You will be required to pay the same amount each month until the loan is paid off. So the total amount you would pay on a $500,000 loan at 6.5% over 30 years would be $1,137,722.40.
LOCAL HOUSING MARKET According to www.buildingpittsburgh.wordpress.com, unlike the overall U.S. market, the housing market in Pittsburgh does not have to bounce back from falling prices and is showing remarkable consistency across a number of metrics. For more than six months the prices of houses sold and the number of homes sold has remained solidly up more than 10% year-over-year. That’s an unusual level of consistent growth, especially since the sales took place in periods of both higher and lower seasonal activity. The third quarter also showed a consistent trend in the year-over-year growth in new construction. Through nine months there were a total of 2,396 new dwelling units started compared to 2,155 during the same period in 2011, an increase of 11.2%. The increased activity was constant whether the construction was traditional detached single-family homes (and attached) or multi-family units, with each cohort up between 10-12%. Permits were issued for 1,393 units of detached dwellings compared to 1,264 in 2011 and for 1,003 attached units this year compared to 891 last year. While there is growing evidence that financing conditions are normalizing so that buyers can buy, the dwindling supply of lots are keeping a broader housing recovery from spreading into 2013, although the construction of multi-family apartments will boom for at least the next 18 months. Following is a breakdown of new housing by county. •• Allegheny County — Single Family Detached, 609. Single-Family Attached, 392. Total, 1001. •• Beaver County — Single-Family Detached, 108. Single-Family Attached, 25. Total, 133. •• Butler County — Single-Family Detached, 190. Single-Family Attached, 323. Total, 513. •• Fayette County — Single-Family Detached, 66. Single-Family Attached, 10. Total, 76.
Continued on page 23 20 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
M
ost water lines connected to homes are metered to track usage for billing reasons. If a water line has a leak, the monthly usage bill can be very high. For this reason, it is important for homeowners to be vigilant in reviewing their bills. If a bill seems higher, it is time to look for a leak. Water leaks that are significant are usually detected by the utility company, and the utility provider typically notifies the affected customer. Most water leaks start out small and are easy to find with a few simple steps.
Hot Water Tanks
The valves for these tanks are usually connected to a drain that may be leaking without the knowledge of the homeowner. If the drain pipe cannot be removed, listen for a hissing sound that indicates a leak.
Toilets
To find a leak in a toilet, first remove the lid from the tank. Listen for any sounds of water draining or for hissing noises. If these noises are noted, try to locate their source. Some leaks can be fixed and some cannot. When the leak is not possible to fix, call a plumber. If no leaking noises are noted, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. After about five minutes, check the bowl for coloring. If the water is colored, this indicates a leak in the flapper. It is possible to complete this repair with a kit, but some people may feel more comfortable calling a plumber.
Meter Line
When the toilets have been ruled out for leaks, look at the meter line running to the house. Locating the leak for the plumber will save plenty of money, so this is an important step. Turn the shutoff valve to the off position. Remove the lid on the meter, and watch the meter’s dial. In some cases, grass or dirt may be covering the meter head. When it is located, watch to see if the meter is turning. A turning meter indicates a leak somewhere between the meter and the house. Look for greener grass, muddier areas or soft spots in the yard that may indicate a leak to report to the plumber. Alternately, if the meter is not moving, the leak is somewhere in the house.
Leaks by the House
Easy Tips for Locating a Water Leak
Put a metal screwdriver on the metal part of each hose bib connected to the house. Place the thumb knuckle over the top of the screwdriver. Touch the area just in front of the ear to the thumb knuckle. This creates an effect similar to a stethoscope. If any sounds are noted, remember what they sound like and where they are. When noises are louder in one hose bib than the other, this means the leak is closer to the bib where the noise is more audible. If no noises are noted on the hose bibs, try the same tip on the faucets in the house. Be careful to avoid scalding when doing this with the hot water heater.
Additional Leak Sources
Check all of the taps, irrigation systems, hoses and sprinklers on the property. Also, check the shower heads for any leaks. This is a step that many people overlook, and repairing a shower head is a simple DIY task. People who have a swimming pool or hot tub should check the unit for leaks. Not all leaks can be identified by using the tips in this guide. Some leaks can be very hard to locate and will require the attention of a professional plumber. However, homeowners should never ignore leaks. They will only worsen when they are not addressed immediately. Cusumano Insurance, a local family-owned business, has been servicing the Pittsburgh area since 1958. The agency represents several insurance companies offering various options for your personal and business insurance needs. Their experienced staff are creative problem solvers who help find the suitable insurance companies, products and discounts to meet your specific needs. Give them a call today for a free insurance review. This Industry Insight was provided by: Joann Cusumano Sciulli, AAI Agency Principal
Rosann Cusumano Elinsky, AAI, LUTCF Agency Principal
Cusumano Insurance Agency, Inc. • 178 Clairton Blvd • Pleasant Hills, PA 15236 West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
Real Estate IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
•• Washington County — Single-Family Detached, 251. Single-Family Attached, 74. Total, 325. •• Westmoreland County — Single-Family Detached, 169. Single-Family Attached, 179. Total, 348.
SMARTPHONE APPS FOR HOUSE HUNTING This is 2013 and we are an “on the go” society. So doesn’t it just make sense to use apps for house hunting before contacting a real estate agent? According to www.msn.com, today there are dozens of cheap — even free — applications you can download that can make your home buying quest easier and savvier than ever before. So go ahead and download ‘em, take ‘em for a test drive … then hit the open-house circuit. This time, you’re guaranteed to waste less time finding a new “home sweet home.”
Tools to help you find a home — all with GPS •• Realtor.com says its app has more listings — reportedly more than 3 million — than any other app in the country. You can highlight areas of town to search, check for homes for sale near you and search for open houses. Most homes show multiple photos as well as pricing and open-house info. (Free.) •• Zillow not only lets you see listings and the estimated worth of any home — not just homes for sale – but also has rental-rate estimates. (Free.)
Choosing the right city and neighborhood •• Learn your neighborhood: With Wikihood, you can get a mini-tour of most any neighborhood in the world — everything from the history to the culture to companies in the area. (Free for iPad and iPhone.) •• Wonder where that smell is coming from? Worried by those airplanes flying low overhead? You need Suburb Scout. This app allows users to search for possible nuisances near a home — airports, landfills, sewagetreatment plants and more. ($1.99 for Android.) •• Are you worried about sex offenders? Consider getting Safe Neighborhood. This app gives you access to the National Sex Offender Registry and can tell you locations of sex offenders in your area. It’s a little controversial — not only can you search by address, but you can pull up names and pictures of the offenders. (Free for Android.)
Our Real Estate Partners Dan and Michelle Haeck are full time realtors working with Coldwell Banker’s Pleasant Hills Office in Bill Green’s Shopping Center. They work in all types of Residential and Commercial Real Estate transactions specializing in new construction, vacation homes, luxury homes, city living, condos and lofts. With a worldwide relocation and referral network, oceanfront, resort homes and second homes are available anywhere you are searching. Michelle and Dan Haeck-Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412.496.6602 • www.pittsburghmoves.com/thehaeckteam
Cusumano Insurance, a local family-owned business has been servicing the Pittsburgh area since 1958. This “Trusted Choice” agency represents several insurance companies offering various options for your Personal and Business insurance needs. Their experienced staff are creative problem solvers who help find the suitable insurance companies, products and discounts to meet your specific needs. Cusumano Insurance Agency 412.655.4432 • www.cusumanoinsurance.com
Jefferson Hills Real Estate Inc., is a 2nd generation family owned business. With a staff of over 75 years of experience, we service the tri-county of Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland. We pride our firm on personalized service in residential, land, investment, leasing, commercial and Certified Appraisals. “We are always big enough to service you, and small enough to care.” Jefferson Hills Real Estate Inc. 412.653.4000 • Jeffersonhillsre.com
Continued on page 24
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
•• Trying to pick a new city? You might want to look at the crime statistics. The app Crime Stats lets you see statistics on several violent crimes and property crimes for cities nationwide, using FBI data. The app also lets you compare those stats to the national average and to other cities. (99 cents for iPhone and iPad.) •• Want to know what kind of amenities your neighborhood has? Download the Walk Score app. It gives a home a score of up to 100, based on residents’ ability to walk to things such as a grocery, a pub, etc. The better the score, the more walkable the neighborhood. Somewhat related, Around Me tells you the distances to key spots such as banks, coffee shops and post offices. (Both are free for iPhone and iPad.) •• SiteWise gives the demographics of your prospective home’s immediate area, using info up to and including the 2010 Census. The app creates a demographic report that includes population by age, education level, number of children, household income, number of renters versus owners and more. ($9.99 for Blackberry and iPhone users.)
When looking hard at a home •• Photo Measures is an app that lets you take pictures of, say, a room and then allows you to save your measurements of the room’s dimensions on the photos. You can take photos during your walk-throughs of an appealing house, note the dimensions of walls and doors and cabinets, then plan your space and refer to the measurements later. ($4.99 for iPhone.) •• ColorSmart. With paintmaker Behr’s ColorSmart app, you can visualize colors in your prospective home. Just take a photo, then fill in the walls with a Behr paint color to check out the new look. (Free for iPhone and iPad.) You now have 13 new ways to find your perfect home — and no excuses.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT Sometimes when the time comes to buy or sell a home the focus is so much on the homes that the real estate agent is an afterthought. However, it is very important to pick the right one for your needs. On the site www.mytitleguy.com is a blogger who has worked in the title industry for 11 years and has met and worked with countless real estate agents. He has come up with a list of things to look for before signing a contract with an agent: Personable: I want someone who does not make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Someone 24 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
Real Estate IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS I can tolerate talking to or sitting across from on more than one occasion. Licensed: Sounds dumb but it is not. I want my agent to be licensed and in good standing, i.e. no complaints [no legitimate complaints one way]. Google is your friend. Go to Google.com, put [potential agents’ names] in quotations and see what Google and other consumers have to say about them. Tech Savvy: An agent who is savvy with technology is a non-negotiable for me. I want someone who has a strong website, who understands the Internet and search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. Not so much social media. Remember, 98% of consumers start their home search online — my real estate agent better know how to get my home to stand out online — where the eyeballs are. Knowledgeable: I want an agent who knows [his/her] way around the purchase contract and how to negotiate. Just because [agents are] licensed does not mean they understand either. I also want an agent who specializes in what I am buying or selling. Familiar with the local market: I would want
an agent who is familiar with my neighborhood, builder, and local market conditions. Local market conditions — not an area 20 miles away. [Yes, markets can vary considerably in as few as 20 miles.] Communicates well and often: You would hope that service and communication would be the basics [for being] in the real estate industry…but sadly it is not. There are real estate agents out there who are horrible at returning calls or emails or even giving updates. Maybe that is why the #1 complaint in the real estate industry is lack of communication. In an occupation that requires communication, the #1 complaint is lack of it. I want my real estate agent to communicate with me in the method that I prefer [email, text, phone call, Facebook, Twitter, smoke signal, Morse code etc.] whatever that is. I also want a regular schedule of check-ins — even if there is nothing to report. Keep me in the loop! Truthful: Someone who is going to tell me the truth whether I want to hear it or not. ‘Yes, Mr. Garner, that purple carpet is ugly and needs to go’ or ‘Stephen, the deer head or stuffed bear in the den is not a good idea.’
