SPRING 2003 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

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Westminster Manor’s stately Georgian colonial w/ governors drv, 4 BR 2+2 BA, FR, den, GR, 3 fplc, amenities abound! Sara Redinger 412-833-5405 $799,900

Better than new! Outstanding 5-6 BR, 4,800 sq ft residence, 2 sty GR, designer kitchen, add’l 1,800 sq ft lower level! Genie Gooding 412-833-8000 $709,000

Unique Contepmorary with walls of glass, new everything! Gourmet kit, 5 BR, 4 BA, FR, den, GR, multi-level deck, roof garden! Amy Dias 412-833-5405 $649,000

New constr, hand crafted design, open foyer, cherry kit w/ granite counters, den built-ins, 9’ ceilings on 1st floor. Bonnie Loya 412-831-5555 $474,900

Quality, elegant 4 BR, 3.5 BA New England home. Grand LR w/ beams & cathedral ceiling, cherry kit, 3 season encl porch Helen Moore 412-833-5405 $394,900

6 yr young colonial, 4 BR, 2+2 BA, FR, walk-out GR, island kit, 1st fl. laundry, deck, great view! Linda Cobb 412-833-5405 $359,900

Charming center hall colonial, FR + GR, 4 BR, 2.5 BA, 2 fireplaces, lush landscaping on fantastic parklike yard! Jim Walsh 412-833-5405 $299,900

Spacious colonial on a beautiful lot! Great curb appeal, 4 BR, 2.5 BA, FR fplc, wrap around deck! Kathy Enick 412-833-8000 $247,900

Outstanding contemporary, 4 BR, 3 BA, Fr, den, GR, large kitchen, 2 fireplaces, sliders to patio! Judy Hlister 412-833-5405 $224,900

Cul de sac location, lovely 2 story colonial, ceramic tile entry, family room, den, gameroom, 5 BR, 2.5 BA, 2 patios! Maria & Joe Lane 412-833-8000 $219,900

Sensational multi-level, updated oak kit & all baths, stepdown family room w/fireplace & built-ins, den, gameroom wet bar. Bonnie Loya 412-831-5555 $209,900

Light & bright split entry, 3 BR, 2 full BA, family room , fireplace, large deck beautiful backyard! Edith Gidwani 412-833-8000 $149,000

Brick ranch on double lot! 3BR, 2 BA, family room , den, fenced back yard, security system. Angela Mize 412-833-8000 $109,900

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1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

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Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

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Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

• Volume 9

•

Issue 1

Features and Around the Township 10

QUEST for Lifelong Learning Dina Fulmer suggests Lifelong Learning in Upper St. Clair.

A Team Effort Brings the Easter Bunny The Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary and the Recreation and Leisure Services plan an egg hunt.

Waiguoren at the Peking Opera Laura Palmer writes about her China experience.

The Medallion Ball 2002 Congratulations to the twenty-two Upper St. Clair honorees!

School District 28

The International Baccalaureate Program USC School District offers a global program for students K-12.

What They Think About the Construction Fourth level students evaluate the elementary schools construction project.

Las Vegas—A Traveled Education in Basketball Jim Render reports on the USCHS boys’ basketball trip out West.

Paw Prints—Keeping You Informed PTA Council presents highlights on our schools.

The Boyce Experience You get out what you put in—and that’s a lot at Boyce.

Township 58

Budget Highlights

22 52

The Director of Finance discusses taxes and revenues.

Recreation and Leisure Services The Easter Bunny is coming and so is Community Day!

Hot Books for Cold Nights The Library has an adult reading program going on now.

Ward Redistricting within the Township Boundary lines have been revised in four wards.

Cover 20

Featured on the cover of this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine are Sandy and Marshall Goldstein, The Gold Team at Keller Williams Realty. Cover photo by Dianne Adrian.

Spring 2003

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

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

The thirty-third 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

and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here.

