IN Ross Township

Great Catch!

Kids hooked on Ross Township Fishing Tournament

The former Ross Record is now a partner of IN Community Magazines-Ross Township.

Special Section: Education Top Five Classroom Trends

Page 9

School District & Township News Fall 2013 icmags.com

Page 21

t en m it m m co

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life

in no va ti

on

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Contents fall

•

2 013

features 9

Special Section: Education Top five classroom trends; jobs of the future; choosing the right college; paying for college.

18 Ross’ Most Infamous Prison Escape.

Tale of the notorious Biddle brothers and Mrs. Soffel.

47

on the cover

Four-year-old Makenzie Roskwitalski at the 16th annual Ross Township Fishing Tournament July 14 and 15 at Sgt. Frank Zotter Pond in Evergreen Community Park.

departments 4 6 22

From the Publisher IN the Loop North Hills School News

30 55 64

Ross Township News Community Library Programs INCognito

sponsored content 62 Pure Fitness

65 Disc Institute

35

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

Ross Township | Fall 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 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 DESIGNERS Cassie Brkich Jim Paladino Anna Buzzelli Melissa St. Giles Sharon Cobb Tamara Tylenda

My wife, Lisa, and I with our three sons (l to r): Jordan, Brenden and Tyler, on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

In a few months, we will celebrate IN Community Magazines’ 10th anniversary! Our first magazine—IN Monroeville—premiered in 2004, and we’ve since grown to more than 35 publications, serving communities north, east, south and west of Pittsburgh, as well as our quarterly Designing Home Lifestyles magazine. Earlier this year, we added a new magazine to our publishing family—Faith Pittsburgh—that has received tremendous response from readers.

As we enter our next decade in publishing, we thought it fitting to give IN Community Magazines a new look (see far right).

We welcome Ross Township to our pages in this Great Catch! fall issue. The township will be keeping you informed Kids hooked Ross of important information and events via our pages Township Fishing Case and we're pleased to be entrusted with delivering your Tournament community news.

We also welcome editorial director, Julie Talerico to IN Community Magazines. Julie has been in publishing for nearly 30 years, including the past 10 years as editor-in-chief of Pittsburgh Magazine. We are excited to have her lead us through our next growth stage, producing and developing high-quality publications.

Over the years, our school partner, North Hills School District, has been a vital part of IN Community, and we thank you for your support. We also thank our advertisers, many who have been with us from the beginning.

As we head into fall and our kids and teenagers start back to school and college, we hope you’ll take time to read this publication. We welcome your feedback! sUMMER 2013

on

2013

inside

AwArds

Venango Trails NortherN Suburb LiviNg with a touch of hiStory

Special Section: Education

Real estate

Top Five Classroom Trends

IN ROSS

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Tell Us What You Think!

We’d like 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. If you have suggestions, please contact Pamela Palongue (p.palongue@icmags.com) if you are in the North and East communities or Mark Berton (m.berton@icmags.com) if you are in the South and West communities. Please include your name, phone number and community magazine for which you are submitting the idea.

Thanks in advance for your contributions!

4 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

Page 9

School District & Township News

FALL 2013 icmags.com

To Advertise

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 Office Manager Leo Vighetti at: 724/942-0940 or l.vighetti@icmags.com.

Page 21

Contributing Writers Jonathan Barnes Heather Holtschlag Jennifer Brozak Leigh Lyons Earl Bugaile Joanne Naser Matt Fascetti Melanie Paulick Tracy Fedkoe Judith Schardt Brenda Haines-Cosola Marilyn Wempa Elvira Hoff Contributing Photographers Ben Chronister Kathleen Rudolph Ginni Klein Jennifer Steenson Len Pancoast Gary Yon 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 Aimee Nicolia Pamela Arder Connie McDaniel Nikki Capezio-Watson Gabriel Negri Dan DeCesare Vincent Sabatini Julie Graff Michael Silvert Holly Hicks-Opperman RJ Vighetti Laurie Holding 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.

Retail * Commercial * Wholesale New & Retreads * Road Service Available 163 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15229 Ph: 412-364-3953 Fax: 412-364-9165

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Overbrooke Point offers new conce e in senior living pt

something

for everyone see page 14

Headline Page 34

Headline Page 47

Special Section: Education Page 23

Fall 2013 icmags.com

Fall 2013 icmags.com

Dynamic Duo:

Back to

parks and recreation Butch Truitt, South Fayette's new manager Ryan Eggleston director (right), with township

School!

School and Township News Page 29 Special Section: Education Page 7

Fall 2013 icmags.com

Special Section: Education Page 6

School News

Page 16

Fall 2013 icmags.com

IN Community Magazines is seeking an energetic salesperson to sell print advertising in your area.

Full-time is preferred, but part-time will be considered.

Please contact our General Sales Manager, Tamara Myers, at t.myers@icmags.com for more information.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 5

in the

Loop What’s news in Ross Twp?

It's Community Day!

It's one of the biggest and best celebrations of the area. Ross Township Community Day will take place on September 15. Festivities will begin at noon and last until 9 p.m.

Among many of the highlights will be Johnny Angel and the Halos who will perform 6 – 9 p.m., police canine demonstrations, outdoor rides and games, the North Hills High School Jazz Band and fireworks at dark.

Crafters and businesses will be on hand in the gymnasium as well as food vendors.

Mark your calendars for one of the most fun days of the year!

To volunteer at the event, or to participate as a vendor, please call 412/931.7055, x204.

INDIAN SPRING REDEDICATION

On October 6, the community will gather at Evergreen Park for a rededication ceremony of Indian Spring. The event will take place from 1 – 4 p.m.

A teepee will be erected on the grounds with Native Americans to share information on their culture and traditions. Joseph Wind Carrier will demonstrate the art of drum making and there will be a drum circle, according to John Schalcosky, President of the Ross Township & West View Historical Societys.

There will be crafts for kids and refreshments will be available. The Schlag House will also be open for tours.

This will be an interesting and educational event for people of all ages. ■ 6 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

@ Great !

Catch

Kidsked honoo ss Ro ip Townsh Fishingament rn u o T

Section: Special ucation Ed sroom Trends Top Five

Clas

Page 9

& Districtws Schoolsh ip NePage 21 Town FALL 2013 .com icmags

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 7

E

EDUCATION ROSS TOWNSHIP

fall

20 13

W

hen it comes to education, too much is never enough.

And in a world where job competition is fierce, parents believe the more educated their child is, the better their chances of getting that rewarding, high-salaried position that will allow them to grow as a professional, support a family and pad their 401(k). But ask any high school junior what they plan on majoring in, and you’re almost guaranteed to be met with a blank stare.

Traditional college is a smart choice, but for today's students, other options are available that do not require a degree. The job market indicates an increasing demand for skilled trades, non-degreed and service professionals which is quickly outpacing those who can deliver it.

In this special section, we take a look at college preparation — from choosing the right preschool to prepping for SATs, as well as some alternatives to college that promise a bright future without the need for a four-year degree.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 9

5

ROSS TOWNSHIP

Top Education Trends O

ne thing is for sure; school is not what it used to be. No longer are college students expected to sit for long periods of time in one classroom, listening to one professor while feverishly taking notes. Today, students have a wide array of schooling options, study tools and reference materials that make it easier to get the grade. Among these latest trends are:

1|

Social Media: Social media has given students access to a whole new way of communicating and learning. In today’s classrooms, professors are blogging, maintaining Twitter and Facebook accounts and even communicating with students through these mediums. Students also have access to YouTube and may even be required to produce and post videos as a part of their learning curriculum.

Students may find it helpful to use social media techniques to find employment since many sites, such as LinkedIn, give job seekers the venue to create resumes and profiles that are searchable by potential employers. Graduates can also begin networking with professionals in their desired field.

10 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

2|

Online Learning: No longer is traveling to a school building and sitting at a desk beside 25 other students part of school requirements. Students who want to pursue chosen fields of study can learn from home and study at their own pace laptop style. In fact, according to the Bacon Survey Research Group, the number of students enrolled in at least one online course increased for the ninth straight year. The study reports that the number of students taking online courses has surpassed six million and nearly one-third of all students in higher education are taking at least one online course. Some universities such as the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, Johns Hopkins University and Stanford, even offer free online

courses, a trend that is expected to continue in coming years.

3|

Massive Open Online Course: Massive open online course, or MOOC, is a relatively new way for students to learn. MOOC is a course that is offered exclusively online to provide large interactive participation and open access through the Internet.

MOOCs offer all of the traditional types of course materials, but also provide interactive user forums that help build communities among students and teachers and teaching assistants. These free courses only require the use of a computer and an Internet connection. As an extra incentive, there is some discussion about awarding official college credits to students who take these

ROSS TOWNSHIP

courses, which continue to grow in popularity around the globe, as they are offered in nearly 200 countries in 44 different languages and have more than 4,500 testing centers.

4|

Better Job Market: Students graduating now may enter a better job market than students from previous years. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies expect to hire 9 percent more 2012 graduates than in 2011. And, students who have studied in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) have even greater odds of landing a job.

5|

Game-Based Learning: While still a new concept for both students and teachers alike, game-based learning, or GBL, is a method of learning that is growing in popularity and has proven to be

an effective method of teaching.

These games are designed exclusively to provide educational value to students in any type of educational environment. They are designed to teach students about certain subjects, reinforce growth and development, encourage the development of new skills, or understand an event that took place in history. GBL methods include boards, cards and video games and incorporate methods like learning simulations with both serious

games and video games into the classroom. In addition, this method offers both gameplay and subject matter so that students can easily remember what they have learned and get ready to apply it in the real world. Although this method is still in its infancy, it is expected to expand in growth in the coming years.

The way we learn is changing and it is broadening our horizons, our skills and our possibilities.

The number of students taking online courses has surpassed

six million

and nearly one-third of all students in higher education are taking at least one online course.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 11

ROSS TOWNSHIP

Jobs

W

of the

Future

hile a college degree does garner some credibility and an advantage in finding a well-paying job, there has been an increase in demand for people who have the right skills, and not necessarily a degree, in certain industries.

According to a recent story featured in Forbes magazine, jobs of the future are comparably “low-skilled,� meaning they still require a lot of all-around intelligence to succeed, but not a degree.

For example, carpentry has experienced a 56 percent growth, and medical secretaries have seen an increase of 41 percent in recent years.

Other top jobs include web developers, which has a median salary of more than $75,000 a year and has risen in popularity among those who are self-taught or

who have only a minimal amount of college training.

In fact, the demand for people in this field is so great that companies do not view it as a disadvantage if the person does not have a college degree, particularly the smaller start-up companies.

Plumbers can make more than $46,000, a profession that is expected to grow 26 percent in the next few years. Paralegal assistants, electricians and industrial machine repairers are also professions that can expect an annual salary of more than $46,000.

Administrative executive assistants could see a salary of more than $34,000. Bookkeepers and pest control specialists can earn more than $30,000, while receptionists and skin care specialists may be paid more than $25,000.

A possible reason for this recent upward trend in jobs

Some in-demand professions that don’t require a four-year degree.

12 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

ROSS TOWNSHIP

Carpentry has experienced a growth of

that do not require a college degree, may be that there is a heavier demand for people who offer actual services and specific skill sets.

Caring for an aging population is one of the reasons that jobs like home health aides and personal care aides are at the top of the fastest growing jobs list compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, as reported by CareerCast.com. But right below these two occupations are biomedical engineers, which anticipates a 61 percent growth by 2020. Jobs such as brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons and tile and marble setters, expect to grow at least 60 percent by 2020. Veterinary technicians and technologists are expected to grow in demand by 52 percent. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers will increase by nearly 47 percent, physical therapy assistants by 46 percent, pipelayers and steamfitters by 45 percent, meeting and event planners by 44 percent and diagnostic medical sonographers by 43 percent.

These fields all rank near the top of the list in popularity and expected job growth.

According to Forbes, many of these types of jobs do not require a college education because a person could potentially learn more about them with on-the-job training as opposed to sitting in a college classroom.

Many people who enter “non-degreed” professions are self-taught and begin freelancing with a few clients.

Through word-of-mouth, they are able to grow enough to launch their own business.

For the most part, the trend remains that college graduates still stand to earn more in their lifetimes than non-graduates, as companies will continue to look for the bachelor’s degree on a resume. However, there is a bright future for nongraduates with much potential if they have the desire and motivation to be successful.

56 percent

Physical therapy assistant jobs will increase by

46 percent

Biomedical engineering anticipates growth of

61 percent

A.W. Beattie Career Center proudly provides recognized industry career and college ready instruction in eighteen program areas for students in grades 10–12 enrolled from the following school districts: Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area, Hampton Township, North Allegheny, Northgate, North Hills, Pine-Richland, and Shaler Area.

A.W. Beattie Career Center is the only recognized United States Department of Education Green Ribbon School award recipient career center in Pennsylvania.

Students have the opportunity to excel beyond the classroom through externship experiences; observing and working within their chosen field with local employers and nonprofit organizations while enrolled in high school. Students have the ability to earn advanced college credits and career certifications upon successful completion of their career program. The potential to earn as many as seventeen college credits exists through successful program completion at A.W. Beattie; potentially saving a family thousands of dollars.

During the 2012-13 school year A.W. Beattie Career Center Students earned 885 industry recognized certificates within their related career fields.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 13

ROSS TOWNSHIP

Finding the Right Preschool

EDUCATIONDIRECTORY

Deciding on a preschool for your child is an important decision. There are several factors to keep in mind. With regards to location, do you want something that is close to home or close to work?

How far are you willing to drive?

Another consideration is the school’s reputation.

Do you have any friends who send their children to the school or know any of the staff? Talk to them don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions.

The Child Care Aware hotline, 1.800.424.2246, can give you the number of a local childcare referral agency, which can provide you with preschools in your area.

Before calling the school, make a list of questions, such as teacher to student ratio, the staff's credentials and what types of activities in which the kids engage. Also, be sure to ask if the school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a sign that the school is trustworthy and reliable.

If you are allowed to visit the school, observe the class where your child would be attending. Notice how the teachers interact with the kids and their demeanor toward each other.

Finally, observe the children themselves.

If they are happy in their surroundings and you feel comfortable, it just may be the perfect school for your child!

A.W. Beattie Career Center provides authentically focused STEAM instruction: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Medicine through our eighteen Career and College ready programs.

Each of our programs provide the opportunity for our students to earn industry recognized credentials and advanced college credits while enrolled in high school. A.W. Beattie Career Centers is "Your Pathway to the Future!"

A.W. Beattie Career Center is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution.

High quality, affordable after school programs in robotics and STEM, dance, music, art, swimming, gymnastics, fitness, sports and homework help are held in our beautiful North Shore facility with in-door pool, 2 gyms, fitness center, cafe and more. There is something for every child's interests at Sarah Heinz House, where children are valued, leaders are developed and lifelong friendships are formed!