Full Time: Real estate is not a part-time job. My agent needs to be available when a potential buyer is. I don’t want to have to wait until my agent gets off his/her shift at Walgreen’s before [responding to] an offer on my home. This is where an agent with a team can be beneficial as they can cover for each other so I can get the service I deserve. Integrity: Integrity is one of those [attributes] that many people say they have. In my opinion, integrity is demonstrated, not necessarily spoken. I want a real estate agent/Realtor to put my interests above [his/her] own. That offer of $400,000 on my $430,000 home may only equal a reduction of $900 for the agent’s commission but it equals a $30,000 reduction to me. If I’m buying with an agent and I’m interested in 4-bedroom, 2-bath homes, show them all to me, even the ones offering a reduced commission and the ones listed by an agent you don’t
continued on page 26
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Real Estate IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS necessarily care for. Put my interests above your own. If my agent represents me, I want him/her to represent me.
perhaps even wheelchair ramps. In the AIA’s most recent survey, almost half of the architects who responded said accessibility was a growing design priority.
NEW HOME TRENDS
A bigger garage — for everything but cars
The housing industry has taken a beating these past few years, but a glimmer of hope is on the horizon. Housing starts are increasing, according to a story by the National Association of Business Economics.
Not long ago, homebuilders were adding garage space to accommodate SUVs. Now some are making more room in the garage for all the other items families put there, from tricycles to golf carts. “We know that growing families accumulate a lot of stuff,” says Scott Thomas, director of product design for Pulte Group, which includes Pulte Homes, Centex and Del Webb retirement communities. “These garages help avoid clutter. A trend for the larger garages is to use part of it as a ‘man cave’ of sorts — space where you can fit two cars, in addition to a sofa, TV, weights, etc.”
Not surprisingly, though, the Great Recession curtailed many of the extravagances that buyers desired before things went south. Homebuyers want different things from their homes today. The watchword is “flexibility” — things such as rooms that serve multiple purposes and homes that can accommodate either “boomerang” children or aging parents. According to www.msn.com, [researchers] talked to homebuilders and industry watchers to find out what will be behind the front doors of new homes.
Easy access Accessibility is big and likely only to get bigger, says Kermit Baker, chief economist of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). “It’s strictly an aging-related thing: Boomers are getting older, and parents of boomers are getting older.” Baby boomers in particular are starting to think about what their homes need to look like if they’re going to stay in them as the years advance. That means single-story homes, homes with grab bars in the bathroom, fewer stairs and
26 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
The ‘resource center’ People want homes that are more flexible, more versatile. Rooms dedicated to one purpose are less popular now, according to the AIA survey. As homes shrank in the past few years, people asked, “Where’s that space going to come from?” Baker says. Those people are realizing that in a smaller home, rooms can serve multiple functions. David Barista, editor in chief of Professional Builder and Custom Builder magazines, calls these multipurpose areas “resource centers” — nooks that include a desk, printer, room for a laptop and even some cubbyholes for mail and bills. “You don’t need this huge den/office anymore,” he says. “Most families are working off laptops or iPads.” Also hearing that demand, Pulte Group has been adding “planning centers” to its homes — spaces adjacent to the kitchen “that serve as the family command center of sorts,” Thomas says.
“It’s a place where the kids can do their homework and be within earshot of the parents. They are great for family organization, paying bills.”
Homes within homes Almost one-third of American adults today are “doubled up,” or living in the same household with another adult generation, the U.S. Census Bureau says. Those adults could be “boomerang” kids who have come back home to live after college, or aging parents who moved in with adult children. Homebuilders are starting to respond to this trend. “We’re seeing a huge growth in floor plans that include dual master suites,” Barista says. Lennar Homes has introduced its NextGen home in several areas of the country. “It really is a home within a home,” says Alan Jones, Arizona division president for Lennar. Imagine a home that contains a separate apartment with its own sleeping area, kitchenette, bathroom and perhaps even garage. A door connects it to the rest of the house, Jones says.
Not just ‘green’ — really green
Homebuilders have been edging toward greater energy efficiency in the past few years, with features such as compact fluorescent bulbs and Energy Star appliances. But Barista sees an even bigger leap. Once the realm of “out there” rich people, “net zero energy homes” — houses that create as much energy as they consume — are going mainstream, he says. “The production builders (larger builders) are becoming masters at building homes that have really tight building envelopes” — that is, homes that don’t leak air where not intended, he says. For several thousand dollars more, large builders are offering homes with solar panels that help power the house. That’s not only good for the environment, but it helps the homes stand out in the market. “I’ve heard of other big builders going in this direction, too,” Barista says.
Home plans that fit today
Another trend Barista sees is “home plans that work for today’s buyers,” he says. In other words, homes designed to accommodate the ways people live today and use their homes. Here are some examples: •• Laundry. “We’re seeing a lot of floor plans that have direct access to laundry rooms,” Barista says — for instance, a laundry alcove that’s right in the master suite, where it’s easy to use. He’s even seen laundry chutes. •• “Costco” pantries. One designer told Barista about the appearance of large pantries just off the garage where people can store all the bulk items that they buy at warehouse stores. •• Drop zones. These are small spots, usually near the kitchen, that are dedicated to dropping off your cell phone, keys, purse, maybe the mail, too. “It’s just another example of home plans working for today’s homeowner,” he says.
The house that flows Several builders and observers mentioned a trend that’s not exactly new, but continues to pick up speed: the open plan. As homes have gotten smaller in recent years, an open plan is a way to make a home seem larger than it is, Barista says. The most obvious example is the way many new homes now have a continuous space and open sightline — a great room — that extends from kitchen to dining area to living area, says Brent Anderson, Vice President of Investor Relations for Meritage Homes. That suits today’s more casual family, he says. “You can watch the football game while you’re cooking dinner.” West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
28 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
UPMC TODAY
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2013
What’s Inside 2 With Heartfelt Thanks 3 Becoming a Whole New You
4 Health Care Reform: We Have the Plan
5 A Closer Look at Medical Imaging
6 Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
7 Smart Tips for a Safer Summer
© 2013 UPMC
With Heartfelt Thanks A local sports fan expresses thanks to fast-acting strangers and his UPMC Mercy medical team for a second chance after surviving a near fatal cardiac arrest earlier this year.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, SCA is the nation’s leading cause of death, killing more than 325,000 people each year. During SCA, heart function ceases abruptly without warning. More than 90 percent of SCA victims die because the heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body. At UPMC Mercy, cardiac electrophysiologist Stuart Mendenhall, MD, implanted an internal defibrillator — a device that will shock David’s heart if he goes into cardiac arrest again. Dr. Mendenhall says SCA can strike with little or no warning. While it is more common in older adults, SCA affects people of all ages, gender, and race — even those who are seemingly in good health. Knowing the risk factors and leading a hearthealthy lifestyle can help prevent some possible causes, including coronary heart disease.
Do the right things “Awareness is key. You can significantly lower your risk by staying active, eating healthy, and not smoking,” says Dr. Mendenhall. “If you have risk factors, see a doctor for an evaluation.” Although David’s only warning was shortness of breath, he had several risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease.
David Allen, 66, was walking uphill to the CONSOL Energy Center for a Penguins hockey game when he felt short of breath. That’s the last thing he remembers until waking up in the Emergency Department at UPMC Mercy. David had survived a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). A fast-acting team of strangers — an off-duty Pittsburgh police officer and an ex-Army medic who together performed CPR, a bystander who ran for help, and a hotel bellhop who grabbed a defibrillator — saved his life. At UPMC Mercy, doctors determined he had experienced an electrical “short circuit” due to an irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.
A rare second chance “I was lucky people were around who knew CPR and were willing to get involved,” says David, a Beaver resident. Christopher Wentz, MD, a cardiologist from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Mercy who treated David, says SCA is a serious medical emergency. “Most people don’t get a second chance,” he says. “You can die within minutes if not treated.”
2
UPMC.com/Today
David says he’s not wasting his second chance at life. The former pack-a-day smoker kicked the habit immediately and plans to start exercising. “I’m going to do a better job of taking care of myself. I owe that much to everyone,” he says.
Who’s at risk If you experience any of these symptoms or risk factors, ask your doctor whether heart testing or evaluation by an electrophysiologist or cardiologist is necessary. • A family history of heart disease, heart attack, or cardiac death • Unexplained fainting, near fainting, or palpitations • Chest pain, shortness of breath • Previous heart attack or SCA • Cardiac risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or high cholesterol To learn more about cardiac and vascular services, visit UPMCMercy.com and click on Our Services. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor.
Becoming a Whole New You Struggling to lose weight or keep it off? The UPMC BodyChangers program can change your body and your life.
Larissa Myaskovsky figures she tried about a dozen diets over 20 years, losing weight only to regain lost pounds. It wasn’t until she enrolled in the UPMC BodyChangers program that she saw lasting results. “BodyChangers was different,” says Larissa, 42, a borderline diabetic who wanted to lose weight without surgery. “It helped me realize losing weight is a permanent lifestyle change. It gave me the tools I needed to succeed.”
A healthier lifestyle Based at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, and a joint venture of the UPMC Life After Weight Loss and bariatric surgery programs, BodyChangers provides a social support system to promote healthy lifestyles. “We offer a comfortable environment for people who want to maintain weight loss — and become healthy and fit,” says Jeffrey Gusenoff, MD, a plastic surgeon at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers. Designed originally for bariatric surgery patients, BodyChangers now supports anyone needing help with their weight loss journey. The program includes: • An exercise class with a personal trainer who tailors activities for each individual • Group sessions with a behaviorist who teaches coping skills • Yoga and belly dancing classes • Cooking classes and “Destination Education” trips to community places, like grocery stores and markets • Group activities, such as biking, kayaking, and walking “We’re showing people different ways to achieve wellness and have fun,” says Vicki March, MD, an internist at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers.
A turning point The program appealed to Larissa, an O’Hara Township resident with two young children and a full-time job. She signed up for BodyChangers’ basic free membership, which includes a newsletter, recipes, and educational seminars. She also attended optional cooking demonstrations and met with a nutritionist. “It was a turning point in my thinking,” says Larissa, who lost 65 pounds and at 5’1” is now a healthy 115 pounds.
BodyChangers saved my life For Beth Walley, 49, of Carnegie, BodyChangers was a lifechanging experience. Having lost and regained a great deal of weight on various fad diets, she knew she was in trouble when she couldn’t keep up with her elderly mother at the grocery store. With her weight topping 400 pounds, she joined BodyChangers to prepare for bariatric surgery, but soon started attending other classes and events. Beth lost 50 pounds prior to her bariatric surgery in January 2012, and she is now down to 170 pounds. “The support I received through BodyChangers was key to my success. I feel great,” says Beth. “BodyChangers saved my life. It changed my body and my mind.” Basic membership includes free educational seminars and a newsletter. Other BodyChangers membership levels range from $25 to $50 a month. To learn more, call 1-855-BODY-CHG (263-9244) or visit UPMC.com/BodyChangers.
Interested in learning more about UPMC’s bariatric surgery programs? Free information sessions are offered several times a month at Magee, UPMC Hamot, UPMC Horizon, and UPMC St. Margaret. Visit UPMC.com/Bariatrics for more information.
1-800-533-UPMC
3
Health alth Car Care re eR Reform: efform: W We e Ha Have ve the th Plan UPMC Health Plan has cr created eated a w website ebsite tto o pr provide ovide inf information ormation tto o help y you ou learn ho how w health car care e rreform eform ma may y aff affect ect y you ou and y your our ffamily. amily.
