IN West Allegheny by IN Community Magazines

SUMMER 2013

2013

Case

Awa r d s

INPERSPECTIVE S TA F F

From the Publisher Welcome to the summer issue of West Allegheny magazine. While we focus on the communities that we serve, we don’t live in a bubble. The world throws curveballs at each of us, and each of us has to decide whether or not to swing at it. In the case of the Boston Marathon bombing, the city swung and knocked it out of the park. Residents came together to present a united front. First responders put their lives on hold and on the line until the threat was removed. Boston is not unique in that regard. Over the past decade or more that I’ve been publishing magazines, I’ve had the good fortune to come into contact with a lot of residents in the communities we serve. I’ve met dozens upon dozens of municipal officials, police and fire chiefs, EMS teams, and elected officials. I’ve seen them deal with their own issues, and I’ve seen them from time to time mourn their losses in the press. What I’ve seen and who I’ve met along the way has convinced me that the resilience of Boston is not a regional attribute. It’s a way of life that seems to be somehow tied to our very genes. Fortunately, not every city will face a challenge of that magnitude. But we do have it in us to take the inspiration demonstrated by the people of Boston and apply it to our daily lives. We can take small steps every day to ensure that the community we live in is a little bit better by the time we lay our heads down on the pillow at night. Whether it’s raising money for a cause, or visiting someone who needs to see a smiling face, young or old we can all do something to make our surroundings a little bit better. And by making things a little bit better for each other, hopefully, we can be better prepared to help one another if things suddenly get worse. This May, we honored volunteers and organizations in the community that help make a difference in such ways. Those people and causes were chosen by you, and we are proud to thank them for their service to their communities. We thank you for your dedication to our magazines and hope that you continue to be part of them and contribute your thoughts and ideas to our editors. There are many more stories to be told, and we always welcome your help in finding them. Wayne Dollard, Publisher

we want to know

Featured pet

Bingley

in the world? Why is your Pet the Best Pet

All Animals Welcome!

Fall content deadline: 8/21/13

Write and tell us why your pet is the greatest. Be sure to send us a photo of your best friend and let us know which magazine you receive at your home. Photos should be as large as possible and may be emailed to our editor, mark@incommunitymagazines.com or mailed to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your photo returned.

There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of a pet, so share the love!

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INSIDE

IN West Allegheny is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the West Allegheny 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.

IN West Allegheny | SUMMER 2013 |

Features

The IN Community Magazine 2013 CASE Awards ........................... | 4 Boy Scout Troop 248 Honors Three of its Own............................. | 31 on the cover

Nearly 500 people turned out for the inaugural IN Community Magazines’ Community Awards for Service Excellence (CASE) presented by Northwest Savings Bank in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field. IN Community Magazines honored community volunteers at the celebration. See story on page 4.

Teachers Present “Thrilling” Approach To PSSA Testing .............. | 33 Real Estate Special Section ............ | 34 Industry Insights

Vein Institute of Pittsburgh ............ | 43 Business Spotlight

Hawthorne Partners ............................ | 19 6

For special values, see coupon on page 42.

community interests

West Allegheny School District News ...................................... | 6

Cover photo by Carl P. Stillitano, CPS Photography

St. Malachy ............................................................................................. | 15 Parkway West Career Training Center ....................................... | 16 Oakdale News And Events .............................................................. | 20 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ....................................... | 21 Pittsburgh Technical Institute ..................................................... | 29 UPMC Urgent Care: Tips on Summer Sun Safety ................ | 32 UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center ................................ | 46 We Want to Cover You! Do you have an event coming up that you’d like to publicize? Do you have an event that you want us to cover? Let us know! Go to www.incommunitymagazines.com/events and fill out the form. Events will be announced in the upcoming issue. If our deadlines don’t match yours, we may decide to send our photographers to cover the event for an upcoming issue. We’re looking for fundraisers, charity drives, social functions, class reunions, church festivals, awards presentations and more! If you’re not sure you have an event worth featuring, give us a call at 724.942.0940 and we’ll help you out!

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West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Inaugural

Event photos by Carl P. Stillitano, CPS Photography

CASE AWARDS Honors Unsung Volunteers

Nearly 500 people turned out for the inaugural IN Community Magazines’ Community Awards for Service Excellence (CASE) presented by Northwest Saving Bank on May 10 in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field.

he awards were created by former IN Community Magazines editor Monica Haynes to honor the work of individual volunteers and nonprofit organizations throughout the magazines’ coverage area. A total of 111 awardees representing 33 magazines received certificates during the event, for which WTAE-TV anchor Andrew Stockey served as Master of Ceremonies. IN Community Magazines publisher Wayne Dollard welcomed attendees and spoke about the importance of community service, as did Northwest Savings Bank president Chris Martin. Providing a perfect ending to the evening was an acoustic set by The Clarks. Below is Haynes’ first-person account of how the awards came to be. During my tenure as an editor for IN Community Magazines, one of the cover stories we did was about food pantries, those places that provide grocery basics for those who don’t have enough income to keep their kitchens stocked. This meant finding a food pantry to visit so I could conduct interviews. I found one

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and scheduled an interview around noon, which is the time it opened. It was a cold, blustery day as I made my way up the hill to the church, where the food bank was located. There were some slick spots on the road and I was praying the whole way up, “God, please don’t let me slide over the hillside.” Finally, I arrived at the church. Inside, it was buzzing like a hive with volunteers moving about among the shelves and tables to fill the grocery bags with various food items for pickup by those signed up for the pantry. Most of the volunteers were retirees and could easily be in their nice warm homes instead of braving the cold wind and snow flurries to help their fellow residents. I imagine they could ditch Pittsburgh all together during the winter months to enjoy three or four months of Florida sun. But they didn’t. Every week, they made their way to that church and filled those bags and answered the phones and signed people up, listening to the stories of how they ended up needing to utilize a food pantry. The volunteers always treat them with dignity and respect. They listen with compassion.

I was inspired by these volunteers and others I’d met and talked to. There was a couple who volunteered with a group that helped senior citizens. The husband would help the senior by carrying out home repairs. The wife would drive him or her to doctor appointments and to shop at the supermarket. Many times they’d go above and beyond their initial volunteer duties. People need to know about these and all the unsung volunteers and organizations that serve so unselfishly the members of their community, I thought. I wrote a proposal for an awards program that would shine just a bit of light on these volunteers. I knew they didn’t do it for recognition or any fanfare, but I was so inspired that I felt if others were able to know about what the volunteers do and how they give, they might be motivated and inspired to do the same. When I presented the proposal to Wayne Dollard, publisher of IN Community Magazines, his immediate response was, “Let’s do it.” And so I set about developing the categories, the criteria, the nomination form, etc. We put the nomination form in all the

Chris Martin, President of the Southwest Region of Northwest Savings Bank (left) poses with the West Allegheny area winner Nancy Thorns.

2013

Cwaasrdes

IN WEST ALLEGHENY Volunteer of the Year, Nancy Thorns: A resident of North Fayette, Nancy Thorns, after retirement, became active in her community library and helped to establish the organization “Western Area Friends to Enhance the Library.” Nancy epitomizes, 100-percent, the adage that it is better to give than to receive, and asks nothing in return.

magazines, but also sent forms to clubs, schools, libraries, senior centers, and places that utilize volunteers. I knew that I wanted young people to have a category. Over the years, I have encountered so many amazing high school and college students who have donated countless hours and their talents to help others. I wanted them to be recognized for being so outstanding when it is so easy to think only about themselves and having a good time. Slowly but steadily, the nominations came in and it was very humbling to see what people were doing in their communities, in their schools, churches, hospitals, food pantries, athletic fields, senior centers, community centers, etc. Personally, it made me want to go out and do more. I was enlightened and moved by their giving and doing. Some had been giving of their time, efforts and resources for decades. Some youngsters not only volunteered for organizations but started their own organizations and groups to help fellow students, younger students, students with disabilities, or to help older residents. There were organizations, both large and small, quietly

going about their missions of healing, helping, saving, counseling, teaching, encouraging and caring. The year of planning, sorting, reviewing and selecting culminated in a marvelous awards dinner, which shined just a little bit of the spotlight on young and more-seasoned volunteers and small and large nonprofit organizations. “As someone who has managed volunteers for 10 years, it was wonderful to witness your recognition efforts of so many deserving individuals and organizations. Thank you again,” said Vickie Mottern, volunteer and outreach coordinator for Brevillier Village, where IN Harbor Creek CASE honoree Catherine Pugliese volunteers. “I just want to take a minute to thank you for such an amazing event. We are so grateful to be recognized as Small Nonprofit of the Year for IN Norwin at the Inaugural CASE Awards,” wrote Jodi Fowler, one of the founders of Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund. “At Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund, we truly believe that our work is blessed by God, and our purpose is to serve oncology

families in need. Never did we imagine, when Genre was diagnosed with leukemia, that we would be at this point, developing our organization and receiving this amazing award because of our incredible volunteers – just a few years later. We honestly appreciate the opportunity this allows to share our story and mission with readers in our community.” “My family and I had a wonderful time! It was a great event! The food was excellent; the speeches interesting, nice and short; Andrew Stockey was wonderful; and we thoroughly enjoyed The Clarks. Thank you for this honor and recognition and a fun family evening to top it off,” wrote IN Chartiers Valley Volunteer of the Year Susan Zuk. These are just a few of the comments IN Community Magazines received about the awards dinner. We’d like to thank everyone for their participation. And we would like to congratulate all of our honorees, all of the nominees and even those who were not nominated. It is your constant devotion to helping others, which all too often goes unnoticed, that makes our communities a great place to live!

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 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT

West Allegheny Middle School – HONOR ROLL – SECOND GRADING PERIOD 2012-13 GRADE 8

HIGHEST HONORS Netsanet Andualem, Samantha Atkinson, Sarah Behr, Amanda Beuchat, Sai Bhatte, Nathan Bly, Kayla Campbell, Victoria Costa, Zachary Costantino, Rachel Ecoff, Julia Falcioni, Sydney Foy, Matthew Gardocki, Hunter Gatchell, Moira Gibson, Joseph Gluzman, Madison Heidenreich, Nicholas Kadlecik, Nicole Kadlecik, Allison Koester, Yash Lahoti, Dorissa Large, Huynh Le, Rylie Malatak, Marina Maropis, Gary McMurtrie, Trent Michaels, Kyle Miller, Christian Milletary, Mackenzie Morgan, Gabriella Morton, Kaylee Musiol, Anh Nguyen, Kress Oliver, Ali Perry, Garrett Powell, Kristen Quasey, Matthew Quinn, Danielle Rance, Hunter Ross, Kali Rossi, Hannah Salvucci, Natalie Sciulli, Samantha Shaffer, Claire Shemon, Daniel Shemon, Christina Sible, Andrew Silvis, Victoria Siwula, Michael Starkman, Cory Uram, Todd Voloskie, Kayla Wade, Kaylie Wallace, Alexandra Yingst

HIGH HONORS Alan Albrecht, Tyler Anderson, Char-Leigh Bates, Austin Bayer, Alisha Beiber, Kaitlyn Bolton, Tyler Boni, Everest Bower, Connor Britton, Maxwell Bruce-Rudge, Julie Burns, Macy Cain, Dannial Cardillo, Ava Collins, Michael Crawford, Derek

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Currey, Matthew Currey, Devin Donaldson, Rachel Dorste, Zane Driggers, Katrina Dudukovich, Martin Durkin, Jeremy Ellis, Paige Eritz, Kaylee Fields, Sara Fiorentino, Devin Floyd, Sierra Freshwater, Mitchell Fullard, Lorenzo Giacomino, Lochlann Gilbert, Madeline Graham, Courtney Hayes, Morgan Hoffman, Shawn Holl, Joseph Honeychuck, Lauren Humensky, Karlee Johnson, Chloe Kehm, Michael Kocher, John Koval, Mackenzie Mahen, Alyson Martin, Mikayla Medved, Danielle Monaco, Ryan Niederriter, Faith Orsini, Kelsey Overbay, Gabrielle Prevade, Brianna Rose, Nicholas Ross, Sydney Saunders, Alexis Schmader, Rachel Schreiber, John Scisciani, Joseph Sciulli, Kassidy Scott, Andrew Shemon, Victoria St.Claire, Kacey Sturgeon, Eric Tokarski, Brooklynn Verbeck, Jessica Wasek, Lindsey Watters, Kaitlin White, Nikki Williams, Brooke Wilson, Lindsey Wilson, Noah Wilson, Rachel Wirfs, Matthew Zelesnik, Morgan Ziolkowski

HONORS Christian Aromando, Katarina Bittner, Madison Blazer, Madeline Bleil, Dylan Bolind, Macenzie Bourg, Chad Bovalina, Kamren Cornell, Erin Cutri, Joseph Diven, Andrew Doehre, Adam Dolan, Meghann Downing, Tiara Dramble, Carli Dundas, Megan Edwards, Alec Ferretti, Dezmond Franklin, Thomas Garvin, Maranda Grady, Luke Heyl, Matthew Holmes, Brittany Hurey, Brionna Jordan, Robert Keenan, Mya Konieczny, Brianna Lambert, Madison Lockwich, Tyler Moore, Nicholas Morrison, Rachel Mroczkowski, Marc Passione, Michael Priddy, Alissa Reno, Zachary Resio, Emily Reynolds, Lauren Ritchey, Alexander Rule, Sydney Spath, Miranda Stakeley, Brooke Sturgeon, Ciara

Terabasso, Ryan Tomaszewski, Paige Toulouse, Stephen Twardy, Justin Usenicnik, Erik Vadella, Catherine Wheatley, Alaina White

GRADE 7

HIGHEST HONORS Anden Acitelli, Michael Bagnell, Stephanie Berhosky, Dana Bodnar, Jacob Bolger, Tori Brennen, Lucia Bruschi, Gabrielle Campbell, Joel Casey, Michael Chen, Amanda Coghe, Paige Colicchie, Hannah Cook, Brandon Cooper, Alexa Crider, Sarah Cummings, Taylor Cummings, Taylor Goldstrohm, Stephen Grebosky, Joshua Halbedl, Hailey Hamilton, Jenna Haston, Henry Hays, Trenton Heh, Veronica Heyl, Ava Krapanza, Morgan Kutzavitch, Michaela Lucas, Carolyn Macek, Mallory Mahen, Kylie Martin, Rocky McGeary, Aidan Meier, Kaitlin Mielnicki, Amy Nolte, Anna Nordmann, Madelyn Norris, Melina Opacic, Jessica Packer, Zachary Painter, Miala Palaima, Mackenzie Partyka, McKenna Pasic, Dominic Patitucci, Rachel Plocki, Connor Polosky, Zachary Porter, Emily Price, Megan Routch, Rachel Schade, Gregory Schriner, Ashley Seamon, Lily Seibel, Olivia Shipley, Logan Simmons, Quincy Sterner, Kolbe Stout, Morgan Swasey, Zehao Tan, Jeremy Taranto, Daniel Tome, Roman Votour, Chancelor Wahl, Savana Williamson, John Wojtowicz, Megan Ye, Olivia Younger, Jennifer Zavoina, Jennifer Zelesnik

HIGH HONORS Mariah Bagdon, Alexis Barbour, Conner Bartley, Noah Bauer, Jeree Best, Mariah Blair, Graham Bordo, Kaitlin Borgo, Isaac Bower, Noah Brosovic, Abigayle Brown, Eric Campbell, Sydney Campbell, Daniel Clements, Curtis Cowher, Sadie Crawford, Victoria Crawford, Nathan Cronin, Julia Custer, Mackenzie Danzik, Jacob Davis, Mikayla Day, Anthony Dellovade, Matthew Donahue, Brock Downing, Brandon Ferruzza, Samantha Fink, Kaylee Fisher, Michael Flesse, Tyler Gallant, Nathaniel Graziani, Madison Henry, Victoria Hensler, Rachel Hoge, Zachary Hoge, Courtney Hurey, Christina Jeter, Anna