A.W. Beattie Career Center 412/847.1900 • www.BeattieTech.com

Sarah Heinz House 412/231.2377 • www.sarahheinzhouse.org

14 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

DANCE EVOLUTIONS DANCEWEAR & ACCESSORIES 9066 PERRY HWY

CORNER OF 19 & CUMBERLAND 412-366-1800

Choosing the Right College You made it. You got through grade school, succeeded in high school, and now the search begins… for the perfect college. You may already have your eye on a school, or you may be keeping your options open. Whatever your situation, there are some pointers to keep in mind when making your decision.

To start, make a list of the colleges in which you are most interested. Divide the list into three categories: top choices, acceptable choices and sure-things. You also may want to add the reasons they interest you and the factors that make them unique.

Seek out advice from those you trust – high school teachers, guidance counselors, friends and family members or school alumni – and ask why they favor a particular school. Also consider your educational goals and the field of study you would like to pursue. If one of your top choices does not offer that particular major, it may be safe to scratch it off your list.

Another important component to consider is the social atmosphere and the type of housing accommodations the school has to offer. Do you want to attend a school where the students never sleep, or would you prefer to live in a quiet, non-party environment? Make sure the school that you choose will make you feel comfortable so you can succeed academically.

Seek out printed information about the school. Directories, websites, maps and newsletters will help you navigate the campus and enable you to decide if this is where you want to spend the next four, or more, years.

Lastly, talk to college representatives and staff on campus. Interview them about their likes and dislikes about the school, the academic and non-academic programs that the school offers and the types of financial aid that are available.

Most importantly, make sure the school will meet your needs and help you to excel in whatever path you choose.

The SATs – Preparation is the Buzz Word You know there is no way around it. If you want to go to college, you must do well on the dreaded SAT test. This single event can lead to many sleepless nights and bouts of nervous anxiety. But if you head into the testing center armed with a few special tips, you may score well ahead of the game.

For starters, begin preparing and studying for the test months in advance. Find practice tests or study guides online and upon completion of these practice exams, study the results. Find out why you scored wrong on a particular question and look at what you did right.

Perhaps the best way to aid in preparation is to take challenging courses in high school. Take plenty of math and science courses and make sure that your reading comprehension and writing skills are in order.

Develop a plan to study for the SATs for an allotted amount of time each day. Seek out the aid of a specialized tutoring service, such as the SAT tutoring offered at Huntington, which may not only help you with your studying, but may increase your confidence and calm your nerves.

If you decide to take the test twice, learn from your experience the first time. Research the questions you got wrong on the first test and learn why you got them wrong.

As the day of test approaches, do something relaxing the night before, such as reading a book and getting a good night’s sleep. Wake up early enough to eat a nutritious breakfast and plan to arrive at the testing center early. Finally, be sure you are prepared with the right materials – a valid ID for access to the testing center and several number 2 pencils.

With preparation, you will find that the test-taking anxiety you initially felt, will be replaced with confidence and satisfaction.

SAT

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 15

ROSS TOWNSHIP

Occupations with the most job growth, 2010 projected 2020 (Numbers in thousands) Employment 2010 National Employment Matrix Title and Code

2010

2020

Change, 2010-20 Number

%

Median Annual Wage, 2010

00-0000

Total, All Occupations

143,068.2

163,537.1

20,468.9

14.3

$33,840

29-1111

Registered Nurses *

2,737.4

3,449.3

711.9

26.0

64,690

41-2031

Retail Salespersons

4,261.6

4,968.4

706.8

16.6

20,670

31-1011

Home Health Aides

1,017.7

1,723.9

706.3

69.4

20,560

39-9021

Personal Care Aides

861.0

1,468.0

607.0

70.5

19,640

43-9061

Office Clerks, General

2,950.7

3,440.2

489.5

16.6

26,610

35-3021

Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food

2,682.1

3,080.1

398.0

14.8

17,950

43-4051

Customer Service Representatives

2,187.3

2,525.6

338.4

15.5

30,460

53-3032

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

1,604.8

1,934.9

330.1

20.6

37,770

53-7062

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

2,068.2

2,387.3

319.1

15.4

23,460

25-1000

Postsecondary Teachers

1,756.0

2,061.7

305.7

17.4

45,690

31-1012

Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants

1,505.3

1,807.2

302.0

20.1

24,010

39-9011

Childcare Workers

1,282.3

1,544.3

262.0

20.4

19,300

43-3031

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

1,898.3

2,157.4

259.0

13.6

34,030

41-2011

Cashiers

3,362.6

3,612.8

250.2

7.4

18,500

25-2021

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

1,476.5

1,725.3

248.8

16.8

51,660

43-4171

Receptionists and Information Clerks

1,048.5

1,297.0

248.5

23.7

25,240

37-2011

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

2,310.4

2,556.8

246.4

10.7

22,210

37-3011

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

1,151.5

1,392.3

240.8

20.9

23,400

41-4012

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

1,430.0

1,653.4

223.4

15.6

52,440

47-2061

Construction Laborers

998.8

1,211.2

212.4

21.3

29,280

43-6013

Medical Secretaries

508.7

718.9

210.2

41.3

30,530

43-1011

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

1,424.4

1,627.8

203.4

14.3

47,460

47-2031

Carpenters

1,001.7

1,197.6

196.0

19.6

39,530

35-3031

Waiters and Waitresses

2,260.3

2,456.2

195.9

8.7

18,330

33-9032

Security Guards

1,035.7

1,230.7

195.0

18.8

23,920

25-9041

Teacher Assistants

1,288.3

1,479.3

191.1

14.8

23,220

13-2011

Accountants and Auditors

1,216.9

1,407.6

190.7

15.7

61,690

29-2061

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

752.3

920.8

168.5

22.4

40,380

29-1060

Physicians and Surgeons

691.0

859.3

168.3

24.4

111,570

31-9092

Medical Assistants

527.6

690.4

162.9

30.9

28,860

Source: Employment Projections program, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

16 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 17

r g afte ornin e m e th ap ir esc Road sville made the y r r e P s iddle the B

Biddle Boys & Mrs. Soffel

Ross

Flee Through

By Jonathan Barnes

A Love Triangle Ends in Tragedy

N

o one argued that the Biddle brothers weren’t handsome. During their murder trial in 1900 for the death of a Mt. Washington grocer and a Pittsburgh Police officer, the boys were gunned down during the chase after the grocer’s killing. During the trial, the courtroom was packed with women, some from prominent Pittsburgh families, according to media accounts at the time.

“The women of Pittsburgh wanted the Biddles spared,” said Ross historian Sandy Brown, who contributed to the township’s bicentennial book, published in 2009. “They thought the boys were too good looking to have done it.”

But despite their good looks, the Biddle brothers—Ed, 24, and Jack, 28—were found guilty of the crimes and sentenced to death. While in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting execution, the brothers attracted the attention not only of the press, but of Warden Peter Soffel’s wife, Mrs.

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Katherine “Kate” Soffel, a Christian woman who took pity on the brothers. She began visiting their cell and read the Bible to them, despite grumblings among the guards that she was up to something. Against the protests of her father, deputy warden Conrad Dietrick, who told her to stop the interaction with the men, she continued her visits.

Dietrick’s warning came too late. Soffel, 35, and mother of four, already was smitten with Ed Biddle. And since the Biddle boys’ date with the hangman was fast approaching, desperate measures had to be taken. The trio devised an escape plan and Soffel hid saw blades and guns under her dress and brought them to the men. Then during her visit she read the Bible in a loud voice to cover the noise of the men sawing the steel bars.

On Jan. 30, 1902, the final part of the plan began. Mrs. Soffel knocked her husband out with chloroform. During the escape, one guard was shot by the Biddles and another was

Jack Biddle

Ed Biddle

Mrs. Soffel's only

known photog raph

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The women of Pittsburgh wanted the Biddles spared.

thrown over a railing; then both guards were locked up by the trio.

The three entered the warden’s quarters, changed their clothes and walked out the warden’s front door.

They lit out into a blinding snowstorm and soon were on Perry Plank Road in Ross Township, seeking shelter, transportation and something to eat. They broke into the old Perrysville School house, which was located in a corner of Hiland Presbyterian Church’s graveyard. They warmed up by the potbellied stove, and then Ed and Jack left Kate behind to find some food. The men headed up Plank Road to the White House Inn. At the Inn, they asked for something to eat and the innkeeper, Christ Weller, told them dinner was over but he could get them some sandwiches. They got six ham sandwiches and a pint of whiskey to go.

}

The boys took the food back to the schoolhouse and ate and rested. Then they left in search of a horse so they could make it to Canada. The brothers walked to Three Degree Road and broke into F. Schwartz and Brothers barn, continued on next page

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 19

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Biddle Boys & Mrs. Soffel

Ross

Flee Through

and stole a sleigh. Then they crossed the road to another barn and stole a horse.

With their new transportation, the men went back to the schoolhouse. They picked up Soffel and just after midnight they headed toward New Castle.

The men’s escape was discovered on the morning of Jan. 31, when the guards came in for their shift and found their colleagues locked up. A posse was organized and set out to capture or kill the fugitives. About 5 p.m. that day, the posse caught up with them after the three were spotted on a snow-covered road a couple miles outside Prospect. A chase and gun battle began.

The trio had agreed earlier that they would do themselves in rather than be taken in, and during the battle they shot themselves. The brothers were subdued from the gunshots and shots from the posse, which captured all three. The men died of

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their wounds in Butler County Jail a day later. The warden’s wife was taken to Butler County Hospital, where she recovered.

Kate was sentenced to two years for her crimes, but served just 20 months. She and her husband divorced. But due to the popularity of the story, which had been written about in newspapers from New York City to Chicago, she found a new line of work as an actress for a time after her release. She played herself in a melodrama called “A Desperate Chance,” which played to audiences in the area.

After the show closed, she lived the rest of her life in obscurity, working as a dressmaker in the North Side and changed her name.

She died in 1909. In 1984, a movie about the story was shot partly in Pittsburgh and starred Mel Gibson and Diane Keaton. ■ -From “Ross Township Bicentennial, 1809-2009,” and media reports.

ROSS TWP .

City & School News

North Hills School District

Ross Township

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School Board/Administration North Hills School District New Hires Annual Notices Distinguished Alumni Award Nominations North Hills Sports Hall of Fame to Honor Five Alumni Twin Sisters Earn President's Volunteer Service Awards North Hills Educator Wins Blackboard Catalyst Award for an Exemplary Course NHSD Receives $20,000 Grant to Support STEAM Initiative Second Cup of Coffee with Dr. Mannarino Connect with Us West View Elementary Earns Educational Leadership Award

Greetings from the Parks & Recreation Director Message from the Township Manager Municipal Center General Information Volunteer Fire Companies Overhanging Tree Limbs Local Government / Elected Officials Calling all Ross Hikers, Bikers & Greenway Advocates Ross Township Community Day Public Service Organizations & Programs Youth & Teen Programs Senior Programs Health & Fitness Free Health & Wellness Programs Family Holiday Programs Just for Tots and Little Ones 17th Annual Fishing Tournament Winners Thank You for your Generous Support Organizations and Programs Crafts & Cooking Dance, Dance, Dance Potluck Classes & Fun Days Program Registration Form

Administration Dr. Patrick Mannarino Superintendent Dr. Jeff Taylor Assistant Superintendent: Curriculum, Assessment & Special Programs

N orth Hills S chool District News

or th Hills School District

Dr. Marilyn Cain Assistant Superintendent: Elementary Education Dr. Johannah Vanatta Assistant Superintendent: Secondary Education Nicole Bezila Director of Pupil Services David Hall Director of Finance & Operations Valerie Mengine Director of Human Resources Eileen Watkins Director of Food Service Jason King Director of Technology Dr. Kevin Deitrick Director of Athletic & Activities

Amanda Hartle Communications Coordinator William McKellar Director of Safety & Security/ School Police Officer

John Kreider Principal, North Hills High School Bill McGahee Asst. Principal, North Hills High School Ryan Yates Asst. Principal, North Hills High School

NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

135 Sixth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15229 412.318.1000 Fax: 412.318.1084 For more information on North Hills School District activities, athletics, events and more, visit www.nhsd.net

North Hills School Board of Education Mr. Timothy F. Burnett, President Mr. Thomas L. Kelly, Vice President

Elaine Obidowski Principal, Highcliff Elementary

Mr. Thomas J. Baker Mrs. Arlene J. Bender Mr. Jeff Meyer Mr. Lou Nudi Mrs. Kathy Reid Mrs. Sharon A. Schrim Mr. Edward M. Wielgus

Amy Mathieu Principal, McIntyre Elementary

Mrs. Lori Rieger, School Board Secretary

Beth Williams Principal, North Hills Middle School Julie Franczyk Asst. Principal, North Hills Middle School

David Lieberman Principal, Ross Elementary Jesse Simpson Principal, West View Elementary

22 Ross Township

Stanley Marciniak, Class of 2014 Student Representative

The North Hills School Board, which is comprised of nine members who are elected to four-year terms, welcomes your comments and suggestions and invites public participation at its meetings. The board secretary, Lori Rieger, can be reached as follows: Administration Center 135 Sixth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15229 Phone: 412.318.1004 Fax: 412.318.1084 Email: riegerl@nhsd.net

North Hills School District has hired Dr. Kevin Deitrick as the district’s new Director of Athletics and Activities.

As Director of Athletics and Activities, Dr. Deitrick will be responsible for continuing North Hills’ quality interscholastic athletic and activities programs that support the district’s educational mission.

“Dr. Deitrick brings a wealth of athletic and academic experience and knowledge to his new position, and I am extremely pleased to welcome him to North Hills School District. With his educational background teaching at secondary and collegiate levels and serving as a principal to his athletic administration work at Duquesne University and Upper. St. Clair High School, Dr. Deitrick embodies a unique combination of skills and talents required to be a success in this significant, community-focused position,” said Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino, North Hills superintendent.

Dr. Deitrick has served as assistant director for student services in the Duquesne University athletic department where he was responsible for overseeing various Division I teams including basketball, football, baseball, tennis and golf. He also teaches history courses as an adjunct professor in the university’s liberal arts department.

Prior to his collegiate experience, Dr. Deitrick was a building administrator in North Allegheny School District, where he served on the professional education committee, and an assistant principal, assistant athletic director and high school history teacher at Upper St. Clair School District. He served as the school’s assistant varsity boy’s basketball coach, and coached various summer basketball camps in

numerous school districts and the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Deitrick holds a doctorate in educational instructional leadership and master’s degree in history from Duquesne University, and he received bachelor’s degrees in history and education from Washington and Jefferson College. He also holds K-12 principal and social studies secondary education Dr. Kevin Deitrick Director of Athletics and Activities certifications.

