Shaler Area

!

Strike Up the Band

2013 Homecoming Celebrates Titan Spirit

School District & Township News Page 21

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Contents winter

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2 013

features 13 Health & Wellness Great ways to live a healthy, happier, longer life.

17 Lady Titans Playing Like Champs Shaler Area Girls Volleyball heading for another winning year.

18 Go Figure — Skate!

Shaler Area resident Bill Todaro started skating at age 50.

Today, at 66, he’s a national competitive ice dancer.

29 on the cover Freshman band member Sydney Missouri performs during the Homecoming Halftime Show.

departments 4 6 8 10

From the Publisher IN the Loop IN Person

22 30 40

School News Township News INCognito

IN Events

sponsored content Business Spotlights 9 Edward Jones

Industry Insights 11 Perman Funeral Home

18

In Community is a publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Shaler 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.

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 t.myers@icmags.com.

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

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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 Jennifer Steenson Primetime Shots Gary Zak Kathleen Rudolph GENERAL SALES MANAGER Tamara Myers t.myers@icmags.com SALES MANAGER Brian McKee b.mckee@icmags.com ADVERTISING SALES Sophia Alfaras Holly Hicks-Opperman Pamela Arder Aimee Nicolia Nikki Capezio-Watson Connie McDaniel Jennifer Dahlem Gabriel Negri Tina Dollard Vincent Sabatini Julie Graff Michael Silvert Robin Guest RJ Vighetti ICM Printing Sales Manager Tom Poljak ©2013 by IN Community Magazines.

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

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

IN Community Magazines 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 724.942.0940; Fax: 724.942-0968 icmags.com Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Current issues of this magazine are also available online.

icmags.com

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 5

in the

Loop What’s news in Shaler

Millvale Community Library

The Millvale Community Library offers programs for a wide variety of ages and interests. For more information on its programs, please visit the website at MillvaleLibrary.org.

Library Hours: Sunday and Monday - Closed Tuesday - 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday - 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Relay for Life Kickoff

Relay For Life of the North Hills will be having its annual Kickoff Event on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Shaler North Hills Library, located at 1822 Mt. Royal Boulevard in Glenshaw. Learn what Relay for Life is all about, how funds are utilized by the American Cancer Society and how to start your own relay team and begin fundraising.

This year’s Relay for Life will be held in June and will mark its 18th year at Shaler Titan Stadium.

For more information, visit the website RelayForLife.com/panorthhills or the organization’s Facebook page.

HEARTH Opens New Location in Shaler

The nonprofit Homelessness Ends with Advocacy, Resources, Training and Housing (HEARTH) is now in its newly renovated property at 3724 Mount Royal Boulevard in Glenshaw. It will be home to families who enter HEARTH’s two-year transitional housing programs. The organization helps single mothers and their children to establish secure, stable homes.

For more information on HEARTH, please visit the website at HEARTH-bp.org.

Glenshaw Century Club Events

Get into the holiday spirit with Glenshaw Century Club’s holiday events, the Annual House Tour, Holiday Gift Fair, Tea Table and Gala.

The Gala will be held Friday Nov 15, from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. For tickets call 412.486.5302.

The House Tour, Gift Fair and Tea Table take place on Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Get your holiday shopping started early with the Holiday Gift Fair at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located at 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd. Then tour three unique Shaler homes which have been beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Visit the newly remodeled HEARTH facility at 3724 Mt. Royal Blvd which will also be decorated for the holiday season.

Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at Shaler North Hills Library at 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., or by calling 412.487.8753. ■

Current issues of this magazine are also available online. www com

.icmags.

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Calendar 2013-2014

November - 11/13/13 Diabetes & Preventative Foot Care Senior Center - Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 12:30 p.m.

Speaker: Michael Ryan, DPM Podiatrist, Cranberry Foot & Ankle Associates

Description:

Millions upon millions of people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes and one in three do not know it. Come and join us for an informative session discussing and answering questions about what is diabetes, medicines available for treatment, and current recommendations for staying healthy with diabetes. Please call 412.367.6640 to register for this free session.

November - 11/19/13 An Update on Lung Cancer CCAC – North Campus, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Speaker: Ghulam Abbas, MD, MHCH, FACS Chairman, Department of Surgery, UPMC

Passavant Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine & UPMC Description: Lung cancer is the number one cancer related cause of death in the United States with more than

150,000 Americans expected to die from this disease this year alone. Finding lung cancer early offers the best chance for a cure. Attend this seminar to learn more about lung cancer risks, the screening tools available, and treatment options. Come and meet the speaker, and ask your questions. Space is limited; call 412.369.3701 to register for this free class #YEB-259-1450.

March – 3/28/14 MEDICAL ETHICS CONFERENCE Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center & Legacy Theatre, 8:00 a.m.

Speakers: Physicians, Nursing and Other Health Care Professionals/Clinicians, Attorneys, Clergymen Description: Save the date! This first-ever conference will enable discussions in medical ethics about issues

confronting the medical community. This is an opportunity to bring together practicing physicians, nursing and other health care professionals/clinicians, clergymen, attorneys from the around the region to learn from local and national medical ethics experts. The community is invited to attend, too. The seminar is free of charge. Continuing medical education hours are available as well as continuing legal education hours*. (*Legal professionals seeking CLE’s will be responsible for CLE’s fee.) To be notified when the event scheduled is released and registration begins, please contact sidorukjt@ph.upmc.edu.

Legacy Music Series...‘Concerts in Community’ 2014 Concert Season

Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre, Cumberland Woods Village

Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Music Series and The Center for Young Musicians are again teaming up in 2014 to present memorable performances featuring the faculty and students of the Center for Young Musicians. Join us for the exciting Concerts in Community as we celebrate great music and good friends. The events are open to the public, as well as all students, families and friends of CYM – all free of charge. Don’t miss these upcoming 2014 performances: Saturday, February 8, 4:00 p.m. and Friday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call 412.367.6640.

Legacy Music Series UPMC Passavant McCandless

Passavant Hospital Foundation is seeking talented musicians who want to help lift people’s spirits and volunteer their time to give the gift of music. Inquiries are now being accepted for upcoming dates. Please call 412.367.6640 for more information.

Bridge to Hope—Family Support Group

Meets weekly, on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Conference Room #1, Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park

Drug and alcohol addiction and its accompanying tragedies have touched countless Americans from all walks of life and from all backgrounds. The Bridge to Hope provides education and support to such affected families. Anonymity respected. No registration necessary; free of charge. Please call 412.367.6640 for more information.

Beyond Bridge to Hope—Bereavement Support Group

Meets monthly, on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m., as follows: November 13, December 11, 2013 and in 2014: January 8, February 12 and March 12.

Conference Room #2, Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park

Beyond Bridge to Hope is a monthly Bereavement Support Group for adult family members who have experienced the death of a loved one due to drug or alcohol abuse. Meetings are facilitated by a certified grief counselor. Anonymity respected. No registration is necessary; free of charge. For additional information call 412.367.6640.

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 7

inPerson

Th e Art of Teach ing It’s all about the process and watching kids become so creative.

By Kathy Rudolph

K

athy Barkovich is one of those Shaler residents you see all over town. If she isn’t hosting a Shaler Area High School student art exhibit or opening up her backyard garden for the library’s Great Gardens Tour, she’s organizing an event to teach kids about respecting nature.

Recently retired after 17 years as a Shaler Area High School visual arts teacher, Barkovich looks back fondly on her teaching years.

“There are so many joys in teaching,” she says. “It’s all about the process and watching kids become so creative. They teach you every day...there are so many different ways of doing 8 724.942.0940 to advertise | Shaler

things and they are so much fun to be with.

You laugh every single day.”

Although Barkovich taught jewelry making, she has expertise in all art mediums including drawing, painting and sculpting. As an artist, she enjoys creating crafts and sewing.

