WINTER 2001 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

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Winter 2001

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

• Volume 7

•

Issue 4

Features and Around the Township 9

Handling the Dirty Deals of Life Jim Meston shares his thoughts on coping with tragedy.

It Was a Long Hard Ride—Bicycling the C&O Canal Retired USC teacher Jim Reeves and friends pedal and patch up the trail.

Daytrip—Looking for Answers Family and friends have special meaning to Bev Pini.

Winning Youth Programs Takes a Total Team Effort USC Athletic Association has a team spirit.

Boyce Gardens Celebrate 25th Anniversary A colorful harvest picnic and judging ended another year!

School District 30

Day of Remembrance—How We Coped as a School District Dr. Pope addresses our nation’s crisis in our schools.

PSBA Legislative Update Barb Bolas, President of the PSBA, updates us on what’s happening at the state level.

Meet People in the School District Let us introduce you to School District personnel and their accomplishments.

A Place Where Students are Teachers The High School Nursery School program has a lot to give.

USC Hosts the Middle Level Institute

Dr. Clark Remington reports on the first annual institute held for local middle school personnel.

Township 60

Police Department Training and education are high priorities for our Police Department. Also, beware of a Canadian sweepstakes scam!

Tree Selection Walter Jarosh suggests the right tree for the right location.

Winter Storm Emergencies Public Works is ready for snow!

Library Pages and Top Readers highlight our Library.

Cover 24

This cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is underwritten by Blackstone Fine Jewelers. Featured on this cover is Upper St. Clair resident and store manager Jon Donner (center) with his staff Frances Stangroom, Henry Koszarsky, Janet Gaber, James Boyle and Kathleen Belt.

88 Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Publishers Dr. William A. Pope Superintendent of Schools

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a community magazine that is dedicated to promoting the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here.

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

The twenty-eighth issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is made possible through the combined resources of the staff and volunteers of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. Thanks are extended to the staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and efforts on this continuing project.

Editors Harla M. Brown, Editor-in-Chief Paul K. Fox, Managing Editor

School Board Directors

Linda Dudzinski, Associate Editor Suzanne G. Vernon, Associate Editor

Angela B. Petersen, President Lisa M. Marsh, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Albert E. Ferrara, Jr. Dina J. Fulmer Clark R. Nicklas William M. Sulkowski, D.M.D. Mark G. Trombetta, M.D.

Advisory Committee Thomas A. Labanc, School District Coordinator of Community Partnerships and Communications Dina J. Fulmer, School Board Director

Township Board of Commissioners

Mark Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager

Frank E. Marsh, President, Ward 5 Robert W. Orchowski, Vice President, Ward 3 Edward S. Long, Ward 1 Gloria S. Smith, Ward 2 Cheryl S. Bayne, Ward 4 Bill Bates, At Large Brad Tupi, At Large

August Stache, Township Director of Finance Vince Yevins, Accounts

Staff Nancy Barnard, photographer Debbie Blazek, volunteer writer Cande Day, volunteer writer, artist Lynn Dempsey, advertising Susan Depe, advertising Sandy Goldstein, volunteer writer John Kotzuk, Senior Site and volunteer writer Dawn McQuillen, administrative assistant Jim Meston, volunteer writer Mary Etta Nader, advertising Bev Pini, volunteer writer Jim Render, writer A special thanks to Cindy Kane for her assistance and contributions to the magazine. The twenty-eighth issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2001 All rights reserved.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and bulk-mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and the Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-831-9000. The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be published in the Spring of 2002. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editors, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues with name and address, including zip code.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 School District: 412-833-1600 Fax: 412-833-5535 Township: 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-854-0773 Printed by Pentagon Printing Corporation 18 West Steuben Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-922-0422 • Fax: 412-922-2922 4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Deadline for Articles and Advertising for our Spring 2002 Issue is January 10, 2002. Article Information

Harla Brown 412-831-9000, extension 232 Advertising Information

Dawn McQuillen • Lynn Dempsey • Susan Depe • Mary Etta Nader 412-833-1600, extension 2284 or fax 412-833-5535

1820 McLaughlin Run Road â&#x20AC;˘ Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Douglas A. Watkins

Dr. William A. Pope

The Township and School District of Upper St. Clair are proud to present the 28th edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims, families and friends who were touched so tragically last September in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Somerset, Pennsylvania. We are really not surprised about the courage, self-sacrifice and good will exhibited during the entire catastrophe... from the unhesitating heroism and dedication of the New York firefighters, policemen and current rescuers/recovery workers... to the generosity of citizens who have donated more than 60 million dollars in relief. All of this is what it means to be an American! Conquering our fears, we march on with pride and conviction in order to help make our homes, institutions and communities safe, achieve health and happiness, meet our goals and fulfill our dreams. Countless random acts of kindness are displayed daily by local Upper St. Clair residents, modeling the time-honored values of selflessness, charity, ingenuity and resilience. We are most thankful for our civic-minded volunteers who assist the fire department, library, parks, schools, senior and youth organizations and government. Upper St. Clair is indeed a wonderful place to live, work, learn and rear children. Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season. Sincerely,

Dr. William A. Pope Superintendent of Schools

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

School District of Upper St. Clair 412-833-1600 Fax: 412-833-5535 http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us email: info@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 http://www.twpusc.org email: uscadmin@twpusc.org Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Happenings Announcements on this page are for non-profit groups and must be received by January 10, 2002, for the Spring 2002 issue. Please submit updated information with a maximum of 35 words, including a phone number that will be published to: Happenings, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or fax 412-854-0773.

Activities Now through December 30—The Frick Art Museum— Classical Folk Art by Elie Nadelman. More than 70 works in bronze, marble, wood, ceramic and plaster. Call 412-3710600 for more information. Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1—South Hills Chorale presents A Holiday Celebration. Call 412429-9501 or see page 78 for more information. December 2—1830 Log House Silver Anniversary—1 p.m. to 3 p.m. December 2—Handel’s Messiah at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m. The performance will include members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Saturday, December 15—Santa visits USC on a fire truck! For a schedule, see twpusc.org.

South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) is a non-profit

agency located in Bethel Park. SHIM offers food, clothing, household items and counseling on a sliding scale and many interfaith programs. For more information, please call 412-854-9120. The Graduates of Upper St. Clair is a social organization open to residents residing in the Township over two years. Activities include luncheons, bridge, book club and golf. For membership information, call Ann Kravitz at 412-221-5016. USC Citizens for Land Stewardship is dedicated to the

conservation of natural areas and open spaces in USC. We promote environmental education and activities that create harmony between people and nature. For information, call 412-831-3289. Welcome Wagon provides women residents with social

and service opportunities on a monthly basis. Friendship and interesting programs plus sports activities. For information, call Ellen Banta at 412-835-4542.

Support Groups Movers and Shakers meet every Wednesday at

Westminster Presbyterian Church. Exercise 5-6 p.m., dinner and speakers for those with Parkinson’s or similar disabilities. Call 412-835-6630 for 6 p.m. dinner reservations. Families in Transition Classes—Are you dealing with

separation, divorce, or becoming a stepfamily? Parents can get help from a class at Parent and Child Guidance Center on Banksville Road. Call 412-343-5698. Chartiers Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center

outpatient services and aftercare is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experiencing conflict in your life, depression, parent/child issues, divorce, etc.? Need to talk? Call 412-221-3302.

Upper St. Clair Athletic Association, a non-profit organi-

South Hills Crisis Pregnancy Center—Contact Pam

Saturday, December 15—Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra. Call 412-278-2326 or see page 69 for more information.

zation, administers year-round recreational sport programs for the youth of the community. For information, call 412-835-4499.

Hart at 412-531-2112 for more information regarding South Hills CPC’s services.

January 5-March 3, 2002— Masterworks from the Albertina at the Frick Art Museum. Call 412-371-0600

Newcomers of Upper St. Clair welcomes women to

Family Hospice offers two bereavement groups. Afternoon,

monthly coffees and dinners. Join this wonderful social and civic organization that provides fun interest groups and activities. Call Julia Zaitz, President at 412-851-8643.

1-2:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Southminster House and third Monday at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 7-8:30 p.m. Call 412-572-8807. Pre-registration not required.

Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair—Monthly luncheons,

Familylinks, formerly Parent and Child Guidance Center

for more information.

Organizations November is National Hospice Month. Family

Hospice provides care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and helps them remain comfortable in their own homes. Also offered are discussions on coping with grief and the holidays. Call 412-572-8800. The Brookside Women’s Club meets the second Tues-

day of the month, September through June, in members’ homes, at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome! Meetings usually include lunch and a program or a field trip. Contact Peggy Egan at 412-833-7932. Delta Zeta Sorority Alums meet once a month, September-May in the South Hills. Call 412-833-2796 for more information. USC Coterie—Social group with membership open to USC women. We offer monthly luncheons with programs, day trips, bowling, golf, bridge, and gourmet cooking and investing. We like to have fun! For information, call Jo at 412-831-9508. USC League for the Arts is open to all Township resi-

dents. Meetings and classes are held in the Township Building. Members exhibit in Spring Show, Sugarplum Shop, Library and Post Office. Contact Ned Garnhart at 412-835-7640. USC 1830 Log House Association—Pioneer lifestyle

of USC historic landmark preserved for future generations. Volunteers, memberships and general Township uses encouraged. All communities and schools are welcome. Contact Mary Lynne Spazok at 412-221-3534. League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organi-

zation that encourages citizens to take an interest in government. We work toward influencing public policy through education and advocacy. For information, call 412-831-3448. Upper St. Clair Historical Society—Collecting from Yes-

terday, Preserving for Tomorrow. Would you like to help us TODAY? Please call Jean Brown at 412-833-2323. The Upper St. Clair Lions Club supports Pittsburgh

Vision Services, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Meals on Wheels, Children’s Institute, South Hills Hospice, Upper St. Clair Library and others. Contact Wes Hurst at 724-941-8329 for more information. USC-BP Morning Rotary meets Tuesdays from 7-8 a.m.

at the Holiday Inn on Fort Couch Road. South Hills Business residents interested in community service should contact John Yanak at 412-221-3932 or Dave Hicks at 412-221-3720. Bethel-St. Clair Rotary—Community service minded?

Visit the Bethel-St. Clair Rotary meetings every Thursday evening, 6-8 p.m. Holiday Inn, Fort Couch Road. For information, please call 412-833-4396 or 412-835-4510.

gardening, book groups, music, bridge, special events, new friends, and more! Membership is open to all women in USC and surrounding communities. Call 412 854-4955 or 412835-9607 for more information. Laureate Epsilon Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi is an

international social, service and cultural women’s organization. Meetings are held in members’ homes on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. from September to May. For additional information, call 412-563-4797. Mt. Lebanon Jr. Women’s Club—meets at 7 p.m., third

Tuesday of each month, Unitarian Church on Sunnyhill Drive and Washington Road. Join other women across the South Hills in civic, philanthropic and social activities. Call 412-886-1221.

Volunteers St. Clair Hospital needs volunteers for clerical, courier,

escort, television, information desk, supportive visiting and Lifeline. Senior volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Junior volunteers—14 years. Call 412-344-6600, ext.1650.

and The Whale’s Tale, offers many valuable programs dealing with successful parenting through separation and divorce. PARENTLINE is a call-in service where callers may remain anonymous. Call 412-343-7166. NAMI Family to Family Education Course is for families of the mentally ill. A twelve-week series of free classes is limited to twenty participants. Registration required. Call 412-366-3788. Southwestern Human Services is a non-profit outpatient mental health clinic across from South Hills Village Mall. SHS provides mental health services to adults, adolescents, and children. For information, call 412-831-1223. Allegheny County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)—Learn how you can help abused and

neglected children in court. Discover ways that volunteers from all walks of life can make a tangible difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. Contact Sara Henning at CASA 412-594-3606 for information.

Family Hospice seeks volunteers to sit with patients.

Training offered. Needed immediately: volunteer barbers, beauticians and office workers. Call 412-572-8806. LifeSpan, an organization serving older adults, is seeking

volunteers. Call Darcy Garda at 412-343-6050.

Also see Serving Upper St. Clair on page 76.

Chartiers Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center

needs volunteers to assist with filing in the Medical Records and Billing Departments. Days/evenings flexible. Also help is needed with recreational, social and cultural activities. Call 412-221-3202, ext.118 for information. Pittsburgh Vision Services—To learn more about PVS or how

you can help the blind and visually impaired, please call 412-682-5600. Young Writers Guild invites High School and Middle School

students to write for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. IB students earn credit for community service. Adult coordinators are also needed. Contact Paul Fox at 412-833-1600, ext. 2235. Animal Friends—Volunteers can help with dog walking, cat socializing, pet therapy, humane education, and special events. Call J. Moore at 412-566-2103, ext. 229 to inquire about age requirements, volunteer orientation and registration. USC Volunteer Fire Department needs volunteers to assist in providing emergency services to the community. Volunteers are also needed to perform various administrative tasks. For more information contact Fire Chief Ray Tomnay at 412-835-0660.

Winter 2001

Looking for School District and Township information? Check UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Residential Guide Fall 2000 on the Township website www.twpusc.org

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Handling the Dirty Deals of Life Reflections From a Curbstone Pulpit Jim Meston Do you wonder who people who don’t believe in God blame when a tragedy or something painful occurs that affects them or their loved ones? A common response from some who do believe in God is something like, “How could God let this happen?” God is often blamed when planes explode or crash, a drunk driver kills a loved one, a random shot kills a child, children kill their parents, parents kill their children or classmates kill classmates. Many children are born with genetic diseases, and God is challenged as to why He lets that happen. Some people never get over blaming God for the misery these occurrences have cost them. Some even stop believing in God and join the ranks of unbelievers. Many remain depressed and unproductive for the rest of their lives. Their grief and hatred retards their ability to adjust, heal and move on. People who don’t believe in God take a different approach in dealing with their grief and loss. They blame the people or the conditions that caused the disaster. Some just accept the fact that bad things happen, and frequently to good people. God isn’t on their available list of fall guys. Many anguish over how life could be so cruel. We older people will always remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard of the assassination of President Kennedy. God’s cruelty was challenged frequently on that occasion. Another tragedy was the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger with eight people on board, including a schoolteacher. That stunned the nation as millions of persons watched it live on TV. How could God let that happen? We learned later there were vastly contested differences of opinion about the effect the cold weather would have on the valves connected to the fuel boosters. Ultimately, after heated arguments, senior officials overruled many of the technicians to launch the craft. What the scientists feared would happen, happened, and all onboard perished in the explosion. A man-made disaster. God must have been deeply disappointed in the arrogance of his creatures. Airline crashes capture our attention because so many people are killed, resulting in much pain and suffering. We see pictures of the grieving families and vivid photos of the crash scene when the crash occurs on land. Surviving family members frequently hold meetings, grieving together and consoling each other. They seek reasons for the cause of the crash, and investigations try to provide specific

answers. It is not uncommon after months or even years of investigation that specific causes remain undetermined. The reality is, the cause of all of these crashes is faulty human design or construction, human atrocities or human error. God doesn’t do it. Human beings do it, and God doesn’t interfere. God didn’t direct the captain of the Titanic to hit the iceberg, nor was it God who designed the hull of the ship. When young people kill their classmates in large-scale slaughters, we are horrified and deeply saddened. We relate to the grief of the parents and classmates of those who were randomly killed. Some were singled out for assassination, but most of the victims were accidentally caught in the line of fire. There is no answer as to why some soldiers are killed in an assault while others survive. There is no answer as to why someone’s plane crashes while someone else’s does not. I don’t believe God orchestrates catastrophes. If God doesn’t make decisions about what happens, then what does he do? If you believe in God, you believe He is all-powerful and can stop anything from occurring. I don’t believe He works that way. If we humans are going to design faulty equipment that breaks down causing accidents, He lets it happen. If people choose to get drunk and drive recklessly, He lets that happen also. If our society allows wide distribution of firearms and saturates our culture with hideous movies, young polluted minds will act out outrageous and violent fantasies. He also lets that happen. He must consistently be disappointed in the behavior of many of his creations. There resides in most of us a strong desire to seek revenge when we feel we have been wronged. Hatred is also a pervasive human trait. The survivors and families of victims of accidents or crimes frequently seek revenge against anyone who causes their suffering. Justice is a legitimate recourse. The drunk or reckless driver should be held accountable for whatever grief he or she has caused. Manufacturers should be held accountable for faulty design or manufacturing. Certainly, people are entitled to seek remedies allowed by law. But to heal and recover from a loss, it is vital to accept that loss. People must move on and try to make the most of the time they’re blessed to have left. The other human option available to all of us is forgiveness, but the act of forgiveness is difficult. Too often hatred lingers long after the event occurs. Hatred consumes and retards the

grieving survivor from accepting a loss. He has difficulty adjusting to life after the event, unable to live a healthy and productive life. Many unhealthy behaviors can consume someone who has experienced a tragic loss. Excessive drinking, lingering depression, loss of general enthusiasm, self-pity, perpetual anger and a total loss of optimism about the good in the world are just a few of the debilitating conditions. Frequently people ask, “Why did this happen to me?” God takes the rap for the tragedy as people look for someone to blame. People who think they’ve been singled out to experience tragic loss or suffering aren’t paying attention. We must know that bad things happen to everyone at some point or another. You may say if God doesn’t interfere in our lives, then what good does praying do? But if you believe in God, through prayer, coupled with faith, you can increase your strength, your wisdom and your understanding to accept whatever life dishes out. Deal with it and move on. You have to take responsibility for your own coping and healing. God or others can’t do it for you. People and circumstances collide to create life’s dramas, good and bad. That’s the reality of things, whether you believe in God or not. We have all heard the saying, “God helps those who help themselves.” When life hands us a dirty deal, whatever our religious belief, it’s critical to use all of our mental and physical abilities to accept what has happened as a reality of life. We must adjust to our loss and resolve to live our life as productively as possible. We can learn from everything that happens to us. We are given numerous opportunities to initiate change and make improvements. Learning from our events should drive us more forcefully than hatred, revenge or self-pity. Learning takes courage, determination and perseverance, but we are better for it. We have the capability to survive to life’s traumas, but no one said it’s easy. God knows that, too. ■

Editor’s note: While Jim wrote this article prior to the terroristic attacks of September 11, 2001, his message about dealing with a catastrophic event aptly addresses this national tragedy. He poignantly triggers us to question our own personal philosophies as he shares his thoughts of coping with tragedy.

Winter 2001

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It Was A Long Hard Ride Bicycling the C&O Canal Jim Reeves On Friday afternoon, June 15, 2001, six guys from the South Hills left

for Washington, D.C., to bicycle the historic C&O Canal Towpath. This bicycle adventure was four months in the planning, and the anticipation level was running high. The plan was to bike from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, a distance of about 200 miles. Those participating were George Pitcairn and Chuck Buhman of USC, Gary Navoney and Jeff Leonhardt, teachers in Upper St. Clair School District, Ben Kramer of Mt. Lebanon and me, a retired USC teacher. I’m not going to bore you with how we had to rent a truck to transport our bikes and gear to D.C. and why we had to rent a car to get ourselves to D.C. I’m going to spare you the details of why we had to rent a trailer and have a van parked in Cumberland in order to get all of our stuff, and our sorry hides, back to USC once the trip was completed. Suffice it to say, the logistics of putting this trip together were challenging. Bicycling the 200 miles, we thought, would be the easy part. It wasn’t!

Day 1, Saturday Washington, D.C., to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia We awoke to a “tropical downpour.” These are two words that bicyclists do not

want to hear, especially on the first day of a journey along a dirt road. Before we could even find Milepost 0 of the C&O Trail, I got my first flat tire. This was to be my first of three within 24 hours. But this was just the beginning. The dirt road was a sea of mud and puddles. It was raining so hard that none of us even thought about putting on our rain gear. We knew it would do no good. Fifteen miles into the ride, the towpath seemed to come to an end. We had to carry our bikes, heavily laden with our gear, over slippery rocks for a distance of 100 yards or so. I slipped and wrenched my back. By the time we completed the 70 miles to Harpers Ferry, I had my second flat tire, George had to use duct tape to repair a blown tire, Gary fell off his bike and bloodied his leg, Jeff had to reattach his rear supporting rack which fell off from the constant jarring, and Ben decided to go face first over his handle bars for no apparent reason. By this time, the six of us were separated and riding in pairs. When we finally arrived at the Hilltop House in Harpers Ferry around 8:30 p.m., the tropical downpour was about over, but we had to hose the mud off of ourselves outside before we could register inside. At last, we were off of the bikes, in a dry safe place, and the food

Chuck Buhman using a dollar bill to fix a flat tire. Jeff Leonhardt in background. 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

served in the dining room was outstanding, especially the crab cakes. We all agreed that on the first day, it was a long hard ride.

Day 2, Sunday (Father’s Day) Harpers Ferry to Hancock, Maryland We awoke to a beautiful morning full of promise for a great day ahead. We ate a wonderful breakfast buffet but could not begin our bike ride until after 10 a.m. because that was when the local bike shop opened. Chain lube, inner tubes and other biking supplies had to be replaced before we could get back onto the towpath. As George was coasting down the hill to the bike shop, a couple of spokes snapped on his rear wheel, causing it to look like a pretzel. Not to worry, he simply left his bike at the shop and rented another to continue the ride. He was not about to be left behind. As the rest of the guys were performing last minute adjustments outside the bike shop, I came drifting down the hill and said something like, “Come on you slackers, let’s get going!” No sooner did the last word come out of my mouth than my front tire responded with a resounding “Pssssst”—my third flat in 24 hours. I now had to purchase three inner tubes—

Jeff Leonhardt, Chuck Buhman, Gary Navoney, Jim Reeves and Ben Kramer— ready for the last day of biking. (George Pitcairn already hit the trail.)

one for immediate use and two more for backups. So much for getting this day off to a good start. But by 11 a.m., we were back on our saddles and on the road again toward Hancock, Maryland, just 70 miles ahead. The skies were blue, the sun was bright, and all was well. We were on the move, that’s all that mattered. We pedaled all of six miles before Chuck had a tire failure. By now, we were tire-changing experts so this was just a minor setback. For the next 45 miles, we kept a good pace and enjoyed the scenery—turtles, rabbits, ground hogs, muskrats, a four-mile detour, minimal mud, sundaes at a general store, and shady woods. We were also beginning to notice other things, like how sore our posteriors were becoming. But I digress…. By the time we arrived in the town of Williamsport, Maryland, Chuck had a serious bubble on the sidewall of his rear… tire, that is. We still had 20 miles to go to Hancock. Not to fear, George, the McGyver of the group, could fix anything. He found a popsicle stick on the ground, and proceeded to press it against the bubble and wrap about one fourth of the tire circumference with duct tape. The only trouble was Chuck had to disengage his rear brake pads so that the tire could rotate at all. And so, for the last 20 miles, he had to endure the rubbing and thumping of each tire rotation against his brakes. Somehow, the patchwork held up, although it did take its toll on Chuck. He was exhausted. As for the rest of us, we just wanted to get off of those bike seats. We consumed four large pizzas at the local Pizza Hut before checking into the Econo-Lodge. We had been on the trail for ten hours and… it was a long hard ride! Just ask Chuck and George.

