Murrysville

snow much fun!

School & Township News

Page 24

Special Section: Health & Wellness

Page 11

Winter 2013 icmags.com

The Murrysville Experts!

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Re/MAX agents have the experience you can count on to make your real estate dreams a reality. We know our markets and we care enough to get to know you, too.

Where do you want to be? Wherever it is, we’ll be there for you. Nobody sells more real estate than Re/MAX.

INCom

Surgery Options Tailored to Patients’ Busy Lives An integral part of the community for 20 years, the UPMC Surgery Center at Daugherty Drive in Monroeville offers world-class surgical care, advanced technology, and convenient outpatient procedures.

More than 60 percent of elective surgeries in the United States are currently performed as outpatient procedures. Health experts expect that figure to increase to nearly 75 percent over the next decade.

The UPMC Surgery Center specializes in outpatient surgery and other procedures performed without the need for an overnight stay.

“We provide for our community by taking good care of our patients — enabling them to return quickly to their families and jobs,” says Robert Kaufmann, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and medical director of the UPMC Surgery Center.

“As part of UPMC, we provide the same quality of care that patients and their families have come to expect at our hospitals,” adds Dr. Kaufmann, who also is a hand specialist and upper extremity surgeon who has worked with several local sports teams.

Patient-centered convenience Located less than a half-mile from UPMC East and just minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Parkway East, and Route 22, the UPMC Surgery Center is a freestanding ambulatory care facility

featuring patient-friendly pre- and postoperative suites, four operating rooms, and two gastrointestinal (GI) suites.

nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, and experienced technologists who deliver personalized service to each patient.

Patients enjoy easy access to some of the region’s finest general surgeons and surgical specialists in a variety of fields, with procedures ranging from carpal tunnel release, cataract and plastic surgeries, to breast oncology, gynecology, gastroenterology, and pain management.

With same-day surgery, patients can return home after a procedure and continue recuperating in the comfort of home.

Procedures range in length from a few minutes to a few hours.

The highly experienced and specially trained staff includes anesthesiologists, certified

Anesthesia for same-day surgery Elliott Weinstock, MD, chief of anesthesia and associate medical director at the UPMC Surgery Center, says patients undergoing same-day surgical procedures are provided the latest safe, short-acting anesthetic medications. Constant monitoring is done, from pre-op preparation, through surgery and recovery, by anesthesiologists and anesthetists using sophisticated monitoring devices.

“We are always on high vigilance, watching patients second by second,” says Dr. Weinstock. “Safety is our top priority.”

Dr. Weinstock says the goal is for patients to be safe and comfortable, yet ready to go home shortly after surgery. Various anesthetic techniques used include general anesthesia, regional anesthesia such as spinals or nerve blocks, or local anesthesia with sedation.

Outpatient procedures offered at the UPMC Surgery Center include: • Breast surgical oncology • Ear, nose, and throat • Gastrointestinal services • General surgery • Gynecologic surgery • Ophthalmologic surgery • Orthopaedic surgery • Pain management • Plastic surgery • Podiatry • Urology For more information about the UPMC Surgery Center, call 412-374-9385.

This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

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11/11/13 5:40 PM

Say hello to the new face of

NORTHWOOD From credit to closing, buying a home has never been easier. Northwood Realty Services offers its customers an all-inclusive home buying experience. Since 1956, Northwood agents have been guiding home buyers through every step of the process. With Northwood, the home of your dreams is just one click away.

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Contents fall

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8 on the cover It’s the most wonderful time….to stay fit. Winter sports abound in western Pennsylvania, but if you prefer indoor workouts, we’ve provided several local fitness centers and classes in our Health & Wellness section so you canstay fit, motivated and warm this season.

departments 4 6 8

From the Publisher IN the Loop IN Events

24

Franklin Regional School District

29

Municipality of Murrysville News

features 11 Special Section: Health & Wellness How to live a healthier, happier, longer life.

19 O Christmas Tree

Choosing a live evergreen in Murrysville.

20 Historic Landmarks Restored

The toll house and farmhouse are vital to U.S. history as well as the history of Murrysville.

22 Go Figure—Skate!

The latest generation of figure skaters from Murryville— sisters Olivia and Mauriana Dorsch, who compete in ice dance and freestyle.

Murrysview Shoppes

Unwrap the Season !

Bella Luna Restaurant Chelse’s Green House Dollar General Pat Catan’s Lodovico & Associates Pool City Rogers School of Dance Thornton Sewing Machine Co

sponsored content

Business Spotlights 9 Moe’s Southwest Grill 31 The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange

Industry Insights 15 Your Health : Iagnosis

Murrysview Shoppes Route 22, Monroeville

IN Community is a publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Murrysville area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 3

FROM THE

PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Julie Talerico j.talerico@icmags.com REGIONAL EDITORS Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] m.berton@icmags.com

At Seven Springs with my wife Lisa and our three sons.

Top-notch health care, education, banking and technology are what make Pittsburgh known, but our communities are what make us home.

Home – where you live, go to school, shop, work and play – is what IN Community Magazines is all about. Each quarter, we bring you the latest news and information about schools, businesses, nonprofits and the people who make them exceptional. We also bring you coverage of interesting events and articles about historical sites you may pass every day without even knowing. We like to surprise you with little-known facts about your community and profile intriguing people who’ve made their mark locally – and sometimes even globally.

One thing that makes our communities in western Pennsylvania special is the beautiful seasons. As autumn comes to an end and the snow begins to fall, we hope you take some time to enjoy the many winter activities our area has to offer and hit the slopes, sled ride, cross-country ski or ice skate at one of our many beautiful parks. Or simply build a snowman in the backyard!

The staff at IN Community Magazines wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Send Us Your Story Ideas!

To Advertise

We’d love to hear from you if you know someone in your community who is making a difference or has done something extraordinary. We’re also looking for interesting story ideas (little-known facts, history or other news) within your community.

As the largest magazine publisher in Western Pennsylvania, IN Community Magazines are direct mailed to more than 518,000 households, reaching 1.15 million readers. If you’d like to partner with us, please contact our general sales manager, Tamara Myers, at sales@icmags.com.

If you have suggestions, email us at editors@icmags.com.

Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@icmags.com OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti l.vighetti@icmags.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Debbie Mountain d.mountain@icmags.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Michael Miller m.miller@icmags.com DESIGNERS Cassie Brkich Jim Paladino Melissa St. Giles Anna Buzzelli Tamara Tylenda Sharon Cobb Jan McEvoy Contributing Writers Jonathan Barnes Leigh Lyons Jennifer Brozak Joanne Naser Earl Bugaile Melanie Paulick Tracy Fedkoe Melissa Rayworth Brenda Haines-Cosola Marilyn Wempa Elvira Hoff Mandie Zoller Heather Holtschlag Contributing Photographers Ginni Klein Kathleen Rudolph Evan Sanders Jennifer Steenson Primetime Shots Gary Zak GENERAL SALES MANAGER Tamara Myers t.myers@icmags.com SALES MANAGER Brian McKee b.mckee@icmags.com ADVERTISING SALES Sophia Alfaras Holly Hicks-Opperman Pamela Arder Aimee Nicolia Nikki Capezio-Watson Connie McDaniel Jennifer Dahlem Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Vincent Sabatini Julie Graff Michael Silvert Robin Guest RJ Vighetti ICM Printing Sales Manager Tom Poljak ©2013 by IN Community Magazines.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of any part of this publication is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

Direct all inquiries, letters to the editor and press releases to:

IN Community Magazines 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 724.942.0940; Fax: 724.942.0968 icmags.com Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

INCom

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Fighting Cancer Close to Home Lung and breast cancer patients can count on receiving the latest in cancer care right in Monroeville.

Nearly 11,000 new cases of lung cancer and 10,500 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Pennsylvania this year, according to projections by the American Cancer Society. Because early identification and the latest in treatment care are key to successfully addressing these leading forms of cancer, UPMC is making access to quality care easier than ever for Pittsburgh’s eastern communities.

