Ross Township by IN Community Magazines

Spirit HILAND PRESCHOOLERS DONATE TO THE NORTH HILLS FOOD BANK

School District & Township News Page 28

Special Section: Health & Wellness Page 11

WINTER 2013 icmags.com

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CONTENTS winter

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

19 In Good Taste Westview dentist Dr. Rich Gottfried shares his passion for great wine with the community.

20 New Confectionery Opens See’s Candies has been specializing in premium chocolates and friendly, old-fashioned service since 1921. Its first store in Pennsylvania recently opened in Ross Park Mall — just in time for the holidays.

26 O Christmas Tree Choosing a live evergreen in Ross.

on the cover

Hiland preschoolers brought in non-perishable food items and carried them to the food bank, which is located in the back parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church.

departments 4 6 8 10

From the Publisher IN the Loop IN Person IN Events

28 36 64

North Hills School District Township News INCognito

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 | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 3

FROM THE

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

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

Top-notch health care, education, banking and technology are what make Pittsburgh known, but our communities are what make us home. Home – where you live, go to school, shop, work and play – is what IN Community Magazines is all about. Each quarter, we bring you the latest news and information about schools, businesses, nonprofits and the people who make them exceptional. We also bring you coverage of interesting events and articles about historical sites you may pass every day without even knowing. We like to surprise you with little-known facts about your community and profile intriguing people who’ve made their mark locally – and sometimes even globally. One thing that makes our communities in western Pennsylvania special is the beautiful seasons. As autumn comes to an end and the snow begins to fall, we hope you take some time to enjoy the many winter activities our area has to offer and hit the slopes, sled ride, cross-country ski or ice skate at one of our many beautiful parks. Or simply build a snowman in the backyard! The staff at IN Community Magazines wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Send Us Your Story Ideas!

To Advertise

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

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

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4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@icmags.com OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti l.vighetti@icmags.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Debbie Mountain d.mountain@icmags.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Michael Miller m.miller@icmags.com DESIGNERS Cassie Brkich Jim Paladino Melissa St. Giles Anna Buzzelli Tamara Tylenda Sharon Cobb Jan McEvoy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jonathan Barnes Leigh Lyons Jennifer Brozak Joanne Naser Earl Bugaile Melanie Paulick Tracy Fedkoe Melissa Rayworth Brenda Haines-Cosola Marilyn Wempa Elvira Hoff Mandie Zoller Heather Holtschlag CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ginni Klein Kathleen Rudolph Evan Sanders Jennifer Steenson Primetime Shots Gary Zak GENERAL SALES MANAGER Tamara Myers t.myers@icmags.com SALES MANAGER Brian McKee b.mckee@icmags.com ADVERTISING SALES Sophia Alfaras Connie McDaniel Matt Amoroso Gabriel Negri Pamela Arder Aimee Nicolia Jennifer Dahlem Vince Sabatini Julie Graff Mike Silvert Robin Guest RJ Vighetti ICM PRINTING SALES MANAGER Tom Poljak ©2013 by IN Community Magazines. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of any part of this publication is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Direct all inquiries, letters to the editor and press releases to:

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

Time for our area VolunTeers

to Shine! Seeking nominationS for 2014

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

2013 Master of Ceremony

Andrew Stockey WTAE Channel 4

IN Community Magazines' second annual C.A.S.E. Awards will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 35 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger) Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more)

SponSored by

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

PlEAsE fIll ouT foRM bEloW AND sEND IN youR NoMINATIoN

Name of Nominee_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________ Category (check one)

❍ Volunteer of the Year ❍ Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger ) ❍ Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) ❍ Large Nonprofit of the Year ( staff of 11 or more) Which community is this nomination for?___________________________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? Please submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words. Send nomination form and statement to: Wayne Dollard, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Mountain at 724.942.0940. Deadline for nominations is February 1, 2014.

in the

LOOP

GRATEFUL GATHERING

The Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth hosted their 8th Annual Grateful Gathering on Oct.12 at the Mt. Nazareth Center in Ross Township. Guests at the event enjoyed an evening of music and dancing, wine and chocolate, hors d’oeuvres, a raffle and a silent auction. The event benefited the sisters and their ministries to families.

TENNIS TEAM IS “ACING CANCER”

What’s news in Ross Township

North Hills High School varsity and junior varsity tennis teams held a special breast cancer awareness event and fundraiser on Sept. 17, “Acing Cancer.” The team took on Shaler Area High School. Each team was decked out in special pink T-shirts and utilized unique pink balls during the matches. The teams also made a monetary donation to Adagio Health, a provider of breast cancer screening services for uninsured women.

Stuff-A-Bus toy drive to encourage listeners to help fill the buses with donated toys. During the five-day event, 96.1 KISS radio personalities will inspire listeners to come together and donate new and unwrapped toys for the program. The toys will benefit local families and may be dropped off at the Monroeville Mall at 200 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146. For listeners who cannot make it to the Stuff-A-Bus location in Monroeville, Castle Toys and Games will be the official satellite location for collecting toys at its stores in Beaver at 682 3rd Street, and 12033 Perry Highway in Wexford,. Listeners will have the opportunity to shop online for Castle Toys and Games and will receive a 20% discount on all donated toys. Visit 961Kiss.com for more information.

ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER DANCES

STUFF-A-BUS TOY DRIVE

From Monday, Dec. 2 – Friday, Dec. 6, community members will have the opportunity to provide a toy for a child in need through the Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots program. Clear Channel Communities, the community-engagement brand of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and 96.1 KISS will hold the

6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

Saturday night dance classes will be offered at the Ross Community Center through Jan. 1, from 7 – 8:15 p.m. The classes are designed for people who have never tried dancing before or are new to dancing. The basics of dance will be covered, including footwork, timing and posture. Each week a new class with new material is covered, so students can start at any time without prior attendance required. Students are advised to wear casual attire with comfortable shoes, preferably with a leather or smooth synthetic sole. A dance partner is not required. There is no pre-registration required for the class. The cost for the lesson is $5, which may be paid at the door. The classes are followed by a DJ Dance from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m., with a cover charge of $10 for attending the dance. For more information, please call 412.931.7055, x233. Dancing is a great way to get into shape and to meet new friends! ■

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Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 7

INPERSON

For the Love of Everything North Hills David Thomas, 55, hasn’t missed a North Hills football game in 15 years. BY HEATHER HOLTSCHLAG

“I love watching the marching band and cheerleaders perform,” Thomas says. “And I especially enjoy watching the players and coaches run onto the field.”

or the past 15 years, David Thomas, 55, has turned out for every North Hills football game, band festival and cheerleading function. He is known unofficially as the biggest North Hills fan. Now several residents want to make that title official. Since 2007, community members have been busily trying to get Thomas inducted into the North Hills Hall of Fame. Tom Richey, owner of a local tire shop, and his wife, Cindy, always drive Thomas to the Friday night games since Thomas has

8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

Down syndrome. At the games, Thomas can often be seen waving his flag in support of the team, or even giving high-fives to the players. Richey and Thomas have been friends for more than 40 years now. In fact, Thomas used to live in a house across the street from the tire shop, which is in direct view of North Hills High School. “Cindy and I have been attending the games with David for about six or seven years,” says Richey. “His parents used to take him, but when they passed away, we decided that we wanted to keep up the tradition.”

For Thomas, the games and other events are about the spirit of the community and his commitment to the area in which he grew up. “I love watching the marching band and cheerleaders perform,” Thomas says. “And I especially enjoy watching the players and coaches run onto the field.” When the football season is over, Thomas and his friends can be found at his favorite hotspot – the Eat’n Park on Banksville Road. “He’s like a brother to me…he’s just a part of our family,” Richey says.

Mike Johnston, an employee of Richey’s, has known Thomas for about 37 years. Johnston says, “Dave has a true love for anything that pertains to the North Hills Indians.” It’s Thomas’ overwhelming patronage to the school that residents would like to honor with his induction into the North Hills Hall of Fame. Richey is heading up the effort with a goal of submitting 1,000 ballots on Thomas’ behalf in the category of Community Supporter. Several residents have even written letters to the school board and other community organizations supporting consideration of Thomas’ induction. “He’s been around this community for a long time and his love of North Hills football has not died,” Richey adds. “It’s what he loves.” The community has so much love for Thomas that there is even a Facebook page entitled David Thomas Belongs in the North Hills Hall of Fame. ■

Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 9

INEVENTS

LEARNING TO GIVE

Students at Hiland Preschool participate in a food drive for North Hills Food Bank. BY KATHY RUDOLPH

It’s tough for parents to teach kids about giving to others in the holiday season. Children are bombarded with endless commercials and huge displays of toys, guaranteed to make a child’s eyes as big as saucers. Educators and volunteers at Hiland Preschool, located at 845 Perry Highway, wanted to teach preschoolers that giving is the most rewarding present of all. The team organized a food drive for North Hills Food Bank in the preschool’s three and four-year-old programs. The preschoolers brought in non-perishable food items and carried them to the food bank, which is located in the back parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church. Jim Stebler, director of the food bank, collected the students’ donations and gave them a tour. Teachers Patty Peters and Maggi Didycz gave a commentary on the purpose of the food bank. “We are always trying to teach the kids that one of the most important things in life is to give and share with others,” says Didycz. “Visiting the food bank and bringing their donations for people in need is a meaningful way to reinforce this.” The North Hills Food Bank serves approximately 250 local families a month. Nonperishable food items and cash donations are always welcome and can be dropped off on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. For more information, visit the website at northhillsfoodbank.org. To learn more about Hiland Preschool, visit the website at hilandpreschool.com.

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Great Ways to Live a Healthier, Happier, Longer Life in Ross Township

Ross Township HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION BY MICHELE THOMPSON

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

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

Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 11

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Ross Township

HEALTH & FITNESS EXERCISE TO LIVE LONGER. Ross Township has many walking and biking trails to help you stay fit. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and reduces the risks of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Not to mention you will look and feel better! WARM UP AND COOL DOWN. Regardless of the types of exercises you do, warming your muscles as well as cooling down with slow rhythmic stretches is key to avoiding injury, reducing soreness, and speeding up your recovery. COMMIT TO DAILY FITNESS. Getting out there and staying active translates into better health and well-being — both physically and mentally. FOCUS ON TOTAL FITNESS. ACE recommends aerobics and muscular conditioning along with exercises to stretch your body and promote good posture. YEAR-ROUND EXERCISE. Don’t ditch your fitness routine because of inclement weather. Try new activities, such as snowshoeing, swimming at an indoor pool, or fitness classes at your local fitness or senior housing facility. JOIN A HEALTH CLUB. Be social and get fit. This one’s worth its weight in sheer motivation points.

TAKE SUPPLEMENTS. Don’t mega-dose, just take a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. GET AEROBIC. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting moderate aerobic activity 30 minutes per day, five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity, three days per week. BREAK IT UP. Instead of 20 or 30 minutes of exercise, break up your cardio into 10-minute segments throughout the day. MAKE WORKING OUT FUN. Getting out of the house and traveling to interesting places where you can walk around is one of the best ways to get exercise without even trying, and you get to enjoy the sightseeing, too. PUT A SET OF DUMBBELLS BY YOUR TELEVISION SET — and use them!

STOP SMOKING. Nuff said.

PUMP IT UP. Margaret Richardson, author of Body Electric, says one pound of fat burns three calories a day while one pound of muscle burns 30-plus.

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

CHALLENGE YOURSELF. To counteract age-related muscle loss, do exercises with progressively challenging resistance.

“EVERYONE IS AT A DIFFERENT FITNESS LEVEL,” SAID MARGARITE LABANCE, DIRECTOR OF THE BODY BAR. “WE WANT TO MAKE YOU FEEL AS COMFORTABLE AND WELCOME AS POSSIBLE, FROM THE MOMENT YOU ENTER OUR DOORS.” 12 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Ross Township

COGNITIVE BOOSTERS MUSIC THERAPY. Music can regulate mood, decrease aggression and depression, improve sleep, and, because old songs are stored in memory, even create new brain cells. BRAIN FOOD. Keep your mind sharp by eating salmon, nuts, olive oil, soy, meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, beans, oatmeal and dark skinned fruits.

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

ORAL HEALTH & HEARING BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH. According to research, chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. TURN IT DOWN. According to the House Ear Institute, noiseinduced hearing loss is a leading cause of permanent hearing loss that can be prevented by turning down the volume on your TV, radio, or headsets to a level that you can comfortably hear.

P PRACTICE HEALTHY SLEEPING HABITS. Not getting enough nightly rest puts you at risk for accidents, depression and other illnesses, and it decreases your quality of life.