Mile 0 of the C&O Towpath George Pitcairn, Jim Reeves, Ben Kramer, Gary Navoney, Jeff Leonhardt and Chuck Buhman

later discovered that he had a brake pad rubbing against his rim.) We finally got underway around 10:30 a.m. and had a fairly uneventful ride for about 40 miles to the Paw Paw Tunnel. With each passing mile, however, every little root, stone or bump in the road became an event. It seemed as if every little imperfection on the road was accentuated and magnified a hundred fold by the time it was felt… you know where. It was as if our gel pads had suddenly disintegrated and our padded shorts were rendered useless. When we had to dismount our bikes and walk through the 3,000 feet long Paw Paw Tunnel, there were no complaints. The walk offered a welcome relief from the bike

seat, and the cool air in the tunnel offered some relief from the hot air outside. Besides, we now had a reason to use the flashlights we packed just for this purpose. After taking a side trip to the town of Paw Paw, West Virginia, for a 12-inch steak hoagie, and repairing a final flat tire for Gary, we rode triumphantly into the town of Cumberland. As the sun was setting and we were loading the trailer and van, we all felt a sense of accomplishment and comaraderie. We were dirty, sweaty, tired, sore and hungry. Not necessarily in that order, but all perfect ingredients for reminding us “It was a long hard ride.” ■

Day 3, Monday Hancock to Cumberland, Maryland It was another spectacular day of sun and blue skies. While our spirits were soaring, our backsides, where the sun never shines, were just plain sore. After an okay continental breakfast, we again had to wait until ten for the local bike shop to open so Chuck could purchase a couple of new tires. He wasn’t about to try riding on the patched up tire from yesterday. Meanwhile, George left on his own 90 minutes earlier because he was having trouble getting any kind of rhythm going on his rental bike and felt like he needed a head start. (He

Jim Reeves near Harpers Ferry Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Daytrip—Looking for Answers Bev Pini

This was supposed to be a Daytrip to Berlin, Ohio—to the

Amish shops there and in the neighboring towns. I had about ten people lined up to accompany me on what was to be my final Daytrip. One last time I was pushing the deadline, and, yet once again, my editor was generous and was not threatening me with termination. But the events of September 11, 2001, turned my plans of a pleasant trip in the autumn sunshine into dried leaves and blew them away. I was born in 1945. The last major world conflict was winding its way to an ugly conclusion in Japan, and my Dad was still in the Philippines somewhere, unaware that I had been born. I don’t remember the Korean “Conflict” at all. I just know that it happened. Vietnam was my generation’s war. Unlike the two World Wars before it, it brought out the worst in Americans instead of the best. All these years later, we still have open wounds. Now, as I write this, we are going to war once more. As you read this, you will know where that “going to war” has taken us. My emotions are on my sleeve and my thoughts, like yours, range from disbelief to terror to hope and back to terror again. We are all searching for answers. In my last Daytrip for this wonderful publication, I’d like to share with you where I am looking for mine. I am not an intellectual, yet I am fairly bright and can think on my feet. I am not a saint, yet I am good and kind and honest (but just mildly modest). I am not versed in the workings of the government, yet I know good government when I see it and I sure do know bad government when I smell it. I am a normal, average, middleaged American woman. I love my family, my friends, my neighbors, my community, my state, and my country. And it is there that I will find my answers. America is my home. It is where everyone in every nation in the world wishes he or she had been born. We are exactly “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” We do not all live the same, nor do we have the same, nor do we even want the same. But we have the choice. We have the choice. How wonderful to be born in this great land at this time in history! 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Pennsylvania is my home. I was born in Allegheny General Hospital to a WelshEnglish-French Canadian beauty with several generations of Americans in her lineage and to a handsome Hungarian with wonderful brown eyes whose mother and father arrived here shortly before he was born. They traveled to the hills of western Pennsylvania looking for a job in the steel mills and a future for their family. They found both. My two grandfathers were proud, hard-working men who were devoted to their families. They put down deep roots. They were not alone. Men with strong hearts and strong backs built our region. Their roots still hold. We do not leave. We are “Fam-I-Lee!” How wonderful to grow up in western Pennsylvania in the 1950s and 1960s! Upper St. Clair is my home. We moved here the year my daughter was born because we wanted to rear her in the best place in the world. And we did. We have lived in three neighborhoods in USC. The first was Long Drive. Our neighborhood was very short on children, but our daughter had plenty of entertainment. The neighbors doted on her, and she loved them all. On her first day at Eisenhower, we discovered some children who lived nearby, and they were wonderful playmates for her for years. Their parents are still our dear friends. Our second neighborhood was the intersection of Kent Drive and Topsfield Road—“Little Girl Heaven.” I think at one point there were 17 little girls between the ages of five and twelve in the neighborhood. I recall eleven of them selling Girl Scout cookies at one time! They had “The Unicorn Club” and played “town” and had “Miss America” parties and sang Christmas Carols door to door and had a hundred camp outs and sleepovers and a hundred fights. It was grand. It was simply the best place in the world to be a little girl. It was, and remains, a cluster of homes filled with kind, loving families who are involved with each other and who care beyond measure. We love them all. After our daughter went off to college, we sold the home out from under her (she still reminds us of this) and bought a condo on Pineview Drive. USC has very few

Winter 2001

condos, so we were lucky to find one available. Once more we were welcomed and quickly became a part of a friendly, caring community. Upper St. Clair has been great to me and for me. I have deep affection for the teachers and administrators who have made our School District among the best in the country. I have worked with many of them and have great admiration for what they do and how they do it. The Girl Scout organization in the community was outstanding during my time with them. Though I am now retired, my seven years in scouting left me with great memories and many, many chuckles. Writing for the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has been such fun. You all have been kind enough to read my very tongue in cheek words, issue after issue, and not write nasty letters to my editor. (Well, if you did, she didn’t tell me.) But most important, my friends are here. Not just people I’ve met who live in USC, but my best and dearest friends. There are lots of them. I’ve been lucky. I love them all. How blessed I have been to live in this community for the past 22 years. Where am I on that list? Ah, yes. My family. Family is personal. Everyone is the “best.” This past September 11th, I watched hundreds of people trying to find loved ones. It was the worst thing I have ever seen in my lifetime. I cannot imagine the pain. I am so grateful—that I still have my parents to make me be a good girl and not wear tennis shoes without socks; that I have a daughter who keeps me humble and who brings me great joy; that I have a mother-in-law and a father-in-law who reared a wonderful man and then gave him to me; that I have a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law and family whom I adore; that I have a brother- in-law and niece whom I seldom see, but love very much; that I have aunts and uncles and cousins who are all dear friends and much loved. So, you ask, where is my answer to this chaos? Can I change the mind of a madman? Can I change the course of a war once set in motion? Can I stop the world and get off? No, all I can control is me. I will get up each morning and face the day with a song in my heart. Some days the song

WE’RE THE NEIGHBORS might have a somber beat, and some days not, but it will be my song. You have just read all the verses to it. I will sing my song loudly and boldly in the face of adversity and, regardless of what happens, I know my song, and I will prevail. So, dear readers, once again I thank you for indulging me. This will be my last contribution to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY as I have other demands that need my attention. There is a great Daytrip to Berlin, Ohio, just waiting for the right person to come along and volunteer. All you need is a way with words and someone to go with you. Just don’t take yourself too seriously. Happy Traveling—and God Bless America! ■

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Costa RicaIs this the Cancun, Mexico, of 30 Years Ago? Michael Mackewich

Central Costa Rica

Hearing so much about Costa Rica for the last few years from a nephew,

who journeyed to Costa Rica annually sparked our interest to make the trip. The decision to go was postponed a couple years, mostly as a result of concerns of traveling with our young children, Alexandra, eleven, and Julia, five. After all, Costa Rica is positioned between Nicaragua and Panama, and these were not countries we would venture close to with small children. After our nephew, Cyrus Jack Lemmon, relocated to Costa Rica to start a land development business and married a Costa Rican woman, Odalis, we gained valuable insight from a local’s perspective and felt we were ready to move forward with the adventure. Our trip included the capital San Jose, Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast and Quepos on the Pacific Coast. When landing in San Jose, you are overwhelmed with a strong international presence. Americans are certainly present, but the ratio struck us as less than two percent at the extremely busy international airport. Costa Rica is a developed third world country and the airport reflected those standards—not something you see in America or a popular vacation spot, but certainly with all the necessary airport accommodations. Our first night was spent downtown in central San Jose. Several hotels are available, but the popular downtown hotels are not your best choice, as we learned. Most folks spend one night in San Jose when 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

arriving at Costa Rica and another night prior to departing since the airport is an average three hours from either the Pacific or Caribbean Coast. Our suggestion is to head to the San Jose Marriott from the airport and grab the hotel shuttle into town for a few hours. It runs frequently, and the San Jose Marriott is now one of our favorites from a long list of resorts and hotels. The other alternative is to stay at a small inn. One of our choices was Vista del Valle Plantation Inn—it was wonderful with separate bungalows influenced by traditional Japanese architecture. The grounds are beautiful, with huge bamboo trees and

Pacific Hotel—The Mackewich family Left to right: Julia, 5 and Alexandra, 11 and wife Cheryl.

Winter 2001

water ponds, in the middle of a coffee plantation, and exquisite meals are served on a deck by the pool, overlooking a deep river canyon on a cliff. It really is special. Our first venture beyond San Jose took us to the Pacific Coast. We headed to Manuel Antonio National Park, about a three-hour drive. With my nephew at our side (his wife, Odalis, was in California), we ventured with a private driver for our entire visit in Costa Rica. The traffic is what you might expect in any major city, no getting around that! The decision not to rent a car was also based on the terrain. It is not easy driving when one is headed to the coasts since you have to deal with getting in and out of mountain ranges. San Jose is mid-range and once you get past it, you still have to deal with the local drivers, typically not fun in any foreign country. Once on the Pacific Coast, we stayed at the Hotel Si Como No. This was rated in Frommer’s as one of the best spots closest to the Manuel Antonia National Park. We were quite pleased with this property. It is on a cliff, as most of the hotels are on this side, with great views, great food and great service. There are no phones or television—a bit surprising for this pricey hotel. There is one road up the mountain and one road down into a small town. It felt very remote. The park—a quick shuttle ride down to the other side of the mountain— dead ends to gorgeous beaches, fauna, flora, monkeys, lizards and other fun exotic animals. Alexandra and I rode horses on the beach, which was a great experience and a fond memory. After the Pacific Coast, we headed to the Caribbean Coast. With traffic, it was a ten-hour drive. We heard about the Caribbean since Jack is a land developer in Costa Rica and his first properties were in the jungle on the Caribbean Coast. Our Caribbean destination was Puerto Viejo, only an hour from the Panama border. The hotel had one of the most scenic, remote locations possible, but looking back, we would have been fine to pass on this side of the country, especially with the children.

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The remote location where we stayed had a road put in just six months prior. It may have been our perception, but due to the location, you really would not have had any recourse if an emergency occurred. This reality hit us as we were walking through the jungle to Jack’s old house in a tree, where he had lived for two years developing a property. He had sold it six months earlier and moved to San Jose for easier access to both coasts and other properties. During our walk through the jungle, Jack shared experiences such as the worms that lived in his leg and the rare tick bite he got that could have killed him. We were hit with the reality that we really were in the jungle. We left the Caribbean Coast two days early, partially as a result of the accommodations and the combination rash and sun poisoning picked up by both Julia and Alex. The kids had had enough, and you thought they struck gold when we checked back into the San Jose Marriott. We had a fabulous trip and would be happy to answer any questions for those of you considering this adventure. ■

To contact Michael, write to—Michael Mackewich, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

In the mountains— local merchant and Alexandra Poas Volcano

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Winning in Youth Programs Takes a Total Team Effort When Vince Lombardi said “winning

isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” he was referring to professional football, not youth programs, at least not the ones in Upper St. Clair. The athletic programs for young people in our Township are under the direction of The Upper St. Clair Athletic Association (USCAA). This organization is made up of volunteers from our community who devote their time and energy ensuring that all sports activities for our young people are conducted within the boundaries of the code of conduct that they have developed and communicated to all players, coaches and parents. We have all read some story of immature behavior exhibited at youth athletic events, not by the players, but by parents. There have been highly publicized incidents of violence between parents and umpires, parents and parents and parents and coaches. Serious injuries and even death has occurred in some instances, as the young players watched and absorbed it all. That behavior is appalling, destructive and unacceptable. Our Athletic Association has worked diligently to ensure outbursts like these don’t happen here. Since its inception in 1957, the USCAA has developed not only written codes of conduct for players, coaches and parents but also detailed policies and procedures outlining how each program will be conducted. This hasn’t always been the case. The Early Years The youth programs were organized by a small group of men who wanted to provide organized training for young people in two sports—baseball and football. There were only a few fields and no funds or support available from the Township or School District. There also were no printed rules. It was, however, a successful effort to begin early athletic experiences for young people. The association had to find ways to maintain the fields, purchase equipment and communicate to potential players and parents.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

As an early member of the association, I can attest that some of the coaches did reflect a Vince Lombardi mentality. If a little league coach feels that his self worth is enhanced by beating the other team, he often oversteps the desired behavior of teaching fundamentals and encouraging young people to learn about competition, doing your best and learning and growing from experiences. We had a few like that and no rules to do much about it. Fortunately, the Lombardi “wannabes” were in the minority. Then, as now, the members of the association had a high degree of commitment to provide the best opportunities for our young people to engage in healthy physical exercise. The young participants experienced a level of tolerable competition. They learned the value of individual contribution to total team effort. All players were then, and are now, encouraged to do their best, to continue to work for improvement, and to learn how to be good sports, win or lose. Building on the Past Over the years, the youth programs expanded and the structure and efficiency of the USCAA evolved. The current USCAA Board consists of 19 members who direct six different sports. The parents of the community donate their time to coach all the sports. Participation now includes both boys’ and girls’ sports: boys’ football, basketball, baseball, soccer and wrestling and girls’ basketball, softball and soccer. There are approximately 3600 participants in these activities today. The USCAA now has the full support of the Township in maintaining the fields. Both Township and School District fields are saturated with over 5300 events (games and practices) a year. The USCAA works closely with the Township and the School District to maximize field usage. The use of the High School stadium has been a great help for both youth football and soccer.

Winter 2001

Jim Meston

With the ever-increasing demand of the existing fields and gyms, more are needed. Bill Barnard, current president of the USCAA says, “We have come a long way, but we need additional facilities in order to provide adequate fields and gyms for the youth of the Township.” The Value of Variety Youth league experience is not about preparing young people to become high school athletes. Some do go on to participate in sports in high school, but many do not. Youth programs provide young people with numerous opportunities to have experiences in as many sports as they wish to play. With the proper coaching and encouragement from both coaches and parents, a young person can experience the thrill and satisfaction of improved performance and the realization at a young age that perseverance and practice will produce improvement. They learn that they will not always have immediate success and that hard work is essential. They also learn they win some and they lose some and to acknowledge and congratulate others who have played better on that day. Many valuable experiences are clearly related to real life situations. There seems to be a growing tendency by some parents to begin grooming their child for one particular sport at a very early age, excluding participation in all other sports. Parents should encourage their children to participate in whatever sports they choose during their younger years. Whether a young person continues to participate in sports at an escalated competitive level in high school or to pursue other activities, he or she will have had the experience of being exposed to different sports and will have a knowledge and appreciation of those sports forever. Kids clearly remember their childhood sports careers. My kids do. I do. The kids I’ve coached do, and I’ll bet you do, too.

USCAA Program Reminders for Parents

Maintaining the Success of the Program In addition to having detailed rules and regulations covering the specific activities of each sport, the USCAA also developed a printed “Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches,” clearly spelling out what is expected of coaches in their leadership roles and the necessity for them to behave maturely. The coaches are expected to provide leadership and encouragement to their players. Arguing with umpires or referees is strictly prohibited. They are expected to be positive in dealing with their players, and to be a role model of dignity and good sportsmanship. There is a formal procedure for removing coaches and managers who do not consistently comply with the code of conduct. The USCAA has also developed printed reminders for parents. It clearly states the vision of the program. (See side bar.) We can all be grateful and proud of the diligent efforts of the USCAA board of directors to provide the leadership for the success of our youth programs and for the contribution they make to the growth and development of the young people in our community. It is also evident that the parents of the young athletes are outstanding role models of what supporting parents look like. A total team effort is ongoing here. ■

All of our athletic programs are, first and foremost, recreational programs. They are meant to give our children the opportunity to engage in and enjoy healthy physical exercise. We welcome and rely, to a very great extent, on the hard work and dedication of the many parents without whom our programs could not succeed. We thank you for that support, and ask that you keep the following guidelines in mind as you relax and share these all too fleeting moments in your child’s life: 1. Emphasize improved performance over winning. Positively reinforce improved skills in your child and other children as well. 2. Be positive, encourage good sportsmanship, and keep your own emotions under control. Treat all players, coaches, officials and other spectators with respect. Avoid abusive language and unkind remarks about any player, coach or official. 3. Be a good role model; do not engage in verbal dissent from decisions by the officials. Often these officials are children themselves not much older than your child and are just beginning to gain experience in officiating. They can make mistakes, and often their calls are matters of judgment to which they are entitled. 4. Promote a drug-free and alcohol-free sports environment and refrain from their use at all youth sports events. 5. Most of all, make sure your child knows he/she has your love—win, lose or draw—regardless of performance. Say so!

arco and

e DeM Commissioner Jo nn USCAA Football Co f Jef all Boys’ Basketb

Concession Comm Baseball Comissioner Roseanne Gey er missioner D ave Murray and

If we all follow these few simple rules of common sense and good manners everyone— players, parents, coaches and officials—will have the good time our programs are intended to provide. Thank you.

USC Athletic Association Seated: Bob Gerlack, Bill Barnard, Mike McGroarty and Rick Murray Standing: Bruce Stutzman, Chuck Roth, Bill Littrell, Chris McNally, Craig Howie, Luke Walker, Tom Burke, Dan Buker, Jeff Conn and Tony Reda Not shown: Roseanne Geyer, Dave Murray, Steve Zemba, Joe DeMarco and Paul Whiteside

The Board of Directors of USCAA

The baseball/softball sign ups will be: February 21, 7-9 p.m. February 22, 7-9 p.m. February 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Winter 2001

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Senate of Pennsylvania Senator Tim Murphy

TIMOTHY F. MURPHY STATE SENATOR 37TH DISTRICT SENATE BOX 203037 ROOM 460, MAIN CAPITOL BUILDING HARRISBURG, PA 17120 (717) 787-5839 FAX (717) 772-4437 504 WASHINGTON ROAD PITTSBURGH, PA 15228 (412) 344-5583 FAX (412) 429-5092 WWW.LIBERTYNET.ORG/MURPHY TMURPHY@PASEN.GOV.

In recent weeks, our already weaken-

ing national economy has continued to stumble under the weight of the attack in New York City. However, history tells us that improvement will come, so this is not a time to panic. Instead, all of us—government officials included—have to focus our energies on building upon our economic strengths and charting prudent courses of action. In Pennsylvania, that’s been our mantra for almost a decade, and it has served us well. In 1991, Pennsylvania was a fiscal mess. Spending was out of control, taxes were raised to record levels and the Tax Increase Prevention Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, was emptied. Over the past seven years, we have laid a strong foundation for Pennsylvania’s economy by cutting job killing taxes, improving the functioning of government agencies and restoring optimism. During this time, we have been able to maintain a surplus budget that allowed us to cut taxes, which in turn further stoked the fires of our economic success. At a time when many other states were finding it difficult to enact balanced budgets, Pennsylvania was able to move forward because of the prudent decisions that had been made in the past and continue to be made by the General Assembly. However, we also understand that economies move in cycles. There are good times and bad times. Current estimates project a $130 million shortfall in state tax revenues from July through September 2001. If this trend continues, the Commonwealth will certainly face a budget shortfall by the end of the fiscal year—June 2002. At this point, the General Assembly will have three options—reduce spending, raise taxes or dip into the Rainy Day Fund. There is currently $1.2 billion in the Rainy Day Fund. Over the years, there have been repeated attempts to spend this money on a wide range 24

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

of projects, but, to its credit, the Legislature has protected the fund for its intended purpose. It was designed to allow the Commonwealth to keep operating without having to raise taxes at the very time when people need to keep their own money. Depending on the circumstances, the Fund, coupled with a spending reduction, will be in a position to safeguard us against a tax increase in the near future. Despite the pressures to reduce spending, there remains one critically important demand for potential help. We will need to carefully examine our police, fire, paramedics and other emergency services and determine what they have and what they need in terms of equipment, vehicles, personnel and training. Once we understand their need, then we must locate funding sources to make sure that they are adequately prepared for emergencies. This is an issue the General Assembly will certainly wrestle with in preparation for the new fiscal year. Emergency services will certainly need more funding, and I want to encourage everyone to contribute to their local fire and EMS departments. Finally, in the interest of saving money and improving communication between my office and voters, I have created an “e-newsletter.” This newsletter will be sent to interested constituents via email. It will include the same information provided in the newsletters that are currently mailed to area homes, as well as regular updates on legislative action. By using electronic mail, I will be able to provide more frequent communications from my office for a fraction of the cost. Anyone interested in this newsletter can simply send his or her email address to me at tmurphy@pasen.gov. They will be added to our distribution list, which is completely confidential and will not be released to the public. ■

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Winter 2001

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The Beinhauer family – Rick, Gina, David, Sue, Aaron, Justin, Scott & Tina – and our staff of professionals, wish you and yours a holiday season that is bright with beauty and warm with joy. Ruth Connell Justin Devlin Larry Donovan Jane Dorschel Judy Ann Falce Bill Flood

Pat Acker Linda Amos John Andrejko Barry Barra Brian Bellisario Keith Brooks Michael Burns Cliff Carson Dave Caruso Bill Carver Alma Cristofano

J. A. Frazier Bob Friend Pat Friend David Good Gretchen Heisel Helen Howard

Lee Ann Hudak Raelyn Kiskadden Jane Kletter Bill Kubler Steve Kulakowski Jack Lockhart

Carol Macik Donna McCready Stephen O’Leary JoAnn Pelino Rick Rega John Ross Jack Shaw Bill Smoyer Mark Toward Bob Wardle Kelly Wardle Judy Woods

A M E R I C A ’ S S E C O N D O L D E S T M O RT U A RY-C R E M ATO RY NSM M E M B E R B Y I N V I TAT I O N , N AT I O N A L S E L E C T E D M O RT I C I A N S

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Dormont Winter 2001

Lawrenceville

Peters Township

Pentagon Tragedy Touches Close to Home Residents of the South Hills have

a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Naval Command Center. Tragically, Patrick’s office had been moved to the doomed section of the building only three weeks before the attack. He and his co-workers were in the Command Center watching in disbelief as the two airliners crashed into the World Trade Centers, never knowing that they, too, were to meet the same fate. Stephanie says that her husband died doing what he loved. Patrick was a “gadget guy,” and the Naval Command Center was the biggest gadget in the world to him. He longed to see changes in the way people feel about each other and this country that he loved. That seems to be a silver lining in this horrific black cloud we are all under. Stephanie concludes that Patrick’s heart must be very warm indeed right now. Cmdr. Dunn was from Fords, New Jersey. He was also a volunteer firefighter, serving local departments wherever he was living during a given tour.