 Kohl, Jared Konop, Savannah Kosis, Caitlin Kutzavitch, Sierra Lamb, Lily Lutkus, Melina Lynn, Brent Mangold, Bryce Manley, Olivia Marsh, Avery Naleppa, Spencer Naleppa, Maximus Oberg, Nicole Patterson, Kayleigh Peternel, Kaitlin Richards, Justin Rippole, William Robertson, Madeline Salek, Tanner Simko, Nicholas Staub, Caitlin Thomson, Jacqueline Vergnaud, Mackenzie Walters, Jillian Weber, Matthew Weber, William Weber, Lauren Whitaker, Michael Whitaker, William Wiechelt, Stewart Yarowenko, Rachel Zeigler, Rachel Zelesnik, Kayleigh Zimmerman, Gage Zurcher, Robert Zysk, Shalby Zysk

HONORS Steven Abbott, Katelyn Amedure, Tatum Amos, Evan Armstrong, Madison Beck, Michael Behr, Kiley Black, Noah Blashford, Ornuma Bunsopa, Megan Capo, Katelyn Carnot, Joseph Cook, Shay CryblskeyHorton, Katelin Cutri, Robert Defazio, Francesca Fedorka, Montana Feely, Taylor Greer, Brittany Hemminger, Carlie Holeva, Baleigh Hopkins, Connor Johnsen, Victoria Juzwick, Tyler Keibler, Jessop Kolesar, Noah Ledford, Abigail Leslie, Ryan Locke, Ryan Main, Kaitlin Martelli, Spencer Mason, Haley McGuane, Grant Nicholson, Caleb Parrish, Jacklyn Patton, Austin Petrocelly, David Pritchett, Aubrey Prohaska, Seth Rosen, Dylan Rossman, Amanda Rubis, Logan Sadauskas, Victoria Sadauskas, Jacob Schiefelbein, Christopher Schubert, Patrick Shearer, Zachary Stone, Madison Story, Eric Thomsen, Logan Tomcik, Alexis Vogt, Brianna Watters, Lauryn Wertz, Lacey Wilkinson, Angelo Wilson

GRADE 6

HIGHEST HONORS Ronald Alano, Casey Bachowski, Lauren Bayer, Alexander Berhosky, Victoria Beuchat, Gabriella Brady, Nathan Brierton, Michaela Brown, Dillon Calhoon, Adam Chang, Shannon Clontz, Jacob Costantino, Madison Cunningham, Vesta Daniels, Juliana Dominick, Nathan

Dragisich, Sydni Ellis, James Ervin, Mackenzie Gillie, Robert Grimm, Kellyanne HernandezRivera, Kyle Jamieson, Haley Kozel, Kylie Laughery, Hannah Lindemuth, Taylor Loyer, Logan Malatak, Ty McGeary, Breanna McMurtrie, Isabella Merlino, Zachary Metz, Brittany Morrison, Arielle Moulinie, William Muirhead, Alicia Peng, Loren Perry, Christina Prologo, Brandon Raglow, Mackenzie Reed, Marina Rohbeck, Renae Roscart, Logan Scheider, Amanda Schlor, Paige Scholz, Justin Shaytar, Stacia Shaytar, Zachary Shaytar, Aaron Silvis, Marissa Stakeley, Trent Stalling, Vincent Staub, Chase Steding, Carly Thompson, Kaitlyn Uram, Elizabeth Vollmer, John Walls, Braden Wurst

HIGH HONORS Kayla Adams, Jacob Bahr, Evan Blunkosky, Dylan Boyza, Frankii Bynum, Maura Castelluci, Benjamin Chromack, Jessica Collins, Sean Collins, Michael Cosnek, Tara Coulter, Cathrynn Crisanti, Alexandra Dellovade, Hailey Digiandomenico, Shea Downing, Hunter Driggers, Timothy Fair, Grace Faulk, Nicholas Faulk, Evan Ferretti, Nathan Fidell, Alexis Fleet, Emily Fullard, Dakota Gerst, Alyssa Goldstrohm, Ryan Grubb, Mitchell Gumbert, Gabriel Haines, Darian Hallam, Diana Hannan, Julia Hazel, Austin Hemminger, Trent Johnson, Kamriee Kidder, Trevor King, Rachel Kiss, Jared Klaas, Robert Kramm, Alexander Kwiatkowski, Lauren Lalley, Madison Lisotto, Zachary Logan, Danielle Longo, Richard Mamula, Marcus Maropis, Skye Mccabe, Jonathan McKoy, Claire Mercurio, Madison Morgan, Chase Passman,

Camron Petroff, Logan Reed, Micaela Rosenwald, Bradley Ryniawec, Joselyn Santiago-Sanchez, Devon Schmitt, Leesa Senovich, Maya Snyder, Kelsey Spath, Courtney Spicer, Jacob Spinelli, Tyler Stalling, Morgan Stewart, Liam Sturgeon, Jarrett Tomazich, Elena Turner, Madison Twardy, Christopher Unger, Eve Vogt, Sydney Williams, Samantha Wirfs, Scott Zanella, Edward Zou

HONORS Hannah Adamson, Omeir Ahmed, Kellen Almady, Janelle Amadio, Sophia Antos, Nicole Argent, Emily Aucoin, Jaden Beckett, Casey Bence, Ethyn Benning, Kelli Blondsey, Jaalen Bonafede, Gabrielle Burke, Clarence Carlos, Jeremy Cerciello, Christian Chase, Sarah Collins, Amber Conrad, Kimberly Davis, Jesslynn Dunlap, Ivy Edmondson, Benjamin Farelli, Antonio Fiordilino, Madison Forsythe, Jordan Frasier, Mackenzy Gerard, Meghan Gluzman, Alexa Heil, Keegan Hitchings, Bethani Hrapczak, Amaka Joanis, Madison Johnson, Trevon Jones, Madison Krek, Kylie Kumpf, Eva Lagard, Nathaniel Lapin, Daria Lauff, Shelby Lewis, Benjamin Longstreth, John McArdle, Ian McBain, Jacob McCready, Shana Meola, Danielle Miller, Tanner Morris, James Newman, Nicholas Papakie, Anthony Perez, Tanner Prevade, Kacey Pristas, Jonathan Rance, Logan Rossi, Tayshaun Salih, Antonia Schaefer, Ben Schaupp, Kaitlyn Sibbet, Emily Siwula, Wyatt Smith, Haylee Sturgeon, Roman Swasey, Dannielle Telles, Nicholas Touhey, Jaide Travis, Shane Treloar, Gabrielle Tresky, Andrew Vollmer, Jensen Walker, Paige Warhola, Natasha Yarowenko

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 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT

West Allegheny High School – HONOR ROLL – Second GRADING PERIOD 2012-13

GRADE 12

HIGHEST HONORS Louis Andelmo, Kelsey Bahr, Joseph Bandi, Michael Behme, Michael Belko, Ibrahim Bitar, Savanah Buhite, Mark Capo, Dominic Casasanta, Kyle Chapman, Frank Chen, Adelle Collins, Samuel Costa, Amanda Dezulovich, Kayla Dunhoff, Jacqueline Dunn, Wyatt Gardner, Raymond Gaunt, Ian Gillie, Nickolas Halbedl, Allie Hamilton, Rebecca Hammel, Anthony Hartzog, Rachel Herman, Maura Hohn, Alyssa Honeychuck, Katie Hutton, Eric Jackson, Danielle Juzwick, Kara Kaulius, Lauren Kirkpatrick, Kristi Kubatka, Joseph Kvederis, Kassandra Kyriakis, Kendall Lang, Adam Larue, Kaylee Lewis, Jacob Linsenbigler, Sierra Loehrer, Robyn Lutz, Jacob Magdich, Shannon Mance, Sydney Mangis, Nicholas Martin, Anthony Marucci, Erica Marzzarella, Rachel Marzzarella, Zechariah Medved, Samara Monaco, Madison Murtland, Morgan Partyka, Evan Pelcher, Brent Perry, Max Prokopovich, Melissa Radovich, Torrey Reaghard, Taylor Reed, Brendan Scanlon, Justin Schreiber, Erica Schweinsberg, Kathryn Scruppi, Joseph Sible, Ashley Smith, William Steele, Carlee Stefanski, Sydney Sterner, Chad Straka, Kristen Suchanek, Brian Thompson, Gabriella Tissue, Jordan Tomazich, Nadiya Wahl, Eryne Wiethorn, Xinyan Ye, Jacob Yockel, Julie Zanella, Jennifer Zysk

HIGH HONORS Alexander Bartha, Shea Beaumont, Alaynna Boebel, Sara Bott, Stephanie Carnahan, Joseph Cavolo, Nia Cheeseboro, Oleg Chubko, Elysse Cimoch, Fantasia Cindrich, Blair Conner, Colin Cunningham, Rachel D’Amico, Allison Deemer, Erika Desantis, Brittany Dolan, Trenton Dunlap, Jordan Faux, Gina Flecker, Kylie Godwin, Kayla Greer, Daniel Hensler, Katlyn Hoge, Shawnie Jansen, Eva Kumpfmiller, Meghan Kutzavitch, Brianna Lach, Sheila Lemashane, Joshua Lutz, Sean Melvin, Dominic Merlino, Crystal Metalik, Victoria Moran, Michelle Nicklaus, Molly Nixon, Alex Nolte, Jamie Pantone, 8 724.942.0940 to advertise

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Cheyenne Papakie, Mariah Pape, Alexa Partin, Kayla Pavicic, Morgan Sadauskas, Courtney Schlifer, Michael Shields, Zachary Simmen, Christopher Singiser, Lindsay Skowron, Sarah Smith, Nathan Steward, Hannah Stieving, Catherine Stofan, Kaily Stretch, Ryan Valenti, Eric Wasek, Sydney Young, Katherine Yurkowski

HONORS Jose Miguel Alisasis, Stephanie Bell, Shannon Beyerbach, Peter Block, Thomas Bruni, Eliane Burke, Brianna Butera, Anthony Carter, Stephanie Celedonia, Collin Charlebois, Derek D’Amore, Jordan Davis, Emily Dipietro, Austin Dolfi, Mason Ervin, Brett Farrell, Brianna Frank, Bryan Frauens, Joshua Gatchell, Timothy Glover, Justice Greco, Sydney Haines, Skyler Hartung, Briana Hewlett, Deborah Heyl, Nicholas Hower, Luke Kandracs, Samuel Kelsey, Elizabeth Kulin, Kayla Macasek, Mitchell McLaughlin, Andrew Niemann, Tyler Nicole Pannell, Hannah Pysh, Brady Roese, Bria Roney, Dominic Rossi, Olivia Rupprecht, Taylor Ryniawec, Donald Schmac, Karlie Slutiak, Tyler Wesley, Sarah Wiernik, Tim Wittwer, Breann Zeroski

GRADE 11

HIGHEST HONORS Heather Amper, Andrew Becker, Sarah Becker, Jarrett Bordo, Courtney Burggren, Gabriele Eaborn, Joseph Falcioni, Alaina Fritz, Michaela Gardner, Lacie Gary, Jordan Gigliotti, Alexander Gira, Jordan Grogan, Nicholas Hayes, Paul Hughes, Alexis Irwin, Lara Jakiel, Charles Johnson, Joshua Kolarac, Aubrey Leasure, Rio Maropis, Lindsay McCracken, Anthony Mercurio, Elizabeth Murn, Jerome O’Connell, Michael Opacic, William Page, Alec Palmer, James Perdott, Jocelyn Perry, India Price, Jenna Reilly, Catherine Roberts, Tanner Sansonetti, Vishmayaa Saravanan, Zachary Scott, Rachel Smith, Zachary Tarasenkov, Cole Toulouse, Michael Ujevich, Allison Williamson, Emma Wilson, Alexis Wolfe, Ian Yawnlis

HIGH HONORS Aubrey Ayres, Lauren Bartley, Jesse Bolind, Ryan Borgo, Jedadiah Buck, James Buzzanell, Carli Cardillo,

Victoria Chiodo, Thomas Currey, Laura Deleuze, Jessica Dethlefs, Kristen Faux, Paul Ferrara, Jessica Fesenmyer, Raymond Freese, Katelyn Garland, Matthew Grebosky, Clayton Gregord, Cameron Hennon, Brandi Hermes, Maggie Ingram, Maria Jones, Justin Josey, Katherine Karas, Maggie Kelly, Travis King, Jodi Kutzner, Roman Lauff, Hannah Lutz, Taylor Marcellus, Matthew Miller, Casey Milletary, Javier Ojeda, Dustin Peluso, Zachary Podolinsky, Logan Powell, Kyle Prendergast, Megan Rodgers, Michael Ross, Zachery Salek, Joshua Schmader, Jordan Shaffer, Holly Shephard, Kaitlyn Stankitias, Megan Stripp, Ty Tracy, Madison Ullman, Maura Vulakovich, Colleen Wade, Elizabeth Wagner, Natalie Wareham, Kelly Wiesner, Spencer Wolfe, Linda Zysk

HONORS Alyssa Amadio, Helina Andualem, Dylan Balaski, Clayton Bauer, Jonathan Bayly, Jeffrey Biers, Carolyn Bistarkey, Andrew Boocks, Liam Burns, Allyssa Bush, Taylor Caruso, Austin Casciato, Amelia Chamberlain, Nicolas Daigle, Ellen Defrances, Tory Delmonico, Olivia Derose, Elizabeth Druga, Eric Finkelstein, Emily Garvin, Kristen Geisler, Grant Gerstner, Joseph Giuliani, Paige Giura, Alena Gothie, Zachary Graziani, Raymond Haim, Emily Hall, Alexis Hamm, Kelsey Haskins, Connor Himich, Jacob Johnson, Haley Joyce, Angela Klayko, Denver Kline, Garrett Kosis, Mallory Krull, Elijah Kutzavitch, Andrew Ly, Eulacie Marr, Randi Mendenhall, Michael Miara, Nicholas Mulik, Samantha Myrla, Drew Opalanko, Jayson Passarelli,

 Samantha Schaupp, Kyle Singer, Jenelle Slodki, Julie Snatchko, Carmen Swasey, Robert Threet, Megan Turner, Aurora Walsh, Ryan Wiltfang, Brittany Zeigler, Anna Zizak, Shandler Zysk

GRADE 10

HIGHEST HONORS Kiera Acitelli, Daniel Aromando, Jenna Bandi, Kristine Behme, Sara Bodnar, Alexa Boni, Emily Bower, Rachel Buck, Arianna Collins, Lauren Costa, Sarah Davis, Katie DeBiasio, Kiersten Dyer, Eric Evans, Matthew Ferruzza, Jennifer Forse, Bailey Foy, Madison Gregord, Patrick Harmon, Danna Heh, Taylor Hottenfeller, Taylor James, Vickilyn Johnson, Alexis Juzwick, Zachary Kadlecik, Marla Kirkpatrick, Sloane Kozyak, Dakota Lamb, Rebecca Lawrence, Nicole Macasek, Amanda McGeary, Taylor Newman, Eric Nguyen, Alex Nicholson, Jon Pouch, Tara Savisky, Tyler Scanlon, Tyler Sciulli, Elizabeth Sible, Matthew Starkman, Steven Stasik, Christian Stout, Ryan Terabasso, Nicholas Venturini, James Volk, Raven Wahl, David Waxter, Shawn Weiss, Lydia Will, Collin Wurst