Revolutionizing lung cancer treatment Jason Lamb, MD, is a member of the UPMC Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, specializing in minimally invasive surgery for lung cancer. “This approach is truly transforming how we treat lung cancer,” says Dr. Lamb, whose new clinical office opened recently on the ground floor as part of the UPMC CancerCenter at UPMC East. “Caught early, lung cancer may be cured with minimally invasive surgery, often with faster recovery times.”

Diagnosing and managing cancer is a complex process requiring the expertise of a wide range of highly-trained professionals.

“As part of the UPMC CancerCenter, we can bring together teams of clinicians and researchers whose breadth of experience and specializations offer our patients the latest advancements in cancer treatment,” says Dr. Lamb. His new clinic enables patients to have all tests and surgical procedures — as well as follow-up care — conducted at UPMC East.

“Because cancer affects a tremendous number of people in our community, we are committed to bringing them the highest level of multidisciplinary cancer care that is available,” he adds.

Leadership in breast cancer care Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC was ranked fourth in the nation for gynecologic care and as “high performing” in cancer in this year’s annual U.S. News & World Report of America’s Best Hospitals issue.

For more than 10 years, Marguerite Bonaventura, MD, a breast surgical oncologist, has brought that expertise to patients in the eastern suburbs. She and her associate, Emilia Diego, MD, are part of Magee-Womens Surgical Associates. Dr. Bonaventura has served as chief of surgery at Magee, and her interest in breast cancer research has led to her involvement as a member of the Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Advisory Board. Dr. Diego has a special interest in premenopausal women with breast cancer.

“We’re committed to making comprehensive cancer services available to patients in the eastern suburbs,” notes Dr. Bonaventura. She and Dr. Diego see patients four days each week in the Corporate One Office Park, located at 4055 Monroeville Boulevard in Monroeville, where patients also have easy access to Magee-Womens Imaging mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy services. Drs. Bonaventura and Diego perform surgery at the UPMC Surgery Center at Daugherty Drive and at UPMC East.

To learn more about cancer care at UPMC, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com. For information on radiation oncology services at UPMC East, call 412-357-3037. For information or a referral to a physician, visit UPMC.com/FindADoc, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

INCommunity_UPMC_East_Winter_2013_v12.indd 2

11/11/13 5:40 PM

in the

Loop What’s news in Murrysville

Celebrate in Murrysville!

Start the holiday season with a free, funfilled event for the whole family! Night of Lights will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Town Square and the First United Methodist Church Annex (3916 Old Wm. Penn Hwy., Murrysville).

Donations to Toys for Tots will be collected at the event to ensure the area’s boys and girls have a happy holiday! Guests can support Toys for Tots by donating a new unwrapped toy in the bin provided by members of the Marine Corps League who will be in attendance at the event.

Guests can vote on their favorite entry for $1.00 per vote. Proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Join friends and neighbors as the tree in Town Square is lit. Enjoy kids’ crafts, games, hot drinks, live entertainment from the Franklin Regional High School Band ensembles and much more. Santa will be making a grand entrance to visit with all of Murrysville’s girls and boys!

Also, a different kind of “light up” occurs as the Sportsmen and Landowners Alliance of Murrysville (SLAM) volunteers place luminarias around the letter “M” of the Murrysville tree sign. Mark your calendars now! The program is supported by SLAM, the Murrysville Historical Society, First United Methodist Church, the Murrysville Senior Center, Murrysville Lions Club, Murrysville Kiwanis, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Walmart and the Murrysville Parks and Recreation Commission. Please call the Murrysville Recreation Department at 724.327.2100, x131 or x115 for more information.

Volunteers Needed for American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Murrysville

This year will also feature a food drive to benefit the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.

Guests can contribute to the food pantry by donating the following items: soup, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, pork and beans, beef stew, canned salmon, chicken, tuna, spam, canned fruit and vegetables, fruit juice, toiletry items, paper products, boxed dinners, pasta, spaghetti sauce and salad dressing. Volunteers will be available at the event to accept donations.

Lastly, it’s time to “go green” and enter the Recycled Tree Decorating Contest. To enter, each hand-crafted creation must be made completely of recycled items. Those wishing to participate should contact the Recreation Department for details and instructions, but trees should not exceed 3 feet in height.

6 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life® is seeking volunteers in Murrysville: walkers, cancer survivors, caregivers and community leaders to organize and recruit fundraising teams, garner community support, coordinate logistics, seek refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and lend a hand to ensure the success of the 2014 event.

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of

their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during the event.

If you would like to join the Relay For Life of Murrysville as a volunteer or team participant, please contact Kelly Mazon at kellymazon2000@yahoo.com, or visit RelayForLife.org/pamurrysville.

Local Medical Practice Presented with Highly Coveted Award

All seven of Premier Medical Associates’ adult primary care practices, located in Plum, Penn Hills, Woodland Hills, Murrysville and Monroeville, have been awarded the prestigious designation of Level Three Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. This is the highest level attainable for a medical care group. The committee was founded in 1990 in an effort to promote high standards of health care.

“This certification is the result of two years of hard work, commitment and most of all dedication to our patients’ overall health,” explains Mark DeRubeis, CEO of Premier Medical Associates.

“We are very proud of all of our providers and staff who made this possible.”

Formed in 1993, Premier Medical Associates has a team of 100 physicians with specialties including asthma, allergy, behavioral health, cardiology, family medicine, general surgery, neurology, ophthalmology, optometry, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics and sleep medicine.

LOAVES AND FISHES EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY

The Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church in Murrysville houses the Loaves and Fishes Emergency Food Supply program. This program provides those in need from nearby communities with a three-day supply of food....no questions asked, no qualifications required. This food is invaluable to those in need of emergency assistance for feeding their families.

For more information on the emergency food program, please contact the church at 724.327.0061 or visit the website at NewlonsburgChurch.org. If you would like to contribute to the Loaves and Fishes Emergency Food Supply, monetary donations may be mailed to: Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church Attention: Emergency Food Pantry 4600 Old William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 ■

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 7

inEVENTS

Toll House Day The Murrysville Historical Preservation Society held the second annual Murrysville Heritage Festival Toll House Day in September. The event was presented in conjunction with the Export Historical Committee.

The Toll House, which was built in 1773, was open for tours along with the Kemerer House, a farmhouse constructed in the late 1800s. The home was credited with being the most beautiful house in the area at the time it was built and luxurious by the standards of the 19th century.

Children enjoyed hands-on crafts including weaving, tin punching, churning butter, making corn husk dolls and necklaces and writing with quill pens.

For more information on Murrysville history, visit the historical society website at MurrysvilleHistory.org.

Photos by Prime Time Shots

8 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

SponSored Content

Business Spotlight

Moe’s Southwest Grill Comes to Murrysville

SponSored Content

I

t bodes well for a restaurateur when your number one complaint is, “You need to be closer to Murrysville.” So, being the kind of guys who listen to their customers, Mike Geiger and John Iaquinta answered the call and are opening up Moe’s Southwest Grill in the Blue Spruce Shops in Murrysville.

“This is our first location anywhere close in the eastern suburbs,” Geiger said. “And it’s been long-awaited. Murrysville is, without question, the most requested area for us to expand the Moe’s brand.”

Moe’s opened its doors in Murrysville on November 14, with much fanfare, games, contests and giveaways.

If you’ve been to a Moe’s elsewhere, then you already know what all the buzz is about. If not, it’s a national, fastcasual, Tex-Mex franchise that’s locally owned. Geiger and Iaquinta both grew up in Pittsburgh, and together they now own and operate six Moe’s locations in the Pittsburgh region.

The appeal of Moe’s is threefold. First, the quality of the food you get at Moe’s for the price is a rarity among restaurants. Everything from the salsas, to the guacamole, to the chips and taco shells are made in-house fresh daily.