School Board Directors

Township Board of Commissioners

Mark G. Trombetta, M.D., President David E. Bluey, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Albert E. Ferrara, Jr. Dina J. Fulmer Jeffrey W. Joyce Clark R. Nicklas Angela B. Petersen William M. Sulkowski, D.M.D.

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 Ernest T. Harris, At Large

Paul K. Fox, Managing Editor Linda M. Dudzinski, Associate Editor/ School District Liaison Suzanne G. Vernon, Township Associate Editor Advisory Committee Thomas A. Labanc, School District Representative Dina J. Fulmer, School Board Director Mark Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District and community magazine.

August Stache, Township Director of Finance

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.

Vince Yevins, Accounts Staff Nancy Barnard, photographer Cande Day, artist and volunteer writer Lynn Dempsey, advertising Susan Depe, advertising Sandy Goldstein, volunteer John Kotzuk, Senior Site and volunteer writer Dawn McQuillen, administrative assistant Jim Meston, volunteer writer Mary Etta Nader, advertising Jim Render, writer A special thanks to Cindy Kane for her assistance and contributions to the magazine. The thirty-third issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 School District: 412-833-1600 Fax: 412-851-2592 Township: 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-854-0773

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and 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 the Summer issue and will be published in May 2003. 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: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. For Article, Advertising and Subscription Information call:

412-833-1600, extension 2284 or fax 412-851-2592 Also see:

www.twpusc.org link on “magazine”

We, the following staff members, will complete our services to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, as of this 2003 Spring issue. Each of us enjoyed the privilege of working for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. We appreciated the opportunity to contribute our time, talents and efforts in promoting our Township and School District. It has been our pleasure working with the many fine people involved in running our schools, managing our community and living in Upper St. Clair.

Printed by Pentagon Printing Corporation 18 West Steuben Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-922-0422 • Fax: 412-922-2922 6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Cande Day, Graphic Design Artist Suzanne Vernon, Assistant Township Editor Dawn McQuillen, Administrative Assistant Susan Depe, Advertising Representative Mary Etta Nader, Advertising Representative Harla Brown, Editor-in-Chief We wish continued growth and success to the new staff.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

HOW

WELL DOES YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

KEEP ITS PROMISES? You gave a ring as a symbol of your promise to love and protect. But how well will your homeowners policy help protect your fine jewelry? Most homeowners policies provide only a limited amount of coverage for jewelry. For broader coverage, we recommend an All-Risk valuable articles policy from Chubb to complement your homeowners insurance. Chubb’s expertise has made it a leading insurer of fine jewelry. No wonder we think it’s worth its weight in gold. To help protect your fine jewelry, call us for information about Chubb insurance.

ALCORN CHRISTIE INSURANCE AGENCY 733 Washington Road, Suite 206 Pittsburgh, PA 15228 Mark D. Christie at 412-563-7828

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C O V E R A G E B E YO N D YO U R E X P E C TAT I O N S Chubb refers to the insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued. Chubb, Box 1615, Warren, NJ 07061-1615.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

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

Douglas A. Watkins

Dr. William A. Pope

Dear Residents, Welcome to the 33rd edition of our community magazine UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Change is in the air, as evident in the changing season and throughout our schools and Township services. Like the introduction of spring, we anticipate new growth and direction with the appointment of a new School District Superintendent (page 52), adoption of a revised School District Strategic Plan (page 52) and additional updates on the elementary construction project (page 30). The Recreation and Leisure Services Department is gearing up for the Easter Bunny and planning for Community Day in May (page 62). The Township Library has Hot Books for Cold Nights (page 65). In addition, a review and re-organization of the magazine staff is underway. We are seeking qualified candidates to help sell advertising and other staff positions. As always, we continue to encourage residents to participate in this forum by volunteering their time and talents in new article and photography submissions. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hear from you!