When Barkovich started at Shaler Area, there was already a great art program. In addition to teaching, she was involved in an advanced placement program for students who participated in the arts; she taught an honors drawing course offered concurrently with La Roche College; and she started a National Art Honor Society for students that

emphasized artistic service and awareness of visual arts in the community.

Barkovich plans to share her dog, Lucy, as a therapy dog for cancer patients and will continue to taker her to the Reading for Rover Program at the library. She also plans to be more active in the Shaler Garden Club, helping to create more natural beauty, and become more active in her church. “I might even be able to catch up on the latest book with my local book club, and I hope to ride my bike and travel with my husband, Buzz.” ■

FINANCIAL FOCUS Can P/E Ratio Help You Make Smart Investment Choices?

Despite frequent periods of volatility, the stock market has enjoyed a pretty good run since the financial crisis of 2008 and early 2009. In fact, since the market bottomed out in early 2009, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has gone up more than 100 percent. Does this mean that stocks today are now getting too “expensive” for individual investors?

Not necessarily. To evaluate whether a stock is either expensive or reasonably priced, you’ll need to understand the concept of the price-to-earnings ratio, or P/E. When looked at mathematically, P/E is a simple concept — it’s calculated by dividing the current stock price of a company by its earnings per share. So, for example, a stock that is now priced at $40 and has $2 of earnings per share will have a P/E of 20.

Generally speaking, a stock’s P/E reveals how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. So, for the stock mentioned above, its P/E of 20 implies that investors are willing to pay $20 for every $1 of earnings that the company generates. It follows, therefore, that the higher the P/E, the more “expensive” a stock is perceived as being.

Because the average P/E in the stock market has been around 15 over the past 50 years, one might say, in a broad sense, that a stock with a P/E of 20 is neither terribly expensive nor particularly cheap.

Overall, the P/E ratio is typically a good indicator of a stock’s value — and a much better indicator than the price alone. To illustrate: A $20 stock with a P/E of 70 may actually be much more

“expensive” than a $100 stock with a P/E of 20. As an investor, you’re paying much more for the future earnings of the $20 stock than you are for the earnings of the $100 stock. So, in the presentday situation, with the market having gone through a relatively long and steady upswing, you might be able to use P/E to get a clearer sense of which stocks are still priced attractively and which ones are expensive, given their market value.

Keep in mind, however, that a low P/E doesn’t automatically mean that a company is undervalued. One way of interpreting P/E is as a measure of the market’s optimism about a company’s growth prospects. So, if a company has a P/E that is lower than average, it could mean that the market has low expectations for this company.

Furthermore, just looking at a stock’s P/E in isolation can’t always tell you if it’s a good deal. For that, you also need to compare its P/E with other stocks in the same industry. That’s because some industries, such as utilities, typically have low P/Es, while others, such as technology, generally have higher ones.

As you can see, you’ll need to consider a few “wrinkles” in P/E before using it to evaluate whether a stock is priced attractively.

Consequently, you may want to get some help from a financial advisor.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Member SIPC.

Matt Dudkowski, AAMS | Financial Advisor | 412.487.3300 | matt.dudkowski@edwardjones.com 1007 Mt. Royal Blvd. | Pittsburgh, PA 15223 | www.edwardjones.com Matt Dudkowski has been a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones since 2002, serving individual investors in the Pittsburgh area from his Shaler Township office.

Since joining Edward Jones, Dudkowski has obtained the professional designation of AAMS. Prior to Edward Jones, Dudkowski, as a CPA, worked at the H.J. Heinz Company, and as a Senior Consultant and Auditor for Ernst & Young LLP. He currently serves on the board of directors for Community Health Challenge, a local non-profit.

He is a native of Butler County and graduated from the University of Notre Dame. He resides in Gibsonia with his wife, two sons, and daughter.

inEVENTS

20th Annual Millvale Days on Parade Millvale is a small-town gem with its quaint storefronts and historic buildings along the picturesque Allegheny River.

It was the perfect backdrop for the 20th Annual Millvale Days, a 3-day event which included a carnival, a parade, train and pony rides, a petting zoo and a bike rally.

There was also a Keystone State Wrestling Alliance match and live music, including headliners Lynchburg Hollow Band and the Mike Scheer Band. “Millvale Days serves to provide something for everyone,� says Amy Rockwell, Millvale borough manager.

Mission accomplished.

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY KATHY RUDOLPH

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Funeral Services

Sponsored Content

Nothing

A

recent trend in funeral service is the growing number of people choosing to do absolutely nothing: no service, no viewing, no death notice or obituary for a deceased family member. There is no celebration of a life. There is no opportunity for anyone to say goodbye.

So what can be the result of unrecognized and unmarked grief? It depends. Some stories are incredibly sad. Some are thought provoking and revealing. Horror stories end up as fodder for reality TV. I have watched episodes of the A&E TV network show “Hoarders.”

This was not to view the wrecked lives. I wanted to understand and know the causes of hoarding. What sent some of these people into a spiral they cannot get out of without help? Many on the show can point to very specific events in their lives. One episode chronicled a person who lost three people in her life. Stuff became the memorials to the people who died. Almost all hoarders suffered a loss. All loss causes grief. Grief needs to be handled, dealt with and, hopefully, resolved.

In a recent conversation, a person told me that she will never have a direct disposition of someone again. “I spent seven days making coffee and eating baked goods at all hours of the day and evening,” she said.

“People stopped by without calling. It was exhausting. People thought they could drop by to offer condolences any time they wanted.” A public service and visitation set the limits and time parameters of contact with the family following a death.

Unmarked deaths can also cause resentment when no one shows the survivors condolences or thoughts or remembrances. Many choose to do nothing about noting a death if the family chooses to have nothing. An uncomfortable conversation like this may happen: “How is your mom?” “She died six months ago.” “I did not know. It wasn’t in the newspaper. I would have called.” “She didn’t want to cause any fuss.” “I would have liked to express my sympathies.”

Many years ago I attended a class to be trained as a certified Celebrant (www.celebrantinstitute.org). We were instructed to compose, write and perform a personalized funeral ceremony. Our goal was not to be overtly religious. It could be spiritual. We were assigned to come up with a service for an elderly grandmother who requested no religious services.

This assignment morphed into a story being weaved (literally and figuratively) of what our class group thought was a fictitious person. “Grandma” loved to knit and crochet. Her gifts to her family for holidays and birthdays were her own beloved creations. We This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman, licensed funeral director and owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 923 Saxonburg Blvd. at Rt. 8 in Shaler Township. Mr. Perman believes that an educated consumer makes the best decisions. Questions can be made to Mr. Perman at 412.486.3600 or email at frank@permanfuneralhome.com.

recreated her story using a yellow yarn ball for the Celebrant students (funeral attendees) to unroll throughout the service. Passing the huge ball of thread started resembling yellow silly string; however the thread bound all the participants together. Eva Cassidy’s version of “Oh, Had I a Golden Thread” (listen at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=w0kEQSrqu8c) played during the unraveling. Eva Cassidy’s soaring voice and Hammond organ evoked strong feelings. The participants and instructors were very moved by our group’s service.

When the service was over, one of the participants stated simply, “I’m sorry. I used this opportunity to have the service my grandmother never had. She died, was cremated and never talked about again in my family. I miss her so much. I miss her scarves and knit vests that will never be made again. I treasure the ones I still have.

Thank you for this moment.” All of us were stunned at this turn. Her grandmother died eight years prior. Unresolved grief does not go away.

The United States military spends countless hours and funds repatriating deceased service members’ remains. The military understands the importance of bringing a soldier home. I recently received a call from the military asking for female relatives of someone whose plane was lost in Burma during WW II. The military wanted to do DNA sampling. The plane was found and military personnel were identifying the remains so there could be a proper, honorable and fitting burial.

Death is hard. Dealing with a death is also hard. However, it is important to have a time to grieve and remember. If you choose visitation with church services, fine. If it is fifteen minutes with just immediate family, that is fine. Burial or cremation is good. Please, have something.

