IN Woodland Hills

SPRING 2013

Reading to

Rover

rary at C.C. Mellor Lib

+ Spring Feature

Home Improvements page 34

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Woodland Hills

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

oodland Hills oodland Hills

From the Publisher

Welcome to the Spring issue of Woodland Hills magazine! I hope that you are as anxious as I am to get the cold and snow behind us and get busy planning projects around the house.

This issue is dedicated to home-improvement projects great and small. Some projects will give you curb appeal, some will increase your home’s value, and others are for the sheer enjoyment or luxury of it.

Regardless of your aims with your home, whether gutting the walls, or just planting the perfect tree in the yard, our homes are a source of pride for us, and not in a status sense. They are where we raise our families, where we feel safe, and where we invite our friends and loved ones for parties and fellowship.

Our homes are where our children play, and where oftentimes we tend to sick loved ones.

They are where we try hardest in life, and where the challenges of life hit us the most. Our homes bear witness to our triumphs as well as our sorrows, and they are as much a part of our personalities as what we choose to wear or adorn ourselves with.

So with so much importance placed on the walls that contain us, we hope that you can find at least one project within these pages to be fodder for your next project around the home.

Have a wonderful spring!

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

we want to know

How did you get into

Gardening?

Gardens are commonplace in Western Pennsylvania, but why?

Summer content deadline: 5/1/13

What’s the allure of gardening that prompted you to first turn the dirt? Was it a relative who helped you plant your first tulip bulb, or was it your spouse who first introduced you to succulent, vine-ripened homegrown tomatoes?

Let us know how you first got into gardening and send us some pictures of your garden as well!

Email your submissions to: mark@incommunitymagazines.com and please indicate which of our magazines you receive so we know where to place your story.

INSIDE

IN Woodland Hills is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Woodland Hills area 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 Woodland Hills | SPRING 2013 |

on the cover

Smile On

with Dr. Paulin

Dr. Paulette Paulin loves to see you smile. She has the distinct honor of being a past President of the American College of Prosthodontists, Pennsylvania and a former professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics. You know that your smile is in good hands when you walk into her office.

Dr. Paulin is a specialist in prosthodontics which requires three or more additional years of postgraduate training after finishing dental school.

Prosthodontists have extensive training in the restoration and replacement of teeth as well as TMJ dysfunction and bite problems.

“Some of the dental services we provide in our office encompass the smallest fillings to complete oral reconstruction,” Dr. Paulin said. “We provide comprehensive dental services from cleanings and x-rays, to crowns8and bridges, to dentures and partials, to TMJ and treatment for bite problems. But our most ON THE COVER ❘ Reading to common Rover atprocedures C.C. Mellor Yondentistry, Photography. thatLibrary we do are Photos cosmeticby andGary implant where we strive to preserve the remaining natural teeth and bone in a healthy state for as long as possible, and to provide alternatives for replacement that the patient is TODA Y happyUPMC with esthetically, functionally and comfortably.”

To do that, Dr. Paulin utilizes state-of-the-art dental implants to replace missing teeth, a process that not only restores the area where the missing tooth was, but also outlasts any other replacement options.

“Dental implants are titanium tooth roots shaped like the root of a natural tooth. For patients missing one tooth, a single implant and crown can be used for replacement. If a patient is missing multiple teeth, a bridge can be constructed on top of the implants. For patients who are missing all of their teeth in either the Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Spring 2013

What’s Inside 2

3 4

World-Class Care, Comforting Treatment Hope and Healing

A Healing Touch Food in a Glass

5 6 7

13

Clinical Trials Can Change Lives Depression and Older Adults Breathing Easier

© 2013 UPMC

UPMC Today_McKeesport_Spring_2013_Final_B.indd 1

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26 2/20/13 5:28 PM

community interests

Woodland Hills School District News.................................... | 4 Tomosynthesis Offers Women Greater Detection of Breast Abnormalities ................................................................... | 11 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News .................................... | 17 New Advanced Treatment for Skin Cancer ............................. | 30 Features

Century Club Doing Great Things in the Community ........ | 13 Students from Western PA School for the Deaf Share Their Special Talents ............................................................. | 14 The Norman Family Enjoy Their Rankin Home....................... | 16 Turtle Creek Valley: A Rich History That Might Surprise You ........................................................................................... | 26 Forest Hills Leads the Way in Environmental Conservation ......................................................................................... | 28 Home Improvements................................................................... | 34

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upper Industry Insights or lower arch, we Edgewood Dental Associates can att ach a denture to the Dentistry for Today’s Lifestyle .... | 10 implants to provide retention, support Village Juniper and stability. Even people Benefits to a Personal missing only one toothof can Moving be Care Community............................. | 12 set up for a cascade of events that compromise the neighboring teeth. The remaining teeth want to shift into the space, predisposing themChesapeake to an increased risk for periodontal disease and tooth Allegheny decay, which leads to further tooth loss.

Physical Therapy “In our office we use the Nobel Biocare Dental Implant System, which is the Stay onimplant Your Feet: do we ccare world’s most used system and hasWhy the most scientifi documentation, withabout more thanfalls?

40 yearsWhat’s of publications theirdeal? safety, predictability, theon big ............ clinical | 15 success and longevity.”

Dr. Paulin said that many times, if the missing tooth HearWell Center is not one visible by smiling, people tend to ignore its Hearing Aids and Bluetooth replacement, which is a bad choice.

Devices............................................... | 31 “The back (posterior) teeth are so very important for proper diet, nutrition and overall quality of life,” she Dental Arts of Pittsburgh said. “When one or more teeth are missing and not unhealthy additional forces placed on Smile On replaced, withthere Dr.arePaulin.............. | 39 the remaining teeth that could result in fracture and faster deterioration. It can also cause bite problems, shifting of the surrounding teeth, TMJ dysfunction, as well as physical facial soft tissue changes that make the face appear sunken and aged.”

Dr. Paulin said missing teeth will also lead to bone loss and further tooth drift, as teeth surrounding the missing space shift. It’s a common problem, as it’s estimated that 69 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. The American Dental Association estimates that the number of people missing all of their teeth at more than 20 million, and those missing between 11 and 15 teeth at 100 million.

Dental implants are a relatively minor surgical procedure typically performed with just local anesthetic to numb the area. Dr. Paulin cites patients who have returned to work the same day they received their implant, highlighting the ease of the procedure. What’s more, implants can be anchors for crowns, bridges and dentures, securing dentures firmly so they don’t “move around and float,” a common complaint among denture wearers.

For more information, contact Paulette P. Paulin, D.M.D., dental specialist in prosthodontics and implant dentistry, at 412.823.4948.

Eagle Scouts

Honored by Edgewood Borough see PAGE

32

Woodland Hills

School District

News

Shaffer First Grader Wins

River Sweep Poster Contest Annie Li, a 1st grade student at Shaffer Elementary, was the winner in the River Sweep Poster Contest.

Her poster was one of 2,000 posters entered into the contest by students who live in the six states that border the Ohio River. She will receive a check for $50.00 as her prize. The River Sweep is sponsored by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). It is an annual, one-day cleanup project for the Ohio River that covers more than 3,000 miles of shoreline in six states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Mrs. Cathie Pearson’s GATE classes participated in the poster contest.

IT’S ALIVE!!

WHHS Department of Performing Arts presents Young Frankenstein The Department of Performing Arts at Woodland Hills High School has been hard at work since December to bring you Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.

The show combines the comedy of the 1974 movie with the catchy song styles of Mel Brooks’ hit musicals. Reserve your tickets now to hear Inga yodel, see Igor “walk this way” and watch Frederick and the Monster Puttin’ on the Ritz.

Box Office Information: Tuesday and Thursday 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 1 Hour Before Curtain 412.244.1100 ext. 5187 WHMusicalTickets@gmail.com

4

Woodland Hills

April 26th – 27th & May 2nd – 4th at 8pm Saturday Matinees at 1 pm Tickets ordered before April 1st are $10 Tickets ordered after April 1st or at the door are $12 Advertising opportunities through March 30th WHMusicalAds@gmail.com

A

Woodland Hills High School Students Collaborate With R.a.r.e.

Nation!

tin us

k Supra

is Gregg C hr

By Micci Hutterer

A

s an art teacher at Woodland Hills High School, I often receive requests for a variety of different things from paper for classroom projects to signs for dances and events, but recently, I received a request from recording artist Palermo Stone and R.A.R.E. Nation to select two students interested in coordinating visual artwork to music. The students chosen, had their work featured on the album artwork which was released on December 21, 2012. In addition, their work would be published with others in a collaborative book.

It was difficult for me to select just two students because so many of my students are extremely talented. However, I chose seniors Chris Gregg and Austin Suprak, two young men who have developed an interest in pursuing careers in graphic arts. Working individually, Chris and Austin illustrated a different song, which was soon to be released, and then they met with me for consultation on their projects.

The outcome was enthusiatically received by Stone and his management team.

I was so happy to see Stone return to the Woodland Hills community. As a teacher, I am humbled and honored

to see former students return not just as an example to the current student body to be true to their roots but also it is a positive thing to do. It shows our present student body a sense of community to see people leave the area to pursue their dreams and return to share them. I grew up in the Woodland Hills School District, Braddock to be exact, and I decided to stay and teach here. I personally value the community very much. Woodland Hills is a wonderful school district top-notch arts programs..

It was a wonderful experience to share in the success of R.A.R.E. Nation and to help set the course for the future. Congratulations to both Chris and Austin!!

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Woodland Hills

News

School District

Dickson Elementary Named

National Distinguished

Title I School

(From Left to Right: Instructional Coach Ms. Lori McDowell, Principal Ms Allison Kline, and Fourth Grade Teachers Ms. Laurie Del Rosso and Ms Mary Margaret Gleason)

PSSA Science Scores -- % of Proficient

Dickson Elementary School was named a 2012 Pennsylvania Title I Distinguished School and a National Title I Distinguished School by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Division of Federal Programs. To be named a Title I Distinguished School a school must meet one of the following criteria.