The formal name for health care reform is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA). Signed into law in March 2010, the ACA made broad changes to the way health insurance will be provided and paid for in the United States. Several important reforms have been adopted since then. Extended coverage for dependents, full coverage for preventive care, and plain-language coverage explanations were all prompted by the ACA. In 2014, more parts of the ACA will go into effect, including the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget. According to the ACA: đ Marketplaces must be operational for open enrollment by October 2013 đ Each Marketplace will have Navigators to help people enroll đ Marketplace plans will be presented in only four cat i (platinum, gold, silverr, and bronze) to help consumer compare plans from different providers
Health car care e rreform eform and yyou ou Health care reform will affect nearly everyone. The qu most people are asking is how health care reform will them personally. To To help you better understand tand chang related to the ACA and the resulting effect on health insur UPMC Health Plan created an informative website. The consumer-friendly site offers unbiased information about Marketplaces and other elements of health care refor wide range of people, including: đ Individuals and family members who want to learn
4
UPMC.com/T Today
đ Health care providers treating patients in this new environment đ Employers looking for coverage for their employees đ Producers who sell insurance plans to companies and individuals đ Marketplace Navigators who are responsible for providing impartial advice on how to choose among competing plans On the website, you will find the answers to basic questions, such as: đ Who can get health insurance? đ What will be covered? đ Where can I shop for insurance? đ When will changes happen? đ What financial assistance is available? UPMC Health Plan’s website and support staff are committed to providing an unbiased forum in order to make health care reform easier to understand and to explain what changes can be expected as our nation continues to implement the ACA.
A Closer Look at Medical Imaging Medical imaging plays an integral role in diagnosing medical conditions of all kinds — from broken bones to life-threatening tumors. UPMC radiologists are leaders in helping to ensure both quality and patient safety during testing.
Medical imaging lets your doctor take an immediate and detailed look deep inside your body. More than 200 noninvasive tests are used to diagnose medical problems that once required exploratory surgery — or simply went undetected.
Types of medical imaging Imaging tests that use ionizing radiation include: • Computerized tomography (CT scan) • Mammography • Radiography (x-rays)
For women preparing to schedule their next annual mammogram, Jules Sumkin, DO, chief of radiology at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, emphasizes that nothing is more regulated in medical imaging than mammography. “There are very strict guidelines, and UPMC has always operated at or below established national standards for radiation exposure, ” he says. “New technologies like digital mammograms further reduce what are already very low radiation levels.”
Others use a different form of energy: • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — uses magnetic fields • Ultrasound — uses sound waves As the use of diagnostic tests increases, there’s growing research on their long-term impact on patient health. That’s especially true for radiation-based tests and their possible link to cancer. “Many medical professionals are concerned about some of the methods used to calculate the risk posed by such tests, and the confusion it’s creating among patients,” says Mitchell Tublin, MD, chief of radiology at UPMC Presbyterian and a leading expert on CT scans. “It’s important to talk to your doctor before deferring a test so that you clearly understand both the risks and benefits offered.”
Setting the standard nationally UPMC has one of the largest radiology programs in the United States, and its radiologists include some of the nation’s leading authorities on medical imaging safety. “On many fronts, we are helping to define the national safety standards for both patients and health care personnel,” says Emanuel Kanal, MD, director of magnetic resonance services at UPMC Presbyterian, whose innovative work on MRIs has been adopted by both the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiologists. “As a health care system, UPMC is continually investing in research, training, and equipment to minimize patient risk, such as radiation exposure from medical imaging,” says Christopher Deible, MD, PhD, medical director of radiology informatics at UPMC Presbyterian. “We’re also working to standardize imaging services at all UPMC hospitals, following best practices, and participating in national reporting initiatives.”
What can you do to be proactive? “Ask your doctor if a nonradiation test — like an MRI or ultrasound — can be substituted. That’s not always possible, though, since tests like CT scans may provide a higher level of detail that could be essential in some conditions,” says Janet Durick, MD, vice chair of clinical operations for the Department of Radiology for UPMC. “You should also ask if a test is truly needed — and don’t be disappointed if your physician doesn’t order an imaging test for a condition that could be addressed through a medical examination.” For more information about imaging safety for adults and children, visit Radiologyinfo.org, Imagewisely.org, or Pedrad.org.
1-800-533-UPMC
5
Is Assisted Living the Right Choice? For seniors and their families, assisted living can offer the ideal solution when extra help is needed for life’s daily activities.
Terry Schwartz of North Huntingdon was dogged in her search for the perfect living facility for her mother, Ethel Yanowitch. “For six years, Mom lived with our family, so I wanted a place that truly felt like home — but where she could also get the increased care and supervision she needed,” says Terry.
“Assisted living is tailored for seniors who need help with daily living activities, such as dressing, grooming, walking, and taking medications — but who don’t require skilled nursing care,” explains Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Senior Communities and Community Provider Services.
After visiting 10 different senior care facilities, she chose UPMC Senior Communities’ Weatherwood Manor in Greensburg. Mrs. Yanowitch, 90, has been a resident there for two years and, Terry says, “It has exceeded our expectations in every way. Mom loves it there.”
Each UPMC facility provides on-site nursing care and medication management. All residents have spacious apartments with private baths and kitchenettes. Three restaurant-style meals are served daily. Before moving into a UPMC Senior Communities assisted living facility, residents are carefully assessed and individual care plans are created for them. “Because our health and lifestyle needs change as we age, residents also receive regular assessments to ensure they’re receiving the best possible care,” she adds. To learn more about UPMC Senior Communities assisted living options — as well as the personal care facilities at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville and Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry — visit UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.
Understanding Assisted Living Personal care homes and assisted living facilities once meant the same thing in Pennsylvania — but that’s no longer the case.
Terry Schwartz and her mother, Ethel Yanowitch
For Terry and her mother, assisted living represents the “best of both worlds.” It offers an increased level of services while encouraging and supporting residents to be as independent as possible through activities and socialization. UPMC Senior Communities offers assisted living options at: • Cumberland Crossing Manor, McCandless • Seneca Manor, Penn Hills • Strabane Woods, Washington • Weatherwood Manor, Greensburg
6
UPMC.com/Today
Pennsylvania now distinguishes the types of basic services that can be provided by personal care and assisted living residences. One of the fundamental differences is that assisted living facilities must provide health care services that will enable the residents to “age in place” as their health declines and their care needs change. Weatherwood Manor recently received licensure as an assisted living facility under new state guidelines. UPMC Senior Communities’ Cumberland Crossing Manor, Seneca Manor, and Strabane Woods also are converting from personal care to assisted living licenses. “Assisted living community licensure is an expression of UPMC Senior Communities’ commitment to offering older adults and their families the kind of continuing care they need and depend on to safely and confidently age in place,” says Ms. Brodine.
Smart Tips for a Safer Summer During the summer, UPMC Mercy sees an increase in its number of emergency, burn, and trauma patients. Learn what you can do to stay healthy and safe this summer.
At the region’s only combined Level 1 Trauma and Comprehensive Burn Center, UPMC Mercy’s physicians and staff know from experience that treasured summer traditions can lead to serious, life-changing injuries. “Accidents can happen in a split second, but with caution, many can be prevented,” says Michelle Fontana, BSN, manager of Trauma Clinical Services at UPMC Mercy. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, the hospital is focused on providing the highest quality trauma and burn care in western Pennsylvania, as well as leadership in education and community outreach. “The UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center offers injury prevention programs year-round, including a free fireworks safety clinic in July,” adds Ms. Fontana.
Fireworks Each year, thousands of people are hurt by fireworks, which can cause severe burns, scarring, permanent disfigurement, blindness, and death. Even sparklers can be dangerous. “The tip of a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees, hot enough to cause a third-degree burn,” Ms. Fontana explains. To enjoy fireworks safely: • Don’t buy or use illegal fireworks. Only use fireworks permitted under state law • Take the family to watch a professional fireworks display in your community • Teach your children to stay away from firecrackers, sparklers, and other fireworks For more information about fireworks safety, contact the UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center at 412-232-8375.
A Life-Saving Difference According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, severely injured adults who receive care at a Level I Trauma Center like UPMC Mercy are 25 percent more likely to survive than those treated at a nontrauma center.
Here are a few ways you and your family can avoid injury while enjoying two of summer’s favorite outdoor activities:
Riding ATVs As the popularity of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has increased, so have the number of accidental injuries, especially to the head and spine. “ATVs are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles that can cause serious injuries,” says Ms. Fontana. To stay safe on the trails, be sure to: • Always wear a helmet • Only ride off-road and avoid unfamiliar terrain • Never let children drive adult ATVs
That designation allows UPMC Mercy to provide the highest level of trauma care. “Our multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists is ready around the clock to care for seriously injured patients,” says Tom Gronow, the hospital’s vice president of operations. The UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center is a state-ofthe-art unit dedicated exclusively to the care of trauma and burn patients. “It requires a serious commitment of resources to provide such exceptional care,” says Mr. Gronow. “However, there is no substitute for the medical expertise of a Level 1 Trauma Center when it comes to treating serious life-threatening and disabling injuries. We see proof of that in the lives we save every year.”
1-800-533-UPMC
7
UPMC Mercy
1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
Follow UPMC on Facebook.
Don’t let a nonhealing wound slow you down. A chronic wound is cause for concern – and deserves exceptional care. The kind you’ll get from UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Mercy. For conditions ranging from diabetic foot ulcers to slow-healing surgical wounds, our team of experts will develop a treatment plan that works best for you. And our wound experts are leaders in limb preservation technology and treatment. If you want to get back on your feet again, why would you choose to go anywhere else? To learn more about UPMC Wound Healing Services and see if it’s right for you, call 412-232-5744, or visit UPMCMercy.com/WoundHealing.
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
Tips on Summer Sun Safety from UPMC Urgent Care The mid-March snowstorm and the lingering cold weather had many Pittsburghers running for the sun at the first sight of warmer weather. But not so fast, caution two UPMC Urgent Care physicians, who urge awareness and protection when outdoors in the sun.
Minimize Sun Exposure
“Sunburn and heat-related illnesses are the two most common sun-attributed ailments we see in the UPMC Urgent Care centers during the summer months of June, July and August,” says Bret Rosenblum, MD, medical director of UPMC Urgent Care Wexford. “That said, we advise everyone to reduce their sunburn risk by limiting sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wearing protective hats and clothing, and using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, but 30 or higher for individuals with a family history of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Also, avoiding indoor tanning beds altogether will help prevent significant skin damage.”
Seek Medical Attention
If a person suffers a milder form of a heat-related illness, with symptoms such as headaches, weakness, dizziness, or an inability to continue current activity, Dr. Rosenblum suggests, seek out a cool area, preferably one that is air conditioned, removing excess clothing and hydrating with water or electrolyte solutions, and monitoring their condition closely. “Evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center could help determine if a higher level of care is necessary, such as a referral to an emergency department,” he says. “However, if the condition is not improving or is getting worse, and the person begins to faint, or experiences nausea, vomiting, or confusion, immediate medical evaluation at the closest emergency department for a more serious heat stroke condition may be necessary. In these situations, cold water immersion, ice packs, and IV hydration may be needed.”
