Murrysville by IN Community Magazines

snow much fun!

School & Township News

Page 24

Special Section: Health & Wellness

Page 11

Winter 2013 icmags.com

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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.

INCommunity_UPMC_East_Winter_2013_v12.indd 1

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Contents fall

•

2 013

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

Franklin Regional School District

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

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

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

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sisters Olivia and Mauriana Dorsch, who compete in ice dance and freestyle. By Pamela Palongue

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

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 everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Regionalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commitment to the Westmoreland County Food Bank Written by Mary Catherine Reljac

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

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

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

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!

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

Written by Mary Catherine Reljac

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Teachers Growing Together

Officer Buzz in the Classrooms Written by Tina Burns

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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

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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!

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Mayor Bob Brooks

Chief Thomas P. Seefeld

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

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 officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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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