The school is among the list of top 25 performers in Reading or Math, based on the percentage of students scoring Advanced and Proficient in the All Students category of the 2011-12 PSSA

OR Students tested in one or more of the measured subgroups in the 2011-12 PSSA meet performance criteria of at least a 25% Gain on PSSA. Dickson Elementary was named a Distinguished School because of the overall increase in the fourth grade PSSA science scores over two years. In 2010, the Dickson science proficiency and advanced score was 35%; in 2011 the score increased to 58%; and in 2012 the proficiency score increased to 87%. These increases were for the overall student body, the black subgroup and the economically disadvantaged subgroup. The IEP subgroup also showed significant growth, increasing from 14% in 2010 to 29% in 2011 to 46% in 2012.

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Overall Students

Black Students

Economically Disadvantaged

2010

35%

28%

35%

14%

2011

58%

58%

57%

29%

2012

87%

87%

86%

46%

Recognizing this great honor, the Woodland Hills School Board sent a group from Dickson Elementary to the Title I National Conference in Nashville Tennessee, in January. Representing Dickson Elementary and Woodland Hills at the conference were Principal Allison Kline, Instructional Coach Lori McDowell and 4th grade teachers Laurie Del Rosso and Mary Margaret Gleason.

The Dickson team represented the state of Pennsylvania in the opening parade for the conference. The teachers and principal also attended many sessions on important educational topics such as engaging parents in the learning process, using brain research to improve instructional methods and using technology in the classroom. All topics were focused on one theme – improving student achievement for all students. The conference also gave the team the opportunity to meet other similar schools and share ideas for continuing and increasing the school’s success.

Sharing their success story, Mrs. Del Rosso, Mrs. Gleason and Ms. McDowell were present-

Woodland Hills

IEP Students

ers at the Pennsylvania Title I School Improvement Conference at Station Square on January 29. As the title of presentation, REACHING YOUR SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT GOALS: NO GIFT WRAP REQUIRED indicates, the success of the science program was not due to a single factor or to a fancy new program but to a combination of effective teaching strategies, using available resources and data to plan instruction. Teachers increased student engagement with more hands-on activities and experiments, used videos and music to teach the concepts and used leveled readers so all learners could understand the concepts.

While Dickson was named a 2012 National Distinguished School because of the PSSA Science scores, Dickson is also definitely showing a pattern of growth for reading and math as evidenced by the PVAAS scores. The entire Dickson Staff is proud of the great honor of being a nationally recognized school, and everyone deserves credit because it truly is every child achieving, every adult contributing.

2013

Chocolate & Diamonds Affair

On Saturday, February 16 , over 80 patrons attended the Woodland Hills Foundation’s fourth annual Chocolate & Diamonds Affair, benefiting student scholarships and faculty/staff mini-grants within the Woodland Hills School District.

This year’s event took place at Edgewood Country Club and was hosted by Woodland Hills alumna, and “Hell’s Kitchen” season nine second runner-up, Elise Wims. The evening’s festivities included a seemingly endless supply of chocolate, dozens of silent auction items, and the presentation of the Friend of the Foundation Award to the Woodland Hills Aquatic Team (WHAT) in recognition for collaborating with the Foundation on this year’s Swim-a-Thon which will take place on Saturday, April 13.

The night was capped off with the presentation of this year’s diamond, generously donated by William Penn Jewelers & Watchmakers. Guests purchased tickets for a chance to receive one of five keys - where only one would open the locked box containing a beautiful diamond necklace. Mrs. Maria McCool was the lucky winner for the second year in a row. Congratulations, Maria!

The Woodland Hills Foundation would like to thank Sammar Accessories and all of the companies that donated to this year’s silent auction, as well as this year’s sponsors:

Signature Diamond Sponsor: Diamond Sponsors: Platinum Sponsor:

Above: John Osterle accept s the Friend of the Foundation Award on behalf of WHAT.

William Penn Jewelers & Watchmakers

Foreman Architects, Engineers and Construction Managers Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy

Premier Medical Associates

(Left to Right) Anne Kefalos, Tina Rushe and Tracy Belmonte enjoy the event.

ond s, poses with Diam monies, Elise Wim ent, Dr. Steve Gough. re Ce of ss re ist M Above: n Presid ool, and Foundatio winner, Maria McC

Tori Zido (left) and Nicole Pris tera pose with Foundation Boa Member, Gary Curtis. rd

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

FEATURE

Reading to

Rover

By Pamela Palongue

“A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes or designer clothes...A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, clever or dull...Give him your heart and he’ll give you his. How many people can you say that about?”

– John Grogan, Marley & Me There’s just something about a dog, most any dog, that reaches out to something inside of us and makes us feel OK. Their non-judgmental affection is encouraging and even confidencebuilding.

Reading aloud is sometimes a difficult skill for many children to master, but an extremely important one, especially for beginning readers. By children reading to certified therapy dogs, they are able to dispel some of the nervousness associated with reading aloud to the class or a teacher.

Amazingly, the dogs seem to listen to the child with rapt attention, fully engaged in the activity. This reading practice helps the child to gain confidence when reading in front of other students or adults. The C.C. Mellor Library sponsors Reading to Rover events regularly, as well as many other educational activities for children, teens and adults.

Please visit the website at www.ccmellorlibrary. org, or call 412.731.0909 for information on more life-enriching events.

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Woodland Hills

ry a r b i L r o l l e M . .C at C

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Industry Insights

Edgewood Dental Associates

Dentistry for Today’s

Lifestyle

Christine L. Baroni, DMD

A

Thomas H. Brown, DMD

who listens and responds…an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs … a friendly dentist who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our staff meets all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

The minute you walk through the door you will know you’ve come to the right place. Edgewood Dental Associates has a relaxing atmosphere with friendly and accommodating staff members who will make you feel right at home. Our use of the latest advances in technology includes laser detection of invisible decay, one-hour smile whitening, and same-day tooth-colored restorations to help you maintain a lifetime of health and bright smiles.

CEREC One-Visit Crowns! This technology allows Dr. Brown and Dr. Baroni to capture a 3-D image of the prepared tooth and immediately create a toothcolored, porcelain restoration.

Best of all, this is all done while you wait, so you won’t have to wear a temporary crown and return for a second appointment.

t Edgewood Dental, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting.

When you have dental problems, you need to turn to a dentist

• One-visit restorations, including crowns • No more “temporaries” • Beautiful, biocompatible porcelain • Completely mercury free So whether you’re looking for the latest in cosmetic dentistry or simply a dentist who can help maintain your family’s smiles, please join us. It’s the best of both worlds–old-fashioned relationships and today’s advanced dentistry-and it really is something to smile about!

1789 South Braddock Avenue Suite 110 Pittsburgh, Pa. 15218

412-242-4022 www.edgewooddentalassociates.com 10 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Woodland Hills

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Industry Insight

Benefits of Moving to a

Medica tio Manag n ement

Personal Care Community

Activities Years ago seniors had few options as they aged. They either stayed at home with their families or moved from the hospital into a skilled nursing home. Fortunately, the senior housing industry has changed. Today, Personal Care Homes or Senior Care Communities (formerly assisted living communities) are a great way for seniors to receive assistance while still maintaining their independence.

Unlike nursing homes, Personal Care Homes are bright, active, stimulating environments designed to help seniors live life to the fullest. Below are some of the benefits seniors will receive when they move to a senior community.

Say Goodbye to the Home Care Blues Gone are the days of calling a plumber to fix a leaking pipe or a toilet that won’t flush. Say goodbye to raking leaves in the fall, shoveling snow or cutting grass. Plus, keeping a home in good repair can be costly and burdensome for a senior and their family.

Medication Management With many seniors taking upwards of 6 -8 medications per day, it’s easy for a senior to become confused and perhaps hospitalized due to a medication error. Most personal care homes offer medication management services. And, although they may charge a fee for this service, the benefit of having an educated professional monitor their medications far outweighs the risk and complications that could arise.

Safety First Falls are a normal part of aging. As the body slows down, so does a senior’s mobility, balance and reaction abilities. Personal care communities are equipped to help eliminate injuries from falls, with safety bars, elevators, ramps, emergency alert systems, rehab services and staff trained in emergency response. Although no system is foolproof, you can take comfort in knowing that the appropriate precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of dangerous falls and to keep you or your loved one as safe as possible.

Activities Galore Similar to summer camp or a cruise, activities play a large part in the daily life at personal care communities. With a variety of activities each day, seniors can enjoy staying active with programs like: movie night, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and exercise class. Most communities also bring in professionals such as comedians, musicians, vocalists and speakers on various topics to entertain/educate residents.

Peace of Mind Peace of Mind Most communities provide customized care plans for each of their residents.

Factors such as the type or amount of care, selection of food, and services provided can be continually adjusted to ensure that you and your loved one receive customized care. You and your family will gain peace of mind knowing that there are people around 24 hours a day, seven days a week who are dedicated to maintaining your health and well-being.

While moving to a Personal Care community is an individual choice, millions of seniors and their families have decided that Personal Care is right for them.

If you or your loved one is considering a move to a senior living community, contact Juniper Village at Forest Hills to schedule a free lunch and tour. Let us show you how moving to a senior community may be the right choice for you!

12 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Woodland Hills

Community Interests

Century Club Doing

Great Things in the Community Many would say that volunteerism is the backbone of America. Serving your fellow citizens, giving back to your community… nothing could be more American.

By Matthew J. Fascetti

I

f that is the case, nobody is more patriotic than the 32 women of the Wilkins Township chapter of the Century Club, who are helping to raise money for worthy causes all over the area. The group comes from a diverse background and age range, from 35 to near 90 years old.

President Marilyn Hill is proud of the work the Century Club does. “All the women in the club are very dedicated and take their duty seriously,” she says. “It is a wonderful feeling to be able to do work for so many great causes. Our members all work extremely hard, but we still have fun with what we are doing.”

The Century Club is a nonprofit organization and maintains an open membership policy: anyone may join at any time throughout the year, and belonging to the organization includes membership to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Allegheny County Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Pennsylvania Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Officers in the club besides Hill include Linda Porado, vice president; Carole Hill, treasurer; and Michelle Criner, secretary.

They meet the second Tuesday of every month at the senior citizens building behind the Wilkins Township building. The meetings consist of planning for upcoming fundraisers as well as updates of previous events and, of course, the camaraderie of the close-knit group.