Special Care For Children And The Elderly
According to Rachel Schroer, MD, medical director of the UPMC Urgent Care with Washington Health System, located in McMurray, Pa., people can still get sunburn even if the sun is not shining. “The harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn can penetrate the clouds and cause sunburns,” she explains.
Children and the elderly are the groups most at risk for developing sunburn and sun exhaustion, which is caused by spending too much time in the heat and direct sun, Dr. Schroer explains. “Great care should be taken to limit their sun and heat exposure.”
Self-Help Measures For Sunburn
In addition to the prevention methods previously mentioned, Dr. Rosenblum also adds that the ability to swim can be life-saving. “All children and adults who will be around water should have this skill which they can acquire through lessons at local YMCA centers and community pools,” he recommends. “Furthermore, while at the beach, heed warnings and signage regarding current conditions such as rip tides and rough water.”
If you take all of these precautions and you still find yourself suffering from sunburn, there are a number of ways you can care for yourself at home, Dr. Schroer advises, including drinking plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and water, staying well-hydrated, and applying a soothing aloe vera gel. “Severe sunburns fall into the category of first-degree burns, which puts you at risk for excess fluid loss and dehydration,” she adds. “However, should your efforts toward sunburn prevention and sunburn care at home fail to offer relief, a medical evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center can assess your condition and offer additional recommendations for aid.”
Avoid Strenuous Activities During Peak Temperatures
To prevent heat-related illnesses, Dr. Rosenblum recommends limiting strenuous activity during the hottest portion of the day, drinking plenty of fluids containing water or electrolyte solutions before, during, and after exercise, and avoiding soda or energy drinks, which can actually cause dehydration. In addition, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas, will help cool the body. “Sports teams also should be encouraged to schedule practice sessions in the morning or evening hours during the summer,” he notes. 38 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
Consider Life-Saving Swimming Lessons
Medical Treatment Available Without An Appointment
A person with concerns about sun-related illness, can visit a UPMC Urgent Care center for further examination any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., without an appointment. “Our providers can access a patient’s electronic health records within the health system. This can be critical during an evaluation with regard to past medical history, medications taken, allergies, and results from previous tests and x-rays,” Dr. Rosenblum explains. “Additionally, a treatment summary, which is an important aspect of care, will be provided to the patient’s primary care provider and attached to their electronic health record if they visit a UPMC physician.”
For more information and a complete list of UPMC Urgent Care locations, please visit UPMC.com/UrgentCare.
Troop 1842 Celebrates 22nd Eagle Scout
BSA Troop 1843 member Alexander J. Reitmeyer has obtained the Boy Scouts’ highest rank of Eagle Scout. He is the 22nd Eagle Scout from Troop 1843 which was founded and chartered by Jefferson United Methodist Church in 2004. Alex has served as Senior Patrol Leader as well as Assistant SPL, Historian and Chaplain’s Aid. He will continue on as an assistant Scout Master. His Eagle service project consisted of leadership, designing, fundraising, obtaining material, scheduling and supervising the building of two stone planters connected by a trellis. It is at the entry to Jefferson United Methodist Church’s outside chapel. The planters will contain biblical plants which will grow on the trellis. Alex graduated this spring from Thomas Jefferson High School and plans to attend CCAC, and later Pitt, to pursue a career in the medical field. Alex in the son of Roy and Natalie Reitmeyer, younger brother to Adam and Zachary (Zach is also an Eagle Scout).
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
business spotlight
SOUTH HILLS GASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATES Welcoming Dr. Bridger W. Clarke Alfonso J. Barbati, D.O., FACOI
Doctor is Solving Digestive Problems from the Inside Out
Howard O. Wilen, M.D.
D
Shashi Kumar M.D. Bridger W. Clarke M.D. Procedures Offered: Colonoscopy Flexible Sigmoidoscopy ERCP Endoscopy Capsule Endoscopy Esophageal motility testing BRAVO for GERD PEG Tube (placement replacement) Smart Pill Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
octors Alfonso J. Barbati, Howard O. Wilen and Shashi Kumar of South Hills Gastroenterology are welcoming a new doctor to their practice, Dr. Bridger Clarke. Dr. Clarke will be utilizing new leading edge diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for treatment of the digestive tract. “I spent a year at the University of North Carolina receiving special training in advanced endoscopic procedures and endoscopic ultrasound after completing my fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center,” he explains. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) involves using special small, flexible, lighted tubes with ultrasound devices on the tip to examine the gastrointestinal tract. These ultrasound images allow the doctor to diagnose, and in some cases even treat diseases and other abnormalities of the digestive tract without surgery or more invasive procedures, which often require general anesthesia and significant recovery times. Dr. Clarke, who has a wife and young son adds, “It was a big decision to move our family to another state for a year. But I wanted to train with the best to ensure I could offer the highest quality care to patients in a field that is on the cutting edge of medicine.” “With EUS we can see areas of the body with greater clarity and detail than ever before. I can
perform deep biopsies, remove precancerous lesions and some early cancers, and diagnose abnormalities of the pancreas, liver, esophagus, stomach, and colon,” says Dr. Clarke. “EUS has traditionally only been available at large academic medical centers, so I look forward to bringing these techniques to the Jefferson Hills community and increasing patient access to the technology.” During his year in North Carolina, Dr. Clarke also received specialized training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, a procedure that specifically treats problems of the biliary tract and pancreatic ducts. These would include gallstones, pancreatitis, cancers of the pancreas and biliary tract. Dr. Clarke has been able to help patients suffering from jaundice and other liver conditions by placing endoscopic biliary stents. Most people are familiar with coronary stents that support coronary arteries and help them to remain open, allowing the flow of blood. In a similar way, biliary stents help to keep the bile ducts open and prevent blockages. Stents can also be placed in the ducts of the pancreas to treat blockages and inflammation. Dr. Clarke looks forward to being able to help patients with these advanced technologies that reduce the length of hospital stays, have fewer complications and
Dr. Bridger W. Clarke don’t require incisions. He also looks forward to coming home to Pittsburgh. The Washington D.C. native met his wife while attending medical school at the University of Virginia. “She was from Ross Township and you know how it is, if you marry a Pittsburgh girl, you’re moving to Pittsburgh,” laughs Dr. Clarke, although he’s very happy with the decision to return to the area. “It’s a very family-oriented city and a great place to raise kids. There are great sports teams here too and my wife has converted me into a big Steelers fan.” He has also discovered that he has a fondness for living near the water. “My father-in-law is a captain of the Explorer.” [The state-of-the-art green educational vessel of the nonprofit Riverquest.org.] “I’ve fallen in love with boating on the river. Pittsburgh is a pretty nice place to live.” Dr. Clarke is a member of South Hills Gastroenterology and is accepting new patients throughout the South Hills and greater Pittsburgh area. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Clarke, Dr. Barbati, Dr. Wilen or Dr. Kumar, please call 412.469.5914. Patients may be seen at the Jefferson Medical Arts building or their new Bethel Park location.
Office: 412.469.5914 / Fax: 412.469.7004 1200 Brooks Lane, Suite G-10, Clairton, PA 15025 40 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
Inside
WEST ELIZABETH JEFFERSON HILLS PLEASANT HILLS
West Jefferson Hills School District
Message from the Superintendent Dear Residents of the West Jefferson Hills School District, The school year draws to a close and the district welcomes Dr. Michael Panza as our new Superintendent. As he acclimates to our district this summer, I am hoping you will extend to him the warm welcome that our community is renowned for, and with the spirit with which I have been embraced. The West Jefferson Hills School District has secured the rank of 15th out of the 104 school districts in the surrounding seven-county region in Allegheny County. I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our administrative team and staff, as we have worked collaboratively to focus on the primary mission of student learning and achievement. Strategic goals charting the course of the school district will be set, including those from this school year that will be on-going, and revised as appropriate by Dr. Panza, now at the helm of the district. We are also very fortunate to be in a growing community and have the 7th lowest millage rate in Allegheny County. The West Jefferson Hills School District’s Board of School Directors and Administration have been able to balance the budget and grow a reserve fund over the years. A healthy reserve will help the district maintain a strong bond rating and enables financing of capital projects that are undertaken when the long range plan for facilities is adopted. This fiscal stability is a hallmark of our district and has been achieved because of prudent decisions made by the School Board and Administration. As the curtain draws on the 2012-13 school year, William Shakespeare phrased it best in “As You Like It”: All the world’s a stage And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and entrances I wish our graduating seniors and retiring faculty and staff the very best as they begin a new chapter in their lives. This has been yet another amazing group of seniors; shining not just academically (our current class boasts of 25 students with a GPA of 4.0 or higher), but being matched by equally astonishing extra-curricular achievements. I am proud of the individual accomplishments and progress made by every student in this graduating class. They have all been equipped with the skills that they need as they continue to pursue higher education, serve in the armed forces or perhaps, enter the workforce. I am confident they will build a firm foundation for future generations. As we bid adieu to the seniors, making their entrance into the school district are the incoming kindergarten students. We also have students transitioning from fifth grade in the elementary schools to the sixth grade at the Middle school, and from eighth grade in the Middle School to incoming freshmen at the High School. We celebrate your journey as we look forward to a wonderful year ahead. I thank you for your continued support of the West Jefferson Hills School District and hope the upcoming summer is rich with family memories and experiences. Sincerely, Hamsini Rajgopal Acting Assistant Superintendent West Jefferson Hills School District
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
Congratulations to The Thomas
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” Flavia Weedn **************************************************************** “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr. Seuss
“I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone.” – Dr. Seuss
**************************************************************** May the memories of your days at Thomas Jefferson High School hold a special place in your heart when you find yourself, several years from now, reflecting on those bygone times at TJ. As each of you are about to begin this uncharted phase of your journey, know that we will be eagerly awaiting your return. We would like to thank you for your outstanding leadership, your infinite enthusiasm, and your remarkable achievements. We wish you the very best Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 2013.