North Hills School District He is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association and the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics where he serves on the learning support and research committees. He resides in Scott Township.

Dr. Deitrick replaces Dan Cardone, who retired after more than 20 years as North Hills’ Director of Athletics and Activities.

Director of Safety and Security and School Police Officer North Hills School District has hired retired North Hills High School security guard William McKellar to serve as the district’s Director of Safety and Security and School Police Officer.

The director of safety and security and school police officer’s main roles are as a safety expert, law enforcer, problem solver, liaison to community organizations and educator.

“The safety and security of our students and staff remains an integral component necessary to foster an environment conducive to teaching and learning. This position requires a specialized set of skills, experience and relationships to create a safe climate for every North Hills School District student and staff member. Officer McKellar’s mix of law enforcement and community knowledge make him a unique fit for this position,” said Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino, North Hills superintendent.

Officer McKellar will be responsible for fostering educational programs and activities that will increase students’ knowledge and respect for the law and function of safety and security. He also will respond to and report major disruptions or criminal offensives that occur during school hours or on school property such as disorderly conduct, and he will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their investigations.

Officer McKellar has worked as the North Hills High School security guard for the past seven years after retiring as a detective and sergeant from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office after 21 years of service.

During his time there, he oversaw a six-member unit with a K-9 officer that executed criminal warrants. Prior to that, he was a corrections officer at the Allegheny County Prison and served in the U.S. Army Military Policy Corps as a military policeman, squad leader and patrol supervisor.

He is the past president and current Board of Directors chairman of the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association past president. Officer McKellar has won numerous awards from both organizations including career service and president’s recognitions. He graduated from North Hills William McKellar Director of Safety and Security Senior High School, holds an and School Police Officer associate degree in criminal North Hills School District justice from the Community College of Allegheny County and attended the Allegheny County Police Academy and Deputy Sheriffs' Education and Training Academy.

He belongs to the North Hills Boroughs and Township Police Association and the American Legion Post #80. In his free time, he serves as head coach of the North Hills Middle School girls soccer team and assistant coach of the middle school track team. He has been a volunteer coach for the North Hills Soccer Club since 1996.

Officer McKellar resides in Ross Township.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 23

north hills school district News

Director of Athletics and Activities

Nor th Hills School District

North Hills School District New Hires

Annual Notices

N orth Hills S chool District News

or th Hills School District

Confidentiality It is district policy that parents have the right, upon written request, to review their child’s school records and to review the district’s record-keeping policy.

Parents will be notified in writing prior to the removal of items from their child’s file and given the opportunity to challenge the removal of any specific document.

Documentation on special education students is maintained in a separate confidential folder. Only staff with a “need to know” have access to these folders. A sign-in sheet giving the name of the person accessing the information, the date and the reason for reading the information must be completed.

For further information/clarification, contact Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Nicole Bezila at 412-318-1008.

Gifted Education: Screening & Evaluation Process Referral for a Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation shall be made when a student is suspected by teachers and/or parents of being gifted and in need of specially designed instruction. The parent must sign a Permission to Evaluate form in order for the process to begin.

The school psychologist conducts a formal evaluation and this evaluation along with: information from the parents, demonstrated achievement, performance/ expertise in one or more academic areas, high level thinking skills, communication skills, academic creativity and measured rate of acquisition/retention of new academic content or skills that reflect gifted ability is used to develop a Gifted Written Report (GWR).

The Gifted Multidisciplinary Team shall prepare a written report that brings together the information and findings from the evaluation. The report shall make recommendations as to whether the student is gifted and in need of specially designed instruction.

The Gifted Individualized Education Program team reviews the recommendations of the Gifted Multidisciplinary Team and determines whether the student needs specially designed instruction including enrichment and/or acceleration. If the student is determined to be gifted and in need of specially designed instruction, a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) will be developed and implemented.

A gifted student is defined as “a student who is exceptional” under section 1371 of the School Code because the student meets the definition of mentally gifted in this section, and needs specially designed instruction beyond that required in Chapter 4 relating to academic standards and assessment. This term applies only to students who are of school-age. Provisions for gifted students are contained in Chapter 16, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Rules and Regulations, Title 22: Education. For additional information or clarification, please contact Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Nicole Bezila, 412-318-1008.

Guidelines for “Protected Handicapped Students” In compliance with state and federal law, the North Hills School District will provide to each protected handicapped student the aids, services and/or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities.

In order to qualify as a “protected handicapped student,” the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in, or access to, any aspect of the school program.

These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to eligible or exceptional students enrolled, or seeking enrollment, in special education programs.

For more information on evaluation procedures and provisions of services to “protected handicapped students,” contact Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Nicole Bezila at 412/318-1008, or write to her at the North Hills School District Administration Center, 135 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15229.

24 Ross Township

Guidelines for Screening, Evaluating Students The North Hills School District uses the following procedures for locating, identifying and evaluating specific needs of school-aged students who may require special programs or services. These procedures, required by law, are: The district, as prescribed by Section 1402 of the School Code, routinely conducts screening of a child’s hearing and visual acuities at certain grades or as needed.

Gross motor and fine motor skills, academic skills and social and emotional skills are assessed by classroom teachers on an on-going basis.

Specific needs from all of these screening sources are noted in the child’s official file. School records are always open and available to parents, and only to school officials who have a legitimate reason for “need to know” information about the child.

Information from the records is released to other persons or agencies only with appropriate authorization which involves written permission by parents. Parents with concerns regarding their student may contact building principals at any time to request a screening or evaluation of their child. Communication with parents through an interpreter including sign language is available if needed.

Screening information will be used by the Support Services Teams at the elementary and secondary schools to evaluate the child’s specific needs or to document the need for additional assessments. If it is determined that a student needs additional evaluation, parents will be asked to sign a form that permits one of the district’s school psychologists to conduct an evaluation.

Following the completion of the multidisciplinary team evaluation, an Evaluation Report is compiled with parent involvement and includes specific recommendations for the types of intervention necessary to meet the child’s individual needs. Parents are invited to participate in a meeting where the results of the multidisciplinary evaluation will be discussed. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed for eligible students.

Parents are presented with a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) which outlines the programs, services and location of services. If parents disagree with the program being recommended, the issue may be addressed at a pre-hearing conference, a mediation, or at an impartial due process hearing.

Information about early intervention services and programs, parental rights, mediation or due process procedures, specific special education services, district programs, and the district’s educational records policy are available upon request from the building principal.

Parents with children between the ages of 3 and 5 have a right to an evaluation to determine eligibility for early intervention services. Early Intervention services are available to all eligible young children beginning at age 3 through a program offered by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Parents who believe their child needs to be evaluated for eligibility may contact Discovery Assessment Referral Tracking (DART) at 412/394-5736, or Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Nicole Bezila at 412/318-1008.

Parents may initiate a request for screening or evaluation of their child at any time by contacting the child’s classroom teacher or the building principal. More information about these procedures may be obtained by calling Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Nicole Bezila at 412-318-1008.

Programs for Eligible or Protected Handicapped Students In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the North Hills School District that it conducts ongoing identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related services (eligible students). If your child is identified by the District as possibly in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures.

Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions: • Autism/pervasive development disorder • Blindness or visual impairment • Deafness or hearing impairment

• • • • • • • • •

Developmental delay Intellectual Disability Multi-handicapped Neurological impairment Other health impairments Physical disability Serious emotional disturbance Specific learning disability Speech or language impairment If you believe that your school-aged child may be in need of special education services and related programs, or young child (age 3 to school-age) may be in need of early intervention, screening and evaluation processes designed to assess the needs of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program. Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to the building principal.

In compliance with state and federal law, the North Hills School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations, which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student the child must be school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

For further information on the rights of parents and children, provision of services, evaluation and screening (including purpose, time and location), and rights to due process procedures, you may contact in writing any building principal.

Parents’ Right to Know As stipulated in the No Child Left Behind Act, parents/ guardians may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher(s). Specifically, individuals have the right to ask for the following information: • Whether the student’s teacher met state qualifying

and licensing criteria for the grade level or subject

he/she is teaching; • Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency

or other provisional status; • The teacher’s college major, the baccalaureate

degree, and/or any advanced degrees earned

by the teacher; • Whether the child is provided services by

paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

To obtain this information, please submit your request in writing to Mrs. Valerie Mengine, director of human resources, at the address listed below. Each request should include the student’s name, his/her teachers’ names and the school he/she attends. Please be certain to include your name, address and a telephone number at which you can be contacted during the day.

North Hills School District • Attn. Valerie Mengine Human Resources Department • 135 Sixth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15229 • menginev@nhsd.net 100% of NH teachers highly qualified No Child Left Behind requires that all public school teachers in core academic subjects be Highly Qualified.

A highly qualified teacher in Pennsylvania is one who: • holds full certification; • has at least a bachelor’s degree; • has completed a content area major; • has passed a content area test; and • has completed teacher education course work.

In 2012 – 2013, 100 percent of the teachers in the North Hills School District met or exceeded the highly qualified criteria.

north hills school district News

Nor th Hills School District

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS Sought Through Nov. 15

North Hills School District officials will be accepting nominations for the 2014 North Hills Distinguished Alumni Award through Nov. 15. One male and one female recipient will be announced in February and recognized during High School Awards Night that is held each spring at North Hills High School.

To qualify, nominees must be alumni of North Hills High School or the former West View High School who graduated at least 10 years ago. Distinguished Alumni nominations will be evaluated based upon outstanding contributions made in nominees’ chosen profession, record of academic achievement, professional and/or business accomplishments as well as community or civic consciousness.

“Countless North Hills and West View graduates have achieved greatness in their careers and have made significant impacts within their community,” said Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino,

superintendent. “We are honored to have this opportunity to recognize them and the tremendous pride that they bring to the North Hills School District.”

North Hills recently recognized its 2013 awardees – Kim McLoughlin, Ph.D., and Andrew David Strobel, both members of the North Hills Senior High School class of 1986. Past winners have included a noted physician and judge as well as a groundbreaking educator.

A Distinguished Alumni wall, honoring each inductee, is located within the high school’s main lobby. For the first five years (2011 – 2015), both a male and a female will be selected annually to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Beginning in 2016, one graduate will be chosen per year.

For more information, contact Dr. Mannarino, at 412-318-1004 or via email mannarinop@nhsd.net.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 25

North Hills Sports

N orth Hills S chool District News

or th Hills School District

HALL OF FAME TO HONOR FIVE ALUMNI Five individuals have been selected for induction in the North Hills School District Sports Hall of Fame. The 2013 inductees include Lulu (Troy) Braun, Class of 1977; Jenielle Hunt, Class of 2006; Jack McCurry, longtime North Hills football coach; Andrew Richardson, class of 2001 and Morrow “Woody” Woodburn, community contributor.

Created in 1995, the North Hills Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in athletics during and/or beyond their years at North Hills High School or the former West View High School. Inductees have brought pride and recognition to the district’s athletic programs and to the community as former players, coaches, administrators and supporters.

Inductees will be honored at the annual Sports Hall of Fame dinner on Sept. 5 at the Rico’s Restaurant in Ross Township.

They also will be recognized at the home football game the following evening at Martorelli Stadium.

This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Sports Hall of Fame. For more information regarding the Sports Hall of Fame or to purchase tickets to the Sept. 5 dinner, contact Chelle Zimmerman, activities coordinator, at 412-318-1438 or via email zimmermanm@nhsd.net.

2013 Inductees:

Lulu (Troy) Braun, Class of 1977 (Posthumous) – Lulu was a triathlete at North Hills participating in basketball, volleyball and softball. She earned nine letters during her career at North Hills.

She attended Edinboro University and was an elementary education teacher.

Lulu passed away after a courageous fight against cancer.

Jenielle Hunt, Class of 2006 – Jenielle was a member of the cross country and track and field teams at North Hills. She was a member of three top 10 WPIAL cross country teams.

Jenielle attended Ohio University where she participated in cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field. She set the Ohio University record in the 3000-meter steeplechase and qualified for the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

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Jack McCurry, Coach – Jack McCurry served as the Head Football Coach of the North Hills Indians for 35 seasons.

He is the third most winning coach in WPIAL history. His titles include a national championship, a state title and four WPIAL championships. His overall record at North Hills was 281-108-59 with 98 shutouts.

Andrew Richardson, Class of 2001 Andrew Richardson participated in football and basketball while at North Hills. Andrew was an All-American and All-State tight end and appeared in the 2001 “Big 33” contest, earned Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Player of the Year honors and named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 squad. A 2005 Penn State University graduate, Richardson was a four-year letter winner for the Nittany Lions at offensive tackle and was member of

the team that defeated Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Since 2009, Mr. Richardson has been an assistant football coach for Robert Morris University.

Morrow “Woody” Woodburn, Community Contributor – “Woody” Woodburn is being inducted into the Class of 2013 as a community contributor. Mr. Woodburn taught sixth grade at Highland School and West View Elementary for nearly 40 years. He coached the boys’ basketball teams at West View Junior High and North Hills Junior High for 32 years, and for 25 years, he was the announcer of the North Hills Band Festival. Mr. Woodburn impacted the lives of many students and athletes over his career.

north hills school district News

Nor th Hills School District

Twin Sisters Earn President’s Volunteer Service Awards North Hills High School twin sisters recently were recognized for their exemplary volunteer service with a nationwide honor.

Seniors Anna and Robyn Madrishin each received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.

The President’s Volunteer Service Awards were presented to the sisters by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama. They were recognized during North Hills High School Awards Night.

“Anna and Robyn bring a great deal of pride to North Hills High School,” said North Hills High School Principal John Kreider. “They have devoted an extraordinary amount of time and energy to improving our school and the greater community.”

The Madrishin sisters have volunteered their time each week at Vincentian Personal Care Home for 11 years, and both also have volunteered at Forbes Regional Hospital.

They have completed local mission trips to West Virginia and New Castle and traveled to Costa Rica to clean a beach and repair a school. Each sister also has been recognized with the Jefferson Award for achievements and contributions through public and community service.

Academically, the sisters have participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competitions

since eighth grade, and recently, they were recognized with Perseverance Awards noting their dedicated involvement. Anna has been named an AP Scholar, and Robyn has won a Student Achievement Award. They are members of the National Honor Society and Latin Club, where both have been officers each year.

Both instruct young dancers at the Bell School of Irish Dance, and they compete nationally in the unique sport.

The sisters are active in their congregation at St. Teresa of Avila in Ross Township, and they assist at church festivals, fish frys and vacation bible schools.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities. More than 370,000 young people across America have been considered for these awards since the program began in 1995.

“The recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “In recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer service activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.”