The major fundraising effort for the club is the Spaghetti Dinner but members also participate in many other activities throughout the course of the year. Projects have included adopting and sponsoring an impoverished child in Appalachia, collecting and sending food to soldiers in war zones, fundraising for Operation Smile, collecting food for local food banks and groceries for veterans, fundraising for fire departments, participating in the Great American Cleanup Day and baking on election days.

Former President Bill Clinton once said,

“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.”

I am sure most agree with that statement.

Certainly the women of the Wilkins Township Century Club are doing work that matters profoundly to their friends and neighbors throughout the region. The club is always looking for new members. For more information about the Century Club of Wilkins Township, please call Marilyn Hill at 412.823.1253.

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Community Interests

Students from Western PA School for the Deaf

Share Their Special Talents

By Jonathan Barnes

Sitting in the auditorium of North Hills High School, the students were all eyes and ears, paying close attention to the hand motions of the students who were up onstage.

Performing skits and signing songs with their hands, the kids from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) provided a unique lesson for their listening peers. The students shared not only their language but the differences in a hearing culture versus a deaf culture.

The students from WPSD in Edgewood demonstrated their unique language for the North Hills High School students who are members of NHHS American Sign Language Club. The program was part of WPSD’s “SignShine” outreach performance group and it involved 40 students from the school and included riffs on various TV shows having scenes about hearing aids, closed captioning and more. This was the 10th consecutive year SignShine at NHHS. Through their performance, the students gave their peers a better sense of deaf culture, which is a more visual way of living. There also are other marked differences between deaf culture in America and other subcultures. Some of the students in the performance spoke during it as well, all in effort to bridge the gap in understanding between the deaf and hearing worlds. There is a lot for the hearing students to learn, it seems.

“The students said they really liked the show and many were surprised to learn that deaf people can drive cars,” said Barbara Drennen, who teaches ASL and special education for North Hills High School. “It reinforced some of the things we learn about in class. It’s one thing for me to explain closed captioning, but it’s a whole different thing for the students to have first-hand experience, like [with] a foreign language,” she said.

14 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Students from North Hills had a lot of questions for their peers from WPSD, including how do they hear music when they perform? (They feel the vibrations.) Do they play sports? (Many do.)

The contrasts between the deaf and hearing worlds are sometimes quite stark. For example, a deaf person first meeting another deaf person might ask the other how much he paid for the car he just bought, while many of those in mainstream culture would consider this question far too private for someone they’ve just met, Drennen explained.

NHHS students had a chance to experience their deaf and hard-of-hearing peers’ open approach to life in an informal gathering after the performance as well. Several of the sign language class students attended the meeting of students from both schools, who munched on pizza, sipped pop and had some laughs.

Students from North Hills had a lot of questions for their peers from WPSD, including how do they hear music when they perform? (They feel the vibrations.) Do they play sports? (Many do.)

Woodland Hills

North Hills High School has had an ASL club for eight years. The club members raise money for events such as SignShine, to which they donated some funds to keep the effort going in appreciation for the group’s time.

ASL was developed in 1817, based partly on French sign language. Signing is very creative, with a very different grammar and structure that is created visually.

“Of course training in any language is important because we live in such a diverse society,” Drennan said. “It provides sensitivity and awareness of another social group, which prepares students for the future. Having firsthand experience in another culture is very valuable…

There’s nothing that compares to it.”

Industry Insights

Stay on

Your Feet Why do we care about falls? What’s the big deal?

• Heart rate and blood pressure • Footwear • Leg strength (using simple tests such as timing how long it takes you to rise from a chair) • Walking speed and steadiness • Balance If the screening shows that you are at risk, the therapist will perform a thorough evaluation and create a program to decrease your fall risk.

Programs are completely individualized, but will likely focus on your balance and strength. Your personalized program may also include stretching, walking, movement, doing more than one thing at a time (safely), aerobic training, and fear management. All programs include an educational component. Recent studies and research support the concept that exercisebased programs are very effective in preventing falls.

If you or your loved ones may be at risk for falling, see one of the experts at Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy. The statistics prove that staying on your feet will keep you active and independent as you age!

Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy is a privately owned practice, with three Pittsburgh locations. All therapists hold doctorates of physical therapy and practice using the latest research techniques. ACPT has experts in musculoskeletal disorders and lymphedema management. Now, they have added pelvic floor rehab to their areas of expertise! For more information visit www.AlleghenyChesapeake.com or call 1-800-NEW-SELF.

Falls can result in various injuries – fractures (hip, shoulder, ankle, thigh, wrist, rib, etc), subdural hematoma (bleed in your brain or brain injury), bruises, sprains, scrapes and cuts. Your risk for falling depends on several factors; some are physical, some are environmental, and some are behavioral. You may have muscular weakness, which will make it difficult to walk, stand up from sitting, or climb stairs. Your home may have hidden dangers, like area rugs and poor lighting, which can put you at risk. Certain behaviors, such as carrying heavy objects or standing up too quickly, may also make you vulnerable to falls. No matter the cause, falls and injuries from falls can diminish your ability to live an active and independent life.

The Big Deal – The Statistics are Startling! ✓ 1/3 of Americans over 65 fall each year; 1/2 of Americans over 85 will fall ✓ 40% of nursing home admissions are related to falls ✓ More than 90% of hip fractures among adults over age 65 are caused by falls ✓ Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths.

They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. .

How can a physical therapist help?

If you are worried about falling, a physical therapist can conduct a “screening” to determine whether you are at risk of suffering a fall. During your fall prevention screening, your Physical Therapist will review and assess: • Medical history • Medications • Home safety Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

FEATURE

the family

Norman Enjoy Their Rankin Home

L

ast year was an invigorating one for Daniel and Abby Norman and their two children: Huck, age two, and Leela, age one. “We relocated to Rankin after calling Syracuse, N.Y., home for so many years,” says Abby. Daniel, a rehabilitation specialist, was offered a new job in the area. “We were hoping to buy our first home,” she adds.

And they did, with the help of Mike Mauer from the Mon Valley Initiative (MVI).

“Working with people to achieve home ownership is what we and several other specialized local nonprofit agencies do,” said Mauer, MVI’s housing counselor. When he first heard from the Normans, the couple had plenty of questions about what they needed to do to purchase a home and get the process started from a few hundred miles away. “It’s my job to answer those questions correctly,” he says.

Certified and funded partly by HUD and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency,

16 724.942.0940 to advertise |

By Mike Ference

MVI’s Housing Counseling Program has assisted more than 1,300 area families in securing their first homes over the last eight years. To begin the process, Mauer reviewed the Normans’ credit report, income and debts to determine the best mortgage products available to them.

Next, he walked the couple through the homeownership process.

According to Mauer, who holds a NeighborWorks® as well as a PHFA certification in housing counseling, Daniel’s biggest concern was how long he would need to be at his new job before he could be approved for a loan.

Mauer explained that most professionals who have an established work history or those just finishing college or a trade or technical school may obtain a letter from the new employer’s human resource office. For most lenders, the letter is enough to grant preapproval,

Woodland Hills

provided that the client’s credit is satisfactory.

Are there exceptions? “Yes,” Mauer says, “but it’s all about ‘acceptable risk.’”

Five months after first contacting the MVI and just a few days before Thanksgiving, the Normans were moved in and able to enjoy the first holiday in their new home. “Our threebedroom, one-and-one-half-bathroom home is fully renovated with many updated features, appliances and other amenities,” Abby proudly pointed out. “We have a big central kitchen, loft-style master bedroom and vintage stainedglass windows which provide a unique and tasteful blend of modern and classic elegance.”

The large finished basement offers plenty of options: a man cave, a playroom for the children or placement of the Christmas tree every year.

What could have remained an eyesore is now “home, sweet home” for the Normans. Credit may be shared with the Rankin Community Development Corporation, the Mon Valley Initiative and Allegheny County.

The Normans’ home is one of hundreds built

by MVI’s Real Estate Development team over the past two decades throughout the Mon Valley. “We take a blot on the landscape and turn it into a tax- generating home,” Mauer explains.

The MVI is presently rehabilitating and building homes throughout the Mon Valley.

There is no requirement for any potential homeowner to purchase an MVI home to participate in the MVI Housing Counseling Program. For more information about MVI’s real estate development and housing programs, visit www.monvalleyinitiative.com.

UPMC TODAY

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Spring 2013

What’s Inside 2

World-Class Care, Comforting Treatment

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Hope and Healing A Healing Touch Food in a Glass

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Clinical Trials Can Change Lives

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Depression and Older Adults Breathing Easier

© 2013 UPMC

World-Class Care, Comforting Treatment At UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC McKeesport, patients find state-of-the-art cancer care and a big dose of comfort and compassion.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one in three Americans can expect to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

When that happens, finding a place that offers the best possible cancer care and treatment in a warm, comforting environment is a top priority. For residents of McKeesport and surrounding communities, that place is UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC McKeesport, which has the expertise to treat any type of cancer.

For that reason, UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC McKeesport is an important part of the community. “Our partnership with UPMC CancerCenter gives us the resources to offer the same comprehensive, advanced cancer care our patients would find at any of UPMC’s cancer facilities,” says Jason Bierenbaum, MD, a medical oncologist at UPMC McKeesport. Dr. Bierenbaum recently joined Kevin Kane, MD, who also is a medical oncologist at UPMC McKeesport. “Because we serve a large number of elderly patients, we have special expertise in both oncology and geriatric patient care,” he adds.

A comprehensive approach Once cancer is diagnosed, a multidisciplinary team is assembled to craft a treatment plan that will likely include one or more types of treatment — surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. At UPMC McKeesport, that team may consist of a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a general surgeon with oncologic care experience, physicians and surgeons from other specialties, nurses and therapists, as well as a variety of other care providers. “Our cancer care team meets weekly to determine each patient’s specific treatment plan,” says Dr. Bierenbaum.

UPMC CancerCenter is one of the largest networks for cancer care in the country and a partner with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), western Pennsylvania’s only designated center with the elite Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the NCI. In January, UPMC CancerCenter became the largest cancer network in the United States to be accredited in radiation oncology by the American College of Radiation Oncology.