Moe’s prides itself on using grass-fed, hormone- and steroid-free ingredients, and it’s a difference you can taste (the founders call it their “Food Mission”). Moe’s is able to maintain its commitment to high quality, charge an affordable price, and still offer free chips and five different options of salsa with every meal . A filling lunch for one might top out at just $8, while you can feed a family of four dinner for under $20 – something you can’t do at a sit-down restaurant.

Use Moe’s mobile phone-based customer loyalty program, and you can even save more on your trip to Moe’s. Unlike other rewards cards, Moe’s simply uses your phone number. Punch that into the register at check out, and every 10th item you buy is on the house. You won’t be inundated by text messages, but you will receive notifications that can save you money and when special events occur, like Cinco de Moe on May 5 each year.

And if the food quality and overall value aren’t enough, Moe’s is really fun. From the furniture to the artwork to the music playing while you eat, Moe’s is a tribute to the great artists of American history. It’s also one of the few places sporting the new Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which lets you mix and match from over 100 drinks and drink combinations in Coca-Cola’s family of beverages.

What’s more, Moe’s caters, so you can have restaurant staff bring the party to you. On any given day there are 20 - 25 groups of people enjoying Moe’s food somewhere in Pittsburgh through Moe’s catering services. Catering with Moe’s is as easy as picking up a phone, and whether your party has 10 or 3,000 people attending, Moe’s will come to your home or office to set up a buffet-style taco bar and replicate the Moe’s experience on site.

For more information on Moe’s in Murrysville, or to see a complete menu, go to Moes.com.

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 9

inEVENTS

Delmont Car Cruise The annual Delmont Car Cruise gets a little bigger every year and this year’s event on Sept. 15 was no exception.

Snazzy-looking rides took center stage, but the event also included a bake sale, door prizes and a Chinese auction.

The event raised approximately $6,800 for the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau, an organization that protects children from abuse and neglect, and endeavors to preserve families wherever possible. Through the years, the Delmont Car Cruise has raised over $60,000 for the children’s bureau.

10 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

Great Ways to Live a Healthier, Happier, Longer Life in Murrysville

Murrysville Health & Wellness Section

By Michele Thompson

Though finding the fountain of youth (or miracle product) is unlikely, you can embrace the following ways to feel and look younger. Gleaned from age-defying experts this list is a must-keep for your desk or refrigerator.

So turn the page — hack into the havoc that aging can wreak on your body! ››

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 11

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Murrysville

Health & Fitness Exercise to live longer.

Murrysville has many walking and biking trails to help you stay fit. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and reduces the risks of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Not to mention you will look and feel better!

Warm up and cool down. Regardless of the types of exercises you do, warming your muscles as well as cooling down with slow rhythmic stretches is key to avoiding injury, reducing soreness, and speeding up your recovery.

Commit to daily fitness. Getting out there and staying active translates into better health and well-being — both physically and mentally.

Focus on total fitness. ACE recommends aerobics and muscular conditioning along with exercises to stretch your body and promote good posture.

Year-round exercise. Don’t ditch your fitness routine because of inclement weather. Try new activities, such as snowshoeing, swimming at an indoor pool, or fitness classes at your local fitness or senior housing facility.

Join a health club. Be social and get fit. This one’s worth its weight in sheer motivation points.

Take supplements. Don’t mega-dose, just take a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

Get aerobic. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting moderate aerobic activity 30 minutes per day, five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity, three days per week.

Break it up. Instead of 20 or 30 minutes of exercise, break up your cardio into 10-minute segments throughout the day.

Make working out fun. Getting out of the house and traveling to interesting places where you can walk around is one of the best ways to get exercise without even trying, and you get to enjoy the sightseeing, too.

Put a set of dumbbells by your television set — and use them!

Stop smoking. Nuff said.

Pump it up. Margaret Richardson, author of Body Electric, says one pound of fat burns three calories a day while one pound of muscle burns 30-plus.

Go green. Eat organic, use eco-friendly products and practice green living to protect your health as well as the environment.

Challenge yourself. To counteract age-related muscle loss, do exercises with progressively challenging resistance.

“We want to provide people in the community of all ages, with different interests, with many opportunities for fitness,” said Carly Greene, special events/recreation program coordinator.

12 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Murrysville

Cognitive Boosters Music therapy. Music can regulate mood, decrease aggression and depression, improve sleep, and, because old songs are stored in memory, even create new brain cells.

Brain food. Keep your mind sharp by eating salmon, nuts, olive oil, soy, meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, beans, oatmeal and dark skinned fruits.

P

Train your brain Working a daily crossword, Sudoku puzzle or another brain teasing game can help improve your mental fitness.

Posture Avoid sitting cross-legged.

Pain management specialists at New York Chiropractic warn that crossing your legs puts excessive stress on your knees, hips and lower back.

Sit up straight. When you slouch or strain to look at the screen, these patterns stick and posture learns these positions.

Listen to your body. See a chiropractor, physical therapist or postrehabilitation specialist for postural exercises to reduce pain and risk of injury.

Stretch. Stretching your neck and chest can prevent short and tightened muscles that can lead to injury. A simple stretch involves bending your head to your shoulder, holding it there and slowly bringing it back to the mid line and then switch sides.

Belly button to spine. Not only will this exercise help you stand taller, it will take five pounds off your waistline!

Head up. Instead of scrunching your head to your shoulder to hold the phone, get a headset and avoid injury to your neck and shoulders.

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 13

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Murrysville

Fighting

Childhood Obesity One Child at a Time

By Heather Holtschlag

Imagine – for the first time in four generations, a child’s life expectancy may not match his/her parents. One in 10 American children is obese, and between 16 to 25 percent of children are overweight. Children average a weight of about nine pounds heavier today when compared to the 1960s, and the average teenager’s weight has increased by 12 to 16 pounds, according to government statistics. Beyond the issue of just being overweight is the risk factors associated with obesity, including heart disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Fit-Trix Fit Kidz, located in Bethel Park, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is devoted to the prevention of childhood obesity in the western Pennsylvania region. The purpose of Fit-Trix Fit Kidz is to educate children and parents on the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight by adopting increased physical activity and healthy eating.

“We promote fitness, proper nutritional habits and self-esteem in a fun, positive and safe environment,” said Lynn Ross, owner of FitTrix Fit Kidz. “Our 45-minute program provides a full body workout regardless of fitness ability. We focus on cardio, hydraulic and resistance training with kid-friendly equipment, including BOSU balls, punching bags and agility ladders.”

Fit-Trix Fit Kidz also encourages small lifestyle changes that may provide immediate health benefits for children, such as lower blood cholesterol levels, increased independence and productivity and reduced demands for health care services. And, staff members are committed to disseminating these healthy lifestyle messages to children of 14 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

all ages, regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

Ross said that the main purpose of Fit-Trix Fit Kidz is to teach kids that fitness can be fun, so that they can develop a healthy lifestyle to maintain throughout their entire lives. The staff members do this by providing a fun and safe environment where they teach healthy behaviors to children at young ages, hoping that by doing so, the children will carry their good habits well into adulthood.

“At Fit-Trix Fit Kidz, we believe that exercise and proper nutrition are the pinnacles of preventing obesity in children and adolescents,” Ross explained. “We differ from other gyms in that we work by appointment, which helps make the children we see to remain accountable to their fitness goals and gives the staff the opportunity to work with and get to know each child on an individual basis.”

According to Ross, there are a number of benefits that can have an impact on children as they begin an exercise program.

These include an improved body mass index (BMI), an increase in self-esteem, a boost in athletic performance, increased flexibility and endurance, and an increase in lung capacity and fat burning through cardio exercise.

“Strength conditioning also will increase a child’s bone density and improve tendon and ligament strength,” Ross noted.

For more information about Fit-Trix Fit Kidz, call 412.831.1200, stop by the facility located at 4941 Library Road in Bethel Park, or visit the website at www.fittrix.org.