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 Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

QUEST for Lifelong Learning Dina Fulmer Looking for an interesting activity in Upper St. Clair? Wishing you could

go back to college without making the trek into Oakland? Tired of the offerings of Community College? Want to meet people who share your interests? Read on! Your quest can probably be satisfied by enrolling in the QUEST for Lifelong Learning at Upper St. Clair, now beginning its fourth session and offering courses to tempt the hidden scholars in the Township—our non-credit College in the Neighborhood. Similar to the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Carnegie Mellon University and the Center for Lifetime Learning at the University of Pittsburgh, QUEST began as the brainchild of three Upper St. Clair women: JoAnn Spiegel and Kay Atman,

Karla Boos, Quantum Theatre producing director, and some members of the Pinter workshop attending a play on the Southside.

instructors at CMU and Pitt, respectively, and Catherine Luke, then Deputy Superintendent of the USC School District. The Community Foundation of USC provided seed money for the project in 2001, and over 100 community volunteers responded for the first organizing committee meetings. A dedicated team of people now forms the planning nucleus. Rick Purnell, convener, represents the Community Foundation, John Small produces brochures, Margy Mullins develops the curriculum, and Cary Peterson is the registrar. Teaching assistants include John Fussell, Ed Hanraty, Bob Kenny and Mary Ann Rahn. Nancy Uhler, USC High School Library, Donna Faccenda and Bob Obrosky, USC School District, and Julie Shriver, Township Recreation Department, provide logistic support. The first QUEST session was held in the fall of 2001. During the first three sessions, 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Norman Robertson, third from left, front row, with his class attending “The U.S. Economy, What Lies Ahead.”

309 residents participated in 17 separate courses, ranging from Shakespeare to history to drawing to religion to economics and investing, with many students opting to take several courses per session. QUEST’s classes, of an hour and a half to two-hour duration, are held once per week for six weeks, in the late afternoon or early evening at several locations in the Township, and seek to reach a broad spectrum of USC residents to engage in serious intellectual fare. Instructors are residents or those having an affinity with Upper St. Clair who are experts in their fields and stimulating teachers. All instructors are volunteers, receiving no pay for their services or the many hours they spend preparing for their classes. QUEST’s instructors help fulfill the mission of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair: “Creating a sense of community through enhancing the quality of life for all the people of Upper St. Clair.”

Spring 2003

Among the most popular courses are Jane Hollman’s on Shakespeare, dealing with a single play. A retired USC high school English teacher, Ms. Hollman has led her students through As You Like It and Hamlet and this spring will be tackling The Merchant of Venice. (Shakespeare wrote 36 plays, so there is still a lot of ground for Ms. Hollman to cover!) Other drama aficionados pursued a study of the British dramatist Harold Pinter, led by three members of Quantum Theatre: Karla Boos, Susan Harris Smith and John Agee Ball. Their course also included attendance at two Pinter plays, The Collection and Betrayal at one of Quantum’s unorthodox venues. William Diebler, a retired journalist with 30 years with the Post Gazette, where he now serves on the editorial board and as a frequent contributor, has taught two courses: “Paris in the Twenties” (finding the “lost generation”) and “Hemingway in Our Time.” In “The U.S. Economy—What Lies Ahead?” Norman Robertson, an Adjunct Professor at CMU and formerly Mellon Bank’s chief economist, investigated the evolution of economic policy and the internal and external influences on the growth or decline of the economy.

Herb Geissler with Wide World of Individual Investing class members.

Bill Deibler’s Hemingway class included, left to right, Joan Brownstein, Liz Kokiko, Diane Paul, Ann Shuman, Bill Diebler, MaryAnn Rahn, Barbara Lennartson, Mary Kay and Lou Walsh.