HIGH HONORS Blake Abel, Brooke Bagnell, Arthur Bedway, Andrew Belko, Dante Bizzarri, Marisa Blashford, Kendall Block, Kristin Bolton, Victoria Cavolo, Katelyn Cerciello, Abby Charlebois, Sydney Chromack, Olivia Coghe, Jordan Crawford, Armand Dellovade, Chayse Dillon, Saige Dolan, Sydney Eberhardt, Alyssa Formosa, Ashlyn Galbraith, Antonio Garofalo, Tyler Gatchell, Valerie Greczek, Brooke Gregord, Nathan Hall, Kylie Hallam, Brandon Healey, Shannon Heinz, Alina Hodder, Emily Hoge, Megan Howard, Justin Keast, Cameron Kehm, Rebecca Kelsch, Emily Kiss, Andrew Koester, Cassidy Lalley, Rachel Lawrence, Dylan Lindemuth, Alec Londino, Taylor Loucks, Amanda Markish, Kyle McCracken, Katherine McElhany, Jonathan McGoran, Brooke Mihaljevic, Megan Nixon, Sean Orsini, Alexis O’Shea, Tara Palmer, Kayce Pifer, Robert Rankin, Clayton Rehm, Michael Roberts, Grace Rosus, Kristi Rozum, Sarah Scruppi, Sharde Seay-LittleJohn, Katherine Shimp, Jordan Skank, Nicole Snatchko, Jaime Stanny, Mackenzie Starr, Antonette Sutto, Casey Tokarski, Nicole Vlcek, Zachary White, Dior Williams

HONORS Tyler Amedure, Jordan Atkinson, Joshua Bahr, Lauren Bailey, Deanna Bernardo, Lauren Botwright, Connor Browning, Bailey Bungard, Lucas Burmaster,

Megan Caparelli, Isabella Cherilla, Colin Claus, Tyler Duffett, Austin Dunlap, Trevor Ehle, Tyler Eritz, Justin Faix, Austin Fidell, Christopher Garcia, Ian Gates, Paisley Gilbert, Billie Gilpin, Syed Haque, Jordan Ingalls, Jordan Johnson, Audra Killen, Brandon Lewis, Janell Lulkovitz, Reid Lutz, Jacie Mangold, Ethan Manley, Jessie McElhaney, Rachel McLaughlin, Sarah Miller, Elizabeth Olson, Nicole Ostrander, Addison Parry, Anthony Patterson, Ethan Peternel, Dalton Petticord, Noah Przypek, Brendan Rossi, David Rubis, Kevin Rudolph, Mackenzy Sadauskas, Brandon Schall, Chelsea Snatchko, Nicholas Wiethorn, Alan Yoder, Kalyn Zumbo

GRADE 9

HIGHEST HONORS Anthony Argiro, Allison Banas, Maya Black, Mikayla Bogaski, Cassidy Bordo, Adam Brierton, Arnon Bunsopa, Maria Capo, Mason Carlisle, Janghyen Cho, Derek Clontz, Alexis Cogis, Rowen Conrad, Jessica Crider, Jacob Cunningham, Marissa D’Amore, Carli Eger, Hunter Evans, Onshea Floyd, Haley Grogan, Kassidy Hazel, Alexis Hill, Daniel Hovanec, Alicia Hower, Sarah Hughes, Jenna Josey, Abigail Kidder, Pryclynn Kubatka-Campbell, Jared Lanni, Brenna Laughery, Joshua Logan, Lauryn Long, Lexi Lynn, Felicia Mackey, Angela Martelli, Reilly Mercurio, Mara Ojeda, Jarrett Parker, Angeline Peng, Alexander Pichi, Ashton Pietroboni, Annie Raglow, Ryan Rohm, Sean Routch, Lauren Schaupp, Jarod Seibel, Arianna Simmons, Morghann Simon, Erin Smith, Julianne Spataro, Mia Spinelli, Sarah Steward, Carolyn Stout, Allyssa Tome, Reanna Turner, Casey Ujevich, Victoria Volk, Thomas Wagner, Keri Watters, Cassidy Watts, Sean Weber, Danielle Wicklund, Megan Wurst, Hunter Yurkovich, Emily Zeigler, Olivia Zizak

James Martin, Skyler Mason, Jaret Mielnicki, Emily Nolan, Frank Perri, Mara Petrone, Shannon Piterski, Alyssa Placha, Peter Poplos, Brian Price, Hailey Ray, Breanna Reed, Amanda Ritchey, Kennedi Roney, Caleb Rosenwald, Brenna Rupnik, Taylor Schmac, Wade Schriner, Ronald Schubert, Abigail Shipley, Noah Skowron, Zachary Sterner, Jacob Tarasenkov, Brianna Wakeley, Abigail Walls, Logan Williamson, Nicole Zanella, Reilly Zimmerman

HONORS Sierra Baker, Brianna Bence, Emma Burke, Mason Bynum, Colin Cain, Gabriel Cain, Victoria Cannon, Robert Carter, Joshua Castelluci, Brooke Charlier, Max Clements, Josie Collins, Amanda Cox, Garrett Davis, Brendan Derosky, Aaron Gervas, Brennon Grubb, Kaitlyn Kariman, Maria Kindy, Bailey Konop, Anthony Kriznik, Quintin Lemashane, Joshua Loyer, Jaylyn Lulkovitz, Brandon Macasek, Noah Macek, Haley Marsh, John Matesic, Abigail McBain, Megan McElhany, Samantha McGeary, Sophia McNavish, Emily Metz, Emily Mihaljevic, Ty Morris, Catherine O’Connell, Cailin Pazey, Armand Petito, Donald Petrocelly, Anthony Prohaska, Christine Pusatere, Katelyn Quasey, Jeremy Scaccia, Lexi Seifert, Devin Selinsky, Jordan Serventi, Dana Sheppard, Spencer Sinclair, Michael Siwula, Alexis Smith, Terence Stephens, Kayla Stevens, Jennifer Stiles, Danielle Unger, Jacob Walker, Isabella Weber, Savannah Webster, Abigail Wilson, Daniel Wojtaszek, Austin Young, Zachary Zurcher

HIGH HONORS Stephanie Accorsi, Justin Baker, Mark Behme, Christian Brady, Alexander Britt, Thomas Burke, Julianne Buterbaugh, Joseph Buzzeo, Brooke Caruso, Hannah Charlton, Amber Clemens, Austin Conn, Charlotte Conway, Tristan Cox, Bradley Custer, Paige Davis, Andrew Denes, Anthony Dominick, Patricia Donahue, Ashley Ersek, Jason Faux, Jeremy Gazda, Christopher Giura, Abigail Glowark, Kara Hamilton, Katie Hannan, Kevin Hernandez-Rivera, Daniel Heyer, Tyler Hostetler, Lucas Kadlecik, Karly Krisovenski, Anastasia Kwiatkowski, Carrie MacMillan, Kaitlyn Maloney, West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Senator Matt Smith Helps Celebrate

Read Across America

Senator Matt Smith reads Dr. Seuss classics during his visit to Donaldson Elementary School.

Read Across America week

concludes with Seuss-themed activities at The Mall at Robinson

Front row: Brenna DeBor Middle row: Zoe Pratt, Maura DeBor, Tyler Wozniak, Julie Wozniak; Back row: Jess Fesenmyer, Andrew Becker, Alaina Fritz and Gavin Kanish.

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West Allegheny

Senator Matt Smith helped the West Allegheny School District celebrate Read Across America week when he visited and read to students at Donaldson Elementary School. The nationally recognized celebration was held February 25 through March 2, 2013 at all of the West Allegheny Elementary Schools and included a host of fun and educational classroom activities—Dr. Seuss style— that emphasized the importance of reading. The Food Services Department served green eggs and ham for lunch and students and staff dressed in Dr. Seuss attire throughout the week. The elementary librarians sponsored the DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) program each day of the celebration. Instructional aide Lynn Huebner read her original “Seuss-like” poem to the students at the elementary schools. Festivities concluded on Saturday, March 2, with a Dr. Seuss-themed, children’s program of arts, crafts, and face painting at The Mall at Robinson. Read Across America co-chairs were Mariann Bertocchi and Christina Pratt, McKee Elementary School teachers. The Read Across America celebration was a collaborative effort between the West Allegheny Education Association (WAEA), the West Allegheny School District, and the West Allegheny Education Support Professionals Association (WAESPA).

 Bee organizers Katie Troup (left) and Anita Miller (right) proudly present spelling bee winners Hannah Salvucci, third place, Chrissy Sible, first place and Danielle Rance, second place.

Spelling Bee. “S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G B-E-E.” Spelling Bee. Eighth-grader Chrissy Sible claimed first place at the 2013 West Allegheny Middle School Spelling Bee on February 7, when she correctly spelled “beatitude.” Following a school-wide written spelling test, the field was

narrowed to the top 48 students, who then competed in the live elimination rounds of the bee. The second place finisher was Danielle Rance and third place was Hannah Salvucci, both eighth-graders.

Designed to encourage lifelong health

Girls On The and fitness while building confidence in girls, the Girls on the Run (GOTR) Run Program young program is offered to third, fourth and grade students at Donaldson, McKee Takes Off at fifth and Wilson Elementary Schools. The after Elementary school activity is sponsored by MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC (http:// Schools gotrmagee.org/index.html) and uses

running to inspire and motivate. The program will run from February to May with sessions meeting twice a week. There are three main focuses of the program. The first promotes selfcare through self-awareness. The second is connectedness, which highlights the importance of selecting and maintaining healthy relationships. The third is empowerment and the concept of celebrating and sharing our strengths. These learning goals are accomplished through the GOTR curriculum and are incorporated into various lessons and games and culminate in a 5K race held on May 19, 2013 at Hartwood Acres. GOTR was first introduced at Wilson Elementary School in 2011 by learning support teacher Kristin Franks. As the program’s popularity grew at Wilson the other elementary schools began offering it as well. “The response to the Girls on the Run program has been wonderful. The other coaches and I find that the girls not only inspire each other, but us as well. I leave practice finding that I have more motivation to live a healthier, happier and more positive life, which doesn’t even begin to explain why I love being a part of this program,” states Franks. Organizers and coaches of the program are Kim Dawson and Kirsten Davis from McKee Elementary, Kristin Franks and Renee Holdrieth along with Savanna Leninsky and Molly Cornelius as assistant coaches from Wilson Elementary, and Melissa Taranto and Kristen Tracy from Donaldson Elementary.

Sible will represent West Allegheny at the Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, UPMC. Middle school teachers Katie Troup and Anita Miller were organizers of this year’s bee.

A Raven in Steeler Country?

Students Ethan Rizzardo, Megan Waugaman, Logan Zirwas, and Matthew Mangieri from Jennifer Roger’s class suit up for Ravens’ Gino Gradkowski’s visit.

Wilson Elementary School students happily put their football biases aside when they were visited by Baltimore Ravens’ guard Gino Gradkowski. As the brother of third grade teacher Brittney Kuhn, Gradkowski spoke with the students about the importance of education and staying on the right track while he emphasized how fortunate they were to be in school. He also explained to the students how exciting it was to play in and win the Super Bowl and reminded the students to always follow their dreams. West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Indian Highlights

With the close of winter sports, the West Allegheny girls swim team finished their season with a big splash at the PIAA state finals held March 13 and 14, 2013 at Bucknell University. Senior Kara Kaulius took the medal podium placing fourth in the 500 meter freestyle and sixth in the 200 meter freestyle, while the 400 meter freestyle relay team of Kaulius, sophomore Casey Tokarski, sophomore Kiera Acitelli and freshman Hannah Charlton medaled for their seventh place finish. Congratulations on a great finish.

Acts of Random Kindness Inspire and Surprise

Girls swim team, state qualifiers include: (front) Megan Wurst, Nadiya Wahl, Jenna Josey, (back) head coach Bob Miller, Casey Tokarski, Sydney Mangis, Kara Kaulius, Kiera Acitelli, Hannah Charlton and assistant coach Missy Kehl.

Students in Jessica Conforti’s tenth grade honors English classes recently completed a Compassion Project after reading Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie. The students were asked to create community service projects that would benefit at least three individuals in their community and the results were inspiring. Students delivered four carloads of food to the Community Food Bank, and over $1,000 was raised to benefit various organizations including: St. Jude’s Hospital, The United Way Family Foundation in Newtown, Connecticut, and various local nursing homes. Students donated gifts to, and played games with residents at the nursing homes as well. Over 125 blankets were donated to the Three Rivers Youth as well as the Light of Light Rescue Mission and students visited patients in Children’s Hospital and Shadyside Hospital. The students performed numerous other acts of random kindness and the feedback from the community was overwhelming. Those touched by the service projects expressed their surprise and gratitude and were generally amazed by what these students were able to accomplish.

McKee Elementary teachers winners of Teacher’s Cup Award McKee students celebrate with their teachers and staff as they are awarded the Teacher’s Cup. 12 724.942.0940 to advertise

West Allegheny

 GOLD Program Draws Record Number of Eighth Grade Girls

First place team of Kaley Joseph, Alexander Morrison and Zachary Ziolkowski proudly display their Balcony Build It entry.

West Allegheny Students Take First Place At

Carnegie Science Bowl

A team of West Allegheny students from Donaldson and McKee consisting of Alexander Morrison, Zack Ziolkowski and Kaley Joseph took first place at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Carnegie Science Bowl on January 25, 2013. The competition consisted of four interactive events that included Balcony Build It, Calculation Station, Drop Zone, and Match That. The team competed in the fourth and fifth grade division against 13 other school districts in Allegheny County. This year’s West Allegheny teams were made up of students from Donaldson, McKee and Wilson Elementary Schools. Other students who participated were Brianna Medved, Andrea Russo, Tommy St. Claire, Ethan Cooper, Wade Gunderson, Chloe Black, Mason Palaima, Cerina Wichryk, Sara Sawford, Rain Greene, Marissa Collins and Zach Stayduhar. Horizon’s teachers Robert Dowd, Tom Hamm and Beth Koraido were team coaches as well as judges for the Match That competition.

n Friday, March 1, 2013, over 120 eighth grade girls, representing a record 90 percent of the class, spent the night in the middle school gym as part of the Girls Overnight Leadership Development (GOLD) program. Designed to prepare eighth grade girls for the issues they will face in high school, topics discussed included body image, healthy relationships, drug and alcohol prevention, healthy eating, etiquette and making smart choices. Guest presenters included Stacie Scheel from the Beaver County Women’s Center who spoke with the girls about healthy relationships and personal boundaries. Alicia Kozakiewcz, who has made appearances on Oprah and CNN, shared her own powerful story of being abducted by an internet predator. Event organizer and West Allegheny teacher, Dana Burrows, discussed body image and the media. In addition, several high school students presented a fashion show that reflected what to wear and what not to wear to a variety of high school functions. With 16 female staff members and 15 senior girls volunteering to stay the night the GOLD program proved to be a huge success.