IndUSTrY InSIGHT

Your Health

SponSored ConTenT

Winter T Itch

he fall and winter months not only bring changes in the weather and shorter days, but conditions that may cause problems for your skin.

“Winter itch” consists of increased dryness and, of course, a tendency to itch more. This condition is caused by a number of weather related factors, including cooler temperatures and low ambient humidity. Taking long hot showers or baths, and the ongoing use of fragranced cosmetics and toiletries, also contribute to the development of winter itch.

Skin that is visibly dry worsens with winter itch; microscopically small cracks or fissures tend to develop, leading to redness, itching and inflammation. Patients with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis tend to see their ailments worsen during the fall and winter months.

People who are 65 or older are especially at risk of developing winter itch. Certain medications used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure also may contribute to dry skin.

Dry skin in general can be a problem for the general population.

Clinically known as xerosis, the condition can affect anyone, but most often affects people over 60. In the elderly population, dry skin can be a sign of underlying or systemic conditions, including kidney disease and thyroid disease. Most incidences of dry skin first appear on the hands and legs. Over time, the condition can spread to the arms and the trunk of the body.

The good news is winter itch (and dry skin) can be avoided or minimized by following these helpful tips: • Avoid soaps such as Coast, Dial, Zest, Irish Spring and Lever 2000.

Instead, use soaps that are gentle and fragrance free, including CeraVe, Ivory, Neutrogena, Dove, and Cetaphil.

• Reduce your use of heavily fragranced cosmetics and toiletries; fragrances are the No. 1 cause of both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

• Try to keep exposure to hot water via showers or baths to five minutes or less. Immediately after showering or bathing, gently blot your skin with a towel, then apply a fragrance-free moisturizer such as Cetaphil, CeraVe, Aveeno, Vanicream, or Eucerin. An inexpensive and very effective alternative to these moisturizers is Canola cooking oil.

Canola effectively traps water on the skin, promotes moisturization, and allows for delivery of fatty acids that rebuild the skin’s natural Select Cards_Ind Docs barrier.

4/4/13 12:17 PM Page 3 protective • Consider using a cool misting vaporizer in your bedroom to add extra humidity to the air.

This Industry Insight was written by Jeffery Thompson D.O. Jeffery Thompson, D.O., is a graduate of Michigan State University and is Board Certified through the American Academy of Dermatology. His office is located at 4016 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 15

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Murrysville

Eat Healthy Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Holistic

Eat and drink coconut. The type of saturated fat in

guru Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and minimal processed foods to reduce inflammation in your body.

coconuts does not contribute to heart disease and it is rich in lauric acid, which boosts your immune system.

Eat all natural. Avoid high-calorie foods full of sugar, fat and artificial ingredients and concentrate on eating high-nutrient, high-flavor foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.

Eat many small meals. Eat something every three hours to keep your metabolism high and your blood sugar and insulin levels steady.

Don’t skip breakfast. The easiest meal to skip but the most important. Eat something small, even if you aren’t hungry.

Read labels. Opt for products with at least three grams of fiber, low sugars and no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

Eat less and live longer. Maoshing Ni, author of Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100, suggests the “three-quarters rule,” essentially not eating any more after you feel three-quarters full.

Drink tea. Ni recommends daily tea because tea is a proven

Avoid bad fats. Bad fats include saturated fats, which are primarily derived from animal products, and trans fats, which are used in commercial fried foods, margarines, and baked goods like cookies and crackers.

Spice it up. Dr. Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients, recommends high-antioxidant spices and herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, curry, rosemary, thyme, oregano and red pepper.

Drink up. Drinking water throughout the day can decrease your urges for sweets, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, minimize pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and colitis, hydrate your skin, and help with your digestion.

Limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day. According to the Centers for Disease Control, too much alcohol can increase your risk for developing various diseases and physiological and social problems.

preventive and treatment for hardening of the arteries and has potent antioxidant powers.

Sideline the soda. The phosphoric acid in carbonated beverages, particularly colas, can put you at risk for osteoporosis.

Slim down with soup. People who eat soup before a meal reduce the total number of calories they consume.

Drink red wine. Red wine is

Sink your teeth into superfoods. Experts say superfoods can help ward off heart disease, cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, bad moods, high blood pressure, and improve digestion, skin, hair, nails, bones and teeth. Superfoods recommended by WebMD.com are beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, salmon, soy, spinach, green and black tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts and yogurt.

Eat more healthy fats. According to University of Michigan Integrative Medicine, healthy fats to include in your diet are monounsaturated fats, found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and some plant foods as well as polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3s found in fatty fish and omega-6s found in nuts.

P Eat a variety Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, and omega-3 fats better ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs.

16 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

renowned for its many health benefits, primarily for the heart. However, new research from the Institute of Food suggests that wine may also protect you from potentially fatal food-borne pathogens, such as E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and H. pylori.

Marinate your meat.

Research from the Food Safety Consortium recommends marinades with rosemary, thyme, peppers, allspice, oregano, basil, garlic and onion to cut down on carcinogens.

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Murrysville

Stress Control Smile. Smiling lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol.

Aromatherapy. Essential oils improve your mood, reduce stress and even improve your memory. Try lavender, lemongrass, cinnamon or cedarwood.

Being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature is a proven stress buster.

Yoga. The Mayo Clinic recommends practicing yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

Get kneaded. Research from the Touch Research Institute indicates that regular massage lowers heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety levels, depression, hostility, and the stress hormone cortisol.

See a therapist. Mental health professionals can help you deal with stress.

Begin with breathing. The first thing you ever did for yourself was breathe. And consciously focusing on your breath remains the epitome of self-care throughout your entire life.

P Humor your stress Laughing improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, releases tension, and improves your immune system.

Reprinted with the permission from SeniorsForLife.com

Let nature take your stress away.

Get Fit In Murrysville Here are just some of the fitness classes available:

Center Ice Arena

Pleasant Valley Park Trails

100 Center Ice Dr., Delmont; 724.468.1100 centericearena.com

2557 Pleasant Valley Rd., Murrysville; communications@pvpark.org • pvpark.org

Enjoy an ice skating workout at a public skating session while the kids are at school! Admission and skate rental for an adult is around $10 during the week! Check for available days and times on the website.

Try cross-country skiing and snow shoeing on picturesque trails in “262 acres of woodlands, open fields, hilltops and remote valleys of Pleasant Valley Park” maintained by the Pleasant Valley Trailbuilders.

Email questions or visit the website for more information.

Boyce Park

Murrysville Parks and Recreation Swimming Program

Dust off your downhill skis, snowboards and snowtubes and enjoy all that the 1,096-acre park has to offer in affordable winter fitness! Call or visit the website for more information.

Swim your way into fitness by taking advantage of the Adult Lap and Family Recreational Swimming programs at Franklin Regional Middle School Pool. Just $4 for all ages (children under five are free), residents can enjoy swimming throughout the school year. For details, visit the website Murrysville.com or call 724.327.2100, x115 or 131.

675 Old Frankstown Rd., Plum; 724.327.0338 alleghenycounty.us

Murrysville Senior Citizens Center

3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville; 724.327.7673 murrysville.com Beat the winter blues by enjoying bocce with other seniors on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., starting in January for 17 sessions! Registration is required and the cost is $34 (just $2 a session!). You must be a member of the senior center and space is limited. Call for more information.

Franklin Regional Middle School Pool

Murrysville Parks and Recreation Fencing

Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville Fencing is fun and great for cardiovascular fitness and coordination!

Winter classes begin Jan. 28, taught by Deb and Dave Theriault (USFA and USFCA recognized.

Contact: Deb Theriault at dtheriault@windstream.net for details.

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 17

health &Wellness DIRECTORY SuperSlow Zone sszplum-murrysville.com Maximum fitness results in minimum time. A premier professional personal wellness and exercise studio, offering our revolutionary 20 minute total body workout, 1 to 2 times a week. By appointment only, your Accredited, Certified Instructor provides continuous, expert coaching in our personal strength training system. 71% of new clients are referrals.