Funeral services were held in the Navy Chapel at Annapolis, Maryland, on September 26, and burial was at Arlington National Cemetery the following afternoon. Stephanie is pregnant with their first child. A fund for Stephanie and her unborn child has been set up for anyone wishing to make a contribution. Donations can be made payable and sent to Grace Episcopal Church, 319 W. Sycamore St., Pittsburgh, PA 15211. Please make a notation on your check that it is for the Stephanie Ross Dunn Fund. Thank you for your compassion and generosity. ■

another connection to the heinous atrocity that took place in this country on September 11. Navy Commander Patrick Dunn, 39, husband of Stephanie Ross Dunn, lost his life in the line of duty, serving our country at the Pentagon. Stephanie is the daughter of Jim and Martha Ross. Stephanie attended Upper St. Clair High School in 1985-86 and is a 1988 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School. Before retiring to New Bern, North Carolina, in January 1999, Jim was with the H. J. Heinz Co., and Martha was the Executive Director of the Three Rivers Adoption Council. The Dunns were married less than two years ago at the Navy Chapel in Washington, D. C. Patrick, Executive Officer of the USS LaSalle, an amphibious command ship in the 6th Fleet was then stationed in Gaeta, Italy. Stephanie and Patrick returned to the United States this past Christmas, and he began his service on February 1 at the Pentagon as

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Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Jon Donner and Kathleen Belt

Blackstone Fine Jewelers Helping the South Hills sparkle

for over 11 years, Blackstone Fine Jewelers was one of the Galleria’s original tenants. Three years ago, after having established themselves as a “destination store” in the Galleria, Blackstone decided it was time to relocate its expanding business. Realizing the importance of a good location, Blackstone decided to check out

a promising old building on Route 19, outside South Hills Village. Although the new location offered virtually no “foot traffic,” the property boasted much greater visibility. “We had such confidence in our existing clients, the lack of foot traffic wasn’t a concern,” says Jon Donner, Blackstone General Manager and Upper St. Clair resident.

Cover photograph, inside photographs and information provided by Blackstone Fine Jewelers. 28

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

However, the building needed a lot of work if the vision of Blackstone’s new home was to be realized. To help him find the right architect, Donner called his old friend, Charles Franklin of Charles Franklin Consulting. After interviewing many prospective firms, the perfect architect for the job turned out to be right here in Upper St. Clair. Blackstone chose Upper St. Clair resident and CMU graduate, Lucian Caste. Caste’s concept for the new store’s exterior—Venetian plaster in subtle tones of green and beige—was designed to compliment its surroundings, not stand out from them. Inside, the new store is elegant, but casual, turning a simple visit to a retail store into a relaxing stroll through a world of exquisite porcelain, crystal and jewelry. But what really makes a visit to Blackstone special is the staff. “Our staff is second to none,” says Donner. “We have a total commitment to customer service.” The combination of the people and the surroundings make the comment “this store just makes me feel good” a commonly heard phrase. And the fact that you can watch a ball game while your wife or girlfriend shops doesn’t hurt either. Blackstone is well known as the largest independent dealer for Lladró porcelain in Pennsylvania. Lladró is handcrafted porcelain made in Valencia, Spain. In 1995, and again in 1998, Blackstone was chosen for the prestigious honor of holding signing events with Lladró family members. Juan Lladró, the eldest founding brother, and his daughter Rosa made appearances in 1995 and 1998 respectively. And in 1999, Blackstone received the Millennium Dealer Achievement Award in Valencia, Spain. When Lladró found out about Blackstone’s new store concept, they were eager to get involved. Working with Lucian Caste, Lladró designed and built a gallery to showcase their magnificent figurines within the store. But Blackstone offers more than porcelain and Waterford crystal. Its jewelry selection is impeccable. “Every piece, and I mean every piece, is hand selected by me or my staff for design, quality and value,” says Donner. “All the jewelry that leaves this store carries with it our reputation, which is also our best form of advertising.” Donner says that while they sell some very expensive jewelry, they also have an impressive selection of unique jewelry that is affordable. “Sometimes you just need a

little ‘pick me up,’ and you shouldn’t have to strain your budget to do it,” says Donner. But regardless of price range, Donner wants people to have fun buying jewelry. And once you buy it, Blackstone encourages you to keep your jewelry looking good by bringing it in for cleaning. Known for their ability to acquire rare and exotic gemstones, Blackstone is a world of color. “We all love color here, especially those pieces you just don’t see anywhere else.” says Donner. “It’s a passion for us.” In 2000, Blackstone was the number one account in the country for Krementz Gem Stones, a company renowned for fine and rare color stones.

In honor of the September 11 tragedy, Blackstone has put together a “Let Freedom Ring” display. The display features Lladró porcelain depictions of the Statue of Liberty, a Fireman, a Policeman, George Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr., A Child Praying, and a Proud Dove. Total retail value of this collection is $4,490. The display will be auctioned or raffled off in its entirety, excluding the case. The proceeds of the auction or raffle will be donated in full to the September 11 relief effort. “Whether you’re just browsing or making a purchase, stop by and enjoy a stress free shopping experience,” says Donner. Rosa Lladró with Blackstone clients.

“We take special orders and make private appointments. And if you stop in to do some holiday shopping during the month of December, you can enjoy delicious refreshments on Saturday and Sunday and complimentary gift wrap.” With over 90 years of combined experience, Blackstone’s staff is actively involved with the Gemological Institute of America. Blackstone is a member of Jewelers of America, The Better Business Bureau, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee—“the Industry’s Guardian of Ethics and Integrity.” “All of us at Blackstone wish you Happy Holidays and join you in saying God Bless America.” ■ Juan Lladró and daughter Angie at a signing event.

Whether you have a budget of $200 or $20,000, you can be right on time with the purchase of a fine Swiss watch. “We feature great selections from Tag Heuer, Ebel, Raymond Weil, Concord, and Tissot,” says Donner. “And we stand behind everything we sell.” Serving the community is also important to Blackstone. More than 14 groups benefit from Blackstone’s generosity. Donner serves on the Board of Directors for Outreach Teen and Family Services, a community-based counseling service for young people and their families. The focus of Outreach is to respond to a wide range of problems including adolescent depression, drug and alcohol abuse, delinquency, and family turmoil. As the major sponsor of their annual fundraiser, Blackstone has helped them raise well over $40,000 in the past four years.

Let Freedom Ring Display Martin Luther King—I Have a Dream, George Washington—Father of Our Country, A Child’s Prayer, Statue of2001 Liberty, Peace Dove, Fireman and Policeman—On Winter UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Patrol 29

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

A Day of Remembrance How We Coped as a School District Dr. William A. Pope, Superintendent of Schools

Angela B. Petersen President 412-831-7182

God Bless America

Lisa M. Marsh Vice President 412-831-5318

God bless America, land that I love, Stand beside her, and guide her, Through the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam, God bless America, my home sweet home.

School District information regarding the terrorist Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841

Albert E. Ferrara, Jr. 412-835-2709

Dina J. Fulmer 412-831-8664

Clark R. Nicklas 412-831-1027

attacks of September 11, 2001, went home daily to the parents of students in our community. Below is copy of Dr. Pope’s letter sent home on September 14, 2001. Dear Parents and Guardians, In response to our President, George W. Bush, proclaiming today as a national day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, we as a School District did the following: At 1:30 p.m. today we stopped classes for a brief period and had all students and staff pause to remember the victims of these sad events and give thanks for those who are helping our people and our nation at this time. Students remained with their teachers in their classrooms as the school’s principal read, via the public address system, a statement that I prepared. The statement for our elementary students differed slightly from that for our older students to ensure we were sensitive to the developmental needs of our children. A copy of what was read by your child’s principal is copied on the reverse side of this letter. (This letter is shown to our readers below.) Sincerely,

William M. Sulkowski, DMD 412-221-9516

Mark G. Trombetta, MD 412-831-8543

William A. Pope, Superintendent of Schools

National Day of Prayer and Remembrance September 14, 2001 A message from Dr. Pope as read by the principal in each school: Our President, George W. Bush, has declared today as a national day of prayer and remembrance. We are taking this time along with many people throughout our country to remember those who have died and to thank everyone who is helping us now. We offer our sympathy to all of the people who have been touched by the sad events. We give thanks to the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, doctors and nurses and volunteers who are helping those who are injured. We give thanks to all the people who are 30

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

working to clean up the buildings and the cities that were badly damaged or destroyed. We give thanks for the leaders of our country who are keeping the United States safe and strong. We give thanks for our families and schools and all those who are helping us know that we are cared for and loved. We live in a very special country and we will always be proud to call America our home. Please pause for a moment to remember and give thanks. We will now say the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the songs God Bless America and My Country ‘Tis of Thee. This week will always hold some of our most vivid and dreadful memories. Let us focus on the courage and bravery of the people who disregarded their own safety to help others who were at greater risk as well as the images of Americans from every part of the country eager to offer their help to people that they have never met and to cities that they have never visited. That is the America I know and love. That is the image of America I choose to remember today. God bless everyone who has been touched by this tragedy and also to those who are determined to help us rebuild and restore our way of life. We are proud to be Americans. God bless our country today and forever.

The Pantheon and Chanteclair choirs singing God Bless America.

All after-school activities and sporting events scheduled for Friday, September 14, 2001, were postponed. The High School football game against Canon McMillan was rescheduled the following night when the Pantheon and Chanteclair choirs sang God Bless America accompanied by the USCHS Marching Band to pay tribute to all Americans. Thank you to the PTAs and the PTSO who spent many hours making red, white

and blue ribbons for each child and staff member in our School District as a way of wearing our “Pride in America” on our chests. We have certainly witnessed patriotism in our community. May your hearts continue to feel passion for all that has happened regarding this national tragedy and may you find inner peace and healing over the coming months. ■

Planning for the Future of Upper St. Clair Schools Dr. William A. Pope, Superintendent

of Schools has announced that plans are currently underway to collect data within our community in order to formulate plans and priorities for the School District as we move forward. Chairperson for this effort will be Dr. Timothy Steinhauer, Principal at Fort Couch Middle School who will be assisted by Mrs. Beverly Krill, Principal at Streams Elementary School and their first efforts will be directed this fall at gathering community input. Within the next month, please watch for a survey which will be offered on line for those with internet access (www.uscsd.k12.pa.us) or available from the School District Central Office, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Please watch Channels 7 and 19 for further announcements.

This planning process will build on the action areas identified in the current Chapter 5 Regulation Plan which was completed during 1995-96 covering September 1996–September 2002. The District is proud to report that the progress with action plan goals has been extensive in the areas of curriculum, communication, technology, structuring schools for the future, the high school facilities project, professional development and induction of new staff members. It is anticipated that the process will begin in January with an informational report to the Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors based on collected statistical information. Once priority areas and goals for the District are formulated by the School Board, it is anticipated that subcommittees will be structured to develop a recommended plan for 2002-2007.

This process follows a rich tradition of prudent future planning and additional information will be provided as the District works toward meeting the target of a completed and approved plan by September 2002. ■

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Opening Day Speech to the USC Staff August 27, 2001 Dr. William A. Pope, Superintendent of Schools

One of the most exciting but challenging responsibilities that I face at the beginning of each school year is deciding what to say to the staff on the first day. While you have always been polite to me, I honestly give this speech a great deal of thought so as not to take advantage of your considerate nature. Today, I am going to share several ideas, where they can be found, what they mean to me and perhaps to you. First, I would like to recommend a book to you, Gung Ho written by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. You may remember Ken Blanchard. He wrote The One-Minute Manager. Yes, I remember the book reports that we used to hear in speeches in the beginning of years past, but indulge me a bit. The secret of Gung Ho is a revolutionary technique to boost enthusiasm and performances and usher in astonishing results for any organization. The three principles of Gung Ho are:

• The Spirit of the Squirrel • The Way of the Beaver • The Gift of the Goose 70 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Now, before you run out and buy this book or blow it off, let me point out that this book outlines a clear game plan on how to boost enthusiasm and performance. Winter 2001

The Spirit of the Squirrel: Worthwhile Work—Squirrels work hard and purposefully. They do important work. Like squirrels, all of your work with children is worthwhile, and, knowing that because of you, the world is a better place creates selfesteem, an emotion as powerful as love and hate. Trust each other and work to support each of us and the goals we each share. Remember—goals are set; values are lived. The Way of the Beaver: In Control of Achieving the Goal—Beavers live in communities and each has a specialized role that is clearly directed at a goal, but each beaver respects the roles other beavers play. Like beavers, we can only be in control when the organization supports us and values us as persons. That means your thoughts, feelings, needs and dreams will be respected and acted upon. You will be challenged but made able to learn and do your best. Like the beaver, we are individually unique but collectively a team in control. We know what the goal is and we will work together to accomplish it. That leaves The Gift of the Goose: Cheering Each Other On—Squirrels and beavers have a way of communicating with each other about their goals, but communication of the goose has a different role. Geese are noisy. All of that honking is really their way of congratulating each other and encouraging them to achieve their shared mission. There cannot be too much honking, and we can never overdo congratulations. They must, however, be TRUE—Timely, Responsive, Unconditional and Enthusiastic. We must be more like geese and cheer progress, looking for things that go right and stop focusing on problems. That is the secret of Gung Ho—how to turn on the people in any organization. That is one of my hopes for us this year. The second part of my remarks today came from a wedding ceremony I attended as a guest this past July. The wedding was held at St. Mary of the Mount on Mt. Washington. The priest who married the young couple said that for the first 30 years of his priesthood, the church insisted that the same words be recited at each Catholic

The entire USC School District staff gathered on the football field during the opening day ceremony flanking the eleven Blue Ribbon award flags earned by the District since inception of the program. The Blue Ribbon program was established by the United States Department of Education in 1982 to recognize outstanding schools.

marriage ritual. Only recently did “The Church” permit the future bride and groom to add his and her own personal remarks to the traditional ceremony. The priest was pleased with the church’s decision. The ceremony became even more beautiful when both of the about-to-be-married couple were able to add a bit of themselves and their relationship to the dignity of the ceremony. As I sat there, I kept reflecting on that marriage ritual and I was determined to somehow share that experience in my next public address. Then it came to me. This way of delivering and exchanging the marriage vows was celebrating the best of the old and the new, the tradition and the progress, the past and the future. Like the wonderful faculty that is present before me today, whether you have been here for many years, a few years or were just hired, you have the distinction of being the best. The veteran staff has proven over the years that you are the strength of the Upper St. Clair educational program. If you exercised the same talents and skills for the next 50 years we would still be the best, but now we can even be better. We can take our success to a new level. We now have hired the best new teachers and one administrator who will provide the raw material to take us to that new level, the one beyond the impressive one we are at now. Like the new marriage

vows were to that couple about to be married, let us meld together to become one “Super Team.” Take only the best of our tradition and our past and add it to new energy and new ideas thus becoming stronger, sharper and more passionate. And please cheer for each other. Remember the advice from Gung Ho. Goals are for today, this semester, this year. Values are for life. Let us live our values. Let everyone know that who we are is what we are. Together, whether we have 30 years of working with children or this coming Wednesday, August 29, 2001, is our first day when 4100 students arrive back in class, we value the same qualities, the same feelings and the same principles. Yes, let us live our values, all of us together, veterans and rookies, the experienced and the inexperienced. Welcome to our family. Lastly, I found this fortuitous suggestion in a fortune cookie at a local Chinese restaurant this past summer. It was both inspiring and prophetic: “Working with children has a miraculous effect on your spirits.” I could not have asked for a happier thought. I hope that as you reflect on our chosen profession you feel the same. Gung Ho, friends. God bless you and the mission we all share. Thank you. ■

Upper St. Clair School District Mission Statement Developing learned and responsible citizens for a global society is the mission of the nationally recognized Upper St. Clair School District, which is served by a responsive and innovative staff who, in partnership with the community, provides learning experiences that nurture the uniqueness of each child and promotes happiness and success. Dr. William A. Pope Superintendent, Winter 2001

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Legislative Update for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association Barbara L. Bolas President of the PSBA and USC School Board Director Whenever legislation is passed the effect of the implementation is not immediately known. Such was the case with Pennsylvania’s Charter School Law (Act 22 of 1997). The law states, “Independent public school established and operated under a charter from the local board of school directors and in which students are enrolled or attend. A charter school must be organized as a public, non-profit corporation. Charters may not be granted to any for-profit agency.” Early on PSBA supported the concept of charter schools because it created choice within the public school system. In fact, PSBA participated significantly in the debate leading to the passage of Act 22. However, execution of the law has ultimately led to unintended consequences. For example, PSBA’s research found that charter schools have imposed a huge burden on school districts and taxpayers. The per-pupil payments under the Charter School Law exceed the instructional costs for students in traditional public schools, resulting in net expense for the districts. When a few students from one district transfer to a charter school, there is no concomitant reduction in the overhead for the district. Act 22 stipulates that a formula-driven amount be paid for each student enrolled in a charter school, regardless of the actual cost. Districts are not permitted to take into account the fiscal impact of a charter school when considering an application. Furthermore, Act 22 envisioned that charters would be granted to schools located within the boundaries of the district that gave the approval. If multiple districts were involved, the law intended that a regional charter school application for each district affected would be required. In reality, only one approval is needed before a charter school opens. In most instances, districts have no authority to access records of the charter school since they had not granted the charter. In addition, most school district budgets are set in June of each year as required by law. A charter school could open after the budget is set. In such instances, a district would have no advance warning of its financial liability. The creation of Cyber Schools (delivery of curriculum via electronic communications) has led to escalation in the problems inherent with the Charter School Law.

Winter 2001

Cyber-Charter Schools may enroll any student from across the Commonwealth. Disputes have occurred over who has the authority to monitor and review performance. Questions have come up as to whether or not a local district (funded by local tax dollars) has the right to access records when the district is paying the bill. Furthermore, the funding for cyber schools is likely to exceed actual costs incurred. Other questions regarding Cyber-Charter Schools need resolution. Does “virtual attendance” from home count for mandated school attendance? Did the Charter School Law envision only “bricks and mortar” schools? (Since it requires a description of the “facility” and limits admission of students on a “space available” basis.) Should a cyber school be required to organize as a regional charter school approved by each school district of residence of all enrolled students? What types of fiscal and programmatic standards need to be established to ensure proper accountability? How can “windfall” profits be prevented? Legislative and legal relief has been sought. Currently there are two bills before the General Assembly. PSBA has proposed that cyber schools either be required to enter into agreements with all affected districts or that these programs be conducted as a state level initiative. In addition, PSBA has filed an amicus curiae lawsuit seeking clarification of the Charter School Law as it pertains to cyber schools. Cyber-Charter School education has the potential of negatively impacting every school district’s budget and subsequently local taxpayers’ pocketbooks. ■

Kindergarten News Parents are requested to register their kindergarten aged children at the elemen-

tary school located in their attendance area. All children five years of age on or before September 1, 2002 are eligible to register. School Area Date Streams ........................................................................................................... Tuesday March 5 Baker ........................................................................................................ Wednesday March 6 Eisenhower ................................................................................................. Thursday March 7 Times for All ....................................................................................... 9-11 a.m., Noon-2 p.m. A special evening session for all elementary schools Tuesday, March 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the High School Library. It is not necessary that the student accompany the parent at this session.

Readiness Evaluation School personnel are available to screen students whose parents wish additional help in making a decision on entrance into kindergarten. Individual dates will be established during registration. Special Testing Parents of four-year-olds with birth dates between September 2, 1997, and January 31, 1998, may request school personnel to test their child to determine readiness for early admission to kindergarten. The final decision on a child’s readiness for school will be made by school personnel. Admission Periods The admission period for kindergarten is limited to the first two weeks of the school year unless the child’s family transfers to Upper St. Clair from another school district where the child was enrolled in a kindergarten program. Questions regarding kindergarten readiness should be directed to Eloise Stoehr, Director of Pupil Services at 412-833-1600, ext. 2214. School Health Immunization Regulations The Allegheny County Health Departments (ACHD) Board of Health has enacted a revision to the School Health Immunization Regulations for children in Allegheny County. Beginning in August 2002, all students entering school for the first time at kindergarten or first grade must have the following immunizations completed prior to entering any public, private or parochial school: • At least four doses of diphtheria/tetanus vaccine (one dose must be on or after the fourth birthday) • Three doses of polio vaccine • Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine • Two doses of measles vaccine, preferably as MMR vaccine • One dose each of mumps and rubella vaccine, preferably as MMR vaccine • Vericella immunity, either from vaccination, history of having chicken pox or laboratory testing. Since 1983, Allegheny County Regulations have allowed provisional status only for students who transfer from another state. Students transferring from out of state may be enrolled provisionally provided there is evidence of having received at least one dose of each antigen and provided there is a plan to complete the required immunization within eight months. Families are encouraged to obtain the needed immunizations from their physicians. However, the ACHD does offer the required vaccines free of charge. To obtain information about clinic location and times, interested persons should contact the ACHD Infectious Diseases Program at 412-578-8060. Provisions for this regulation do not apply in cases where extenuating medical or religious factors are involved. If there is any reason why a child should not be fully immunized, parents must submit a physician’s certificate explaining the circumstances. Parents are also required to provide written documentation if they disapprove of immunizations for religious reasons. These documents will be accepted in lieu of a certificate of immunization. Registration Packets Registration packets will be available at each elementary school after February 25, 2002. Parents are encouraged to pick them up during school hours and return the completed forms at the time of registration. ■ Winter 2001

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Did You Know?

Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Congratulati ons to Fran, Tom and Bill! Receivi ng a “Top Ten ” plaque are USC MS Chairperson s Fran McElroy, USC HS nurse an d Tom Labanc, Coo rdinator of C ommunity Partnerships and Commu nications for the Distr ict for raisin g over $7500 for th e MS Walk h eld this past April. Dr. Pope rece ived a silver for personal medal ly raising $2 400. Congratulati ons for your efforts and commitmen t to this cause . Dr. Pope was selected as o two National ne of MS Society 2 001 Area IV Achievem ent Award R ecipients and is one o f 12 finalists nationally for the 2001 MS National Achievemen t Award.

to fill the s was named Clark Nickla d by Bruce vacancy create School Board tion this signed his posi Gabler who re ear resident Clark is a 23-y past summer. from ceived a BSME of USC. He re BA in M an d an ersity Clarkson Univ iversity. He ayne State Un finance from W Vista CEO/owner of is employed as s exploration c., a natural ga Resources, In n company. and productio

Director of Dr. Sharon Suritsky, the District, Special Education for 2001 Leadership recently received the m the Penn State and Service Award fro Alumni Society. College of Education graduates of the This award is given to who demonstrate College of Education ip in their professervice and leadersh s, Sharon! sions. Congratulation

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Meet Dr. Mike Ghilani, our new Vice Principal/Dean of Students at the High School. He’s seen here with students (left to right) Taylor Marsh, Will Clarke, Ryan Jenny, Mary Tator and Matt Laukaitis in the High School Nutrition Center. Also see an article about Mike on page 39.

Tim Olack was recentl y named the USCHS Track Coord inator. He is respon sible for over se and coordin eing ating girls’ track an the boys’ and d cross cou ntry teams at the High Schoo l. He is also re sponsible to transition F program read ort Couch’s track ying its athle the High Sch tes for ool sport. Tim continu es to coach the girls’ cross co untry team.

Did You Know?

Winter 2001

Did You Kno w? d the Sue Hughes was name dies High School Social Stu the for er ad Le Curriculum with re he n see is e District. Sh was Patrick Manion who social to e aid m fro promoted HS. studies teacher at the

Colleen K nack was n amed the Special Education Curriculum Leader for District. C olleen spen the ds her mornings at Fort Co u c h and is at Centr al Office in the afternoons.

Did You Know?

Cheryl Ellison, Debi Bakowski and Donna Faccenda

Familiar Faces, same great service, different responsibilities at the School District Central Office (412-833-1600). Cheryl Ellison (ext. 2202) has taken over the responsibility of School District Central Office receptionist as well as providing secretarial services for: Thomas Labanc, Coordinator of Community Partnerships and Communications; Dr. John Bornyas, Director of Middle Level Education/ Instructional Principal; Dr. Patricia Dunkis, Director of Elementary Education/ Instructional Principal. Debi Bakowski (ext. 2286) was named secretary for Jean Toner, Director of Human Relations. Donna Faccenda (ext. 2218) is the secretary for Dr. Catherine Luke, Deputy Superintendent, and has oversight responsibilities for the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum leaders and takes care of permits issued by the School District. Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Attention Parents: New Immunization Requirements Starting School Year 2002-03

On October 24, 2001, Eisenhower Elementary School was formally presented

with the Blue Ribbon Award, a Nationally Recognized School of Excellence, earned during the 2000-01 school year. Attending the ceremony in Washington, D.C., were Eisenhower Principal Patricia Smith, fourth level teacher Nancy Muha and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Catherine Luke. Upon receipt of this award the District, which now flies blue ribbon flags at all of its schools, is among only five school districts in the nation to achieve this honored distinction. ■

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Free estimates 24 Hour service Winter 2001

Varicella (chicken pox) immunity, either from vaccination, history of disease or laboratory testing for new school enterers (kindergarten or first grade) and for students entering seventh grade; and Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (for students entering seventh grade) For more information, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

USCHS Welcomes Dr. Mike Ghilani Jim Render Upper St. Clair High School students

were welcomed to the start of their school year by a new Vice Principal/Dean of Students. Dr. Michael (Mike) Ghilani, Ringold HS Class of 1990, spent ten years of study and preparation beyond high school before accepting this administrative position in USC. His college education began at Washington and Jefferson where he majored in psychology and social studies. This was followed by a master’s degree in school counseling at the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. That same year Mike began working in the Plum School District as a high school counselor and served as principal of Plum’s evening alternative school. Duquesne University was the next stop along Mike’s learning path. In the spring of 2000, Mr. Ghilani became Dr. Ghilani having completed his work in the Doctoral of Education program. With goals and aspirations still to achieve, he immediately entered Carnegie Mellon University and a year later, earned certification as Principal in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This certification was completed in the Educational Leadership program at CMU. Within a short ten-year span Mike acquired nearly every education degree obtainable, proving himself remarkably ambitious. For relaxation, Mike likes to hunt, fish and lift weights. We may have to wait to hear about the “ones that got away,” but his muscular physique leads one to believe that he’s achieved success in the fitness department. He is living proof that brains and brawn can, and do, go together. Mike speaks proudly of his wife, Dana, who is a pharmacist for CVS. What do the Ghilanis do in their spare time? In preparation for the day children will join their home, they raise, train, and enjoy three Chinese Sharpei dogs. All the best to Mike and Dana for long and successful careers in Upper St. Clair. ■

Left to right: Ted Flynn, assistant boys’ golf coach, Kara Mikula and Jim Fusetti, varsity boys’ golf coach

Senior Kara Mikula sang the National Anthem before the start of the WPIAL Sectional Golf Championships held at St. Clair Country Club on Monday, September 24. Kara was invited to sing by the High School golf team, received a tee shirt and became an honorary member of the team. Kara is a member of both the Pantheon and Chanteclair choirs. ■ Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Stage Offers Great Rewards for Local Kids Kelly Hanna There are many great treasures

hidden in our fair city. One I recently stumbled onto for children was the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Academy (CLO). When my family went to see the Pittsburgh production of Beauty and The Beast, my husband noticed an ad for the children’s academy in the program. The next morning I was on the phone gathering all sorts of information about the academy’s summer program. It is one of the best phone calls I ever made! Once my husband and I decided that the academy was the right decision for our daughter, Amelia, I solicited parents of children who had expressed an interest in the Arts. Before I knew it, we had five children from the South Hills Area going to camp at the CLO. Angelina Castelli, Amelia Hanna, Kevin Ridge, and Peter Rosati are all students at Streams Elementary. Rachel Martin attends school in Peters Township. The parents were more than happy to carpool realizing that, while busy, we would not be hearing, “Mom, I am so bored!” at all this summer. To top it off, our kids were going to not only learn about acting, but they were going to perform the play Annie from beginning to end. All of this was scheduled to begin in 17 short days! Then the big phone call came. Would the children be interested in starring with Chita Rivera in the upcoming play Casper? Would they ever! It took all of two seconds for each one of them to say “yes.” And believe me, you have never seen such excited children. They were going to work with a real star and get a taste of Broadway and Hollywood all at once. My only question was, “Where do we sign up?” Rehearsals got underway in June, during the last week of school. With a bit of trepidation, the children entered the academy. I could see panic in their faces, “What have we gotten ourselves into?” they said. Everything was abrupt and quick, and within an hour the dance and song routine were memorized. I was amazed at the proficiency of the staff at the CLO and the kids suddenly felt reassured that this was a terrific experience. It is a very serious organization where the kids get down to business—nonsense unacceptable. 40

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Winter 2001

Standing: Amelia Hanna and Peter Rosati Sitting: Angelina Castelli Kneeling: Rachel Martin and Kevin Ridge

The week of the show was grueling. Up at 7 a.m. and out the door by 7:45 a.m. to rehearse for Annie. The kids got home at 4 p.m., only to turn around at 6:45 p.m. and make their curtain call forty-five minutes later for Casper. They finally got home around 11:30 p.m., falling right into bed. Such a schedule would have sent most of us into a tizzy, but our five kids were elated and ready for it all. They loved being on stage and enjoyed all of the other actors who were friendly and warm. Actor Paul Tiesler played Casper. He made an effort every night to spend time with the kids. And then there was Chita! Like all star struck groupies, the kids waited after every performance to see Ms. Rivera, get her autograph and take pictures with her. She was always welcoming and warm, embracing the children every time she saw them. She was so genuine that she caught me off guard a few times. No wonder why the children sought her out every performance. She was as graceful as a butterfly, both on and off stage and her performance in Casper was electrifying. With all professional performances, flexibility is a must. The kids experienced acts that were cut, costumes that were suddenly not needed and from this they learned the art of patience. They also met other children from around the Pittsburgh area, making many unforgettable memories. Most of all, these five children became great friends and isn’t that one of life’s most hidden treasures? ■

A Tribute to a Job Well Done This poem, written for Kathy Robinson, Eisenhower Elementary School secretary,

recognizes her dedication to her job. It was written by Jay Walsh, custodian at Eisenhower, and presented to Kathy by the Eisenhower staff.

Mrs. Kathy Robinson M R S K A T H Y R O B I N S O N

rs. Robinson puts in many hours a day. egulating duties in a professional way. ecretary supreme at Eisenhower School. nowledge of everything is her special tool. nswering each question that does arise. ackling each problem so there is no surprise. appily conversing with whoever may call. ears of experience make her stand tall. unning errands that never seem to end. rganizing each thing so they will blend. right, enthusiastic, accurate and upbeat. nstilling energy into each person she’ll meet. ever easing up ’til her work’s finally done. urely you’ll agree she’s our number one. penly we’ll tell you one thing that’s so true. ow you can never leave, for what would we do?

In Memoriam Prayers and Condolences go to the Families of

C.W. CARLSON CONTRACTORS, INC.

Jean Meili, Board of School Directors 1985 to 1993

Dr. Niles Norman Superintendent and Supervising Principal 1964 to 1979

Faith Sullivan Faith worked for the School District for 20 years in various capacities including secretary for the Superintendent and central office receptionist. She retired in March 1999.

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The Allegheny Land Trust and the Upper St. Clair

Citizens for Land Stewardship celebrated at Wingfield Pines property. The Land Trust is hoping to purchase the 78-acre parcel for preservation. Artist Nat Youngblood helped unveil six of his paintings being auctioned to raise funds for the property. Senator Tim Murphy, Representatives Maher and Pippy and many other interested dignitaries, students and residents attended the affair. For information, please call 412-831-3289 or email us at usccls@usccls.org ■ 44

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Winter 2001

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A Place Where Students Are Teachers

Spring 2001 Child Care I Class with the three-year olds

Spring 2001 Child Care II Class with the four-year olds

Walk through the doors of the High School at

preschool and other preschool programs is the High School students,” said Mrs. Karen Momeyer, the Family and Consumer Science teacher at the High School in charge of this program. “They [the students] have so much fun with the young children, actually developing strong bonds of friendship.” The following are some comments from a few of the child care students:

9:20 a.m. on a school day and you may wonder if the age and height of high school students has dramatically decreased. A 40-pound four-year old eagerly moves around you, scurries down the hall and disappears behind a wall into a classroom. Out of curiosity you peek into the room and, to your surprise, find it filled with high school students and young nursery school aged children gathering together for learning and playing. Let me introduce you to the elective: High School Child Care Class. It is made up of Child Care I and Child Care II High School students as well as three-year old and four-year old preschool children. Before the preschoolers enter the classroom, the High School students receive a crash course in “everything you need to know about the development of the preschool child but were afraid to ask.” Beginning the first day when the preschoolers arrive, the program runs like a typical nursery school program, with free playtime, opening circle time (including calendar, weather and “plans for the day”) planned learning activities, games, music, snack and story time. Daily themes are developmentally appropriate, covering concepts such as colors, numbers, holidays and community helpers. Events like Beach Day, Western Day, Teddy Bear Picnic, a Mother’s Day tea and the annual trip to the zoo are held throughout the year. The class is available to High School students in grades ten through twelve. While the enrollment is mostly female, several male students also take the class each year. The students enjoy being around children, which is evident upon observation. Many of the students taking this elective are considering a professional career in child development. Some decide this atmosphere works for them while others realize this is not a good career choice. But all the students agree that they are more equipped and will be far better parents after taking this course. The preschoolers call the students “teachers.” These “teachers” are required to prepare bulletin boards, plan activities and teach lessons based on the themes in the curriculum. They also lead opening circle story time and organize and distribute snacks. They are taught techniques for guiding behavior and are expected to handle various problems that arise throughout the day. Each student selects one child to observe throughout the school year. In April, nearing the close of the program, a development paper is written describing the child’s physical, motor, social and emotional development as well as changes they’ve observed in that child during the year. “The biggest difference between our

Lindsay Burke—“I want to be a child care and development major in college. Before this class I wasn’t sure, but now I know that it’s for me.” Stephanie Murray—“I have learned about their (the children’s) different levels of ability, all about their favorite things and their families.” Alyssa Remington (talking about planning a lesson)—“Even though the topic may not be hard, it’s tough to explain it in simple ways so that the kids will understand.” Julia Hoffman—“I learned that patience is the number one key with children.” Mike Boss—“As the year went on I became very close to a lot of the children and I will miss all of them.” Katie Martin—“I love working with the little kids. It’s such a good feeling when you realize that you’re helping them to learn and grow.” Kristen Hupp (the most memorable time)—“The zoo field trip was great because I was able to really interact closely with the kids. I had a sense of responsibility which made me see how challenging children can be to take care of.” The program debuted at the High School in 1985. “Over the years I have seen many of the children I taught in preschool again when they reach ninth grade,” said Karen. “I currently have the children of former teachers enrolled in the program. I believe strongly in preparing future parents for the most important job they will ever have. Most new parents have a limited concept of what to expect from children, what is normal development, as well as how to guide them to desired behaviors,” she added. This program enables the students to learn all of this. The added benefit of this program allows these students the opportunity to teach others as well. The positive results are apparent. Stand clear in the halls of the High School as the eager preschoolers quickly make their way to “their” classroom excited for what they are about to learn today. ■ Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Pen Pals Go Overseas pen pals wrote back in Spanish,” said Connie. “The students enjoyed reading the letters written in the foreign language they are studying, truly understanding what they’d read,” she added. “The whole program has been exciting and beneficial to every student involved and we hope to continue it for many years to come,” Holding the Spanish flags (the Castrillon School District flag, said Bobbi. Spain’s national flag and the Asturias Province flag) given to USC by Mayor Francisco Arias of Castrillon are Katie Riley, Last year Bobbi had the opporMrs. Bobbi Leskovich, Steve Yanosky tunity to visit Salinas again, talk and Mrs. Connie Montgomery. with students from the correBobbi Leskovich, the Spanish teacher sponding school and meet the town’s at Baker Elementary, initiated an overseas mayor. As a gesture of kindness she was pen pal correspondence five years ago be- presented with three Spanish flags from the tween students in the District and students mayor to take back home with her. These from Salinas, Spain. In 1997 Bobbi took a flags are currently displayed at Fort Couch six month sabbatical, traveled to Salinas, School. Bobbi presented their mayor with met Principal and English teacher Miguel three flags from our country: our nation’s Rodriguez and formulized the pen pal ex- flag, our state flag and our District flag change. Last year over 125 students from given by Senator Tim Murphy, RepresenFort Couch’s IB program under the direc- tative John Maher and Dr. Tim Steinhauer, tion of Fort Couch Spanish teacher Connie principal of Fort Couch. The following letter from Bobbi was Montgomery and Pam Petrarca’s fourth level room, Rosie Cross’ third level room published in the Colegio Publico De Saliand Pam Dillie’s second level room at Baker nas 2000-01 yearbook from the Manuel Elementary enjoyed corresponding with Alvarez Iglesias School in Salinas. Bobbi and Connie are photographed on the cover students from Salinas. Students not only shared letters but also of this wonderful yearbook. Behind them exchanged music, small holiday packages, is the United States flag, formed in the personal photos, magazines and email. shape of our country. ■ “Our students wrote in English and their

ias!

Hello faculty and students of Manuel Alvarez Igles Dear friends:

memories I think about all of you often and I have very fond our of my visit to your school last year. I hope that with to visit ty rtuni oppo the continued correspondence I will have your school again. letters have My students are so happy with their pen pals! Your erful brought them a lot of joy! This has been such a wond to icult diff very it learning experience for us all! I find writing been believe that it has been five years since we have nue our to our friends in Salinas. And, I hope that we will conti letter exchange for many years to come. All My Love, Bobbi Leskovich

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Middle Level Institute— Keeping the Candle Lit Dr. Clark Remington, Coordinator of Special Projects for USC Middle Schools sessions on the middle school philosophy, teaming, age characteristics, instructional techniques, adviser time and interdisciplinary instruction. Additionally, principals from the Pennsylvania Middle School Association (PMSA) participated in a roundtable discussion on bullying, scheduling, developing A group of attendees in a breakout work session. teacher leaders and parent On August 15 and 16, 2001, participation for new middle school admiddle school staff members from Upper ministrators. Keynote remarks were made by Dr. St. Clair School District offered a Middle Level Institute for the induction of new Connie Moss, Director of the Center for Admiddle school administrators and teach- vancing the Study of Teaching and Learning ers from school districts in Allegheny at Duquesne University, and Dr. Ken County. Because of a successful grant pro- Borland, the Executive Director of PMSA. posal written by Dr. John Bornyas, Director With a humorous and light touch Dr. Moss of USC Middle Level Education, the Frick addressed the various roles teachers need Fund of the Buhl Foundation provided to play in 21st century schools. Dr. Borland funds for establishing what should now be impressed on the attendees that good an annual institute. Seventy-five educators schools design their programs based on from fifteen school districts attended the what is best for kids, not what is easy. Pennsylvania is somewhat unique in two-day workshop. The themes covered during the Institute the United States because it does not offer were predicated on the Pennsylvania a specialized middle school teacher certiDepartment of Education’s (PDE) recom- fication. Therefore, most Pennsylvania mendation for effective middle school staff colleges and universities do not provide development and scholarly research pub- programs for undergraduates who wish to lished by the National Middle School pursue a career in middle level education. Association (NMSA). The PDE recom- The Institute was designed to fill this need mends that staff development (1) increase for specially trained middle level administrators’ and teachers’ understanding educators. Post-institute evaluations by of the developmental needs of young participants cited the paucity of available adolescence, (2) enable educators to training and indicated very favorable provide challenging, developmentally thoughts regarding the value of the Instiappropriate curriculum that engage tute. One local school district principal students in integrative ways of thinking, and commented on his way out, “Good for (3) prepare teachers to use research-based Upper St. Clair for keeping the candle lit!” A new grant proposal is being prepared teaching strategies appropriate to their learning objectives and students. The NMSA and plans are already being made for the reports, “accumulating evidence suggests next Institute. The 2002 Upper St. Clair that, when the essential elements of an ex- Middle Level Institute will have an inducemplary middle school are thoroughly and tion level and an advanced level. effectively implemented, the outcomes are Collaborations with the PMSA and Duquesne University will continue with almost always positive.” In accordance with these goals, vari- hopes for additional participation from the ous Boyce and Fort Couch School staff South Hills School District Association members researched and presented (SHASDA) and our local PTA. ■ Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

What’s An Open Mike? Upper St. Clair School District’s Open Mike originated in the late 1970s,

a take-off from KDKA radio personality, Mike Levine’s Open Mike talk show. Mr. Levine would encourage his listeners to call in and talk about various topics over the airwaves. His listeners loved the idea and Open Mike soon became a popular talk show, focusing on the exchange of ideas and thoughts. And so launched the idea of Open Mike in USC when Dr. Robert Furman, the principal of Baker Elementary School, advanced this idea to our school system. He applied the philosophies used in Mr. Levine’s talk show to encourage parental involvement in the School District. He established informal gatherings with Baker parents to discuss various topics of interest. He held these meetings in the homes of the school’s families, an inviting, non-threatening environment.

where administrators and teachers go into parents’ homes and discuss items of general interest with a group of parents. I am a true believer in the Open Mike. Going into the community is a great way for me to get my message out. It provides an open forum whereby we receive both constructive criticism and positive feedback from our parents.” “The Open Mike is an extremely effective communication vehicle,” said Streams Elementary School Principal Beverly Krill. “These sessions provide parents the ability to discuss general issues and to ask questions they are curious about. With a conversational approach, not a presentation, peers are more supportive of each other allowing for open discourse.” Open Mike focuses on instructional issues and general “life of the school” topics. It does not deal with specific issues. Particular issues, which are better handled in

Left to right: Barb Lloyd, Tom Keil, Aggie Scarton, Patty Marsolino, Dr. Tim Steinhauer—principal, Paulette Godla, Temma Lipsitz and Cindy Cafaro met in a family’s home.