Cyber Safety: Preparing Our Children The internet has become an indispensable resource for students and teachers alike. Along with its unlimited access however comes an abundance of hidden dangers. In today’s academic world, instructors now teach cyber safety alongside math and reading. Through an online program titled Safe Internet Online Surfing, elementary and middle school teachers throughout the District are challenging students Third grade students Kali Burke, Josh Kuna and Evan Ziemniak review cyber safety to become more informed internet users. lessons in Leah Vestal’s computer class at Grade appropriate scavenger hunts are a fundamental component of the challenge, which Donaldson Elementary School. allows students to have fun while learning valuable lessons. Topics of the program encompass themes of privacy, cyberbullying, netiquette, plagiarism and social networking. “The kids enjoy it and I think it’s a great opportunity to speak to them about the importance of online safety. It’s also great for the parents to be aware of the topics being presented and discussed. It hopefully opens up that line of communication between the kids and their parents,” stated Carrie Morgan, West Allegheny Middle School computer teacher. The program was developed by the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation at Nova Southeastern University’s Fischler School of Education and is offered to students in third through eighth grade. All students must present a signed parental consent form prior to participating in the program. Parents are encouraged to view the site at www.usa-sos.org. West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Superintendent Dr. John S. DiSanti receives recognition from Debbie Mirich, West Allegheny School District Board president and Eugene Sciulli, vice president.

Superintendent DiSanti Named Recipient Of The

2013 Distinguished Educator Award West Allegheny School District Superintendent Dr. John S. DiSanti has been named recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Educator Award by the University of Pittsburgh’s Tri-State Area School Study Council. The award was presented at the 65th Annual School Board and Distinguished Educator Banquet March 21, 2013. The Distinguished Educator Award acknowledges exceptional leadership by practicing administrators, retired educators, and university faculty who have a proven commitment to the mission of preparing all students to make contributions to both our democratic society and the world community. “Dr. DiSanti is a visionary leader who represents the best of our profession and has not only shaped a great school district, but has and is shaping education in our state and region. He is a person of great integrity and his commitment to his profession, his colleagues, his community, and his students is without equal,” states Dr. Diane Kirk, director of the Tri-State Area Dr. John S. DiSanti School Study Council.

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“I have always believed that any time a person receives an award for something that the recognition is not so much about the accomplishments of the individual but rather about the collective accomplishments of many people and the organization,” stated Dr. DiSanti. “Over my 36 years as an educator and 27 as a superintendent, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most remarkable, dedicated, selfless, child-centered people you can imagine. From teachers, administrators, and board members to counselors, custodians, secretaries, bus drivers and cooks, each in their own way did what they could to help kids believe in themselves so they could become successful.” The West Allegheny School Board also recognized Dr. DiSanti’s accomplishments at the March 20, 2013 meeting, when he was presented with an honor of distinction plaque, and Board president, Debbie Mirich, announced that March 20 was officially being celebrated as Dr. DiSanti Day in the District. Among those offering the superintendent congratulations, board member Linda Diffendal thanked Dr. DiSanti for his tireless dedication as superintendent to the district and noted that he is a true professional with a competitive spirit that inspires and continues to propel the school district to greater academic levels. DiSanti has served as the Superintendent of Schools in the West Allegheny School District since 2005. Prior administrative positions include Superintendent of Derry Township School District in Hershey and Deer Lakes School District. Named superintendent when he was 31 years old, he holds the distinction of being one of the country’s youngest administrators to rise to that position.

St. Malachy School News

by Amy Maxin

Diocesan Cheer Competition St. Malachy School recently hosted the Diocesan Cheer Competition. Competing schools included: St. Louise de Marillac, St. Theresa, St. Thomas More, St. Gabriel, St. Sebastian, St. Therese, Brookline Regional, St. Bernadette, as well as St. Malachy’s JV team. St. Malachy’s Varsity Mount team won last year and did perform but did not compete. St. Malachy’s JV NonMount team won their category beating out St. Louise, St. Theresa, and St. Thomas More.

JV Non-Mount Diocesan Champs: Back Row: Marissa Bordas, Isabella Kessler, Paige Carabbia, Front Row: Gianna Bofo, Marissa Trocchio, Chapel Fauser

Just a Short Run

The 13th Annual Just a Short Run (JASR) is a benefit race for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. JASR is one of the largest run/walk events in Western PA and is one of the largest halfmarathons as well. Continuing its community service tradition, the St. Malachy School Cross Country team provided 32 volunteers on race day. Volunteers helped at the Finish Line, three water stops and with race day photos. With nearly 2000 runners competing in four different races everyone remained busy throughout the day and helped make the race a success. Special thanks to the following students for committing valuable time on a holiday weekend: Mara Tucci, Marissa Trocchio, Christina Trocchio, Brody

Connor, Hogan Schirnhofer, Jacob Scott, Kaylee Scott, Elena Polar, Mark Polar, Andrew Polar, Tyler Veal, Vincent Frank, Chapel Fauser, Isabella Szurlej, Jennie Falgione, Matthew Rees and Joseph Rees. In addition, student runners Matthew Rees and Joseph Rees also set new personal records in the 5K race. Joseph was the fastest runner under 10 years of age and Matthew (age 10) took home first place in his age group which was 10 to 14 year olds. Matthew finished 24th out of 400 runners overall with a time of 23:21. The following students volunteered at all three races this year: Marissa Trocchio, Joseph Rees, Mara Tucci, Vincent Frank, and Elena Polar. These kids did a great job in all sorts of weather conditions this year.

West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

PARKWAY WEST CTC

Parkway West Career Training Center’s Health Assistant Program adds new courses to better prepare students

everal articles and reports can be read or seen about people who are living longer in our society but unfortunately, with chronic disease and sickness. Thankfully, there are those who want to help these future patients by becoming a health care provider. Those wanting to get into the health field, realize this sooner than others… like students in high school who are enrolled in Parkway West Career & Technology’s Health Assistant program. Health topics like anatomy, disease, infection, pediatrics, and geriatrics, to name a few, are topics that are learned about in the Health Assistant program. Students also learn basic medical skills to obtain a PA State Nurse Aid Registry (CNA). What skills are needed? Skills needed include how to take vital signs, change a hospital bed with and without an occupant, CPR/AED, bathe and feed a patient, and understanding basic medical terminology. New to this program in fall 2013, will be course work for senior students allowing them the opportunity to earn a Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or a Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification. *O Net listed this occupation as Healthcare Support Workers, All Other: Pennsylvania Highlights to this program are the clinical experiences. Those students who qualify and pass record. Year after year, PWCTC performs a ‘Graduate Placement Report.’ state regulated criteria are permitted to job shadow several medically Each year, the majority of graduates from the Health Assistant program, related professions at Ohio Valley General Hospital, West Hills Health & either continues their education in a health related field, finds related Rehab facility, and local day care providers. employment within the health industry, or both. Graduates have pursued Why such a focus on the Health Assistant education beyond high school in pre-med, nursing, physical therapy, program? The answer is not only the need for health radiology, mortuary science, occupational therapy, and dental occupations. care professionals but also the program’s track The most popular for graduates is nursing. Checking on career wages in the health profession, the table above is from www.careerinfonet.org. Listed are just a handful of health occupations reporting median PA salaries for 2011. A 2011 graduate of the Health Assistant program and honors student from Carlynton High School who is currently in her second year of the University of Pittsburgh’s Pre-Med program said, “Because of the Health Assistant program at PWCTC, I was never more certain about my future and my career plans.” PWCTC’s Health Assistant program is a viable program for any student wanting to explore the possibility of a health related profession. From the teaching staff to the clinical sites, students who enroll in Health Assistant will receive a well-rounded, well-informed education at public education prices – free. 16 724.942.0940 to advertise

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PARKWAY WEST CTC

For third consecutive year Parkway West Career & Technology Center will have a presence at SkillsUSA Six students competed at SkillsUSA Pennsylvania state competition April 4th through the 6th. Of the six, Marty Davis, a Quaker Valley senior and EMT-B, placed 1st in Firefighting. Marty will be competing in Kansas City during June 24th through the 29th against the best in the nation! However, his score from the contest was so high that no doubt, he will be fierce competition to the other contestants. Currently, he is a cooperative education student with Robinson EMS. After graduation, he plans to continue his education at CCAC in Paramedic Emergency Medicine. Kayla Sandala, a Freedom Area senior, placed 5th in Architectural Drafting. After returning from States, she competed in another CAD related competition at Pittsburgh Technical Institute. Kayla, who has already received her acceptance letter from PTI, competed for scholarship money towards tuition and won first place. Ryan Tuszynski, a Montour senior, placed 5th in Criminal Justice.

Ryan has enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps and will leave for boot camp in May. He would like to be in the infantry division. Mrs. Love commented that even at Skills, he kept up on his push-ups while he was studying for his exam the following day – he’s just that committed. The remaining three Marty Davis, pictured in his fire competitors were Brian gear, was waiting Bennett, a Cornell for his next event. junior, placed 6th in Automotive Service Technology; Zachary Mancuso, a Quaker Valley junior, placed 5th in Masonry; and Jacob Onoffrey, a Montour junior, placed 5th in Automotive Refinishing. All three juniors are already committed and beginning to practice

Two new programs and additional certifications to be offered, fall 2013 Students wanting to enroll at Parkway West Career & Technology Center will have additional choices to think about as the CTC will be offering two new courses, fall of 2013. In addition, two current programs have added a few more industry related certifications as added value to their course curriculum. Electrical Systems Technology and Veterinary Technology will be the two newest programs offered at Parkway West CTC. Electrical Systems Technology will prepare students in the instruction of the layout, assembly, installation, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of electrical systems found in residential, commercial, and light industrial locations. In 2011, the average annual wage in PA for an electrician helper was over $28,500.* This program, along with HVAC/R, Masonry, and Welding Technology, will be a part of the ‘Construction Cluster,’ allowing firsttime students to experience four ‘construction related’ programs before declaring their chosen program of study. Veterinary Technology will prepare students to work in entry-level

In the group picture from left to right: SkillsUSA Advisor, Todd Kieffer, Freedom Area senior, Kayla Sandala, Quaker Valley junior, Zach Mancuso, Montour senior, Ryan Tuszynski, Montour junior, Jake Onoffrey, Cornell junior, Brian Bennett, Quaker Valley senior, Marty Davis, and SkillsUSA Advisor, Lisa Love.

for the district competition next year. If they place 1st, they will return to compete at the state competition. SkillsUSA Advisors, Mr. Todd Kieffer, Auto Body Repair Instructor and Mrs. Lisa Love, Business Technology Instructor stated, “We are very proud of the professionalism of all six students who attended States. Parkway already has a jump start on Skills next year!” Administration, staff, and fellow students from our twelve sending school districts are all very proud of the accomplishments of these students. Good luck to them all in their goals and best wishes to Marty at nationals!

positions for a veterinary practice aiding a veterinarian. This program would have a solid educational base on which to build a post-secondary degree or advanced certifications. In 2011, the average annual wage in PA for a veterinary assistant or a laboratory animal caretaker was $26,300*. Cosmetology students abide by the guidelines of the state and have to acquire a certain amount of hours to be eligible to test for a certification in relation to this industry. Next year, in addition to the preparation for the State Cosmetology Licensure, the following education for licensures will also be made available: Nail Technician and Cosmetology Teacher. In 2014, Esthetician and Natural Hair Braider certification curriculum will be added. Health Assistant students have the opportunity to participate in a wide-range of real-world clinical and job shadowing experiences at many different local healthcare providers such as hospitals and other medical related facilities. In addition to offering the Pennsylvania State Nurse Aid Registry (CNA) certification and Personal Care Home Direct Care Staff exam, Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certifications will both be available to seniors. Parkway West CTC is excited about these new changes to the school and is looking forward to make more positive changes for all the students who plan to attend in the future. *Salary information was made available from www.pacareerzone.org. West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

PARKWAY WEST CTC

PWCTC to Offer Free Summer Career Camps to Middle School Students Camps will be held on Tuesday, June 18th and Wednesday, June 19th. They are free to any current 7th and 8th grade student from our 12 sending school districts. They include: Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Cornell, Keystone Oaks, Montour, Moon Area, Mt. Lebanon, Quaker Valley, South Fayette, Sto-Rox, Upper St. Clair, and West Allegheny School Districts. Students will choose two programs to attend out of seven. Programs are subject to enrollment. We do not provide transportation but will provide lunch for both days. There is also a dress code requirement for each of the programs and submission of an application is required. There is no application fee nor a charge to attend. FAQs, Application, and Dress Code Requirements may be downloaded by going to: http://www.parkwaywest.org/District/1161-Summer-Camps.html

Rewarded with Ice Cream & College Credit All 12 Health Assistant II seniors from Parkway West Career & Technology Center (PWCTC) passed with an Advanced on their NOCTI exams. NOCTI exams for career and technical students are much like PSSA’s. However, NOCTI exams not only have the written component but they also have a performance component as well. As a sweet recognition to their achievement, both the AM and PM sessions were rewarded with ice cream that included a selection of toppings. The real topping to their reward is receiving three college credits applicable to approximately 80 postsecondary sites towards Nursing Assisting who are affiliated with the SOAR program. SOAR stands for Students Occupationally and Academically Ready. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Education website, “SOAR programs lead students into a career pathway that align the secondary courses to a postsecondary program to complete a degree or certificate”. In addition, “these programs prepare students for ‘High Priority Occupations’ (HPO), which include career categories that are in high demand by employers, 18 724.942.0940 to advertise

have higher skill needs, and are most likely to provide family sustaining wages”. Mrs. Darenkamp, Health Assistant II instructor, couldn’t be more proud of her students. But this seems to be a trend. For the last five years, Mrs. Darenkamp’s students who are required to take the NOCTI exams prior to graduating from PWCTC, have scored very high each year, allowing her to have a 98% average of Advanced standing. In the written component, students have to

West Allegheny

be able to answer 198 multiple choice questions related to medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, nurse aide skills, and general medical knowledge. In the performance component, students need to perform accurate vital signs, make an occupied bed, get a patient out of bed, know how to properly use a wheelchair, the procedural methods for infection control, and how to properly give a bed bath. “It’s the students,” says Mrs. Darenkamp. She continues, “I am really fortunate to have students who truly want to learn and who have goals of finding a career in the health industry.” Graduates of the Health Assistant program have become Radiologic Technologists ($54,300*), RNs ($64,600*), LPNs ($40,300*), Occupational Therapy Assistants ($47,400*), and one is currently in her second year of Pre-Med. More information about the SOAR program may be found at: http://www.education.state.pa.us/ portal/server.pt/community/ programs_of_study/7686

NOCTI exams

*Annual salaries are quoted via the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), and are national averages. More information from the BLS/OOH site may be found at: http://www. bls.gov/ooh/

Business Spotlight

New North Fayette Township Community Offers

Single-Level Living and a Low-Maintenance Lifestyle M owing, shoveling or mulching should not fit into the “important” or “celebrate” category of one’s life. For this reason, Epcon Homes and Communities has introduced its newest single-level living and lowmaintenance community, Courtyards at The Preserves, to North Fayette Township. “We offer a low-maintenance life-style and home to those who are looking to simplify,” says Lisa Scarmazzi, who along with her husband Paul, are owners of Hawthorne Partners, Inc., the Pittsburgh-based Epcon franchisee. “Our residents range from active retirees and single-again adults to young professionals; anyone looking for more time to do the things they want to do, not have to do!” If you’re not familiar with Epcon’s style of high quality, single-level living homes, you won’t have to go far– they have developed seven communities in the area and have providing over 300 families with the lowmaintenance lifestyle they desire. Their unparalleled commitment to affording homeowners with a more carefree choice of home ownership has earned Hawthorne Partners the prestigious Guildmaster with Distinction Award, a national recognition for exemplary customer satisfaction, for the past seven years. The EnergyStar carriage/patio homes at Courtyards at The Preserves range in size from approximately 1,600 to 2,755 square

feet. Pricing starts at $237,900. Each home features two bedrooms, two baths, large, sun-filled open living, dining and kitchen space, laundry room and an oversized 2.5 car garage. Bonus suites are available offering additional bedroom, bath and living area. Outdoor living is enhanced by a private courtyard, visible from all rooms of the home and a monthly maintenance fee covers lawn services including mowing, shoveling and seasonal mulching. Conveniently located to Rt. 22/30, Rt. 60, I-79, Pittsburgh International Airport and Robinson Town Center, this private tree-lined, cul-de-sac community offers all the benefits of quiet rural living while being within minutes of major medical, educational, entertainment and shopping venues. The homes at Courtyards at The Preserves are built to an EnergyStar® version 3 rating, resulting in long-term utility savings and enhanced comfort for homeowners. In addition, Epcon has partnered with Owens Corning and is the only builder in Western PA to build homes with the EnergyComplete™ whole home sealing and insulation system, which Scarmazzi describes as “an effective gasket seal around the entire home.” Construction is now underway on the homes at Courtyards at The Preserves. A fully furnished model home is located at Epcon’s nearby community, Mission Hills, located at 726 Mission Hills Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317, just off O’Hare Road in Cecil Township. Home photos are available for viewing on Epcon’s Pinterest page…http://pinterest.com/epconpittsburgh/. As part of Hawthorne Partners’ commitment to giving back, a monetary donation is made in each new homeowner’s name to the charity of their choice upon the closing of their new home. To date, thousands of dollars have been given to local and national charities through Epcon’s Give Back Program. For more information on Courtyards at The Preserves, call 412.548.3298 or visit www.EpconCommunties.com. West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