Author, poet and funeral director Thomas Lynch put it best, “A good funeral gets the dead where they need to go and the living where they need to be.” Get to where you need to be. Celebrate life.

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 11

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

Shaler Health & Wellness Section

By Michele Thompson

Though finding the fountain of youth (or miracle product) is unlikely, you can embrace the following few dozen 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! ››

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 13

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

Health & Fitness Exercise to live longer.

Shaler 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.

“When you graduate high school or college, that does not mean that you stop learning,” said Marie Jackson, head of adult services at Shaler North Hills Library.

“It’s wonderful to provide adults with an opportunity to learn something new, which is affordable for them, like the Tai Chi-style movement class.”

14 724.942.0940 to advertise | Shaler

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

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.

Let nature take your stress away.

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

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

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

Shaler North Hills Library

1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw; 412.486.0211 shalerlibrary.org

Beechwood Farms

614 Dorseyville Rd., Pittsburgh; 412.963.6100 aswp.org

Enjoy a Tai Chi-style movement class for adults with Jon Uddstrom on Mondays from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Class focuses on stretching, balance, body toning and Tai Chi. The class is free and donations to the library are always welcome.

Call or visit the website for registration information and other details.

Enjoy a free, naturalist-led Birds and More Walk every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Call or visit the website for registration information and other details.

Etna Senior Center

North Park Ice Skating Rink

49 Locust St., Etna; 412.781.6517 Adults of all ages, of all athletic abilities are welcome to participate in a Thursday yoga class from 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. by Kelly Meeder, owner of Smokin’ Hot Yoga, LLC. The cost is free for seniors and $5 for adults.

301 Pearce Mill Rd., Allison Park; 724.935.1780 alleghenycounty.us Free learn-to-skate lessons for individuals, five years-old to adults, will be offered in January 2014. Registration in early December and other information are available on the website.

Schoolhouse Yoga - Ross Park

Shaler Area Health and Fitness Center

Anyone and everyone can do yoga. Each student has their 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.

State-of-the-art fitness equipment is open to all Shaler Area residents with a trainer on duty during all hours of operation. Cost is $50 for an adult for a three-month membership. Call or visit the website for registration information and other details.

7210 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh; 412.401.4444 schoolhouseyhoga.com

381 Wible Run Rd., Pittsburgh; 412.492.1200, Ext. 1002

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 15

Lady Titans Playing Like

! s p m a Ch

Shaler Area Girls Volleyball headed for another winning year.

By Jonathan Barnes

S

haler Area Girls Volleyball has a fairly young squad this year, but that doesn’t mean they’re green.

And judging from the 6-0 start of this season, the team is headed for another winning year. The team beat Gateway, Plum, McKeesport and Penn Hills each by a score of 3-0. The team also defeated Butler, 3-1, and Pine-Richland, 3-2.

Last year, the Lady Titans tied with Plum for second place in AAA Section 4. The team will face especially tough opponents when they play North Allegheny and Seneca Valley.

Both teams have players who outsize the Shaler Area players.

“I’m one who never remembers records,” says Kris Ruppert, in her 11th year as coach at Shaler Area and her 23rd as a volleyball coach.

Even so, she’s not surprised by how well her team has done at the start of the season.

Ruppert hoped, going into the season, that they would be better than last year’s team which featured many sophomores.

“We expected to be pretty good. We upset Pine-Richland Sept. 12, 3-2,” she adds. “I kind of got lucky to have such a good core of kids.”

Some of the core group is comprised of girls who began playing volleyball with each other several years ago, as students at St. Bonaventure, where they attended from fourth through eighth grade. Juniors Nicole and Natalie Pilewski and Liz Kline have been playing volleyball together since they were in fifth grade.

“It’s unique to have a team that’s grown up together. They’re great kids to be around, they love being around each other and they really enjoy playing,” Ruppert says.

This year’s Lady Titans include returning starters senior Liz Rhodes (middle blocker), juniors Annie Bozzo (center), Hannah Bradford (outside), Liz Kline (outside), Nicole Pilewski (libero) and Natalie Pilewski (center). Sophomores Taylor Bostick (middle) and Julie Bernesser (right side) help round out the squad.

According to Ruppert, the team will have to work on their mental toughness. They must also work on their ball handling skills.

“We’ve got to keep on serving nice and tight,” Ruppert explains. “I think we’re pretty doggone good. They’re very skilled and also passionate about playing.”

The Pilewski sisters and Kline are almost a unit within the team, since they’ve been playing together for so many years. That familiarity gives them cohesiveness, because all three of them have done every single sport together, Nicole Pilewski says. “We’ve all been working so hard. I definitely think we could do better than last year,” she adds.

Kline agrees. “The fact that we’ve been with each other practically all of our lives, our chemistry really works well. I think it’s a big part of who we are today...For our club teams [prior to the high school season], we play on opposite teams and we play each other. It’s good experience, because we’re challenging each other to make each other better.”

The girls took everything they learned from the recent club season and have been applying it to their games and it is coming together

well, Natalie Pilewski says. “In every game we need to work on staying consistent with our play and keeping even-tempered.”

Two of the most crucial games in which to remain calm in will come when Shaler meets Seneca Valley, and also North Allegheny. But the team is not looking forward with dread, it’s more like anticipation.

Winning seasons and championship teams make memories and create ties that can last years after the glory days.

This season, Shaler Area’s Lady Titans may have the kind of team that stays together long after they quit playing.

Ruppert recalls another championship team which she coached in years past. “Now, those girls are in each other’s weddings and they’re having children and [getting] together...I imagine these girls will be the same way.” ■

“They’re very skilled and also passionate about playing.”

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 17

Shaler Area resident Bill Todaro started skating at age 50.

Today, at 66, he’s a national competitive ice dancer.

By Pamela Palongue

18 724.942.0940 to advertise | Shaler

A

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

Reserve Township resident Bill Todaro skates for the fun of it and for the friendships he’s made over the years. What makes Todaro’s story unique is that he began skating at 50. Sixteen years later, he is a seasoned ice dancer who competes with his 24-yearold partner at the national level.

Todaro took up the sport after a visit to North Park’s skating rink. “You really have to be in shape to get into figure skating,” he explains. Todaro, who

works for Allegheny County, is a dedicated jogger and maintains his fitness level in order to skate.

His favorite genre of ice dancing is the blues, with the waltz as a strong second. He and his current partner, Margaret Bakke, will compete in the U.S. Adult National Ice Dance Championships in April 2014.

The veteran Todaro has won three gold medals in Adult National competitions with former skating partner Jan Gallaway, who has since retired due to an injury.

“Everyone needs something that is play for them,” advises Todaro. “Play is not just for kids. If you find something you enjoy, it will motivate you to stay in shape.”

Many local skaters are members of the Pittsburgh Figure Skating Club, which includes younger, competitive skaters as well as adults who enjoy skating for exercise and enjoyment. Organized in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in the U.S. and is a member of the United States Figure Skating Association.

The club participates in the annual Skate Pittsburgh at Robert Morris University Island Sports Arena which took place in September and encourages all forms of figure skating, including singles, pairs, ice dancing and synchronized skating. Todaro

actually began as a synchronized skater before moving on to ice dancing.

Even a beginning skater receives health benefits from ice skating and particularly figure skating. It’s a low-impact aerobic activity and is a great cardio workout.

Figure skating alternates between jumps and spins and gliding.

This change-up of more strenuous moves to easier activity helps increase endurance. Most would realize ice skating increases muscle tone and leg strength, but it’s also great for abdominal and lower back muscles. Additionally, it helps improve balance and coordination, and many of the moves performed in figure skating require flexibility, another important fitness marker.

There are great mental benefits to skating too, as concentration shifts from stressful thoughts to maintaining balance and performing a choreographed routine. And if you’re lucky enough to skate outdoors, you’ll have the added benefit of nature surrounding you during your workout.