The Open Mike was so successful at Baker that it soon was introduced to the District’s two other elementary schools. When Dr. Furman later became principal at Boyce he carried this program with him, introducing it to the fifth and sixth level middle school. Fort Couch Middle School eventually picked it up in the 1980s when former principal Tom Harshman realized the program’s benefits. It continues to flourish at all of these schools today. So what’s an Open Mike anyway? According to Dr. Tim Steinhauer, principal at Fort Couch Middle School, “It’s a tradition 50

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Winter 2001

a one-on-one situation, are not part of the program. Seasoned school age parents as well as parents entering the School District for the first time attend these sessions. “A mix of lots of questions from our novice parents added to questions from those parents with more experience in our schools makes for interesting and informative discussions,” said Mrs. Krill. Open Mike, a PTA sponsored activity, is certainly well attended. Fort Couch and Streams continue to hold these discussion groups in the parents’ homes. Fort Couch conducts a total of six Open Mikes per year,

devoting one for each of the six teams at the school. “We get about a dozen parents attending each session and have always had good results,” said Dr. Steinhauer. Baker, Eisenhower and Boyce Schools hold their sessions at their schools or at the USC Recreation Center and Library classrooms to accommodate attendance. Boyce holds four discussions per year, with the winter session focusing on sensitive issues where school counselors are present to help answer parents’ questions. The fall and spring sessions get up to one hundred persons per session. These sessions are devoted to answering questions about academic choices and general curriculum. “This is not a duplication of the middle school orientation,” stated Dr. John Bornyas, Director of Middle Level Education in Upper St. Clair. “We get parents who want general knowledge about the options available to the students and the Open Mike is a great two way communication tool.”

Various approaches to promoting the Open Mike are used at the different schools. Promotional methods include email contact, backpack reminders and notices mailed directly to the students’ homes. Open Mikes are not a part of high school life. The active Parents Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) meet the needs of parents, students and administrators at this level, taking over where the Open Mike leaves off. School District administration and parents both view the Open Mike sessions at the elementary and middle school levels as extremely beneficial. Whether they are held in parents’ homes or at another location, they have certainly stood the test of time, successfully promoting the open exchange of ideas. The Open Mike helps answer those curious questions all parents of young school age children have. ■

Show Your Pride and Wear Your Colors!

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Winter 2001

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30th Reunion Weekend

The Upper St. Clair High School Class of 1971 toured the High School as

part of their 30th reunion weekend held this past August. For many of the classmates, this was their first opportunity to tour the new facility. During the reunion dinner, held at South Pointe Country Club, much of the conversation not only recollected fond memories, but also centered on the new school. Thanks to Barb Stuckert Rahr of the Reunion Committee who coordinated these efforts. ■

U k U INFO LINE k kSchool District Snow Delay and Closings

Call 412-854-5353

Promote Your Business Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh Early Childhood Development Center (ext. 211) • For children 6 weeks to 5 years Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm, with flexible scheduling options • Kindergarten enrichment mornings or afternoons

Clubhouse After-School Care (ext. 204) • For children in grades K to 6 Monday through Friday until 6 pm • Swimming, gym, arts & crafts, homework time and more

The Easy Way The Upper St. Clair High School yearbook, the Clairvoyant, is taking orders from business patrons. Businesses can purchase up to three lines of text that will be placed near the index of the book. Over 1100 copies of last year’s award-winning Clairvoyant were sold to Upper St. Clair students and local businesses. For more information, please contact Sheila Bartlett in the Activities Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2264.

Don’t wait! Orders must be received immediately and will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Thank you for your support.

412/278-1975 345 Kane Boulevard (off Bower Hill Road)

Everyone welcome! 52

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ClairvoyaTnhet

The Pennsylvania School Press Association (PSPA) awarded USCHS two Keystone awards for two of its publications. The St. Clarion, the High School’s student newspaper and the Clairvoyant, the High School’s yearbook, both earned PSPA award for outstanding publications. Congratulations to all those involved! Winter 2001

Dancing a Dream

A New and Innovative Concept Created to Address How People Hear! Pam

Swaney Photo by Archie Carpenter

sums up her almost lifetime commitment to ballet in a single word— “passion!” A senior at Upper St. Clair High School and the daughter of Gerri and Bob Swaney, Pam performed professionally at an early age with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, where she danced the lead role of Mary in their production of The Nutcracker. She has spent her summers studying on scholarship with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, the Chautauqua Institute and School of American Ballet in New York City. Juggling dance and maintaining a 4.0 GPA is not an easy task. She would like to dance professionally after she graduates, but she maintains “Plan B”— college where she will continue to dance. Pam performs the role of Sugar Plum Fairy in Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker. Other USC residents performing are: Holland Banse, Eva Bernabo, Shannon Biery, Mallory Blonski, Carly Blonski, Lauren Brune, Brenna Carse, Madison Chafin, Maria Jeannette Daurora, Lydia De La Parra, Allison Evans, Talia Fontana, Mira Fontana, Molly Gallager, Morgan Guarino, Brittany Hartman, Mary Holcomb, Gwen Howell, Lindsey Johnston, Katie Kitner, Tiffany Kitner, Deanna Klimas, Sarah Maclachlan, Stephanie Maloney, Hillary Maloney, Kathryn Miller, Megan Norris, Ashley Pearson, Hilary Quinn, Carolina Robinson, Kendall Robinson, Jillian Schepis, Dana Siegel, Krishangi Srivastava, Elizabeth Tseng, Danielle Von Waldow, Mackenzie Weber, Katie White and Madison Yanosky. Pittsburgh Youth Ballet is under the direction of Director Jean Gedeon. Their popular Nutcracker runs from December 6-9 at Upper St. Clair Theatre. ■ Tickets can be purchased by calling 412-835-1335 or visit the website at www.pybco.com.

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Winter 2001

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Let’s Learn About The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Are you a Pennsylvania native? Or have you migrated here

from another location? Below are some interesting tidbits of information to impress your families and friends, near or far.

“Pennsylvania” This official song of the state was designated in 1990. It is used for all public purposes. Verse 1 Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Mighty is your name. Steeper in glory and tradition. Object of acclaim. Where brave men fought the foe of freedom. Tyranny decried. ’Til the bell of independence Filled our countryside.

Verse 2 Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Blessed by God’s own hand. Birthplace of a mighty nation. Keystone of the land. Where brave men fought the foe of freedom. Freedom to proclaim. May the voices of tomorrow, Glorify your name.

Chorus Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania. May your future be, filled with honor everlasting as your history.

Pennsylvania has many official “mascots.” Each of the symbols is connected to history or pays honor to a native species or product that is very important to Pennsylvania’s economy. State Animal: Whitetail Deer The early settlers of Pennsylvania depended on this deer to feed and clothe them year round. These deer continue to roam today in the state’s forests. State Beverage: Milk This symbol is a fitting honor to one of the state’s leading farm products. It also gives praise to dairy cows, which each produce 62 glasses of milk daily. State Bird: Ruffed Grouse Sometimes called the partridge; this plump, red-brown bird with feathery legs was once a main source of food for early Pennsylvania settlers. State Dog: Great Dane This dog was a hunting and working dog in the very early days of Pennsylvania. State Fish: Brook Trout Over 4000 miles of cold water streams form the natural habitat of this fish, the only trout native to Pennsylvania. State Flag Authorized by the General Assembly in 1799, the state flag is fringed in gold with the coat of Arms embroidered on a field of blue. 54

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Winter 2001

State Flower: Mountain Laurel In mid-June, every sunny mountainside in the state is beautifully painted in pink pastel. These flowers delighted the wife of one of the past governors, who then declared it as the state flower. State Fossil: Phacops Rana A specific type of trilobite, a small sea creature. Phacops Rana means “frog eyes” because of the large holes for the eyes on the fossil. State Insect: Firefly These are the “lightning bugs” that Pennsylvanians know to brighten a still summer night. State Ship: United States Brig Niagara This ship was important in the War of 1812. It defeated a British ship in the battle of Lake Erie. State Tree: Hemlock Many early pioneers in Pennsylvania felt better protected from bad weather inside log cabins made from this tree.

Pennsylvania’s State Flag is more of a square than a rectangle. It is composed of a blue field on which the State Coat of Arms is embroidered. Draft horses are on either side of the coat of arms and the American eagle rests on the top. The scroll at the bottom reads Virtue, Liberty and Independence.

Pennsylvania Fun Facts Background • Pennsylvania was settled in 1643. • Philadelphia was the state capital during the Revolutionary War. • York was the first capital of the United States. • Pennsylvania means Penn’s Woods. • Nickname: Keystone State • Motto: “Virtue, Liberty and Independence” • Area: 44,888 square miles (32nd largest state in the nation) • Population: Approximately 12 million (fifth in the nation) • State Representatives: 203 • State Senators: 50 • U.S. Representatives: 21 • U.S. Senators: 2 • Adopted original state constitution: September 28, 1776 • Adopted revised constitution: 1790, revised again: 1968 (currently in use) Geography • Capital: Harrisburg • Counties: 67 • Lakes: 256 natural, 2324 manmade • State Parks: 114, State Forests: 20 Pennsylvania Firsts • First hospital, first library, first zoo, first newspaper, first nation’s capital, first all-motion picture theater, first television broadcast, first educational public television station, first radio station (KDKA in 1920), first paper mill, first druggist, first high-speed multi-lane highway—The Pennsylvania Turnpike, first locomotive for railroad use Agriculture • Farms: 55,535, Farmland: 9 million acres • Agricultural product sales: $2.85 billion • Leading farm products: dairy products, mushrooms, apples, tobacco, grapes, peaches and cut flowers. This informational article was adapted from “A student’s guide to Pennsylvania… its history and its government” booklet prepared by the Senate of Pennsylvania to teach about the many things that our great state has to offer. Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Band Parents Luminaria Sale— A Township Tradition Upper St. Clair traditionally glows on Christmas Eve

with the lighting of Luminaria. For many years this display has drawn people from far and wide to enjoy our candlelit streets. Talk to anyone who grew up in USC and they’ll tell you what a magical sight Christmas Eve can be! The tradition began in this country in the southwest many years ago. The candles burning in paper bags symbolize the shepherds’ fires on that first Christmas Eve, lighting the way to Bethlehem. Over the years they have come to represent warmth, peace, and friendliness. Some residents find that lighting Luminaria is a festive way to welcome in the New Year as well. For the past thirty years the USC High School Band Parents Association has sold Luminaria kits. Originally one gentleman, representing the Northern Home Owners Association, was in charge of Luminaria for the entire community. The project was a joint effort with the USC Hockey Club. The candles, bags and sand are delivered to homes on the second Saturday of December. All proceeds from the sale go to the Music Department students at Upper St. Clair High School. By preparing the kits, shoveling sand, and assisting with delivery, the musicians, auxiliaries, and choral students earn money for their annual spring Music Festival trips. This year they’re off to Disneyworld in Orlando! The sale is underway now. To order, please clip and mail the order form. Fliers will not be sent through the mail. All orders are due by November 30th. Kits and sand will be delivered on Saturday, December 8th. The Luminaria Committee is co-chaired by Ellen and Rob Langley, Barbara and Jim Timlin, and Kathy and Tom Donoghue. To order luminaria kits consisting of 12 long burning candles, 12 paper bags and a bag of sand, please cut out and complete the order form below. The USC High School Music Department students will deliver your kit, along with instructions, on Saturday, December 8th. Orders are due to the address listed below by November 30th. To help you estimate how many kits you will need, bags are normally placed three feet apart along the edge of your property.

They are also a very attractive lining for driveways and sidewalks. The cost of a kit is $7. Questions should be directed to Ellen Langley, Luminaria Committee Chair, at 412-221-5657. Thank you for supporting the students! ■

Orders are due by November 30th.* Luminaria Kit Order Form Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Zip: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Number of Kits _______ x $7 per kit = $ _______Total Enclosed Make check payable to: USC Band Parents Association Mail to: USC Band Parents Association 2354 Rexford Drive, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 * Orders received after November 30th must be picked up at the USC Recreation Center by noon on Saturday, December 8th. 56

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township of Upper St. Clair Highlights of the Board of Commissioners Meetings

Frank E. Marsh President, Ward 5 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-6244

The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners takes place on the first Monday of each month in the Board of Commissioners meeting room in the Township Municipal Building. All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted, and citizens are invited to comment on any Township matters. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, please call 412-831-9000.

June 4, 2001

Robert W. Orchowski

Approximately 22 people attended.

Vice President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868

Edward S. Long Ward 1 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-5197

Gloria Smith Ward 2 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-1284

Cheryl S. Bayne Ward 4 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-831-5814

Recognitions Commissioner Tupi presented: • A Certificate of Achievement to members of the Upper St. Clair High School Boys’ Soccer Team for capturing the 2000-2001 WPIAL Championship. Seven members of the team were present for the recognition. A Proclamation to the Upper St. Clair High School Girls’ Tennis Team for capturing the 2000-2001 State and WPIAL Championships. • Certificates of Achievement to the Upper St. Clair High School Girls’ Golf Team for capturing the 2000-2001 WPIAL Championship. • Certificates of Achievement to the Upper St. Clair High School Boys’ Golf Team in recognition of its WPIAL Championship. • A Proclamation for Bobby MacWhinnie, recognizing his PIAA Boys’ Golf State Championship victory. A Proclamation was presented for attainment of Eagle Scout rank to: • Edward John Disantis presented by Commissioner Orchowski. • Chad Alexander Thompson presented by Commissioner Long. Their Scout Master, Dave Barker, was present to receive the Proclamations. Approval of Contract Township Manager Douglas Watkins stated that at the initial meeting for the design of the Environmental Education Center (EEC), the Board approved an amount of $240,000 for this project. The action being requested from the Board at this time is to complete the contractual approval in the amount of $890,000, of which $240,000 had been previously approved.

Mr. Watkins provided a breakdown of the EEC architectural design contract with Davis & Gannon for $890,000: Basic Services ............................................ $540,000 Additional Services ..................................... 290,000 Reimbursable Expenses ................................ 60,000 $890,000 The Board approved the EEC architectural design contract with Davis & Gannon for $890,000. Other Business Commissioner Marsh invited all present to attend the town meeting conducted by WPXI-TV on Tuesday, June 5, 2001, at the High School at 7:30 p.m.

July 2, 2001 Approximately 20 people attended.

Recognitions Mrs. Tracey Buckman, President of the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship, announced that the Township of Upper St. Clair and the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship were recognized at the 2001 Governor’s Award Ceremony for Watershed Stewardship recently held in Harrisburg. She and Mr. Walter Jarosh, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds/Forester for the Township, accepted the award presented for the Watershed Partnership category for the combined efforts of the Township and the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship to watershed restoration and environmental protection. She also stated that Senator Tim Murphy provided a Senatorial Citation for this recognition. Mrs. Buckman further stated that she would like to acknowledge Mr. Thomas Page, who had a tremendous amount to do with initiating this particular program. Mrs. Buckman presented the Governor’s

Meeting Dates Bill Bates At Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-8115

• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Conference Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; no meeting in December.

Brad Tupi At Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-831-2575

• Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • Civil Hearing Board meets as needed. • Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed. For more information or specific dates, call the Township Office at 412-831-9000 or see the website www.twpusc.org.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Award and Senatorial Citation for Watershed Stewardship to the Board. Commissioner Marsh expressed the Board’s appreciation for the efforts of Mrs. Buckman and the other individuals who have been instrumental in bringing this success to the Township. The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 8-01 granting unified conditional use/preliminary and final land development plan approval to Sunrise of Upper St. Clair Plan, subject to certain modifications and conditions. • Adopted Bill No. 9-01 to grant final planned development approval to the Boyce Road Self Storage facility, to be known as Rent-A-Space South, subject to certain conditions. • Approved an extension of time Re. PLC00-09— Upper St. Clair High School Stadium Expansion and Communications Antenna to July 3, 2002. • Enacted Bill No. 10-01 to adopt a schedule of attorney fees in connection with the collection of real estate tax claims and liens and other municipal claims, pursuant to Act 1 of 1996.

Dek Hockey Grand Opening at Johnston Park! Bring your hockey stick, roller blades and nets and join the fun! Township Commissioners and Officials helped celebrate the opening. Front row: Recreation Board member Tom Browand, Commissioners Gloria Smith and Cheryl Bayne, Recreation Board Chairman Ray Gergich and Commissioner Brad Tupi. Back row: Commissioner Ed Long, Assistant Manager Mark Mansfield, Commissioner Bob Orchowski, Township Manager Doug Watkins, Ron Pardini from Public Works Department and Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Paul Besterman.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1405 to adopt a proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Municipal Authority of the Township of Upper St. Clair (the “Authority”) extending its term of existence through the year 2051.

Show your pride in Upper St. Clair!

Other Business • Mr. Watkins stated that the Township will once again be sponsoring fireworks with Bethel Park at South Hills Village on Wednesday, July 4 and encouraged all residents to attend. • Commissioner Marsh stated that the next Environmental Education Center Project Development Committee meeting would be held on Tuesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. and encouraged residents to attend the meeting and become involved in this project.

August 6, 2001 Approximately 15 people attended.

The Board: • Moved to continue the public hearing Re. PLC01-09— St. Clair Woods Apartments (Formerly Painters Plaza Apartments) Tentative Approval PRD to September 4, 2001 for the purpose of taking staff testimony. • Adopt Resolution No. 1406 to authorize the filing of an application with the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development for a grant to cover 100 percent of the cost to construct a patio covering to extend from the outer wall of the kitchen at the Recreation Center. • Moved to establish September 4, 2001 as the public hearing date for the 2002-2006 Capital Improvement Program. ■

License plates are available in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services for $5. They are also great gifts for newcomers or neighbors moving.

Township of Upper St. Clair Department Telephone Extension Directory

412-831-9000 216 218 219 226 228 238 248 256 257 501 271

Township Manager’s Office Department of Finance Assistant Township Manager’s Office Tax Office Tax Office Police Administration Township Library Department of Recreation Department of Information Technology Department of Planning and Community Development Department of Public Works Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair Police Department Critical Incident Management

Lt. John Sakoian

The Upper St. Clair Police Department received an $8,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Training and Education Commission (MPOTEC) to train police officers in “Critical Incident Management and Community Preparedness.” The Department formulated an “Unusual Occurrence Manual” in 1989 and updates the plan every two years. The Department also participates in the Allegheny County Emergency Management Team. Over the last twelve years Department officers have received training in Critical Incident Management and received certification from the state of Pennsylvania as instructors. No community is immune from such incidents. We need to look no further than the terrorist attack of September 11th on New York City and Washington, D.C., the mass murders in schools across the country or those committed by Ronald Taylor in Wilkinsburg and Richard Baumhammers in Mt. Lebanon. The Upper St. Clair Police Department hosted three weeks of 40-hour training, from September 10-28, 2001, to fifty-seven police officers in Allegheny and Washington Counties. The courses included instruction and mock exercises in, but not limited to, School Violence, Terrorist Activity, Major Crimes, Natural Disasters, Hazardous Materials and similar incidents. Officers were also certified in multiple weapons, rapid deployment, self-defense and emergency vehicle operation. ■ Dear Upper St. Clair Residen

ts, I would like to extend my com pliments to the Upper St. Cla ir Police Department and thei Chief Pardini and others from r chief. the department recently held training for USC and othe police officers. Many significa r area nt subjects that affect today’s communities and their police were addressed. officers I was one of the privileged officers who participated. The instruction was presented in sional, productive and hospita a profesble manner, which is uncomm on in today’s society. Every area officer who par ticipated took valuable kno wledge back to his home poli ment. In effect, public and ce departofficer safety has been enh anced in those communities . The citizens of Upper St. Cla ir should be proud that they have such a fine police dep only is USC made safer by artment. Not their efforts, but other commun ities are affected as well. In Upper St. Clair Police Dep as much, artment should be looked upo n as an example of what coo and mutual commonwealth perative policing should be. There is strength in numbers. God Bless America! Respectfully yours, Joseph LaMonica Ross Township Police Dep artment

Scam Alert! Beware! The Police Department is alerting residents of a

Canadian based sweepstakes scam now in the area. Elderly residents especially are cautioned to avoid falling for the come-on, which promises a large cash prize. In a typical scenario, a resident is contacted by phone by someone claiming to be a representative of a large Canadian sweepstakes. The intended victim is told that they have won a sizeable cash prize. The “official” then informs the victim that the winnings can be collected as soon as applicable taxes and fees are paid in advance. Instructions are given to wire the fees (usually several thousand dollars) through Western Union to a vague site in Quebec Province. 60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Lt. Jim Englert

Unfortunately, some individuals have been saddened to find out that no prize money was forthcoming after they had wired money across the border. In addition to Upper St. Clair, similar reports are known to exist in Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon. Efforts have been made to refer the investigation to the appropriate authorities but the operation continues to prey on innocent individuals. Be wary of any such contacts and report all incidents to the Police Department at 412-833-7500. ■

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September 21 through December 30, 2001 FRICK ART & HISTORICAL CENTER

7227 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 412.371.0600, www.frickart.org The exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts. It is made possible in part by The Henry Luce Foundation, Inc. The exhibition is a project of ART ACCESS II, a program of the AFA with major support from the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund. Image credit: Man in the Open Air, 1915. Bronze, 53 x 22 1/2 x 11 1/4 in. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of William S. Paley (by exchange). Courtesy AFA.

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May your rooms be merry and bright!

Recognized as a Top 50 Remodeling Company in the Nation - Remodeling Magazine Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Tree Selection Walter Jarosh The fall and spring are the best planting times for trees. Nurseries

frequently offer fall sales to clear their stocks before winter. Before making a spontaneous decision to plant a tree, spend time considering how the tree will add to your landscape 20 or 50 years from now. Many factors should be considered before choosing the best tree for your yard. What purpose will the tree serve? Is the tree to provide beauty, shade, windbreak or screening, or will it mark a boundary line? Evaluate the spatial area where the tree will be planted to determine building locations, overhead power line limitations, sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities, especially the sewer system. Consider the soil characteristics, slope, drainage and sun exposure. Make a rough sketch showing the space that the tree canopy and root system can occupy in the future, and include measurements. You have created an imaginary box for your tree to occupy, noting a width and height. Trees vary in mature height and shape. Tree crowns may be rounded, pyramidal, vase-shaped, broad (wider than tall), layered, weeping, oval (taller than wide) or shrubby. Research the size of the mature tree that will fit within the spatial limitations of your box. You can do this by looking through books, consulting nursery professionals or by looking around your neighborhood to see similar mature trees. Choose those desirable trees that explode into dazzling fall color or brilliant spring blossoms, provided they fit the box, meet the criteria and compliment the house and existing landscaping. In selecting a tree species, it is important to know its hardiness, primarily its ability to withstand local winter temperatures, along with insect and disease problems. Environmental limitations such as temperature, moisture, soil, light, or plant competition are more likely to affect plant growth than insects or diseases. Ensure that the tree you choose is suited to the established hardiness zone of your planting site. Species vary in their need for water; some grow in relatively dry sites,

while others tolerate wet soils or flooded conditions. Soils low in pH (acidity) may have reduced nutrient availability, which can result in chlorosis (yellowing due to iron deficiency) of susceptible species. Consider if the tree is to be evergreen or deciduous, then consider the size and impact of the annual leaf clean up. Look at characteristics of bark shedding, limb breakage, root sprouting and fruit production. Consider the impact of the tree on neighboring properties. The true test of your decision may not be known for 20 or 50 years. You have done a good tree-planting job if: • The roots are not in the lateral sewer. • Sidewalk and driveway are not raised from tree roots. • Gutters are not clogged from leaves, stems or fruits (like acorns). • Pool is not shaded or filled with leaves. Consider the neighbor’s pool too! • Tree limbs are not obstructing stop signs, roadways, or intersections. • Tree limbs are not growing into overhead utility lines. • Sprouts and suckers are not overtaking adjoining planting areas. • Future winds should not find folks cowering in the house fearful that a tree will crash through the roof, or lying awake as tree limbs scratch and beat at the house.