OAKDALE NEWS AND EVENTS

TROOP 248 NEWS 80th Eagle Scout OAKDALE BOROUGH’S 2013 COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. Memorial Day Line up near Fire Department

Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. Fireman’s Parade Oakdale Business District Saturday, August 17 at 5 p.m. Luau Oakdale Business District

Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. Concert Oakdale Business District

Thursday, October 31 at 5:30 p.m. Halloween Parade and Trick or Treating Line-up near Willow Creek Crossing

Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m. Independence Day Line up near Willow Creek Crossing

Saturday, November 30 at 7 p.m. Christmas Light-up Night Gazebo Area

July 20 – 27 Oakdale Hose Company Carnival Oakdale Business District

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL COLLECTION

The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) and partners will sponsor five Household Chemical Collections, including two that will take place in Allegheny County. The cost for residents to safely dispose of materials will remain at $2 per gallon. Acceptable materials include: paint, water sealers, paint thinners, furniture strippers, rust preservatives, creosote, automotive fluids, antifreeze, aerosol cans, batteries, chemistry sets, CFLs, gasoline & kerosene, household cleaners, mercury, photo & pool chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. May 4 - Allegheny County, North Park. May 18 - Cambria County, Concurrent Technologies Corp. July 20 - Venango County, Cranberry Mall. Sept. 21 - Allegheny County, South Park. Oct. 12 - Beaver County, Bradys Run Park Recycling Center. All events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remember, you do not have to be a resident of the host county to participate in the collection. For more information please visit PRC’s Zero Waste Pittsburgh website or contact Michael Stepaniak at 412.488.7452 or michaels@ccicenter.org. 20 724.942.0940 to advertise

West Allegheny

Troop 248 wishes to announce the award of our 80th Eagle Scout to Peter M. Cochran. Pete passed his Board of Review for the Rank of Eagle Scout on February 19, 2013. This makes the 80th Eagle Scout in the troop’s 80 year history! For his Eagle Scout service project, he raised funds and installed an AED unit in the Oakdale Community Center. Pete is a senior at South Fayette High School, member of the Drama Club, and Varsity letterman for football and track. He is a member of the National Honor Society and had the lead in the 2013 South Fayette school play. Pete will be going to Penn State this fall and major in geology & engineering. He will also be enrolling in the Penn State ROTC Marine Corps program. Only 2 of every 100 male youth are able to earn the Rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations to Pete and the Cochran Family.

OAKDALE HOSE COMPANY Hopefully everyone has checked their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors for the first part of this year. If not, now is a good time to do so. Testing and cleaning your smoke detectors twice a year is a good home fire safety habit to get into. Picking two common dates every year one in the first part of the year and one towards the end. A quick and easy way to clean your detectors is to use the detachable hose on your vacuum to clean out any dust and while you are cleaning it change the battery and test to make sure it is working. We would also like to remind everyone to make sure your house numbers are large enough and visible both day and night from the street. Smaller numbers and ones that are the same color as the house make it difficult

to see, especially at night. On some streets in the borough the numbers jump a bit and they do not go in order. Due to this, if public safety responders cannot see the house numbers from the street it can cause a delay in getting you help. Please remember to fill out and turn in the green emergency information sheet that was sent out with the water bill a couple of months ago. This information is very important for us to have and will help us help you or your family in times of natural disaster or other public emergencies. To date the response has not been very good. If you lost yours and need another, they can be picked up at the borough office. The information that is given will be kept confidential and only used in times of emergency or when we update the information.

UPMC TODAY

Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2013

What’s Inside 2 3

With Heartfelt Thanks

Health Care Reform: We Have the Plan

A Closer Look at Medical Imaging

Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?

Smart Tips for a Safer Summer

Becoming a Whole New You

With Heartfelt Thanks A local sports fan expresses thanks to fast-acting strangers and his UPMC Mercy medical team for a second chance after surviving a near fatal cardiac arrest earlier this year.

According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, SCA is the nation’s leading cause of death, killing more than 325,000 people each year. During SCA, heart function ceases abruptly without warning. More than 90 percent of SCA victims die because the heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body. At UPMC Mercy, cardiac electrophysiologist Stuart Mendenhall, MD, implanted an internal defibrillator — a device that will shock David’s heart if he goes into cardiac arrest again. Dr. Mendenhall says SCA can strike with little or no warning. While it is more common in older adults, SCA affects people of all ages, gender, and race — even those who are seemingly in good health. Knowing the risk factors and leading a hearthealthy lifestyle can help prevent some possible causes, including coronary heart disease.

Do the right things “Awareness is key. You can significantly lower your risk by staying active, eating healthy, and not smoking,” says Dr. Mendenhall. “If you have risk factors, see a doctor for an evaluation.” Although David’s only warning was shortness of breath, he had several risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease.

David Allen, 66, was walking uphill to the CONSOL Energy Center for a Penguins hockey game when he felt short of breath. That’s the last thing he remembers until waking up in the Emergency Department at UPMC Mercy. David had survived a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). A fast-acting team of strangers — an off-duty Pittsburgh police officer and an ex-Army medic who together performed CPR, a bystander who ran for help, and a hotel bellhop who grabbed a defibrillator — saved his life. At UPMC Mercy, doctors determined he had experienced an electrical “short circuit” due to an irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.

A rare second chance “I was lucky people were around who knew CPR and were willing to get involved,” says David, a Beaver resident. Christopher Wentz, MD, a cardiologist from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Mercy who treated David, says SCA is a serious medical emergency. “Most people don’t get a second chance,” he says. “You can die within minutes if not treated.”

UPMC.com/Today

David says he’s not wasting his second chance at life. The former pack-a-day smoker kicked the habit immediately and plans to start exercising. “I’m going to do a better job of taking care of myself. I owe that much to everyone,” he says.

Who’s at risk If you experience any of these symptoms or risk factors, ask your doctor whether heart testing or evaluation by an electrophysiologist or cardiologist is necessary. • A family history of heart disease, heart attack, or cardiac death • Unexplained fainting, near fainting, or palpitations • Chest pain, shortness of breath • Previous heart attack or SCA • Cardiac risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or high cholesterol To learn more about cardiac and vascular services, visit UPMCMercy.com and click on Our Services. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor.

Becoming a Whole New You Struggling to lose weight or keep it off? The UPMC BodyChangers program can change your body and your life.

Larissa Myaskovsky figures she tried about a dozen diets over 20 years, losing weight only to regain lost pounds. It wasn’t until she enrolled in the UPMC BodyChangers program that she saw lasting results. “BodyChangers was different,” says Larissa, 42, a borderline diabetic who wanted to lose weight without surgery. “It helped me realize losing weight is a permanent lifestyle change. It gave me the tools I needed to succeed.”

A healthier lifestyle Based at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, and a joint venture of the UPMC Life After Weight Loss and bariatric surgery programs, BodyChangers provides a social support system to promote healthy lifestyles. “We offer a comfortable environment for people who want to maintain weight loss — and become healthy and fit,” says Jeffrey Gusenoff, MD, a plastic surgeon at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers. Designed originally for bariatric surgery patients, BodyChangers now supports anyone needing help with their weight loss journey. The program includes: • An exercise class with a personal trainer who tailors activities for each individual • Group sessions with a behaviorist who teaches coping skills • Yoga and belly dancing classes • Cooking classes and “Destination Education” trips to community places, like grocery stores and markets • Group activities, such as biking, kayaking, and walking “We’re showing people different ways to achieve wellness and have fun,” says Vicki March, MD, an internist at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers.

A turning point The program appealed to Larissa, an O’Hara Township resident with two young children and a full-time job. She signed up for BodyChangers’ basic free membership, which includes a newsletter, recipes, and educational seminars. She also attended optional cooking demonstrations and met with a nutritionist. “It was a turning point in my thinking,” says Larissa, who lost 65 pounds and at 5’1” is now a healthy 115 pounds.

BodyChangers saved my life For Beth Walley, 49, of Carnegie, BodyChangers was a lifechanging experience. Having lost and regained a great deal of weight on various fad diets, she knew she was in trouble when she couldn’t keep up with her elderly mother at the grocery store. With her weight topping 400 pounds, she joined BodyChangers to prepare for bariatric surgery, but soon started attending other classes and events. Beth lost 50 pounds prior to her bariatric surgery in January 2012, and she is now down to 170 pounds. “The support I received through BodyChangers was key to my success. I feel great,” says Beth. “BodyChangers saved my life. It changed my body and my mind.” Basic membership includes free educational seminars and a newsletter. Other BodyChangers membership levels range from $25 to $50 a month. To learn more, call 1-855-BODY-CHG (263-9244) or visit UPMC.com/BodyChangers.

Interested in learning more about UPMC’s bariatric surgery programs? Free information sessions are offered several times a month at Magee, UPMC Hamot, UPMC Horizon, and UPMC St. Margaret. Visit UPMC.com/Bariatrics for more information.

1-800-533-UPMC

Health alth Car Care re e Reform: Refform: We We Have Have the th Plan UPMC Health Plan has cr created eated a w website ebsite tto o pr provide ovide inf information ormation tto o help y you ou learn ho how w health car care e rreform eform ma may y aff affect ect y you ou and y your our ffamily. amily.

The formal name for health care reform is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA). Signed into law in March 2010, the ACA made broad changes to the way health insurance will be provided and paid for in the United States. Several important reforms have been adopted since then. Extended coverage for dependents, full coverage for preventive care, and plain-language coverage explanations were all prompted by the ACA. In 2014, more parts of the ACA will go into effect, including the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget. According to the ACA: đ Marketplaces must be operational for open enrollment by October 2013 đ Each Marketplace will have Navigators to help people enroll đ Marketplace plans will be presented in only four cat i (platinum, gold, silverr, and bronze) to help consumer compare plans from different providers

Health car care e rreform eform and yyou ou Health care reform will affect nearly everyone. The qu most people are asking is how health care reform will them personally. To To help you better understand tand chang related to the ACA and the resulting effect on health insur UPMC Health Plan created an informative website. The consumer-friendly site offers unbiased information about Marketplaces and other elements of health care refor wide range of people, including: đ Individuals and family members who want to learn

UPMC.com/T Today

đ Health care providers treating patients in this new environment đ Employers looking for coverage for their employees đ Producers who sell insurance plans to companies and individuals đ Marketplace Navigators who are responsible for providing impartial advice on how to choose among competing plans On the website, you will find the answers to basic questions, such as: đ Who can get health insurance? đ What will be covered? đ Where can I shop for insurance? đ When will changes happen? đ What financial assistance is available? UPMC Health Plan’s website and support staff are committed to providing an unbiased forum in order to make health care reform easier to understand and to explain what changes can be expected as our nation continues to implement the ACA.

A Closer Look at Medical Imaging Medical imaging plays an integral role in diagnosing medical conditions of all kinds — from broken bones to life-threatening tumors. UPMC radiologists are leaders in helping to ensure both quality and patient safety during testing.

Medical imaging lets your doctor take an immediate and detailed look deep inside your body. More than 200 noninvasive tests are used to diagnose medical problems that once required exploratory surgery — or simply went undetected.

Types of medical imaging Imaging tests that use ionizing radiation include: • Computerized tomography (CT scan) • Mammography • Radiography (x-rays)

For women preparing to schedule their next annual mammogram, Jules Sumkin, DO, chief of radiology at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, emphasizes that nothing is more regulated in medical imaging than mammography. “There are very strict guidelines, and UPMC has always operated at or below established national standards for radiation exposure, ” he says. “New technologies like digital mammograms further reduce what are already very low radiation levels.”

Others use a different form of energy: • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — uses magnetic fields • Ultrasound — uses sound waves As the use of diagnostic tests increases, there’s growing research on their long-term impact on patient health. That’s especially true for radiation-based tests and their possible link to cancer. “Many medical professionals are concerned about some of the methods used to calculate the risk posed by such tests, and the confusion it’s creating among patients,” says Mitchell Tublin, MD, chief of radiology at UPMC Presbyterian and a leading expert on CT scans. “It’s important to talk to your doctor before deferring a test so that you clearly understand both the risks and benefits offered.”

Setting the standard nationally UPMC has one of the largest radiology programs in the United States, and its radiologists include some of the nation’s leading authorities on medical imaging safety. “On many fronts, we are helping to define the national safety standards for both patients and health care personnel,” says Emanuel Kanal, MD, director of magnetic resonance services at UPMC Presbyterian, whose innovative work on MRIs has been adopted by both the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiologists. “As a health care system, UPMC is continually investing in research, training, and equipment to minimize patient risk, such as radiation exposure from medical imaging,” says Christopher Deible, MD, PhD, medical director of radiology informatics at UPMC Presbyterian. “We’re also working to standardize imaging services at all UPMC hospitals, following best practices, and participating in national reporting initiatives.”

What can you do to be proactive? “Ask your doctor if a nonradiation test — like an MRI or ultrasound — can be substituted. That’s not always possible, though, since tests like CT scans may provide a higher level of detail that could be essential in some conditions,” says Janet Durick, MD, vice chair of clinical operations for the Department of Radiology for UPMC. “You should also ask if a test is truly needed — and don’t be disappointed if your physician doesn’t order an imaging test for a condition that could be addressed through a medical examination.” For more information about imaging safety for adults and children, visit Radiologyinfo.org, Imagewisely.org, or Pedrad.org.

1-800-533-UPMC

Is Assisted Living the Right Choice? For seniors and their families, assisted living can offer the ideal solution when extra help is needed for life’s daily activities.

Terry Schwartz of North Huntingdon was dogged in her search for the perfect living facility for her mother, Ethel Yanowitch. “For six years, Mom lived with our family, so I wanted a place that truly felt like home — but where she could also get the increased care and supervision she needed,” says Terry.

“Assisted living is tailored for seniors who need help with daily living activities, such as dressing, grooming, walking, and taking medications — but who don’t require skilled nursing care,” explains Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Senior Communities and Community Provider Services.

After visiting 10 different senior care facilities, she chose UPMC Senior Communities’ Weatherwood Manor in Greensburg. Mrs. Yanowitch, 90, has been a resident there for two years and, Terry says, “It has exceeded our expectations in every way. Mom loves it there.”