POSTURE AVOID SITTING CROSS-LEGGED. Pain management specialists at New York Chiropractic warn that crossing your legs puts excessive stress on your knees, hips and lower back. SIT UP STRAIGHT. When you slouch or strain to look at the screen, these patterns stick and posture learns these positions. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. See a chiropractor, physical therapist or post-rehabilitation specialist for postural exercises to reduce pain and risk of injury. STRETCH. Stretching your neck and chest can prevent short and tightened muscles that can lead to injury. A simple stretch involves bending your head to your shoulder, holding it there and slowly bringing it back to the mid line and then switch sides. BELLY BUTTON TO SPINE. Not only will this exercise help you stand taller, it will take five pounds off your waistline! HEAD UP. Instead of scrunching your head to your shoulder to hold the phone, get a headset and avoid injury to your neck and shoulders.

Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 13

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Ross Township

EAT HEALTHY EAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET. Holistic

EAT AND DRINK COCONUT. The type of saturated fat in

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

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

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

EAT MANY SMALL MEALS. Eat something every three hours to keep your metabolism high and your blood sugar and insulin levels steady. DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST. The easiest meal to skip but the most important. Eat something small, even if you aren’t hungry. READ LABELS. Opt for products with at least three grams of fiber, low sugars and no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

EAT LESS AND LIVE LONGER. Maoshing Ni, author of Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100, suggests the “three-quarters rule,” essentially not eating any more after you feel three-quarters full.

DRINK TEA. Ni recommends daily tea because tea is a proven

AVOID BAD FATS. Bad fats include saturated fats, which are primarily derived from animal products, and trans fats, which are used in commercial fried foods, margarines, and baked goods like cookies and crackers. SPICE IT UP. Dr. Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients, recommends high-antioxidant spices and herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, curry, rosemary, thyme, oregano and red pepper.

DRINK UP. Drinking water throughout the day can decrease your urges for sweets, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, minimize pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and colitis, hydrate your skin, and help with your digestion. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE TO ONE OR TWO DRINKS PER DAY. According to the Centers for Disease Control, too much alcohol can increase your risk for developing various diseases and physiological and social problems.

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

SIDELINE THE SODA. The phosphoric acid in carbonated beverages, particularly colas, can put you at risk for osteoporosis.

SLIM DOWN WITH SOUP. People who eat soup before a meal reduce the total number of calories they consume.

DRINK RED WINE. Red wine is

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

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

P EAT A VARIETY Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, and omega-3 fats better ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs. 14 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

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

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

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Ross Township

STRESS CONTROL SMILE. Smiling lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol.

AROMATHERAPY. Essential oils improve your mood, reduce stress and even improve your memory. Try lavender, lemongrass, cinnamon or cedarwood. Being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature is a proven stress buster.

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

GET KNEADED. Research from the Touch Research Institute indicates that regular massage lowers heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety levels, depression, hostility, and the stress hormone cortisol. SEE A THERAPIST. Mental health professionals can help you deal with stress.

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

P HUMOR YOUR STRESS Laughing improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, releases tension, and improves your immune system.

Reprinted with the permission from SeniorsForLife.com

LET NATURE TAKE YOUR STRESS AWAY.

GET FIT IN ROSS TOWNSHIP Here are just some of the fitness classes available:

The Body Bar

9365 McKnight Rd., Pittsburgh, 412.364.8500 bodybarexperience.com “One-Stop for Fitness, Tanning and Massage.” Offers yoga, Zumba, cardio classes and more. For more information on a free, trial 7-day fitness membership, call or visit the website.

North Park Skating Rink

301 Pearce Mill Rd., Allison Park; 724.935.1780 alleghenycounty.us Free Learn-to-Skate lessons for individuals five years old and up will be offered in January, 2014. Information about registration in early December and other details are available on the website.

North Hills High School Pool

53 Rochester Rd., Pittsburgh; 412.318.1437 nhsd.net North Hills School District offers district residents an Open Swim for Adults from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays for $5 through the end of May. Call or visit the website for restrictions and details.

Ross Township Community Center

1000 Ross Municipal Dr., Pgh; 412.931.7055, ext. 233, or ext. 204 ross.pa.us Free morning gym time for walkers at the community center gym. All ages are welcome Monday through Friday, every morning from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For more information call or visit the website.

Schoolhouse Yoga - Ross Park

7210 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh; 412.401.4444 schoolhouseyoga.com “Anyone and everyone can do yoga. Each student has his/her own unique mixture of flexibility, balance and strength.” Visit the website or call for more information about dropping in for a class for around $15. Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 15

ocal orthodontist Dr. Richard Dahar has spent years creating beautiful smiles, but not all of the amazing transformations have happened while in the dental chair. The father of three, Dr. Dahar loved sharing the blessings of nature with his family. The YMCA was located across the street from his office at the time, and this led to yearly camping. This fostered a devotion to the YMCA and its programs, with Dr. Dahar serving on the board of the organization for 25 years. Recently, Dr. Dahar has donated services to help children faced with extreme hardship to be able to share their smiles with confidence. “I still enjoy coming to the office every day,” says Dr. Dahar. No doubt new technology and treatments keep the job fresh and challenging. As the only Pittsburgh orthodontist on the board of the American Lingual Orthodontics Association, Dr. Dahar is privy to all the latest developments. “We have been utilizing the Damon System, which is a relatively new method for correcting the bite, that can eliminate the need for palatal expanders,” explains Dr. Dahar. His unique approach to orthodontics is probably one reason why professional athletes and TV personalities have chosen him as their orthodontist. With over 30 years experience, he’s treated patients and then treated their children.

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16 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

SAY WHAT? Your mother was right when she warned you that loud music could damage your hearing, but now scientists have discovered exactly what gets damaged and how. In a research report published in the September 2013 issue of The FASEB Journal, scientists describe exactly what type of damage noise does to the inner ear, and provide insights into a compound that may prevent noise-related damage. “Noise-induced hearing loss with accompanying tinnitus and sound hypersensitivity is a common condition which leads to communication problems and social isolation,” said Xiaorui Shi, M.D., Ph.D., study author from the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the Oregon Hearing Research Center at Oregon Health and Science University. “The goal of our study is to understand the molecular mechanisms well enough to mitigate damage from exposure to loud sound.” To make this discovery, Shi and colleagues used three groups of six- to eight-week-old mice, which consisted of a control group, a group exposed to broadband noise at 120 decibels for three hours a day for two days, and a third group given single-dose injections of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) prior to noise exposure. PEDF is a protein found in vertebrates that is currently being researched for the treatment of diseases like heart disease and cancer. The cells that secrete PEDF in control animals showed a characteristic branched morphology, with the cells arranging in a self-avoidance pattern which provided good coverage of the capillary wall. The morphology of the same cells in the animals exposed to wide-band noise, however, showed clear differences - noise exposure caused changes in melanocytes located in the inner ear. “Hearing loss over time robs people of their quality of life,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal. “It’s easy to say that we should avoid loud noises, but in reality, this is not always possible. Frontline soldiers or first responders do not have time to worry about the long-term effects of loud noise when they are giving their all. If, however, a drug could be developed to minimize the negative effects of loud noises, it would benefit one and all.” SOURCE: MEDICAL NEWS TODAY

Protect YOUNG ATHLETES The risks of sports-related traumatic brain injuries among professional athletes are making national headlines. However, prevention should begin at childhood, especially among those involved in contact sports. Each year, approximately 300,000 people in the United States experience sports-related concussions. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury most often caused by a sudden bump or blow to the head or other parts of the body. It also can be caused by a fall. As a result of the sudden impact, the brain moves around in the skull causing chemical changes. These changes make the brain more sensitive to stress and other injuries until it fully recovers. In addition, the immature brain of a young athlete is known to take longer to recover. Most people who have experienced a concussion realize that something is wrong, however, the symptoms can be tricky, so those around the injured person must pay close attention for the warning signs. This is especially apparent among football players who are conditioned to being knocked down and getting back up again, only to realize later that they’ve been hurt. Many athletic directors for public schools require that athletes who participate in “high-risk” sports must have a baseline

symptoms of a concussion Difficulty concentrating Difficulty completing tasks Changes in behavior Worsening headache Persistent double vision Excessive drowsiness Stroke-like symptoms

neurocognitive test before their first contact football practice, within the first week of cheerleading or before the first game for other sports. Although treatment for concussions is individualized, almost all physicians recommend physical and mental rest immediately after the injury. This includes no texting, video games, TV, reading or physical activity. It’s also important to understand that medications will mask the pain and do not heal the brain. In fact, anti-inflammatory medications can be dangerous because they increase the risk of bleeding. However, there are situations where medications are warranted. It is paramount to have an evaluation and obtain clearance by a physician experienced in diagnosing and treating concussions before returning to sports activities. SOURCE: UCF PEGASUS HEALTH/UCF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 17

HEALTH &WELLNESS DIRECTORY Smiles by Dahar 412.766.5016 smilesbydahar.com

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We are a community of women working on our health and wellness together by motivating and supporting one another along the way. We are nurses, judges, librarians, printers, mothers, sisters, and daughters who spend quality time on our well-being, making us better people, better employees, and better role models by taking care of ourselves.

18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

ACM is a faith-based healing and educational ministry providing professional counseling services to individuals, couples, and children. We also offer tutoring for struggling students, parent coaching, and parenting workshops. Visit us at anchorpointcounselingministry.org for more information. We accept most health insurance and offer an affordable sliding scale rate. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow the lack of insurance to keep you from seeking help. Call 412.366.1300 or anchorpointcouselingministry.org

“Wines are like buses. If you miss one, there’s another one coming.”

r. Rich Gottfried never really had a taste for wine and only occasionally had a glass of sweet kosher wine at Passover and other holidays. But one trip to Australia changed that. “In 1981, we took a trip to the Hunter Valley wine region of Australia to visit family,” says Gottfried. “I found that I loved wine!”

In Good Taste Westview dentist Dr. Rich Gottfried shares his passion for great wine with the community. BY PAMELA PALONGUE

When he returned home, Gottfried started reading books and magazines such as Wine Spectator to educate himself about the vast array of vintage choices. He also started looking for ways to get involved with wine in the local community. “I joined a local wine tasting club called Les Amis du Vin. That group existed for about five years before it folded,” he says. But the club was beneficial in giving Gottfried a forum to discuss his newfound interest and gave him a chance to learn from more experienced connoisseurs. Eventually, he was approached by Patrice Mikec of the St. Athanasius Community Center. Mikec was looking for a variety of interesting classes to offer at the center and thought a wine-tasting class might be just the ticket. Gottfried readily agreed to teach the classes free of charge to help the center. The classes have been well-received and a great fundraiser for the community center. They are typically offered a few times a year,

with the next class occurring on Dec.14 at 7 p.m. The gatherings are always based on a theme. Fruit, cheese and crackers are served with four different wines. The December tasting will be based on pairing the best wine with holiday meals. “I try to always choose wines that are available in the state stores so that people can buy them and enjoy them on a regular basis,” explains Gottfried. When asked about his favorite wine, Gottfried can’t pick just one. “I love French Bordeaux. As far as diversity, Italy probably has the greatest variety.” Gottfried also supports local wine growers, but points out that they have major obstacles to overcome. The local wines are not carried in state stores, which prevents them from being readily available. Also, labrusca grapes are grown locally, but vinifera grapes will not grow in Pennsylvania climate. Vintners must order vinifera grapes or its juice to blend with the labrusca in order to make wine. “Many local wineries do a very good job of blending the grapes they grow with purchased grapes. Our growing season is about 150 days compared to Napa Valley’s 220 days. That’s tough to compete with.” As far as advice on good wines that are inexpensive, Gottfriend says, “Wines are like buses. If you miss one, there’s another one coming,” adding that the local state stores have a huge selection of good wines that are reasonably priced. For more information on wine tastings at St. Athanasius Community Center and other classes, visit StAthanasiuswv.org, or call 412.931.6633. ■ Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 19

New Confectionery Opens Seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Candies has been specializing in premium chocolates and friendly, old-fashioned service since 1921. Its first store in Pennsylvania recently opened at Ross Park Mall â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just in time for the holidays. 20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

Candy

— it’s hard to think of another word that conjures up so many emotions in just two syllables. The sweet flavors of milk and dark chocolate mixed with creams, caramels and nuts have always been synonymous with a luscious indulgence — whether associated with a holiday or just a welcome break from the everyday grind. Ross and West View residents can enjoy a lot more of the sweet life, now that See’s Candies has taken up residence in Ross Park Mall. The iconic candy store opened on Oct. 19 with a ribboncutting ceremony and lots of ready patrons waiting in line for free samples. The store has the characteristic black and white décor with friendly staff dressed in crisp white uniforms. But what sets the establishment apart even more is its commitment to producing candy with the best ingredients and no added preservatives. It is also one of the few remaining candy makers that ages its chocolate in order to give the finished product a more lush, mellow flavor. Like fine wine, fine chocolate improves with age. See’s has over 200 stores nationwide, but the Ross Park Mall location is the first in Pennsylvania. Ross Township residents may be more familiar with See’s Candies than they realize. One of the most memorable episodes of the “I Love Lucy” show was the scene in which Lucy and Ethel are working at a candy factory. When they cannot keep pace with the hundreds of chocolates on the conveyor belt, they begin to eat the candy pieces by the handful. This legendary moment in comedic history was filmed at a See’s Candies factory in California. The See’s Candies story began in 1921 with a shop in Los Angeles, opened by Charles See, who utilized the recipes of his mother, Mary See. Although the See family no longer owns the confectionery empire, Mary See’s image still adorns the boxes of candy that are shipped throughout the world and her recipes have been carefully preserved in each of the store’s offerings that millions of people happily savor each day. ■ Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 21