Most would realize ice skating increases muscle tone and leg strength, but it’s also great for abdominal and lower back muscles.

If Bill Todaro is any indication, it’s never too late to start!

The Pittsburgh Figure Skating Club will be sponsoring a Theater on Ice Show on Nov. 22, in conjunction with the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center. For more information on the holiday presentation, please visit PittsburghFSC.com and click on the Theater on Ice link. ■

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 19

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TOWNSHIP OF SHALER School & Township News

Shaler Area School District

Township of Shaler

24

Superintendent’s Letter

25

REVISED Shaler Area School District 2013-2014

School Calendar

26

Innovation: Engaging, Enhancing, Enriching

our Students

27

PA School Performance Profile

27

REVISED Electronic Report Cards/Progress Reports

28

Shaler Area High School Presents Miracle on 34th Street

28

Music Department Concerts

29

Welcome to 7th Grade!

30

SAHS Students Enjoy AIU Apprenticeship Programs

31

Homecoming 2013

32 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 35 35 35 36 37 37 37 37 37 38 39 39 40

Township of Shaler Administration Community Information Sign Street Parking and Snow Removal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Flood Protection News Shaler Township Your Tax Dollars in Detail Support New Local Businesses Appointment for Commissioner David W. Shutter 2014 Garbage / Recycling / Green Waste Contract Shaler Area Rotary Veterans Day Ceremony Police News 24th Annual Shaler Holiday “Lite” Up Night Volunteer Fire Companies Insurance Reporting SNIP Litter Clean Up Fall Pancake Breakfast Shaler North Hills Library “WYZKIT” Fire Survival Kit for Children Glenshaw Public Library 2013 Infrastructure Report

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Shaler Area Families and Friends, Full STEAM ahead!

In the last several years, you may have heard of STEM education. STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math. The prevailing thought is that American schools need to focus on these subjects and promote academic opportunities to influence these areas of instruction so that the United States can remain competitive in the global marketplace. More recently, the prevailing thought is that one cannot ignore the importance of creativity within these disciplines and the new acronym STEAM (now including Arts) was coined.

SH AL ER AR EA SC H OO L News

haler Area

At Shaler Area we have embraced the inclusion of STEAM in our classrooms. Through generous grants from the Grable Foundation, we have secured two STEAM specific classrooms...and we are looking for more! These classrooms have provided unique learning experiences that include the integration of technology and creativity. Our students are taking simulated voyages through the human body, under the ocean and outer space, they are making audio and video recordings to demonstrate their learning, they are being taught by teachers that have technology at their fingertips! When it comes to 21st century learning, Shaler Area is a pioneer!

However 21st century learning isn’t just about the latest and greatest computers. Our teachers are charged with raising the academic bar and 21st century learning skills, including higher order thinking, collaboration, research, communication, and critical thinking are all required.

The children of the Shaler Area School District deserve nothing less than our best. That means providing the best resources and training to our teachers, providing learning environments that inspire, and providing our children with the tools to be successful. Our focus on STEAM is a big step in the right direction.

Go Titans!

Dr. Shipley

22 | Shaler Area

Shaler Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 23

SHAL E R ARE A SC HOOL N ews

Approved: 9/18/13

Shaler Area

REVISED Shaler Area School District 2013 - 2014 School Calendar

SH AL ER AR EA SC H OO L News

haler Area

24 | Shaler Area

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has recently released the Pennsylvania School Performance Profile. This public site (www.paschoolperformance.org) provides an academic performance score for public schools in the state. This performance score is designed with several purposes in mind: • to inform the public of school performance • to provide a building level score for educators as part of their

evaluation system • to allow the public to compare schools across the state • to give schools a methodology to analyze their strengths and needs While public schools across the state have previously received designations under No Child Left Behind (e.g., Made Adequate Yearly Progress, Making Progress, Warning, School Improvement, Corrective Action), schools will now receive and academic performance score based upon many data points. These data points include test scores, progress in closing achievement gaps, and degree of student growth over time are factored into the scoring. Other identifiers of high achieving schools are also

REVISED Electronic Report Cards/Progress Reports (via EDLINE)

Official report cards will be posted to Edline on the following days no later than 3:00 PM: • Friday, November 22, 2013 • Friday, February 7, 2014 • Monday, April 14, 2014 • Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Official progress reports will be posted to Edline on the following days no later than 3:00 PM:

A

s part of the implementation of Edline, student progress reports and report cards are no longer printed and sent home with children in Grades 4-12. Parents/guardians will have the ability to access and print student progress information through Edline at any time during the nine-week period.

• Monday, October 21, 2013 • Friday, December 20, 2013 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • Wednesday, May 14, 2014 (Dates noted have been changed from previous listing) (Please be reminded, dates are

subject to change and will be indicated on the District Website.)

Parents/guardians who do not have access to the internet are able to request that paper copies of the progress report and report card by contact your schools main office.

If you have previously requested a paper report card you do not need to re-submit your request.

If you have questions regarding Edline access or need assistance accessing your child’s report cards/progress reports please contact the Technology Department at edline@sasd.k12.pa.us.

Shaler Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 25

SHAL E R ARE A SC HOOL N ews

By: Mr. Bryan O’Black, Director of Curriculum and Technology

considered: graduation, promotion, and attendance rates as well as evidence of offering rigorous courses factor into the calculation. Schools may also earn extra points beyond the 100 point scoring system for those students who have earned advanced scores on the state, industry, and Advanced Placement Exams.

In addition to the scoring aspect of the site, the public can compare schools within and across the state. For schools, the site also offers supports for schools to consider as they identify needs in the academic profile.

Administrators and staff in our district have begun to review the data and calculations. Public updates will be given at our monthly board meetings, District Parent Council (DPC) and PTO so that parents and community members have an opportunity to learn about this system and how they can use it effectively.

For an overview of the School Performance Profile, go to www.sasd.k12.pa.us to download the Executive Summary and other related documents. Access to the School Performance Portal is also available through the PA Department of Education’s website (www.pde.state.pa.us).

If you have any additional questions please contact your building principal or Mr. Bryan O’Black, Director of Curriculum and Technology (oblackb@sasd.k12.pa.us) or by calling 412.492.1200 ext. 2825.

Shaler Area

PA School Performance Profile: What It Means for Shaler Area School District?

Upcoming events to get you in the mood for the holidays:

6

9

SH AL ER AR EA SC H OO L News

haler Area

Middle School Chorus Concert

10 5th/6th Grade Orchestra Concert

6th Grade Chorus Concert

13 9 26 | Shaler Area

11

17 Middle School Band Concert

10

12 5th/6th Grade Band Concert

18 High School Orchestra Concert

11

6 19

High School Band Concert

12

Middle School Orchestra Concert Middle School Chorus Concert High School Choir Concert

5th/6th 5th/6th Middle 6th Grade Grade Gradelocations and School Please see www.sasd.k12.pa.us for concert times.

Chorus Orchestra Band Orchestra Concert Concert Concert Concert

Shaler Area SHAL E R ARE A SC HOOL N ews

WELCOME TO 7TH GRADE!

Pittsburgh Pirate Jared Hughes Welcomes Shaler Area Middle School’s Incoming Students

A

n enthusiastic group of Shaler Area Middle School staff planned and provided a memorable first-ever full day orientation program for all incoming 7th graders on August 29, 2013!

During this exciting day, the incoming students learned the basics of middle school, and participated in mini-seminars about academics, activities/athletics, school goals and expectations, and other important school services such as guidance, library, and health. Students were welcomed with a delicious lunch and had the opportunity to “walk through” their schedules and meet their teachers for the school year.

The students were hosted and escorted throughout the day by school staff and a group of responsible, positive 8th grade leaders.