**************************************************************** “Oh, the places you’ll go!” – Dr. Seuss
42
West Jefferson Hills
Jefferson High School CLASS of 2013
Austin E. Airhart Joshua Anderson Fawn Anthony Kevin A. Araujo
will be attending Yale University will be attending California University of Pennsylvania
Christopher A. Armstrong Jr. Alyssa M. Arnold will be attending Albright College Victoria M. Bachner will be attending Duquesne University Jacob Balistreri will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Alexandra D. Barone will be attending Kent State University Timothy Barton Rachel Haley Battle will be attending West Virginia Wesleyan Ian Baxendell Sammantha Bernotas will be attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Emily Bertha will be attending New York University Anna L. Boger will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ Altoona Campus Mike Bonacci Bailey Bonds Colton Booher will be attending Geneva College Matthew Bowers will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Johnstown Campus Brianna Bowman will be attending California University of Pennsylvania Christopher Bredel Meranda L. Brewer will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Stevie N. Bugzavich will be attending Youngstown State University Jordan Campano will be attending Mount Aloysius College Brittany Campitella Gia Canovali will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ Altoona Campus
Stephen Canovali Michael Samuel Capolupo Jose Jared Carranza Joseph Carroll Logan Elizabeth Chesleigh Casey Leigh Chuderewicz Bryce Matthew Churilla Travis Michael Churilla Michael J. Cocuzzi Emily Coll James Arthur Cox Christopher Thomas Crane Nikolas Lee D’Alessandro Catherine D’Ercole Kylie Daley Joshua Michael Dalton Evon Michael Danscak Katherine Elizabeth Davin Alexander Paul Delenko Alexis Dengler Neil Scott Donaldson Alexis Svetlana Dorko Connor James Dowd Matthew Ryan Eichler
will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Greensburg Campus will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Johnstown Campus will be attending West Liberty University will be attending Robert Morris University will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Johnstown Campus will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania will be attending Community College of Allegheny County
will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Robert Morris University will be attending Washington & Jefferson College will be attending Gettysburg College will be attending Bethany College will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Kent State University will be attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania will be attending Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
Maggie Dolores Elinsky Madeline Rose Ellgass Samantha June Etzi Brian Fazio Abigail Fickley
will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park will be attending Bella Capelli Beauty Academy
Jesse Ryon Floriolli Quinton Terrell Ondraie Gardner will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Alexandra Leigh Gennaula will be attending Eastern Kentucky University Gabrielle A. Gentilcore will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania Madison Mariah Gentille will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Bethany Paige Giuffre will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania Claire Alexandra Gonzales Paige Lillian Goulder will be attending South Hills Beauty Academy Patrick Shawn Graham will be attending Full Sail University Erin Ray Gramm will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus Garrett Everitt Green will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus Lauren E. Greives John Loc Ha will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus Nicole Amanda Hahner will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Patrick Jeffrey Hall will be attending Princeton University Abby Hamilton will be attending Duquesne University Alexandra Paige Hasis will be attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania
44
West Jefferson Hills
Jerett John Henderson Thornton Albert Henze Dylan J. Hess Lindsay Kristen Hess Steven M. Hess Jacob P. Hesse Jesse Michelle Hinkle Mackenzie Rae Hinson Danielle Marie Hoyer Breanna Nicole Hyde Gregory Donald Incardona Sean Ingimarson Kelsey Lynn James Stephen Michael Jaskulski Cameron Jerome Jessica Marie Johnson Cody Kelly Evan John Kerekanich Philip Michael Kerns Abigail Nicole Ketterman Jenna A. Klousnitzer Ashley Elizabeth Kohley Jessica Lee Kushner Kaley Anne Kuzma Mary Esther Lee Lancaster Shae Bernadette Lancaster
will be entering the Electrical Union will be attending Robert Morris University will be entering the Electrical Union will be attending Chatham University will be attending Saint Vincent College will be attending West Virginia University will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania will be attending Gannon University will be attending California University of Pennsylvania will be attending the Art Institute of California will be attending the Pittsburgh Technical Institute will be attending Duquesne University will be attending California University of Pennsylvania will be attending Robert Morris University will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending Carlow University will be attending Community College of Allegheny County
Janelle Ann Lawson Alyssa Morgan Lear Cody L. Lebeda Joshua David Lehotsky
will be attending Liberty University will be attending the University of Pittsburgh - Main Campus
will be attending the Pittsburgh Technical Institute Keaton David Lindberg will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park Jamie Marie Liptak will be attending California University of Pennsylvania Joyanna Candace Lloyd-Etuwewe will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Bradford Campus Carmen Michael John LoPresti Shane Lotis Hau Luu will be attending Robert Morris University Jake Magnotti will be attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Muhammad Shoueb Mamoor will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Jessica Alexandra Marburger will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Greensburg Campus Kelly J. Martin will be attending Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Jacob Angelo Mascaro will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park Justin Matuszak Amber Lynn Mavilla Christopher A. Maxwell will be attending Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Alison Leigh Mazefsky will be attending Duquesne University Lani Michaeline McCormick will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania Erin McKee will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania Jason McKown will be enlisting in the United States Navy Lia Meden will be attending Kent State University Gregory Preston Messmer will be attending Seton Hill University
Elise Aimee Meszaros Christina Meyer Adam Miller Alexandra Miller Brooke Miller Zachary Miller Nina Nicole Mimidis Mike Mitchell Anngela Loren Monaco Caitlin Sue Monroe Devyn Moon Thomas Morrison Lisamarie Moss John Matthew Murphy Matthew T. Musial Steven Nicola Gabrielle Niespodzianski Carly Nolan Rosemary Nwabuogu Michael O’Brien Amanda Opferman Nicholas Judson Oriss Jamie Marie Pasquinelli Apurva Patil Loreatha Malvina Pauling
will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania will be attending Temple University will be attending Robert Morris University will be attending California University of Pennsylvania will be attending Seton Hill University will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending Carlow University will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be enlisting in the United States Navy will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending Pennsylvania State University Erie ~ the Behrend College will be attending Florida State University will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending California University of Pennsylvania will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania will be attending Kent State University will be attending Seton Hill University will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending Tennessee State University
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 45
Kristen Pavlik Shawn David Peternel Audrey Grace Platz Megan Ann Polick Haley Nichole Postlewait Tim Price Tyler Pritchard Jacob Patrick Prosser Jacob Thomas Prosser
will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Community College of Allegheny County
will be enlisting in the United States Air Force will be attending Geneva College will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus Nina Marie Pugliese will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Greensburg Campus Leigh-Anne Elizabeth Pust will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Jared Richard Raszewski will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus Sean Patrick Ray will be attending Duquesne University Alexander Jordan Reitmeyer will be attending Community College of Allegheny County Rachel Jane Reyher will be attending Washington & Jefferson College Brandi Nicole Reynolds will be attending LaRoche College Anthony Romanello will be attending Robert Morris University Rebecca Rosgony will be attending Saint Vincent College Morgan Rubosky will be attending Cedarville University Hanna A. Salmon will be attending Temple University Darren R. Sandstrom will be enlisting in the United States Navy Zachary S. Schademan will be attending West Virginia Wesleyan College Nicole Lynne Schmidt will be attending California University of Pennsylvania Kirsten Scott will be attending Thiel College
46
West Jefferson Hills
Severin Harris Scott Taylor Lynn Seas Samuel J. Seiple Mason L. Shoaf Courtney M. Shutts Nicholas Simmen Julia L. Skoff Danielle Marissa Slampak Caroline Crawford Smith Halie Lynne Snyder Lauren Alexandria Snyder Ryan Scott Solo Jessica Marie Spina Emily Elizabeth Stock Alanna Franchesca Stosic Sydney Lee Stromberg Mackenzie James Stuncard Stephen M. Sykes Luke Joseph Szymanski Shannon Taylor Tamules Alison Tapia James Taylor Chaney Thomas
will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending the University of Northwestern Ohio will be attending California University of Pennsylvania will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Purdue University will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending California University of Pennsylvania will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Beaver Campus will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Capital University will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending Pennsylvania State University~ University Park will be attending West Virginia Wesleyan College will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be enlisting in the United States Navy will be attending the University of Northwestern Ohio
Dana Thomas Derek Toboz Danielle Turley Maranda Valentino Joshua Van Kirk Jacob Vapniarek Abbigail Vasko Katelyn Vigna Miranda Lynn Vinay Brendan David Ward Stephon Watters Danielle Weinheimer Andrew Whitt Arran Whitt Asher Williams Sydney Yarris Gwendolyn Dorothy Yeske Lindsey Victoria Yonich Megan Yvorra Nicholas Joseph Zarlino Matthew Joseph Zukiewicz
will be attending Community College of Allegheny County will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Waynesburg University will be attending Community College of Westmoreland County will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania will be attending the University of Pittsburgh ~ Main Campus will be attending California University of Pennsylvania will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania will be attending Duquesne University will be attending Kent State University will be attending Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
will be attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania will be attending Robert Morris University will be attending Robert Morris University
A heartfelt thanks to the Thomas Jefferson High School TJ Connections for once again sponsoring the Annual Senior Breakfast for the Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 2013. The forthcoming graduates were invited to enjoy bagels, pastries, and beverages, served by our dedicated TJ Connections parents, before their morning Commencement practice.
TJ Annual Starving for the Arts The Thomas Jefferson High School Annual “Starving for the Arts - TJ’s Wonderland - A Celebration of the Arts” under the direction of Julie Tipton, once again presented the amazing forte of our high school students. The Art Display, exhibited in a Gallery format, showcased the outstanding works of art, jewelry, ceramics, fashion and photography created by our TJ art and fashion design students. The theatrical performances, introduced by Master of Ceremonies Michael Capolupo and Shoueb Mamoor, included drama, short skits, monologues, dancing, singing, Original Playscripts and comedy, which emphasized our student performers’ array of extraordinary talent. The delicious assortment of refreshments, “The Mad Hatter’s Tea,” presented by our exceptional parent volunteers during the Arts Festival, was provided by Lindsey Moore and her Family and Consumer Science students.
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
WEST ELIZABETH JEFFERSON HILLS PLEASANT HILLS
W E S T
J EF F ER S O N
H I LLS
S CH O O L
DISTRICT
Annual Celebration of Education The West Jefferson Hills School District’s Annual Recognition and Celebration of Education in Our Classrooms, and the presentation of the 2012-2013 Pennsylvania Progress Awards took place at the April School Board Meeting. The District was honored to have Future Business Leaders, artists, athletes, teachers, musicians, Academic Scholars, student leaders and those who “Stand-Up Against Bullying,” in attendance. Thomas Jefferson High School was represented by student artists and award-winning musical performers, Academic Scholars, Student Activists, and Future Business Leaders, who shared their insightful views regarding the vast educational opportunities provided to our high school students, highlighting our District’s long-established commitment to academic excellence and the Arts. Pleasant Hills Middle School was represented by their administration and faculty who expounded upon their award-winning, arduous process in the 2012-2013 Schools to Watch Program. “The mission of the Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools: Schools to Watch Program is to assist Pennsylvania middle grades schools build capacity and recognize schools achieving academic excellence, based on the rigorous 37 criteria established by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform.” The criteria include the following; All students are expected to meet high academic standards; Instructional strategies include a variety of challenging and engaging activities that are clearly related to the grade-level standards, concepts, and skills being taught; All teachers foster curiosity, creativity and the development of social skills in a structured and supportive environment and use an interdisciplinary approach to reinforce important concepts, skills, and address real-world problems; The school staff holds itself accountable for student success, and the school includes families and community members in setting and supporting the school’s trajectory toward high performance. A delegation of the review team representing the “Schools to Watch Program” evaluated the middle school throughout a day long site visit.