Each UPMC facility provides on-site nursing care and medication management. All residents have spacious apartments with private baths and kitchenettes. Three restaurant-style meals are served daily. Before moving into a UPMC Senior Communities assisted living facility, residents are carefully assessed and individual care plans are created for them. “Because our health and lifestyle needs change as we age, residents also receive regular assessments to ensure they’re receiving the best possible care,” she adds. To learn more about UPMC Senior Communities assisted living options — as well as the personal care facilities at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville and Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry — visit UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.

Understanding Assisted Living Personal care homes and assisted living facilities once meant the same thing in Pennsylvania — but that’s no longer the case.

Terry Schwartz and her mother, Ethel Yanowitch

For Terry and her mother, assisted living represents the “best of both worlds.” It offers an increased level of services while encouraging and supporting residents to be as independent as possible through activities and socialization. UPMC Senior Communities offers assisted living options at: • Cumberland Crossing Manor, McCandless • Seneca Manor, Penn Hills • Strabane Woods, Washington • Weatherwood Manor, Greensburg

UPMC.com/Today

Pennsylvania now distinguishes the types of basic services that can be provided by personal care and assisted living residences. One of the fundamental differences is that assisted living facilities must provide health care services that will enable the residents to “age in place” as their health declines and their care needs change. Weatherwood Manor recently received licensure as an assisted living facility under new state guidelines. UPMC Senior Communities’ Cumberland Crossing Manor, Seneca Manor, and Strabane Woods also are converting from personal care to assisted living licenses. “Assisted living community licensure is an expression of UPMC Senior Communities’ commitment to offering older adults and their families the kind of continuing care they need and depend on to safely and confidently age in place,” says Ms. Brodine.

Smart Tips for a Safer Summer During the summer, UPMC Mercy sees an increase in its number of emergency, burn, and trauma patients. Learn what you can do to stay healthy and safe this summer.

At the region’s only combined Level 1 Trauma and Comprehensive Burn Center, UPMC Mercy’s physicians and staff know from experience that treasured summer traditions can lead to serious, life-changing injuries. “Accidents can happen in a split second, but with caution, many can be prevented,” says Michelle Fontana, BSN, manager of Trauma Clinical Services at UPMC Mercy. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, the hospital is focused on providing the highest quality trauma and burn care in western Pennsylvania, as well as leadership in education and community outreach. “The UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center offers injury prevention programs year-round, including a free fireworks safety clinic in July,” adds Ms. Fontana.

Fireworks Each year, thousands of people are hurt by fireworks, which can cause severe burns, scarring, permanent disfigurement, blindness, and death. Even sparklers can be dangerous. “The tip of a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees, hot enough to cause a third-degree burn,” Ms. Fontana explains. To enjoy fireworks safely: • Don’t buy or use illegal fireworks. Only use fireworks permitted under state law • Take the family to watch a professional fireworks display in your community • Teach your children to stay away from firecrackers, sparklers, and other fireworks For more information about fireworks safety, contact the UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center at 412-232-8375.

A Life-Saving Difference According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, severely injured adults who receive care at a Level I Trauma Center like UPMC Mercy are 25 percent more likely to survive than those treated at a nontrauma center.

Here are a few ways you and your family can avoid injury while enjoying two of summer’s favorite outdoor activities:

Riding ATVs As the popularity of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has increased, so have the number of accidental injuries, especially to the head and spine. “ATVs are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles that can cause serious injuries,” says Ms. Fontana. To stay safe on the trails, be sure to: • Always wear a helmet • Only ride off-road and avoid unfamiliar terrain • Never let children drive adult ATVs

That designation allows UPMC Mercy to provide the highest level of trauma care. “Our multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists is ready around the clock to care for seriously injured patients,” says Tom Gronow, the hospital’s vice president of operations. The UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center is a state-ofthe-art unit dedicated exclusively to the care of trauma and burn patients. “It requires a serious commitment of resources to provide such exceptional care,” says Mr. Gronow. “However, there is no substitute for the medical expertise of a Level 1 Trauma Center when it comes to treating serious life-threatening and disabling injuries. We see proof of that in the lives we save every year.”

1-800-533-UPMC

UPMC Mercy

1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

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Don’t let a nonhealing wound slow you down. A chronic wound is cause for concern – and deserves exceptional care. The kind you’ll get from UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Mercy. For conditions ranging from diabetic foot ulcers to slow-healing surgical wounds, our team of experts will develop a treatment plan that works best for you. And our wound experts are leaders in limb preservation technology and treatment. If you want to get back on your feet again, why would you choose to go anywhere else? To learn more about UPMC Wound Healing Services and see if it’s right for you, call 412-232-5744, or visit UPMCMercy.com/WoundHealing.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

Pittsburgh Technical Institute Breaks Ground on Energy Technology Center to Support New Programs in Welding, Oil & Gas Electronics As Pittsburgh Technical Institute begins construction on The PTI Energy Technology Center, the college held a public groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, February 26, to present information about the new facility located on the southeast corner of PTI’s campus in North Fayette. PTI is investing in a 15,392-square-foot steel structure to serve as headquarters for new programs in Welding Technology, HVAC Technology, and Oil & Gas Electronics. PTI President Greg DeFeo will share information about the college’s new offerings, including the announcement of a new degree in Oil & Gas Electronics. “Research suggests a high demand in Western Pennsylvania for electronics professionals at compressor stations, at energy facilities, and on pipeline projects who have the skills to monitor the extraction, storage and transmission of this natural resource,” said DeFeo. PTI is enrolling now for the Oil & Gas Electronics program set to begin in July 2013 and the Welding Technology program which begins in October 2013. Student interest and employer reaction to PTI’s new programs has been strong. Student enrollment is

building faster than anticipated and the college’s Career Services Department has been receiving requests from employers for both interns and graduates. The Energy Technology Center at PTI is scheduled for completion in time for fall 2013 classes and has been designed by Felix A. Cardella, III, of TKA Architects. The general contractor for the $3.5 million project is Franjo Construction. Labs designed to support Welding and HVAC programs include high-bay spaces averaging 24 feet in height. PTI’s Energy Technology Center will include general classrooms, faculty offices, meeting rooms, a two-story plaza lobby, a walkway linking the building

PTI ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER : PROJECT QUICK FACTS Location: 1111 McKee Road, Oakdale, PA 15071, Southeast Corner of North Fayette Campus Square Footage: 15,392 Estimated Project Investment: $3.5 million General Contractor: Franjo Construction, Corp. of Pittsburgh, PA www.franjoconstruction.com

Architect: Tasso Katselas Associates, Inc. (TKA) of Pittsburgh, PA. www.tkainc.com Building Features: High-bay spaces averaging 24 feet in height, general classrooms, faculty offices, meeting rooms, a two-story plaza lobby, a walkway linking the building to the campus’ main building and student apartments, and a rain garden located on the building’s west side.

Estimated student enrollment for new programs: PTI estimates 200 new students in Welding Technology and Oil and Gas Electronics in 2013.

PTI has nearly 2000 students. Graduates in programs from Information Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, and Criminal Justice possess the transferable skills to find employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry. ABOUT PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Offering career-focused education since 1946, Pittsburgh Technical Institute is a two-year college with two locations in Western Pennsylvania: a 180-acre campus in North Fayette, west of Pittsburgh, and a center at the Regional Learning Alliance, north of the City in Cranberry. PTI offers degree and certificate programs in areas such as Building Technology, Business, Criminal Justice, Design, Healthcare, Nursing, and

to the campus’ main building and student apartments, and a rain garden located on the building’s west side. The facility will feature three distinct labs with nearly $1 million of state-of-theindustry equipment designed for hands-on learning in Welding, HVAC, and electronic equipment specific to the oil and gas industry. The project is made possible in part by a $750,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) designed for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects. “PTI has been part of our region’s industrial history for more than 60 years,” said Bill Flanagan, Vice President of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “Investing in its new programs and the Energy Tech Center, PTI becomes centrally aligned to the high-demand jobs in all seven energy sectors for the future of Western Pennsylvania.” The Allegheny Conference recently published a Workforce Analysis Report examining the future of energy sector jobs in Greater Pittsburgh including coal, gas, nuclear, solar, wind, transmission and distribution, and intelligent building technologies. To reference: http://alleghenyconference.org/PDFs/ Misc/WorkforceAnalysisReport083012.pdf

Information Technology. PTI students can take advantage of online course offerings, on-campus residence halls, student activities, intramural programs and community service programs. PTI is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. PTI was recognized by its employees as one of the region’s Top Places to Work in a 2011 study commissioned by The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. For more information, call 1-800-784-9675, or visit http://www.pti.edu/. West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

Weight Loss Tips for Real Life

hances are you’ve been down the weight loss road before. And chances are just as good that you’ve gained it all back. But don’t despair; there are ways to avoid the dreaded yo-yo. Harley Pasternak, best-selling author and the go-to trainer for A-list stars, answers some common questions about how to lose weight – and the tools needed to keep it off. What’s the biggest mistake people make when it comes to weight loss? Too many people set unrealistic expectations from the start. For sustained weight loss, you need a diet and exercise plan that you can maintain. How should I get started and pick the right plan? Instead of starving yourself or risking injury by over-exercising, focus on being active throughout the day. Park your car farther away from your destination, take the stairs, make social plans walking distance from home or work; every step adds up. How can I eat healthy when I’m so busy I don’t have time to cook? Planning ahead is a must if you’re going to avoid temptation. Spend some time on Sunday evening preparing simple, healthy meals for the week. I hate to exercise, and gyms are too expensive. What can I do? You don’t need to spend hours a day in the gym to improve your waistline or your health. As little as five minutes a day of resistance training can help strengthen your body; or use a pedometer (a small device that counts your steps) and try to hit 10,000 steps each day. The key is consistency.

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West Allegheny

Boy Scout Troop 248 Honors Three of its Own with Prestigious

Eagle Scout Rank

By Kathy Rudolph ccording to the The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), to earn the Eagle Scout rank, which is the highest advancement rank in scouting, “a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.” Three West Allegheny High School students, Peter Cochran, Matthew Ferruzza and Tyler Wesley, took on this challenge and successfully earned the Eagle Scout rank. A ceremony to mark this honor was held at the Boy Scout Troop 248 Quarterly Court of Honor at the Oakdale Community Center. Eagle Scouts and other scouts of Troop 248 moderated the ceremony, which also included presenting merit badges and awards to many of the 55 members of the troop. Thomas Taylor is the troop’s scoutmaster. He has been a scoutmaster for over 40 years. “It is important to recognize the work that all of the scouts have done at these ceremonies,” said Taylor. “People don’t get enough recognition for what they do. These ceremonies are a way to say, ‘Great job for all of your hard work.’ It’s also nice having the older guys step forward and help out at the ceremony, which also inspires the younger ones. They make my life a lot easier.” Dignitaries at the award ceremony that presented letters and certificates to the Eagle Scouts included James White, master of the Oakdale Masonic Lodge 669; Allegheny County Councilman, Michael J. Finnerty, of District 4; Roxanne Buckels, representing Governor Corbett; and Nate Nevala, representing Congressman Tim Murphy’s office. Cochran, of Oakdale, son of Matthew Cochran and Sandra Tozzi, is a senior at West Allegheny High School. Because of a prior commitment to perform in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” the South Fayette High School musical, he was not present at the ceremony but was awarded at a later time. Cochran has been an assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and instructor with Troop 248. His Eagle Scout service

photos by Kathy Rudolph

1. Councilman Michael J. Finnerty, Matthew Ferruzza and Tyler Wesley 2. Tyler Wesley with parents, Duane and Laura Wesley 3. Matthew Ferruzza, with parents, Jeffery and Toni Ferruzza

5 4. James White 5. Roxanne Buckels 6. Nate Nevala

project was to raise funds to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator and install it at the Oakdale Community Center. Ferruzza, of McDonald, son of Jeffery and Toni Ferruzza and a sophomore at West Allegheny High School, has been a troop guide, assistant senior patrol leader and patrol leader with Troop 248. His Eagle Scout service project was to build a wildflower nature trail for the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden. Wesley, of McDonald, son of Duane and Laura Wesley and a senior at at West Allegheny High School, has been a patrol leader, instructor, quartermaster, assistant senior patrol leader with Troop 248. His Eagle Scout service project was to repair and for the maintenance of Forest Hiking Trail at Raccoon Creek State Park, which is now useable all year long because of his efforts. To learn more about Troop 248, visit the website at www.oakdaletroop248.org/

Matthew Ferruzza (left) and Tyler Wesley

West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

Tips on Summer Sun Safety from UPMC Urgent Care The mid-March snowstorm and the lingering cold weather had many Pittsburghers running for the sun at the first sight of warmer weather. But not so fast, caution two UPMC Urgent Care physicians, who urge awareness and protection when outdoors in the sun.

Minimize Sun Exposure

“Sunburn and heat-related illnesses are the two most common sun-attributed ailments we see in the UPMC Urgent Care centers during the summer months of June, July and August,” says Bret Rosenblum, MD, medical director of UPMC Urgent Care Wexford. “That said, we advise everyone to reduce their sunburn risk by limiting sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wearing protective hats and clothing, and using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, but 30 or higher for individuals with a family history of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Also, avoiding indoor tanning beds altogether will help prevent significant skin damage.”

If a person suffers a milder form of a heat-related illness, with symptoms such as headaches, weakness, dizziness, or an inability to continue current activity, Dr. Rosenblum suggests, seek out a cool area, preferably one that is air conditioned, removing excess clothing and hydrating with water or electrolyte solutions, and monitoring their condition closely. “Evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center could help determine if a higher level of care is necessary, such as a referral to an emergency department,” he says. “However, if the condition is not improving or is getting worse, and the person begins to faint, or experiences nausea, vomiting, or confusion, immediate medical evaluation at the closest emergency department for a more serious heat stroke condition may be necessary. In these situations, cold water immersion, ice packs, and IV hydration may be needed.”

Special Care For Children And The Elderly

According to Rachel Schroer, MD, medical director of the UPMC Urgent Care with Washington Health System, located in McMurray, Pa., people can still get sunburn even if the sun is not shining. “The harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn can penetrate the clouds and cause sunburns,” she explains.

Children and the elderly are the groups most at risk for developing sunburn and sun exhaustion, which is caused by spending too much time in the heat and direct sun, Dr. Schroer explains. “Great care should be taken to limit their sun and heat exposure.”

Self-Help Measures For Sunburn

In addition to the prevention methods previously mentioned, Dr. Rosenblum also adds that the ability to swim can be life-saving. “All children and adults who will be around water should have this skill which they can acquire through lessons at local YMCA centers and community pools,” he recommends. “Furthermore, while at the beach, heed warnings and signage regarding current conditions such as rip tides and rough water.”

If you take all of these precautions and you still find yourself suffering from sunburn, there are a number of ways you can care for yourself at home, Dr. Schroer advises, including drinking plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and water, staying well-hydrated, and applying a soothing aloe vera gel. “Severe sunburns fall into the category of first-degree burns, which puts you at risk for excess fluid loss and dehydration,” she adds. “However, should your efforts toward sunburn prevention and sunburn care at home fail to offer relief, a medical evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center can assess your condition and offer additional recommendations for aid.”

Avoid Strenuous Activities During Peak Temperatures

To prevent heat-related illnesses, Dr. Rosenblum recommends limiting strenuous activity during the hottest portion of the day, drinking plenty of fluids containing water or electrolyte solutions before, during, and after exercise, and avoiding soda or energy drinks, which can actually cause dehydration. In addition, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas, will help cool the body. “Sports teams also should be encouraged to schedule practice sessions in the morning or evening hours during the summer,” he notes. 32 724.942.0940 to advertise

Seek Medical Attention

West Allegheny

Consider Life-Saving Swimming Lessons

Medical Treatment Available Without An Appointment

A person with concerns about sun-related illness, can visit a UPMC Urgent Care center for further examination any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., without an appointment. “Our providers can access a patient’s electronic health records within the health system. This can be critical during an evaluation with regard to past medical history, medications taken, allergies, and results from previous tests and x-rays,” Dr. Rosenblum explains. “Additionally, a treatment summary, which is an important aspect of care, will be provided to the patient’s primary care provider and attached to their electronic health record if they visit a UPMC physician.”