“We know that we deliver the highest quality, state-of-the-art care for a variety of cancers in a safe and comfortable environment,” says Susan Rakfal, MD, medical director of radiation oncology at UPMC McKeesport. “This accreditation shows our commitment to high quality cancer care for patients.”

Caring for a community The NIH reports that people over age 65 account for 60 percent of all newly-diagnosed cancers. In the greater McKeesport service area, the number of elderly residents is among the highest in Allegheny County.

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“Cancer is a complex disease and its treatment requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach,” says Steven Gribar, MD, a general surgeon at UPMC McKeesport. “By merging all of our skills together, we can target care to the patient’s specific type of cancer in order to achieve the best outcome.”

Comfort and convenience At UPMC McKeesport, providing world-class cancer care also means helping to alleviate some of the stress, worry, and hardships patients and their families can sometimes experience during the treatment process.

“Cancer treatment is a marathon, not a sprint,” adds Dr. Bierenbaum. “It can require frequent — sometimes daily — trips to the hospital. People are relieved not to have the stress of traveling outside the area to get treatment, and they find great comfort in having compassionate caregivers who are their neighbors and friends.”

To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC McKeesport, visit UPMCMcKeesport.com or call 412-664-2000.

Hope and Healing UPMC is leading the way with new treatment options for hepatitis C.

Decades after receiving a childhood blood transfusion, Chris Sosinski was shocked to learn he had the hepatitis C virus, which had led to cirrhosis and the prospect of a liver transplant.

Today, Chris remains hepatitis C negative, thanks to a new direct-acting antiviral therapy he received at the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases last year. Months after ending treatment in October, his viral load remains at zero.

“That means it’s gone,” says Chris, 49, of Jeannette. “No more medicine and — if I take care of myself — no transplant.”

Baby boomers beware Chris is one of a growing number of baby boomers diagnosed with hepatitis C, a problem so serious that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for the virus.

The CDC estimates that more than 75 percent of the nation’s 3 million adults currently living with hepatitis C are baby boomers — and most don’t know they’re infected.

“Hepatitis C is a silent disease; most people have no symptoms,” says Kapil Chopra, MD, director, UPMC Center for Liver Diseases. “But if diagnosed early, it can be cured or managed successfully before it can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.”

A new era of treatment Thankfully for Chris and other hepatitis C patients, two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 ushered in a new era of treatment, delivering improved cure rates and shorter treatment time for the most prevalent — and hardest to treat — strain of the virus. Playing a critical role was the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases, where specialists have been at the forefront in the evaluation and clinical trials of promising new therapies.

Hundreds of UPMC patients took part in groundbreaking clinical trials for those new drugs. (Turn to page 5 to learn about other clinical trials and how they are affecting patients’ lives.) Today, even more are participating in clinical trials of new therapies at UPMC with the potential for even better results in fighting chronic hepatitis C infections.

“These are exciting times. Over the next few years, we expect to have several new options that will eradicate the hepatitis C virus in most patients without side effects,” says Dr. Chopra.

“It’s a new era of treatment and hope for our patients.”

A leading resource for complex care Treating and managing hepatitis C can be complex for both patients and health care providers. In the tri-state area, UPMC is the leading provider of comprehensive and advanced specialty care for patients with the virus.

“Our multidisciplinary specialists are involved in researching and evaluating new treatments. They bring a unique perspective for managing these complex therapies,” explains Dr. Chopra.

These specialists work together to assess patients, select appropriate antiviral therapies, educate patients, monitor for adverse effects and drug interactions, and provide support for patients and family members. “They are familiar with the latest, cutting-edge therapies and developing new ones,” adds Dr. Chopra. For those patients who don’t respond to treatment and are experiencing liver failure, the program also provides seamless transition to UPMC’s internationally renowned transplant program.

To read about the risk factors for hepatitis C and what you can do, visit UPMC.com/Today. For more information about treatments for hepatitis C, contact the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases at 1-800-447-1651.

1-800-533-UPMC

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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

A Healing Touch There are ways to relieve pain and nausea through alternative medicine.

A growing number of patients are adding acupuncture and other alternative therapies to their medical care.

“You don’t have to be a believer for it to work,” says Betty Liu, MD, a physician and acupuncture specialist at the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “I’ve seen dramatic reductions in pain and nausea — some instantaneous, some after multiple sessions.”

Who uses it?

Patients frequently turn to acupuncture and other therapies to control pain, including arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and spasms, or to ease nausea due to pregnancy or chemotherapy.

Integrating these therapies with conventional medicine can help patients find relief more quickly, or continue making progress toward their goals.

What are some treatments?

Acupuncture, one of the most popular therapies, uses thin needles to stimulate various points around the body. “We’re not certain how it works, but we know it releases endorphins, which act like opiates to relieve pain,” Dr. Liu says.

Massage therapy uses acupressure and deep tissue massage to increase blood flow to an injured area and release endorphins.

What is alternative medicine?

If you visit an acupuncturist or chiropractor, you’re seeking treatment in the field of complementary and alternative medicine — an increasingly mainstream tool for doctors.

Chiropractic medicine adjusts the spine through manipulation to put the body into better alignment.

For more information about alternative treatments, visit UPMC.com/Today.

Food in a Glass Choosing the best milk option for you.

Are you lingering longer in the dairy aisle, pondering your ever-increasing options?

Should you reach for your usual skim milk — or be adventurous and try rice, almond, or soy?

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, UPMC’s director of sports nutrition, says making the right choice is this simple: “Essentially, milk is food in a glass. Choose the drink that offers the best nutrition for your needs.”

Not all milk and dairy alternatives are equal: read labels carefully, comparing the fat and carbohydrate contents. “For example, to reduce soy milk’s ‘beanie’ taste, sugar is added,” explains Ms. Bonci. “That can jump the carbohydrate count from 12 to 24 grams.”

Look beyond just calories, too: milk is rich in protein, calcium, and minerals. “An 8-ounce serving of milk has 8 grams of protein, compared to 6 grams for soy milk and just 1 gram for almond and rice milk,” she adds.

Unless a food allergy is present, the best choice for most of us is cow’s milk. “For children under two, select whole milk,” says Ms. Bonci. “Otherwise, reach for 1 percent or skim milk — both offer a lower saturated fat content and higher calcium. Enhanced or ‘super’ skim milk features a richer texture many people prefer.”

And if you’re debating about organic versus regular milk, Ms. Bonci advises that your pocketbook be your guide. “There’s no nutritional difference between the two,” she says.

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Clinical Trials Can Change Lives Bringing patients, physicians, and researchers together to change the future of medicine.

Research opens the door for new possibilities in patient care.

But long before a drug, medical device, treatment, or surgical procedure becomes widely available, it must first be proven safe and effective.

therapy from a patient’s own fat tissue,” explains Dr. Rubin.

“By harnessing the body’s own regenerative capabilities, we’re applying new technologies and scientific advancements to restore both form and function in patients.” For more information, visit UPMC.com/restore or call 412-864-2587.

Solutions for out-of-control blood pressure. Of the 67 million Americans with high blood pressure, more than half fail to keep it under control. Many have difficulty battling the disease despite taking three or more medications, a condition known as treatment-resistant hypertension.

As part of the body’s sympathetic nervous system, our kidneys play an important role in regulating long-term blood pressure.

In most patients with hypertension, the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, thereby increasing blood pressure and causing heart, kidney, and blood vessel damage.

At UPMC, clinical trials are the bridge between research and the future of modern medicine. As one of the nation’s top-ranked health care systems, UPMC annually directs or participates in hundreds of groundbreaking clinical trials in virtually every medical specialty. Some are offered only at UPMC, while others are part of national and even international trials. Each is carefully monitored and measured by expert UPMC physicians who are leaders in their fields.

For patients whose illness has no cure or no longer responds to current treatment, UPMC’s clinical trials offer potentially life-saving medical breakthroughs. Other patients enroll in clinical trials with the hope of finding a better or more costeffective treatment.

The following three UPMC trials currently are seeking qualified patient volunteers: Healing soldiers disfigured in battle. A flash of light, the sound of an explosion … and a soldier’s life is forever changed by a traumatic facial injury. But thanks to two government-funded clinical trials, efforts are under way at UPMC to improve the lives of wounded soldiers through facial reconstruction using the person’s own tissue. The study is enrolling military and civilian patients with visible deformities of the head or face following trauma, applying minimally invasive therapy to restore a more normal appearance.

These trials are led by J. Peter Rubin, MD, director of UPMC’s Center for Innovation in Restorative Medicine and an expert in adult stem cells derived from fat. “We’re using stem cell

John Schindler, MD, an interventional cardiologist with UPMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute, is participating in an industryfunded clinical trial in which a device is placed in an artery leading to the kidney. “This therapy uses a catheter to deliver low radiofrequency energy to destroy or disable the renal nerves,” says Dr. Schindler. “If effective, this device could be a valuable alternative to medications for patients with resistant hypertension.” For more information, contact Lisa Baxendell, RN, at 412-802-8672.

Eliminating blood clots. In 2013, nearly a quarter-million adults will be diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which blood clots form mainly in a deep vein in the leg. DVT can result in persistent leg pain and swelling; if the clot breaks loose and moves to the lungs, a potentially deadly pulmonary embolism can occur. Conventional treatment involves blood thinners and wearing compression hosiery. “We want to dissolve the clot to eliminate its consequences,” says Rabih Chaer, MD, a UPMC vascular surgeon.

Dr. Chaer is participating in a national, multidisciplinary clinical trial to determine if DVT patients would benefit from a more aggressive treatment involving the use of an image-guided catheter to dissolve the clot. “In vascular surgery, our work is technology driven; medical devices are constantly changing,” says Dr. Chaer. “By testing innovative devices, we offer our patients new opportunities to alleviate or resolve their illness.”

For more information, contact Susan Tamburro at 412-623-8452.

For a complete list of clinical trials now available, please visit UPMC.com/Today. To learn more about the benefits of clinical trials in patient care, please turn to page 3 and read about UPMC’s advancements in the treatment of hepatitis C.

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Depression and Older Adults While it may be common, it’s important to know that depression is not a normal part of aging.

Its services include: • Preventive services, evaluation, and consultation • Treatment through therapy and/or medication • Participation in innovative research studies • Educational support • Referrals for assistance

Research studies benefit patients today and tomorrow Among the center’s current research studies are efforts to improve sleep patterns, lower stress levels, promote brain health, and reduce pain as a way of preventing depression among adults age 60 and older.