Clients come, stay and refer because it WORKS! Free Initial Consultation and Sample Workout.

Iagnosis dermatologistoncall.com DermatologistOnCall速 provides accessible, convenient, and quality skin care to patients from board-certified dermatologists. Instead of waiting months for an appointment, patients receive a diagnosis and treatment plan within three business days through the website, dermatologistoncall.com., without having to take time off from work or school.

DermatologistOnCall速 gives patients access to care when it is most convenient for them.

18 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

Orthopedic Associates of Pittsburgh 412.373.1600 oapgh.com Orthopedic Associates of Pittsburgh was established over forty years ago. Originally in Oakland, the Monroeville office opened in 1978 and White Oak in 2002. We have evolved from a general orthopedic practice into a sub-specialty practice encompassing hand & upper extremity, foot & ankle, total joint replacement, sports medicine and spine. We will strive to provide the finest service and care for your orthopedic needs.

Oral Health & Hearing Brush and floss your teeth. According to research, chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Turn it down.

According to the House Ear Institute, noise-induced hearing loss is a leading cause of permanent hearing loss that can be prevented by turning down the volume on your TV, radio, or headsets to a level that you can comfortably hear.

O Christmas Tree

Choosing a live evergreen tree in Murrysville

By Matthew J. Fascetti

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and choosing a real Christmas tree is a season highlight for many families. Whether you make the trek to a tree farm to cut down your own, or head to your neighborhood tree lot, the smell of fresh pine in your home signals the beginning of the holiday season.

Your tree selection is often the result of personal preference and budget, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Perhaps the most popular type of tree is the Fraser Fir. It has one-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch.

Because there is space between the branches, the Fraser is easier to decorate and the firm branches hold heavier ornaments.

Also very popular is the Noble Fir, with a deep green color, soft needles and well-shaped, sturdy branches.

Other varieties include the Colorado Blue Spruce, known for its blue foliage and pyramidal shape with strong limbs that can hold heavy ornaments. The Grand Fir has glossy dark green foliage and is soft to the touch, however it may not hold heavier ornaments. The Balsam Fir is a wonderful dark-green color with airy, flexible branches and a pleasant fragrance. The branches are not as sturdy so it’s not the best choice for heavy decorating.

Find it here...

The White Fir has a pleasing natural shape and aroma and good needle retention. The Eastern White Pine is known for making garlands, wreaths and centerpieces due to its long, feathery-soft needles. Though it’s a beautiful tree, the branches can be a bit too flexible to use as a Christmas tree. Finally, the Douglas Fir makes a visually appealing tree with soft, shiny green needles and wonderful aroma.

If you purchase your tree at a lot, keep in mind some pre-cut Christmas trees may have been cut weeks earlier. Try to buy your tree early to extend its freshness. Check the tree for brown needles and perform a “drop test.” Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and then firmly place the tree trunk on the ground. If green needles drop, it could indicate the tree may have been cut for some time.

Once you take your tree home, make a straight cut at the bottom of the trunk, removing about one inch. This will improve the tree’s ability to absorb water. Place the tree in a container that holds at least one gallon of water and add more as needed.

The base of the trunk should always be in water which will help sustain the beauty of the tree for as long as possible.

e Camp Joann Nursery 716 State Route 380

e Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse 4200 William Penn Highway

e The Christmas Tree Farm E. Pittsburgh St. (Salem Township)

e Sam’s Club 3621 William Penn Highway

e The Home Depot 3550 William Penn Highway Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 19

Historic Landmarks Restored

The toll house and farmhouse are vital to U.S. history as well as the history of Murrysville

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estern Pennsylvania was crucial in America’s development of the western frontier. Of the three main east-west roads in America’s Colonial era, the Raystown-Pittsburgh Pike (now Rt. 30) and Northern Turnpike (now Rt. 22) are right here. The erstwhile National Road (presentday Rt. 40) is also close by.

The last existing toll house from Pennsylvania’s stretch of the Northern Turnpike in Murrysville was recently rebuilt, and restoration was completed on the 1878 Kemerer Farmhouse, a beautiful preVictorian two-story home, adjacent to the log toll house.

Carl Patty, president of Murrysville Historical Society, noted that Pittsburgh was the gateway to the West, more than 200 years ago. “Back then, the Kemerer Farmhouse was a lot more than it might appear now, given today’s luxuries. It was more than a run-ofthe-mill farmhouse; it might even have been considered to represent the progress of the 20 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

By Jonathan Barnes

area. When it was built, it was the finest house in all of Franklin Township,” Patty says.

Ben Sampson, a Murrysville contractor, owns the property and is a longtime history buff and volunteer who has helped with various local historical organizations. He worked closely in partnership with the Murrysville Historical Society and the Westmoreland Conservancy on the use of the property. His connection to the homestead is not just intellectual, but also personal and familial.

Years ago, Sampson’s brother determined that their ancestor, John Sampson, built the log toll house as a home in 1788 (later on, it became a toll house for the turnpike). John Sampson sold the property to James Clarke in 1802, and in 1814, the log house became a toll house. The structure has a unique twosided chimney with an exterior and interior fireplace, which was an original architectural feature of the cabin that stood the test of time. The restored cabin was built around the

old, still intact chimney. The cabin’s exterior fireplace was used by drovers who were driving flocks along the turnpike, and others passing by and staying overnight.

Sampson thought the toll house’s restoration, which was completed by craftsmen in 2011, was important not only on a personal level, but because of what the structure represents in the community: a time when progressing to the next place in America required paying a toll-keeper for the right to travel down the upcoming stretch of the road. The fees paid for the maintenance of the road back then, just as they fund the maintenance done to our own Pennsylvania Turnpike today.

The toll house and the farmhouse, which was originally built by property owner David Kemerer, represent even more to their present-day owner. They offer opportunities for people to teach, and chances for young people to gain knowledge.

“People learn about the present and the future by studying and understanding their

past,” Sampson says. “It’s important for people to understand their history. It’s important to understand, so we can know who we are and where we are heading.”

Local folks had a chance to get a glimpse of both houses on Sept. 14 at Murrysville Historical Society’s “Heritage Festival.” The event included historical re-enactments, storytelling, and tours of the restored homes.

The restoration of the farmhouse was extensive and involved replacing the roof and chimney, as well as replacing the floors,

“The toll road itself was the east-west road to the frontier.

Murrysville has a lot of national history.” walls and ceilings. The kitchen was done as a “sympathetic restoration,” with an original look and modern appliances, since it will actually be used for events. The house was rewired, and also had its exterior repainted the characteristic white.

Preservationists in the area are excited about the possibilities of the restored historic homes. Ed Banks, the secretary of the Murrysville Historical Society, says his group is dedicated to preserving historical sites, so Sampson’s recent work on the old homes is very gratifying.

“That toll house and farmhouse are vital to the history of the area and to the history of the U.S.,” Banks explains. “The toll road itself was the east-west road to the frontier. Murrysville has a lot of national history.”

“Allowing people to go inside the historic homes gives visitors an important glimpse of the past,” Sampson adds. “You can learn what it’s like to live in those times, just from walking through the rooms. From an economic point of view, you can see that a toll house was important for the movement of goods and for trade. Without the toll road, people would have suffered and the economy overall would have suffered.” ■

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 21

The latest generation of figure skaters from Murrysville — sisters Olivia and Mauriana Dorsch, who compete in ice dance and freestyle.

By Pamela Palongue

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s temperatures fall and snowflakes fill the air, ice rinks will become the place to be for skaters of every level; some of whom skate for the pure joy of it, others for the exercise and those who practice with Olympic ambitions.

Through the years, Murrysville has had more than its share of high profile figure skaters. Jeffrey and Jennifer Benz were the 1987 U.S. Junior Ice Dancing Champions. Jeffrey went on to a career in law, eventually serving on the U.S. Olympic Committee resolving sports disputes. Younger sister Julie Benz was also a serious ice dance competitor, finishing 13th in the 1988 U.S. Championships and later forging a successful career as an actress.