48
West Jefferson Hills
Receiving numerous accolades on their demonstrated Academic Excellence, Developmental Responsiveness, Organizational Structures and Processes, and Social Equity, Pleasant Hills Middle School was awarded the 2012-2013 PA Keystone School Certificate of Commendation. Students representing Gill Hall Elementary, Jefferson Elementary and McClellan Elementary highlighted the District-wide OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program. They spoke of the positive effects of the Program and how they collectively “Stand Up Against Bullying,” through theme songs, posted bullying prevention messages, personalized t-shirts, friendships, kindness, and reciprocated respect. Kudos to the following district administrators for their dedication to education and their steadfast commitment to our students, parents, and community residents.: Timothy Haselhoff, Principal, Thomas Jefferson High School Dan Como, Principal, Pleasant Hills Middle School Tina Mayer, Principal, Gill Hall Elementary Christopher Vary, Principal, Jefferson Elementary and Justin Liberatore, Principal, McClellan Elementary *************************************************** The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Association of Federal Program Coordinators present the Keystone Achievement Awards as a public recognition of the dedication and commitment of Pennsylvania educators and students to the shared goal that all students achieve proficiency. Congratulations to the West Jefferson Hills School District for receiving the 2012-2013 Keystone Achievement Awards. District administrators and faculty from Thomas Jefferson High School, Gill Hall Elementary and McClellan Elementary were each presented the Achievement Award at the April School Board Meeting. Students in the West Jefferson Hills School District have once again exceeded educational standards required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
•
W E S T
JEFFE R S O N
H IL L S
S CH O O L
D I S T R I CT
•
W ES T
JEFFERSO
Fifth Grade Celebrations and Achievements The end of the school year is celebrated throughout the District with abundant, long-held traditions. One of the most honored District traditions is the Fifth Grade D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Graduation, the Fifth Grade Academic Awards Assembly, and the much anticipated, Fifth Grade Day Celebration. The fifth grade students, recognized for excelling in their academic achievements received the 2013 Presidential Education Academic Award. Those completing the D.A.R.E. instruction program, which is offered at Jefferson Elementary, Gill Hall Elementary and McClellan Elementary, were awarded certificates, inscribed t-shirts, medallions, hats and a variety of community donated wares. Orchestrating the memorable year-end events, which honor our District fifth graders, requires the collaboration of countless dedicated parents, PTA unit members and officers, faculty, administrators and community leaders. The D.A.R.E. Program instills in our students a positive life-long message. It develops a perception of self-confidence, while cultivating within our children their selfesteem and self- worth. D.A.R.E. provides a foundation for positive and responsible decisionmaking, which can be utilized in situations where positive and negative choices are presented. The Program instructs students on various ways to say “No” when confronted with situations involving drugs, alcohol, bullying and violence, and increases awareness of the potential consequences for personal choices. Acclaimed recognition is bestowed upon Pleasant Hills Police Sergeant James Lauso, Chief Edward Cunningham, Lieutenant Rick Kelly, Officer Bryan Frankenfield, Jefferson Hills Police Chief Eugene Roach and Sergeant Rich Bonacci for their unwavering commitment
to our children, our District and our community and their resolve to continue the affirmative, positive message of D.A.R.E. In attendance to offer their support for the D.A.R.E. Program and to Sergeant Lauso’s, presiding at his first official D.A.R.E. Awards Ceremony, were Chief Cunningham, Mayor Warren Bourgeois, Lieutenant Sean Greene, members of the Pleasant Hills Council, the Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Department, the Pleasant Hills Police Force and Baldwin EMS Departments. The fifth grade students’ endorsement of the D.A.R.E. Program and their commitment to distinctive educational achievement was reflected in the manner in which the Graduates proudly made their way to center stage when their names were called to receive their D.A.R.E. Certificates and Academic Awards. Congratulations and thank you to all who participated in the various celebrations and recognition ceremonies celebrating our District fifth grade students. The District would also like to recognize and extend a heartfelt thank you to Officer Bryan Frankenfield of the Pleasant Hills Police Department who graciously devotes his time to actively enforcing the positive message of D.A.R.E. to our sixth grade students at Pleasant Hills Middle School. Officer Frankenfield continues the D.A.R.E. message in his weekly instruction to the students. The students celebrated their completion of D.A.R.E Instruction with a morning Graduation Ceremony and Certificate Presentation. Chief Edward Cunningham, whose retirement will take place this year, was also recognized and honored for his steadfast dedication to our students, faculty, staff and community by those in attendance which included District administrators, members of Pleasant Hills Council and Lieutenant Rick Kelly.
“Your Elementary days are soon to be over, but your educational To quote Harriet Tubman: journey is just beginning. All of you still have much to learn, to see, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you and to experience. Your entire life awaits you with endless possibilities. have within you the strength, patience, and the passion to reach for However, never forget the simple rules you have learned as children: the stars and change the world.” share your toys, treat one another kindly, respect each other’s differences, –Tina Mayer, Principal Gill Hall Elementary learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, be true to yourself.” West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 49
WEST ELIZABETH JEFFERSON HILLS PLEASANT HILLS
W E S T
J EF F ER S O N
H I LLS
S CH O O L
Annual Pen Pal Lunch The excitement escalated as the bus arrived from McClellan Elementary and the notable guests began to enter the Thomas Jefferson High School Stadium. Looking for familiar names, the students quickly found their treasured friends. How astonishing are the times in our life when a lasting friendship begins with a single, hand-written letter? For members of the Thomas Jefferson High School Student Council, faculty moderator Leah Mizgalski, and the McClellan Elementary second grade students of Lisa Marcheleta, Jaclyn Jakubowski and Bethany Thomas, this magical Pen Pal exchange took place throughout the school year. Upon receiving their first letters, all of the students involved in this endearing project began planning the special event when the high school students and the second graders would officially meet. The letters delivered to the second grade students were always delightfully decorated with a personalized message. The Pen Pal Project continues to provide the involved students a window into their future, the opportunity to look at their past, a reminder of simpler, more carefree times, the opportunity to connect with students on a different grade level, and the chance to be a positive role model to the promising young writers. A picnic held at the Thomas Jefferson High School Stadium Sports Complex, was the setting for the much anticipated, official gathering. After lunch the Pals spent time together reading favorite books aloud, sprinting around the track, tossing the football, opening unexpected gifts or ducking the dodge ball. Throughout this afternoon event those of us in attendance witnessed the commencing of a “lifelong friendship,” which began with a single, hand-written letter.
Annual Science Fair Thomas Jefferson High School Science Department Chairman, Kathy Hannon along with members of the TJ Science Club organized the Tenth Annual Science Fair at Jefferson Elementary. The event was made possible through the fundraising efforts of the members of the TJ Science Club, who worked the stadium concession stand during sporting events and sold Sarris Pretzels. “The Human Body” theme was evident upon entering the gymnasium, where students found replicate human body models, diagrams of the human heart and a cardiovascular system pathway, assembly of a skeletal system and the nervous system’s reaction to light and reflex. The Science Fair provided the elementary students an array of scientific knowledge meshed with fun. The hands-on scientific experiments, such as Stick Icky, Balloon Races, Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Rainbow Effect, Sound Waves, Spinning Speed, Swinging 50
West Jefferson Hills
Wonder, and Racing Down the Ramp, explored velocity and acceleration, creating a polymer, Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion, biology, the law of conservation of momentum, chromatography, chemical reactions, frequencies of sound, and concave, convex, and planar mirrors were conducted at each of the stations. Under the instruction and guidance of the Science Club members, the students also received printed directions for duplicating the experiments at home. Members of the Jefferson Elementary PTA also volunteered their time and scientific savvy, which contributed to the success of this innovative inter-district educational project. Kudos to Ms. Hannon and the members of the Thomas Jefferson High School Science Club, who expertly demonstrated their scientific knowledge and encouraged the young scientists to further explore Scientific Theories and Anatomy in their enduring quest to develop into “lifelong learners.”
DISTRICT
•
W E S T
JEFFE R S O N
H IL L S
S CH O O L
D I S T R I CT
•
W ES T
JEFFERSO
Annual West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce and FBLA Career Event Thomas Jefferson High School students presently members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), have the potential, dedication and determination to become our future local business owners, entrepreneurs, accounts, CEOs and marketing executives. Their personal accomplishments will highlight their educational journey and ultimate career path. However, securing the ideal profession, involves resumes, cover letters and multiple person-to-person and group interviews. Recognizing the importance of current business practices in an evolving business world, the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Jefferson High School faculty Christine Bacola, Sherry Meucci and Lisa Selko as well as members of TJ’s FBLA, sponsored the Fourth Annual “FBLA Takes the LEAD: Leadership, Education, Aspirations and Direction.” This Annual Career Event featured local business professionals Judge Kim Eaton Paulette Skillman Senior Recruiter Human Resources Jefferson Regional Medical Center Dana Mariano Patient Care Manager Short Stay PACU, Preadmissions Jefferson Regional Medical Center Lisa LaMolinare Outpatient Therapy Services Jefferson Regional Medical Center B.J. Guinn Human Resources Eastman Chemical
who instructed the students on appropriate attire, the role of the receptionist, the benefit of researching a company, the impact of social media, personal credit scores, appropriate answers to interview questions and the significance of business-to-business networking. The distinguished Presenters conducted Mock Employment Interviews, which provided the students a professional critique of their interviewing competence, knowledge, body language, appearance and responses. The West Jefferson Hills School District would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce who also sponsored the Annual Career Event Breakfast and to the following local Business Leaders who volunteered their time, expertise and professional experience to provide this invaluable knowledge to our students:
Dr. William Edmonds Dean of Admissions California University of Pennsylvania
Lori Bowers Vice President of Organizational Development dck Worldwide
Attorney Tim Wojton
JoAnn Horgos AVP/Branch Manager First National Bank Village Square Office
Dr. Brenda Trettel Dean of Academic Affairs Community College of Allegheny County - South Campus
Judy Vieceli Branch Manager First National Bank Pleasant Hills Office
Richard Roberts Director Job Placement and Career Services Community College of Allegheny Jake Powell County - South Campus Director of Human Resources Guardian Industries Jennifer Holbert Employment Specialist Community College of Allegheny County - South Campus
Presents the 2nd annual
HOT ON THE ARTS Please join us for an evening of comedy, music, dance and theatrical performances featuring TJ students and alumni! Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 7 p.m. CCAC South Campus Theatre Tickets ~ $15 To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.tj-arts.org or call 412.655.0747. All proceeds benefit TJ Arts scholarships, awards and educational programming.
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 51
WEST ELIZABETH JEFFERSON HILLS PLEASANT HILLS
W E S T
J EF F ER S O N
H I LLS
Poetry Coffee House The seventh grade students at Pleasant Hills Middle School celebrated their virtuosity during the middle school’s Eleventh Annual Language Arts Poetry Coffeehouse. The middle school library’s transformation to a retro Coffeehouse, included a performing platform, decorated tables and assorted delicacies. The students’ original Poetry works, which were read aloud, included comical topics, environmental issues, cherished pets and poignant ideals. This time-honored seventh grade tradition found our young writers eagerly snapping their fingers after each reading. Middle School faculty, Danna Corsini and Sarah Dugan coordinated and sponsored the annual Language Arts event for the budding seventh grade Poets.
A segment of “I am From” by Jenna Her az S C I am H O O L D oI S T R I C T from the invi ting, warm va nilla scented hom e. I am from the butterfly bush . The crab appl e tree whose long limbs I remem ber as if they were my own. I’m from “A lit tle is enough ,” and “My beautiful granddaughte r,” and “Sweet Ca roline.”
Rotary Club Award The following Pleasant Hills Middle School students were selected to receive the distinguished 2012-2013 Rotary Club Award. The student selection process began with a recommendation by the middle school faculty and administration. The prospective students were individually chosen to receive the Rotary Award based upon their academic achievement, citizenship, active participation in extracurricular activities, and involvement in community outreach. The annual Rotary Award is presented to two middle school students representing grades Six, Seven, and Eight. Congratulations to: Elena Savikas and Michael Aches The selected Sixth Grade Students Shannon McCollum and Ryan Scott The selected Seventh Grade Students Alysa Fairman and John Stover The selected Eighth Grade Students 52
West Jefferson Hills
Annual Talent Show The “House of TJ” was rockin’ during the 23rd Annual “Shower of Stars Talent Show” sponsored by the Pleasant Hills Middle School PTO. The annual Talent Show, coordinated by Paige Polick and Crissy Horvitz, provides a venue to showcase our gifted students in grades 6 through 12, who performed in the following categories: Vocal, Dance, Bands, Instrumental, and Singer/ Songwriter. More than 100 students auditioned for this musical arts extravaganza. The Emcees who provided the program details and entertainment between
acts, were Audrey King, Rylee Esper, Jesse Taylor, Mary Lancaster and Severin Scott. A resounding “Thank You” and “Congratulations” to our remarkable parent volunteers and students whose creative, artistic talents entertained and enthralled us throughout this incredible event. Proceeds from the Annual Talent Show and the Silent Auction benefit the numerous educational programs and classroom activities sponsored by the Pleasant Hills Middle School PTO.