North Hills Senior Excels at Sarah Heinz House Boys & Girls Club North Hills Senior and Ross Township resident Brandon Chmura has been a member of Sarah Heinz House for 11 years. He was named 2013 Outstanding Boy Member and is currently serving on a National Steering Committee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Brandon is actively involved in the Keystone Leadership Development Club, the boys’ basketball team and was a 2013 Camp Counselor at the Heinz House Summer Camp, located near Ellwood City, PA. Brandon will tell you that Sarah Heinz House believes in investing in local youth by providing them with an amazing facility, caring staff, and quality programs. Youth today need constructive and challenging activities in addition to school. At Sarah Heinz House, children are valued, leaders are developed, and lifelong friendships are formed! There is something for every child’s interests at our beautiful North Shore facility with indoor pool, 2 gyms, fitness center, café and high quality, affordable afterschool programs in robotics and STEM, dance, swimming, gymnastics, fitness, sports leagues and homework help. Day and overnight camps are offered in the summer. Preschool and adult/senior citizen programs are also offered. See www. sarahheinzhouse.org for details regarding this valuable community resource or call 412-231-2377. We have served generations of youth since our founding in 1901 and are actively trying to reconnect with our alumni. Alumni are encouraged to email Bob Bechtold (Bechtold@sarahheinzhouse. com) if you would like to visit Sarah Heinz House or learn more about special alumni events and activities.

22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

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sharing the harvest If you’re a hunter but your freezer’s full, please consider donating your deer to Hunters Sharing the Harvest, a program that’s been helping to feed Pennsylvania’s hungry for more than 22 years.

The program is simple and rewarding – you go hunting, you arrange with your nearest participating processor to donate the deer (or elk, moose and caribou where applicable), and you make a tax-deductible $15 donation to help cover the cost of processing. All donations, whether monetary or deer meat, are recognized by a letter for your taxes and a window decal to let people know that your hunt helped feed the hungry. From the processing plant, your deer meat will be butchered and distributed to area food banks and charities throughout the state. Your average-sized deer can provide up to 200 meals to help those in need. As a hunter, you probably already know that deer meat is an extremely healthy food source that’s low in cholesterol and saturated fat. It has more protein and fewer calories than other processed meats, and is on par with other meats for nutritional content such as vitamins and minerals. For more information, call 866.474.2141 or email info@sharedeer.org.

County: Allegheny Kip's Deer Processing Padgelek, Paula 3 Saint John's Drive Carnegie, PA 15106 412.279.6527

Romes Meat & Deli Rome Sr., Ronald 312 Bonniebrook Road Butler , PA 16002 724.285.1236

Scott's Custom Deer Processing Mills, Scott 212 S. Main Street Albion, PA 16401 814.449.5335

TA Giger Deer Processing Giger, Tim 121 Kyle Road Valencia , PA 16059 724.898.2244

County: Butler Bims Boloney Slater, Bim 145 Morris Road Petrolia , PA 16050 724.894.2569

County: Erie McDonald Meats, Inc. McDonald, Neeli 10445 Ridge Road Girard, PA 16417 814.774.3507

County: Washington Bobeck's Deer Processing Bobeck, Mary 139 Craig Road Monongahela , PA 15063 724.258.2298

McKruit's Custom Meat Cutting McKruit, Tracy 1011 Bear Creek Road Cabot, PA 16023 724.352.2988

Pacileo's Great Lakes Deer Processing Pacileo, John 8890 Wattsburg Road Erie , PA 16509 814.825.3759

The meat processors serving the region for 2013 are:

County: Westmoreland Custom Deer Processing Monteparte, Samuel J. 131 Flowers Road New Alexandria, PA 15670 724.668.8950 Espey's Meat Market Espey Jr., Joe 319 Espey Meat Market Lane Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.3226

Lenik Deer Processing Lenik, Ron 204 Railroad Street Finleyville , PA 15332 724.348.7019

G. Karas Packing Karas, Sharon 606 Story Road Export , PA 15632 724.468.5811

Shuba's Processing Shuba, Steve 1116 Allison Hollow Rd-Shop Washington, PA 15301 724.255.4861

Hoffer's Ligonier Valley Packing Zimmerman, Denise 582 Darlington Road Ligonier , PA 15658 724.238.7112

Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 25

O Christmas Tree

Choosing a live evergreen tree in Ross Township BY MATTHEW J. FASCETTI

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and choosing a real Christmas tree is a season highlight for many families. Whether you make the trek to a tree farm to cut down your own, or head to your neighborhood tree lot, the smell of fresh pine in your home signals the beginning of the holiday season. Your tree selection is often the result of personal preference and budget, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Perhaps the most popular type of tree is the Fraser Fir. It has one-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch. Because there is space between the branches, the Fraser is easier to decorate and the firm branches hold heavier ornaments. Also very popular is the Noble Fir, with a deep green color, soft needles and well-shaped, sturdy branches. Other varieties include the Colorado Blue Spruce, known for its blue foliage and pyramidal shape with strong limbs that can hold heavy ornaments. The Grand Fir has glossy dark green foliage and is soft to the touch, however it may not hold heavier ornaments. The Balsam Fir is a wonderful dark-green color with airy, flexible branches and a pleasant fragrance. The branches are not as sturdy so it’s not the best choice for heavy decorating.

Find it here...

The White Fir has a pleasing natural shape and aroma and good needle retention. The Eastern White Pine is known for making garlands, wreaths and centerpieces due to its long, feathery-soft needles. Though it’s a beautiful tree, the branches can be a bit too flexible to use as a Christmas tree. Finally, the Douglas Fir makes a visually appealing tree with soft, shiny green needles and wonderful aroma. If you purchase your tree at a lot, keep in mind some pre-cut Christmas trees may have been cut weeks earlier. Try to buy your tree early to extend its freshness. Check the tree for brown needles and perform a “drop test.” Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and then firmly place the tree trunk on the ground. If green needles drop, it could indicate the tree may have been cut for some time. Once you take your tree home, make a straight cut at the bottom of the trunk, removing about one inch. This will improve the tree’s ability to absorb water. Place the tree in a container that holds at least one gallon of water and add more as needed. The base of the trunk should always be in water which will help sustain the beauty of the tree for as long as possible.

e Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm 920 Roosevelt Road

e Sam’s Club 289 Mt. Nebo Pointe

e Fairview Lawn & Garden Center 9234 Perry Hwy.

e The Home Depot Ross Park Mall Drive

e Brightwood Nurseries 84 Brightwood Avenue

e Hahn Nursery 5445 Babcock Blvd.

e Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse 8701 Duncan Road

e Soergels Orchards 2573 Brandt School Road

e Whole Foods 10576 Old Perry Hwy.

26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

ROSS TOWNSHIP City & School News

North Hills School District

Ross Township

29 Holiday Concerts Listing

36 A Message from the Ross Township Finance Director

North Hills Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and Commended Students

30 65 North Hills Students Named AP Scholars, Four Students Earned National AP Scholars Honors 31 NHSD Students Outperform State and National Peers on SAT Exam

New Middle School Assistant Principal Joins North Hills

32 North Hills’ Autistic Support Program Adds New Sensory Room 33 North Hills Backpack Initiative Collecting Food Items for Students in Need 34 Kindergarten Registration Packets Now Available

NH Eighth-Graders Learn Lifesaving Skills Through New Partnership

35 Partner with NHSD!

Find the Old Friends You Promised You’d Never Forget!

37 A Message from Ross Township Department of Public Works 38 Crafts and Cooking 39 Dance, Dance, Dance 40 Senior Programs 41 Potluck Classes and Fun Days 43 The Family That Trains Together 44 Winter Fun in the Gym

47 Health and Fitness : Exercise Options for All Fitness Levels 50 Public Service – Organizations, People and Programs 53 Paramedic Program “Connects” with Communities 54 A Message from our Volunteer Fire Companies 55 Have You Always Wanted to Learn How to Dance? 56 Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania & Finger Lakes of New York State

45 Youth and Teens

57 FREE Health and Wellness Programs

46 Just for Tots and Little Ones

58 Program Registration Form

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

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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 Athletics and Activities Amanda Hartle Communications Coordinator William McKellar Director of Safety & Security John Kreider Principal, North Hills High School Bill McGahee Asst. Principal, North Hills High School Ryan Yates Asst. Principal, North Hills High School Beth Williams Principal, North Hills Middle School Jason Beall Asst. Principal, North Hills Middle School Elaine Obidowski Principal, Highcliff Elementary Amy Mathieu Principal, McIntyre Elementary David Lieberman Principal, Ross Elementary Jesse Simpson Principal, West View Elementary

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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. Thomas J. Baker Mrs. Arlene J. Bender Mr. Jeff Meyer Mr. Joe Muha Dr. Annette Giovengo Nolish Mr. Lou Nudi Mrs. Kathy Reid Mr. Edward M. Wielgus Mr. Mike Yeomans Mrs. Lori Rieger, School Board Secretary

Stanley Marciniak, Class of 2014 Student Representative Sarah Glatz, Class of 2016 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

Dec. 5 – Combined Orchestra Dec. 6 – Guitar Recital (Middle School LGI Room) Dec. 10 – High School Bands Dec. 11 – Middle School Bands Dec. 12 – High School Choirs (High School Auditorium) Dec. 17 – Children’s Choir (West View Auditorium) Dec. 18 – Middle School Choirs Dec. 19 – Elementary Bands Feb. 21 – Mardi Gras at Ross Community Center (Tickets Required) Feb. 25 – Band-O-Rama

North Hills Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and Commended Students

orth Hills High School seniors Anthony Sciulli and National Merit Scholarship semifinalists account for one-third Nathan Spear have been chosen as 2014 National Merit of the exam’s 50,000 high scorers. Scholarship Program semifinalists. Seniors Jamie Ramsey and Gabe Stanton were named Sciulli and Spear represent two of the 16,000 students Commended Students in the program. They are among only selected for the nationwide honor. A total of 15,000 seniors will be 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation to be announced as National Merit Scholarship finalists in February and recognized with this academic accolade and scored in the top 5 will have an opportunity to compete for one of 8,300 National percent of entrants. Merit Scholarships. The National Merit program is an academic competition for Nationwide, semifinalists represent less than 1 percent of U.S. recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school high school seniors, and their ranks include the highest-scoring students enter the National Merit Program by taking the entrants in each state. Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test – a Throughout his high school career, Sciulli has been active test which serves as an initial screening of approximately 1.5 in National Honor Society, various North Hills instrumental million juniors in 22,000 high schools each year – and by meeting ensembles, the Knowledge Master Open academic competition, published program entry/participation requirements. Spanish Club and Student Council. He is the soccer team captain and a letter winner on the volleyball team. Outside of school, Sciulli volunteers as a youth soccer coach and serves as a referee for the North Hills Soccer Club. Spear participates in National Honor Society, Westinghouse Honors Science Institute, the Knowledge Master Open academic competition and Drama Club musicals and plays. He is a member of the North Hills Fighting Indians Marching Band as well as various other instrumental ensembles including jazz band. He is active in the North Hills Singers and the symphonic choir and has represented North Hills at the PMEA District Choral Festival, where he also qualified for the PMEA Regional Choral Festival. He is a two-year letter winner on the volleyball team and has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction. In his free time, he volunteers for World Vision and works at Panera Nathan Spear, Principal John Kreider and Anthony Sciulli Bread. Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 29

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he North Hills School District Music Department will hold numerous events throughout the upcoming winter concert season highlighting talented student musicians and vocalists. All events will be held in the North Hills Middle School auditorium unless noted otherwise. All performances begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free and community members are invited to attend. Non-perishable food donations will be taken at all events through December to benefit the North Hills Backpack Initiative. Please give generously!

Nor th Hills School District

Holiday Concerts Listing

65 North Hills Students Named AP Scholars, Four Students Earned National AP Scholars Honors

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total of 65 North Hills High School seniors and recent graduates have been named AP Scholars by the College Board following their outstanding performances on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) exams. In North Hills, 235 students took 449 exams in May 2013 and 81.7 percent scored 3 or above on the exams’ five-point scale earning college credit and setting a record high for the district.