The latest generation of figure skaters from Murrysville are sisters Olivia and Mauriana Dorsch, who compete in ice dance and freestyle.

22 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

Twelve-year-old Olivia and eight-yearold Mauriana both finished 11th in national competition solo dance. Olivia competed at the pre-silver level and Mauriana in the preliminary level. Both girls are obviously passionate about figure skating, but their parents, Tracey and Nick, are also dedicated to the sport, ferrying the girls back and forth to practices and spending lots of time in a chilly ice rink. Both parents feel any sacrifice they make is more than worth the effort based on the obvious benefits the girls get from the sport and competing.

“I was a wrestler in school,” says Nick. “But you couldn’t hardly get me out on the mat when I was their age.

Olivia, on the other hand, was chosen from among about 1,500 skaters to appear in a benefit show with Olympic skater Rachel Flatt and 18 others... She had to skate in front of about 2,000 people and acted like it was no big deal. That’s what confidence can do for you.”

Besides confidence, skating is also a great way for getting in shape.

Although many skaters may not be attempting the difficult jumps and spins that Olivia and Mauriana do, even beginning skaters can glean health benefits from ice skating and particularly figure skating.

Though some people begin skating as a child, many enter the sport in their 40s, 50s and even 60s!

Most people realize that ice skating increases muscle tone and leg strength, but it’s also great for abdominal and lower back muscles. It helps improve balance and coordination and many of the moves performed in figure skating require flexibility, another important fitness marker.

There are great mental benefits too, as concentration shifts from stressful thoughts to maintaining balance and performing a choreographed routine.

Many local skaters, including the Dorsch sisters, are members of the Pittsburgh Figure Skating Club. The club includes younger, competitive skaters as well as adults who enjoy skating for exercise and enjoyment. The organization encourages all forms of figure skating, including singles, pairs, ice dancing and synchronized skating.

Olivia and Mauriana are working hard to advance in the sport, practicing six or seven days a week.

Despite the intense practice schedule, the girls remain focused on the important things in life which include family and helping others. Their parents are both active members of the Murrysville-Export Rotary Club and involve the girls in their projects.

“Mauriana and Olivia are both out there ringing the bell every year for hours to help collect money for the Salvation Army kettle,” says Tracey.

For now, the girls especially enjoy the beautiful costumes they get to wear in competition and the people they have made friendships with both on and off the ice.

For more information on figure skating, visit the Pittsburgh Figure Skating Club website at PittsburghFSC.com. ■

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 23

Superintendent’s Message

Shaping a Supportive and Caring School Culture in Franklin Regional Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent

Mary Catherine Reljac Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction/ Public Relations Marlena Buterbaugh Director of Human Resources Jon C. Perry Director of Financial Services Linda Miller Assistant to the Director of Financial Services

Murr ysville

FR AN KLI N R EG IO N AL SC H OO L DI ST RIC T News

Brad Schrecengost Supervisor of Technology Services Dennis Majewski Director of District Services Zachary Kessler Director of Athletics & Student Activities Richard E. Regelski, Jr. Director of Special Education Karen Cadwell School Board Secretary/ Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Ronald Suvak, Principal Senior High School Shelley Shaneyfelt Interim Middle School Principal Robert Buffone, Principal Heritage Elementary Tina Gillen, Principal Newlonsburg Elementary Tina Burns, Principal Sloan Elementary

24 Murrysville

Dear Community Stakeholder, Since the inception of No Child Left Behind, the barometer by which public schools are measured has become singularly focused on standardized state assessment results. However, any student can tell you that the whole of his or her educational experience is not defined merely by the results of one exam taken over three days each spring. Though student achievement on these exams is certainly important, the culture of their school significantly impacts the daily lives of our students.

Simplistically, school culture can be defined as how stakeholders act, learn, and interact with one another. Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com states, “If you get the culture right, most of the other stuff will just take care of itself.” Each day, I am personally energized by how our staff, students, and community work together in fostering a safe, supportive, and caring school culture.

As I engage in personal discussions with members of our school community, the need to continue our efforts in fostering a positive school culture is a reoccurring theme. Our most forward thinking stakeholders recognize that our collective efforts to foster the “ideal” school culture are actually part of a never-ending journey, not a stationary target. As the Superintendent of Schools, it is my mission to also work as a catalyst, guide, and partner in our learning organization’s continuous cultural journey.

In this issue of IN Murrysville, the efforts of Franklin Regional staff, community partners, and volunteers to positively impact the lives of our students and the culture of our schools are proudly highlighted. However, these are only a limited few of the countless examples of individuals or groups positively impacting the overall culture of our school community.

As community residents, business owners, and citizens, I would like to thank you for making our community a terrific place to live, work, and learn. As we move forward, I am looking forward to continuously working with you to collectively impact the lives of our students by contributing toward the positive culture of our schools and overall community.

Sincerely, Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent of Schools

F

ranklin Regional School District recently changed the structure of school entrances by installing additional security measures to benefit the safety the students, staff and visitors. At the high school, visitors now gain entrance by pushing a button to speak with the office and explain the nature of the visit. Once satisfied with the explanation, office staff remotely open the exterior door, permitting access to the main office. At the middle school and elementary buildings, greeters meet visitors in the main entrance areas of the schools and learn the nature of the visit. These greeters register visitors and then remotely open doors to permit access to the building.

At the district administrative offices, visitors also ask for entrance by pressing a buzzer. This notifies staff in the building of a visitor at the door and activates a camera to show an image of the person. Staff communicates with the visitor to learn the nature of the visit and remotely open the door to permit access. These physical changes serve as one important aspect of building safety.

All buildings in the district conduct regular drills for fire, severe weather, and evacuations. Additionally, all teachers participated in school safety meetings during the fall professional development day. Through ongoing conversations with district staff, community partners, and outside agencies, Franklin Regional regularly evaluates its safety plans and practices, updating protocols when necessary.

Safety is everyone’s business. You can help our schools with safety by carefully driving on and near our campuses, observing school zone speed limits, following safety procedures when entering our facilities, and being observant in our communities. Our children are precious and we continually focus on safety and security as a district.

Franklin Regional’s Commitment to the Westmoreland County Food Bank Written by Mary Catherine Reljac

T

he Franklin Regional School Community is committed to meaningful giving within the larger region. Since 2008, students at Franklin Regional High School have raised over $40,380.00 for the Westmoreland County Food Bank as well as collected many truckloads of food for donation.

Multiple student clubs and classrooms have organized food drives, donation booths, and volunteered their time at the food bank facilities. Through hard work and dedication, our students have modeled what it means to be good citizens and community stewards. With staff, parent, and community support, our children have made a difference for many in our region. We are proud of their commitment and their actions!

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 25

FR AN KL I N RE GI ON AL SC HOOL DI STRI C T News

Written by Tina Burns

Murr ysville

Safety in our Schools

Elementary Safety Programming

Murr ysville

FR AN KLI N R EG IO N AL SC H OO L DI ST RIC T News

Written by Tina Burns

P

rograms and curricula in the classrooms of Franklin Regional have focus and purpose. In our elementary schools, safety related programs begin with our guidance counselors, who not only have office time to counsel children, but also teach lessons in our elementary classrooms. Through the district guidance curriculum, all children receive a consistent message. The guidance curriculum focuses on social skills lessons, drug and alcohol prevention, and feelings awareness in all grades (K-5). Counselors visit the classrooms periodically throughout the year and additional classes, at a teacher’s request, can be added to deal with specific areas of need such as test anxiety, following directions, etc.