•
W E S T
JEFFE R S O N
H IL L S
S CH O O L
D I S T R I CT
•
W ES T
JEFFERSO
Math 24 Challenge Congratulations to the following students who participated in the two-week 24 Math Challenge Program Tournament and represented the West Jefferson Hills School District in the 2013 Allegheny County 24 Math Challenge Competition. The Math 24 Competition, hosted by the West Jefferson Hills School District, was held at the Jefferson Hills Municipal Building. More than 70 students from 25 elementary and middle schools representing school districts throughout Allegheny County participated in the Regional Competition. The 24 Math Challenge Program is a national mathematical program which strengthens students’ math proficiency by developing pattern sensing, math reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. The Math 24 Challenge Tournament required the student competitors to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of 4 specified numbers to arrive at a final equation that equals 24. The complicated Platinum level of challenge required competing students to solve algebraic expressions equal to 24. Included in the challenge were the use of exponents and the calculation of problems using fractions, decimals, and negative numbers. The students who represented Jefferson, McClellan, and Gill Hall Elementary and also Pleasant Hills Middle School at the 2013 Greater Pittsburgh Competition, placed in the Top Tier in the entire grade level Math 24 Tournaments held at their respective schools. Brandon Vavra, Shane Stump, Mirza Ahmad and Luke Robson - Grade 5, Jefferson Elementary Taylor Gaito, Annie Khuu, Jahnavi Patel and Cai Green Grade 5, McClellan Elementary Jacob Pugh - Grade 4, Noah Pierce and Dalaney Ranallo Grade 5, Gill Hall Elementary Julia Fiedor and Dorothy Johnson - Grade 6, Pleasant Hills Middle School Julia Rose - Grade 7, Pleasant Hills Middle School Mark Schalles and Jonan Seeley - Grade 8, Pleasant Hills Middle School and Courtney Rankin - Grade 8, Platinum Level, Pleasant Hills Middle School
Gill Hall Reads
“The Annual Gill Hall Reads,” which enthusiastically promotes reading is an annual educational tradition at Gill Hall Elementary. This years’ theme, “Gill Hall Deputy Stars,” showcased a week of reading inspired activities, including a BOGO Book Fair, “Reading With Your Favorite Buckaroo,” a day for sporting Western outfits, cowboy boots and a whole school “Hoedown.” However, the highlight of the week was the day-long visit by Thomas Jefferson High School students. Assigned to read to each of the classes, many of the high school students chose books which were their personal childhood favorites. Our TJ students demonstrated their graciousness and savoir-faire when facing the numerous questions posed to them by the elementary students and their superior athletic skills during the various school yard games at recess. Kudos to the Gill Hall Elementary faculty, staff, and PTA volunteers for coordinating this time-honored, reading tradition.
Fun Field Day The “Fields” at Gill Hall Elementary evoked competition, physical challenges, the risk of being drenched, and the” thrill of victory” during the Second Annual Gill Hall Elementary Whole School Field Day. The various Field Events, which included Tug of War, Water Relay, Bowling, Golden Baton Relay, Frisbee Toss, Football Target and Clash of the Water Balloons was sponsored by the Gill Hall Elementary PTA. Principal Tina Mayer, with the assistance of her faculty and a rather large bullhorn, assured the student competitors that this fabulous, scoreless, Field Day was all in fun. Kudos to the numerous Gill Hall Elementary PTA Parent Volunteers for dedicating their creativity and talent in designing, developing, coordinating and manning this fun-filled, dynamic Field Day Adventure.
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 53
WEST ELIZABETH JEFFERSON HILLS PLEASANT HILLS
W E S T
J EF F ER S O N
“The Arts on Display”
Appreciating the West Jefferson Hills School Districts’ dedicated commitment to Art Education, exemplified by the art, music, and theater curriculum presented to all students in grades kindergarten through 12, is quite apparent when one has the opportunity to attend a high school play, middle school concert, or elementary art show. The halls of Jefferson Elementary were embellished with the various art forms created by the elementary students for the Fourth Annual Jefferson Elementary Art Show. The works of art displayed throughout the “Jefferson Gallery” included impressionists, masks, sculptures, photographs, and portraits. Thanks to the efforts of art teacher Adam Gebhardt, who coordinated the evening event, the elementary students and their families had the opportunity to view the unique display of art created by the Jefferson Elementary students and to create their own original works of art using various mediums. One of the Annual Art Show highlights is the animated videos created by the elementary students. The premise of the animated videos, which integrated science, mathematics, and writing was to have the students tell a story with photographs. The original scripts, which were written by the students, were photographed in sets and backgrounds created by the young animators. Blending technology with art, each 12-second animation requires approximately 140 photographs. Every change in movement or motion had to be photographed and set one frame at a time. The creative videos featured cars, fun friend outings, family life, and various animals and pets. As those in attendance were strolling through the gallery, they also had the opportunity to be entertained by the Jefferson Elementary Chorus, Strings and Band students, whose musical talent enhanced this remarkable evening of “Celebrating the Arts.” A special thank you to the Jefferson Elementary PTA for hosting the light refreshments served to our students, families and friends.
54
West Jefferson Hills
H I LLS
S CH O O L
DISTRICT
“Sing Me a Story” The students at McClellan Elementary were once again center stage when they performed a selection of well-known childhood stories. The musical accompaniment and dramatic interpretation was crafted by the students for their original presentation of “Sing Me a Story.” This annual production showcased the students performing “Anasi the Spider,” “Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes,” “Cat Goes Fiddle-i-fee,” “The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark,” “The Napping House,” and “Mortimer.” The whole school student performance included scenes with colorful fish, a frolicsome cat, a gigantic bed, impressive shoes, and an array of colorful, crafted costumes. This 2013 McClellan Studios Production was directed by Amy Davidson.
Annual Year End Celebration
“Grab Your Passport… and Travel the World” was the selected theme for the 2012-2013 McClellan Elementary Annual End of the Year Celebration. Sponsored by the McClellan Elementary PTA, the year-end celebration featured “Decorating the Boomerang” in Australia, “Creatively Constructing the Eifel Tower” in France, “Make Your Own Pizza” in Italy, “Kiss the Blarney Stone” in Ireland, “Decorating an African Tribal Mask” in the Republic of Congo, “Pok-ta Pok” in Mexico, “Decorate a Pysanky” in Ukraine and “Craft Your Carnivale” Shaker” in Brazil. This whole school event provided students the opportunity to “travel” internationally, to experience cultural protocol, and accrue knowledge of unique customs and ethnic traditions. The students participated in simulated, hands-on global customary activities. They viewed books from India, designed “fashion fabulous” t-shirts in France, entered Hoop Rolling Competitions in the Republic of Congo, acquired the “Gift of Gab” in Ireland, and replicated Chinese characters in China and cautiously tossed sizeable rings on the cactus in Mexico. Kudos to the McClellan Elementary PTA, and Chair Sally Sally as well as the dedicated parent volunteers for sponsoring this extraordinary, annual “Grab Your Passport… and Travel the World” whole school international event.
•
W E S T
JEFFE R S O N
H IL L S
S CH O O L
D I S T R I CT
•
W ES T
JEFFERSO
West Jefferson Hills School District Choralpalooza What began as a district-wide concept methodically developed into an evening of remarkable, exciting, inspiring music. This outstanding event, the Original West Jefferson Hills School District Choralpalooza, began with our Gill Hall, Jefferson and McClellan Elementary Chorus students taking the stage to sing a repertoire of songs, including “Shake the Papaya Tree.” The Pleasant Hills Middle School sixth grade, seventh grade and eighth grade Chorus sang a selection of classical and modern melodies including “You’re Gonna Be Lifted Up,” “Dansi Na Kuimba,” and “Stay.” The Thomas Jefferson High School Concert Choir sang a poignant rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and the Thomas Jefferson High School Varsity Choir closed this portion of the Choralpalazzo with “Laudamus Te” and “The Girl From Ipanema.” However, this remarkable
performance did not prepare those in attendance for the Musical Grand Finale. More than 360 of our students each took their place on the platform stage, and together as one voice sang a composition of “America” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Our students who performed in this phenomenal musical event received a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience, which filled the TJ Auditorium to capacity. Kudos and a heartfelt thank you to the following West Jefferson Hills School District Music Teachers whose dedication to our students and devotion to music began with a concept, which they developed and produced; united more than 360 voices, and concluded with an exceptional memorable music event: Julie Lucci Megan Curley Connie Testa Valerie Myers and Amy Davidson
For the Love of Reading For those in our community familiar with our local Library Book Clubs, one of the best rewards for reading a great book is being able to discuss the storyline with fellow readers. Teachers in the West Jefferson Hills School District continually promote reading and frequently initiate unique activities, which encourage our students to read. McClellan Elementary teachers Lisa Marcheleta and Celeste Farison, began a Book Club for the elementary students in grades 4 and 5. The first book selected was Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. The main character in Wonder is Auggie Pullman, born with facial imperfections, which prevented him from attending school. The tale begins with Auggie, about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep. The story focuses on his family, friends, classroom challenges and Auggie’s “Precepts – Rules to Live By.” The Book Club students’ perspectives and ability to personalize Auggie’s character, showcased their knowledge and understanding of individual and personal imperfections. They discussed Auggie’s challenges as if he were their classmate, displaying loyalty, insight and courage. As a tribute to Auggie’s courage, the students scripted original “Precepts – Rules to Live By” and shared them with the group. The McClellan Elementary Book Club continued to meet throughout the school year.
“Precepts-Rules to Live By”
“What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful.” – Sappho “Everyone deserves a standing ovation because we all overcometh the world.” – Auggie Pullman
“March Mystery Madness” Annual Reading Event
The “March Mystery Madness,” at Jefferson Elementary had little to do with basketball. This annual event, coordinated by teacher Kelly Landers, challenged the second grade students to test their detective skills as they diligently read the detailed clues, searching for suspects in the disappearance of mascot “JJ.” This interdisciplinary Reading event, which promoted and encouraged reading through a family literacy program, also had the students utilizing Science and Mathematics in their quest to solve this perplexing case. Our young Student Sleuths and their families deciphered the clues and accurately solved the case of “JJ,” each earning an exclusive “Detective Decoder Ring.” West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 55
WEST ELIZABETH JEFFERSON HILLS PLEASANT HILLS
W E S T J E F FCongratulations E R S O N H Ito L all L S of Sthe CH O O L Jefferson D I S THigh RICT Thomas
School athletes who participated in Spring Sports.