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 27

N orth Hills S chool District News

or th Hills School District

North Hills Educator Wins Blackboard Catalyst Award for an Exemplary Course North Hills High School math teacher Rick Roth has been named a winner of the Blackboard Catalyst Award for an Exemplary Course.

He has been recognized for this outstanding achievement for the Geometry A course he developed and designed that is utilized in the Online Academy @ North Hills as well as by blendschools.net. Roth joins a select group of educators and course designers from around the world whose courses have earned the Exemplary Course designation.

The Blackboard Exemplary Course Program recognizes innovative and exciting online and hybrid courses that represent the very best in technology and learning. More than 250 faculty and instructional designers evaluated hundreds of entries from around the world, and only 10 courses were selected as award winners.

Elementary and high school courses are a very small percentage of the courses honored as higher education institutions tend to win most award designations.

The Blackboard evaluation process is a rigorous one that begins with Blackboard’s call for nominations in December. To nominate the course, a blendedschools.net representative completed a detailed evaluation of the course using the Blackboard Exemplary Course Program Rubric. The rubric’s criteria fall under four main categories of evaluation - course design, interaction and collaboration, assessment and learner support. Each category also has several subcategories.

Roth was honored at The BbWorld Annual User Conference in Las Vegas in July. In addition, he and his course will be highlighted as the best of the Blackboard community on the company’s website.

NHSD Receives $20,000 Grant to Support STEAM Initiative North Hills High School and North Hills Middle School have been selected to receive a $20,000 STEAM grant from the Center for Creativity at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit funded by the Grable and Benedum Foundations.

The grant award serves as the first step in the district’s re-envisioning of the high school and middle school libraries. North Hills will utilize the funds to provide creation stations where students will be able to work collaboratively and creatively on hands-on projects that are focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics). STEAM encourages a commitment to creativity, contextual thinking and other aptitudes deemed critical to the college and career readiness demands of the future.

Each library will be equipped with creation stations that will house multimedia-based equipment and with access to digital library resources - creating spaces where students will work collaboratively on technology-infused projects that demonstrate mastery levels of learning.

Access to digital library resources such as electronic research databases, journals and online documents will serve as the foundation for students to create research-based 28 Ross Township

multimedia projects. Additionally, the high school library will house a green screen area with video recording and editing equipment for students to produce video-based projects.

These new areas will serve as invaluable resources to the high school’s STEAM-focused Academic Academies and will become places for social learning and gathering for students and faculty.

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West View Elementary Earns Educational Leadership Award West View Elementary School received a 2013 Educational Leadership Award from Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania.

The Educational Leadership Award recognizes schools that engage their entire student population in Junior Achievement programming during the school year. West View Elementary gifted teacher Martin Richter has been instrumental in bringing the programming to the building since at least 2008.

A total of 45 schools from throughout western Pennsylvania and numerous individuals was recognized in June during an awards ceremony in downtown Pittsburgh.

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. The organization uses interactive programming to prepare young people for the real world by putting the lessons into action and contributing to their communities.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 29

north hills school district News

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Greetings from the Parks & Recreation Director Eloise Peet Director of Parks and Recreation

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I

t is with great enthusiasm that I say hello to all my Ross friends—old, new, and soon-to-be. I am very thankful to have grown up in this community, and to now be one of your public servants, in the role of Parks and Recreation Director. My ‘Ross Roots’ run deep - I was born here, in a neighborhood between what was then Schramm’s and Geyer’s farms (now the Ross Park Mall and Kinvara). Since that time long-ago, I have lived in other parts of the country, and can unequivocally say that what sets Ross apart is its foundation of publicly-active and interconnected groups of citizens.

It is the enduring community organizations within Ross Township: civic associations; athletic associations; women’s clubs; business organizations; volunteer fire companies; senior groups; youth groups; veterans; and all their activities that preserve and build on our strong sense of community.

It is my job as Director of Parks and Recreation to help sustain and expand the activities of our inter-connected

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residents and organizations and, in doing so, help fulfill the mission of our local government.

There are great opportunities on the horizon for Ross recreation – our township recently completed a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan, which includes plans for: upgraded parks; ball fields; and walking trails. Also included are some new amenities for the Board of Commissioners to consider: a disc golf course; a dog park; and spray parks, to name a few. I will always ask you – Please, get involved! Help the Parks and Recreation Department do their best work ever. Together, we will continue to build one of the finest inter-connected, publicly-active communities ever.

Best regards, Eloise Peet Director of Parks and Recreation

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n behalf of the Board of Commissioners of Ross Township and all municipal employees, I am pleased to present the fall edition of the Ross Township In Community Magazine. As you might notice, there have been some changes in the appearance of our community magazine. However, it still contains all the important information concerning our classes, programs, community organizations, activities, as well as notices regarding important local government business and community functions.

It is my sincere hope that you find our new community magazine to be useful and informative, both in establishing a greater understanding of our local government and in locating essential services provided by Ross Township and community based organizations.

Douglas Sample Township Manager

Sincerely, Douglas Sample Township Manager

Ross Township Municipal Center General Information Address: Ross Township Municipal Center

1000 Ross Municipal Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412/931-7055 Community Center: 412/931-7055 x204 Police Department: 911 in an emergency (Non-Emergency): 412/931-9070 Public Works:

412/931-3956

Web Site: www.ross.pa.us

Ross Township

Message from the Township Manager

Municipal Center Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Community Center: Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Fri. & Sat. 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Holidays: The Municipal Center will be closed in the fall on these days to observe holidays: September 2 November 11 November 28 December 25

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 31

Ross Township Municipal Center General Information Cont.

Board of Commissioners Meetings

State Representative: Dom Costa

Ross Township Board of Commissioner public meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Each session will commence at 6:30 p.m. for a committee meeting, and at 7:30 p.m. the board will conduct its public business meeting. Some meetings may be changed to accommodate holidays or special circumstances. The agenda for the next meeting will be posted on the website the Friday before the next meeting.

Representative Costa’s staff is available to serve Ross residents at the Ross Municipal Building every Wednesday from 10a.m. to 1p.m. The office can help you with: PennDOT issues, unemployment issues, problems with DPW, PA income tax issues and rent rebates, and other state government-related problems.

Planning Commission Meetings Planning Commission meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. (Some meetings are adjusted due to the holidays).

Volunteer Fire Companies

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Visit your local VFC websites at www.ross.pa.us. To join your local fire company, please stop by or call: FAIRVIEW East Forest Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15202 412/761-3371

BERKELEY HILLS 235 Seibert Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412/366-2910

EVERGREEN 2127 Babcock Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412/821-3957

LAUREL GARDENS 160 6TH Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15229 412/366-3332

PERRYSVILLE QUAILL 985 Perry Highway 50 Gass Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Pittsburgh, PA 15229 412/366-2782 412/766-9698

KEATING 39 West View Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15229 412/931-2447 SEVILLE 124 Enger Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 412/766-1440

Overhanging Tree Limbs Ross Township receives numerous telephone calls and complaints regarding overgrown and/or overhanging trees on abutting neighbor’s properties. Ross Township, like most other municipalities, does not have any ordinance pertaining to trees on private property. This is considered a private matter between the affected parties. In the case of Jones v. Wagner, 624 A.2d 166, the Pennsylvania Superior Court held that when tree limbs overhang a neighbor’s property, the neighbor has the right to trim the limbs back to the property line. However, the Township recommends that you inform your neighbor of your intent to trim these branches prior to proceeding.

Ross Township only trims trees or other vegetation that are overhanging the public streets and highways so a minimum 32 Ross Township

clearance of 15 feet is provided for the passage of vehicles.

The Township also makes every attempt to keep areas within 15 feet of street intersections trimmed of vegetation to a maximum height of 3 feet.

Ward Commissioners 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Ross Township Administration Manager Building Code Official Building Zoning Officer Building Inspector Chief of Police Finance Director Fire Marshal Parks & Recreation Director Asst. Parks & Recreation Dir. Public Works Director Public Works Asst. Director

Daniel L. DeMarco Chris Eyster John Sponcer Lana Mazur Grace Stanko David J. Mikec, Sr. Gerald R. O’Brien Peter A. Ferraro Grant Montgomery

If you need to know what Ward you live in and/or how to get in contact with a commissioner, please call the Ross Township general number at 412/931-7055.

Douglas Sample Daniel Hankins Robert Muchenski Dennis Schack Robert Bellan Dawn Lane John Reubi Eloise Peet Vickey Trader Michael Funk Gary Knotts

To contact Ross Township Administration offices, call the Ross Township general number at 412/ 931-7055.

Elected Officials Contact Info State Representatives Hal English (R) District 30 4290 William Flinn Hwy Suite 200 Allison Park PA 15101 Phone: 412/487-6605 Fax: 412/487-5080 www.repenglish.com Robert F. Matzie (D) District 16 1240 Merchant Street 1st Floor Ambridge, PA 15003 Phone: 724/266-7774 Phone: 412/565-3569 Fax: 724/266-7654 rmatzie@pahouse.net Dom Costa (D) District 21 6808 Greenwood St., Suite 2 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Phone: 412/361-2040 Fax: 412/361-2043 www.pahouse.com/DCosta Adam Ravenstahl (D) District 20 3689 California Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412/321-5523 Fax: 412/761-2303 aravenstahl@pahouse.net

State Senator Randy Vulakovich (R) 1407 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Glenshaw, PA 15116 Phone: 412/487-6600 Fax: 412/487-6607 http://repvulakovich.com United States Congress Keith Rothfus (R) Ross Township Office 6000 Babcock Blvd. #104 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Phone: 412/837-1361 Fax: 412/593-2022 U.S. Senators Robert P. Casey Jr. (D) Grant Building 310 Grant Street #2415 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412/803-7370 Fax: 412/803-7379 www.casey.senate.gov Pat Toomey (R) 100 W. Station Square Drive, Suite 225 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412/803-3501 Fax: 412/803-3504 www.toomey.senate.gov

Allegheny County Council Matt Drozd (R) 436 Grant Street #119 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412/350-6265 Fax: 412/350-6499 mattdrozd@allegheny.pa.us www.county.allegheny.pa.us District Magistrate Richard Opiela District Court 05-2-02 439 Perry Highway Pittsburgh, PA 15229 Phone: 412/931-3205 Fax: 412/931-4135 Ross Township Constables James M. Cillo C: 412/980-6939 H: 412/486-4419 Douglas Renzelman Phone: 412/301-1955 Deputy James Catanzaro Phone: 412/931-3205 psc.catanzaro@gmail.com

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Ross Township Board of Commissioners

Ross Township

Local Government / Elected Officials

Calling all Ross

Hikers, bikers & Greenway advocates

Please take this opportunity to help our neighbors in Bellevue celebrate their successful trail expansion project! And, with an eye of the future of Trails and Greenways in Ross, Let’s Get Involved!!

he development of a trail system throughout Ross Township was one of the Top Ten issues identified

by Public Input obtained from the Comprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space Planning process, completed in 2012.

If you would like to help with future Trail planning and implementation projects in Ross and the Tri-Boro area, please call Eloise Peet, Parks and Recreation Director, at 412/931-7055 x233.

T

In the coming months, we will continue to seek public input and volunteer efforts to help make this goal a reality for the residents of Ross. Trails and Greenway development and preservation is a ‘large-group’ effort, and is most successful when neighboring communities ban together for the common cause.

Bellevue Bike/Hike Trail Dedication

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Saturday, October 5th in Bellevue Memorial Park It has been three years in coming, but the efforts of Improve The Vue, PTAG (Pennsylvania Trail Advocacy Group), and dozens of volunteers have finally paid off. We have a significant portion of the trail completed and wish to celebrate with a Trail Dedication, Saturday, October 5th, 2013. We invite all citizens of the Tri-Boros and Ross Township; young, old, walkers, joggers, and bikers to come out and get to know your trail system.

When finished, there will be 3 to 3.5 miles of a main trail and annex trails. Multiple neighborhood trail heads will provide a way for bikers and hikers to stay off of the streets and access the park in safety. Citizens can enjoy the trail for recreation and exercise.

Area High School track and cross country teams can utilize the trails for practice and events, not to mention biking events.

The Future: The Bellevue bike/hike trail can be the start of something better, bigger, and region-changing. The vision is connecting through Brighton Heights to Rails to Trails, just below Route 65. And consider a future where residents of Emsworth, Ben Avon, Avalon, Bellevue and Ross Township can use their abutting green spaces to enjoy day hikes, dog walking and a long mountain bike ride–all without getting in a car. A resident could start in Avonworth Park, stroll or bike through Ben Avon’s big hills, stop in Avalon for a cup of coffee, then a bite to eat in one of Bellevue’s restaurants and continue on to Bellevue Memorial park for a swim and then to Denny Park, climbing the large hill to watch the sunset from above I-279.

Organized walk and jog heats (1K, 2.5K and 5K), prizes, food, and music.

The festivities kick off at 9 a.m.!

Saturday, October 5th, 2013

Prize Donations, Volunteers, & Event Participants go to: http://improvethevue.org

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Community Day Sunday, September 15, 2013 Noon - 9 p.m.

Featuring

Allegheny Health Network Health Square – in the Gymnasium Test your health knowledge, receive Tips for Living Well, Blood Pressure and Diabetes Screens, Games, Prizes, and more Johnny Angel and the Halos from 6 - 9 p.m.

Other musical performances including the North Hills High School Jazz Band NEW! Touch-A-Truck for Kidsfrom Backhoes and Bulldozers to Moving Vans LifeFlight Helicopter Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network Police Canine Demonstrations Outdoor Rides, Games, and Fun for the Kids Crafter and Business Fair in the Gymnasium Community Food Vendors Ross Historical Society Presentation And, of course, Fireworks at Dark!!!

Please call the Recreation Department if you would like to participate as a Food, Craft, or Business Vendor, or to Volunteer! 412/931-7055 x204 Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 35

Community-Public Service Organizations & Programs In and Around ROSS TOWNSHIP FIRE SAFETY – SPECIAL PROGRAM

October 22, 7-8 p.m.

Fire Preparedness and Fire Safety Maintenance

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA – ROSS EAGLE SCOUTS

Mr. and Mrs. Victor Washy of the Fifth Ward should be very proud, as both of their sons are now Eagle Scouts.

Philip Washy and his brother Alex have both completed all requirements and are both Eagle Scouts from Troop 368.

Troop 368 meets at Saint Teresa of Avila and has 57 Eagle Scouts in the Troop.

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Philip Washy, age 19, received his Eagle Scout Badge in 2011. His project was a landscaping project at his church Saint Teresa of Avila. Philip attends the University of Pittsburgh and is majoring in Computer Engineering.