A surprise guest, Pittsburgh Pirate relief pitcher Jared Hughes, appeared much to the awe of the 7th graders! Jared delivered a powerful message to the students about the importance of academics, maintaining a positive attitude, giving your best effort and working hard, and being a good teammate. He shared his own experiences from middle school, stories from his professional baseball career and answered student questions.

The 7th grade orientation program and a welcome session with the 8th graders have provided the basis for a very positive beginning of the school year for everyone!

Shaler Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 27

SAHS Students Enjoy AIU Apprenticeship Programs By: Matthew Johnson, 10th grade student

SH AL ER AR EA SC H OO L News

haler Area

A

t Shaler Area High School, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that incite learning and inspire them. The program that displays this the most would be the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s variety of apprenticeships, during which students around the Pittsburgh region can meet with local professionals to learn more about fields that interest them. The variety of apprenticeships is incredible, ranging anywhere from marine biology at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium to digital photography at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts to even astronomy at the Carnegie Science Center. The program offers a stunning 37 unique activities in all.

Anyone who wishes to participate in these apprenticeships must apply the spring beforehand and send in a $50 fee. The students, who age from 10th to 12th grade, meet at least once a month for half a day to learn about their interests, with other kids their age who would like to do the same. The sessions are interactive lessons in which the students are engaged and can focus on a skill which will be very useful in their future careers.

The learning truly inspires the students to pursue their passions, and many will ultimately find these apprenticeships useful in their not too far off careers. Daela Muñoz, a senior at Shaler Area High School enrolled in the Associated Arts of Pittsburgh apprenticeship, said, “My apprenticeship is unique because instead of going to one location, I’ll visit various places. This week, I went to Pittsburgh Glass Center, learned about glass blowing and made a glass mosaic. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in art.” When junior Catie Strout was asked what she would like to get out of the experience, she replied, “My apprenticeship is Nursing and Healthcare Careers through UPMC. I’d like to get a taste of all sorts of careers in health care. Last week, I saw a patient in Level I trauma in the ER at Presbyterian Hospital.

It was interesting to see the trauma team at work. Each visit we will see a different area of medicine.” She is not the only who is clearly benefitting from the AIU apprenticeships.

Twenty-five Shaler Area High School students will participate in one program or another, and that number is steadily rising as more and more students become aware of this fantastic opportunity. All in all, these apprenticeships provide a unique learning experience that schools normally can not provide, and which are becoming more and more powerful in a world where jobs are becoming harder to find.

These AIU apprenticeship clearly are valuable opportunities to learn, and these opportunities will surely benefit more and more students in the years to come.

28 | Shaler Area

Above: Tori Panza, senior, prepares food for the birds at the National Aviary’s commissary at her AIU Apprenticeship.

Below: Josiah Johnson, junior, feeds the pelicans at the National Aviary at his AIU Apprenticeship.

Shaler Area | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 29

SHAL E R ARE A SC HOOL N ews

2013

Shaler Area

HOMECOMING

Township of Shaler Administration 300 Wetzel Road Glenshaw, PA 15116-2288 P: 412-486-9700 F: 412-487-4107 Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Township Manager Timothy J. Rogers, Esq. 412-486-9700, x213

Chief of Police Bryan B. Kelly 412-492-2222

Director of Finance & Administration Judith Kording 412-486-9700, x214

Township Engineer Kevin Creagh, P.E. 412-486-9700, x230

Deputy Chief of Police Kevin P. Boyle 412-492-2222

Building Inspector Robert Vita 412-486-9700, x222

Commissioners

David Shutter, President Bill Cross, Vice President Ed Duss Lori Voegtly Mizgorski Thomas McElhone Susan Fisher Jim Boyle

Treasurer and Tax collector Erin Bartkins

District Justice Robert P. Dzvonick

Shaler Township Holiday Thanksgiving November 28 & 29, 2013 Christmas December 24 & 25, 2013 New Years Day January 1, 2014

Public Works Director Anthony Zelina 412-486-9700 Township Solicitor Harlan Stone 412-486-9700

Municipal Government Meetings Open to the public

Board of Commissioners Planning Commission Zoning Hearing Board Library Board

2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

3rd Monday 7:30 p.m.

2nd Thursday 7:30 p.m.

2nd Wednesday 7:30 p.m. (meet at Shaler Library, except July & August) Committee Meetings 4th Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

Environmental & Land Use, Public Works, Public Safety, Finance, Parks & Recreation (Except May, June, July, August and December) Pension & Insurance Committee (meets quarterly) 9:00 a.m.

Township Directory Business Hours Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Business Office

Property Tax Department (MWF 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Shaler North Hills Library

Police Administration Hampton Shaler Water Authority (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

412-486-9700 412-486-9700 412-486-0211 412-492-2222 412-486-4867

All Emergencies 9-1-1 Starting January 2014 - New Office Hours

haler

TO WNS HI P of SHA LE R News

Effective January 2, 2014 the Shaler Township Municipal Office hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

EARNED INCOME TAX

E-mail Notification: Sign up at www.shaler.org for e-mail notifications regarding Township news, emergencies or special meetings.

30 | Shaler

All residents of Shaler Township who work are required to pay Earned Income Tax. Please check your pay stubs to be sure that this tax is being withdrawn from your paycheck by your employer and paid to Keystone Municipal Services.

The Political Subdivision Code for Shaler Township (PSD) is 711204.

Your 2012/2013 Earned Income Tax payments are collected by Keystone Municipal Collections.

Their contact information is: Keystone Collections Group 546 Wendel Road Irwin, PA 15642 1-888-328-0558 www.keystonecollects.com

Shaler Township has constructed a new Community Information Sign at the Shaler North Hills Library on Mt. Royal Boulevard.

To promote a Shaler Township community event, please send your information with your contact information at least 30 days in advance of the event to the Shaler Township Manager’s Office at 300 Wetzel Road, Glenshaw, PA 15116 or e-mail to: shaler@shaler.org.

It’s that time of year again when our public works crews prepare for winter snow removal. Residents are reminded of the following information.

In addition to Township streets, our crews are responsible for all county and state roads within the Township with the exception of Route 8. Streets are prioritized and first priorities are high traffic, public transportation and school buses.

Driveways: If possible, please wait until the road in front of your home has been plowed before cleaning out the entrance to your driveway. It is difficult for the Township to plow its roads without depositing snow in your driveway.

Please do not shovel snow into the road or have your driveway plowed into the public street. This can cause a serious traffic hazard and subject the property owner to a hefty fine. If possible, it is best to place snow on the side of the driveway opposite the direction that the Township’s plow travels. By implementing this technique, the plow will carry snow away from your driveway entrance rather than back into it.

Mailboxes: Please help reduce the possibility of a broken mailbox. While plow operators are urged to take precautions to avoid hitting mailbox posts, experience has shown that reduced visibility during a storm can make it difficult for a driver to see a post in time to avoid striking it or pushing it over with plowed snow. Any installation within the street right-of-way, including a mailbox, is placed there at the owner’s risk. Therefore, homeowners are encouraged to install mailboxes at the maximum usable distance from the edge of the roadway. Posts should be checked for deterioration to reduce the possibility that the weight of the plowed snow could topple the post. The Township is not responsible for mailboxes damaged by plowed snow.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) The Township of Shaler continues to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System which is designed to lower your flood insurance rates. If you live in a flood hazard zone, you must purchase some type of flood insurance from an insurance provider.

Participation in this program consists of a number of activities ranging from storm water management to flood control to emergency response plans and public education.

One of the activities requires the Township to provide public education material to residents who live in a flood plain area of the Township. By providing information through the Shaler North Hills Library and the Township’s website (www.shaler.org) we hope to help you understand flood proofing techniques, learn about implementing flood prevention measures, and provide sources to obtain financial and technical assistance.

More information can also be obtained at the Federal Emergency Management Agency website, www.fema.com. A link to this organization is provided from the Township’s website. We hope you find the information valuable as it relates to protecting your home and property. If you do not have access to a computer, the Township office also has more booklets on file for loan and this information is also available at the Shaler North Hills Library located on Mt. Royal Boulevard.