Recent graduates Matthew Esch, Kevin Loughlin, Alexandra Rode and Elisabeth Spear were named AP Scholars with Distinction as well as National AP Scholars for earning an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams. These students are among the nation’s most elite academic performers. A total of 18 students also were named AP Scholars with Distinction after receiving an average score of 3.5 or

North Hills students outperformed their peers across Pennsylvania as only 68 percent of students scored 3 or above and around the world as only 22 percent of 2.2 million students tested performed at a level to merit various AP Scholar recognitions. More than 26 percent of the Class of 2013 scored a 3 or above on at least one AP exam while at North Hills. The 65 AP Scholars account for nearly 28 percent of all district students who participated in the AP exam program.

higher on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. North Hills AP Scholars with Distinction are 2013 graduates Tabitha Ashoff, Lisa Carter, Jianting Chi, Alexandra Clark, Autumn Dzadovsky, Matthew Esch, Matthew Falcona, Nicole Gallegor, Kyle Gricks, Tyler Jenkins, Kevin Loughlin, Alison Manjerovic, Sean McCarthy, Matthew Pack, Alexandra Rode, Elisabeth Spear and Michael Urich and senior Nathan Spear.

30 Ross Township

10 additional students were named AP Scholars with Honor after receiving an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken or scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. North Hills AP Scholars with Honor are 2013 graduates Evan Kilroy, Paige Kunz, Jesse Ritter and Sara Warsing and seniors Timothy Averell, Andrew Duerig, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Jamie Ramsey, Gabriel Stanton and Michael Zheng. A total of 37 students were named AP Scholars by receiving a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. North Hills AP Scholars are 2013 graduates Patrice Bailey, Jaclyn Brink, Malcolm Burke, Wayne Carney, Mary Dunbar, Wade Firaben, Cameron Huffmyer, Ryan Kennedy, Michael Kuban, Joseph Lako, Cameron Lawson, Richard Lore, Anna Madrishin, Robyn Madrishin, Miranda Pavelle, Jasmine Rhodes, Joseph Rock, Christina Roth, Sarah Scholze, Joseph Shoop, Alen Turcinhodzic and John Witherel and seniors Hailey Bocian, Lauren Brungo, Elena Gowdy, David Haddad, Kevin Higgins, Kara Hoffman, Abigail Humphrey, Joshua Kotchey, Anton Martinez, Madison McGonigal, Nicholas Ross, Alaina Scott, Benjamin Snyder, Zane Sporrer and Tyler Traeger. North Hills offers students 28 AP courses including 25 in the classroom and three online. These courses are in addition to the building’s 12 College-inHigh-School courses, five pre-Advanced Placement classes and 15 honors courses. Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement or both based on successful performance on the AP Exams. More than 3,200 institutions award a full year’s credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting a sufficient number of qualifying grades in the more than 30 AP exams available.

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orth Hills High School students continue to outperform their state and national peers on the SAT exam. Critical reading scores climbed to 510 - 20 points higher than state peers and 20 points above the national average. Writing scores soared to 510, while fellow students across the commonwealth and nation averaged 30 points lower at average scores of 480. In the math portion, North Hills students scored an average of 518 compared with state and national averages of 500 and 510. “The SAT remains an important exam for college admissions, and we are proud of our students’ achievement on the exam when compared to our state and national peers,” said John Kreider, North Hills High principal. North Hills High School juniors have the opportunity to complete an SAT Prep course during the course of their normal day. Students use their PSAT scores to identify strengths and weaknesses and work on an individual level as well as in small group and large group settings to improve their test-taking skills. Taught by an English teacher and a math teacher, the course equips students with the testing skills and strategies they need to be successful on the SAT exam. A total of 84 juniors are expected to complete the course this year. In addition, North Hills continues to provide access for all students to the College Board’s online SAT prep program. The online course allows each student to work at their own pace on their own schedule and target individual needs and personal goals through interactive lessons and personalized courses. According to the College Board, the SAT is the nation’s most widely used college admission test and is the first step toward higher education for students of all backgrounds. Every year more than two million students complete the SAT, which is accepted by virtually all colleges and universities. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year. For more information on SAT preparation, contact the Counseling Resource Center at 412.318.1434.

Nor th Hills School District

NHSD Students Outperform State and National Peers on SAT Exam

New Middle School Assistant Principal Joins North Hills

orth Hills School District has hired Jason Beall as the new North Hills Middle School assistant principal. “I am extremely pleased to welcome Mr. Beall to North Hills School District. He is a highly qualified educator and leader, and our middle students and teachers no doubt will thrive under his leadership,” said Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino, North Hills School District superintendent. Beall comes to North Hills from Glenwood Middle School in Glenwood, Md., a part of the Howard County Public School System, where he has been an inclusion and mathematics teacher since 2005. He also is an eighth-grade team leader, intramural coordinator and member of the school improvement team. Prior to that, he served as a mathematics teacher and school accountant and business manager at William H. Lemmel Middle School in the Baltimore City Public Schools system and also was the coordinator of the Math Works after-school program. Beall holds a Master of the Arts in Teaching degree in secondary mathematics and an administration and supervision certificate from Johns Hopkins University. He earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from Barton College. Beall relocated to the area from Mount Airy, Md., with his wife, Kristen. Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 31

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or th Hills School District

North Hills’ Autistic Support Program Adds New Sensory Room

orth Hills elementary special education students enrolled in the district’s autistic support program are benefiting from a new sensory room. Constructed at Ross Elementary School, the room provides a multisensory environment for students who require and benefit from sensory stimulation to enhance their learning, facilitate their therapy and improve their quality of life. “Since the beginning of the school year, we have seen significant changes in our students participating in this program,” said Nicole Bezila, North Hills School District director of pupil services. “Adaptive skills overall have improved for all involved students. Previously, some of our students struggled eating lunch in the cafeteria, participating in a full assembly or maintaining behavior in special classes such as gym, art or music. Our staff has found that using the sensory room prior to participating in activities that had once been difficult for the student has allowed that child to increase their time in the activity.” The room can be used as a calming environment, stimulating environment or a combination of both for students who require it. The room is equipped with a fiber optic waterfall, bubble wall, trampoline, body rocker and space maze UV area rug among other items.

32 Ross Township

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Nor th Hills School District

North Hills Backpack Initiative Collecting Food Items for Students in Need

he North Hills Backpack Initiative has returned for a third year and remains in need of donations to ensure the program’s sustainability. The program operates on donations and an estimated 55,800 food items will be required this school year for local families in need as 1,550 items are distributed weekly. Approximately 155 North Hills School District families across the district rely upon the program each week for individual care packages and family-size bags of food packed by North Hills students. Donation boxes also are located in every district building and can be accessed during the school day. Suggested donations include single-serving and individually packaged: Oatmeal Pudding Snack Crackers Sandwich Crackers Fruit cups Single-Serving Cereals

Granola and Cereal Bars Hearty Soups Canned Pasta Meals Tuna Boxed Macaroni & Cheese

Monetary donations also are accepted and can be sent to North Hills Middle School, Attn: Backpack Initiative, 55 Rochester Road, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15229. Make checks payable to North Hills Foundation and include “Backpack Initiative” in the memo line. Nearly one in every four North Hills School District students qualifies for the National School Lunch, which assures that eligible students receive free or reduced-price lunch and breakfast on school days. For many area families and millions of children across the nation, securing meals during the weekend can prove to be difficult. Due to those difficulties, the North Hills Backpack Initiative was started in 2012 by Kathy Helfrich, a North Hills High School guidance counselor, and Holly Michael, a gifted education teacher. The duo saw a need to supplement weekend food supplies for students who qualify for free meals during the school day. Along with other teachers and staff, they endeavored to meet students’ most basic need and prevent extreme hunger for students whose families cannot afford meals. Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 33

Kindergarten Registration Packets Now Available

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or th Hills School District

arents in the North Hills School District may obtain kindergarten registration packets for the 2014-15 academic year from any North Hills elementary school, from the lobby of the district’s administration center at 135 Sixth Avenue in Ross Township, or packets may be downloaded from the district’s website at www.nhsd.net. The packets provide necessary forms as well as information regarding required documents such as proofs of residency and health immunizations for kindergarten entrance. Completed registration packets will be accepted during school hours beginning March 31 by appointment. Evening appointments can be scheduled for April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. Incoming kindergarten families should call their respective school office beginning Feb. 3 to schedule a brief registration appointment, or fill out an online appointment request form at www.nhsd.net. Highcliff Elementary: 412.318.1582 McIntyre Elementary: 412.318.1622 Ross Elementary: 412.318.1542 West View Elementary: 412.318.1502 North Hills School District offers a full-day kindergarten program at all four elementary schools. The school day is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Highcliff and West View Elementary students and 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. for McIntyre and Ross Elementary students. Students registering for kindergarten must be five years of age before Sept. 1, 2014, to be enrolled for the 2014-15 school year. For more information regarding kindergarten registration, contact North Hills Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Dr. Marilyn J. Cain at 412.318.1006 or cainm@nhsd.net.

NH Eighth-Graders Learn Lifesaving Skills Through New Partnership

orth Hills Middle School eighthgrade students are learning how to save a life in an emergency situation thanks to the Passavant Hospital Foundation. In all eighth-grade health classes this fall and spring, students will spend a day being taught hands-only CPR by Ross and West View Emergency Services Association Training Coordinator Jen Swab. The simple maneuver is seen as an easy, lifesaving tool that can be provided by anyone witnessing an emergency situation. A total of 89 percent of people who suffer an out-ofhospital cardiac arrest die because they don’t receive CPR immediately. 34 Ross Township

In addition to the training, each student will receive a CPR kit that includes a training DVD, CPR reminder cards and an inflatable dummy as part of the American Heart Association’s Family & Friends CPR Anytime program. The goal of the program is to educate students who can go home and use the materials provided to educate family and friends on hands-only CPR. North Hills is one of six participating area school districts taking part in the program provided by the Passavant Hospital Foundation and the association. The association provided a $70,798 grant to the local foundation to make the program possible for area students.

• Imagine your company’s name being announced to thousands of local consumers throughout a North Hills football game or other sporting event this season? • Would you like to see your company’s banner displayed in all North Hills indoor athletic facilities through the winter and spring seasons? • Interested in placing an advertisement with direct access to the district’s nearly 4,500 weekly E-link subscribers? • Would you like to sponsor an event like Homecoming, Arts Alive or one of the North Hills High School’s prestigious academic academies? • Interested in having your business or organization be one of only a few EXCLUSIVE sponsors on the NHSD app? • Give back by sharing your professional expertise on an Advisory Board for one of the North Hills High School academic academies. North Hills School District endeavors to provide noted, high-quality learning opportunities for our students in a challenging academic environment. Our mission is to excel at educating and preparing each and every student to be a responsible, contributing member of a global marketplace, who is armed with 21st century skills to help them achieve future successes. Our district prides itself on our tradition of excellence. We welcome your company or organization’s support and partnership in our endeavors, and we look forward to partnering with you to create a continued future of excellence for our district and each and every North Hills School District student. Partnerships provide the ability to promote your business or organization through strategic marketing channels, while investing in public education with North Hills School District. Your partnership helps ensure the continuation of North Hills School District’s quality academic programs, valued arts endeavors and athletic activities. Interested? Contact NHSD Communications Coordinator Amanda Hartle at 412.318.1014 or hartlea@nhsd.net.

orth Hills School District is currently collecting data for an updated Alumni Directory. The district is working in partnership with Harris Connect for the publication slated to be released in approximately April 2014. Over the next several months, you may receive postcards, emails or phone calls from Harris Connect asking for updated contact information. We would appreciate your cooperation in updating your contact information. All updates are returned to North Hills School District, so that our database remains current. Harris Connect is only collecting information for purposes of the publication. Your directory information will not be released to any third parties. You decide whether or not your personal information is published. Please make your wishes clear to the representative with whom you speak. It is a great way to stay connected to the North Hills alumni community! The alumni directory will be available in hardbound, softbound and digital editions. Harris Connect specializes in alumni and membership publications and the data specifications involved with this type of project. The company has produced thousands for a variety of colleges, universities, high schools, and membership associations all over North America. Important Contact Information Call 1.866.783.7618 to verify/update your listing or place an order! Credit and debit cards or checks can be accepted via phone and installation payment plans are available. Harris Connect Hours of Operation Monday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Questions? Contact NHSD Communications Coordinator Amanda Hartle at 412.318.1014 or hartlea@nhsd.net or visit the Alumni section at www.nhsd.net.

For more information on NHSD Community Partnership Opportunities, scan the QR code! Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 35

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very day 15,000 vehicles drive past North Hills School District’s new digital sign on Perry Highway outside of Martorelli Stadium. Would you like to reach a new audience and see your company’s advertisement here? This is just one of the many partnership opportunities available to you!

Find the Old Friends You Promised You’d Never Forget!

Nor th Hills School District

Partner with NHSD!