Alexander (Alex) Washy is 16 and received his Eagle Scout Badge this year2013. Alex will be a junior at North Hills High School and is active in North Hills Hockey and Inline Skating. His Eagle Scout project was also a landscaping project at Saint Teresa Church.

If you haven't seen the lovely work the Eagle Scouts have done to beautify the grounds at Saint Teresa, it is worth the trip to see how lovely it looks.

Congratulations to Eagle Scouts Philip and Alex Washy on their achievement.

Congratulations also go to Kathleen and Victor Washy for their support of their sons’ hard work and dedication while attaining the ranks of Eagle Scouts.

Commissioner Grace Stanko, Fifth Ward

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Ross Township’s Fire Marshall, John Reubi, and his team will present a special program covering: what to do in case of a fire, including planning for and practicing how to escape fires; what to do if your clothes are on fire; and how to care for burns. The maintenance aspect of fire safety will also be covered: care with electricity; care with space heaters, installing and maintaining smoke detectors.

Please come and bring your friends and family

BERKELEY HILLS FIRE COMPANY OPEN HOUSE

Celebrating National Fire Protection Week

Please join the firefighters of Berkeley Hills Fire Company to celebrate the beginning of National Fire Protection week at our annual open house on October 6. The open house will be held from 12 - 4 p.m. at our station at 235 Siebert Road.

All of our equipment and fire gear will be on display, and we will have a variety of family-friendly activities including fire safety educational information, demonstrations, and refreshments. Also present will be other public safety agencies including Ross Township Police, Fire Police, and Ross/West View EMS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please contact Wes Semple at 412/366-2910 with questions.

NEWS FROM ROSS/WEST VIEW EMS AUTHORITY

Ross/West View EMSA recently had six full time employees attend 40 hours of training specializing in child passenger safety. Focusing on children riding in vehicles, riding in ambulances and children involved in crashes, this program was intense and demanding.

Steve Kline, Scottie Garing, Kelly Bradley, Keith Singleton, Rob Druga, and Baine Fairley will complement Greg Porter, Ed Davies and Tim Frazier who have already been certified.

Now, with nine certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPS), Ross/West View EMSA will begin offering regular child passenger safety inspections and will participate in regional PA TECH’s events.

Knowing that greater than 90% of all child restraints are being installed incorrectly motivated us to commit to this very important program.

The goal of the program is not only to keep children safe and minimize

ROSS/WV EMSA REPLACEMENT AMBULANCE

18 months of Design Committee work Unlike many ambulances you see on the road, the 2014 Tera-Star International Horton Ambulance recently delivered at Ross/WV EMSA was designed by a truck specification committee that considered every possible aspect of EMS work and patient care. The team spent approximately 18 months investigating ergonomics and safety features to assure that our patients and passengers get the best possible care in the pre-hospital setting.

This new Ambulance is replacing a 9-year old model with 180,000 miles on it. We expect that this new ambulance will have a long service life as well.

The new ambulance features a design that is far different than the traditional orange and blue ambulance we are used to seeing. The team incorporated the names of the five communities that we are proud to serve, along with making it sharp and visible.

The truck specification committee’s ambulance design is a great example of the pride and commitment that Ross/West View EMSA displays each and every day.

Ross Public Safety

18 months of Design Committee work In 2011, with the assistance of generous donations from two township businesses, Ross Township Police implemented the Bike Patrol program. A total of five officers currently assigned to the bicycle unit are nationally certified, after attending and successfully completing an intensive forty hour training course held by the International Police Mountain Bike Association.

Additionally, one of the unit members is one of only several officers who are nationally certified as an IPMBA Instructor in Western PA. Ross Township currently utilizes several makes of mountain bikes. The bikes are outfitted in accordance to national police standards, and are classified as emergency vehicles by PA statute.

their surroundings as compared to those in patrol cars. Bike officers also will typically have a better chance of locating criminal activity in progress as the violators are less likely to notice them approaching.

The bikes have been utilized in a number of ways since inception including special events, and in business districts throughout the Holiday shopping season.

Additionally they may be sent to various neighborhoods in response to a particular increase in crime.

Finally the bikes can also be sent out as needed for assistance with missing person or suspect searches or for residential traffic enforcement.

Crime Watch/Public Safety Meetings

Presented by the Ross Township Police Department; hosted by Commissioner Lana Mazur.

The Crime Watch program has been in existence in Ross since the mid-1970s, and has evolved greatly in the past 35 years. Crime watch members are the eyes and ears of the Police, and they can and do stop crime.

Crime watch meetings are open to everyone – officers attend meetings and can help concerned citizens to establish a Crime Watch/Block program up on request.

Please Attend: October 22, 2013, 6:00 p.m.

Community Center Gymnasium November 22, 2013, 6:00 p.m.

Municipal Center Commissioner’s Meeting Room

The bicycle unit serves roles in both Special Programs as well as Patrol.

While the township geography makes it impractical to utilize the bicycles full-time, we have found the bikes to be effective for many functions.

One of the major benefits has been increased personal interaction with our community. Additionally the bicycles provide officers with increased visual and auditory awareness of Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 37

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Appointments can be made on Sundays or Thursdays by calling 412/931-8200 and asking for extension 444 or the CPS program. Additionally, you can send an e-mail cps@rwvems.org.

Outfitted with a tablet computer, wireless hotspot bubble, Bluetooth cardiac monitor and various computerized systems, this ambulance is capable of communications with any hospital in and around Pittsburgh as well as Allegheny County 911 with never having to pick up a phone or radio. These technological advances are truly lifesaving and help us get our patients to various procedures as swiftly as possible.

Ross Township

injury, but also to educate parents, grandparents and guardians in best practices for travel with children.

Community-Youth & Teen Programs At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER ADVENTURES IN MINECRAFT – Ages 8-12

Beginning November 18, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Join other Minecraft enthusiasts/ fans/pros to complete a series of fun challenges and the ultimate collaborative project to demonstrate your crafting skills! Share and learn tips, tricks, and create new worlds with others in this ultimate digital environment. All students will take home instructions on how to access a free version of the application and their completed projects at the conclusion of the program.

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5 Monday Sessions 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

10/12; 10/26; 11/16; 11/23; & 12/7 Ross Resident: $105 Non-resident: $115

38 Ross Township

FPS Game Design – Ages 9-13

Beginning November 18, 6:45 – 8:15 p.m.

Using a special program, students will learn how to create and edit game maps, allowing for exciting gameplay in environments they design. The software program is also kid-friendly because the more violent aspects of the typical first-person shooter game have been eliminated. Students play an advanced version of laser tag in the worlds they create. Students will also learn how to record and share videos of the action in their worlds!

5 Monday Sessions 6:45 – 8:15 p.m.

10/12; 10/26; 11/16; 11/23; & 12/7 Ross Resident: $105 Non-resident: $115

FLOURISH – Helping Girls in Grades 10-12

Discover their Leadership Purpose!

Did you know women make up only 20% of all senior-level leaders in the United States? The Flourish program is designed to help girls in grades 10 -12 see themselves as leaders capable of positively influencing others and making a difference in their world.

Flourish is also a great way for girls to prepare for college and beyond by helping them understand their unique leadership styles, communicate more effectively, identify their personal visions and values, make wise decisions, and cultivate the courage to take calculated risks.

5 Saturday Sessions 8:30 – 3:30 a.m.

10/12; 10/26; 11/16; 11/23; & 12/7 Ross Resident: $239 Non-resident: $250

Did you know that the #1 wish of girls 11-17 years old is to lose weight?

Bombarded by the media with images and messages tying their self-worth to their appearance and sex appeal, girls are suffering from low self-esteem at younger and younger ages.

That’s why Blossom’s ‘Show Your Style Workshop’ helps girls: critically examine the images of women and girls presented by the media; understand what their clothing communicates about themselves to others; thoughtfully put together context-appropriate outfits; and develop a personal beauty mantra.

2 Sessions 8:30 – 3:30 a.m.

Tuesday 10/15 & Wednesday 10/16 Ross Resident: $35 Non-resident: $45

Calling all Face painters It’s our most popular offering at events!

The Ross Recreation Center is looking for volunteers to face paint on Community Day, September 15, 2013. If you are interested in volunteering, call 412/931-7055 x204 and ask for Suzi. Thank you!

7th – 12th GRADE BASKETBALL LEAGUE Boys and Girls Welcome!

This is an 8-game program, followed by a single-elimination tournament.

All participants will receive a jersey (unless you will be using a jersey from previous years). Practices and games are scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Friday evening (between 5:30 and 9 p.m.) beginning December 9.

Please register for this program by November 27. We will hold player evaluations on December 1 and 2.

This is a great, very affordable program for our kids! At the end of the year, we have a pizza party, and give first place team trophies to coaches and team members.

Ross Resident: $85 Non-resident: $95 These prices include the cost of the jersey ($15). If you are using a jersey from a previous year, you will save $15 off the registration fee.

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Discover the truth about beauty!

Ross Township

BLOSSOM – Helping Girls in Grades 7-9

Community-Senior Programs At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER SENIOR FITNESS – Tuesdays and Thursdays

10 weeks of class beginning Oct. 1 and 3.

Make new friends, keep up with the grandkids and have some fun!

Join FitWell Studios’ certified fitness instructors for a motivating exercise class that will improve your strength, balance and coordination using light weights, resistant tubing, and lowimpact aerobics.

FREE CLASSES – September 24 & 26 10:30 a.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Karla Register at the end of the FREE CLASSES and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/26: Session Rate Ross Resident: $85 by 9/26 $105 after 9/26 Non-resident: $95 by 9/26 $115 after 9/26

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Per Class Rate Ross Resident: $10 per class Non-resident: $12 per class

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SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH

First Wednesday of every month 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Second Wednesday of every month 11:30 a.m. meeting time

The Senior Advisory Council is an informative session that meets to facilitate the exchange of information pertinent to senior citizens in Ross Township. The Council discusses current and future programs at the Ross Community Center. Timely topics relating to seniors are also discussed, with a guest speaker in attendance each month.

Senior Lunch Bunch is one of our most popular, fun programs for Ross senior citizens. Come join us as we share friendship while trying out different local restaurants. Each participant pays for his/her own lunch.

We make reservations and arrange group discounts, if available, with the restaurants you would like to try.

SENIOR BUS PASS

Call Vickey Trader at 412/931-7055 x204, one week ahead of the scheduled Lunch Bunch meeting, so we can call ahead with the number of participants we are expecting. Also, please call Vickey on the day of the Lunch Bunch if the weather is severe to make sure we haven’t cancelled.

Participants must be 65 and have a driver’s license/photo ID.

Third Wednesday of every month 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Please come and bring your ideas, your knowledge, and your smiles!

Did you know you can register for PAT Senior bus passes at the Ross Community Center? Call Vickey Trader today at 412/931-7055 x204 for an appointment.

SENIOR POTLUCK PARTY

Come socialize while you have a great time trying new dishes with friends or soon-to-be friends. Please call Vickey (412/931-7055 x204) a week ahead with the dish you will be bringing, so we have a great variety of dishes!

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Ross Township

Community-Health & Fitness At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER BEGINNER YOGA

PILATES

Monday 11 a.m.

Monday 5:30 p.m.

10 weeks of class beginning Sept. 30 New to Yoga? This Class is for You!

10 weeks of class beginning Sept. 30 Pilates is the Best Exercise for All Fitness Levels!

Join the FitWell instructors for a wonderful class that focuses on the foundations of yoga. You’ll improve your balance, increase energy, and enhance your strength and flexibility.

Practicing yoga will help you cope with stress and bring balance to your life.

This class is for any fitness level.

FREE CLASS – Sept. 23 @ 11 a.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS Register at the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/23: Ross Resident: $80 by 9/23 $95 after 9/23 Non-resident: $90 by 9/23 $105 after 9/23

Join the FitWell certified Pilates instructors for an invigorating Pilates mat class. Pilates targets the deepest muscles in the body to develop a strong core. Pilates also creates toned and sleek muscles, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility.

FREE CLASS– Sept. 23 @ 5:30 p.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/23: Ross Resident: $80 by 9/23 $95 after 9/23

ZUMBA TONE

Non-resident: $90 by 9/23 $105 after 9/23

10 weeks of class beginning October 1 Ditch the Workout and Join the Party!

Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

Join the FitWell certified ZUMBA instructors for the “Feel Happy Workout” to melt those stubborn pounds away! ZUMBA Tone combines high-energy dance moves with sculpting exercises to chisel lean muscles. This class will rev up your metabolism and tone your entire body!

FREE CLASS – Sept. 24 @ 6:30 p.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/24:

PILATES ON THE BARRE

10 weeks of class beginning Oct. 25 Tone and Balance your whole body!

Join the FitWell instructors for a fat burning and toning Pilates workout integrating the ballet barre. This class focuses on form and precision while performing small isometric movements. Pilates on the barre is the latest fitness trend that will tone and shape a longer leaner you!

FREE CLASS – Sept. 25 @ 6:30 p.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS

Ross Resident: $80 by 9/24 $95 after 9/24

Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/25:

Non-resident: $90 by 9/24 $105 after 9/24

Ross Resident: $80 by 9/25 $95 after 9/25 Non-resident: $90 by 9/25 $105 after 9/25

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 41

Community-Health & Fitness cont.

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER BOOT CAMP

PILATES

Saturday 10:45 a.m.

Monday 5:30 p.m.

10 weeks of class beginning Sept. 28 Get strong and lean in 2013!

10 weeks of class beginning Sept. 28 Pilates is the Best Exercise for All Fitness Levels!

10 weeks of class beginning Sept. 28 Gain Flexibility and Strength with Yoga!

Join the FitWell certified Pilates instructors for an invigorating Pilates mat class. Pilates targets the deepest muscles in the body to develop a strong core. Pilates also creates toned and sleek muscles, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility.

Join the FitWell instructors for a terrific mixed-level yoga class designed for beginners, intermediate and experienced yoga students. Practicing yoga increases energy levels, improves balance, and builds strength and resiliency.

Join the FitWell certified group fitness instructor for a High Energy, fat blasting, cardio and body sculpting class. This mid-fitness level class will rev up your metabolism, burn stubborn calories, and tighten your core muscles.

FREE CLASS – Sept. 28 @ 8 a.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/28: Ross Resident: $80 by 9/28 $95 after 9/28 Non-resident: $90 by 9/28 $105 after 9/28

Get strong and lean in 2013!

FREE CLASS – Sept. 28 @ 8 a.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS Register at the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/28: Ross Resident: $80 by 9/28 $95 after 9/28 Non-resident: $90 by 9/28 $105 after 9/28

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MIXED-LEVEL YOGA

Saturday 8 a.m.