Flood Protection Information Check our website:

usctwp.org or call Community Development at 412-831-9000, extension 501.

In general, avoid weeping willows, silver maples and poplars due to their size, weakness, and ability to seek out water sources and clog sewers. Do not plant cottonwood, Osage orange, or female ginkgo trees, because of their fruit, cotton, size, or smell. Ask the right questions, seek factual information and weigh the negatives to determine the best tree to plant in your imaginary spatial box. ■

Information is available from Walter Jarosh, Township Forester at 412-831-9000 or Jarosh@twpusc.org. Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter Storm Emergencies

Info Line 412-854-5353 www.twpusc.org

l j

Please Do NOT Call the Public Works Department! Winter storm emergencies are just

that—emergencies. The Township of Upper St. Clair’s administrative staff, Police Department and Public Works Department are on call 24 hours a day to help residents and businesses by making the streets safe. During the winter season, Township residents are asked to be patient and understanding. To help the Police and Public Works Department during storms, the Township asks the cooperation of residents in the following areas. 1. Keep calls concerning snow removal to a minimum. Public Works and Police phone lines need to be kept open for emergency calls only during storm situations. The Township is as eager as you to have the streets cleared quickly. Major roads such as Route 19, Boyce Road, McLaughlin Run Road, Lesnett Road, McMillan Road, Fort Couch Road and Mayview Road are plowed first as a matter of public safety and for emergency vehicles. 2. Do not shovel or plow snow back into the streets. This is a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and creates additional traffic safety problems. 3. When streets are plowed, snow will be pushed in front of driveways. Unfortunately, there is no other place for the snow to go. 4. The Public Works Department is not permitted to assist residents by clearing driveways, sidewalks, or paths to mailboxes. Public Works employees work as many hours as necessary to make streets, inlets, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks and parking lots safe for all vehicles and pedestrians. 5. Under emergency situations, there may be delays or cancellations of garbage collection and recycling pickup. Please do not call the Township during a snow emergency to ask about garbage collection. Until the snow situation is under control, it is impossible to say when garbage collection will be back on schedule. Check Cable 7 or the website www.twpusc.org for information on garbage collection.

6. The Township cannot recommend contractors or companies that provide private snow removal. Please refer to the Verizon Yellow Pages. 7. The Township receives numerous calls regarding sidewalks not being adequately maintained during heavy snow periods. Sidewalks with unshoveled snow may cause problems for residents, school children, mail carriers, delivery persons, etc. Chapter 109 of the Township Code states that the standard removal time of snow and ice from sidewalks is within twelve hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall or be formed. There are several Township-owned sidewalks that are posted “No Winter Maintenance” and are not covered under this ordinance. 8. Please keep fire hydrants clear of snow. They are for your safety.

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Public Works Snow Removal—How It Works The Public Works Department is on call 24 hours a day to help residents with snow removal emergencies and related situations. During severe snow situations where plowing is needed, the main state and Township roads have priority, which in some cases require residential roadways to be designated secondary priority. Some considerations regarding the snow removal services that you receive as a resident of USC: 1. The Public Works Department must be alert to air temperatures and road surface temperatures. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is effective to about 23 degrees F. At temperatures below 23 degrees, road surfaces will require additions of liquid calcium chloride. Traffic causes rock salt to act more quickly, so streets with heavier traffic will show the results of sodium chloride application sooner than less traveled roadways. 2. Air Science Consultants are available to the Public Works Department on a 24-hour contracted basis and provide periodic advance weather forecasting. 3. Peak traffic occurs between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., and 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Decisions to delay school must be

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

made by school personnel by 5:30 a.m. to permit contacting their personnel. 4. The Public Works Department maximizes the use of chemicals and anti-skid materials by plowing whenever possible. Generally, accumulations over two inches with additional snow predicted may require plowing as dictated by temperatures and information obtained from Air Science Consultants. 5. Constant monitoring of road conditions helps the Public Works administration coordinate snow removal actions to ensure total roadway coverage. All snow removal vehicle drivers assist and back each other up to ensure effective roadway salting and plowing. 6. Walks should be clear by 8 a.m. at the Township Building and Tennis Bubbles. The Recreation Center schedule is checked to ensure clear walkways prior to scheduled activities. Evenings require walk clearing for the Township Building Library until 9:30 p.m. and for any scheduled meetings which normally run until 11 p.m. Tennis bubbles operate until 11 p.m. It may be necessary to call personnel for morning walkway clearing by 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m. as dictated by the size of the back-up crew. 7. Excessive snow may require opening of inlets or location of fire plugs. 8. The Public Works supervisor coordinates with all drivers to ensure that vehicle breakdowns and problems are reported and scheduled, so that effective snow removal operations are not jeopardized. 9. On-call Public Works supervisors have access to four-wheel-drive vehicles. ■

Winter 2001

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Watch for NEW GARBAGE REGULATIONS by January 2002.

Happy Holidays From the

F Volunteers and Staff of

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Magazine!

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Library

The Library is now open three additional hours per week for our patrons convenience. Our new opening time is Monday through Saturday is 9:30 a.m.

Winter Hours Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Page Program Back Row, left to right: Michelle Palascak, Claire Yeargers, Diane Ornato (Librarian in charge of Page Program), Katie Thomas and Sam Arthurs Front row: Skye Cortese and Michelle Perry

The Page Program at the Upper St. Clair Library

offers flexible employment opportunities for local students. These young bibliophiles have the important job of returning library materials to the shelves so patrons have easy access to resources. Pages also work with the automated system at the Circulation Desks. Page application forms are available at the Reference Desks on the Adult and Children’s floors of the Library. ■

Consumer Information Now Available for Checkout Visit our new Consumer Information Center for current Consumer Report Magazines, new and used car buying guides, and other consumer-related materials. All items may be checked out for seven days. ■ 66

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Holiday Helpers New books for cooking, crafts and keeping healthy for the holidays!

641.568 ESS—The Essential Christmas Cookbook 642.4 GAR—Barefoot Contessa Parties!: Ideas and Recipes for Parties That are Really Fun, by Ina Garten 640 LET—Home Made: 200 Creative Concoctions and Practical Potions for Crafts, Beauty Aids, Household Products, and Gifts From Your Kitchen, by Alex Lett 641.5 VAR—Food for Friends: Homemade Gifts for Every Season, by Sally Vargas 613 TRA—Simply Well: Choices for a Healthy Life, by John W. Travis

Summer Reading was a Big Hit! Last summer 1127 kids and teens participated in the summer reading program. They read or listened to a record breaking 27,514 books. We want to congratulate all the children and their parents who participated in the reading program. The following are our top readers from the summer of 2001. They did a great job and they’re well on their way to becoming lifetime readers. ■

Children’s Library Top Summer Readers 2001 Pre-School Chas Mertz .............................. 350 Lindsay Yost ............................ 330 Samantha Syme ...................... 320 Garrett O’Grady ........................ 290 Kevin Yost ............................... 270 Adam Heil ................................ 240 Christian Heil ........................... 240 Olivia Wright ............................ 230 Nicole Novak ............................ 230 Danny Demilio ......................... 230 Jackie Demilio ......................... 230 Graham Gillen .......................... 220 JP Gillen .................................. 220 Kevin Sholl .............................. 200 Hannah Schuller ...................... 200 Morgan Hogenmiller ............... 200 Benjamin Gibson ..................... 170 Marielle Snyder ........................ 160 Rachel Sholl ............................ 150 Brittany Hartman ..................... 140 Michael Coliane ....................... 140 Will Sutherland ........................ 120 Alexandra Steve ....................... 120 Thomas Steve .......................... 120 Ben Spock ............................... 120 Molly Krawczyk ........................ 120 Erin Casey ................................ 120 Emily Oates .............................. 110 Andy Oates .............................. 100 Leah Mertz ............................... 100 Danielle Lane ........................... 100 Kristy English .......................... 100 Brendon Campbell ................... 100 Grace Blackburn ...................... 100

Tony Oates ............................... 128 Kelsie Kidner ............................ 100 Independent Ben Mertz ................................ 179 Ashley Pearson ........................ 130 Robert Moore .......................... 129 Jillian Lesaca ........................... 108 Mark McTiernan ...................... 105 Kay Subosits ............................ 94 Joe Conlon ............................... 75 Joel Klein .................................. 75 Samantha Wang ....................... 68 Brittany Dudzinski ..................... 59 Emily Elliott .............................. 50

Victoria Lazur ........................... 80 Karen Wang .............................. 80 Alison Maurer ........................... 76 Drew English ............................ 71 Kathy Thompson ....................... 71 Jessica Snyder ......................... 68 Petey Bruni ............................... 58 Kelsey Novak ............................ 57 Kristen Collins .......................... 50 Janie Feldman ........................... 50

Sixth Grade Sheena Kapples ....................... 180 Rebecca Nadler ......................... 55 Andrew Nock ............................ 45 Chrissy Lee ............................... 40 Brian Toth ................................. 39 Sharon Pike .............................. 34 Cullyn Thomson ....................... 23 Amy Monpara ........................... 21

First Grade-Read To Me John Maurer ............................ 160 Combined Michael Hartman ..................... 144 Kevin Muck .............................. 141

Second Grade Suraj Sundar ........................... 195 Sean Gaudio ............................ 185 Akhil Venkatesh ....................... 180 Matthew Snyder ...................... 130 Paige Gillen .............................. 118 Brian Rollick ............................ 112 Ben Zhang ............................... 101 Steven Gannon ......................... 94 Miral Singhal ............................ 83 Shane Priselac .......................... 80 Poorwa Godbole ....................... 69 Shane Potts .............................. 67 Kayla Dubois ............................. 65 Karl Egeland ............................. 64 Rebecca Eckles ......................... 60 Hannah Zangara ....................... 60 Third Grade Erin McTiernan ........................ 165 Geetha Reddy .......................... 137 Evan Pearson ........................... 135 Lisa Moore .............................. 103 Allison Muck ............................ 101 Shawn Gannon ......................... 94 HB Mertz .................................. 83

Fourth Grade Ryan Pearson .......................... 135 Shari Kapples ........................... 96 Laura Rollick ............................. 66 Jenny Thompson ...................... 65 Molly O’Grady ........................... 61 Michael Toth ............................. 60 Christina Reynolds ................... 58 Carrie Thompson ...................... 57 Mary Collins ............................. 55 Amanda Huey ........................... 52 Kevin Egeland ........................... 48 Daniel Klemans ......................... 48 Hirsch Singhal .......................... 42 Daniel Parkinson ....................... 41 Jennifer Sharma ....................... 40 Manu Sinha .............................. 40 Fifth Grade Jared Englert ........................... 172 Nikhil Venkatesh ...................... 100 Leah Ferguson .......................... 89 Sara Maurer .............................. 68 Brian Gaudio ............................. 46 John Subosits .......................... 42 Siddarth Sharma ...................... 40 Kyra Zemanick .......................... 35 Meghan McDonald ................... 27 Stephanie Mitchell .................... 25

Winter 2001

Seventh Grade Erin Englert .............................. 165 Sara Sukenik ............................. 50 Lydia Wright ............................. 44 Eric Cheng ................................. 35 Kenny Feldman .......................... 25 Lisa Ripper ............................... 25 Dalena Klavin ............................ 23 Eighth Grade Nicole Costello .......................... Steven Yanosky ........................ Tyler Hassenfeldt ...................... Maria Gaudio ............................ Greg Norcie .............................. Pooja Godbole .......................... Katelyn O’Brien ......................... Erica Grodin ..............................

60 55 31 29 27 26 24 14

High School Megan Pike ............................... 70 Michelle Lee ............................. 65 Andrea Melaragno ..................... 15 Varun Ravindran ....................... 14 Angie Bluemling ....................... 11

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Reflections on a Terrorist Attack David Kish

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department Proposes New Fire Station

Like the rest of the country,

firefighters across America watched in horror as terrorists attacked New York’s World Trade Center. And even though I knew none of the emergency workers lost in the attack, as a volunteer firefighter, the loss was a personal one. Firefighters, police, paramedics and EMTs face dangerous situations regularly. It is an underlying element in this line of work, and creates bonds between those who are willing to do these jobs. Emergency personnel train to minimize the risk in the most unthinkable circumstances, but it can not completely be eliminated. For example, when receiving training in response to terrorist incidents, a component of that training is the fact that terrorists often try to take out emergency response workers by planning a secondary strike. The firefighters, who were part of the initial response on September 11, 2001, understood the risks they were facing that day. They put aside their fears and did their jobs to the best of their ability. As frightening as the thought may be, families of firefighters and emergency personnel across the country realize that their loved ones would have responded in a similar manner. When a crisis occurs, the instinct to assist kicks in even at great personal risk. As the recovery and rebuilding process takes place, the instinct to help is strong. We here at the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department held a “boot drive” at the USC/CanonMac game on September 22, collecting over $3000 for the families of our fallen brothers. The response of our residents and their children was overwhelming. Kids were donating their last dollars, their last bit of change for strangers with a generosity of spirit that honors the victims in New York City. Our department would like to thank everyone who helped support our “boot drive” and ask that you continue to keep emergency workers throughout the country in your prayers. ■

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department is currently making prepara-

tions to build a new state of the art fire station that will meet the department’s current and future needs. The proposed station will be built on the property adjacent to the current station on Washington Road. The property is currently owned by the Port Authority and leased to the fire department for parking and training. Under the current lease nothing can be built on the property. Therefore the Township is currently negotiating with the Port Authority to acquire the property through a land swap with Township owned property next to Drake Loop. This property is needed by the Port Authority for future expansion of the Drake Line to accommodate the larger T cars. The new station is necessary for the fire department to continue to provide the quality of fire protection that the residents and businesses of the Township deserve. Over the years the number of homes in the Township has increased along with businesses growing in both number and size. The number of calls the department responds to have increased from less than 100 calls a year to 364 calls in 2000. The types of calls have changed from mostly brush fires to more complex fires, specialized rescues and hazardous materials. This has made it necessary to increase the fleet of trucks both in number and size. The department has progressed from 1937 when a group of Township residents created the first organized fire department in the Township. In 1939 the department was incorporated as a non-profit corporation, purchased their first fire truck which was housed at a local gas station owned by one of the members. Ten years later (1949) the first fire station was built on Washington Road. A few years later a small addition was built to accommodate more space for trucks. Meetings and training session were held in the garage between the trucks. In 1974 a major renovation and addition to the Washington Road station was completed. This renovation completely changed the exterior look of the building from red brick to white stucco and an addition was built to the rear of the property to provide a meeting room and offices. This met the department’s needs for the next several years. In 1977 a second station was built on Morton Road. This provided faster response to the southern end of the Township and help meet requirements necessary to keep fire insurance rates in the Township at the best possible rate for the residents. In 1990 the department was again out of space! The members began looking at solutions to the problem. Several unique ideas were used during the next several years to create storage and maximize space. The needs of the department continued to require more space. In 2000 the department began a study of several options. All options were evaluated and three possible options were further investigated. A feasibility study was conducted to determine the best option. Construction of a new building and demolition of the current building was the recommendation of the study. Other options were to renovate and add on to the current building or to renovate the current building and build an additional building at the Washington Road site. The new building will have an exterior design to fit in with the current buildings in the Washington Road corridor such as Westminster Church. The building will increase the square footage from the current approximately 5600-sq. ft. to 18,000-sq. ft. The estimated cost of the project is $1.6 million. Funds for the project will come from a State two percent loan, Municipal Bond Bank and donations. A new building fund campaign begins soon to raise funds for the new building. Watch for updates on this project in future issues of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine and on the Township website at www.twpusc.org. If you would like more details or have any questions on this project, please contact the Volunteer Fire Department President Jerry Kopach at 412 835-0660. ■ Winter 2001

Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra Mark Your Calendars! Concert II—Holiday Cheer— Saturday, December 15, 2001

Concert III—Young People’s Concert— Saturday, February 2, 2002

Concert IV—Tick-Tock— Saturday, April 6, 2002

Concert V—The Grand Finale— Saturday, May 11, 2002

USC Theatre 8 p.m. Admission $9 - Seniors $6 Students are admitted free with an adult. For more information, call 412-278-2326.

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Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Recreation and Leisure Services Department Recreation Update Still looking for something to do this winter? It’s not too late to check out some of these exciting programs! Space is limited, so register early! Holiday Centerpiece Design Looking for that special holiday accent? Don’t buy it; make it! Each participant will make a beautiful holiday centerpiece, and the instructor will share tips on how to update your arrangement with different accents to ensure that it will last the entire season. Date: Time: Place: Fee:

Friday, December 7 10 a.m.—12 p.m. Community Center Multi-Purpose Room II $15 (additional $20 materials fee paid to the instructor at the first class)

Witches and Ghosts and Goblins,

Oh My !

Santa Stop Here Ho Ho Ho! Take a break from the holiday rush and re-capture the “Magic” of Christmas. There will be a special performance by magician Dan Kuniak, and a visit from St. Nick who will be stopping at the Municipal Building to hear all the children’s wish lists. A take home photo of each child with Santa is included. Don’t miss this opportunity to make new holiday memories and have some family fun! Space is limited. Date: Time: Place: Fee:

Saturday, December 8 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Community Center Multi-Purpose Room I $12 per person

Thanks a Lot! In this fun and interactive workshop, children will learn when and how to write a thank you note through games, role-play, and an actual letter writing exercise. Give your children the gift of a lifetime—good manners. Open to all ages. Stationery kit included with each registration. Date: Time: Place: Fee:

Saturday, December 1 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Community Center Multi-Purpose Room II $35

Junior Ski Program

There were no tricks at this treat-filled Family Hallow-

een Party sponsored by the Recreation Department on October 19th. The Recreation Center was turned into a haunted hall as families enjoyed some together time celebrating the fall season. The end result of this evening of fun was all the cool pumpkins you saw around your neighborhood this year. Our families hunted through our Recreation Center pumpkin patch searching for that special pumpkin to decorate and take home. Imaginations ran wild, and whether the outcome was scary, silly, artistic or cute each pumpkin was an original creation to be proudly displayed. We ended the evening with a special performance by storyteller Alan Irvine who kept us all on the edge of our seats as he entertained everyone with his haunted ghost stories. Thanks to all of the families that participated, making this evening a ghostly, fun time. Hope you had as much fun as we did! ■

A special thanks goes to Trax Farms for donating the pumpkins for the Halloween Party. These programs are successful because of the kindness and generosity of businesses like Trax Farms. Next time you visit Trax Farm, remember to tell them thanks! 70

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Winter 2001

(Grades 6 – 12) Winter is just around the corner. Have some fun with winter sports by joining us on the Jr. Ski Bus, which travels to Hidden Valley for five consecutive weeks (weather permitting) starting January 5, 2002. Day: Time: Fee:

Saturdays five-weeks 3 p.m. Depart Municipal Building 12 a.m. Return to Municipal Building $200 with own equipment $250 with equipment rental

Fee includes bus transportation, lift ticket, group lesson each week, equipment rental (if applicable) and free skiing. Registrations are accepted in person at the Recreation Department or by mailing registration with appropriate fee to: USC Recreation Department 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Please make checks payable to: USC Recreation For additional information, please call the Recreation Office at: 412-831-9000, extension 256

Official Proclamation Township of Upper St. Clair A Proclamation of the Township of Upper St. Clair, a Home Rule municipality, County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, condemning the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and supporting the rescue and recovery efforts of the brave men and women of the City of Arlington and the City of New York. WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and destroyed four civilian aircraft, crashing two of them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and a third into the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and a fourth in Pennsylvania; and, WHEREAS, The citizens of the Township of Upper St. Clair have witnessed, along with the rest of the Country, the fear, pain and suffering inflicted upon our great Nation by these terrorist attacks; and, WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the citizens of the Township of Upper St. Clair, wish to condemn these attacks and to recognize and support the heroic efforts of the brave men and women providing rescue and recovery services to the thousands of victims of this great national tragedy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Upper St. Clair as follows: THAT, The Board of Commissioners of the Township of Upper St. Clair condemns the terrorist attack on the United States and supports the President of the United States as he works with Congress and his national security team to defend against additional attacks, and to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice; and, THAT, The Board of Commissioners officially conveys the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deepest sympathy for the families of those people perishing in this unforgivable tragedy; and, THAT, The Board of Commissioners formally recognizes and commends the heroic emergency service efforts provided by city personnel and citizens in and about the City of New York and the City of Arlington throughout this tragic disaster; and, THAT, As a show of support and solidarity, the Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the donation of the sum of $5,000 to the relief efforts in the City of New York and the City of Arlington; and, THAT, The Board of Commissioners publicly declares that the thoughts and the prayers of the citizens of the Township of Upper St. Clair are with the victims, their families, the rescue workers, and all Americans in this time of need; and, THAT, The appropriate Township and Municipal officials are hereby authorized to execute the necessary documents, forms and authorizations to implement the directives of this Resolution; and, THAT, This Resolution shall be deemed to be effective upon adoption, and a copy of this resolution may thereby be forwarded to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States of America; the Honorable Arlen Specter and the Honorable Rick Santorum, United States Senators from Pennsylvania; and the Honorable Frank Mascara, United States Representative from Pennsylvania.