These include: RECALL: A study about reducing stress among seniors experiencing mild memory, language, or judgment loss More than 6.5 million Americans over age 65 experience latelife depression that can last for months and even years. But many older adults and their caretakers don’t seek treatment because they think depression is inevitable as we age. Its symptoms — irritability, social isolation, poor sleep, loss of appetite, and memory loss — also are easily mistaken as signs of other illnesses.

“Depression erodes our quality of life, our productivity, and our ability to have fulfilling relationships,” explains Charles Reynolds III, MD, director, Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Endowed Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, and director of the Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research at the University of Pittsburgh. The center is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“Untreated, late-life depression puts older adults at risk for significant declines in their mental and physical health. It can be so debilitating that it threatens their ability to live independently,” he notes. “But the right professional help and medications can be life changing for these individuals.”

A wide range of support The center offers expertise in the detection, prevention, and treatment of depression, stress, complicated bereavement, or bipolar disorders in older adults. Through its research focus, all visits and medications are provided at no cost.

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UPMC.com/Today

RAPID: A study for adults with osteoarthritis knee pain Addressing Pain and Depression Together (ADAPT): A study for adults living with both depression and back pain Healing Emotions After Loss (HEAL): A study for adults ages 18 to 95 who are experiencing prolonged or acute grief lasting six months or more over the loss of a loved one

One of the nation’s leading programs of its kind The Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research is located in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh at both the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and Western Psychiatric. It is one of only three centers of excellence in geriatric psychiatry funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the John A. Hartford Foundation.

To learn more about the center’s services or to participate in one of its current research programs, call 412-246-6006 or visit latelifedepression.org.

Breathing Easier Minimally invasive surgery can help speed recovery for patients at UPMC McKeesport.

Days after undergoing lung cancer surgery at UPMC McKeesport last spring, Yvonne Biddle was back at church and walking around her local grocery store. Within six weeks, she was cleared to bowl again, and in August she drove to Boston to visit her grandchildren.

“I feel like there’s nothing I can’t do now!” says Yvonne, 73, an Elizabeth Township resident, who had a third of her right lung removed during a minimally invasive procedure known as a thoracoscopy (or keyhole surgery). “All my symptoms disappeared as soon as he took out the tumor. I was amazed at how little pain I had and how quickly I recovered.”

At UPMC McKeesport, thoracic surgeries are done in one of two state-of-the-art operating suites specially equipped with high-definition screens, top-of-the-line endoscopy tools, and specialized minimally invasive surgical equipment.

During a procedure, the surgeon makes several small keyhole incisions, or inserts a tube through the mouth or nose, to access the tumor or diseased area with a flexible scope. Using a long thin tube with a tiny camera attached, the surgeon is able to project the image onto high definition screens and operate on the area quickly and precisely using small flexible surgical instruments.

Better outcomes for patients “These are complex procedures. We wouldn’t be able to do them without the specialized equipment,” says Dr. Abbas.

“Better visualization of tissue leads to better outcomes.”

The difference in recovery time is stunning, he adds. Lung cancer patients, for example, are usually discharged within three to four days and most are feeling better within two to three weeks. Patients undergoing traditional “open” surgery faced a two- to three-month recovery time and pain that often lingered for more than a year.

“Minimally invasive surgery is wonderful,” says Yvonne, who feels fortunate that she did not need chemotherapy because Dr. Abbas was able to remove all the cancer. “The whole experience was amazing. I didn’t realize how sick I was until after my surgery. Now, I feel younger and have more energy.”

Types of minimally invasive thoracic surgery At UPMC McKeesport, thoracic surgeons use minimally invasive procedures to treat:

Putting high-tech to work Yvonne’s surgeon was Ghulam Abbas, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at UPMC McKeesport and part of UPMC’s Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery led by James Luketich, MD. Dr. Abbas says developments in minimally invasive techniques have transformed the field of thoracic surgery. Many of those procedures were pioneered and developed by Dr. Luketich, Dr. Abbas, and their team of thoracic surgeons.

“We’re able to perform procedures on major organs, such as the lungs, in a safer way with smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, less postoperative pain and discomfort, and a faster recovery time for patients,” he says.

• Lung cancer • Esophageal cancer • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) • Chest tumors • Chest infections • Hiatal hernia • Swallowing disorders, such as achalasia • Excessive sweating (sweaty palms)

To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

1-800-533-UPMC

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UPMC McKeesport 1500 Fifth Ave. McKeesport, PA 15132

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for 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.

Our wound healing services benefit all walks of life.

A chronic wound is cause for concern – and deserves exceptional care. The kind you’ll get from UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC McKeesport. 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 advanced treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you heal faster. If you want to get back on your feet again, why would you choose to go anywhere else?

To learn if UPMC Wound Healing Services is right for you, call 412-664-2400, or visit UPMCMcKeesport.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.

Looking for a place to belong?

WHHS Marching Band Parent Organization Annual

Spaghetti

Holy Trinity welcomes you to join us.

We offer a small, family oriented atmoshere in our newly renovated chapel.

Dinner

Time: Saturday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Place: Woodland Hills High School Cafeteria

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church TheRevolutionChurch.com

Traditional Service Sunday 9:30 am Informal Service Tuesday 6:30 pm Kidz’ Church Tuesday 6:00 pm (for children 4 to 12)

Tickets: $6 Adults $4 Children (available at the door)

it isn’t about religion

405 Ridge Avenue East Pittsburgh, PA 15112

it’s about faith

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Turtle Creek Valley:

A Rich History That Might Surprise You

By Heather Holtschlag

Do you know that Turtle Creek Valley is the oldest established permanent settlement in Allegheny County, second only to Pittsburgh? Or that of all the towns in the Turtle Creek Valley, Turtle Creek is the only one not named after a person? (The only exception is East Pittsburgh, which was named for George Westinghouse East Pittsburgh Land Company, but because Turtle Creek was the first established town in the valley, it holds the honor and distinction of the name.)

Another little-known fact about the Turtle Creek area is that it is home to several “firsts” in Allegheny County, namely the first U.S.

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branch post office in 1831; the first YMCA in 1870; and the first school for the deaf in 1886.

You would certainly know these facts and many others if you were a member of the Turtle Creek Valley Historical Society, a group working hard to keep the area’s rich history and heritage alive.

“Though our main focus is on the town of Turtle Creek and its history, we also incorporate the whole Turtle Creek Valley and the towns within it, extending from Harrison City to Braddock and from Murrysville to the Turtle Creek,” said Henry Bowden, president and founder of the society.

Woodland Hills

The society was formed in 2003 and according to Bowden, it did not take long for support and interest to build. “We welcomed involvement from many residents, including a direct descendant of Martha Miers, the first land owner in Turtle Creek, who purchased 360 acres in 1769. His name is William Black, and he is the great-great-great-grandson of Mrs. Miers.”

Bowden explained that the society, which currently has six members and an active board of directors, began as an effort to preserve the history of the Turtle Creek Valley, which spans more than 244 years.

“We understand the importance and urgency of this work and how quickly our history can be lost and has been lost,” he said.

“We have an obligation to take responsibility and preserve the history we have today so that future generations can learn and appreciate it.”

The Turtle Creek Valley Historical Society meets at 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at the Turtle Creek Human Service Center on Penn Avenue. After taking a few months off for a winter break, the group will begin regular meetings on Saturday, April 13.

The group also boasts a wide range of activities, including two booklets written on the history of Turtle Creek: John Fraser and the Turtle Creek Valley, which discusses the life and

times of the first fur trader to settle within the Turtle Creek Valley, and A Home in Turtle Creek, which features an account of the life of Martha Miers and her family.

“Mrs. Miers and her family built their cabins and established an inn called the Wayside Inn,” Bowden explained. “There are many accounts of her and her inn written in the journals of the early travelers in this area. And yes! George Washington really did sleep in Turtle Creek!”

Although these booklets are out of publication, copies can be read at the Monroeville Public Library.

The group is currently working on a new history book that will allow the reader to travel through time, beginning in the year 1650 to the present. Bowden explained that this is an in-depth work that has taken countless hours of research, but will present a well-rounded account of events that have taken place in Turtle Creek, which became a borough in 1892, and the surrounding areas since the first inhabitants, the Native American Indians, arrived in the mid-1600s.

The society also offers historical walking tours featuring interesting buildings and historic places. The tours take about an hour and a half and there are about 10 stops along the way. All of it, according to Bowden, is conducted within a one-block area.

“There is a great diversity of historical interest within our society,” Bowden said. “We have members who like colonial history and others who are interested in the industrial history of this area, given the development of Westinghouse, the steel mills and railroads. Some of our members work on biographical research of important persons within our town and region. We invite anyone to come join us, no matter what their interest may be.”

And, as Bowden pointed out, potential members do not need to be historical researchers to become involved with the group. “We welcome people who just want to learn about our history,” he said.

“Education is our function and purpose. Our meetings consist of business and open discussions as we learn from each other. It often is a time when we share what we remember about Turtle Creek.”

Bowden, himself, and his sister, Lora Hearn, even bring pieces of history to life as 18th century re-enactors who portray the early frontier settlers in the area. They attend and participate in many historical events throughout the region, which gives them an opportunity to talk to a wide neighborhood of people and let them know about the town’s history.

To become a member of the Turtle Creek Valley Historical Society, simply attend one of the monthly meetings. The cost of a

regular membership is $20, a senior membership is $15, and a junior membership (up to age 18) is $10.

For more information about the Turtle Creek Valley Historical Society, contact Henry Bowden at tc1bowden@yahoo.com or call 412.823.8837. You may also visit the group’s Facebook page.

“We always welcome new members,” Bowden noted. “Their involvement and support is vital to the work we are doing to preserve our town and our local history. And, they need not be a resident of Turtle Creek, as our historical scope covers the entire valley.”

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

Forest Hills Leads the Way in Environmental Conservation

By Mike Ference

Forest Hills Borough was one of the winners for energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades to its municipal building that reduced energy waste and consumption. The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) presented five local businesses and institutions with EnviroStar awards for voluntarily adopting significant pollution prevention practices.