For more information and a complete list of UPMC Urgent Care locations, please visit UPMC.com/UrgentCare.

West Allegheny Middle School Teachers Present

“Thrilling” Approach

To Pssa Testing

It is that time of year when PSSA test taking generates anxiety for students and teachers alike. West Allegheny Middle School teachers eased that stress with a creative approach and most unlikely influence – Michael Jackson. For the second year, middle school teacher Jessica Henry was inspired by the pop legend and created a PSSA-themed video extolling the virtues of test preparation. With the help of middle school administration, teachers and students, this year’s video was based on Jackson’s hit “Thriller” and contained rescripted verses that included: “It’s close to test time; the testing books arrive here every spring; you feel your pulse climb; but you don’t have to worry ‘bout a thing; you try to scream, but knowledge takes the sound before you make it; our strategies will cause your PSSA scores to rise; they’re gonna climb.” “The purpose of creating the video was to motivate our students for the PSSA tests in a creative, engaging, and unconventional way,” states Henry. “Our students worked

very hard this year and we wanted to encourage them to do their best.” Video planning and production took over six months and included rewriting lyrics, choreographing dance moves for both teachers and students, practicing, filming and editing. The production even included a cameo appearance by superintendent Dr. John DiSanti. All middle school students viewed the finished piece prior to taking the PSSAs in hopes of reinforcing the helpful messages the video promoted. The video may be viewed at: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=0wN-xVRjWvo&feature=youtu.be.

West Allegheny Middle School teachers are transformed into “Thriller” zombies.

West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

Real Estate IN West Allegheny Real estate is a big part of our lives. For the vast majority of us it is the biggest purchase we will ever make, as well as the largest investment. Not to mention the fact that our purchase is “our home”…the place we laugh, cry, raise children, share timeless memories with friends and family and so much more. So it is very important that we understand every aspect of the selling and purchasing of a home. This includes mortgage and finance information, curb appeal, new housing developments and new ways to look for homes.

CURB APPEAL Curb appeal is a well-known term that refers to the attractiveness of the interior and exterior of a home. While the term seems overused, it is a very real phenomenon. The old saying goes, “You only get one chance at a first impression.” This phrase perfectly explains the importance of curb appeal. When someone pulls up to a house for the first time, things like paint, landscaping, carpeting and light fixtures, just to name a few, make a huge difference in the person’s opinion. It is much harder for most people to envision the potential of a home when unattractiveness abounds everywhere they look. Most people looking at a home make a snap judgment the moment they enter the property. Sure, these snap judgments can be changed with other positive attributes, but why take the chance when adding curb appeal can be so easy and costeffective?

Real estate by the numbers

IN West Allegheny Homes for Sale: 57 Recently Sold: 27 *Data provided by Realtor.com. Data presented is representative of the time of publication. For up-to-date information, go to Realtor.com.

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Curb appeal can be accomplished by any number of methods including exterior decorations, repainting, extensive attention to the landscaping, timely grass cutting, new or even recently professionally cleaned carpeting, new hardware on the kitchen cabinets, new stain on a rear deck, new exterior and interior light fixtures and de-cluttering of the interior of the home. Always think of curb appeal when marketing your home or looking at a new home. It may not sell your home on its own, or entice you to buy a home on its own, but it does make a difference. You won’t be sorry because it is worth the time and relatively low cost.

STAGING Selling a home requires more than a “For Sale” sign. Competition is fierce, and if you want the best offers and your home to sell quickly, home staging is essential. Staging involves cleaning, de-cluttering, and decorating a home so it appeals to buyers. Never confuse decorating for staging. Décor is an expression of a particular style, while staging is a strategy. According to www.globalspan.net, there are five basic steps to staging your home. #1 - Clean. Your home must sparkle! To achieve this level is often only feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too. #2 - Fix. Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea. #3 - Eliminate Clutter. The “50% Rule” requires that you eliminate the clutter in your home by at least half. This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter – it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn’t sell homes!

Our Real Estate Partners

Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized. (Have you ever noticed that the really expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-free layout, while “cheap” stores are often a jumble of merchandise?) Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has as a central focus the elimination of clutter. #4 - Go Executive Neutral. Neutral colors sell. It’s a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you’ve just turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest. #5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won’t be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot “imagine” your home as their home. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to “see” themselves in it.

Continued on page 36

Renee Rose-Modrak is a Luxury Home Specialist with Keller Williams Real Estate Professionals. She is a multi-million dollar producer, specializing in new construction, luxury properties and residential sales. Renee previously spent 25 years in advertising. She has decades of philanthropic successes and currently sits on the board of Team Pouncey. Keller Williams Realty 724.941.9400 x113 • www.reneerosemodrak.com

Whether it’s building your dream home or making a livable space come alive, Prime 1 Builders, Inc. excels in single home residential projects. From sustainable and energy efficient home design to custom renovations, we work to exceed your expectations and stay within your budget. Let Dan Meade and his team of craftsman, make your dream home become a reality. Call us today to discuss your project. Prime 1 Builders 412.257.0160 • prime1builders.com

Apple Lawn Service, started in 1992 in Sewickley, provides landscaping and snow removal services in the Sewickley and Moon Township areas. In 2011 we added the creation of custom made boulders to our business profile. Utilizing proprietary cement and steel we create boulders based on the unique designs submitted by our customers. Boulders can be viewed at our store at 101 McGovern Blvd in Crescent. Apple Lawn Services 412.741.1610 • www.applelawn.com

The Vinyl Answer is a locally owned family business that fabricates and distributes vinyl railing, fencing, decking, and garden products, as well as a premium line of aluminum railing and fencing. Our mission is to provide locally made “earth friendly” products and exceptional service. Visit our Showroom at 535 Route 30, Imperial, or ask for The Vinyl Answer at Brookside Lumber & HP Starr Lumber. The Vinyl Answer www.vinyl-answer.com West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

Real Estate IN West allegheny the lender might say the loan may be used only to pay for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. Most homeowners with low or moderate income can qualify for these loans.

Continued from page 35

REVERSE MORTGAGE According to www.consumer.ftc.gov, if you’re 62 or older – and looking for money to finance a home improvement, pay off your current mortgage, supplement your retirement income, or pay for health-care expenses – you may be considering a reverse mortgage. It’s a product that allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your home or pay additional monthly bills. In a “regular” mortgage, you make monthly payments to the lender. In a “reverse” mortgage, you receive money from the lender, and generally don’t have to pay it back for as long as you live in your home. The loan is repaid when you die, sell your home, or when your home is no longer your primary residence. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage generally are taxfree, and many reverse mortgages have no income restrictions.

•• Proprietary reverse mortgages, private loans that are backed by the companies that develop them.

Before applying for a HECM, you must meet with a counselor from an independent government-approved housing counseling agency. Some lenders offering proprietary reverse mortgages also require counseling. The counselor is required to explain the loan’s costs and financial implications, and possible alternatives to a HECM, like government and nonprofit programs or a single-purpose or proprietary reverse mortgage. The counselor also should be able to help you compare the costs of different types of reverse mortgages and tell you how different payment options, fees, and other costs affect the total cost of the loan over time. You can visit HUD for a list of counselors or call the agency at 1.800.569.4287. Most counseling agencies charge around $125 for their services. The fee can be paid from the loan proceeds, but you cannot be turned away if you can’t afford the fee.

Single-purpose reverse mortgages are the least expensive option. They are not available everywhere and can be used for only one purpose, which is specified by the government or nonprofit lender. For example,

How much you can borrow with a HECM or proprietary reverse mortgage depends on several factors, including your age, the

There are three types of reverse mortgages: •• Single-purpose reverse mortgages, offered by some state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. •• Federally-insured reverse mortgages, known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

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HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages may be more expensive than traditional home loans, and the upfront costs can be high. That’s important to consider, especially if you plan to stay in your home for just a short time or borrow a small amount. HECM loans are widely available, have no income or medical requirements, and can be used for any purpose.

West Allegheny

Our Real Estate Partners type of reverse mortgage you select, the appraised value of your home, and current interest rates. In general, the older you are, the more equity you have in your home, and the less you owe on it, the more money you can get. The HECM lets you choose among several payment options. You can select: •• A “term” option – fixed monthly cash advances for a specific time. •• A “tenure” option – fixed monthly cash advances for as long as you live in your home. •• A line of credit that lets you draw down the loan proceeds at any time in amounts you choose until you have used up the line of credit.

Born and raised in Western PA and currently residing in Collier Township with his wife and three daughters, Alex Deacon has been a licensed professional for nearly 18 years and has consistently been in the top 10% of real estate agents for homes sold per year nationally for over 12 years. Alex also owns a full service property management company established in 2002. Keller Williams Realty 412.613.4435 • www.alexdeacon.com

•• A combination of monthly payments and a line of credit. You can change your payment option any time for about $20. HECMs generally provide bigger loan advances at a lower total cost compared with proprietary loans. But if you own a higher-valued home, you may get a bigger loan advance from a proprietary reverse mortgage. So if your home has a higher appraised value and you have a small mortgage, you may qualify for more funds. Reverse mortgage loan advances are not taxable, and generally don’t affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits. You retain the title to your home, and you don’t have to make monthly repayments. The loan must be repaid when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence. In the HECM program, a borrower can live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 consecutive months before the loan must be repaid. If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, be aware that: •• Lenders generally charge an origination fee, a mortgage insurance premium (for federally-insured HECMs), and other closing costs for a reverse mortgage. Lenders also may charge servicing fees during the term of the mortgage. The lender sometimes sets these fees and costs, although origination fees for HECMs currently are dictated by law. Your upfront costs can be lowered if you borrow a smaller amount through a reverse mortgage product called “HECM Saver.” •• The amount you owe on a reverse mortgage grows over time. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance and added to the amount you owe each month. That means your total debt increases as the loan funds are advanced to you and interest on the loan accrues. •• Although some reverse mortgages have fixed rates, most have variable rates that are tied to a financial index; they are likely to change with market conditions. •• Reverse mortgages can use up all or some of the equity in your home, and leave fewer assets for you and your heirs. Most reverse mortgages have a “nonrecourse” clause, which prevents you or your estate from owing more than the value of your home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold. However, if you or your heirs want to retain ownership of the home, you usually must repay the loan in full – even if the loan balance is greater than the value of the home.

In 1991 when owner Joe Tortorea founded JT Landscaping LLC, he never thought the industry would have provided such a diverse set of opportunities for growth. Over the past 22 years, the business has grown from a small one bay garage, to a flourishing four acre parcel that is comprised of a warehouse building, a retail nursery, and a nursery bulk supply yard. JT Landscaping 724.693.2793 • www.jtlandscaping.biz

In 1987 Inks Installations, a home remodeling business was established by Michael T. Inks. Today, Inks Installations is ranked at the top of the businesses involved in home remodeling. Inks is family owned and operated, serving Allegheny County and the surrounding areas, specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, additions, game rooms, roofing, siding, and other small jobs. For more information call or stop by the showroom! Inks 724.776.0805 • www.inksinstallations.com

•• Because you retain title to your home, you are responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. If you don’t pay property taxes, carry homeowner’s insurance, or maintain the condition of your home, your loan may become due and payable. •• Interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole.

FINANCING AND INTEREST RATES There is both good news and bad news when it comes to home financing and mortgage interest rates. The great news is that interest rates are still extremely low. According to bankrate.com, the interest rates on 12/26/12

Continued on page 38 West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Real Estate IN West allegheny Continued from page 37 were 3.59% on a 30-year fixed rate, 2.87% on a 15-year fixed, 2.77% on a 5/1 ARM and 4.07% on a 30-year jumbo. However, the bad news is that, due to new mortgage laws adopted after the nation’s foreclosure crisis of several years back, it is more difficult to get a mortgage than ever before. Credit scores are even more scrutinized and debt-to-income ratios are more strict. There is an infinite number of loan types out there, and lenders are constantly coming up with creative ways to wrangle in new homeowners. The type of home loan you choose can make or break you as a borrower, so make sure you fully understand it before making any kind of commitment. Most prospective homeowners these days seem to be interested in 100% financing, generally because they don’t have the assets necessary for a down payment. Unfortunately, the proliferation of these types of home loan programs have increased the number of high-risk borrowers in the United States at an alarming rate. But if you take the time to educate yourself on the many home loan types

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West Allegheny

out there, you’ll effectively decrease your chances of defaulting on your mortgage. That said, let’s talk about the many different loan types and programs available today. Below is a list of the types of loans available to potential homeowners.

Conforming Loans and NonConforming Loans One way home loans are differentiated is by their Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) eligibility. If the loan meets requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it is considered a conforming loan. If the loan does not meet all the underwriting requirements set forth by the pair of GSEs, it is considered “non-conforming.” The main guideline that determines whether a mortgage is conforming or not is the loan amount. Generally, a mortgage with a loan amount below $417,000 is considered conforming, whereas any loan amount above $417,000 is considered a jumbo loan. However, in Alaska and Hawaii the conforming limit is $625,500. Note that the conforming limit may change annually, and has risen quite a bit in the past few years as housing prices skyrocketed. A jumbo loan may meet all of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s loan underwriting guidelines, but if the loan amount exceeds the conforming limit, it will be considered non-conforming and carry a higher mortgage rate as a result.

If your loan amount is on the fringe of the conforming limit, sometimes simply dropping your loan amount a few thousand dollars can lower your mortgage rate tremendously, so keep this in mind any time your loan amount is near the limit.

Conventional Loans and Government Loans Mortgages are also classified as either “conventional loans” or “government loans.” Conventional loans can be conforming or jumbo, but are not insured or guaranteed by the government. Then there are government loans, such as the widely popular FHA loan. This type of mortgage is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Another common government loan is the VA loan, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The maximum loan amount for these types of loans varies by county. Now that you know a bit about different home loan types, we can focus on home loan programs. As mentioned earlier, there are a ton of different loan programs out there, and more seem to surface every day. Let’s start with the most basic of loan programs, the 30-year fixed-rate loan.

Loan Programs The 30-year fixed loan is as simple as they come. Most mortgages are based on a 30-year amortization, and the 30-year fixed is no different. The 30-year fixed loan is just how it sounds, a loan with a 30year term at a fixed interest rate for 30 years. What this means

Continued on page 40

West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Real Estate IN West allegheny Continued from page 39 is that the loan will take 30 years to pay off, and the rate will stay the same during those entire 30 years. There isn’t much else to it. Let’s say you secure a rate of 6.5% on a 30-year fixed loan with a loan amount of $500,000. You’ll have monthly mortgage payments of $3,160.34 for a total of 360 months, or 30 years. You will be required to pay the same amount each month until the loan is paid off. So the total amount you would pay on a $500,000 loan at 6.5% over 30 years would be $1,137,722.40.

LOCAL HOUSING MARKET

growth in new construction. Through nine months there were a total of 2,396 new dwelling units started compared to 2,155 during the same period in 2011, an increase of 11.2%. The increased activity was constant whether the construction was traditional detached single-family homes (and attached) or multi-family units, with each cohort up between 10-12%. Permits were issued for 1,393 units of detached dwellings compared to 1,264 in 2011 and for 1,003 attached units this year compared to 891 last year. While there is growing evidence that financing conditions are normalizing so that buyers can buy, the dwindling supply of lots are keeping a broader housing recovery from spreading into 2013, although the construction of multi-family apartments will boom for at least the next 18 months. Following is a breakdown of new housing by county. •• Allegheny County — Single Family Detached, 609. Single-Family Attached, 392. Total, 1001.