Donald Goldstein, author of (among other books and articles) At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor (a 1982 Pulitzer nominee) and Professor of Public and International Affairs at Pitt’s GSPIA, investigated the “American Way of War” with his students. Paul Birk, a Certified Financial Planner, led the participants in his study group through the intricacies of “Retirement and Estate Planning,” and Herb Geissler, Managing Director of the St. Clair Group, a management consulting firm, discussed various investment strategies, the mechanics of investing, and the mystique of the stock market in his course, “Wide World of Individual Investing.” In “Sacred Ground: the Roots of September 11,” Richard A. Pollard, a partner in the law firm of Pietragallo, Bosick & Gordon and a genuine Renaissance man, led his group through a history of the Middle East, in particular of Islam, providing an introduction to the historical, cultural and religious underpinnings of the current conflict between the Middle East and the West. Mr. Pollard

and his next study group discussed “The Roots of American Democracy,” the ideas of the founders and the historical events that brought them together. “The Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool,” used in antiquity and recently rediscovered and used by people of all faiths, was explored by Sally Lewis, Dr. Gail Buckwalter King, Barbara Myers and Mary Kay Mitchell, all trained labyrinth facilitators and members of the Labyrinth team at Westminster Presbyterian Church. “Beyond e-Mail,” taught by Barbara Lennartson, a retired product manager from Mellon Bank, where she focused on system design from the user’s point of view, is so popular that it has been offered in three sections and is usually over-subscribed. And Ned Garnhart, retired Bethel Park Art Department Chair and long-time president of the USC League for the Arts, gave

two separate classes in the same session: “I Wish I Could Draw” and “Mary Baker Eddy—Amazing 19th Century Woman”! QUEST’s spring 2003 session (its fourth) will run from the week of March 3 through the week of April 7. As we go to press, courses to be offered have not yet been finalized, except for Jane Hollman’s Merchant of Venice and Tracey Buckman’s “Land Stewardship,” but all residents of the Township should have received a registration brochure in February. Course offerings are also listed on the website of the Community Foundation of USC, www.mainstreetusc.com. Staffed completely by volunteers under the guidance of the Education and Lifelong Learning committee of the Community Foundation, QUEST is completely non-profit. Participants pay a fee of $35 per session (to cover the printing and mailing costs), regardless of the number of classes they enroll in. Although QUEST is designed primarily to appeal to Upper St. Clair residents, it does accept

Dr. Donald Goldstein discusses The American Way of War with class members.

residents of neighboring communities for the same fee. What do you want to learn? Do you have suggestions for future classes? Are you interested in sharing your knowledge with your neighbors by teaching a class this fall or next winter? Want to join the QUEST steering committee? Give the Community Foundation of USC a call at 412-831-1107, send a fax to 412-257-4160 or e-mail cfusc@adelphia.net. It’s your College in the Neighborhood. Make the most of it!

Participants in Dick Pollard’s “Roots of September 11” class, left to right: Jane Etherington, Burt Etherington, Dick Pollard, Ed Hanraty, Margy Mullins and Bert Mullins. Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

We Have a Winner! Congratulations and a $50 gift certificate goes to seven year old Chris Limberiou. Chris chose O and O Consulting’s “Stay Connected” ad, designed by Cande Day, as his favorite ad in the Winter 2002 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. He liked the dogs kissing under the mistletoe! Chris is a first grader at Streams Elementary School. He loves dogs (especially Golden Retrievers), football and baseball.

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Chocolate Chip Dip by Erin Heise 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 20-30 semisweet chocolate chips, grated (or ground in food processor) Mix together, serve with any fresh fruits. Note: This recipe is sinfully easy to prepare and sinfully delicious! Recipe reprinted with permission from the Flavours cookbook. For more information on Flavours, see page 78.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

In the

Service of a Man Ed Macko It’s funny how life works. The two

very best friends I have in my life came to me at a time that I didn’t want either one of them. One is Cathi, whom I met twenty years ago. At that time I was seriously considering a move to New York City to further my career in advertising. I stayed here and married her two years later. The other, and the focus of this story, is my dog Ace—who came into my life about four years ago. Now I love dogs, but we already had two and I didn’t want another one. I had work to do. I had ads to create. But one day I answered my office phone to hear my wife’s voice on the other end reminding me of words I must have spoken at some point. “Remember when you said that you’d consider another dog if we ever had the chance to save one?” she asked. I didn’t, but Ace came home with Cathi that night anyway, and within 30 seconds I had my other best friend. Ace is an AKC-registered Shetland Sheepdog who entered our lives, quite simply, because he was to be destroyed. And everyone knows what that means. He wasn’t sick, aggressive, misbehaved, or physically abused—there just wasn’t room for him anymore. And because 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

he was never socialized as a puppy (he spent his entire life in a crate), he had nowhere to go. Ace was one and a half years old. For the next three years he was afraid of his own shadow. But in the last year he has passed his Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) and became a qualified Therapy

Spring 2003

Dog (TDI) in the service of man. There’s hope for anyone.