FREE CLASS – Sept. 28 @ 5:30 p.m. e-mail: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 9/28: Ross Resident: $80 by 9/28 $95 after 9/28 Non-resident: $90 by 9/28 $105 after 9/28

STEP, SCULPT & CORE

Time Flies in this Energizing, LowImpact Class with Diane Heinauer, ACE-Certified.

A FUN class that offers upbeat music, results, inspiration, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. We move from step aerobics to sculpt, to core work, emphasizing fat and calorie burning.

Popular class, register early – bring water and hand weights. Make the choice to get in the best shape of your life!

12-week session, from September 17 through December 3; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Register by 9/10 and save $12.00.

Standard registration after 9/10: Ross Resident: $72 by 9/10 $84 after 9/10 Non-resident: $84 by 9/10 $96 after 9/10

42 Ross Township

Allegheny General Hospital Suburban Campus 100 South Jackson Avenue, Bellevue, 15202 Proud to be part of the

Back Pain – Causes and Solutions

Presented by Gary L. Schmidt, MD

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 9 -10:30 a.m.

Treatment options for back pain can range from an over-the-counter remedy to a complex surgery. Dr. Schmidt will provide a brief overview of the spine and his role as a spine surgeon in treating back pain. This presentation will include exploration of common causes of back pain and the range of available treatment options, both operative and nonoperative. If you have back pain and would like to learn more about what options may be right for you, please join us for this informative presentation. Light refreshment provided.

Foods That Fight Cancer

Presented by Betsy Blazek-O’Neill, MD

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Some foods have cancer-fighting properties, while others seem to promote cancer formation. Do you know what these foods are? This presentation will teach you about these foods, as well as how to make simple changes in your diet that may help to prevent cancer. A Healthy Recipe Demonstration will be provided by Whole Foods Market, Wexford, Healthy Eating Specialist. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the recipe and will receive a recipe card.

Parking is free • Space is limited • register today Registration is required by calling 412/330.4469 Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 43

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Health & Wellness Programs

Ross Township

Free

Community-Family Holiday Programs At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER PHONE CALLS FROM THE NORTH POLE

LOONEY TOONS FESTIVAL COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK

December 11th through the 13th, 5-8 p.m.

Due to the special relationship we have developed with Santa over the years, he has promised a special phone call all the way from the North Pole! Parents: call the Parks and Rec Department at 412/931-7055 x204 to register by December 5th. Calls from the North Pole will be made for children 2-8 years old; the cost is $3 per call.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO ROSS!

Saturday, December 14, 11:30-1:30 PM

SCOOBY DOO HALLOWEEN PARTY

Sunday, October 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Kids - bring your parents and your Halloween spirits as you don that Halloween costume and collect another goodie bag! All children will receive a Halloween pumpkin to carve, and (RUH_ROH) make scary Scooby crafts! Each child will also make an old-fashioned caramel apple – Scooby’s favorite treat.

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COST: $10 PER CHILD We must receive your registration by Monday, October 14 to register at the $10 price. Registrations after October 14 will be charged $15.00. Additional caramel apples will be for sale, for $2.00 each.

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS SUNDAY MATINEE!!

Sunday, December 8, 1-3:30 p.m.

A special showing of Arthur Christmas is coming to Ross ON THE BIG SCREEN! The concession stand will be open.

COST: FREE, but call 412/931-7055 x204 to register and save your spot.

44 Ross Township

Santa and his Reindeer are making the long journey to the Ross Township Community Center. Come join us for lunch and watch your kids experience the real live reindeer Santa brings along.

Kids (from One to Ninety-two) are invited to have Lunch with Santa and make fun Christmas Crafts. One parent must stay with children under the age of 12.

COST: $10 PER CHILD

Looking for something fun to do with the kids over Christmas Break? Bring them up to the Community Center Gym on Sunday, December 29th for some REAL CARTOONS! Courtesy of McKnight Village resident Margie Bauer, we’ll be showing classic selections from her exhaustive collection of Looney Toons. Bring the kids and grandkids of all ages, and let them experience Elmer hunting wabbits in a time when ducks were, well, Daffy.

Come dressed as your favorite character – no anvils please.

No Registration required for this program. Just show up and have some old fashioned laughs with your friends and family. All Ages Welcome!

Concession Stand will be open (at retro pricing).

Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Admission: $5 Proceeds will help fund future movie festivals.

Lunch with Santa includes pizza or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, applesauce or yogurt, a Christmas cookie, and a drink. Adults may purchase slices of pizza, beverages, and cookies at Santa’s Kitchen.

We must receive your registration by Saturday, December 7th to register at the $10 price.

Registrations after the 7th will be charged $15.00.

is Santa to Coming ross ay saturd dec 14 .m. 11:30 a .m.

1:30 p

ross township News

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER ROSS ROMPERS

GERMAN LESSONS

Tuesdays 10-12 p.m.

Mondays 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Calling All Parents!

Bring your little ones for unstructured playtime.

Presented by Lingua Stars “Creating Stars that shine with the love of learning”

Parents, this is a great opportunity to socialize with other adults while you provide your children with unstructured playtime with other children. And, it’s a great time to meet and share ideas with other young parents! Through the generosity of our residents, we have plenty of toys, games, dolls, trucks, and role-playing items for the kids to play with. Ross Recreation provides the snack at the first session; parents will sign up for subsequent weeks to bring a snack and a beverage.

In this 6-week class for pre-school children ages 3-6, young students will learn about the German language and culture through a variety of fun activities including interactive games, songs, skits, stories, crafts and more.

In no time, your child will be speaking in German!

Dates: 10-week session, starts Tuesday, 9/24 Cost: $15 per child, $20 per family

BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

1st and 2nd GRADE BASKETBALL PROGRAM

Great Basic Skills and Exercise Opportunity Starting Monday, September 30, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Ross Resident: $60 Non-resident: $70 Dates: 6-week session, starting Monday, September 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Ross Recreation Center is always looking for volunteers to help Community Day, Easter Eggstravaganza, and the 4th of July. We need kitchen help, face painters, and folks to assist with crafts. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Suzi at 412/931-7055 x204.

Ross Township

Community-Just for Tots and Little Ones

SPANISH LESSONS

Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Presented by Lingua Stars “Creating Stars that shine with the love of learning” In this 6-week class for pre-school children ages 3-6, young students will receive an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Your child will listen to stories, sing songs, exercise, make crafts and play games –all in the Spanish language!

Ross Resident: $60 Non-resident: $70 Dates: 6-week session, starting Wednesday, October 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Kids in this program will start by learning the fundamentals of basketball including passing, dribbling and shooting through drills and games.

Good sportsmanship and teamwork are stressed as well. Each player receives a T-shirt.

Ross Resident: $60 Non-resident: $70 Dates: 6-week session, 9/30 – 11/4

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Community-Just for Tots and Little Ones At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER HAPPY FEET – Story Time with a Soccer Ball

Wednesday, September 25 through October 30 3 - 4 years old 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

5 - 6 years old 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.

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HappyFeet© is the nation’s number one youth soccer development program.

HappyFeet© engages children in a fun, weekly activity that is committed to helping them form healthy exercise habits by using the world’s most popular sport... soccer!

46 Ross Township

KIDZ IN THE KITCHEN

Holiday Treat Making for October, November and December! Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

Kids ages 8-11 will learn fun and safe techniques to prepare some of their favorite holiday treats. This class includes all ingredients and materials the kids will need. Each child will make a folder with recipes, fun facts, and cooking tips.

Please wear older clothes, as we may get messy in our quest for the perfect treat!

Trained HappyFeet© soccer coaches will provide 30-minute classes over a 6-week span. The coaches will challenge the children to gain coordination and skills through gaining mastery of their own soccer ball.

Three Holiday Cooking Classes just for kids:

Ross Resident: $60 Non-resident: $70 Dates: 6-week session, 9/25– 10/30

Maximum of 12 little chefs per session Ross Resident: $40 Non-resident: $50

Halloween – October 17 Thanksgiving – November 14 Christmas – December 12

fishing tournament winners Sat. June 13, 2013 Division A (5 and under)

1st place: Emma Ehan 2nd place: Anderson Wyckoff 3rd place: Abbie Woods Lunker (biggest fish): Emma Ehan

Division B (6 to 8)

1st place: Merrik Zotter 2nd place: Tyler Ruckel 3rd place: Joshua Milkowski Lunker (biggest fish): Karisa Ruckel

Division C (9 to 11)

1st place: Allyson Bauer 2nd place: Collin Quinn 3rd place: Phoebe Liu Lunker (biggest fish): Phoebe Liu

Division D (12 to 14)

1st place: Jessica Bauer 2nd place: Amber Kerekes 3rd place: Cole Ledford Lunker (biggest fish): Justin Kozen

Sunday June 14, 2013 Division A (15 - 18)

1st place: Sam Hines 2nd place: Tayler Kerekes 3rd place: Ryan Jaehne Lunker (biggest fish): Ryan Jaehne

Division B (Adult)

1st place: Blerim Hysenaj 2nd place: Dave Bauer 3rd place: Agon Hysenaj Lunker (biggest fish): Gerry Poniatowski

Division C (Senior)

1st place: Santo Cerminaro 2nd place: Larry Weir 3rd place: Louis Giampolo Lunker (biggest fish): Ramadan Hysenas

thank you to all our wonderful Ross Township businesses for making this tournament a huge success!

A & M Family Tire Elegance & Awards Fischer's Landscaping GT Cleaning Mazur's Collision & Service Center Michael Hines Monte Cello's Restaurant Northern Beer Traders Remo's Catering

and to all our great Ross Township volunteers for making this tournament a huge success!

Ross Police Department Ross Commissioners Ross Fire Police Ross Public Works Ross Recreation Department

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ross township News

Ross Twp. Police Department

Ross Township

17th Annual

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT

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Ross Twp. Independence Day Celebration Lindsay Bock Cliff Bright Chip Stocker Lisa Herbert John Schalcosky Baierl Chevrolet Shults Ford Ridgewood Church Perrysville Fire Company Perrysville Business Association St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

THANKS ALSO to our dedicated Public Safety, Public Works, Fire Police, Volunteer Fire Companies, Ross Recreation, Recreation Department volunteers, and Ross/West View EMS. 48 Ross Township

TASTE OF ROSS

Hosted by the Ross Township Business and Economic Development Corporation, the “Taste of Ross” showcases our area’s diverse dining community. Enjoy a day of fine foods, drinks, fun and community.

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Shoppes at Northway

“RED”

RED is a Ross Township specific non-profit organization working to promote local businesses, attract new development, and enhance the lifestyle of the Ross Township community as a whole.

Membership is open to all businesses and organizations within Ross Township.

Business networking and informational Biz-Lunches are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Ross Community Center. Cost is $15.00 per person.

After hours Biz-Mixers are held quarterly at local restaurants.

The next Biz-Mixer is Tuesday, September 3, at Silvioni’s Restaurant from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10.00 per person.

Contact Craig Linner at 412/318-2900 for details and/or to be added to our e-mail list.

GRIEF RECOVERY CLASS

Wednesday, 9/25 through 12/11, 7:00 -8:30 p.m.

Grief is the normal and natural reaction to significant emotional loss of any kind. While we never compare losses, it includes death and divorce as well as retirement, pet loss, financial and health issues, among others.

While grief is normal and natural, most of the information passed on within our society about dealing with grief is not normal, natural, or helpful. Most of the information we have learned about dealing with loss is intellectual.

Recovery from loss is accomplished by discovering and completing all of the undelivered communications that accrue in relationships.

We are advised to "let go" and "move on" after losses of all kinds.

Most of us would do that if we knew how.

The Grief Recovery Method outreach program provides the correct action choices that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss. This program is not an occasional, drop in group. For the safety and success of all participants, commitment and attendance are essential.

If you have experienced one or more losses, and wish to move beyond the pain, this program offers you the probability of a richer and more rewarding life.

This program runs for 12 consecutive weeks.

Cost: $150 Law Enforcement and Military: $120 Suzi LaGamba, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist

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6021

Ross Township

will tour four Saturday, October 26, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ry interesting Shoppes at Northway and Programs will Community-Organizations arrive at At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER 198 Babcock

Community-Organizations and Programs At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER HUNTER /TRAPPER SAFETY COURSES

FREE!

Ages 11 and up – Parents encouraged to attend Saturday, November 9, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This course is required in the State of Pennsylvania for all first-time Hunters and Trappers. This Class teaches the basics of hunting safety and ethics. Go to the PA Game Commission’s website to register and get more information about the program: www.pgc.state.pa.us. For additional questions, please call Russell Hoffman at 412/635-0661.

Ross historical society Monthly Meetings Friday, September 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join the historical society for their monthly meeting at the Ross Municipal Building. Bucky Blauch will be their September guest speaker. Bucky will share his knowledge of colonial guns – much like the one Simon Girty would have used, and discuss the historical context in which they were used.

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Title: “Simon Girty and his Flintock Muzzeloader” Friday, November 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Historical Society’s November meeting will feature Rick Hayden as their guest speaker. Mr. Hayden will share his knowledge of James Ross (Ross Township’s namesake).

Title: "The Strange Case of Senator James Ross” by Rich Hayden

50 Ross Township

Molly’s Trolley Tour of Ross Saturday, September 14, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There are still a few tickets available for the Molly's Trolley Tour of Ross Township. We will meet at the Ross Municipal Building at 9:00 a.m. to get all aboard by 9:30 when the train leaves the station! We will tour four sites we think you will find very interesting to our history.

At 1:45 p.m. we will arrive at Monte Cello's Restaurant at 2198 Babcock Boulevard for a buffet lunch.

Cost: The tour is $28; Lunch is $22 For info/ tickets call Susan 412/364-6021

Sunday Afternoon at Evergreen Park October 6, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Commissioner Lana Mazur will join us as we host our Sunday afternoon in Evergreen Park. Come see the recent additions to the Evergreen Park Schlag log home, like an old-fashioned pot belly stove, which will lead to discussions about log-home lifestyles of old.

We will revisit the Indian Spring, which was dedicated at Evergreen Park in the fall of 2010, and add some Native American decorations to the site. We’ll also learn about the culture of the Native Americans who traveled through Ross before the Europeans.

Crafts, a basket raffle, and refreshments will round out the day.

ANCIENT WIRE WEAVING CLASS

This class will teach beginning students to make intricate chains in the manner of the Vikings and found across the Nordic countries dating from the 9th century to the late 12th century. Our instructor, Helene Jacobs, has been teaching and practicing this craft for over 25 years, including at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Your choice of 4 Dates:

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE CLASS

Learn how to create a Thanksgiving centerpiece with mini-pumpkins, Indian corn, dried lotus pods and other seasonal dried botanicals.

Join Beth Schellhaas, owner of West View Floral Shoppe, to make a Thanksgiving Centerpiece that is sure to become a Thanksgiving dinner table classic. With Beth’s expert instruction, you will create a beautiful table masterpiece that will last for years.