According to www.buildingpittsburgh.wordpress.com, unlike the overall U.S. market, the housing market in Pittsburgh does not have to bounce back from falling prices and is showing remarkable consistency across a number of metrics.

•• Beaver County — Single-Family Detached, 108. Single-Family Attached, 25. Total, 133.

For more than six months the prices of houses sold and the number of homes sold has remained solidly up more than 10% year-over-year. That’s an unusual level of consistent growth, especially since the sales took place in periods of both higher and lower seasonal activity.

•• Fayette County — Single-Family Detached, 66. Single-Family Attached, 10. Total, 76.

The third quarter also showed a consistent trend in the year-over-year

•• Westmoreland County — Single-Family Detached, 169. Single-Family Attached, 179. Total, 348.

•• Butler County — Single-Family Detached, 190. Single-Family Attached, 323. Total, 513.

•• Washington County — Single-Family Detached, 251. Single-Family Attached, 74. Total, 325.

SMARTPHONE APPS FOR HOUSE HUNTING This is 2013 and we are an “on the go” society. So doesn’t it just make sense to use apps for house hunting before contacting a real estate agent? According to www.msn.com, today there are dozens of cheap — even free — applications you can download that can make your home buying quest easier and savvier than ever before. So go ahead and download ‘em, take ‘em for a test drive … then hit the open-house circuit. This time, you’re guaranteed to waste less time finding a new “home sweet home.”

Tools to help you find a home — all with GPS •• Realtor.com says its app has more listings — reportedly more than 3 million — than any other app in the country. You can highlight areas of town to search, check for homes for sale near you and search for open houses. Most homes show multiple photos as well as pricing and openhouse info. (Free.) •• Zillow not only lets you see listings and the estimated worth of any home — not just homes for sale – but also has rental-rate estimates. (Free.)

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West Allegheny

Navigating the real-estate maze •• Dictionary of Real Estate Terms. Baffled by a bilateral contract? Confused by carrying charges? You need this dictionary. ($1.99 for iPhone and iPad. Other dictionaries available for different devices.) •• Mortgage calculator. A solid calculator to help steer you through the finances of a home purchase, this calculator computes monthly rate, price per square foot and your amortization schedule. (99 cents for iPad and iPhone. Other calculators available for different devices.) •• Can you afford that home? Home Buying Power lets you input variables — desired payment or income percentage, plus down payment, loan term and interest rate — and then tells you how much house you can afford to pay for on a monthly basis. ($1.99 for iPad and iPhone.)

Choosing the right city and neighborhood •• Learn your neighborhood: With Wikihood, you can get a mini-tour of most any neighborhood in the world — everything from the history to the culture to companies in the area. (Free for iPad and iPhone.) •• Wonder where that smell is coming from? Worried by those airplanes flying low overhead? You need Suburb Scout. This app allows users to search for possible nuisances near a home — airports, landfills, sewagetreatment plants and more. ($1.99 for Android.) •• Are you worried about sex offenders? Consider getting Safe Neighborhood. This app gives you access to the National Sex Offender

Registry and can tell you locations of sex offenders in your area. It’s a little controversial — not only can you search by address, but you can pull up names and pictures of the offenders. (Free for Android.) •• Trying to pick a new city? You might want to look at the crime statistics. The app Crime Stats lets you see statistics on several violent crimes and property crimes for cities nationwide, using FBI data. The app also lets you compare those stats to the national average and to other cities. (99 cents for iPhone and iPad.) •• Want to know what kind of amenities your neighborhood has? Download the Walk Score app. It gives a home a score of up to 100, based on residents’ ability to walk to things such as a grocery, a pub, etc. The better the score, the more walkable the neighborhood. Somewhat related, Around Me tells you the distances to key spots such as banks, coffee shops and post offices. (Both are free for iPhone and iPad.) •• SiteWise gives the demographics of your prospective home’s immediate area, using info up to and including the 2010 Census. The app creates a demographic report that includes population by age, education level, number of children, household income, number of renters versus owners and more. ($9.99 for Blackberry and iPhone users.)

West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 41

Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? When the weather’s nice, many people like to head outdoors – and their pets do, too. Before you let your pet go outside, make sure you’ve taken steps to prevent pests, care for their skin, and know how to spot signs of allergies. Fleas and Ticks: Pets are susceptible to a variety of bugs and pests – especially fleas and ticks. Both should be avoided as fleas can trigger allergies and dermatitis in pets as well as infectious diseases in people and pets. Ticks may also carry diseases that can be harmful to pets. However, in a survey by the American Pet Products Association, only 64 percent of dog owners and 41 percent of cat owners purchased a flea and tick product for their pet last year. Be sure to purchase preventative topical treatments to protect your pet. And after pets go outdoors, inspect them carefully for ticks and other insects to ensure their safety. Grooming: A winter indoors often leaves pets with dry skin, tangled fur and a thick undercoat, which begins to shed when the

weather warms. A professional grooming salon will help keep pets cool with services like a haircut and brushing to remove loose hair, and a bath to clean and moisturize their skin and coat. Medicated flea and tick baths or spot treatments can also be added. Allergies: Since pets can experience allergic reactions to inhaled particles like dust or pollen, pet parents should be on the lookout for signs that their pet may be suffering from allergies. Monitor your pet’s behavior and consult your veterinarian if your pet exhibits reactions such as: • Swelling or irritation of the skin, especially around the eyes, face, head and feet. Hives, rashes, blisters, clear discharge from eyes or nostrils, sneezing, itching and mild discomfort may also be present. • Pets may also chew on or lick their feet constantly. • Allergy treatment for pets varies based on severity, but usually includes antihistamines and other medications. To learn more about pet essentials and services for spring, visit a pet store near you.

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Industry Insight

You don’t have to live with painful varicose and spider veins. Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?

Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at the end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answer questions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were very important as were the answers that were given. Here are some examples:

What is Phlebology?

Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement of this field are The American College of Phlebology and the American Venous Forum.

Why should I see a board-certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins?

When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important to be proactive in the choice and research of who will become medically responsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venous disease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision. Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who has taken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often a member of organizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additional requirements set by the certifying board. After meeting these requirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him or herself as board-certified.

Is membership the same as board certification?

This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many different organizations, these organizations only require an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification where qualification is determined through training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology and those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”

I had a free screening at a health fair and was told that I don’t have venous disease, but I still have aching, pain and discoloration at the ankles. What should I do?

While free screenings can be informative, remember that this is just a brief glance into a patient’s venous system. A complete venous exam and venous mapping by a boardcertified phlebologist is best to determine if a patient has venous disease. Since a proper venous ultrasound is such an integral part of this evaluation, the American College of Phlebology has set requirements for it that include the following: • A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician. • A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may result in outright treatment failure. • Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters. • A venous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and then interpreted by a physician.

If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office? Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘free’ because patients are often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, most insurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questions about the second opinion being covered, contact member services on the back of your insurance card.

This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider. Terrance R. Krysinski, MD General Surgeon Board Certified Phlebologist Vein Institute of Pittsburgh 724.934.VEIN (8346)

724-934-VEIN (8346) West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 43

Doing Good, All Year Long While charitable giving increases towards the end of the year as important community needs are showcased, such needs continue all year long. Unfortunately, giving tends to drop off after the holidays, leaving many organizations with a shortfall of donated goods, cash and even volunteers in the New Year. While it is true that part of the Christmas and holiday tradition is to give back to others, there are needs in our community throughout the year. What You Can Do Whether you volunteer or collect goods to donate, resolve to take simple steps in 2013 to better your community. To shine a light on ways to give back, here are three tips on how to make giving a year-long tradition: Tip #1: Simple Items Make a Big Difference: Many local charities collect clothes and essentials for families, particularly children, all year long. From warm coats and blankets to socks, toothpaste and soap, the simplest items

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can make a real difference for those in need. Consider donating gently used items after your annual spring cleaning, organize a donation drive in your neighborhood, or if you buy in bulk at warehouse clubs, choose a few items from each trip to set aside for donation to your favorite local charity. Tip #2: Think Outside the Can: Food banks are always in need of cash and food donations throughout the year. Feeding America says that for $1, food banks can provide 8 meals to men, women and children facing hunger; $50 will provide 400 meals. Call your local food bank and ask for their “most wanted” list. Often, proteins are at the top of the list along with peanut butter, baby food and juice boxes. Home gardeners with bumper crops can glean their harvests and share fresh vegetables and fruits so they don’t go to waste. Tip #3: Ways to Help are Closer Than You Think: Your local community center, religious institution or library most likely has programs to help those in need, so you can help as part of your regular routine. Ask if you can volunteer to serve meals to the homeless after church services, or offer to read to children at the local library. There are countless ways to lend a hand, so find one that feels right to you or visit volunteer websites for ideas. Every community will have unique needs and strengths. To make the greatest impact, those wanting to give back should ask about workplace programs that match volunteer hours, find out local donation guidelines, and make giving back a regular family activity.

Stay Connected

• Contact home on a scheduled basis to let your loved ones know you are safe. If you miss a scheduled time, your contacts will know to start looking for you. • Use Skype, text messaging or a GPS-equipped phone that allows people back home to track your trip and ensure your safety.

Travel Smart

Safety Tips

To help students - or anyone else - traveling to a foreign country, the Department of State has set up the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It’s a free service that lets you submit information about your trip so that the Department can assist you in an emergency. It makes it easier for U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to contact you and your loved ones during an emergency. You can also subscribe to receive updates on travel warnings, travel alerts and other information for the countries you’ll be visiting. Learn more at www.studentsabroad.state.gov.

for Students Abroad

While traveling abroad is an exciting opportunity for students, parents often have concerns over safety. Here are practical safety tips for teens traveling abroad.

Pack Common Sense

• Ask yourself: Would I do this at home? If the answer is no, rethink your actions. • Get some rest. You can have a good time without staying out too late — the more rested you are, the more likely you are to be aware of and safe in your surroundings. • Always travel with a buddy. Traveling alone can make you a mark for thieves. Having two sets of eyes to watch out for bad situations is helpful, plus it will be more fun to share your experiences with a friend.

ones back home to know where you are and make sure they have access to the account. Some travel programs can track students this way, and even the U.S. Department of State indicates it is a good way to find people while traveling. • Make copies of passports and credit cards, etc. If lost or stolen, account numbers can be easily located and reported.

Leave the Bling Behind

• Petty criminals look for easy targets in crowds and a “blinged out” tourist is an easy target. • Make an effort to blend in and use your prior research to understand the country’s style and culture.

The U.S. Department of State says that when you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Therefore, before students go, they should learn as much as possible about the local laws and customs of the places they plan to visit. They can get more information at the library, from a travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries being visited. Safety is important to a parent sending their child to another country, which is why parents and students need to be informed. Keep open and ongoing communication with students, leaders, and family members regarding safety and any world events that may affect there travels.

Scope Out Your Surroundings

• Be knowledgeable about your destination. Visit Centers for Disease Control travel websites and other online resources before you travel. Check out hotels and inns before you decide to stay there. • Choosing a hostel off the beaten path might save you a little money, but it could also lead you into an unsafe situation. • Go ahead, travel like a native, but be cautious when using public transportation. Crowds make it easier for pick-pocketers. Always keep your money and identification on your person in multiple locations. • If you see the same person three times in different locations it could mean you are being targeted, and you should find a safer place.

Leave a Money Trail

• Use a prepaid bank card which allows loved West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 45

Seeing Is Believing: Laser Vision Correction Often Eliminates Need for Glasses or Contacts

Imagine waking up in the morning and not having to reach for your glasses or contacts. If that sounds too good to be true, then you should consider laser vision correction surgery, a procedure performed by surgeons at UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center. This procedure often allows patients to see better without glasses and contacts. According to Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac., director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service and the Center for Integrative Eye Care at UPMC, laser vision correction has been performed at UPMC for some 20 years. UPMC was among the first in the region to offer laser vision surgery and was the only center in the area to participate in the initial studies of the procedure that resulted in its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Focus on Patients “UPMC has the longest continuously running program in Pittsburgh,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. “What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits. We also encourage our patients to meet and talk with their surgeon well in advance of their scheduled surgery so they feel completely comfortable with everyone and everything involved in their pre- and post-operative care. All of these things will help achieve good outcomes.” According to Dr. Dhaliwal, good candidates for laser vision correction are healthy individuals with healthy eyes. “People who have eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts would not be candidates for this surgery,” she says. Multiple other factors are involved in deciding if laser vision correction is right for you, and these are addressed during a complimentary evaluation with your surgeon.

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The actual procedure, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes, involves the use of very sophisticated lasers that sculpt the cornea, enabling the patient to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. “If I perform a procedure on a Thursday afternoon, I would be surprised if, at the patient’s follow-up appointment on Friday, they did not have improved vision,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. Beyond the potential biggest benefit of the procedure, no longer needing glasses or contacts, other typical advantages include reduced risk of infection related to contact lens wear for those who will no longer require vision correction after surgery. “The number one risk factor for developing an infection in the cornea is sleeping in your contact lenses,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “And tap water is not sterile. There have been incidents of blindness when people have used tap water to clean their contacts.” In addition, people who wear contact lenses can often develop an allergy to them or can over wear them, particularly if they lead active lives that may prohibit the regular use of glasses. There are some side effects that are associated with laser vision correction, such as a glare or halo effect that seems to be more apparent at night, dry eye, and inflammation, which is mainly treated with eye drops. “All of these things tend to get better over time,” said Dr. Dhaliwal, who trains, teaches, and educates physicians interested in performing laser vision correction nationally and internationally. Although laser vision correction is not covered by insurance, there are discounts available and cost should not deter a patient from engaging in conversation about the benefits of this procedure.

Customized Care “We deliver a truly customized laser vision correction experience to each patient,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “This includes an individualized map of the patient’s eye, which accounts for conditions such as astigmatism and the amount of their nearsightedness. Each treatment will be tailored and delivered to the cornea so that the patient receives the best possible outcome. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of procedure.” UPMC refractive surgeons have been selected to take part in a study that will evaluate a new imaging device used during laser vision correction surgery. The results of this study will be presented to the FDA.

“ What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits.” Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac.

For more information about laser vision correction or to make an appointment, call the UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center at 412-647-2917 or visit UPMC.com/LVC.

West Allegheny | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 47

Time for Tapenades T

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he ripe olive is one of the most versatile foods in the pantry. While delicious on its own, olives also add flavor to a number of dishes from soups and salads to appetizers and entrees. A simple ripe olive base is all you need to create a world of flavor. One dish, that features olives predominantly and is as versatile as its main ingredient, is tapenade. Tapenade originated in Provence, France, as a simple mixture of chopped olives, with various herbs and spices and is often used as a spread on crackers or as a condiment. There are many different recipes for tapenade, and the first step is selecting the type of olive to use. Green and black olives are perfect because of their mild taste and ability to blend well with other flavors. Tapenades are as varied as they are delicious, with consistencies that range from a spreadable paste to a chunky, salsa-like mixture. And their flavors can span the globe, from Greek and Mexican to Asian and French. Although delicious with crackers and a traditional cheese plate, there are a number of creative ways to enjoy tapenade, including: n n n n n

Mixing with sour cream for a zesty dip As a spread on sandwiches Spooned on tacos with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese Stuffed into chicken breasts for a flavorful kick Spread on pizza dough and topped with cheese and veggies

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