The Introduction It was obvious that Ace wasn’t the most socialized dog you ever met. He came into our house terrified, but must have trusted me because he immediately crawled into my lap and probably would have stayed there forever if my legs didn’t start to cramp. Our other two dogs were all over him. “Who is he? What’s he doing here? What makes him think he can just come in here and sit in his lap?” they must have been thinking. Ace shook, but he was comfortable—at least until I got up. He spent the rest of his first night in our house looking out at us from behind the TV—the entire night. When Cathi left, Ace and I just looked at each other for another hour. I tried waiting him out, but I couldn’t. I then learned he had previously been given to another couple, and he had spent his whole day cowering under their couch. They gave him back. Lucky for me. Gradually, Ace and I began to bond. He trusted me but no one else. He would stand behind me, never next to me. In a crowded room he would squeeze into whatever

space existed between the back of my legs and the wall or whatever I was close to. No one could touch him, not other members of our family, not even Cathi. But for me he would do absolutely anything.

Coming Out The biggest change in Ace’s life happened when we enrolled him in Dog Obedience training. It completely brought him out of his social shell. He was five years old when he started his training (most of the other dogs were five months old) and he took to it beautifully. He became, in no time at all (in my unbiased opinion), one of the best in the class. He was in his element, performing for—and with—me. One night, the instructor asked if anyone had any tricks to show-off. I said “Hey Ace, crawl to me.” And he did! I don’t know where he learned it.

Ace loves going to school, and obedience training can lead to a real designation— Canine Good Citizen. To pass the CGC, a dog must be able to (among other things) sit, stay, lie down on command, come when called, be calm when approached and around a group, and be able to remain under the control of a stranger while the trainer leaves the premises—for three minutes! For Ace, this was his worst nightmare. But he did it, and I believe he did it for me. It’s part of his service. But there’s more.

A Higher Call There’s been a lot written on the health benefits of the dog-human bond among our growing population of older Americans. According to a NIH study on the health benefits of pets, the presence of animals in institutional settings increases the tendency of older people to talk and smile, to become alert and attentive, and to exhibit symptoms of well being rather than depression. Pet programs have even been proven superior to alternative therapies (e.g. arts and crafts programs, friendly visitors, and conventional psychotherapy). Both Ace (and his new dog-mate, Stella) have passed their Therapy Dog tests. The TDI test can be run concurrently with the

CGC. In addition to the above, Ace had to allow a total stranger to hug and squeeze him, and he had to remain calm while people dropped bedpans and rode wheelchairs all around him. Yikes! But he came through excitedly and passed with flying colors. Ace truly makes me happy—and proud. It’s no wonder that in a recent Men’s Journal article of the “50 Things a Man Must Do in His Life,” owning a dog is at the top of the list. If you don’t have one, get one. He’ll be in your service forever. And that service is simply to make you—and others—happy. Therapy Dog International (TDI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing qualified handlers and Therapy Dogs for visits to hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions where Therapy Dogs are needed. For more TDI information, call 973-252-9800 or email: tdi@gti.net Photos by Ed Macko.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