Tuesday, October 1, 6 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8, 6 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, October 15, 6 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22, 6 - 8 p.m.

Cost: $47, includes materials Bring: If you have needle-nose pliers and wire cutters, please bring them.

Please bring glasses if you need them for close or small work.

FIGGY PUDDING COOKING CLASS

Find out why the carolers asked “please bring us some Figgy Pudding” in the ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ song!!

That’s right, we have discovered what is so good about Figgy Pudding that the carolers of old would not leave until they got some. In this class we will walk you through the steps of preparing, steaming and, yes, setting the Figgy Pudding on fire (twice).

We’ll then enjoy this delicious, timeless Christmas treat together with some holiday beverages.

Date: Saturday, December 21, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Cost: $20, includes instruction, dessert, and beverage

Limit 10 students per class.

To view this unique jewelry, please visit www.AncientWire.com

Date: Friday, November 15th 7- 9 p.m.

Cost: $35, includes materials Bring: A bowl for your centerpiece

BAKLAVA PASTRY CLASS

You, too, can make fabulous Baklava just like Yia Yia! Join Rochelle Hahn to learn the secrets of mouth-watering, perfect Baklava for the holidays. She’ll walk you through all the steps of mastering the art of Filo dough pastry-making and all the secrets to making the flakiest, most delicious Baklava in Pittsburgh.

You’ll take home some of the goods!

Date: Sunday, December 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Cost: $20, includes materials

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At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

Ross Township

Community-Fun At Any Age: Crafts & Cooking

Community-Fun At Any Age: Dance, Dance, Dance At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER PERENNIAL DANCE CLASS FAVORITE: BEGINNING LINE DANCE CLASS

Starts Thursday, September 12 10-week Session, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

This is a great class for beginners to advanced line dancers. Every Thursday (except Thanksgiving) our local-favorite instructors, Ginny and Jerry Crawford, will walk you through many of today’s most popular line dances. No dance partner needed, and all ages are welcome.

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This is one of longest-running classes at the Community Center. The instructors even take requests for line dances, and they do their best to help everyone learn!

SPEAKING OF DANCE….

CALLING ALL TEENS THAT LIKE TO DANCE

And Listen to Live Music!

On Fifth Saturdays (it happens three times this year) we’ll have a dance just for teens. The Recreation Department needs you to tell us your favorite local DJs and your best North Hills up-andcoming garage bands.

Call Eloise at 412/931-7055 x233 to cook something up before the next 5th Saturday – November 30th.

SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE LESSONS and DJ

NEW

Ross Resident: $40/session or $5/class Non-resident: $50/session or $6/class

Beginning Saturday, October 5

Another 10-week session will begin on December 5 and continue into the winter months.

Saturday nights at the Ross Community Center will now feature dance lessons followed by a DJ Dance, so you can immediately practice what your feet just learned. Dance lessons will be given from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. DJ tunes will begin at 8:30 and end at 10:30 p.m.

52 Ross Township

The first and fourth Saturday of every month will feature Ballroom Dance lessons and DJ Dance.

The second Saturday of every month will feature Latin Dance lessons and a DJ Dance.

For the third Saturday, we’ll get creative and do a special Dance program each month. Each third Saturday we’ll feature a different musical style: Oldies, Motown, Big Band, East Coast Swing, to name a few. All dance theme requests will be entertained!

No Registration required for this program. Just show up and dance when it fits into your busy schedule.

All Ages Welcome!

Dance Lesson & Dance: $15 Dance Only: $10

ross township News

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER ANYTHING THAT FLOATS

Sunday, October 13 at Evergreen Park Ages 10 and up Bring your sailboat, battleship or speedboat to Evergreen Park and join the fun! We will have timed races across the Zotter Pond.

There will be first and second prizes awarded for each of the two categories.

The first category will be sailboats and battleships together – which are motorized, but are both considered ‘slow boats.’ The second category will be speedboats and high-speedboats, which are definitely not slow.

You can purchase a buildable kit or pre-built boats at any local or on-line hobby shop. Happy Sailing!!

Sign in at 9:30 a.m., races start at 10:00 a.m.

Cost: $5.00

GUYS! LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER

Sunday, December 22, 12:00 -7:00 p.m.

We know, what other kind of Christmas shopping is there? Well, we’re making it a little more fun this year by inviting a host of holiday vendors that sell great gifts for the lady in your life! Shopping opportunities will include jewelry, pretty scarves, winter gloves, perfumes, and more.

OPEN SOURCE WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

Starts Wednesday, October 2, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Ages 16 and up Open source technologies have become dominate forces in the website and web application development world. This class will use open source technologies such as PHP, HTML, JavaScript/jQuery, and SQL. Participants will be introduced to CMS systems such as WordPress and Drupal, and learn how to use open source software to create applications.

Requirements: Base understanding of how computers work, familiar with Linux Operating systems, medium knowledge of how websites work overall.

This is a 6-week session, from Wednesday, Oct 2 – Nov 6

Ross Township

Community-Fun At Any Age: Potluck Classes & Fun Days

MORNING GYM TIME FOR WALKERS!

All ages welcome!

FREE!

Monday through Friday, every morning from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m., feel free to come to the Community Center and use the gym to get in a good walk to start your day.

Bring a friend!

Residents: $88/session Non-residents: $96/session Presenter: Brandon Trecki, 412/251-9834 Software Developer at Zap Solutions

AND we’ll have the Steeler game on in the Active Lounge so you don’t miss a play. How fun is this?

See you here!

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Ross township Department Of Parks & Recreation Ross Township Community Center 1000 Ross Municipal Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Phone: 412/931-7055, ext. 233 or ext. 204 Fax: 412/459.0005

PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM (PLEASE PRINT) You may copy this form for additional programs

Please fill out a separate registration form for each participant and program. Feel free to copy this form, request additional forms, or download from the Township’s website (www.ross.pa.us), if needed. Acceptance of registration form is based on availability and first-come, first-served basis, as some programs are limited in size. Make all checks payable to Ross Township Recreation. NSF Fee of $25 for returned checks.

Are you a resident of Ross Township? _____ Yes _____ No

Non-Township residents are subject to an additional fee.

Program Name _________________________________Program Times/Dates ______________________ Program Fee: $_____________ Participant’s Name _____________________________ Participant’s Birthdate: ___/____/____ Age:_____ Sex: M____ F ____ Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________________________ Phone (H) __________________ (W) _________________ (If participant is under 18) Street Address ___________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________________ Emergency Contact _________________________________________ Phone (H) ____________________ (W) ___________________ Does participant have any medical concerns? If so, please list:_____________________________________________________________

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E-Mail Address (This information is secure, it WILL NOT be shared):__________________________________________________________ _____ Check here if you will need staff to contact you to discuss disability accommodation needs.

T-Shirt Size (If applicable) YS YM

AS AM AL AXL

OTHER SIZE______ (Additional Charge of $2)

School/Community Partnership Children are expected to act responsibly at all times and in all areas of our community.

To foster appropriate behavior in the community and in the school, the child and parent agree to immediately report the child’s school suspension and/or expulsion to the Parks & Recreation Department. The child will be barred from participation in Department activities until the completion of the suspension or, if expulsion, until acceptance into an alternative education program. Failure to inform the Parks & Recreation Department will result in immediate removal from the program.

Liability Waiver I give my consent for the above named person to participate in this program sponsored by the Ross Township Department of Parks & Recreation. I will not hold Ross Township, the Parks & Recreation Department, the Department’s employees, coaches, volunteers, officials/umpires, other participants, or agents or employees of Ross Township responsible in the event of injury as a result of participation. I understand the risks involved and know the above named person is physically able to participate in the activity.

Method of Payment Checks Payable to “Ross Township Recreation” Credit Card:

Visa

MC

Discover

Card No.________________________________________ Exp. Date____________ 3# Code on Back____________ Signature: ______________________________________

I further state that I have carefully read the forgoing liability waiver and know the contents thereof, and I sign the same as my own free act. I acknowledge that signature by either parent or by one guardian hereby binds all parents and/or guardians of any minor participant.

For Office Use Only Date Rec.: _____________

_______________________________________________ _______________ Method: Visa MC

Check#________ Participant‘s Signature DATE (Parent/Guardian Signature if under age 18)

54 Ross Township

Amount Paid: _________ Discover Cash Initials:_______

northland public library

programs and Events for all meditation as your re-energizer in the midst of busy schedules and difficult times. You may register for this unique opportunity online through our website or by calling the adult services desk at 412/366.8100, x113.

KNITHOPE

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Again this year, Northland Library will serve as a collection site for hand knitted or crocheted scarves which are distributed to the Pittsburgh area’s homeless people and families struggling to make ends meet. The project was developed in 2008 by a North Hills resident who wanted to do something useful with the scarves she had made. The project has grown each year with The North Hills Community Outreach and Light of Light Rescue Mission assisting in the scarf distributions.

In 2012, a total of 362 scarves were donated to the project, many of these from North Hills area knitters. Are we ready to make 2013 even better?

Knit or crochet a scarf approximately 60 inches long by five inches wide, any color, that can go to a man or woman. Use any variety of washable yarns. Drop-off boxes will be located on the upper and lower levels of the library through Oct. 15. Place your scarf in a ziplock bag and drop it in the scarf box. For more information about the organization, and the project, go to KnitHope’s website: KnitHope.org

By popular demand, Greg Dottle returns to Northland Library to help you learn the basics of digital photography. In a friendly informal environment, you can learn how to take digital photos, transfer the photo files, load images into your computer as well as how to print and share your photos. Greg Dottle of Premier Imaging, located in Monroeville Mall and now our new neighbor in the Northway Mall, returns to Northland Library on Wednesday, August 22 to present this free informative class. He will explain the techniques you can use to produce great photographs, give you simple, helpful instructions and many tips on the basics and more. Registration is required.

Please call the library at 412/366-8100, extension 113 or register through our website: NorthlandLibrary.org.

MANTRA MEDITATION: AN INTRODUCTION Mantra Meditation is an easy and effective technique for relieving stress and anxiety and reaching inner peace. Join us on Monday, August 19 at 7 p.m. for an hour session of Mantra Meditation with Shyam Das, who has taught this form of meditation for many years. He will discuss the benefits and application of Mantra Meditation and will provide take-home tips and tools for using

LET’S GET THE POTTY STARTED! TOILET TRAINING ADVICE Dr. Greg Hoyson of Bellevue Pediatrics returns to Northland Library to help anxious parents deal with the sometimes-difficult issue of toilet training. With good humor and expert advice, Dr. Hoyson will help to make this transition time a stress-free step in raising your toddler. Bring your questions and concerns and hopefully have some anxiety relieved on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

Please register for this free program by calling the adult services desk at 412/366.8100, x113 or online NorthlandLibrary.org

GENEALOGY LOCK-IN Back by popular demand! Northland Library and the North Hills Genealogists are teaming up for another After Hours Genealogy Lock-In on Friday, Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. This evening of handson research requires general computer skills as you will search for your ancestors using online databases, including Ancestry Library Edition, the 1940 census, and more. Research volunteers will be on hand to help.

Participants should bring a flash drive to save copies of documents and information you may find. Advance registration is required due to limited space. You may sign up online on the library website or by calling the adult services department reference desk at 412/366.8100, x113.

sLOW AND GENTLE EXERCISE FOR YOU A specifically designed exercise program for those who have any degree of joint pain or arthritis will be presented during this 10-week series at the Marshall Township Municipal Building. Trained instructor Linda Fetzer will help you get moving with gentle exercises designed to increase strength and flexibility.

Learn ways to get healthy at this free exercise class every Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning Sept. 10 and running through Nov. 14.

The program was developed by the University of Pittsburgh Center for the Aging and Population Health and is being co-sponsored by Northland Public Library and The Arthritis Foundation. Registration is required by calling the adult reference desk at 412/366.8100, x113 or online at NorthlandLibrary.org.

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 55

ONGOING SERIES & DISCUSSIONS FILM SERIES No registration required for these free movie presentations.

TRAVEL FILM SERIES Florence, birthplace of the western world, is our destination in August. We'll see and learn about all the sites associated with the city’s two most famous names - Michelangelo and the Medici. On our tour is "Il Duomo" the Florence cathedral made famous by its distinctive Brunelleschi dome. We'll also visit a few of the Medici Palaces as well as Michelangelo's sculptures. Bring your checkbook along for our visit to the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge that doubles as one of the world's most famous shopping spots.Veering off the Florence path, we'll travel to Pisa to see its "Tipsy" Tower as well as its Cathedral and Baptistry, and then to Lucca, the home of Puccini.

So come join us on Wednesday, August 21 at 2 p.m. No reservation is required and refreshments will be served.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS No registration required for these free discussion events, newcomers are always welcome.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh will be our feature selection for September 13.

MYSTERY LOVERS Avid mystery lovers meet each third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. to discuss classic and soon to be classic mystery novels. Plan on joining us in September, when we share our thoughts on The Black Echo, by Michael Connelly.

SERIOUS READERS GROUP Somewhat serious, but always informal this discussion group meets the fourth Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. If you enjoy pondering works that reflect the formation of our country’s economic

56 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

and political philosophies, consider joining in the conversation. No registration is required to attend when we meet this month on Saturday, Aug. 24.

WRITERS AT WORK This continuing informal writing workshop is open to all those interested in writing. You are invited to come meet with other writers in this relaxed setting for encouragement and insight on your writing projects. For meeting days and times, visit the website at NorthlandLibrary.org.

MISCELLANEOUS No registration required. Join at any time.

NORTHLAND KNITTERS Newcomers, beginners or experienced knitters, are always welcome to join one or both of the knitting circles that meet here at the Library.

Share patterns, tips, and relax as you work on your latest project. For meeting days and times, consult the website at NorthlandLibrary.org

AMATEUR ASTRONOMY CLUB All those interested in everything astronomy are invited to join the Amateur Astronomy club for its monthly meetings every fourth Thursday of the month at Northland Public Library. This month, the club will meet on Thursday, August 22 at 7 p.m. New members are always welcome. No fees or registration are required to join.

Kid’S • YOUNG ADULT FAMILY PROGRAMS TOTALLY FANTASTIC FALL!

HOP ON POP Bring your dad, bring your uncle, bring your grampa or a really BIG brother – to Hop on Pop! Northland Library’s brand new jump-around storytime program featuring stories, games and creative projects for preschoolers, ages three to five and their dad, their uncle, their grampa or a really BIG brother!

Four individual Hop on Pop storytime sessions will be held this fall. Registration is required for each of the storytimes which begin at 10 a.m. on these Saturdays: Sept. 7, Oct. 19, Nov. 22 and Dec. 7. Registration opens three weeks before each date. Early registration will be available for residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, along with Marshall, McCandless and Ross Towsnhips.