A MESSAGE FROM THE

ROSS TOWNSHIP FINANCE DIRECTOR

n May of 2013, I was appointed to the Finance Director’s position and joined a team of talented professional who I enjoy working with. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Business from Thiel College after graduating from Montour High School, and have since accomplished twenty-three years of experience in municipal government in both finance and management. In addition to the Finance Director’s position, the Finance Department includes two Accounting Professionals. Together we are accountable to ensure that the Township revenues and expenses are meeting all professional standards. These standards ensure that we can maintain the current level of services available to our residents, as well as continually striving to find ways to enhance these services within our budget. Another vital function of the Finance Director is to provide timely financial reports to the Board of Commissioners and Township Manager on a monthly basis. Monthly financial reports, to me, are of the outmost importance. These reports not only show the clear and concise revenues and expenses, but also provide a level of detail that enables your elected officials to have first-hand knowledge of the Township finances. With this knowledge the Board can maintain Ross as a family –oriented community by providing a high quality of life for all while continuing to support the establishment of new businesses. Currently we are working on the 2014 Budget with final adoption at the Board of Commissioners meeting on December 16th at 7:30 p.m. Once the 2014 Budget is advertised for public review, a copy will be available, during regular business hours, at the receptionist desk at the Township Municipal Facility. Please feel free to contact the Finance Department by calling 412.931.7055 for additional information pertaining to Ross Township finances.

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oss Township

Dawn Lane, Director of Finance

Best regards, Dawn Lane

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

36 Ross Township

Municipal Center Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Community Center: Monday – Thursday 8:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Fri. & Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Sunday 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Holidays: The Municipal Center will be closed in the fall on these days to observe holidays: December 25, January 1, February 17, April 18, and April 20.

The Ross Township DPW primary responsibilities are: maintaining township roadways, storm drains, the main sanitary sewer system, park maintenance, and winter snow and ice control.

Michael Funk, Director of Public Works

Township Roadways – Ross Township completed a one-million dollar paving project this year. Township paving and line painting are completed through our pavement management system, under which roads are assessed by public works periodically to ensure the most-needed road repairs and repaving projects are prioritized. To inquire about your road’s paving status, call 412.931.7055. For other roadway issues, please call the Public Works Department at 412.931.3956. Most major township roads are maintained by Allegheny County or the Commonwealth of PA. For problems on these roads, call: Allegheny County Maintenance 412.931.2517 Babcock Blvd (north of Rochester) Three Degree Road West View Avenue Evergreen Road McIntyre Road Cemetery Lane Jacks Run Road Bellevue Road Mt Troy Road & Extension Penn DOT Maintenance 412.364.2122 McKnight Road Reis Run Road Perry Highway Babcock Blvd (south of Rochester) Lowries Run Road Union Avenue Rochester Road Sutter Road Perrysville Avenue Siebert Road Gass Road Sewickley-Oakmont Road Evergreen-Peoples Plank Road Township Storm Drains - Township storm drains are permitted through the federal Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). We are constantly updating our MS4 compliance, to be certain we are within the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection Standards, performing due diligence for the benefit of the regional environment. Sanitary Sewer System – The DPW is responsible for main lines of the sanitary sewer system in Ross Township. Lateral Sewer Pipes are the responsibility of the home or building owner - Sanitary sewer backups are usually found in the sewer laterals that run from the building to the sewer main pipes. To prevent sewer problems in your lateral pipes, have your plumber check your lateral with a TV survey from time to time. Do not plant trees near sewer laterals, as roots will plug the line. Do not place fill over sewer lines and manholes. Call a plumber to assist you with sewer backups if they occur. If your plumber can verify a problem in the main sewer line, contact the Ross Township DPW at 412.931.3956 or call 911. Winter Snow and Ice Control - Public Works divided the township into 13 snow districts, (approximate 120 miles of road, each truck covers approx. 9 miles of road). We use approximately 12,000 tons of salt per year. Each district takes approximately 2-1/2 hours to remove snow and salt. All roads are important to us - major roads are covered first, with secondary streets being completed afterwards. It is very helpful to the snow crews if cars are not parked on the street during a snow event. Particularly in the case of early morning snow events, the Public Works Director works closely with the Superintendent of North Hills School District to ensure the safety of all school students. Bus routes take precedence over other streets in the township, and road conditions are continuously reported to the Superintendent in order to make decisions regarding school delays and cancellations. Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 37

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ROSS TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)

Ross Township

A MESSAGE FROM

COMMUNITY

Crafts and Cooking At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

FIGGY PUDDING COOKING CLASS

ind out why the carolers asked “please bring us some Figgy Pudding” in the ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ song!! That’s right – we’ve discovered what’s so good about Figgy Pudding that the carolers of old sang “We won’t leave until we get 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.

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Date: Saturday, December 21, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Cost: $20, includes instruction, dessert, and beverage.

LEARN THE BASICS OF PYSANKY!

UKRANIAN EASTER EGG WORKSHOP

oin Michael Kapeluck of Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church to learn the ancient art of “writing” with hot wax to create magnificent and authentic Ukrainian Easter Eggs-Pysanky. The cost for this 3-hour workshop is $27, which covers the cost for the decorating tools, dyes and eggs. Because you have to use a candle (open flame) for creating Pysanky, this class is open to adults and children 12 and older children under adult supervision. Date: Saturday, March 15th, 1-4 p.m. Cost: $27, includes materials

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SPANIKOPITA CLASS

ue to the overwhelming demand for last season’s Baklava class, we’re running this ‘sequel’ class which also uses the fabulous Filo dough! Join Rochelle Hahn to learn the secrets of mouthwatering, perfect Spanikopita. She’ll walk you through all the steps of working with Filo dough to make this ever-popular Greek dish. You’ll take home some of the goods! Date: Sunday, January 5, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Cost: $20, includes materials

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

START THE NEW YEAR OUT DANCING! These dance classes are designed for people who have always wanted to learn but have never tried or are very new to dancing. The lessons are immediately 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. The first and fourth Saturday of every month will feature beginner Ballroom Dance lessons. The second and third Saturday of every month will feature basic Swing Dance lessons. Dance partner not required.

choice of beef or chicken entrée, pasta side, and your choice of two vegetables. Chocolate Desserts (of course) will follow! Dancing will begin at 8:30. Date: Saturday, February 15, 7:30 – 10:30 Cost: $30.00 – Table for 6 for $150.00 Please register by Feb 1

ROSS DANCE CLASS FAVORITE: BEGINNER COUNTRY LINE DANCE

You can do this!!

This is a great class for beginners to advanced line dancers. Every Thursday (except the day after Christmas) 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.

Date: Saturday, January 4 through Saturday, March 29 Cost: Dance Lesson & Dance: $10 Dance Lesson Only: $5

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

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER DANCE

Date: Cost:

No Registration required for this program. Just show up and learn how to dance.

This is going to be so much more fun than the forever-wait for a table on Valentine’s Day. The Dinner menu will include salad,

Starts Thursday, December 12 10-week Session, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Ross Resident: $40/session or $5/class Non-resident: $50/session or $6/class

Another 10-week session will begin on March 13.

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Dance, Dance, Dance

Ross Township

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

COMMUNITY

Senior Programs At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

SENIOR INFORMATION SERIES

SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH

The SIS is an informative session that meets to facilitate the exchange of information pertinent to senior citizens in Ross Township. Come find out - What’s Happening around Ross! We also discuss current and future program ideas for what seniors can get involved with through the Ross Community Center.

Senior Lunch Bunch is one of the most popular, fun programs for Ross senior citizens. Come join us as we try 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.

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

Call the Recreation Desk 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.

Date: First Wednesday of every month 10:30 – 12:30 P.M.

SENIOR FITNESS

Date: Second Wednesday of every month 11:30 A.M. meeting time

Make new friends, keep up with the grandkids and have some fun! Join FitWell Studios’ certified fitness instructor Karla for a motivating exercise class that will improve your strength, balance and coordination using light weights, resistant tubing and low-impact aerobics.

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FREE CLASSES – January 14 & 16 at 10:30 A.M. Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASSES with Karla Date: 10 weeks of class beginning Jan 21 & 23 Tuesday and Thursdays Cost: SESSION RATE: Ross Resident: $85 by 1/16 $105 after 1/16 Non-resident: $95 by 1/16 $115 after 1/16 PER CLASS RATE: Ross Resident: $10 per class Non-resident: $12 per class Register at the end of the FREE CLASSES and save $20.00. Standard registration after 1/16

SENIOR BUS PASS Did you know you can register for PAT Senior bus passes at the Ross Community Center? Call Jackie Snyder or Roseanne Jones at 412.931.7055 for an appointment. Participants must be 65 and have a driver’s license/photo ID.

SENIOR POT LUCK and PARTY Come socialize while you have a great time trying new dishes with soon-to-be friends. Please call the Recreation Desk (412.931.7055 x204) a week ahead with the dish you will be bringing, so we have a great variety of dishes! Date: Third Wednesday of every month 11:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

40 Ross Township

Through the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

GUYS! LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER 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. 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! Date: Sunday, December 22, 12:00 -7:00 p.m.

DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY HISTORY Lesle Dunn, Ross resident and Allegheny County Library Association member, will lead us through this very basic genealogy course emphasizing primary and secondary research resources from your home, courthouses, societies, libraries and the internet. Bring a pencil, paper and your “Jessica Fletcher” mind - prepare to discover the past! Date: 10-week session starting Sunday, March 2, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Cost: Ross Resident: $60 Non-resident: $70

JOHN ELD WINE SEMINAR SERIES Wintery Sundays at Evergreen Park Ages 21 and up Mr. John Eld, “Pittsburgh’s Voice of Wine” uses the public speaking skills he honed as news anchor on WWSW and KQV to teach wine appreciation. John is often called upon to judge wine competitions, and has even hosted a radio program locally called “John Eld’s World of Wine.” For more than fifteen years he taught wine and food classes for Community College of Allegheny County. He has served as both Chairman and vice-chairman of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Wine Society.

LOONEY TOONS FESTIVAL COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK 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.

His special area of expertise, however, is the matching of wine and food. He is often found consulting with businesses and individuals to pick appropriate wines for special events or conducting wine and food evenings for professional groups or charities. Join Mr. Eld for three cozy, Wintery Sunday afternoons at the Evergreen Park house. We’ll enjoy learning about and tasting wine/food pairings with Pittsburgh’s Voice of Wine. Reds and Whites for Frosty Nights January 12 – Full bodied wines with lots of flavor to chase away the winter chill. Romantic Valentine Wines February 9 – The poet Omar Khayam put it best: “A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and thou.”

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

Sunny South America March 9 – It may be winter in Pittsburgh but in Argentina and Chile it’s harvest time!

Time: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $5

Time: All seminars will be from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Residents: $25/seminar $60/series of 3 Non-residents: $30/seminar $72/series of 3

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Potluck Classes and Fun Days

Ross Township

COMMUNITY

For your generous support of

ROSS TOWNSHIP

Community Day – 2013 – Major Corporate Sponsor

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY SPONSORS

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Allegheny Valley Bank COMCAST Gateway Engineering Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center The Teachers of North Hills Education Association

OUTDOOR VENDORS

INDOOR VENDOR FAIR

Best Kettle Korn

Gutter Helmet Systems

Advocare

Nancy Duss Crafts

California Pizza

Home Depot

Avon

Olive Tap

Flame BBQ

Matt Mertz Plumbing

Barbie Doll Ladies

Pampered Chef

Large Plain Pizza

North Hills Truck/Trailer

Blinky Toys

Pink Zebra

Mediterrano Restaurant

Physical Rehab. Services

Camp Bow Wow

Premier Designs Jewelry

North Hills Grille

Restoration Magament Svcs

Cherish

Promotional Products

Cookies n Critters

RED

Ross Democratic Committee

Digital Doc

Ross Twp Police

Ross Repulican Committee

Empire Beauty School

Rusmur Floors

Far Horizon Bead Works

Tastefully Simple

Fire Prevention Team

The Art of Fudge

GNC

Thirty-One Gifts

Holy Family Manor

True Merchant

Janice Freshwater

Tupperware

Jean’s Tie Bags

Turo Family Chiropractic

Marshall Way Defense

Watkins Spices

Qdoba Mexican Grill Red Orchid Sydorick Concessions Allegheny Valley Bank AA Novelties LLC

Sewickley Valley Pediatric

Mary Kay Ross Township Parks and Recreation | 1000 Ross Municipal Drive | Phone: 412.931.7055 x204 42 Ross Township

MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES Designed to Encourage Family Participation

FREE MORNING GYM TIME FOR WALKERS!

Youth (ages 7-13) and Adult (ages13+) Training

All ages welcome!

This will be a traditional-updated Martial Arts curriculum that encompasses Self-Defense, Physical Enrichment, and Mental Growth. This is a year-round ongoing program that will give students the tools and confidence to be better prepared to overcome obstacles in life.

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!