ADOPTED this First Day of October 2001. TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Senior Soapbox Timing Timing is all-important. It’s a high priority in the internal combustion engine, in music, in mathematics, in men’s lives. In women’s too, of course, but sometimes we wonder. (“Honey, are you ready yet? We’ll never get a parking spot.”) In the engine, if we have intake, compression, power and exhaust at precisely the right millisecond, we have a smooth purring cat. Upset the timing and we have clatter, bang, howl and squeal like standing on the cat’s tail. King Richard II said (Act V, Scene V, Line 42) “How sour sweet music is, when time is broke, and no proportion kept!” Don’t keep time and be off-key and people will run out plugging up their ears. They might even throw tomatoes at you. Do your math in the proper sequence if you want the highway to be in line with the previously built bridge. Calculations must be in the order of the universal laws governing them. In the right place at the right time. Get it in on time. Time is of the essence. Time waits for no man. Time flies. Time, dark mysterious time. How it affects and controls our lives. Without the right timing in the engine, we couldn’t drive to the mall. Without the precise clock pulses in the computer, we couldn’t send email. Without the rhythmic beat of the band, we certainly would not enjoy half-time activities. And don’t forget the clock-radio timer, the oven timer, the washer and dryer timer, the lamp timer, the thermostat and the myriad other time-dependent devices. Time to finish this up now. Deadline fast approaches. Time to be looking ahead to Spring 2002 issue. Oh, but that’s months away yet. I have plenty of time to diddle around until the last few days and then get frantic. Timing? Ho hum. Time for happy hour. ■

Gold Card

Silver Card

Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, apply now for your Gold Card. See and enjoy drama and musical performances, exciting athletic events, and other activities, courtesy of the Upper St. Clair School District. No credit checks, income information or your mother’s maiden name needed. If you are a resident, 62 years of age or older, just call 412-833-1600, extension 2202, and ask for your Gold Card!

Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, the Recreation and Leisure Services Department offers for your consideration the Silver Card. Holders of this card are entitled to free admittance to the three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities and family swim at the High School pool. Any resident age 62 and retired or age 65 with no restrictions is eligible for the Silver Card Program. Applications are available at the Recreation Department, so stop in and ask for your Silver Card! ■

Call 412-831-9000, extension 296, and ask about joining the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair. Lynn Walcoff, Senior Citizens’ Coordinator, will welcome you! Enjoy weekly lunches at the Recreation Center, very special lunches on holidays and an annual banquet, plus entertainment, activities and day trips.

Senior Citizen Site information and articles have been gathered and written by John Kotzuk.

Blow, blow, thou winter wind. Thou art not so unkind as man’s ingratitude. —Shakespeare 72 72

UPPER UPPER ST. ST. CLAIR CLAIR TODAY TODAY

Winter Winter 2001 2001

The English winter— ending in July, to recommence in August. —Lord Byron 1788-1824

Ray Livingston

A life can be influenced by a raffle ticket despite claims to the contrary. Lately, we have seen some big money winners in the lotteries. “No, I’m not going to quit my job or change my style of living.” Sure, sure. Profound changes can happen from the luck of the draw. When Clark Raymond Livingston was a high school senior, he and a friend split the cost of a raffle ticket and won first prize, which was a flight to Washington, D.C., with an overnight stay. The trip, along with his childhood interest and fascination with airplanes, definitely helped Ray make the decision to enlist in the Air Force when the war came. The raffle ticket was a cog in the scheme of events directing Ray to become a part of the “Dynamite Gang,” the 367th Fighter Group in World War II. Ray was born in a small town called Percy, near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. His mother died when Ray was ten years old. After a period of adjustment, he and his father moved to Hays Boro. His father remarried and it was at his stepmother’s church that Ray met Helen, his teen sweetheart and future wife. Ray graduated from TaylorAllderdice High School in 1938 and, since King Steel reigned over the valley, he went to work at the Homestead Works of U.S. Steel.

He and Helen were making plans but, just as it happened to many others, Uncle Sam interrupted. Ray enlisted in the Air Force in May 1942. Due to the flood of inductees, he was told to go home and wait. He was called up in November and sent to Santa Ana, California, for basic training. From there it was Tulare, California, for flight training, Luke Field, Arizona, where he got his wings and then on to San Diego for P-38 training. He shipped overseas on the Ile de France early in May 1944 and was assigned to the 392nd Squadron of the 367th Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force, based at Stoney Cross, England. “Doctor Livingston, I presume.” These words supposedly were spoken in the heart of Africa about 75 years earlier. They were repeated as a greeting to Ray when he joined the 392nd Squadron and from then on he was known as “Doc Livingston.” He took off on his first mission at 4 a.m.

June 6th, 1944, flying his P-38 “Moonlight Cock-Tail.” Fifty-nine more missions were to follow from Stoney Cross and from bases in France. The 367th Fighter Group compiled impressive statistics in tactical operations against the retreating German forces. Their destruction of aircraft, ammo dumps, highways, railroads and marshalling yards was a big factor in crippling the German Army’s transportation system. Ray and Helen had kept up their correspondence during his time overseas. After his discharge and return home and readjustment to civilian life, they were married in July 1946 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Church, the church where they had first met. One child, daughter Linda, was born. Sadly, it was a short marriage. Helen died in 1952. Three years later, Ray met and married Betty, a widow with two very young sons, William and Robert. Ray was working for Dupont Chemical, and they established their home in Rennerdale. Thirty-eight years later Ray retired, and he and Betty enjoyed a few golden years until Betty passed away in 1996. Out of the dark clouds sometimes a little light can be found. After Betty’s death, stepson Bill and his wife Karen, residents of Upper St. Clair, wanted Ray to move in with them. So now we have “Doc Livingston” a member of the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, member of the Rennerdale Presbyterian Church and member of the 367th Fighter Group Memorial Association. Thank you Ray! We salute you, Captain Livingston. ■

e Winter Winter 2001 2001

UPPER UPPER ST. ST. CLAIR CLAIR TODAY TODAY

73 73

Around The Township

What the Heck Is It?—Circa 1830 Mary Lynne Spazok

search and many “antiquing” day trips. Often, adults and children alike examined an object and asked, “What the heck is it?” So, Kim went to work and inventoried 150 antiques with the help of a computer, lots of periodicals and just plain ole’ chit-chat. You are invited to accept the “What the heck is it?” challenge. (Quirky artifacts are pictured with witty clues.) Participating in this festivity will determine just how clever you are!

25th Anniversary Events of the 1830 Log House Silver Anniversary Sunday, December 2 1:00-3:00 p.m. 1830 Log House on McLaughlin Run Road Dedication of the 1830 Log House Historic Plaque Community Day—May 18, 2002

The Fulton Log House Under the auspices of the National Registrar of Historic Places By the United States Department of the Interior

Mayflower Descendent Betty Lou Jordan (center), with Sophia Gable and Diane Joyce, winner of the Community Day 2001 “Hearts” quilt. In 1977, dedicated residents and the Town-

ship of Upper St. Clair joined together to form the Restoration Committee of the USC 1830 Log House. Celebrate this Silver Anniversary on Sunday, December 2 with President Kim Guzzi, who will welcome guests to the holiday open house. Visitors will experience 25 years of dutiful preservation that exudes the homesteader lifestyle, that is, “tillers of the soil.” The expertise of antique dealer Cathy Swett has enabled the membership to accept appropriate donations for the house and grounds. As needed, purchases such as a Pie Safe and a Nursing Rocker were made after prudent re-

1. Alms for the Poor 2. Jill’s nursery rhyme partner 3. “Off the Cob” 4. Baa, Baa Black Sheep 5. Lay of the Land 6. 1830s “Dirt O’ Matic” Grinders—animal of human? A girl’s lamp When you have succeeded in your quest, Mayflower descendant Betty Lou Jordan will discuss how the Pilgrims set the tradition of a New England Christmas. You will be amazed to learn why their observance was not as we know it today. Children may decorate the holiday evergreen while enjoying refreshments. Guests are welcome from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Happy holidays and best wishes for a prosperous 2002 from the 1830 Log House membership. ■

Check your answers at the 1830 Log House on December 2! 74

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Look to Our Heritage Today, for Our Future Tomorrow EEC Project Development Committee

Have you ever tried to “think outside the box” but avoid the “reinvented wheel”

challenges of those who went before you? When it comes to the Environmental Education Center (EEC) under development for Boyce Mayview Park, the Project Development Committee (PDC) is achieving both goals and to great advantage. There is an enormous body of wisdom in the environmental education arena, so during its strategic planning process the PDC has been doing its homework rather than “reinventing the wheel.” We visited or talked with twenty rebated facilities to learn what does and doesn’t work in facility designs, programming, and in organizational management. Facilities contacted ranged from small independent organizations to National Park Service affiliates, and even some historical museums. The staff at the facilities commended our initiative in learning from others and envied our having the opportunity to do so. They were all very gracious and generous with their insights and information. But how can you be “thinking outside the box” if you are drawing on others’ experience? That boils down to the vision for this EEC being truly “unique.” Most of us learn best when the message is relevant to us, when it relates to our personal experience. With ties to farming, coal mining and the industrial era so fresh and vivid at the EEC site and in the area, we are compelled to apply the accumulated “wisdom of the elders” in a new way that highlights our region’s history more comprehensively than most environmental education centers. Drawing on the heritage of settlement, industrialization, and post-industrial development of the region, the new facility can provide environmental education in the multidisciplinary manner it should receive. The relevance of the environment in studies of math, history, the fine and language arts, as well as the social, physical and natural sciences can be demonstrated vividly in the setting provided. The historical element of this endeavor is so strong that interpretive resources will be incorporated both inside and outside. We anticipate working collaboratively with a variety of businesses and institutions in the development of interpretive displays that will provide a museum quality to the Center, extending it well beyond the “box” of most environmental education sites by expanding the appeal of the facility beyond the usual “nature center” audience. Plan to visit frequently as changing exhibits provide a dynamic review of the local and regional human and natural history that make southwest Pennsylvania so special. With an eye on the past, we hope to promote a future in which individuals and institutes are environmentally conscious in their daily decisions and actions. To inspire positive actions we will showcase products, projects and programs that help meet that goal. The building itself is intended to demonstrate numerous “sustainable design” features and be certified under the Green Building Council’s “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” standards. Some features may be purely informational, but most will reflect a focus on practicality and local relevance. The PDC is currently compiling the Strategic/Business Plan for the EEC’s programs and operations. Please join us at the High School LGI room at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, except December, to hear updates on this exciting project. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. We are profoundly grateful to the staff of all the organizations we visited and surveyed and especially for the commitment of the volunteers on the EEC Project Development Committee. Contact G. Edward Lyness, Community Liaison at 412-221-2607 or Mary Wilson at 412-831-9000, extension 293 to learn more about the EEC project. ■

Visit our website at www.twpusc.org Project Development Committee

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Serving Upper St. Clair Churches and Synagogues Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair 2510 Old Washington Road—412-835-4775

St. David’s Episcopal Church 905 E.McMurray Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-4060

Berean Fellowship Church 300 Rockfield Circle, Scott Township—412-220-4673

St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church 2005 Mohawk Road—412-835-7800

Beth-El Congregation Of South Hills 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168

St. John Capistran Roman Catholic Church 1610 McMillan Road—412-221-5445

Beverly Heights United Presbyterian Church 1207 Washington Road—412-561-5100

St. Louise de Marillac Roman Catholic Church 312 McMurray Road—412-833-1010

Christ United Methodist Church 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6621

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Washington Road—412-531-7153

Faith Lutheran Church of Upper St. Clair Bartley Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-835-4590

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 126 Ft. Couch Road, Bethel Park—412-833-0031

First Church of Christ Scientist 1100 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1125

South Hills Community Baptist Church 2400 Old Washington Road—412-833-1313

Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213

South Hills Interfaith Ministries 1900 Sleepy Hollow Road, South Park—412-854-9120

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-833-3355

South Hills Reformed Presbyterian Church 110 Hays Road—724-941-3480

Hope Lutheran Church 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441

Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road—412-279-7600

Mt. Lebanon Christian Church Cedar Blvd., at Hollycrest Dr.—412-531-8554

The Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-6277

New Day Assembly of God 701 Circle Drive—724-941-1661

Westminister Presbyterian Church 2040 Washington Road—412-835-6630

New Song Church 3755 Library Road, Castle Shannon—412-341-1293 Ruthfred Lutheran Church Patterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park—412-835-7140

Day Care (Children) Alphabet Land Day Care Center 3918 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4011 Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park—412-835-1043 Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-854-4310 Happy Face Day Care Center 3322 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4172 KinderCare Learning Center 1040 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-831-1888 Magic Years 119 Hidden Valley Road, McMurray—724-941-5569 Wesley Child Care 243 Johnston Road, Upper St. Clair—412-831-8333 Westminster Child Care 2040 Washington Road, Upper St. Clair—412-835-9450

Day Care (Adult) Prime Time Adult Care, Inc. 44 Highland Road—412-835-6661 Alzheimer Day Care 44 Highland Road—412-835-5509

Nursery Schools Beth-El Nursery School 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168 Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road—412-854-4310 Little Lambs Of Hope Preschool 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441 Montessori Nursery School 957 Connor Road—412-833-2439 Mushroom Family Nursery 1240 Washington Road—412-531-1225 St. Agatha Montessori Preschool Bridgeville—412-221-4720 St. David’s Episcopal Nursery McMurray and Hays—724-941-4060 St. Louise de Marillac Nursery School 310 McMurrary Road—412-833-4330 St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair—412-531-2644 Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road—412-279-7687 Westminster Nursery School 2040 Washington Road—412-854-2906 YMCA 79 McMurray Road—412-833-5600

If we overlooked your information, or have incorrect information, please write to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email us at brown@twpusc.org. Thank you! 76

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

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REWARD Yourself! Refer a friend, neighbor, or family member who activates new cellular service through O & O Consulting and get a $25 referral fee. See ad on page 6 or call 412-638-3838.

To place your small business or professional ad here, send 35 words or less with a check for $50, made out to the: Township of Upper St. Clair, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

USC C-MITES Awards

Annual Children’s Hospital Luncheon

Three USC students received academic achievement

The Howard Hanna ChowChow Express Luncheon

is November 28, 2001, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Howard Hanna office at 180 Fort Couch Road. Armstrong’s Restaurant provides the menu. A Chinese Auction and Silent Auction will be held. Also a Homes Tour is being planned between 10 a.m. and noon. The luncheon is $5, and the combined tour and luncheon is $20. Senior Citizen’s tour and luncheon is $15. All proceeds are donated to Children’s Hospital. Tickets for the tour and luncheon can be purchased at the office or through an agent. For further information or to make a donation, please call 412-833-3600. ■

Kristina King

awards at Carnegie Mellon University in September. Three thousand qualifying students from the third to sixth grade from 325 schools statewide took the C-MITES (Carnegie Mellon Institute for Talented Elementary Students) test in 2001. Students who scored in the top two to three percent of their grade level received awards. Kristina King, a fourth grader at Baker Elementary, received an award in English. Charles Mitchell, a seventh grader at St. Louise de Marillac, received an award in Reading. Joshua Sperling, who was a student at Streams Elementary last year, but has since moved from USC received an award in Science. ■ Charles Mitchell

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The South Hill Chorale and the USC Connection

The South Hills Chorale

has been entertaining the Pittsburgh and surrounding communities for the past 42 years. The group’s eleven Upper St. Clair residents represent 186 combined years of dedicated volunteer participation. Charter member Carol (Whaley) Steffen is a graduate of USC High School. Please call 412-571-2266 for membership information. For information about the concert and booking engagements, please call 412-429-9501. ■

USC residents are part of the South Hill Chorale’s 80 voices. Front row—Sue Mazur, Arlie Cornelius, Susan Bertenthal, Marion Breiner, Lynne Federle and Carol Steffen. Back row—Jeff Mazur, Doug Cornelius, Jerry Vancko, Bill Zollars and John Elders. Not pictured—Barbara Bettwy Photograph by Rich Stoeckle

presents

A Holiday Celebration Featuring Messa di Gloria by Giacomo Puccini with orchestra and soloists and favorite holiday music at the

Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church Washington and Scott Roads Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and sold at the door. Information—412-429-9501 Website—www.southhillschorale.org

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

Pittsburgh’s Pops Are Tops— An Interview with Marvin Hamlisch, Principal Pops Conductor Cande Day Cande Day: I know your father insisted on your training at Julliard, and was certainly a great influence in your life, but other than him and your mother, who would you say most influenced you, both personally and professionally? Marvin Hamlisch: I would have to say Jule Styne. He was such a good composer. I loved Gypsy. My love of Broadway started with him. And West Side Story—I realized you could entertain and dramatically move people at the same time. You said in your book that you need a title or a lyric to get your juices flowing. Once you do get going, do find yourself wanting to write some of the lyrics yourself? Do you ever hear your own words with your music? I might have a good idea or one sentence, but that’s about it. Minus a title or lyric, what do you draw upon for inspiration? Specific things. Do you ever get the composer’s equivalent of “writer’s block,” and if so, how do you manage it? I don’t go crazy over it. I just quit for the day. I say, “Today is not a good day” and start again tomorrow. People make comments to you about your refreshing sense of humor. It makes you very real to the rest of us—You have a wonderful rapport with your audiences. How does one go from a Maalox breakfast, to appearing so at ease and intimate with the audience on stage? Where did that relaxed stage presence come from? The Maalox thing ended about 20 years ago. I’ve gotten over that problem. My mother had a wonderful sense of humor. And Jerry Lewis. I loved watching Jerry Lewis. How did you conquer the Maalox problem? (Mr. Hamlisch spent the first thirty or so years of his life struggling with a nervous stomach, burning the candle from three ends, which eventually landed him in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer at age 24. He had visions of a “billboard springing up on Sunset Boulevard: Marvin Hamlisch Is A Health Risk.” ) I think it was caused more by playing the serious pieces. I love the Pops. The Pops is my forte. I really respected your integrity when you were working as a rehearsal pianist on The Bell Telephone Hour and told Donald Voorhees you would have to get him a substitute pianist for the High Holidays, and he told you if that was the case, don’t bother coming back. You reminded me of Eric Liddle, the Olympic runner, who refused to run on Sunday. You were very young at the time. Where did that strength of conviction come from at such a young age? Nervousness about my mother! I don’t know if it was conviction. I was afraid she might kill me! You seem to have so much fun with your music and your audiences. Is that pressure to outdo your previous professional successes gone? How do you top three Oscars in one night at age twenty-nine, a Pulitzer Prize and international fame by

age thirty-one, four Emmys, four Grammys, a Tony and three Golden Globes? The pressure is still there. I impose it on myself. It comes from the inside. I’m quoting from your autobiography. “ To someone young and impetuous, personal happiness was equated with success. To become a celebrity was equated with success. To become a celebrity was to become ipso facto happy, and it started becoming clear to me what I was missing. I was lonely. Three Oscars under your arm, you come home and empty the cat litter.” How would you define success today? It’s a combo platter. Number one would be a happy home. Some people have children. For me it’s my songs. I want people to get pleasure from them.Those two criteria equal success for me. You have met countless interesting and impressive people. Whom would you say impressed you the most? Oh, there are so many. I don’t think I can narrow it down to one person. Certainly the Dalai Lama. And Bobby Kennedy. Can you tell me what your funniest experience on stage has been? Actually, it was more strange than funny. One of the places I most wanted to play was Wolf Trap, (the famous outdoor theatre near Washington, D.C.) I had a contract to play there with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. [To make a long story short, he thought they would provide the first half of the evening, and he would appear with them after intermission. It seems someone had failed to tell them.] During the first half, as scheduled, the Fairfax Symphony performed. Then, as if I had the plague, all the musicians scampered from their chairs, leaving an empty stage and a lonely piano. And so a lonely Marvin Hamlisch gave a solo performance that lasted over an hour. I was amused to see in one of the Washington papers the next morning a perceptive music critic who wrote something like this: Mr. Hamlisch and the symphony orchestra were both in fine form. One would hope that some day soon they might be able to perform together. If you had to do it all over again, is there anything you would have done differently?

(Hamlisch’s first pop song—In less than two months it shot to number four on the charts. “…when the song was played on the radio, the disc jockey would say: ‘And here comes Lesley Gore’s big hit….’ But, like Adlai Stevenson, I could have waited until hell freezes over before I’d hear him say: ‘And the music was written by Marvin Hamlisch.’”) You’ve been inspired by political issues before, most notably the Jean Seberg story, and you said in your autobiography, “I learned from Leonard Bernstein that music must reach out to the political issues of our times. I think I am correct in saying that he felt any composer who failed to do this was not living up to the true spirit of the gift he had been given.” In light of the recent tragedies in New York and at the Pentagon, do you think you might feel inspired to address this somehow in your work? I think this is a time when people can use music emotionally—to get into the music and get away from the CNN’s. I think it’s therapeutic. I didn’t get a chance to ask him about the new project he’s working on, but look forward to Sweet Smell of Success, a collaboration with Craig Carnelia, to open this December in Chicago, and March 14, 2002, on Broadway. He prefers to call his autobiography a “collection of recollections.” The Way I Was is out of print, but if you can find it at the library, Curtain Call or over the Internet, it makes for very interesting reading. He reveals in it that he becomes a very different person when he’s hungry. I don’t think Mr. Hamlisch had eaten much this day…. *Note: The Pops kicked off the new season with Broadway Bound. I was at the October 7th performance, the day the United States commenced military attacks on terrorism in Afghanistan. Although it was not planned as part of the show, it ended with a moving performance written by another Broadway great, Irving Berlin’s God Bless America. The audience stood and sang with the orchestra. I had the privilege of sitting in the front row, and as Mr. Hamlisch exited, I happened to see him subtlety kiss his hand and touch the American flag in its stand at the left of the stage. ■

No. I live a pretty grounded life. I can only do what I did. How was Pittsburgh ever lucky enough to get you? It was Gideon Toeplitz. And the orchestra. I love the Pittsburgh Orchestra. What do you like about Pittsburgh? It’s a small big town. What goes through your head when you hear, Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows on the radio? It reminds me of those early days. It was the shortest big hit ever written. Winter 2001

PNC Pittsburgh Symphony Pops 2001-2002 Season Schedule: Broadway Bound with Marvin Hamlisch— October 4–7 Swing Time—November 15–18 Holiday Pops—December 20–23 People’s Choice with Marvin Hamlisch— January 31–February 3 Celtic Celebration—March 14–17 An Evening with Michael Feinstein—April 18–21 Marvin’s Wild, Wild, West—May 16–19 To subscribe, call 412-392-4900 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Great Gift Books Upper St. Clair Images of America By Larry Godwin (and several members of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair) Upper St. Clair Images of America is a pictorial history of Upper St. Clair with more than 200 photographs and captions from albums and files of present and former residents. To purchase Upper St. Clair Images of America, please call the Historical Society at 412-833-2323 or visit your local bookstore. The book is $19.99 and is perfect for gift giving!