SCIENCE-TOTS PICTURE BOOK STORYTIME Even the youngest child is challenged to begin investigating their world through our new Science-tots Storytimes this fall. This special program is designed specifically to introduce three to five year old children to storytime as an independent group activity while fostering a lifelong love of books, reading and exploring one’s world.

During each storytime, young children are encouraged to explore their world through a science demonstration relating to a different theme for each of the eight weeks. Science-tots will meet on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Sept. 9 – Oct. 28. Early registration begins on Aug. 19 for residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, along with Marshall, McCandless and Ross Townships and opens to all others on Aug. 30. Adults may register their children for the morning or afternoon storytime at the children’s/young adult service desk or by calling 412/366.8100 x123

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 57

Kid’S • YOUNG ADULT FAMILY PROGRAMS CHILDREN SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS CLUB (CSI) Hamsters and Hermit Crabs are scheduled to invade Northland Public Library this fall!

Kindergarteners through second graders are invited to join one of the two new CSI Clubs this fall. The first CSI Club, The Hamsters, will meet the first Wednesday of each month, and the second club, The Hermit Crabs, will meet the third Wednesday of each month. The clubs meet from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 4 and run through Nov. 20. Each club is limited to 25 members.

Every month, members will explore a different area of science with experiments and projects to get them interested in the wonders of the world around them. Just as in our successful CSI Clubs this past summer, the children will learn how to use a science notebook to keep track of their experiments and data so others can learn from them.

CSI is made possible through the support of the Northland Public Library Foundation.

Registration is required for this free program.

Early registration will be available for residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, along with Marshall, McCandless and Ross Townships beginning August 14. Register for the session of your choice at the children’s/young adult service desk or by calling 412/366.8100, x123.

MISSION dot.dot.dot CLUB Bring on the Sharks and the Alligators for project: Mission…Club! - a new club for children in third through fifth grades. Each month the Mission… crew will try to carry out the mission of the hour. Some of the missions planned for this fall include making a rocket, creating a robot, building structures out of unexpected materials, and more! Math, science, creative as well as analytical thinking are the basics presented in this program that can accommodate 25 members in each of the two club divisions.

We are offering two Mission…Clubs which will meet from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 11 and running through Nov. 27. The first Mission…Club, The Sharks, will meet the second Wednesday of each month and the second Mission…Club, The Alligators, will meet the fourth Wednesday of each month. Registration is required for this free program. Early registration will be available for residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, along with Marshall, McCandless and Ross Townships beginning August 14. . Register for the Mission…of your choice at the children’s/young adult service desk or by calling 412/366.8100, x123.

58 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

MOTHER GOOSE STORYTIME Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. - Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 13 Songs, nursery rhymes, “tickles” and “bounces” for babies age 6 mos. through 24 mos. accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Early registration for residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, Marshall, McCandless and Ross Townships begins September 4. Regular registration begins Sept. 18.

KANGAROO STORYTIME Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. - Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 13.

Nursery rhymes, songs, bounces, “tickle-rhymes” and jump-around fun for toddlers age 24 mos. – 36 mos. with a parent or caregiver. Early registration for residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, Marshall, McCandless and Ross Townships begins Sept. 4. Regular registration begins Sept. 18.

COMPUTER CLASSES NO COMPUTER CONUMDRUM AT NORTHLAND! Puzzled by computers? Looking for new skills? Come to the Library! Northland Library’s Computer Center offers a variety of free classes.

Northland’s basic introductory classes include Computers, E-mail and the Internet, as well as the Microsoft Office 2010 programs Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We offer more advanced classes to fit a variety of interests, such as Power-Searching with Google, Computer Protection and Maintenance, Digital Pictures Workshops, and How to Sell on e-commerce sites.

Call us for an appointment to learn how to download e-books to your particular device, and if time allows, we can even accommodate you on a walk-in basis. So stop by!

But wait, there’s more! We’re offering some new classes, including an Introduction to Photoshop Elements, Finding Medical Information Online, Introduction to Social Media and YouTube for Newbies.

For a full list of our classes with specific dates and times as well as class descriptions, please visit the “Computer Center Classes” link on our website: NorthlandLibrary.org or see our monthly newsletter, also available on that website. Please call Northland’s Computer Center at 412.366.8100, x131 to register for any of the classes. Feel free to call if you have questions about the classes or if you have suggestions for future classes. ■

Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 59

UPMC Passavant — Convenient, Coordinated Heart and Vascular Care Juggling both personal and professional demands can make scheduling even a routine visit to your doctor challenging. For individuals with cardiovascular disease, who typically require care from several different specialists, trying to coordinate appointments at multiple doctors’ offices for ongoing tests and consultations can be completely overwhelming.

Situated on the first floor of the hospital, the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has a spacious, comfortable waiting area, private registration rooms, and 17 exam rooms. The entrance is adjacent to the hospital’s free parking lot.

“Our goal is to provide expert, efficient, and convenient care for a positive patient experience by offering all aspects of cardiovascular care, from screening and treatment of risk factors, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, to more advanced, complex treatments, including surgery or coronary interventions,” explains Michael Fallert, MD, FACC, chairman of cardiology, UPMC Passavant.

Enhanced Physician Collaboration for Optimal Care The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute team of experts treats diseases affecting the entire cardiovascular system using a collaborative approach. Input from several specialists helps ensure a customized treatment plan for each patient.

“One of the biggest benefits of having a single location where there are multidisciplinary providers is the coordination of care,” says Sandeep Jain, MD, director of electrophysiology, UPMC Passavant.

Convenient for Patients To help make heart and vascular care more convenient for patients, the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant has brought together cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and vascular surgeons in a new 8,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

Located at the McCandless campus, the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant provides residents north of Pittsburgh with high-quality cardiovascular care under one roof, close to home.

This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

Dr. Jain says that having all of the specialists together can facilitate communication, which in turn can streamline diagnosis and lead to more efficient decision making. And patients benefit from the continuity of care — even as they transition from one specialist to another, all remain involved in the patient’s care.

A critical element of this approach to coordinated care is close communication with a patient’s primary care provider (PCP). UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant staff provide timely follow-up about the patient’s condition and are available to answer questions and provide consultation to PCPs.

State-of-the-Art Treatment and Prevention At the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant, patients have access to a wide array of prevention and treatment options for heart and vascular disorders, including: • Comprehensive evaluations • Diagnostic testing • Advanced imaging • Electrophysiology services • Catheterization procedures

• Echocardiography • Advanced open heart and minimally invasive heart surgery • Vascular and endovascular therapies

The new facility employs cutting-edge technology, including: • Echocardiography and nuclear cardiology to image the heart • Ablation therapy to treat atrial fibrillation • Ultrasound and radio frequency ablation to evaluate and treat venous disease • Electronic medical record that enables UPMC Passavant physicians to view imaging tests performed at other UPMC facilities UPMC Passavant has 24 private rooms equipped with telemetry beds that monitor heart patients on a continuous basis. These rooms also have pull-out sofas so family members are able to stay overnight.

Expert Care, Close to Home For many cardiovascular patients, and their family members, who live north of Pittsburgh, traveling to the city for medical care can be difficult. Travel time, being in an unfamiliar setting, and finding and paying for parking, can add to an already stressful situation. The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant helps remove these worries by providing access to expert cardiovascular care very close to home.

“Our patients will receive the same high-quality cardiovascular care at UPMC Passavant that has become the standard throughout the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute,” says Chris Cook, MD, cardiac surgeon, UPMC Passavant.

This includes access to the full range of cardiovascular specialists who are part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute team adds Dr. Cook.

A few highly specialized services, such as heart-assist device therapy and heart transplantation services, are provided at UPMC Presbyterian. However, physicians from the UPMC Center for Advanced Heart Failure are available to provide consultations at UPMC Passavant for advanced heart failure patients who may be in need of these services.

“Our cardiovascular patients at UPMC Passavant also have access to FDA-sponsored cutting-edge clinical trials for new devices and technologies,” says Luke Marone, MD, chief of vascular surgery, UPMC Passavant. In addition, UPMC Passavant has an experienced nursing staff that provides our patients with the highest quality care adds Dr. Marone.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease — Education and Screening As part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute mission to prevent cardiovascular disease, UPMC Passavant offers frequent programs to the community about smoking cessation, nutrition, risk factor management, and stress management. In addition, UPMC Passavant experts facilitate professional education seminars for health care providers.

Educating people about the risks of heart disease is another key goal of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. A heart screening check can be an important step in determining the risk of heart disease, and could uncover an undetected problem early when there is a higher chance to treat it effectively. To schedule a comprehensive evaluation, call 412-367-6HVI (6484) or visit UPMC.com/HeartScreenings to find a free screening in your community.

For more information on the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant, call 412-367-6HVI (6484), or visit UPMCPassavant.com/HVI.

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ore than ten years ago, Kim Gregory joined a gym. It started out as a place to go work out and eventually, after teaching Spinning® classes and forging long standing friendships, it became so much more.

Gregory realized that it was the members, and not the equipment that made the gym.

“I became friends with a lot of other members and it’s a great group of women,” she said. “It became more than a gym; it was a group of women who bonded together to support and encourage each other.”

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Where other “all-women” facilities may only focus on circuit training or classes, Pure Fitness For Women is a true gym, with a full line of strength equipment, cardio equipment, and free weights in addition to fitness classes and personal trainers. Babysitting services are also available at a nominal hourly rate.

“We actually have a full array of fitness classes, Yoga, Turbokick®, Pilates, Spinning®, Zumba®, washboard abs, body sculpting as well as special class offerings for the summer months,” Gregory said. “We also support local nonprofits and community initiatives through fundraising or donation requests. We’ve collected blankets for the homeless for Lent and held a food drive for the local food bank.”

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even hosted Santa for Christmas kids Zumba. They’ve even partnered with local Girl Scouts for special Zumba classes for troops and their mothers. Gregory believes that instilling a healthy lifestyle with exercise when children are young will help them create long term healthy habits that will carry them into adulthood.

Where else would one find a Dancing for Birth™ class, where both pregnant and post-partum mothers can challenge themselves physically, but in a relaxed manner geared just for them during those fragile times of early motherhood? Looking for something a little tougher? Pure Fitness For Women offers rotating female self-defense classes, which continue to be a popular class and fills up quickly.

In addition to being a workout place, Pure Fitness For Women has full showering facilities so you can work out and then get ready for work or for a night on the town. There’s also a massage therapist on the premises, tanning beds and saunas which are offered for a nominal charge in their Garden Loft Spa area. Everything else is included in the regular gym fee.

As for the all female aspect of the gym, Gregory said that she’s been working out in gyms long enough to know why it just makes sense.

“It’s intimidating to walk into a gym and get into shape as a woman,” she said. “That in itself is daunting for some folks. You feel self-conscious. Our members range in age from 12 to 74. So you have women from all walks of life, with differing levels of ability working out in the same place and I wanted everybody to feel comfortable.”

And with a first anniversary just around the corner in September, Gregory knows she’s doing something right.

Pure Fitness for Women is conveniently located at 153 Perry Highway. For more information on their facility, to take a tour, or inquire about their class schedules, call 412/415.0881, or go to their website at purefitness4women.com.

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Ross Township | Fall 2013 | icmags.com 63

inCOGNITO

I Did you know?

The Hidden Spring in Plain Sight!

by Pamela palongue

64 724/942-0940 to advertise | Ross Township

n Evergreen Community Park, a quiet spring of crystal clear water, believed to have come from divine origins, trickles up from the ground into a mysterious bowl made of natural stone, along a forgotten path. The neglected spring lay in hiding, until John Schalcosky, President of the the Ross Township and West View Historical Societies, stumbled upon an article in the old Pittsburgh Press from July 1923. The story as related by Schalcosky is a Native American legend of two lovers who lived in the days when the Seneca people roamed freely on the land...

A young girl named Flaming Arrow lived in the valley with her father Big Crow. Flaming Arrow was in love with a young brave named Running After Buffalo. As is often the case with love stories, Big Crow did not approve of Running After Buffalo, because he was poor. The father instead favored the more wealthy Plenty Blankets.

When the time came for Flaming Arrow to be given to Plenty Blankets, she fled to hide among the rocks in present day Evergreen Park. Unfortunately, she fell, breaking her leg.

Running After Buffalo instinctively knew that she had gone to their secret meeting place and went after her. He found her lying among the rocks, dying of thirst. He quickly prayed to Manitou for help, who by definition, is a Native American spirit of the Algonquian people that lives in all things.

Manitou answered Running After Buffalo's prayer and caused a spring to come through the ground into a large bowl which he shaped. Running After Buffalo drew water from the spring and gave it to his love, Flaming Arrow.

The story ends happily with Flaming Arrow being saved by the water and her father wisely realized that true love cannot be denied. The pair were wed according to their traditions.

But our story isn't quite finished.

Older residents of the area claimed in the 1920s that they often saw a young man, resembling a Native American come and drink from the spring. In later years, an elderly Native American man was seen visiting the spring from time to time.

No one seemed to know the man or from whence he came.

Could it have been Running After Buffalo returning to the spring to offer his thanks to Manitou? Or perhaps he was just revisiting his youth and the happy times he spent there.

No one will ever know for sure.

On Oct. 6, a rededication of the spring, now known as Indian Spring, will be held. Please see our IN the Loop section for more details. â–

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

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NO MORE PAIN MEDS I was on a lot of pain medication for my back, three in the morning and three at night. I was spending a lot of time lying on the couch. I would be out shopping with my husband and after 10 minutes I would have to go home. I realized my life was really changing and I wasn’t able to do the things I wanted to do. After going to Dr. Rafferty and the Disc Institute of Pittsburgh, I was able to get my life back. I do not have any pain and I am not taking any meds, that was huge for me because I did not like taking them and it affected other things. I didn’t like that. Now I can go out with my husband and even stood for 2 hours at a football game. All in all I’m very grateful. I did not want back surgery and I’m just glad I found the Disc Institute of Pittsburgh and Dr. Rafferty.

— Carol from McKees Rocks

LEG PAIN IS GONE. IT’S CLOSE TO A MIRACLE! It was bad, very painful and I had no use of my right leg. After being treated at the Disc Institute of Pittsburgh, I am back to walking. I’m not allowed to dance yet but I that will be soon I think. My experience with the Disc Institute of Pittsburgh was incredible, I couldn’t be happier. I can’t think of words to describe it. All the pain in my leg is gone...completely gone.

Before I came to the Disc Institute of Pittsburgh the only options I was presented with were shots in my back and surgery.

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I recommend the Disc Institute of Pittsburgh to everyone I know who has had back issues or any kind of pain down their leg or lower back.

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