To augment the counseling curriculum, Franklin Regional has invited two community agencies into our elementary schools. The Blackburn Center Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and The St. Vincent Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program work with

26 Murrysville

our teachers in our elementary schools, in a developmentally appropriate way, to address important safety topics. St. Vincent Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program visits four times a year for grades 1-3, allowing our building counselors to focus more on social skills and dealing with emotions during their classroom visits. Blackburn Center Against Domestic and Sexual Violence visits Kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th for various lessons ranging from bullying prevention to personal safety.

Franklin Regional staff work to educate students about bullying and provide strategies to combat issues.

Through our board-approved and researched based anti-bullying program, Olweus, our promise in the elementary schools is: 1. We will not bully others.

2. We will try to help students who are bullied.

3. We will try to include students who are left out.

4. If we know someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

In addition, each elementary building adopts an Olweus theme for the year.

At Newlonsburg, “Protect our House” is the theme. At Sloan, “Fill our Bucket on the Bus” is the theme. At Heritage, the theme is “Be a Friend not a Bully!” Using

these themes and positive messages as well as teaching behavior norms and strategies has been effective with our children.

Heritage’s theme

Sloan’s theme

Newlonsburg’s theme

F

ranklin Regional School District teachers frequently work together to help each other to grow. Through established professional learning communities (PLCs), teams meet regularly during the school day to discuss student learning, instructional practices, assessment data, and educational goals. Our teachers’ learning, however, is not confined to the school day or the defined district PLC process.

Three of our teachers, Roger Crider, Kristin Giron, and Katie Rutherford, along with Franklin Regional High School principal Ron Suvak, established a Teacher Book Club for the 2013-2014 school year. The book club is part of a project stemming from the Penn Literacy Network (PLN), a professional development program based in The Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

Franklin Regional teachers, along with many others in our region, participated in PLN and established the book club as a way to learn together.

In September, over 40 teachers and administrators met after school hours to discuss the first book, “Readicide,” by Kelly Gallagher. During the book club meeting, teachers reinforced the importance of aligning K-12 curriculum and embedding reading components that build as student experiences mature. The book club will be meeting multiple times throughout the year to continue their professional growth.

Volunteering at Franklin Regional Written by Mary Catherine Reljac

V

olunteers are important to the Franklin Regional School District. Volunteers help in classrooms, perform clerical tasks, assist with programs, and help with school activities. We value the time and expertise of our volunteers and appreciate their devotion to making Franklin Regional a rich educational community.

According to our school board policy, a volunteer is defined as an individual who offers to perform a routine service without being compensated for the work that they do. Volunteers will not teach, but may reinforce skills taught by the professional staff. Clearances are required for those individuals who routinely come on to school property to assist in any manner.

Volunteers need to obtain certain clearances and register with building secretaries. Once a volunteer has clearances, he/she does not need to officially update clearances. As long as the volunteer is in good standing, he/she will only need to complete a form (PDE-6004) each year.

Those interested in volunteering can find more information in our board policy book and on our website at www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us. The office staff in each building can also answer questions and will be able to assist you in becoming a volunteer. Please consider spending time joining the over 800 registered volunteers in the district!

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 27

FR AN KL I N RE GI ON AL SC HOOL DI STRI C T News

Written by Mary Catherine Reljac

Murr ysville

Teachers Growing Together

Officer Buzz in the Classrooms Written by Tina Burns

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Murr ysville

FR AN KLI N R EG IO N AL SC H OO L DI ST RIC T News

ranklin Regional continues its safety efforts through classroom education by using our School Resource Officer (SRO), Officer Buzz Yakshe, as a resource.

Officer Buzz, a Murrysville Police Officer, spends time each week in Franklin Regional schools. Officer Buzz has an affinity for the elementary children, visiting them for classroom lessons and lunch visits. His latest visit

occurred at Sloan Elementary. His lesson on “What does a police officer do and how is that the same or different from our lives as students at school” went well. He talked to the children, complementing the lesson with an age appropriate animated video showing the Rainbow Valley Police Department. He also engaged students in a handson activity to supplement the lesson.

Officer Buzz and Miss Adams’ Kindergarten class. They were enjoying his presentation!

28 Murrysville

Murrysville is a great home where neighbors care about neighbors. It’s the place where we can and love to LIVE, WORK, and PLAY. Please visit the new Video Tour Book on the Municipality’s home page at www.murrysville.com, showcasing the best of Murrysville!

Dedicated Elected Officials: Mayor Robert J. Brooks Municipal Council Joan C. Kearns – Council President Rege Synan – Council Vice-President Jeffery Kepler Joshua Lorenz David R. Perry Ron Summerhill William Vance Franklin Regional School Board Herb Yingling – President Paul Scheinert – Vice-President Kimberly Bondi Dr. Lawrence Borland Roberta Cook Charles Hergenroeder Dennis Irvine Dennis Pavlik Jane Tower State Representatives: Senator Don White Representative Eli Evankovich Representative Joseph F. Markosek Magisterial District Judge: Charles Conway Public Services: Murrysville Police Department Murrysville Public Works Dept.

Murrysville Volunteer Fire Dept.

Sardis Volunteer Fire Dept.

White Valley Volunteer Fire Dept.

Medic One Ambulance Service Murrysville-Export Emergency Management Agency

Volunteerism: Municipal Boards, Commissions, and Committees Parks, Recreation, and Trails Volunteers Charitable and Service Groups; School and Club Boosters Thank you to all the volunteers who give so much of their time for the betterment of the community!

Support Organizations: Meals on Wheels Faith in Action Check out their service videos on the Municipality’s website!

East Suburban Citizen Advocacy Murrysville Community Library Award-winning Children’s Programs and New Children’s Area!

Great Schools: Franklin Regional School District Mother of Sorrows Service Organizations: Franklin Regional Adult School Murrysville Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops Murrysville American Legion Post #711 Murrysville-Export Rotary Murrysville Garden Club Murrysville Historical Society Murrysville Kiwanis Murrysville Lions Murrysville Stream Monitoring Group Murrysville Woman’s Club White Valley AMVETS

Franklin Regional Athletic Association (baseball, softball, basketball) Franklin Regional Lacrosse Murrysville Area Soccer Association Beautiful Municipal Parks: Bear Hollow, Chambers, Duff, Heritage, Kovalczik, Murrysville Community Park, Pedora, Pleasant Valley, Townsend, as well as the Lillian Kellman Nature Reserve and the Peter and Victoria Skena Nature Reserve.

Westmoreland Conservancy Reserve Properties: Caywood Nature Reserve, McGinnis Nature Reserve, Flinn Nature Reserve, Tomer Nature Reserve, King Nature Reserve, Walter Nature Reserve, Potter’s Corner Public Golf Courses: Murrysville Golf Club Meadowink Golf Course Rolling Fields Golf Club Many churches, restaurants, retail shops, and businesses, including two large corporate employers: Philips Respironics and MSA.

Athletic Groups: Franklin Area Midget Football Association

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 29

MU N I C I PAL I T Y OF MU RRYSVI L L E N ews

Besides our family and friends, there are countless reasons why we love living in Murrysville. Below are just a few!

Murr ysville

Mayor Bob Brooks

Chief Thomas P. Seefeld

Murr ysville

MU N I CI PAL IT Y O F M U RRYSVI L LE N ews

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eginning December 2, 2013, police dispatch services will be transferred from the Murrysville Police Department to the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety (WCDPS-911) in Greensburg. In case of emergencies, residents and visitors are directed to call 911, instead of 724.327.2111. 911 will then dispatch a police officer to respond to the call. For a 6 month period after the transition to 911, a safety measure will be set in place to make sure that if a call is placed to 724.327.2111, it will be forwarded to 911.

Examples of emergency calls would be if a crime has been committed or is being committed; a traffic crash; a domestic violence incident; or a life threatening situation.

For non-emergency calls, residents and visitors should call 724.327.2100 and follow the phone prompts to speak to a police administrative assistant, or to connect with an officer’s extension. Examples of non-emergency calls would be asking for directions, reporting a lost dog, asking what time an event will be, and so forth.