Date: Starting in January at the Evergreen Park Community Building! Youth Class will meet Tues | Thurs 6:00-6:45 p.m. Adult Class will meet Tues | Thurs 7:00-8:00 p.m. Cost: Tuition is $65/month for Ross Residents and $75/month for non-Residents.

Time: Monday through Friday, every morning from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

OPEN BASKETBALL GYM TIMES January – March Schedule The Gym will be open for basketball on the following days during the winter months: Time: Monday Friday

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (closed President’s Day) 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.(closed February 21) and 9:15 – 10:30 p.m. (except March 7)

The Gym will be open for family gym time on the following days during the winter months: Time: Tuesday 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Little/Mighty Dragons: Ages 4-7 This program will be an adaptation of the Youth Martial Arts Program, but built around the energy and focus that the age group of 4-7 years old brings. It is designed to engage the children while not forcing material on them that is beyond their grasp. This is an entry point for Youth classes, and is meant to provide a stepping stone towards further development. Date: Dragons will meet Thurs 5:00-5:45 p.m. Cost: Tuition is $45/month for Ross Residents and $55/month for non-Residents. Family Discount – Additional family members (up to 3), add on $40 each for youth/adults, and $30 for each Dragon. Each family member over 3 additional is free. Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 43

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The Family that Trains Together

Ross Township

COMMUNITY

Winter Fun in the Gym At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

NEW PROGRAM! PICKLE-BALL Get in on this fun new game that is sweeping the country! Pickle-ball® is played on a badminton-sized, lownet court with special Pickle-ball® paddles that are much like Ping-Pong paddles. The ball used is similar to but slightly smaller than a wiffle ball. The lower net and lighter ball allow the game to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, while still allowing more competitive players to test their mettle.

FREE MORNING GYM TIME FOR WALKERS! All ages welcome! 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! Time: Monday through Friday, every morning from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

We’ll start this first Winter Session with folks 40 and over. Three courts will be set up in the gym every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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Date: 10-week session, 1/7– 3/13 Tuesdays and Thursdays in the gym 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Ross Resident: $80 Non-resident: $90

COMMUNITY

Youth and Teens At the EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CENTER

ADVENTURES IN MINECRAFT Ages 8-12 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. Date: 6 Monday Sessions, Beginning January 29, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Cost: Ross Resident: $125 Non-resident: $135

44 Ross Township

Mobile Game Design Ages 9-13 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! Date: 6 Monday Sessions, Beginning January 29, 6:45 – 8:15 p.m. Cost: Ross Resident: $125 Non-resident: $135

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

ROSS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Monthly Meetings Join the historical society for their monthly meeting at the Ross Municipal Building. For the January meeting, please bring with you a special keepsake or memento that speaks of your personal history. We will have a round table sharing of memories and people and history that are extremely important to us individually and speak strongly about who we are. All meetings are free and open to the public. Please join us! Date: Friday, January 17, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Promote, Attract and Enhance Ross Township Business and Economic Development “RED” is working to: • Promote local businesses • Attract new development • Enhance our community A Ross Township specific, non-profit organization, “RED” is comprised of local businesses working together to strengthen our economy and enhance our community. We are considering several initiatives for action in 2014 and are soliciting input from Ross Township businesses. If you own or represent a business in Ross Township we want to hear from you. Join us as we promote, attract and enhance. For more information, and to contact us: • Online at www.localross.com • Call Craig Linner at 412.318.2900

ART & ROBOTIC THERAPY Ages 6-16 Social Robot Therapy for Autistic Children Fine Art Miracles, Inc.’s trained art teachers and therapists, and Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Department have teamed up to offer parents and children an art class with the added benefit of robotic therapy…..don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet Romibo and get creative! You’ll never look at art the same way again! This program is eight consecutive weeks, starting February 5 through March 26. Date: Beginning Wednesday, February 5, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cost: Residents: $160 Non-residents: $180 The presenters of this program are actively seeking funding – financial assistance may be available. Please inquire at registration.

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Organizations and Programs

Ross Township

COMMUNITY

Just for Tots and Little Ones At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

ROSS ROMPERS

HAPPY FEET

Calling All Parents!

Story Time with a Soccer Ball

Bring your little ones for unstructured playtime.

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!

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 roleplaying 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.

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Dates: 10-week session, starts Tuesday, 1/7 – 3/11, 10-12 p.m. Cost: $15 per child, $20 per family

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. Dates: 6-week session, Wednesday, January 15 through February 19 3 - 4 years old 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. 5 - 6 years old 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Cost: Ross Resident: $60 Non-resident: $70

BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY The Ross Recreation Department is always looking for volunteers to help with large events such as Community Day, Easter Eggstravaganza, and the 4th of July. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Suzi at 412.931.7055 x204. THANK YOU!

SEASONAL STORYTIME Monthly Storytelling Series your kids will Love! Designed just for Tots 3-5 years old, this program includes a season-related story and craft, as well as a fun, seasonal snack. Join us for story-time fun on the second Friday in February, March, and April. Dates: Starting Friday, February 14, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. February 14 – Be Our Valentine March 14 – Lucky Leprechaun Month April 11 – Bunnies, Bunnies Everywhere Cost: Ross Resident: $15 for all three days Non-resident: $20 for all three days Please register by February 7

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EXERCISE OPTIONS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

BEGINNER YOGA

PILATES

New to Yoga? This Class is for You!

Transform Your Body with Pilates!

10 weeks of class beginning January 20

Join FitWell Studios’ registered yoga instructor Michele for a wonderful class that focuses on the foundations of yoga. Improve your balance, increase your energy, and enhance your strength and flexibility. Practicing yoga will help you cope with stress and bring overall wellness into your life.

Join FitWell Studios’ certified Pilates instructor Linda for an invigorating Pilates mat class. Pilates targets the deepest muscles in the body to create a strong core, toned and sleek muscles, improved balance and coordination and increased flexibility. Pilates is the BEST exercise for any fitness level.

Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Michele Dates: FREE CLASS – January 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. Monday 11 a.m. Cost: Register at the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 1/13: Ross Resident: $80 by 1/13 $95 after 1/13 Non-resident: $90 by 1/13 $105 after 1/13

Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Linda Dates: FREE CLASS – January 13, 2014 at 5:30 PM Monday 5:30 p.m. Cost: Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 1/13: Ross Resident: $80 by 1/13 $95 after 1/13 Non-resident: $90 by 1/13 $105 after 1/13

ZUMBA TONE Ditch the Workout and Join the Party! 10 weeks of class beginning January 21 Join FitWell Studios’ certified ZUMBA instructor Meghan 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! Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Meghan Dates: FREE CLASS – January 14, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Cost: Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 1/14: Ross Resident: $80 by 1/14 $95 after 1/14 Non-resident: $90 by 1/14 $105 after 1/14

PILATES ON THE BARRE Tone Your Entire Body! 10 weeks of class beginning January 22 Join FitWell Studios’ certified Pilates instructor Linda for a fat burning and toning Pilates workout using 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! Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Linda Dates: FREE CLASS – January 15, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Cost: Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 1/15: Ross Resident: $80 by 1/15 $95 after 1/15 Non-resident: $90 by 1/15 $105 after 1/15 Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 47

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Health and Fitness

Ross Township

COMMUNITY

Health and Fitness EXERCISE OPTIONS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

BOOT CAMP Get Strong & Lean In 2014! 10 weeks of class beginning January 25 Join FitWell Studios’ certified fitness instructor Dawn for a high energy, fat blasting, cardio and body sculpting class. This class will rev up your metabolism, burn stubborn calories, tone every muscle and tighten your core.

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Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Dawn Dates: FREE CLASS – January 18, 2014 at 8:15 a.m. Saturday 8:15 a.m. Cost: Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 1/18: Ross Resident: $80 by 1/18 $95 after 1/18 Non-resident: $90 by 1/18 $105 after 1/18

PILATES

MIXED-LEVEL YOGA

Pilates is the Best Exercise for All Fitness Levels!

Gain Flexibility & Strength with Yoga!

10 weeks of class beginning January 25

Join FitWell Studios’ certified Pilates instructor Alexandra 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 FitWell Studios’ registered yoga instructor Amanda for a terrific mixed-level yoga class designed for beginner to experienced yoga students. Practicing yoga will increase energy levels, improve balance, and build strength and resiliency.

Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Alexandra Dates: FREE CLASS – January 18, 2014 at 10:45 a.m. Saturday 10:45 a.m. Cost: Register at the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00. Standard registration after 1/18: Ross Resident: $80 by 1/18 $95 after 1/18 Non-resident: $90 by 1/18 $105 after 1/18

Email: info@fitwellstudios.com to secure your spot in the FREE CLASS with Amanda

48 Ross Township

Dates: FREE CLASS – January 18, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. Cost: Register by the end of the FREE CLASS and save $15.00.Standard registration after 1/18: Ross Resident: $80 by 1/18 $95 after 1/18 Non-resident: $90 by 1/18 $105 after 1/18

R OSS TOWN SHI P N E WS

Ross Township

COMMUNITY

Health and Fitness EXERCISE OPTIONS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS

At the ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

STEP, SCULPT & CORE Time Flies in this Energizing, Low-Impact 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! Dates: Jan 7 – March 25, Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Cost: Register by 12/31 and save $12.00. Standard registration after 12/31: Ross Resident: $84 by 12/31 $96 after12/31 Non-resident: $96 by 12/31 $108 after12/31

NEW PROGRAM! PICKLE-BALL Get in on this fun new game that is sweeping the country! Pickle-ball® is played on a badmintonsized, low-net court with special Pickle-ball® paddles that are much like Ping-Pong paddles. The ball used is similar to but slightly smaller than a wiffle-ball. The lower net and lighter ball allow the game to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, while still allowing more competitive players to test their mettle. We’ll start this first Winter Session with folks 40 and over. Three courts will be set up in the gym every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Dates: 10-week session, 1/7– 3/13 Tuesdays and Thursdays in the gym 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Ross Resident: $50 Non-resident: $60

VOLLEYBALL IS BACK! Get moving and chase those winter blues away with a friendly game of Sunday Volleyball. Lisa Dapritch, long-time Ross basketball instructor, will be organizing our Winter Volleyball games. The program is open to anyone 16 or over, and will run for 10 consecutive weeks. Dates: 10-week session, 1/19– 3/23 Sundays in the gym, Starting Jan. 19, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Ross Resident: $60 Non-resident: $70 Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 49

COMMUNITY

Public Service – ORGANIZATIONS, PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS

In and Around ROSS

ROSS/WV EMSA - “THE DIFFERENCE”

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SUBMITTED BY GREG PORTER

I am often asked what makes Ross/West View EMSA different. There are many ways to take and answer that question. First of all, it is a tremendous complement to our administration and operational staff to be seen as “different”. In this brief article, I will highlight a couple items that standout to me as different, but I really hope to focus on is some of our training achievements for calendar year 2013.

All of these things we strive to do, no matter what situation you find yourself in. Be it over a hill, in a trench, in water, trapped in a car or simply lying at home in bed, we are going to bring the best possible medical care to your side. That is our job and we are proud to do it. This is possible, primarily and certainly not without the commitment of our dedicated staff.

We strive to provide the highest level of pre-hospital care and rescue services that we possibly can. In fact, these very words are part of our mission statement. We strive to be compassionate and empathetic to our patients and family. We strive to leave no need unmet, keeping you warm, as comfortable as possible and educated about the situation and what we are doing to help you.