If you wish to know more about the Community Rating System, please contact the Township Engineer at: 412-486–9700, Ext. 230.

www.shaler.org or www.fema.com

Flood Protection News Shaler Township Engineer, Mr. Kevin M. Creagh, P.E. and the Shaler Township Building and Zoning Officer, Mr. Robert Vita are willing to provide any Shaler Township resident with advice for flood protection. They can be reached at the main number of 412-486-9700.

This advice is especially pertinent for those residents in a delineated floodplain of a major stream in the Township, such as Pine Creek, Girty’s Run, and the two branches of Little Pine Creek, which are prone to periodic flooding.

Both Mr. Creagh and Mr. Vita will assist you in determining the approximate floodplain delineation on your property by using the latest edition of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). They will also provide technical advice on how to retrofit your property to protect against flooding.

It is important to protect our natural floodplains when possible, by discouraging building new structures or placing fill in them. These activities will reduce the amount of available overflow space from the waterways in the event of a flood.

Shaler Township encourages you to build responsibly, by getting the appropriate permits from the Township and not disrupting natural drainage channels. If you are replacing a damaged mechanical unit (such as a furnace or hot water tank), elevate it above the typical flood level.

If you ever find yourself in a flooding situation, it is important that you protect yourself by not trying to traverse a flooded intersection and avoid it at all costs. Flood waters have a tremendous amount of power and can overwhelm vehicles, in addition to harboring a wide variety of potential contaminants.

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 31

TOW N SHI P of SHAL E R News

Community Information Sign

Whenever possible, please park in your driveway and not on the street during a winter storm.

Shaler

Street Parking & Snow Removal

Shaler Township Your Tax Dollars in Detail In March, 2013, the Shaler Township Board of Commissioners lowered the 2013 millage rate to 2.49 mills. This was a reduction from the 3.05 mills set in prior years. The reason for this reduction was due to the Allegheny County reassessment program that will be effective January 1, 2014. In accordance with state law, the Township was required to set a millage rate that provided for no more than 105% of previous tax years revenues, excluding new construction.

As the final assessment figures were not available for a final determination in March 2013, the Board of Commissioners conservatively set the millage rate at 2.49 mills. The following is a breakdown of your annual property tax bill from Shaler Township, Shaler Area School District and Allegheny County.

The Township provides 24 hour police protection, staffed with 26 full time officers, a 19 member public works department, a community library and a public swimming pool. The Township also has many beautiful parks and sponsors many community events, such as Community Day and Holiday “Lite Up” Night, throughout the year.

Property Tax Bill Millage Shaler Township 2.49 Shaler Area School District 20.76 Allegheny County 4.73

% of Total Tax Bill 8.90% 74.20% 16.90%

Average Property Tax Bill for Shaler Township Home Average Assessed Value as of December 20, 2012 $126,575.00 Shaler Township $315.17 Shaler Area School District $2,627.70 Allegheny County $598.70

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TO WNS HI P of SHA LE R News

$3,541.57 Above figures do not include Homestead Exemption offered by Allegheny County

Appointment for Commissioner David W. Shutter

Support New Local Businesses

Welcome to Shaler!

CNT Motion Systems, Inc. 1600 Wm. Flynn Highway 32 | Shaler

We are pleased to announce the Township Board of Commissioner’s President, David Shutter, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Practices Commission

by Governor Tom Corbett. The Commission was established in December of 1973. The Commission’s predominant purpose is to advise the State Board of Education on issues related to teacher preparation and certification. It also serves as the legal adjudicating body in the Commonwealth for administering professional educator discipline and overseeing the reinstatement of certificates suspended and surrendered or revoked. This is a voluntary position and all appointees must be approved by the Senate. Congratulations to our Board of Commissioners for their third state wide recognition.

The bid prices were as follows;

Allied/Republic Services 2014 $ 16.95/Month

Waste Management $ 26.50/Month

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste: Starting in 2014 the Township has awarded an additional service to the successful bidder. This additional service will allow for the disposal of household hazardous waste (including paint products, pesticides, etc.) The current law stipulates that electronics (which are TV’s, computers, monitors, and similar electronic waste) cannot be combined with regular trash collections. This option will allow residents to include electronics recycling with their regular collection.

The cost of this additional service will be $1.00 per month. The Township has elected to include this service in the contract to provide residents with an alternative for hard to dispose of materials for a minimal monthly cost.

With the addition of this new service, the combined price of $17.95 is $.51 per month lower than the 2013 contract price.

Additional information will be mailed to all residential account holders by the middle of December 2013.

For more information on the 2014 Garbage Contract go to www.shaler.org under Public Services.

“Extended Travel” Clause — Six month time period only Customers who temporarily leave their permanent residence for more than 30 days in the Township shall be permitted by the Contractor to cancel service temporarily for a period not to exceed six (6) months. Requests for this exception must be made in writing to the Township or to the Contractor by the resident at least 10 days prior to the requested date to stop service.

The Township has provided a form for this request on their website at www.shaler.org under Forms then Trash Collection.

Recycling Reminder!

Please do not place plastic bags in your recycling cart.

Christmas Tree Removal January 2 - 31 The Garbage Contractor will pick up Christmas Trees from January 2 through January 30 at the curb on your normal garbage pick-up day.

Shaler Area Rotary

The Shaler Area Rotary has a fundraiser in progress. The “Basket of Shaler” fundraiser is a collection of gift certificates from restaurants, flowers, bakery goods, pierogies, gift cards from Shop ‘N Save, car washes, security systems, lawn care, oil changes, etc. These gifts were supplied from businesses in the Shaler Area Community and others who support the Shaler Area Rotary. The estimated value of this basket is over $5,000. The drawing for our fundraiser will be December 4, 2013 based on the daily lottery number. We are still looking for additional gifts to offer for this raffle. No donation is too small and everything is greatly appreciated. If you have something to donate you may call one of the following Rotarian’s. Contact Rose Mitsch at 412-487-5500, Ashley Koskey at 412-486-8214 or John Newhouse at 412-487-5333.

Tickets are $5.00 for one and three for $10.00.

Veteran’s Day Ceremony Shaw Place, 1900 Mt. Royal Boulevard Monday, November 11, 2013 – 11:00 a.m.

Shaler Post 785 American Legion and VFW Post 9199 will conduct a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Shaw Place Flagstaff and Memorial along Mt. Royal Boulevard on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow for attendees at the Post 785 meeting place at 900 Mt. Royal Boulevard.

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 33

TOW N SHI P of SHAL E R News

The Shaler Township refuse/recycling and green waste contract was recently bid as the current contract expires as of December 31, 2013. There were two bidders for this service, Allied/Republic Services and Waste Management.

The current contract holder is Allied/Republic Services. For 2013 Shaler Township residents pay $18.46 per month for refuse/recycling and green waste services.

Shaler

2014 Garbage / Recycling / Green Waste Contract

House and Building Address Numbers

New Police Officer Officer Anthony Viscomi

On Sunday, September 8, 2013 Officer Anthony “Tony” Viscomi began working for the Shaler Township Police Department. Officer Viscomi spent 20 years with the Pittsburgh Police Department where he rose to the rank of Sergeant in 2005. He was also an entry operator on the city SWAT team.

After graduating from the now-closed Peabody High School, Officer Viscomi spent four years in the military. He then graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s police academy and started with the city police.

Officer Viscomi has experience in field training as a firearms instructor and said he can bring “20 years” experience in law enforcement” to the township.

He will move to Shaler Township along with his wife, Shelly, and children David, 18; Cora, 14; and Erika, 6. His oldest son, Anthony, 19, lives in Mercer.