The Murrysville Police Department administrative assistants will work Monday through Friday, covering the hours between 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. During this time, residents and visitors can come in for copies of reports, general inquiries, or to meet with an officer if requested. During off-hours, those who come to the station needing to contact 911 can use

30 Murrysville

the red phone on the exterior of the building and follow the posted instructions listed next to the phone. 911 will then assign an officer to assist you.

The WCDPS-911 is a professional dispatching center responsible for the dispatching of most police, fire and EMS agencies throughout the county. The Murrysville Police Department, in conjunction with the WCDPS-911, anticipates a smooth transition of police dispatch service. As we move forward, residents and visitors with questions or concerns can contact Chief Thomas Seefeld at 724.327.2100, ext. 205, or Captain Rob Liermann, ext. 204.

Clip this on your fridge or keep by your phone for future reference:

Murrysville Police Department 4120 Sardis Road Murrysville, PA 15668 Beginning December 2, 2013 For Emergencies Call: Beginning December 2, 2013 For Non-Emergencies, Call:

911

724-327-2100

SPONSORED CONTENT

Business Spotlight

SPONSORED CONTENT

Pawn and Jewelry Exchange

large gems and more. Visit www.briansjewels.com If you’re a fan of “Pawn Stars” and walk away to see what has been created. from the show thinking that real life’s not like Plus, if you’re looking to sell or pawn your item, that at all, then Ashley Ralston can convince the process is pretty much the same as you see on you otherwise.

TV. Interest rates for pawns are a flat 3 percent, As the owner of the Pawn and Jewelry and loans can be renewed, up to eight times, as Exchange in Greensburg, Ralston has been long as the interest is paid on time. trading and making deals with community “You’re not going to get a rate like that at a bank members since 2005. The rise of popular or with a credit card, so if you need some extra shows like “Pawn Stars” and “Hardcore Pawn” money for the holidays, or you bit off more than have only increased people’s interest in her you can chew with that new computer, we can help,” already thriving business.

While the shop does Ralston said.

“Those shows have really helped us buy precious metals, Some of the more unique items that have come because it shows people what a pawn Ralston would prefer through the Pawn and Jewelry Exchange’s doors shop is actually like,” she said. “People include a 24K gold chalice that a couple discovered are always impressed by the cleanliness, people to come in to see in their attic, WWII American and Japanese friendly faces and professionalism at some of the amazing bayonets, a Star Wars poster signed by the cast our store. And, unlike retail stores, our custom jewelry work with a certificate of authenticity, high-end vintage inventory changes constantly, so it’s never toy trains, antique medical kit with the original really the same store twice.” they offer, as well as medicine and surgical instruments included, and So what can you find at the Pawn and unique items such as antique grandfather clocks. But if you’re just looking Jewelry Exchange? Vintage guitars for Rolex watches, vintage for an extra iPad or Xbox, it has those as well. starters. It also has the newest iPad or iPod, What’s more, the Pawn and Jewelry Exchange tools, electronics, games, recorded media, pocket watches, large is the only licensed pawn shop in Westmoreland musical instruments, specialty items such gems and more.

County. The staff works daily with local law as antique neon signs, vintage tin signs, and, enforcement agencies to ensure that everything of course, jewelry and precious metal items. that comes into the shop is legitimate and that all With a full-time jeweler on staff with nearly transactions are above board.

20 years of experience, the Pawn and Jewelry “We want to get the best investment for our Exchange isn’t one of those “We buy gold!” customers,” Ralston said. “Everything we take in is places. While the shop does buy precious gently used. Electronics are inspected and we stand metals, Ralston would prefer people to come behind our items 110 percent and go out of our way to make sure we in to see some of the amazing custom jewelry work they offer, as well have happy customers.” as unique items such as Rolex For more information on the Pawn and Jewelry watches, vintage pocket watches, Exchange, go to pawnandjewelryexchange. biz online, or call 724.836.7296. It also has an eBay store and can be found on Facebook at The Pawn and Jewelry Exchange.

Murrysville | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 31

Business Directory

Premier Medical Associates Earns Prestigious NCQA Level 3 Accreditation Premier Medical Associate’s long-standing commitment to deliver the highest quality health care at the lowest possible costs for its patients earns national recognition In today’s society, it is important that patients be encouraged to take control of their healthcare. At Premier Medical Associates (PMA), patients are engaged in their own medical plan within the proactive support system of patient-centered medical homes (PCMH), implemented by Premier’s 100 primary and specialty care doctors.

This type of focused and collaborative healthcare initiative earned Premier’s patient-centered medical homes the highest recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The NCQA awarded all seven of Premier’s primary care practices with a Level 3 designation.

The highly coveted accreditation means the practices completed exemplary enhancements to employ evidence-based treatment guidelines to identify each patient’s specific health risks, along with sophisticated electronic medical records to prescribe medicine in the most accurate and safe manner. At Premier, the most meaningful effect of the advancements made toward achieving PCMH designation is the ability to set a precedent for patient care, to provide at the highest level and augment patient outcomes.

The prestigious Level 3 honor was led by Premier’s Quality Assurance Coordinator, Star Rebarchak (R.N., B.S.N.), in conjunction with the physicians within each office. “I am thrilled that we [PMA] were all able to come together to make this happen for our patients,” said Ms. Rebarchak. “I feel as though we are truly making a difference in the lives of our patients and making our community a better place. We are changing the way healthcare is delivered and that is huge! I want to thank all of the staff; providers, administration, IT, and patient care coordinators for all the hard work that has been put into this. We are changing lives and, as a nurse, I couldn’t ask for more.”

NCQA accreditation not only recognizes their successful implementation of the acclaimed national movement, PatientCentered Medical Home (PCMH), but it also highlights Premier’s long-standing commitment to delivering the highest quality health care at the lowest possible costs for its patients.

www.PremierMedicalAssociates.com 32 724.942.0940 to advertise | Murrysville

DHPMA-034.indd 1

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stuck

Dermatology Premier will now offer our patients dermatology at our 1620 Golden Mile Highway location.

We welcome Dr. Stuckert to our team of doctors committed to advancing and elevating the level of preventative, acute and chronic care in our region.

Joseph J. Stuckert II, M.D. Dermatology

“Dermatology is a high-demand specialty needed by Premier patients of all ages. Premier continues to expand access to key specialists in a collaborative setting with our primary care team.�

Mark DeRubeis, CEO

A higher standard.

A better patient experience.

A different model of care.

Member of the

PremierMedicalAssociates.com

Allegheny Health Network

Allergy & Immunology | Behavioral Health | Cardiology | Dermatology | Family Medicine | Gastroenterology | General & Breast Surgery | Hospitalist Medicine Infectious Disease | Internal Medicine | Neurology | Ophthalmology | Orthopedics | Outpatient Radiology | Pediatrics | Podiatry | Pulmonology | Rheumatology | Sleep Medicine

stuckert AD.indd 1

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

603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 724.942.0940 www.icmags.com

Time for our area VolunTeers

to Shine!

Seeking nominationS for 2014

Community awardS for ServiCe exCellenCe (C.a.S.e.)

What makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort in order to help others. At IN Community Magazines, we would like to honor these special people who have made a positive impact in their community and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for us all.

2013 Master of Ceremony

Andrew Stockey WtAE Channel 4

IN Community Magazines' second annual C.A.S.E. Awards will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 35 magazines.

Awardees will be selected in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger) Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more)

SponSored by

Awardees will be honored at an awards dinner in Spring 2014.

PlEAsE fIll out foRM bEloW AND sEND IN youR NoMINAtIoN Name of Nominee_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________ Category (check one)

❍ Volunteer of the Year ❍ Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger ) ❍ Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) ❍ Large Nonprofit of the Year ( staff of 11 or more) Which community is this nomination for?___________________________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? Please submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words.

Send nomination form and statement to: Wayne Dollard, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Mountain at 724.942.0940.

Deadline for nominations is February 1, 2014.