VARSITY SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP Bill Cherpak, Athletic Director
In recognition of our Thomas Jefferson High School student Varsity Athletes whose talent, team discipline, team spirit, dedication, and athletic ability contributed to the successful Spring Sports Season. Each of you impressively demonstrated “Jaguar Pride” both in victory and defeat. We are proud of you and your athletic accomplishments. The 2012-2013 Thomas Jefferson High School Spring Varsity Athletic Team Record and Student Athlete Recognition:
Girls’ Varsity Softball Kyla Prickett 300 Batting Average Rachael Bowers 300 Batting Average
Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team Placed First in Section V Qualified for the WPIAL and PIAA Team Playoffs
Jake Mascaro Placed First Section 5 Singles Champ Finalist in the WPIAL Singles Qualified for PIAA Singles Tournament Sumanyu Gupta Placed First Section 5 Doubles Champ Qualified for WPIAL Doubles Tournament Ritwik Gupta Placed First Section 5 Doubles Champ Qualified for WPIAL Doubles Tournament John Ha Finalist Section 5 Doubles Qualified for WPIAL Doubles Tournament
Keaton Lindberg Finalist Section 5 Doubles Qualified for WPIAL Doubles Tournament
Boys’ Varsity Volleyball
Placed Second in Section III Qualified for the WPIAL Playoffs Quinton Gardner First Team All Section Adam Miller First Team All Section Luke Good First Team All Section Adam Patrick Second Team All Section Ben Miscavage Second Team All Section Christopher Serrao Honorable Mention
Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field Team Austin Airhart Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - High Hurdles Byron Minous Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - High Hurdles
Jennifer Johnson Qualified for the WPIAL Championship -Triple Jump Kylie Gedman Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - Triple Jump Renee Miller Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - Long Jump Allie Gennaula Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - Discus Jesse Hinkle Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - Javelin Darren Sandstrom Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - Javelin Brandon Barr Qualified for the WPIAL Championship - Pole Vault Olivia Airhart Qualified for the WPIAL Championship in the 100 Yard Dash
Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team
Placed in their Section Qualified for the WPIAL Playoffs Colton Booher All-WPIAL Team
Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School TECHNICAL TALENTS Congratulations to the following Thomas Jefferson High School students selected to receive the Extra Effort Award for their accomplishments at Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School. The recipients of the Extra Effort Award were chosen by their instructors and recognized for demonstrating outstanding attitude, work ethic, dependability, accurate theory, and consistent attendance Senior Ian Baxendell, Technology Auto Mechanics Junior Heidi Pershing, Technology: Computer Information Systems Senior Christopher Armstrong, Technology: Electrical Construction Junior Mitchell Martino, Technology: Building Trades Senior Chaney Thomas, Technology: Auto Mechanics 56
West Jefferson Hills
Senior Loreatha Pauling, Technology: Protective Services Roxanne DeFelice, Technology: Food Service Congratulations to the following Thomas Jefferson High School student selected to receive the Top of the Shop Award for his accomplishments at Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School. The recipients of the Top of The Shop Award were nominated by their instructors, and have been selected as the top student in overall performance. This award is presented to students each semester who demonstrate proficiency in their course work, consistent attendance, professionalism, and commendable behavior. Senior Joshua Anderson, Technology: Protective Services
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 57
58 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
Professional Excellence. Personalized Care.
Charles W. Cline, M.D.
Mark P. Gannon, M.D.
Surgical Oncology Breast Care Bariatric Surgery Robotic Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Colorectal Surgery and Screening Capsule Endoscopy Emergency Surgical Care
Peter K. Kummant, M.D.
Steven A. Esser, M.D.
Tunc O. Aksehirli, M.D.
Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists ~ Surgical Expertise Close to Home
Specializing In: General Surgery
Arnold E. Fingeret, M.D.
S
ome people think finding an experienced surgeon means fighting traffic to get to a hospital downtown. But with Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, the reality is you already have six experts in their related fields – right in your own backyard. The group has been growing and evolving under the direction of Dr. Charles Cline since 1988 and now includes Drs. Mark Gannon, Arnold Fingeret, Peter Kummant, Steven Esser and, more recently, Dr. Tunc Aksehirli. The practice has a combined 110 years of experience with expertise ranging from common general surgery procedures such as gall bladder removal, hernia repair and endoscopy (“scopes”) to more involved comprehensive breast care, cancer surgery, colorectal surgery and bariatric (weight loss) surgery. “Our patients not only receive the benefit of a skilled surgeon caring for them, but the benefit of the entire group when they come to see us,” Cline said. “There is always a colleague nearby in the clinical theater lending his skills, both intellectually and surgically. In fact, we pride ourselves on being a strong, cohesive group with excellent patient care as our primary focus.” Such collaborations have resulted in surgical options that are patient
specific as well as state of the art. Combined with the group’s adoption of the latest advanced techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, patients typically can expect a minimally invasive approach with shorter recovery times. “Robotic surgery has been around the Pittsburgh region for at least 4 - 5 years” Cline said. “It is similar to laparoscopic surgery, but adds 3-dimensional visualization and much greater precision with the use of the robotic arms. This allows us to combine the surgical techniques used in both classic open surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery, in a minimally invasive approach. Currently, we are following the national trend to include robotics in gall bladder, hernia, cancer and reflux surgery.” Because surgery is often just one piece of the overall care of a patient, a practice initiative led to the development of a Comprehensive Breast Program spearheaded by Dr. Mark Gannon, Medical Director, and Brenda Cline, R.N., M.S.N., Nurse Navigator. This program provides well-coordinated interdisciplinary care and support for women with any breast health issues, including breast cancer. Having this program with Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists allows women to obtain the multi-faceted treatment
they need closer to home. With few bariatric surgeons outside of the city of Pittsburgh, Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists has collaborated with Hope Bariatrics to offer patients weight loss surgery under the direction of Dr. Tunc Aksehirli. Now patients can explore the surgical options of gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding procedures in an easily accessible comprehensive bariatric program located in the South Hills. While the surgeons with Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists excel at staying current with the latest surgical techniques, their primary focus has always been the well-being of the patient. The practice’s motto “Professional Excellence. Personalized Care.” is a commitment to their patients to provide them with the highest level of individualized medical care along with that personal touch. Patients with problems as simple as skin lesions or as complex as diverticular disease and cancer receive the utmost attention, compassion and care from each of the group’s six board certified surgeons and their staff. For more information on Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, you can call them at 412.469.7110, visit their website at www.jeffersonsurgical.net, or find them on Facebook at Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists.
412.469.7110 • www.jeffersonsurgical.net Main Office 1200 Brooks Lane Suite 170 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025
Bethel Park 1000 Higbee Drive Suite 101 Bethel Park, PA 15102
Brentwood 3720 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Charleroi 1200 McKean Avenue Suite 107 Charleroi, PA 15022
Speers 17 Arentzen Boulevard Suite 102 Charleroi, PA 15022
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 59
Shop Gill Hall Road in Your Community
60 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
The Key to Your Family’s Oral Health
W
ith approximately 40,000 people being diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer each year, it remains important to have regular oral cancer screenings performed by your dentist. While oral cancer may not be as commonly discussed as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, skin cancer, or thyroid cancer, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is 57% - far worse than the aforementioned diseases. If detected early, the chances of survival are much better. As with all cancers, early detection is the key. With most cancers, age is a risk factor. However, recent studies show that oral cancer is affecting young individuals more and more often. The use of alcohol and tobacco, as well as the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV 16), are all risk factors for developing oral cancer at younger ages. If any of these risk factors pertain to you, make regular dental checkups a part of your routine. Your dentist is trained and experienced not only in the health of your teeth, but the health of the soft tissues of your head and neck. Dentists are responsible for the detection of a large percentage of head and neck cancers. With routine six-month checkups, it is possible to detect cancerous changes in the early stages, when most
treatable. If detected early, treatments can be conservative and non-disfiguring. See your dental professional if you notice ulcers in your mouth that do not heal within two weeks. Rough, red or white irregular patches can be indicators that cellular changes are occurring. Sudden loosening or movement of the teeth can be indicators of possible growth within the bone. Your dentist can evaluate these warning signs and can proficiently detect oral cancer in its earliest stages, giving patients the best chances of successful treatment for a long-term prognosis of good dental health.
This Industry Insight was written by Dr. David Lamb. David Lamb DDS, a general family dentist and member of the ADA, is the newest associate with Kaiser Dental located at 1209 State Route 885 in Jefferson Hills. Call the office at 412.384.3130 to make your appointment today or visit the website at www. KaiserDentalOffice.com for more information.
Free Exam and X-Rays for New Patients Expires 9-30-13 1209 State Route 885 • Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 412.384.3130 • www.KaiserDentalOffice.com West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 61
Seeing Is Believing: Laser Vision Correction Often Eliminates Need for Glasses or Contacts
Imagine waking up in the morning and not having to reach for your glasses or contacts. If that sounds too good to be true, then you should consider laser vision correction surgery, a procedure performed by surgeons at UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center. This procedure often allows patients to see better without glasses and contacts. According to Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac., director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service and the Center for Integrative Eye Care at UPMC, laser vision correction has been performed at UPMC for some 20 years. UPMC was among the first in the region to offer laser vision surgery and was the only center in the area to participate in the initial studies of the procedure that resulted in its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Focus on Patients “UPMC has the longest continuously running program in Pittsburgh,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. “What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits. We also encourage our patients to meet and talk with their surgeon well in advance of their scheduled surgery so they feel completely comfortable with everyone and everything involved in their pre- and post-operative care. All of these things will help achieve good outcomes.” According to Dr. Dhaliwal, good candidates for laser vision correction are healthy individuals with healthy eyes. “People who have eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts would not be candidates for this surgery,” she says. Multiple other factors are involved in deciding if laser vision correction is right for you, and these are addressed during a complimentary evaluation with your surgeon.
62 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
The actual procedure, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes, involves the use of very sophisticated lasers that sculpt the cornea, enabling the patient to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. “If I perform a procedure on a Thursday afternoon, I would be surprised if, at the patient’s follow-up appointment on Friday, they did not have improved vision,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. Beyond the potential biggest benefit of the procedure, no longer needing glasses or contacts, other typical advantages include reduced risk of infection related to contact lens wear for those who will no longer require vision correction after surgery. “The number one risk factor for developing an infection in the cornea is sleeping in your contact lenses,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “And tap water is not sterile. There have been incidents of blindness when people have used tap water to clean their contacts.” In addition, people who wear contact lenses can often develop an allergy to them or can over wear them, particularly if they lead active lives that may prohibit the regular use of glasses. There are some side effects that are associated with laser vision correction, such as a glare or halo effect that seems to be more apparent at night, dry eye, and inflammation, which is mainly treated with eye drops. “All of these things tend to get better over time,” said Dr. Dhaliwal, who trains, teaches, and educates physicians interested in performing laser vision correction nationally and internationally. Although laser vision correction is not covered by insurance, there are discounts available and cost should not deter a patient from engaging in conversation about the benefits of this procedure.
Customized Care “We deliver a truly customized laser vision correction experience to each patient,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “This includes an individualized map of the patient’s eye, which accounts for conditions such as astigmatism and the amount of their nearsightedness. Each treatment will be tailored and delivered to the cornea so that the patient receives the best possible outcome. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of procedure.” UPMC refractive surgeons have been selected to take part in a study that will evaluate a new imaging device used during laser vision correction surgery. The results of this study will be presented to the FDA.
“ What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits.” Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac.
For more information about laser vision correction or to make an appointment, call the UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center at 412-647-2917 or visit UPMC.com/LVC.
West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 63
B USINESS D IRECTORY
64 724.942.0940 to advertise |
West Jefferson Hills
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 887