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TO WNS HI P of SHA LE R News

Assist First Responders on the Road

Sign-up Your Emergency Contact Information with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on their new website. The website is designed to allow Pennsylvania Department driver’s license and identification (ID) holders the opportunity to easily and immediately upload their emergency contact information to an online database accessible only to law enforcement and emergency personnel.

The system was developed to ultimately save lives by cutting down on the time needed to locate an emergency contact for individuals involved in situations that render themselves unable to communicate.

The process begins when a user visits www.dmv.state.pa.us and clicks on the Emergency Contact Information button. Customers will log-in using a secure process that requires the entry of their PA License or ID number, the last four digits of their social security number and their date of birth. Users will be taken to a secure page where they can add up to two emergency contacts. The information can be changed by the customers at any time by re-entering the secure site. Access to the information is available only to law enforcement through a secure law enforcement connection to the system.

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Your home and/or building address numbers should be visible from the street for Police and Emergency services.

The Shaler Township Ordinance specifications are as follows. House or building numbers shall be:

World Police and Fire Games

Bronze Medal for Officer Mion in Golf The world Police and Fire Games is a biennial event for serving and retired police, fire, prison and border security officers. WFPG is the third largest international multi-sport event in the world and the largest ever sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland. In 2013 there were 56 sports held at 41 venues across Northern Ireland with competitors from 67 countries taking part.

Officer Bruce Mion started competing in the World Police and Fire Games in 2009 when he qualified in Whistler, British Columbia for the 0-7 handicap division. You compete against golfers from all over the world in matches governed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Scotland. In August, Officer Mion competed in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the over-50 division and finished third for a bronze medal. Officer Mion stated, “The greatest thing about golf is even though you don't speak the same language you still communicate.” The next World Police and Fire Games will be held in Fairfax, Virginia in 2015.

• In Arabic numerals; • A minimum height of three inches for residential properties, a minimum height of six inches for commercial and industrial properties, and a minimum height of six inches for garden apartments and townhouse condominium complexes; • Mounted in a secure fashion to the front wall or porch of the building so as to be clearly visible from the street; • Sufficiently legible in contrasting background, arrangement, spacing and uniformity so as to be clearly visible from the street, and • Affixed at least 30 inches above the ground.

If numbers affixed to the front of a house or building would not be clearly visible from the street, the requirements may be satisfied if the owner, occupant or lessee permanently affixes the assigned Arabic numbers upon a post, rod, mailbox or other substantial fixture at or near the street, so that such numbers are conspicuous and visible from the street upon which the house or building fronts.

When the assigned Arabic numbers are affixed upon a post, rod, mailbox or other type of fixture of a substantial nature, at or near the street, the owner, occupant or lessee of the house or building shall not be otherwise obligated to affix Arabic numbers to his or her house or building and shall be permitted at his or her option to utilize cursive numbers or no numbers at all upon the house or building.

Shaler EMS Subscription Drive Thank You Shaler EMS thanks all of the Shaler residents and businesses who contributed to our fundraising drive in 2013 (39% of all residents). Your generous support helped make 2013 our best year ever. Your ongoing support is crucial for ensuring that Shaler EMS can continue as your local ambulance service. Shaler Township based service is important as it reduces response times and could potentially make the difference between life and death.

In the current economic and healthcare environment all ambulance services are being squeezed by rising expenses and decreasing reimbursements for providing service. All services are paid less today for providing the same service than were paid five years ago. Many ambulance services have responded to the decreasing reimbursements by decreasing the level of service, as well as the number of ambulances available to respond to emergencies. Shaler EMS has opted to maintain the same level of protection for the community, but we need your support in order to continue doing so.

If you have not already subscribed, there is still time to do so. Please call 412-487-6590 for more information.

Volunteer Fire Companies Always looking for new members. Remember, you don’t have to fight fires to be a member.

Undercliff VFD

Super Bingo every Friday, 7:00 p.m.

Highest payouts -weekly specials - full kitchen.

Fund drive in progress.

Mail donations to: Undercliff VFD, PO Box 122, Glenshaw, PA 15116.

Cash Bash - Saturday February 1, 2014 Thanks for your support. www.undercliff264.org

Cherry City VFC

Join us for Bingo every Thursday $2,000.00 jackpot weekly.

2014 Lottery Calendars are on sale for $25.00.

See one of our members to purchase. They make a great holiday gift.

Thank you for all of your support and have a happy and safe Holiday Season. www.cherrycityfire.org

Insurance Reporting — Identify your

Township in support of your Fire Department

Please check your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure the correct municipality is indicated on your policy. Your home should be listed as Shaler Township, not simply “Glenshaw, 15116”, Pittsburgh, 15209”, “Pittsburgh, 15223”, “Pittsburgh, 15215”or “Allison Park, 15101”. Contact your agent to make the change to Shaler Township. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania distributes a percentage of the premiums paid by residents of a municipality for homeowner’s insurance to all Shaler Township volunteer fire departments. It is important that your policy is correctly identified so that the companies can secure this valuable funding. Thank you.

MARK THE DATE

SNIP Litter Clean Up

Saturday, April 26, 2014 • 9:00 a.m. to Noon Shaler Township Municipal Building Shaler Neighborhood Improvement Committee

Fall Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, November 23, 2013 Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1719 Mt. Royal Boulevard • 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Boy Scout Troop 138 is sponsoring an All You Can Eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, November 23rd from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The cost is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and $4.00 for children 10 and under. Proceeds will assist Troop 138 with programs. For more information on joining the Boy Scouts for boys ages 11 to 18 e-mail us at: 138scoutmaster@comcast.net.

Bring this with you and receive $1.00 off each of your orders.

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TOW N SHI P of SHAL E R News

Shaler The Shaler Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee is proud to announce the 24th Annual Shaler Holiday “Lite” Up Night celebration kicking off the 2013 holiday season.

Plan to join us for the celebration. Rudolph, Frosty, The Grinch, and other holiday characters will be on hand to help us welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Cookies and drink refreshments will be served in the Middle School cafeteria and crafts in the library after the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display by Pyrotecnico.

Shaler North Hills Library

1822 Mt. Royal Boulevard 412-486-0211 • www.shalerlibrary.org Please call the library to register for all programs.

The Library will open at noon on Wednesday, November 6.

Wednesday, November 27—5:00 p.m. closure Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29—Closed for Thanksgiving Monday, December 23—5:00 p.m. closure Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25—Closed for Christmas Tuesday, December 31—5:00 p.m. closure Wednesday, January 1—Closed for New Year

Twilight with Teddy

Friday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m. (bring teddy) and Saturday, November 9 at 10:30 a.m. (pick up teddy)

Ever wonder what your teddy does when the lights go out? Bring your teddy to the library, hear some stories, have a snack, tuck him in and say goodnight. Come back the next morning for donuts and juice with your teddy and find out what he or she did while you were at home sleeping!

Registration includes both Friday night program and Saturday morning donuts.

Woolworks, Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Guild Show

Saturday, November 9, 10:00 .a.m. - 5:00 p.m. & Sunday, November 10, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

200 rugs by members of the guild and students will be on display. No vendors. No admission charge. Contact: Fritz Mitnick, (412) 767-5698, fritzmitnick@comcast.net.

Reading Readiness! Imagination Patrol: SNHL on the Road in Etna!

Fridays: November 15, 22 and December 6 and 13 at 4:30 p.m.

Kindergarteners and first graders! Join us at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Etna (66 Grant Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15223) to enjoy games, art, music, and drama.

We will review and introduce important reading skills such as, phonemic awareness, sound/letter correspondence, vocabulary word review, comprehension skills, multi-step direction following, listening skills, work habits and more!

TO WNS HI P of SHA LE R News

Thanksgiving Feast (Children’s Book-Style!)

Tuesday, November 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Our first ever literary feast! Think about all of the children’s books that have something to do with food: Green Eggs and Ham, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Bread and Jam for Frances and so many more!