Wildflowers of Pennsylvania By Phyllis Monk and Mary Joy Haywood The Botanical Society of Western Pennsylvania (BSWP) publishes this beautiful color photograph guidebook of Wildflowers of Pennsylvania. Co-author Phyllis Monk, a USC resident for over 23 years, is married to Bill, and they have two sons, five grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Her interest in wildflowers began as a child in Wisconsin where her mother and Phyllis would stroll in the woods and her mother would talk about the names of the plants, trees and birds. Phyllis would sketch and paint the wildflowers. Phyllis graduated from the University of Michigan in 1950 with a degree in Biology and from the University of Pittsburgh in 1964 with a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. She taught biology and chemistry at South Park and Mt. Lebanon High Schools. She joined the BSWP in 1969 and serves as vice president of the Society. Phyllis and Bill love to travel and to photograph wildflowers around the world. She presents slide shows to clubs and organizations throughout the South Hills. Phyllis, also a member of the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship, states, “We have a treasure in the Boyce Mayview property and also in Ravine Park where many beautiful native plants grow. I was delighted to find several Blue-eyed Mary plants and a large population of Dwarf Larkspur in Ravine Park.” Everyone loves the beautiful photographs in this book. Some of the wildflowers were photographed in Upper St. Clair! Wildflowers of Pennsylvania is available at Borders Bookstore for $20 plus tax. Our Library also has two copies if you need to look up a photo of Blue-eyed Mary plants and Dwarf Larkspur!

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

The Chief—Art Rooney and his Pittsburgh Steelers By Jim O’Brien When Jim O’Brien, 22-year resident of USC and sports author, was researching his book about Art Rooney, the founder and patriarch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he traveled to distant places in search of stories. Jim went to Tampa during Super Bowl Week to talk to some of the old timers in the National Football League and, later, to West Palm Beach to visit with several of Art Rooney’s sons. But Jim found his best source almost in his backyard! Art Rooney, Jr., the second oldest of the five sons, works in an office in Upper St. Clair. Art Rooney, Jr., was in charge of the scouting and player personnel department during the Steelers’ great successful run in the 70s and was given much credit for the club’s four Super Bowl victories. The hallway leading to Art’s office has many framed paintings and sketches of his father. The office also contains photos and memorabilia of Lynn Swann, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris and Mike Webster, who were all drafted under his watch. Art also has about 16 journals in which he has handwritten many of his father’s stories. Art, and many others, shared their stories of “The Chief” with Jim. Another source for the stories is Myron Cope, who also lived in USC! The Chief is Jim’s 11th book in 11 years, his 13th book about Pittsburgh and his 16th book altogether. The Chief—Art Rooney and his Pittsburgh Steelers is available at local bookstores for $28.95.

Read Any Good ebooks? Do you like to read at night, cuddled up on the

couch or in bed? Don’t you hate having that bright lamp glaring in your face as well as in your sleeping spouse’s face? Have you tried an ebook (electronic book)? An ebook is a battery-operated reading device available at stores like Best Buy for $200 to $600 or you can check one out at our Upper St. Clair Library for a week. The Library has three ebooks (A, B and C). The ebook C is the larger version which is about the size of a hardback book but lighter in weight and includes the last week’s and the next week’s issue of Newsweek, along with six novels and a user’s guide. It feels like a regular book when holding it. The backlit five by six inch touch screen has controls to adjust the font size, the brightness and contrast of the screen and text. The Library downloads the books from an Internetbased ebook network. From the Bookshelf directory on the touch sensitive screen, features are accessed with your finger or the ebook stylus. Pages turn at the slight press of a side bar. Other features include: bookmarks, highlighting, search, and even notes can be written on the edges! This type of book is great for those of us who need good lighting and larger fonts! The ebooks are not suggested for beach reading (salt and sand are not healthy for electronic books!)

For nighttime, poor lighting and in the car reading, the ebook is wonderful with the constant backlight. Also ebooks are clean—no old book dust! Click on ebooks at the Library website twpusc.org for more information. Look at the Reader Resources on the ebook page. ■

Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC’s Dylan Reese Forging Name in Hockey World Dylan Reese is a junior at Upper St. Clair High School. It could have

been different. Dylan could have been attending high school in Sioux City, Iowa, this year—far from family and friends. Dylan plays ice hockey. In fact, Dylan is considered one of the best defensemen in the United States in his age group. He has received offers to play for top-level amateur teams around the country. Until recently, none of those offers came from the Pittsburgh area because Pittsburgh did not have a top-level amateur team. So Dylan was ready to play this season for Sioux City of the United States Hockey League (USHL). All that has changed. Thanks to former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Kevin Constantine, Dylan is staying home. Dylan is playing for the Pittsburgh Forge, a new team in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The Forge franchise was acquired last spring by Island Sports Center, a sports complex on Neville Island. Kevin Constantine, the president of Island Sports Center, is the general manager of the Forge. Upper St. Clair still has Dylan, and Pittsburgh has a new and exciting hockey team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have given Pittsburgh a powerful presence in the world of professional hockey for many years. Until the last several years, however, this region was never viewed as a source of talented young players. Suddenly, young Pittsburgh players are being selected to some very elite teams around the country, and college and professional scouts are starting to keep an eye on southwestern Pennsylvania. Dylan’s story reflects this rising strength of the region’s youth hockey programs. According to Dylan’s father, Barry, the story began when a six-year-old neighbor proved to be noticeably better on roller skates than six-year-old Dylan. “These were the old-fashioned, clamp-on roller skates,” says Barry. “This little girl was skating circles around Dylan, and he didn’t like it.” So Dylan began to practice his rollerskating. “My dad was great,” says Dylan. “He’d sing the Penguins’ music as I’d burst through the door into our garage and skate around in circles.” Once he mastered roller skates Dylan told his dad he wanted to play hockey. “Many kids who play hockey learn to skate by playing hockey,” recalls Barry.

l derunners in Bethe ti now teaches at Bla ti says, “Dylan is an det ne Be s. wi Le t an Benedet and Gr Barbara Benedetti sons. About Dylan, passionate about Dylan Reese (left), Dylan and Grant continue to take les st importantly he is mo t bu y, rs, cke yea ho e of nin l.” out the game Park. After who is passionate ab t must be done to be highly successfu intense competitor the hard work tha

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2001

“That didn’t make sense to me. I wanted Dylan to learn to skate first. I told Dylan he could play hockey when he could skate well enough to skate backward.” So, at the age of eight, Dylan signed up for skating lessons with Upper St. Clair’s Barbara Benedetti, who then was teaching at a small rink in Bridgeville. Dylan’s best friend, Grant Lewis, had begun taking lessons from Benedetti and urged Dylan to join him. “My mom drove us to those lessons week after week,” Dylan recalls. “Grant and I hated it at first. I don’t think my mom liked it much, either, but she put up with our complaining and made me continue. Now, she realizes that hockey has had a very positive influence on my development as a person as well as a player. Mom has become a big fan of hockey.” Dylan’s early lessons with Benedetti were the beginning of a powerful teacher/ student relationship that continues to this day. Within a year, Dylan was skating backward. At age nine, a little older than most beginners, Dylan started playing hockey. At first, he played as a forward. After only two years he was selected by the Mt. Lebanon Hornets to play travel hockey. In the last game of his first year of travel hockey, one of the Hornet defensemen was sick and could not play. The game was against powerful Little Caesars of Detroit. Coach Mike Magulic asked Dylan to play defense because Dylan could skate backwards better than the other forwards. The Hornets won the game, and Dylan’s defensive performance was instrumental in the victory. Although the switch to defense was intended for only one game, Dylan never again played forward. He loved playing defense and thrived in that position. In 1998, the Hornets became independent of the Mt. Lebanon Hockey Association and moved to the newly-opened Island Sports Center. (See Island Sports Center on page 86.) By then, though he was only 14, Dylan was playing at the “Midget Major” level, in which players can be as old as 18. Coached by Joe Gaul, the Hornets Midget Major team has earned a reputation throughout the country as a very good team.

Dylan played for the Hornets last year, and certainly could have played for them again this year. About a year ago, however, it became clear that Dylan was ready for even tougher competition. In the summer of 2000 Dylan was invited to play on the U.S. National Under-17 Team in an international tournament in Czech Republic. For the summer of 2001, he was invited to play on the U.S. National Under-18 Team in an international tournament in Germany. The U.S. teams won both tournaments. “As good as the Hornets are, and as good as the competition is at the AAA Midget Major level,” reports Hornets coach Joe Gaul, “Dylan was ready for a higher level of hockey. To continue to develop, an elite player like Dylan has to play at the highest possible level. It became clear to all of us that Dylan was ready for Junior A hockey.” (See Junior A Hockey on page 86.) At about the same time, Kevin Constantine was settling into his new position at Island Sports Center. “Pittsburgh has some very talented young players,” says Kevin. “One of the first things I learned was that the best of them were leaving Pittsburgh to continue their development. One of our goals at Island Sports Center is to make Pittsburgh a recognized source of talented players. We could give these kids good, competitive hockey through the Midget level, but not beyond that. Bringing a Junior A team to town made perfect sense for Island Sports Center and for Pittsburgh in general. Junior A hockey is fast and exciting. In some cities that don’t have professional hockey teams, Junior A hockey games regularly draw 5,000 or more fans.” By the time it became clear that Pittsburgh would have a Junior A team, however, Dylan had already decided to play for Sioux City, Iowa, of the USHL. “Once I’d made it past the mental hurdle of leaving home, I was ready to go,” says Dylan. “At first, I didn’t really want to change that decision. Plus, Sioux City is a very good team with a good record. The Forge was a new team with a new coach and no record. It was probably my mom, though, who convinced me to stay.”

Dylan Reese with staff of the Pittsburgh Forge. From left to right: Chris Imes (head coach), (assistant coach), Dylan Rees John Becanic e, Kevin Constantine (general manager of the Forge and CEO of Island Sports Cen ter).

“I wanted him to stay home through high school,” says Marcie Reese, “and I think Dylan felt the same way. I told him that the Forge didn’t have to be the best team—just a good team. Then he could stay in Pittsburgh and continue to develop as a player.” “It was clearly the right decision,” says Dylan. “Kevin Constantine is considered one of the best hockey minds in the world. Chris Imes is a very good coach. The Forge is a great team with some very talented players. For me, I’m in the best possible place.” (See Pittsburgh Forge on page 86.) Dylan gives much of the credit for his success in hockey to those who have supported him and trained him. “Obviously, my mom and my dad have given me incredible support. Next, I’d have to give credit to Barb Benedetti. I pride myself on my skating, and she is 100 percent responsible for the way I skate. My best friend, Grant Lewis, has given me tons of support and encouragement [Grant also is a junior at USC High School]. He’s also a very good hockey player. The next time an article about hockey appears in this magazine it may well be about Grant. Joe Gaul and Mike Magulic were great coaches who taught me a lot about the game and about being a good person. Jeremy Hoy, the strength and conditioning coach at Island Sports

Center, has really helped me become physically stronger over the past couple of years. And, of course, I’ve already learned so much from Kevin and Chris that I know they will continue to play a big part in my development.” Does Dylan dream of making the NHL? “Sure,” he admits, “but I have to take things one step at a time. First, I want to do my best to help make the Forge a winning team. Then, I hope to earn a scholarship to a Division I college team. After that, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Winter 2001

Continued on page 86

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Elects Leaders

A Toast To Life A Toast To Life Celebration was a wonderful evening raising $45,000 for the patients and families of Family Hospice and Palliative Care. The event was held in September at St. Clair Country Club. Some of the USC residents attending were Don and Lois Guinn, Patricia and Jim Lynn, and Barbara and Mike Giglotti.

Upper St. Clair is well represented in the League of Women Voters. LWVGP elected Cathy Trainor Public Relations Director and Trudy Rose continues to serve as a board member. The League encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, please email lwvgp@pgh.net or call 412-261-4284.

For more information about Family Hospice and Palliative Care, please call 412-572-8800.

Fun-Fund Raising Events For eighteen years Bill Corace’s Secon has had a blast

raising awareness and money for some of the areas charities. Secon’s first event, in 1983, was a simple appreciation dinner held for the tenants at Summerfield Commons Office Park. A few hundred people attended it. Each year more buildings were built and more tenants, as well as more regional and Township officials and subcontractors, were invited to the parties. Entertainment was introduced in the forms of hot air balloons, carriage rides, strolling magicians, caricature artists, balloon artists, jugglers, petting zoos and a train ride for children. Fund raising for charities began and money is raised by Dunk the Landlord, Monte Carlo night, Chinese Auction, and Canned Food night (tenants traded canned foods for options at prizes).

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Winter 2001

Each year Secon raises around $1800 to $2500 for charities such as Reading is Fundamental, Community Food Bank, Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter, Bethlehem Haven and this year, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (United Way Contributor’s Choice 216). Many local businesses have contributed prizes for these charities. The event is now held at Abele Business Park. The party has grown to over 850 attendees, including tenants from all three Secon parks—Abele, Summerfield and MeadowPointe Office Park. Also invited are South Fayette, Upper St. Clair, and Robinson Township Officials; Representative Pippy’s office, and many local business owners. Secon president Bill Corace thanks everyone involved. Secon’s 18th Annual Tenant Appreciation Dinner raised approximately $2500 for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. ■

Girl Scouts Honor USC Women Roseanne Stevens, Millie Hutchison, Terry Wehan and Donna Ocondo received the Girl Scouts of Southwest-

ern Pennsylvania’s esteemed Appreciation Pins, and Karen Perry received the Star Award. Roseanne has been a registered GSSWPA adult member for longer than ten years. She has had many roles including: troop leader, coach, special events, and Day Camp Registrar and campsite manager. She received the Outstanding Volunteer Award in 1999. Millie has been a registered adult member for longer than 17 years. She has had many roles including: helping with day camp, service unit manager, coach, troop leader and registrar. She has previously been honored with such awards as the Green Angel Award in 1993, Outstanding Volunteer Award in 1997 and Star Award in 1997. Terry has been a registered adult member for more than seven years. She is an active leader in the USC community, providing programming in an age-progressive manner. She has served as treasurer for both the community and day camp. Terry has advised troops about their finances, completed and maintained records as well as financial reports. She was honored with the Green Angel Award in 1997.

USC Youth Soccer

Donna has been a registered adult member for five years. She has served as the site manager for the USC day camp for the past three years maintaining an efficiently operated site. She worked with South Park administrators to ensure quick resolution of problems. Donna also is a troop leader, a past service team coach and special event volunteer for the mother/daughter camping weekend. She was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Award in 1999. Karen has been a registered adult member for longer than 13 years. She has served Girl Scouting in a variety of roles: troop leader, troop organizer, troop consultant, day camp, coach and recruiter for St. Thomas More School and Green Circle program administrator. She was honored with the Appreciation Pin in 1997. ■ For more information about Girl Scouts, please call 1-800-248-3355, extension 2202 or visit the website at www.girlscouts-wpa.org.

Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company Jean Gedeon,

Artistic Director

Gift Certificates Available Four USC youths—Scott Dillie, Mitchell Minerd, Andy

Machi and Mario Loffreda-Mancinelli—are making a mark in youth soccer. As members of the Beadling U14 boys’ team, they placed first in the recent Pennsylvania West State competition and second place in the Region I competition. Beadling finished a close second to Potomac, Maryland, who went on to capture the National title. Beadling is currently ranked ninth in the nation. These four boys have played together for five years, beginning on the highly successful USC travel team. The boys recently played soccer in France and Germany and look forward to playing in the Sun Bowl in Ft. Lauderdale in February. ■

UPPER ST. CLAIR THEATRE Thursday, Dec. 6 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 - 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 - 2:00 p.m.

Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company 1033 Paxton Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102

(412) 835-1335 • (412) 835-1250 www.pybco.com Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Profiles Tim Federle,

Diane Ring has joined MARC USA/

Pittsburgh as Vice President, Group Media Director. Diane is responsible for the strategic development and process orientation of media planning for all of MARC USA/Pittsburgh’s clients. She is also responsible for integrating media planning into MARC’s core excellence initiatives.

USC’s George Charles Mitchell, Ph.D. has been selected again to be in-

cluded in Marquis Who’s Who in America and in Who’s Who in the World for the year 2002. Congratulations George!

21 and a 1998 graduate of USCHS, debuted in New York last year in the Christmas Spectacular with the famous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Tim traveled with another chorus line during the summer in the Broadway hit A Chorus Line. Two years ago, he traveled with Fiddler on the Roof. Tim had early training at the Center for Theater Arts and with Buddy Thompson at the CLO Academy and Ron Tassone at Point Park College. After graduation from high school, Tim headed for New York City. The singerdancer has worked ever since. He is the son of Lynn and Mike Federle.

USC’s Dylan Reese Forging Name in Hockey World Continued from page 83

Island Sports Center

The Pittsburgh Forge In early 2001, Island Sports Center acquired a North American Hockey League franchise and named the team the Pittsburgh Forge. Former Penguins head coach Kevin Constantine is the general manager and Chris Imes, former All-American defenseman for the University of Maine, is the head coach. In the spring and summer of 2001, the Forge held tryouts that drew over 250 players from throughout the United States and abroad. The Forge began its season in September with a roster of 25 players that included nine players from the Pittsburgh area. The other players come from throughout the United States, with two coming from faroff Alaska. In addition to Dylan Reese, players from the South Hills are Chris Wey from Mt. Lebanon and Denny Kirstein from Bethel Park. The team plays 26 home games at Island Sports Center from September through March. Eleven teams play in the NAHL, including teams from Dallas, Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland. The schedule and other team information can be found at www.pittsburghforge.com. 86

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Tickets can be purchased at 412-269-4478. Seating is limited to 950 seats, with standing room for an additional 150 fans. ■

Junior A Hockey What is Junior A hockey? Most people acquainted with amateur hockey agree that the highest level of amateur hockey in the United States is at the college level, at schools known as “Division I” schools, such as Harvard, Maine, Boston College, Michigan, North Dakota and others. To maintain eligibility to play on one of these college teams, a player cannot play professional hockey. When a talented player is too good or too old to play at the Midget level (the highest and oldest level offered by most amateur hockey associations), but too young or otherwise not ready to play at the college level, Junior hockey fills the gap. Junior hockey is amateur hockey, so players maintain their college eligibility. Junior players can be as old as 21. The highest level of Junior hockey is “Junior A.” Thus, outside of Division I Colleges, Junior A offers the highest level of amateur hockey in the United States. ■

Winter 2001

Island Sports Center is a 32-acre sports complex situated on the northwest tip of Neville Island. It is two minutes from the Neville Island exit off Interstate 79. It is 15 minutes from Bridgeville. Island Sports Center has indoor facilities for ice hockey, golf, figure skating, recreational ice-skating, roller hockey, dek hockey, soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball and basketball. It also has a fitness center, batting cages, a miniature golf course and a full service restaurant (Pete’s Island Grille) that offers views of the main ice rink as well as the Ohio River. Kevin Constantine, former head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is the president. Dave Hanson, former Detroit Red Wing and co-star with Paul Newman in the hockey cult classic Slap Shot, is the general manager. For more information, call 412-262-3335 or visit the website at www.iscenter.com. ■

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Winter 2001

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

E 87

Boyce Road Gardeners Celebrate 25th Anniversary! Not only did the Boyce Road Gardeners enjoy their Annual Fair August

25th, they enjoyed their 25th anniversary as well! After the judging of vegetables and flowers, the gardeners ate the traditional grilled hot dogs and shared a special anniversary cake. If you respect wildlife and enjoy gardening without chemicals, join the Boyce Road Gardeners for fun and recreation. There is no better way to get fresh air and exercise and it is a wonderful experience for the children, too! Join this active group. Gardens are located at the entrance to Boyce Mayview Park off Boyce Road. For more information or to register for a 2002 garden plot, call Phyllis Kender, Registrar, at 412-221-3118. Plots rent for $10, and membership is $5. â&#x2013;

Murray Hoover serves hotdogs.

Front row: Hester Joseph (25 years gardening), Mel and Nancy Koehler (25 years) Back row: Loren Schoenholtz, Vice President (15 years), King and Dottie Fleek (15 years), Dolly Hoover, President (20 years), Betty Stearns (20 years), Lavisa and Bill Ward (15 years)

Great Harvest! 88

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Winter 2001

Loren Schoenholdz

Surround yourself with good people

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Large stone frame Contemporary on 2+ acres. Familyroom, 2 dens with fireplace, 5 bedrooms, 3+2 baths, 3 car garage, 2 patios. CODE# 322477 Peg Fitzgerald 412-831-5555 $325,000

Value with elegance, 2 story 9 room Tudor on lovely private lot. Custom built 4 BR, 2.5 BA, den, FR, dynamite kit, screened porch. CODE# 327827 Ruth Peterson 412-831-5555 $289,900

Spacious 4 BR, 2.5 BA colonial, large oak kitchen, 1st floor laundry, enclosed sunroom, walkout finished gamerm, gorgeous treed lot. CODE# 305357 Tade Bua-Bell 412-343-7711 $274,900

Center hall two story colonial. First floor den/home office with fireplace, familyroom fireplace, redone exterior, lush landscaping. CODE# 327537 Suzanne Sala 412-831-5555 $259,900

This Brookside Farms home abounds with charm and style! Some of its many features include 4 BR, 1st floor FR and den, great deck! CODE# 084217 Michelle Bonnar 412-833-5405 $269,900

Great 4 BR, 2.5 BA Colonial, FR fireplace, GR walkout lower level, many updates, neutral decor, beautiful covered porch. CODE# 317267 Sydnie Jones 412-833-8000 $234,900

All brick split with gorgeous setting, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, familyroom fireplace, gameroom, beautiful kitchen, patio, perfect! CODE# 084647 Jane Washil 412-833-5405 $172,900

Picturesque Colonial, familyroom fireplace and built-in bookcases, 4 BR, 2.5 BA, hardwood floors, covered patio, on cul de sac. CODE# 317467 Sue Kelso 412-833-8000 $157,900

So affordable! This 3 bedroom split has it all, including a large 1st floor familyroom with fireplace nestled on a lovely yard. CODE# 082937 Pat LaRosa 412-833-5405 $139,900

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