Ross/West View EMSA is comprised of 50 people including volunteers, part time and full time career staff. Reviewing training hours for calendar year 2013 January 1 through September 30, it struck me just how very different we are. Each Pennsylvania Paramedic or EMT is required to maintain a minimum level of continuing education annually. The requirement imposed by the

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ORGANIZATIONS, PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS

In and Around ROSS we can be and provide the best possible service we can possibly provide. Topics for 2013 training included but was not limited to cardiac care, burns, pediatrics, trauma, advanced airway care, water rescue, hazardous materials, rope rescue, vehicle rescue, structural collapse, medical care to entrapped patient, child passenger safety, highway traffic safety, tactical medical care, confined space rescue, atmospheric monitoring and many more. Some of these sessions were local and many required travel to various cities and states. A large majority of the related costs were out of the pocket of our own members and with little help from the organization. While we would like to pay them hour for hour when training and cover all related expenses, budgeting in pre-hospital care is extremely difficult right now. With decreasing insurance revenue, many unknowns from the government healthcare plan and increasing cost of operations, training is an area that is difficult to fund. The organization pays limited expenses for select trainings sessions that are seen as priority items. The remaining expense is paid for by the individual staff member. It would be easy to do the minimum. Our staff will not settle for “minimums” and always strives to do better. Thank you to the staff of Ross/West View EMSA for your continued commitment and drive to be Different. Greg Porter Assistant Director Ross/West View EMSA

Pennsylvania Department of Health has always been seen as a minimum to Ross/West View EMSA. Paramedics are required to maintain 18 hours annually and EMT’s are required to maintain 24 hours every three years. Ross/West View EMSA conducts 4 quarterly training days that each and every member must attend. Above and beyond those state requirements and 4 quarterly training sessions, the staff at Ross/West View EMSA logged a staggering 6704 hours of training above and beyond our basic expectations in just 9 months. That is 6704 hours away from our families or 6704 hours not doing hobbies, working on their homes or simply walking their dog. That is 6704 hours training to be the best that

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Public Service –

Ross Township

COMMUNITY

Public Service – ORGANIZATIONS, PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS

In and Around ROSS

ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT Spotlight on Forensic Investigations

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One of the many benefits of being served by the Ross Township Police Department, setting us apart from other municipal police agencies of similar size, is our Forensic Investigations Unit. Setting the bar for other area agencies in this specialty has always been the goal of our investigators. A single drop of blood collected at the scene of a residential burglary, not only lead to the arrest of the suspect for breaking into the victim’s home, but also proved that the suspect was the offender who committed two separate bank robberies in another county. The DNA of the offender was what convicted him of all three crimes and this investigation was conducted ten years ago.

case in this particular crime. The offender was eventually arrested and brought to justice. These cases are just two of many cases worked by our Forensic Investigations Unit. Evidence that might otherwise have been overlooked was identified, collected and preserved. Today, our Forensic Investigations Unit continues to exemplify excellence in the arena of using science to solve crime. The Ross Township Police Department is home to a crime lab that facilitates forensic photography, fingerprint development, DNA and fiber collections, shoe and tire impressions and other types of evidence preservation and development. These represent both old and new technologies that are used to identify and arrest criminals. The most recent improvements have been in the area of collecting and preserving what is known as “Touch DNA”. This method of collection takes a refined process to accomplish, as touch DNA samples require much smaller amounts of human cell material to make an identification of a suspect.

More recently, valuable evidence was collected during the investigation of a serious hit and run vehicle incident. Photographs of tire impressions in the snow were used to help link the suspect vehicle to the crime scene. During the course of the investigation, the car was identified and processed for evidence. Material consistent with the coat worn by the victim was recovered from the suspect vehicle. This helped link the victim to the car. These types of evidence are valuable in such cases, especially when there are not any witnesses, which was the

The Ross Township Police Department seeks to be a leader in forensic investigations. In fact, our detectives have at times assisted other police agencies with their crime scenes and have even hosted CSI training, attended by investigators from near and far, right here at the Ross Township Municipal Center. It is clear that our investment into the development of the Forensic Investigations Unit has paid off and will continue to produce results when serious crimes occur. This commitment to excellence is evident in all of the various units within our police department, making your community a safer place to live, work and play. If you discover a crime has been committed or is in progress, please call 911 without delay. New Officers Hired We welcome newly hired officers Justin Allenbaugh and Daniel Papale to the police department. Our newest officers started on September 16, 2013. Officer Allenbaugh is a veteran of the Army and was previously employed for 2 ½ years with the Crafton Police Department. Officer Papale holds a B.S. Degree in Journalism and was previously employed for 8 years with the University of Pittsburgh Police Department. The hiring of these officers brings the department to its full complement of 43 officers.

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It is very common for the elderly, especially those that live alone or do not have family near them, to call 911 for ambulance service. However, a lot of the time, this person is not sick enough to warrant a hospital visit. The ambulance is put in the precarious position of transporting them to the hospital anyway, or they do not get paid. Many ambulance services were facing financial issues. This spurred CONNECT to contact the Allegheny County EMS Council in order to brainstorm on ways they could help. The result was this two-year, $600,000 project which is a partnership between CONNECT, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the Allegheny County EMS Council and the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. With the Community Paramedic Program, patients will be paired with community paramedics, hired by the Center for Emergency Medicine, who will provide in-home disease management services. The paramedic will

help them manage chronic health problems such as diabetes, asthma, and chronic heart disease. The paramedic will work with the patient as an advocate with health and human service agencies that might be able to help them. They will also make home visits and follow up phone calls, or even accompany the patient to the doctor’s office. There will be a 24-hour answering service. Patients are expected to be discharged from the program within 30-45 days of start. The program will be available to residents of Aspinwall, Baldwin Borough, Baldwin Township, Bellevue, Brentwood, Carnegie, Castle Shannon, Crafton, Dormont, Edgewood, Tena, Green Tree, Homestead, Ingram, Kennedy, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Oliver, Munhall, O’Hara, Penn Hills, Reserve, Robinson, Ross, Rosslyn Farms, Scott, Shaler, Sharpsburg, Stowe, Swissvale, West Homestead, West Mifflin, West View, Whitehall, and Wilkinsburg. Participants can sign up on their own or will be referred by doctors, hospitals or health insurers. “Since its establishment, CONNECT has repeatedly been successful at identifying issues that are common to the urban core and has mobilized stakeholders to develop solutions while promoting cooperation across municipal borders,” said Dan DeMarco, Chairman of CONNECT and Ross Township Commissioner. “We look forward to sharing the results of our work at our annual Legislative Session and voting on resolutions that will guide our important work for the next year.” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor-elect Bill Peduto, who is on the ballot to become a 2014 CONNECT officer, will be in attendance to share their vision for CONNECT and the future of our region. *Reprinted with permission of the Allegheny County League of Municipalities (ALOM)

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an DeMarco, Ross Township Commissioner and Chairman of the Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT), participated in the recent Fall Conference programming by telling attendess about their new Community Paramedic Program which started in September. CONNECT is an organization that was formed to encourage cooperation between the City of Pittsburgh and 36 neighboring municipalities. CONNECT works to deliver important public services; provide a forum for strong communication and find ways to maximize economic development.

Ross Township

Paramedic Program “Connects” with Communities

A Message from our Volunteer Fire Companies ROSS TOWNSHIP IS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE EIGHT DEDICATED, 100% VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES THAT SERVE OUR COMMUNITY: BERKELEY HILLS EVERGREEN FAIRVIEW 235 Siebert Road 2127 Babcock Boulevard East Forest Avenue 412.366.2910 412.821.3957 412.761.3371 KEATING LAUREL GARDENS PERRYSVILLE 39 West View Avenue 160 6TH Avenue 985 Perry Highway 412.931.2447 412.366.3332 412.366.2782 QUAILL SEVILLE 50 Gass Road 124 Enger Avenue 412.766.9698 412.766.1440

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nlike City-run fire departments, there is no designated fire tax in Ross Township. The fire departments in Ross are 100% volunteer. We are your neighbors and friends - we donate our time to serve you, our residents! All fire companies in the township own their own land, buildings, equipment, and parking lots, and are responsible for their maintenance. Each Fire Company receives a yearly stipend from Ross Township, to help with the total cost to keep our Fire Companies operating. Operating costs vary according to size, with each fire company expecting to fundraise at least 30% of their average yearly operating expenses for equipment, building maintenance, and fire-fighting gear. The Volunteer Fire Companies continue to do their work at minimal cost to the township because of your generous support during our donation drives. Our donation drives are always through the mail (never by phone) - please support us when you get our donation card in your mailbox. Please consider finding some time to help your local Fire Company - we would love your help, administratively as well as with firefighting. Stop by your nearest fire station and see what fire service in Ross is all about!

Joseph G. Gross President, Ross Township Fire Chiefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association

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Ross Township

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO DANCE? Now is your Chance! Saturday Nights at Ross Community Center January through April These dance classes are designed for people who have never tried or are very new to dancing. The goal is to provide instruction in all the basics including footwork, timing, and dance position. There is no “first week” in the cycle as the instructor teaches each week, assuming that the student has no prior knowledge of ballroom dance. There is no up-front financial commitment. Simply show up for any class and then only pay for the classes you attend. Casual attire is appropriate. We recommend comfortable shoes with leather or a smooth-synthetic sole. A dance partner is not required. Lessons 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. | Dance to the tunes 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. First and Fourth Saturday - Ballroom Dance Second and Third Saturday – Swing Dance Dance Lesson Cost: $5.00 Lesson & DJ Dance: $10.00 412.931.7055 ext. 233

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Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania & Finger Lakes of New York State PRESENTED THROUGH THE ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER MAY 29-31, 2014…3 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Tioga Central Railroad ~ Pine Creek Rail & Trail ~Wellsboro, PA The Corning Museum of Glass ~ Keuka Lake Wine Trail Pleasant Valley Wine Company ~ Bully Hill Winery ~ Keuka Lake Cruise TOUR INCLUDES: Motorcoach transportation Two nights lodging Four meals – 2B & 2D All sightseeing & admissions Baggage Handling Professional Tour Manager

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TOUR FARE: $459.00 per person based on double occupancy $449.00 per person based on triple occupancy $579.00 per person based on single occupancy $50.00 per person deposit due by January 31

PLEASE CALL ROSS TOWNSHIP RECREATION FOR THE FULL ITINERARY! 412.931.7055 X204

56 Ross Township

100 South Jackson Ave, Bellevue, 15202

Proud to be part of the Allegheny Health Network

Pathways to Wellness Evening Programs

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Healthy Living Guest Lecture Series Afternoon Programs

Beat the Winter Blues

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Laura Crooks, RN, Certified Health & Wellness Coach

What’s Unnatural About “Natural” Foods? Presented by Betsy Blazek-O’Neill, MD

Do you ever feel slow, sluggish or blah during the winter? It’s not just you! Join this discussion about why this can happen and what you can do about it.

Do you know what you are eating? This presentation will include discussion of high fructose corn syrup as well as other “natural” additives often found in our food.

Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sex, Sleep and Stress after Menopause Marcia Klein-Patel, MD

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 – 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Join Dr. Klein-Patel for this very enlightening presentation. Effective treatment and therapies do exist. Discover the approach that feels right for you.

Presented by Matthew Coppola, MD

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2014 6:30-7:30 p.m. What’s Unnatural About “Natural” Foods? Betsy Blazek-O’Neill, MD Do you know what you are eating? This presentation will include discussion of high fructose corn syrup as well as other additives often found in our food. Tuesday, March 11, 2014 6:30-7:30 p.m. When Is A Screening Like A Crystal Ball? Sherif Rizk, MD When it discovers a health problem BEFORE it causes symptoms. Join Dr Rizk for this life saving presentation on colorectal cancer, including discussion of risk factors, prevention screens, and lifestyle strategies that have been proven to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. All attendees will receive a kit for a hemoccult screen as a free gift.

Medicare 101 -The Next Step Arm yourself to navigate today’s health care environment. Dr. Coppola will discuss steps you should take NOW to ensure that you are prepared to make informed choices as you use your health care benefits and will share tips on how to avoid common pitfalls. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - 1:00-2:00 p.m. When Is A Screening Like A Crystal Ball? Presented by Sherif Rizk, MD When it discovers a health problem BEFORE it causes symptoms. Join Dr. Rizk for this life saving presentation on colorectal cancer, including discussion of risk factors, prevention screens, and lifestyle strategies that have been proven to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. All attendees will receive a kit for a hemoccult screen as a free gift.

Space is limited. Registration is required by calling 412.330.4469

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Allegheny General Hospital - Suburban Campus

Ross Township

FREE Health and Wellness Programs

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

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

_______________________________________________ Participant‘s Signature (Parent/Guardian Signature if under age 18) 58 Ross Township

Date Rec.: _____________

_______________ Method: DATE

Visa

Check#________

Amount Paid: _________ Discover Cash Initials:_______

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

Ne 16 P

Laurel Gardens Tire Service Inc. Serving the Pittsburgh area With great prices on popular brand tires! We never promise more than we can deliver, and We always give the customer more than they expect.

Hours Monday - Friday Saturday Sunday

8 AM - 6 PM 8 AM - 3 PM Tired Out!

Call for excellent service at 412-364-3953 Check us out on the web: www.laurelgardenstire.com

Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 59

W We

A VIRTUAL MAGAZINE S

EVENTS AT

Northland Library A VIRTUAL MAGAZINE STAND BROUGHT TO YOU BY NORTHLAND LIBRARY! Maybe you’ve heard that you can download the latest e-books to your computer, e-reader or mobile device from Northland Library. But did you know that you can download your favorite magazines also? Zinio offers full-color, interactive digital magazines for your enjoyment. Browse the collection of popular titles with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limit to the number of magazines you can download. Select from over 300 free digital magazine subscriptions. All you need is your library card to sign up online through Northland’s website at www.northlandlibrary.org. Library staff are always glad to answer your questions. Stop by the library or call the adult services department at 412.366.8100, x113.