We’re having a pot-luck dinner! Bring a dish or treat to share and we’ll provide the drinks and fun!

LEGO Party - Saturday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m.

LEGO crafts and fun activities with a LEGO theme! LEGO stories! A LEGO movie, too! Leave your LEGOS at home so that they don’t get lost and come and have fun with ours!

The Festival of Lights! - Tuesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m.

It’s the middle of Hanukkah! Come and learn about this special celebration and play games, listen to stories and eat traditional Hanukkah foods! Please register.

Zum Zum Pierogie Fundraiser!

Pre-order starting December 4 for a pick-up date of December 14th! Pre-order some delicious frozen pierogi just in time for the holidays! Check www.shalerlibrary.org for further information!

Acoustic Diversion in Concert

A Visit from Santa and a Holiday Play!

Pittsburgh’s favorite three-piece acoustic band will perform twice at the Shaler North Hills Library this season.

Music for all ages and tastes!

The Big Guy in the Red Suit will be here and our Titan Theater Troupe will be putting on a special play! Please register.

Saturdays, November 16 and December 21 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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Extended morning hours for adults are on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. Pick-up holds, check out materials and use the computer quietly. 10:00 am. Library opens for reference service, phone service, fax service and services for children resume.

Saturday, December 7 at 10:15 a.m.

FUN(D)RAISER! Laugh Out Loud at the Library Comedy Night!

Be sure to stop by or visit us online at shalerlibrary.org to check out the amazing array of award-winning programs for kids, teens and adults!

Thank you so much for your constant support!

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Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.

A night of laughter featuring stand-up comics Joanne Burroway, Frank Perman, and Ing Kalchthaler. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the Library. Proceeds benefit Youth Services Programming. This is an adults-only show, ages 18 and up.

Callan Celtic Band

Saturday, December 7 from 2:00 - 4 p.m.

Free holiday concert for all ages. Back by popular demand!

Every year, over 800 children die in house fires and thousands more are injured. Fires and related burns are the third leading cause of injuries to children. Most of these could have been prevented if the children were given a better education about fire safety. We must reduce the needless and devastating loss of children due to house fires in this country.

The “WYZKIT” is one of the most innovative and comprehensive tools on the market today. It was designed for children ages 5 to 12. The Kit combines traditional fire safety programs with actual fire survival techniques used by firefighters. The concept is to teach the children some basic fire behavior knowledge, show them the skills needed to escape a fire, and provide them with a few valuable tools to assist them in getting out safely.

The Kit contains several essential items, when used individually or in conjunction, greatly increases the chances of the child’s survival. Included is a smoke detector, flashlight, whistle, signal flag, mallet and a nine-minute DVD video which contains the widest array of information about fire prevention, fire safety and explicit instructions about how to survive a fire in the home. It explains how and when to use all of the items in the Kit. Our Fire Companies have recognized the tremendous safety value of the Fire Survival Kits for kids and each station is generously giving out 100 Kits free to residents in their respective fire districts on the dates and times below.

Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 12 Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Due to a limited supply, only one kit per family will be given out free. You must sign for the kit. Valid Driver’s License is required to prove residency in fire district.

Bauerstown VFD - 15 Wible Run Road Cherry City VFC - 309 Davis Avenue Elfinwild VFC - 2817 Mt. Royal Boulevard Shaler Villa VFC - 960 Saxonburg Boulevard Sharps Hills VFD - 503 Berner Street Undercliff VFC - 700 Mt. Royal Boulevard

Inquiries about the WYZKIT can be sent to Jim Wyzomirski at wyzkit4kids@comcast.net.

Additional WYZKITs may be purchased at Winschel’s Hardware on Butler Street in Etna at a cost of $25.00.

Friday, November, 29, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Valid Driver’s License is required to prove residency in fire district.

Etna VFD (being provided by Etna VFD, Etna Borough and Light the Night Committee) - 27 Crescent Street

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 37

TOW N SHI P of SHAL E R News

Shaler

“WYZKIT” Fire Survival Kit for Children

2013 INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT The year 2013 was a busy one for Shaler Township with respect to the maintenance of the Township’s infrastructure. Work was done in the areas of roads, bridges, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, community improvements, and internal municipal projects.

The 2013 Road Paving Program milled and re-paved nearly 6 miles of road in the Township, at an approximate cost of $1.3 million. The Township is responsible for the maintenance of nearly 105 miles of road across 554 Township-adopted roads. The work was completed by Shields Paving this year.

Fall Run Road: Phase 1 of the Fall Run Road Reconstruction project was completed in the Spring. The road will be widened and shifted to a new alignment for safety purposes. Recently, Shaler Township received additional grant funding to complete Phase 2 of the project in the Spring of 2014.

Bridges: A general bridge repair contract was issued to two separate contractors to complete repairs to five Township-maintained bridges. The work involved repairing concrete spalling, new asphalt approaches, and scour protection to prevent undermining of abutments.

In-house Work: The Township completed in-house all of the replacement of the corrugated metal pipe for the 2013 Road Paving Program roads. Additionally, a new low-flow culvert was installed adjacent to Burger King to replace a failing culvert installed nearly 25 years ago. Work was also completed on smaller storm sewer repair projects throughout the Township.

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TO WNS HI P of SHA LE R News

Sanitary Sewer: As part of our ongoing Sanitary Sewer Operation and Maintenance Program, the Township televised nearly 9 miles of sanitary sewer throughout the Sharps Hill and Seavey Road areas. After the work product was received, the Township issued separate contracts for chemical root control, open cut spot repairs, and cured-in-place lining of corrupted areas of sanitary sewers. At the start of the year, a new pump station was installed along Saxonburg Boulevard to serve that sector’s residents, replacing a failing pump station.

Community Information Sign: A new LED informational sign was installed recently at the Shaler North Hills Library and the Township looks forward to utilizing it to announce key events in the area.

Public Works: A new sloped metal roof was installed at the Public Works Garage to replace the previous flat roof that occupied the main garage area. Additionally, the parking lot at the garage will be re-paved in October.

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Business Directory

Special Value Coupons

Shaler | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 39

inCOGNITO

Did you know?

Shaler was once the home of a famous Olympian

W

hen the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, commence on February 7, the world will be waiting with anticipation for all the winter sports, but none more so than figure skating. One former Shaler resident was once at the forefront of this most popular sport. Michael Seibert, who attended Rogers Elementary School, went on to become five-time U.S. National Ice Dancing Champion with partner Judy Blumberg, 1980 – 1985. The pair also competed in the Olympics in 1980 and 1984, finishing 7th and 4th respectively.

Seibert left the Shaler area at the age of 13 and lived in Washington, PA, where he took skating lessons at a local rink. He then moved to Ohio, and subsequently several other states in pursuit of his competitive skating career. Although the pair never obtained the elusive Olympic medal, Seibert went on to a successful career as a professional ice dance choreographer and even won an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography. In recent years, Seibert has made appearances on the short-lived “Skating with Celebrities” on the Fox network in 2006 and has also choreographed routines for the Canadian television show “Battle of the Blades,” which pairs figure skaters with hockey players.

He was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1996. ■

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.

40 724.942.0940 to advertise | Shaler

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Overbrook Pointe Come see what it is like to “Live your Dream” Please join us for our

OPEN HOUSE November 10th, 1 to 4 p.m.

and take a personal tour of the newest senior-living community in the area.

Overbrook Pointe, part of the Adams Township and Mars communities, is located at 1500 Graham Way, at the corner of Route 228 & Pittsburgh Street.

For more information, call today

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Live an Abundant Life

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

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

TIME FOR OUR AREA VOLUNTEERS SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2014

COMMUNITY AWARDS FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE (C.A.S.E.) What makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their 2013 Master of Ceremony

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.

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 Small Nonprofit of the Year Large Nonprofit of the Year

SPONSORED BY

(21 years and younger)

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 ) ❍

Which community is this nomination for?___________________________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________ 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.