Steve Morus, a seasoned city manager for the borough, willingly participated with the other 103 municipalities and feels lucky that Forest Hills was named a winner. “Anytime we can save money for our residents while making improvement to save the environment, it’s a winwin situation. The award is an added bonus.”

Funds for the project were provided by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). The goal was to reduce energy use, fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency. “All we had to do was follow the lead of the county health department,” Morus said.

The county contracted with a private firm to conduct field verification audits and then identified energy conservation measures. Costs were analyzed and a comprehensive proposal to retrofit approved facilities was put into place.

“The county used the grant funds to retrofit our borough building with new, lower wattage fluorescent light tubes, new ballasts, motion detector switches for most of the lighting areas and low-flow toilets in five restrooms,” Morus pointed out. Funding for the improvements came from a $15,000 grant from the Pennsyl-

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Top 3 Ways to Reduce Your Risk

vania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and $5,000 from the borough.

County health department officials are confident the program will prove to be a success as in years past. Dr. Ronald E. Voorhees, acting director of the county health department, spearheaded the program. “Pollution prevention not only protects the environment and public health but also helps reduce waste and conserve resources,” he noted.

The Enviro-Star award is for pollution prevention, so when an organization (or municipality) does something to reduce waste or save energy, and can also show that it will be saving money, the county wants to highlight it as much as possible so as to encourage others to take similar action.

The county receives nominees for the award from a number of places. Online submission forms where individuals can apply for their own company, or suggest that another company receives the award. People also email the county directly when they find potential awardees. The Pollution Prevention & Education subcommittee of the Air Advisory Committee, made up of environmental groups, government, business and industry representatives, reviews the applicants and determines the winners and the rankings.

For more information about ACHD’s Enviro-Star awards visit the website at http://www.achd.net/envirostar/index. html. Visit the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/p2/ to learn more about pollution prevention and how it can benefit the environment and a company’s bottom line.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. It is expected to cause over 50,000 fatalities in 2013. Many do not fully understand the prevalence of this disease and the benefits of timely screening. While the statistics seem daunting, there is reason for hope.

Colon cancer almost always develops from pre-cancerous polyps (abnormal growths).

Since it takes between 5-10 years for some polyps to develop into colon cancer, early detection and removal of these growths can mean the difference between life and death.

1. Speak to your doctor about when you should begin screening “One of the most difficult tasks I face is convincing reluctant patients to be screened for colon cancer. Many do not fully understand the prevalence of this disease and the benefits of timely screening.”, Dr. Frank Colangelo explains.

If you are between the ages of 50-75, you should be screened regularly. There is more than one way to be tested.

You are at a “high-risk” for colon cancer if you or a close relative has had either colon cancer or polyps, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease. “High-risk” people need to be checked more frequently than most with colonoscopies, sometimes even before the age of 50.

2. Decide how you prefer to be screened The leading medical authorities recommend either a colonoscopy every 10 years, a shorter flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or a high sensitive stool test (FIT-fecal immunochemical test) once every year. The FIT test is simple to use and can be done discreetly at home.

With early diagnosis, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is close to 90%.

Once a cancer has metastasized the rate of survival is much lower. Early screening can save your life.

Dr. Frank Colangelo, M.D., is an internal medicine physician with Premier Medical Associates, the largest multi-physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Premier has kicked off an initiative to reduce colon cancer rates among its more than 100,000 patients, with a goal of increasing the number of patients who are screened from 63% to 80% by the end of 2014.

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Woodland Hills

Allergy & Immunology Behavioral Health Cardiology Family Medicine Gastroenterology General & Breast Surgery Baowei Tang, M.D. FACR Rheumatology

Hospitalist Medicine Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Neurology Opthalmology Orthopedics Pediatrics Podiatry Outpatient Radiology Rheumatology Sleep Medicine

Rheumatology

PAt i e n t c e n t e r e d

Premier will now offer our patients rheumatological care at One Monroeville Center. We welcome Dr. Tang to our team of doctors committed to advancing and elevating the level of preventative, acute and chronic care in our region.

“Rheumatology is much needed specialty in the Pittsburgh region.

Patients will benefit greatly as Premier continues to expand our continuum of care.�

Mark DeRubeis, CEO

A higher standard.

A better patient experience.

A different model of care.

PremierMedicalAssociates.com Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

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Industry Insights

Hearing Aids and

Bluetooth Devices

H

earing aids have come a long way even in just the last 5 years.

We have seen hearing aids become smaller, lighter, and built with better features. What many people don’t know is that hearing aids are now manufactured with wireless streaming capabilities.

This means that hearing aids can now act as a pair of headphones or a Bluetooth device.

Streaming technology bridges a large gap in normalizing hearing and communication for those with hearing aids. For instance, when a hearing aid user wanted to listen to an MP3 player or another personal listening device, in the past, one would have to remove their hearing aids in order to use ear buds or try to wedge a set of earphones atop of their hearing aids. The results were usually poor fit, poor sound or both. Now instead of having to remove hearing aids to put on headphones for personal listening, you can leave the hearing aids in and they will stream the music directly in the ears.

Another example is phone use. For many hearing aid users the phone is avoided. Hearing loss makes phone conversations difficult due to lack of visual information. Most hearing aid users become frustrated with placing a phone over their hearing aids finding that either fit or sound quality become an issue. Part of the limitation of the phone is that you hold it to one ear. Our brain is wired to hear with both ears and therefore, phone use on one ear puts the listener at a disadvantage. With streaming technology this all changes as streaming devices allow for phone calls to be heard in both ears simultaneously. Due to a technology called Bluetooth, the hearing aid user can answer calls hands-free, wirelessly and listen in both ears.

It is no small feat turning hearing aids into streaming devices. Due to battery consumption and other technical hurdles, manufacturers have developed streaming devices that you wear around your neck or clip near your collar to incorporate streaming to the hearing aids. This allows for 4-6 hours of streaming time without running down the hearing aid battery. The devices look similar to a small phone or an MP3 player and they include the Bluetooth receiver and processor for audio streaming from up to eight paired devices. Devices could include cell phones, landline phone, televisions, laptop computers, MP3 players and more.

They employ a standard stereo jack that allows the user to plug into any audio device that accepts headphones. In some instances, the devices are compatible with FM systems and Loop systems which are two types of assistive devices found in theaters, classroom, churches and other public forums.

The cost of adding streaming devices to the hearing aid starts near $300.00 for most systems. The cost will increase if adaptors are needed for the home. Such an adaptor might be needed to modify a television set or a standard landline phone to transmit sound by Bluetooth. There are phones and televisions on the market sold with Bluetooth already installed and therefore would not need additional adaptors. Most modern

cell phones have Bluetooth installed as a standard feature.

Hearing aids manufactured in the last 5 years are very likely to be compatible and nearly all hearing aids now manufactured have streaming capabilities. If you would like to learn more about hearing aid streaming devices please schedule a visit for a demonstration. HearWell Center is proud to provide consultations to discuss phone and device options as part of an assessment for hearing help products. We provide service for most major hearing aid manufacturers.

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Suzanne Yoder at the HearWell Center. Contact her at 412.271.3002 or info@hearwellcenter.com.

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

FEATURE Campout in Erie

Eagle Scouts

Honored by Edgewood Borough From left to right By Matthew J. Fascetti

Adam Zelenko, Jonathan Kelly and Adam Miller of local Boy Scout Troop 23 were honored by Edgewood Borough with a special Boy Scout Troop 23 Day. The boys have completed projects to enable them to achieve their Eagle Scout designation.

Zelenko’s project was installing audio and visual equipment so Edgewood Borough meetings could be recorded and then published on the website. Kelly put together a library at Edgewood First Presbyterian Church (which is the home base for Troop 23), complete with shelving, while Miller refurbished the kneelers at the Word of God Parish in Swissvale.

Scoutmaster Charles Huse is very proud of the boys’ accomplishments and contributions.

“I became involved with the scouts years ago 32 724.942.0940 to advertise |

because my sons were involved. It has been very gratifying over the years to see how the scouts grow in the program,” said Huse. “The young men who become Eagle Scouts are all outstanding boys and we are very proud of them.”

The designation of Eagle Scout is the highest rank to which any member of the Boy Scouts of America can aspire. Only 5% of registered Boy Scouts earn the designation each year. As of 2010, there are 126 merit badges a Boy Scout can earn; to be an Eagle Scout a boy must earn 21 merit badges, 11 required and 10 of the scout’s choosing. A boy must become an Eagle Scout before age 18.

Leadership is another important component of the Eagle Scout rank requirements. To become an Eagle Scout, the boy must spend at least six months in a leadership position within his unit while a Life Scout. Aside from

Woodland Hills

Adam Miller, Jonath

an Kelly, Adam Zelen

ko.

completing the requirements, he must be able to demonstrate that he lives the Scout Oath and Law. He must provide a list of individuals he knows personally who will provide a recommendation.

Once a boy feels that he has satisfied all of the requirements, he must undergo a Scoutmaster conference and a board of review.

This year Troop 23 is celebrating its 100th year, and what a rich history it has. It was organized as Troop Number One by the joint efforts of Wilfred Blackmore, Langdon Williams, Wilfred Laidlaw and Percy Hodgkinson.

The charter was granted in the name of Edgewood Presbyterian Church and was signed by John M. Phillips, a resident of Edgewood and the president of the Pittsburgh Council of the B.S.A. Its first Scoutmaster was John D. Meyer.

Troop 23 has had the good fortune to have

Rappelling

outstanding leadership through the years. The majority of its Scoutmasters continued to serve on the troop committee, along with many of the troop’s former scouts. Two Eagle Scouts of Troop 23, Ben Mount III and James Langer, chose scouting as a career and currently serve as scouting professionals. The present Scoutmaster is also a professional, serving on the council staff of the Greater Pittsburgh Council, B.S.A. The troop has carried out many memorable activities over the years. One highlight in the middle 1960s was a campaign urging the citizens of Edgewood to show their patriotism by displaying the American flag in front of their homes. The troop participated in the opening of the Forbes Trail in 1965, went as a unit to the 1973 National Scout Jamboree, hiked many of the popular trails in western Pennsylvania and canoed the upper reaches of the Allegheny River, and made trips to Washington, D.C., Antietam, and many other historic points of interest. Each summer the troop has spent a week at camp in such places as Camp Twin Echo, Camp Laurel Mountain, and Camp Liberty, Heritage Scout Reservation. Some more recent activities have included two Algonquin canoe trips and visits to Presque Isle, Flagship Niagara, Gettysburg, Project C.O.P.E., Philadelphia, and Valley Forge. The troop has also been active in community service events such as Edgewood’s Memorial Day Ceremony, Edgewood Community Day activities, Vintage Grand Prix, the Run Around the Square, and Scout Sunday.