ONGOING PROGRAMS AT NORTHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY No reservation or fee is required for these regular monthly programs: TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK DISCUSSION – meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Dec. 3– The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss Jan. 7 – Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis by Timothy Egan TRAVEL FILM SERIES – films are shown the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Light refreshments are served. Nov. 20 – Malawi Dec. 18 – Canada STORYSWAP Whether you like telling stories or prefer to just listen to them, you are invited to stop in and meet other area story lovers and share tales at StorySwap, Pittsburgh’s guild for local adult storytellers. The group meets at Northland Library on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming dates are: Dec. 2 and Jan. 6. WRITERS AT WORK Writers at Work, an assignment-based workshop open to all those interested in creative writing, meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Many members have had their work accepted for publication. Non-published writers are also welcome. The group

60 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

Maybe you’ve device from N also? Zinio of of popular title download. Sel to sign-up onl Library staff a department at

ONGOING PROGRAMS AT NO

learns as it critiques each other’s writings and offers tipsor onfee is required for No reservation getting published. Upcoming dates are: Dec. 9 and Jan. 13.

Tuesday Night Book Discussion – me Nov. 5 -‐ The Oath: The Obama White The weather will soon be turning chilly and Dec. 3– we’ll The beBlack Count: Glory, Revo moving indoors for cozy cool-weather activities. Jan. 7 – Short Nights of the Shadow C Why not come to share patterns, tips, and relax as you work on your latest Travel Film Series – films are shown Nov. 20 – Malawi project? Enjoy the company of other knitters –along with those Dec. 18 – Canada who crochet – and some dessert StorySwap too. Circles meet on the second Whether you like telling stories or pr Wednesday of each month at and share tales at StorySwap, Pittsbu 7:00 p.m. and the third Friday of each month at 1:00 p.m. first Monday of each month at 7:00 p Upcoming dates are: Dec.11 Writers At Work and Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. and on Writers at Work, an assignment-base Dec. 20 and Jan.17 at 1 p.m. Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. NORTHLAND FOR KIDS are also welcome. The group learns a PLAYFUL PARENTING ROOMare: Dec. 9 and Jan. 13. Tucked away in the corner of the children’s department is a special Northland Knitters safe play space for our youngest library users and their caregivers. The weather will oon be turning chi The Playful Parenting Room is a great place to get out of sthe house this winter for a relaxing play break.patterns, It’s full of toys, books and tips, and relax as you work information for creative learning. The room is here for you as part of crochet and some dessert too. Circle our commitment to the Family Place Library -‐initiative for developing programs and resources to better serve families withat young each month 1:00 children. p.m. Upcoming d NORTHLAND KNITTERS

Special note: The room is open from the time the library opens until one hour before closing. No eating or drinking in the Playful Parenting Room please. Children who put away the toys they have played with may ask for a sticker at the children’s reference desk.

our y to info the Fam families with y Special

or d wi

engin 5:00pm. Ple Hop On Po Hop on Pop

STAND BROUGHT TO YOU BY NORTHLAND LIBRARY!

e heard that you can download the latest e-books to your computer, e-reader or mobile Northland Library. But did you know that you can download your favorite magazines BOOKS & BRICKS CHILDREN SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS CLUB ffers full color, interactive digital magazines for your enjoyment. Browse the collection Children in no kindergarten – fifth grade are to usetotheir Other Wednesday es with no holds, checkout periods, andinvited no limit the number of Every magazines you can 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. imagination to explore engineering and design challenges with Lego is a hands-on lect from over 300 free digital magazine subscriptions. All you need CSI is your library science card program for children in kindergarten bricks on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 4:00p.m. – 5:00pm. Please register at the – second grade. First session dates: Feb. 5, 19 and Mar. 5. Second line through Northland’s website at www.northlandlibrary.org. children’s desk or by calling 412.366.8100, x123. session dates: Mar, 19, are always glad to answer your questions. Stop by the Library or call the adult services Apr. 2 and 6. Resident registration begins HOP ON POP Jan. 13. Open registration begins Jan. 27. 412/366-8100, x113.

Hop on Pop! Northland Library’s fun jump storytime program featuring games and creative projects for preschoolers, ages three to ORTHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY five, and their dads, uncles, grampas or really BIG these regular monthly programs: brothers! eets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

MISSION...

Every Other Wednesday 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mission... is a hands-on engineering-based program for children in third through fifth grade. First session dates: Feb. 12, 26 and Mar. 12. Second session dates: Mar. 26, Apr. 9 and 23. Resident registration begins Jan. 13. Open registration Jan. 27.

storytime sessions ehouse and the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Three Toobin will be and olution, Betrayal and the Real Count of Monte Cheld risto by registration Tom Reiss TEEN THURSDAYS @ NORTHLAND LIBRARY is required for each of the Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs o f E dward Timothy Egan storytimes which beginCaturtis by ‘Tweens and teens can hang out at the library every Thursday from the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. ight refreshments are toserved. 10:00 a.m. LSaturdays, Dec.7, 3:00 5:00 p.m. for gaming, snacks, creative activities and whatever

Jan.4 and Feb.1. Resident else comes up in this slightly structured after-school gathering... registration starts three October brought a Halloween Murder Mystery to be solved and weeks before each date. zombie mask-making. Join us any Thursday. No registration is Open registration begins required! Dates are: Dec. 5, 12, 19, & 26 and Jan. 2, 9, 16, & 30. refer to just listen to them, you are invitedone to week stop prior in and meet other area story lovers to each date.

urgh’s guild for local adult storytellers. The group meets at Northland Library on the TAKE A BREAK FROM THE HOLIDAY RUSH p.m. Upcoming dates are: Dec. 2 andSTORYTIME Jan. 6. WINTER PRESCHOOL MOTHER GOOSE STORYTIME

WITH OUR DECEMBER SPONSORS!

California Pizza Kitchen – Northland Public Library Foundation

ed workshop open 10:00 to alla.m. those interested in creative meets onconcludes the second Wednesdays & 10:30 a.m. – beginning Jan. writing, 29 its 2013 Bread for Books fundraising program by partnering with the restaurant located in Ross Park Mall. Dine-in or Many members have had their work accepted for publication. Non-published writers Songs, nursery rhymes, “tickles” and “bounces” for babies age 6 curbside pick-up, 20% of your total bill will be donated to Northland mos. through 24 mos. accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Early as it critiques each other’s writings and offers tips on getting published. Upcoming Library when you dates present a donation voucher every weekday, Monday registration for residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, Marshall, McCandless and Ross townships begins January 8. Open registration begins January 22.

through Friday, in December.

Northland is pleased to also partner with first-time sponsor as our December Biz for Books Sponsor. If KANGAROO STORYTIME illy and w e’ll be moving indoors for cozy cool-‐weather activities. Why SportsClips not come Wexford to share you need to get your look in holiday shape, stop in to SportsClips 11:00 a.m. & 11:30 – beginning Jan. 29 k on your Wednesdays latest project? Enjoy the ca.m. ompany of other knitters –along wWexford ith those who on any day in December, and the shop will give back 20% of your service to Northland. Located 2.5 miles north of Wexford Plaza Nursery rhymes, songs, bounces, “tickle-rhymes” and jump-around es meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and the third Friday of (Whole Foods), no appointment is necessary to enjoy a bit of yearfun for toddlers age 24 mos. through 36 mos. with a parent or dates are: Dec.11 and Jan. 8 at for 7 presidents .m. and on Dec. 20 and Jan.17 at 1 end p.m. pampering. caregiver. Early registration of Bradford Woods, NORTHLAND FOR KFranklin IDS Park, Marshall, McCandless and Ross

Download a voucher for California Pizza Kitchen or SportsClips Wexford from the library’s website, www.northlandlibrary. OLYMPIAD Tucked FAMILY away in SCIENCE the corner of the children’s department is a special sorg, afe orplay pace or the library. ■ picksone upfat youngest library users nd their caregivers. The Playful Parenting Room is a great place Jan. 30, 3 p.m. – 9 ap.m. townships begins January Playful Parenting Room 8. Open registration begins January 22.

get out Children of the hin ouse this winter for agrade relaxing play for break. It's full of toys, books and kindergarten – second are invited an open house science exploration. ormation for of creative learning. The room is here for you as part of our commitment to mily Place L ibrary i nitiative developing rograms and resources Bucks, Books, Bounces,for Family Playdates:pWed., Feb. 19 & 26, Mar. 5 to better serve at 6:30 p.m. Books and bounces for your babies and toddlers. young children. room is open from Mondays the time 10:00 the library opens note: The Science-tots Storytime a.m. and 1:00until p.m. one hour before closing. No eating

drinking Science-based in the Playfulstorytime Parenting Children put away the toys they have played forRoom 3 ½ – please. 5-year-olds ready towho be on ith may ask for a sticker at the Children's reference desk. their own for a fun program filled with stories, songs, games, and

Books &science Bricks beginning Jan. 27. Resident registration begins Jan. 3. Open

registration Jan.17. – fifth grade are invited to use their imagination to explore Children in kindergarten neering and design challenges with Lego bricks on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 4:00p.m. – ease register at the children's desk or by calling 412/366-‐8100, x123.

op p! Northland Library’s fun jump storytime program featuring games and creative

Ross Township | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 61

There’s a big difference between seeing the doctor, and having one. Your doctor should know your medical history and health care goals so he or she is better able to handle your medical needs today, and prepared to address your health care challenges tomorrow. That’s what you’ll get when you choose a family medicine or internal medicine doctor practicing at UPMC Passavant. Our primary care physicians are conveniently located, and many offer extended hours. Why would you choose to go anywhere else? To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMCPassavant.com.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

UPMC Passavant–Cranberry

A health resource for your community Building on a solid foundation as a well-respected and deeply rooted community hospital, UPMC Passavant has been transformed into UPMC’s advanced care center north of Pittsburgh. Providing highly specialized medical and surgical treatment by expertly trained physicians, UPMC Passavant is backed by the advanced technology, resources, and expertise of UPMC, the region’s leading health system. Our state-of-the-art hospital brings UPMC’s brand of world-class medical care into our community with programs and services that include:

• More than 400 board-certified physicians on staff, representing 22 medical specialties. • Convenient campuses in McCandless and Cranberry, Pa. • Advanced treatment for cancer, heart and vascular, spine, colon and rectal, and women’s specialty services. • Emergency Departments that provide care ranging from Fast Track to critical, and handle nearly 60,000 visits annually. • A 200,000-square-foot, seven-story pavilion that opened in 2010 increased capacity for the UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant. It also houses the Emergency Department, and surgical services, as well as additional intensive care, progressive care, and medical-surgical unit beds. • The Comprehensive Breast Center, the first center in western Pennsylvania to receive accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

• A Primary Stroke Center accredited through The Joint Commission, and named a Gold Plus hospital by the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines® – Stroke. • UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Passavant, a comprehensive center dedicated to the treatment of nonhealing wounds that can be caused by diabetes, poor circulation, vascular diseases, traumatic injuries, pressure ulcers, or radiation therapy. • High-quality, state-of-the-art cardiovascular care offered through the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant, staffed by experts that include general and interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular and vascular surgeons, cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiac anesthesia specialists, and cardiac nursing staff. For information, visit UPMCPassavant.com. This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

UPMC Passavant–McCandless

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

INCOGNITO

DID YOU KNOW?

Beverly Hills Hotel Was Once a Popular Night Club BY JONATHAN BARNES

Did You Know? We are looking for little-known facts, history or other interesting stories about your community. Please send your ideas to editors@icmags.com. 64 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township

or decades, the nondescript onestory building along Evergreen Road in Ross Township was a virtual critter motel — home to snakes, raccoons, birds and the occasional drifter looking for a night out of the cold. The building has a more colorful past than its exterior would suggest. For decades, from the 1960s into the 1980s, the place was the Beverly Hills Hotel, a popular dinner club with three dining rooms and exterior seating amidst well-manicured landscaped grounds. It was a spot for many weddings and celebrations over the years. Owned by Constance Costa Schaefer, of Bellevue, the business had a fire in 1975 that damaged the building. The restaurant never really came back though it stayed open for a time, finally closing in the 1980s. For decades after, the place deteriorated. Neighbors regularly complained about the state of the old restaurant and pressure on Schafer increased to either clean up the place or tear it down. Schaefer had hoped to rebuild the hotel where she once sang and performed on the stage in the mahogany paneled Plantation Room. She never forgot her better days or those of the establishment, when the hotel hosted live performances and was considered the nightclub to visit in the North Hills. People came to see a show or dine in the Grill Room. Wedding parties posed for pictures by a balustrade near the Evergreen Road entrance or the fountain and sprawling Catalpa tree on the lower level of the property. Schaefer would periodically have work done on the place, but never got very far. Even so, Pittsburgh attorney Allen Brunwasser defended her pro bono for many years, referring to his client as “a damsel in distress.” He succeeded in thwarting the efforts of some to have the old nightspot torn down. After all, he had a good case. Schaefer had employed engineers over the years to inspect the place and they testified to the structural soundness of the concrete and steel-girded building. The place was solid, though unsightly. It seems a good thing that the late Mrs. Schaefer fought all those years to save her building, given that the place now is bustling with the daily activities of the electrical contracting company Allegheny City Electric which resides in the building. ■

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