Troop 23 can be proud of its 100 years of history. Under its present leadership the troop continues an active schedule of scouting activities, such as hikes, weekend campouts, backpacking trips, and public service. The dedication of the adult leaders to the ideals of scouting ensures a bright future for Troop 23 as it strives to help the boys develop good citizenship, character and fitness.

Boating and fishing

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

Home

Improvements In Woodland Hills If you have a home, you know how challenging it is to maintain it. Roofs leak, landscapes need weeding, and kitchens and baths need facelifts. If you’re handy, you can get by with your own sweat equity. However, most people don’t have the skills, let alone the time, to tackle major household projects. Here, we try to cover it all for you – from financing your project to enjoying it when it’s complete.

Building a home addition can be a good alternative to buying a new home or building a house from scratch. Besides saving money, it can be a means of investing in your home and customizing your home to serve your family’s specific needs and desires.

An addition can drastically change the way a house looks from the road or yard. An addition that isn’t well planned can look like it doesn’t belong or doesn’t match the rest of the house in terms of style or overall shape.

Planning an addition carefully with a skilled architect is the best way to ensure that the house looks as good, or even better, than it did before the addition. To minimize the appearance of an addition, homeowners can usually choose to build onto the back of the existing house, thereby hiding the new construction from the road.

Depending on the size of an addition and the construction schedule, it may take weeks or months before an addition is completed. If a homeowner can’t afford to be patient during the planning and construction process, moving into a new, larger home may be a better option.

An addition can be a good investment, helping to increase the value of a home. Using a home equity line of credit or getting a new mortgage that includes money to pay for the addition can be a wise financial decision, especially when interest rates are low. However, if the expected value of an 34 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Woodland Hills

addition – which a homeowner can estimate by studying the sale prices of nearby homes with similar characteristics – is less than its cost, it may be a poor investment.

An addition is likely to raise the value of a home. After the addition is completed, a new assessment will raise property taxes. Prior to adding on, homeowners should estimate the value of their home with the addition and compute a new annual tax liability based on current tax rates.

Building an addition is an ideal time to invest in energy-efficient fixtures and construction. Windows that prevent hot or cool air from escaping and low-energy-consuming appliances can minimize the cost of an addition by reducing energy bills and its environmental impact.

Remodeling your bathroom is another popular way to jazz up your home as well as build equity. Giving your bathroom a boost doesn’t always have to require a boatload of cash or space – just a little planning and creativity before you get started. Refresh your bath’s look with a wow-worthy makeover that improves its style and function.

One popular and inexpensive option is to have a theme for your bathroom.

Examples could be a Disney theme for a child’s bathroom, or perhaps a beach theme. This can be accomplished by painting the walls, adding a wall border and by well-placed décor. Some larger and more costly bathroom updates include new flooring, new sink and vanity and a new bathtub or shower.

Decks on the rear or side of homes have become extremely popular in the United States.

Used for entertaining or just relaxing, decks come in all shapes, sizes, designs and material.

The most popular, and least expensive, deck material is

treated wood. It is durable, however it will need to be painted or stained yearly or every other year depending on your climate. Composite decking products are building materials manufactured using a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. Composite decking materials are very popular because they require less maintenance than wood and often use recycled materials.

Composite decking is easy to install and is guaranteed with a 20-year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering or termite damage.

However, composite decking can be very costly.

Our Home Improvement Partners Valley Pool & Spa is your community family owned Pool & Spa superstore since 1967. We pride ourselves on creating a unique shopping atmosphere with a huge product selection in our stores. With free computerized water testing and pool experts on staff, we can help with your every need. Visit one of our stores in Monroeville, North Versailles, or Greensburg and experience the Valley difference.

Valley Pool & Spas 412.824.3030 • www.valleypoolspa.com

Vinyl decking made from Cellular PVC is a great choice for decking because it is essentially resistant to stains, mold, insects and fading. PVC material is low maintenance and is a sustainable building material.

Powder coated aluminum decking can be used to create a watertight floor for your deck. This unique material will never splinter, rot or rust. LockDry Aluminum decking is cool to the touch and is available in five colors.

Aluminum decking is strong and lightweight. The LockDry system can be used to create a dry space to use under your deck on rainy days.

If you are building a deck yourself it is very important to check all local building codes and follow all of the guidelines very closely to ensure the safety and long-term durability of your deck.

Think EZ Storage for your Spring Cleaning and Renovation Needs! We offer month-to-month leasing, security, convenience, great rates, and a FREE Move-In Truck. We know you’ll be pleased with how “EZ” storage with us can be.

Stop in or call today to reserve your space; your friendly Resident Managers will be happy to explain this month’s great specials and help you pick your perfect unit.

Bringing your family together is often difficult. A family game room is a fantastic way to upgrade your home and bring the family together.

Whether you have an unfinished basement, an unused attic or an empty 555-555-5555 garage, you can transform it into a fantastic oasis where your family can Agent email address or website spend countless enjoyable hours. There are many aspects to making your game room remodel a success. First you should talk to a Design/ Build contractor about water access, waste lines and additional electricity needs. The contractor can also offer advice on any changes that might be necessary to update the space, whether it be additional insulation for a garage or attic room or waterproofing for a basement room.

Agent Name

EZ Storage Monroeville 412.856.6080 • www.ezmini.com

Do you plan to renovate your kitchen, finish your basement, or add on a new deck?

These are just a few home improvements that may change your insurance needs. For most people, the home is their single largest investment. Take some time to assess your A good neighbor is a green neighbor. insurance needs. Call one of our Monroeville Agents and ask for a Homeowners Insurance Makeover.

TM

Water access could also be an important aspect if you plan to have a bar or sink area. A Design/Build contractor can offer advice on what needs to be done to make the area completely usable.

TM

State Farm 855.733.7333 • www.statefarm.com

Electricity for lighting and appliances is also incredibly important. If you are updating an unused area of your home, the current electrical wiring may not be able to handle the additional demands of a game room. The Design/Build contractor can guide you through what will need to be updated and how much it will cost.

If finances are an issue there are definitely still projects you can complete yourself including painting, laying carpet, adding shelves or simply updating the décor.

Continued on next page

For 12 years our business goal is exceptional work at an affordable price. “Willis Praksti was the key to the transformation of my kitchen, master bath and powder room. His attention to detail and superior workmanship has exceeded my expectations. He’s reliable, professional, and has consistently provided quality service. I have recommended his work and will continue to do so!” Cindy and Ron, Murrysville Praksti Construction 412.400.0669 / 724.387.1385 Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

Home Improvements In Woodland Hills Gone are the days when it was frowned upon to bring work home. Today a home is not a home unless it has a home office. Whether you are turning an extra bedroom into a workspace with store-bought furniture or constructing a full-scale two-level library and office, home offices are a regular part of what makes a house a home in 2013.

Create a space that makes you more productive and relaxed.

A desk is an essential part of most offices. Choose one that meets your needs. If all you need is a work top to use your laptop from, consider a computer cart and save the space for a comfortable chair or small sofa. If you are in the market for a larger desk, consider office furniture resellers.

They sell executive-grade used furniture for a fraction of the cost.

Bookcases or other storage can be a nice addition. Not only can they store books, but they are also great places to display awards or showcase your favorite collection of nicknacks or memorabilia. Antique shops have great deals on beautiful bookcases, and most local cabinet shops can design and install custom built-ins.

A comfortable chair or two is a necessity. Choose long-lasting fabrics and sturdy frames. Go with classic styles that won’t end up as next year’s garage sale item. Test out the chair before you buy it. Desk chairs especially need to provide good support and be comfortable.

Many popular home magazines have a page dedicated to converting your basement into a home theater, or something similar. The HGTV website has 16 home theater features alone. First, you need a fairly large space, either a big family room or a basement. Second, you need to budget for all the furnishings including the stars of the show: home theater equipment – a big-screen TV, DVD player and speakers – and comfy seating. Also very popular for home theaters is floor and aisle lighting similar to real movie theaters, and perhaps even an old-fashioned popcorn maker.

The home improvement website Home Time has a really useful feature on home theater planning. It covers everything you’ll need to consider, like the space you’ll need and even suggested room layouts, to maximize your viewing pleasure.

Kitchens are the most popular room in the house to remodel.

Many people consider the kitchen to be the center of the home and its most important component. Another reason it is so popular to remodel is there are so many things in the kitchen that can be remodeled….cabinets, cabinet hardware, countertops, floor, appliances, lighting, walls and sinks.

There are so many choices when it comes to style, design and type of material for every component of your kitchen. When remodeling there is much to consider: cost, what is your goal, what is your situation (pets or small children could help decide what type of flooring to use, for example) and what is the cost vs. equity value of the remodel.

If finances are an issue and you are not the handiest individual, there are still many simple and easy things you can do to add pizzazz and value to your kitchen. For example, you can paint your cabinets and add new handles rather than buying new cabinets. Adding a stylish splashguard behind your stove and sink is easy to do and adds great appeal. Painting the walls can also make a huge difference in your kitchen, as can changing the light fixtures.

If done well, landscaping can completely change the character and perception of a home. Landscaping encompasses anything on the outside of the home including grass cutting, plants, flowers, rock, mulch, borders, vegetable gardens and water features.

Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase cooling costs, and incorporating shade from landscaping elements can help reduce this solar heat gain. Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as 9° F (5°C). Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F (14°C) cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop.

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Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your shading device casts. Therefore, you need to know what landscape shade strategies will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate.

Also, if you can determine how much water your plants actually need, then you won’t overwater them and waste water.

It is important to not only understand a plant’s particular watering requirements, but also evapotranspiration.

Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cast an enchanting spell on any outdoor space. It is also very effective for safety and security purposes.

Examples of exterior lighting include: torches, candles, lanterns, solar ground lighting, flood lights, lamp posts, landscape lighting and general light fixtures. For setting a mood the most popular lighting is candles or small lanterns. For security and safety purposes, it is critical to have flood light or lamp posts or ground solar lighting or all. A burglar is much less likely to enter a home with a lot of light.

With countless styles and options available, there are no right or wrong choices. The outdoor lighting a homeowner will choose will come down to budget and personal preference.

Many of us take pride in our homes, investing countless hours rearranging and remodeling the interior. But it can also be refreshing to step outside of the confines of our home and spend some time outdoors. When the weather is favorable, it’s difficult to miss out on a nice day outside.

But spending time outside doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your creature comforts. With a few small adjustments you can make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. With the right setup, you may find yourself hosting handsome barbeques and dining al fresco with family and friends.

Options for an outdoor living space include outdoor kitchens, fireplaces or fire pits, a water feature, gazebos and pavilions. Ponds can be a wonderful addition to your property’s outdoor experience.

Surprisingly, they are not as difficult to build as one might think.

Before you dig, call 811 or your local one-call center to have gas and electric lines marked so you know where to dig to steer clear of them. Then, when you map out the location of your pond, put it where it will be noticed – visible from a

window, off a patio, or along a walkway – but away from the play areas of small children or pets. Keep clear of major root systems or mature trees, which can block too much of the sunlight plants and fish need. You’ll also need to be within reach of a grounded exterior outlet so you can plug in a pump, an essential tool for keeping the water aerated; most pumps come with a maximum cord length of 25 feet, and extension cords are not recommended. You may need to bury the power cord a few inches down in PVC pipe to hide it.

Space permitting, you need at least 40 cubic feet for your pond – about 7 feet by 4 feet – to keep the water clean. An initial shallow terrace just inside the perimeter of the pond holds rocks that conceal the liner edge and keep it in place. A second, deeper terrace supports plants that live in the water and help balance the pond’s ecosystem. As you dig, you must slope the sides of the pond so that if the water freezes, the ice will push up instead of against the liner. Even in warmer climates, small ponds can change temperature rapidly, so if you’re adding fish you’ll want a deeper pond that will maintain a more consistent temperature and accommodate the fish – 18 to 24 inches for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi.

To maintain the consistent depth of the water, you need to line the pond.

A thin layer of sand and old newspapers or burlap bags softens the jagged edges of rocks and roots. But over that you will need to put a waterproof skin. There are several types of flexible liners meant for small ponds – made from polypropylene and EPDM, among other materials. Look for one that’s weather-resistant, so it will stand up to UV rays and freezing temperatures. It should also be rated “fish-safe” if you plan to stock your pond.

Remodeling your home can generate tremendous equity for the future, as well as personal enjoyment in the present. Remodeling projects come in all shapes, sizes and costs. Projects can range from replacing flooring or a faucet, to installing new trim work or tile and replacing windows and doors. Remodeling can also take on the form of revamping or adding a bathroom, redoing a kitchen, overhauling your home’s exterior for improved curb appeal, or completing an addition to increase your home’s square footage and add valuable space. Big and small changes can both have an impact and will improve the way your home looks and functions, increasing its value and making it more enjoyable for you and your family.

The key to any remodeling job is to make sure it makes sense financially. Not all remodeling jobs are cost-effective. For example, it is possible to pay $75,000 for a new addition, but an appraiser may be of the opinion that it only raised the value of your house by $50,000. It is very important that you do as much research as possible and talk to as many experienced professionals as possible so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

FEATURE

H ow I M e t M y S p o u s e

The Story of

J o e a n d N o r e n e Lu k i n i c h

O

ne summer evening I was out for a stroll with my older sister and a friend. Walking down the street towards us were two young men. My sister said, “I think I know one of those fellows.” She began a conversation with one of them and they talked and talked. And talked some more. I was getting very impatient with the whole thing and said, “Let’s get going, I’m getting tired of standing here. One of the young men spoke up and said, “I can fix that.” With that, he picked me up and sat me on the fender of a car parked there. After a while, the boys decided they would walk us home.

My sister and the young man named Nick, decided to go out on a date, but he didn’t own a car. Joe, however, did. So that was the first of many, many double dates to the movies, restaurants and other fun places. After a while, my sister and Nick didn’t work out, but Joe and I had fallen in love. After a four-year courtship, we decided to get married and we have now been married for 62 years and will celebrate our 63rd anniversay on May 17, 1950!

After a while, my sister and Nick didn’t work out, but Joe and I had fallen in love.

Joe is now in a nursing facility, but after sharing good times and hard times, including the loss of a son, and raising five children, we are still madly in love with each other. We also have six grandchildren.

Submitted by Norene Lukinich of East Pittsburgh

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Woodland Hills

Smile On

with Dr. Paulin

Dr. Paulette Paulin loves to see you smile. She has the distinct honor of being a past President of the American College of Prosthodontists, Pennsylvania and a former professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics. You know that your smile is in good hands when you walk into her office.

Dr. Paulin is a specialist in prosthodontics which requires three or more additional years of postgraduate training after finishing dental school.

Prosthodontists have extensive training in the restoration and replacement of teeth as well as TMJ dysfunction and bite problems.

“Some of the dental services we provide in our office encompass the smallest fillings to complete oral reconstruction,” Dr. Paulin said. “We provide comprehensive dental services from cleanings and x-rays, to crowns and bridges, to dentures and partials, to TMJ and treatment for bite problems. But our most common procedures that we do are cosmetic and implant dentistry, where we strive to preserve the remaining natural teeth and bone in a healthy state for as long as possible, and to provide alternatives for replacement that the patient is happy with esthetically, functionally and comfortably.”

To do that, Dr. Paulin utilizes state-of-the-art dental implants to replace missing teeth, a process that not only restores the area where the missing tooth was, but also outlasts any other replacement options.

“Dental implants are titanium tooth roots shaped like the root of a natural tooth. For patients missing one tooth, a single implant and crown can be used for replacement. If a patient is missing multiple teeth, a bridge can be constructed on top of the implants. For patients who are missing all of their teeth in either the

upper or lower arch, we can attach a denture to the implants to provide retention, support and stability. Even people missing only one tooth can be set up for a cascade of events that compromise the neighboring teeth. The remaining teeth want to shift into the space, predisposing them to an increased risk for periodontal disease and tooth decay, which leads to further tooth loss.

“In our office we use the Nobel Biocare Dental Implant System, which is the world’s most used implant system and has the most scientific documentation, with more than 40 years of publications on their safety, predictability, clinical success and longevity.”

Dr. Paulin said that many times, if the missing tooth is not one visible by smiling, people tend to ignore its replacement, which is a bad choice.

“The back (posterior) teeth are so very important for proper diet, nutrition and overall quality of life,” she said. “When one or more teeth are missing and not replaced, there are unhealthy additional forces placed on the remaining teeth that could result in fracture and faster deterioration. It can also cause bite problems, shifting of the surrounding teeth, TMJ dysfunction, as well as physical facial soft tissue changes that make the face appear sunken and aged.”

Dr. Paulin said missing teeth will also lead to bone loss and further tooth drift, as teeth surrounding the missing space shift. It’s a common problem, as it’s estimated that 69 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. The American Dental Association estimates that the number of people missing all of their teeth at more than 20 million, and those missing between 11 and 15 teeth at 100 million.

Dental implants are a relatively minor surgical procedure typically performed with just local anesthetic to numb the area. Dr. Paulin cites patients who have returned to work the same day they received their implant, highlighting the ease of the procedure. What’s more, implants can be anchors for crowns, bridges and dentures, securing dentures firmly so they don’t “move around and float,” a common complaint among denture wearers.

For more information, contact Paulette P. Paulin, D.M.D., dental specialist in prosthodontics and implant dentistry, at 412.823.4948.

Woodland Hills | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

University of Pittsburgh Mobile Science Lab

To Visit East Catholic School East Catholic Middle School science teacher Mr. Angelo Lamanti was very pleased to welcome the Mobile Science Lab to East Catholic School for an entire week February 4th-8th. The 5th grade science class participated along with the 6th, 7th and 8th grade science classes.

The Mobile Science Lab is part of the University of Pittsburgh and the CTSI (Clinical + Translational Science Institute.) The Mobile Science Lab is an 80-foot long truck that is equipped as a sophisticated science lab that can go to schools and community events to teach students and the public about new biomedical findings.

Mr. Lamanti, along with Barbara Paul of the University of Pittsburgh / CTSI Mobile Lab Education Facilitator, helped the students take part in a lab titled “Zebrafish Caffeine Lab” for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The 5th grade lab was entitled “Living With Bugs.”

Mr. Lamanti separated the students into groups, researchers and pathologists. The researchers learned about micro-organisms that live in symbiotic relationships by using a computer activity that was developed by the CTSI staff. The students scrolled over the human body and pop-ups showed them what micro-organisms live in each organ system, their scientific name, and the beneficial role that they play in our health.

The pathologists used the light microscopes to identify their patient’s lung infection (either by a bacteria or a fungus). As the students finished their assignment, they switched roles to discoer what the other team had been doing. The learning experience concluded with a discussion.

Worship Directory Beulah Presbyterian Church 2500 McCrady Road Churchill, PA 412.242.4570

Pittsburgh Mennonite Church 2464 Woodstock Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 412.351.1882

Calvary United Church-Christ 125 Shaw Ave, Turtle Creek, PA 412.823.4347

St. Maurice Catholic Church 2001 Ardmore Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 42.271.0809

Faith Bible Baptist Church 150 Curry Ave. Turtle Creek, PA 412.825.7450 Forest Hills Presbyterian 1840 Ardmore Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 412.241.1647 Good Shepherd Catholic Church 1025 Braddock Ave. Braddock, PA 412.271.2630 40 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Woodland Hills

Swissvale United Methodist Church 120 E. Swissvale Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 412.241.4613 Word of God Catholic Parish 2021 S. Braddock Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 412.271.5666 Word & Worship Church 1200 Wolfe Avenue North Braddock PA 15104 412-824-1616

B u s i n e ss Directory

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 887