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Spring 2003

The Easter Bunny Is Coming Through a Team Effort Easter Egg Hunt! What comes to

mind? The Easter Bunny, of course, with tousled kids running across grassy knolls, searching for colored eggs, intent on filling their baskets and contented parents enjoying the energy and the spring air. And behind it all, a lot of planning, a lot of dedication—years of service to the community. The Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club, in cooperation with the Upper St. Clair Recreation Department and St. Clair Country Club, is again sponsoring the USC Community Easter Egg Hunt at the three-hole municipal golf course on Saturday, April 12. The Upper St. Clair High School Rotary Interact Club will entertain the children with games, crafts and face painting beginning at 10 a.m. And the Easter Bunny will arrive to begin the Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Residents or businesses in the community who would like to donate additional prizes should contact Karen Babeji at the USC Recreation Department (412-8319000, extension 255). Over 200 children attended last year, and plans are in the works to make this year’s event bigger and better. Hold that picture of the 200 kids, and imagine some of the same youngsters grown and facing the complexities and challenges of high school—say in their junior year. Imagine again an organization called Rotary, which also sponsors a two-day Leadership Conference for high school juniors on topics like, “Finding the Courage to Do What Is Right.” In addition to this conference, the Bethel St. Clair Rotary has initiated two annual $500 awards for Interact students who are college bound seniors. As the sponsor of the Interact clubs at Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair High Schools, Bethel-St. Clair Rotary gives these special awards to the graduating senior at each high school who most exemplifies the Rotary and Interact ideals of “service above self.” All of this service to the community comes from the solid base of Rotary International’s values. Bethel-St. Clair Rotary is a member club of Rotary International,

a service organization of over 1.2 million active and retired business and professional men and women united worldwide in conducting humanitarian projects, encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations and working toward world understanding and peace. At its 44th Annual Pancake Festival this past March, the Bethel-St. Clair Rotary raised over $20,000 for organizations like Family Hospice, Prime Time Adult Care, South Hills YMCA, South Hills Interfaith Ministries, Wesley Institute, South Hills

Meals on Wheels and Boy Scout Troop 366. These efforts help to serve over 3,500 families and individuals in our community annually—children, youth, adults and seniors. The Bethel-St. Clair Rotary has won the “Most Outstanding Club of the Year” in Rotary District 7300 five times in the past eleven years. The club has also been honored as “The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for 2000” by the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives. The Bethel-St. Clair Rotary also supports many other projects in the community, as well as internationally. One hundred sixty six people attended the club’s 22nd Annual Gourmet Dinner Dance

this past November and raised over $7000 to benefit the Rotary Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Rotary International, which touches people throughout the world. The Foundation provides $90,000,000 annually for health and humanitarian projects and for international scholarships and cultural exchange programs to cultivate understanding, goodwill and peace in the world. Members of Rotary worldwide are reaching out to communities to raise critically needed funds to eradicate polio. Through its Polio Plus Program, Rotary International, together with national and international health organizations, is striving to achieve this goal by the year 2005—Rotary’s 100th anniversary. More than two billion children in developing nations have been immunized against polio through PolioPlus grants. The Bethel-St. Clair Rotary established a minimum of $30,000 pledged by members and community supporters. Through matching grants by Rotary International and major benefactors, this pledge will be matched five to one; thus, immunizing 300,000 children. Your tax-deductible contribution, payable to The Rotary Foundation, can be mailed to The Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 112577, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary is currently raffling a new model Limited Edition XLR Cadillac convertible sports car, valued at $75,000 and introduced by Cadillac this spring. Two thousand tickets are being sold at $100 each. To purchase tickets, contact Bethel-St. Clair Evening Club Rotarian Tom Rohrich at Rohrich Cadillac at 412344-6000, or any member of the club. This special fundraiser is intended to bring over $100,000 to benefit community projects and charities. The Bethel-St. Clair Rotary Club is looking for new members. If you are interested, please contact the Membership Chair, Carl Gaddis, at 412-831-9537 or Lou Piconi at 412-831-5329, or join them any Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at the Ramada Inn on Fort Couch Road.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

gold

THE Familiar Faces in the Neighborhood—

TEAM!

There’s a new team in your neigh-

borhood and they want to make your real estate dreams come true! The Gold Team, consisting of Sandy and Marshall Goldstein, has lived in the Upper St. Clair neighborhood for over 28 years and knows personally that Upper St. Clair is a community of opportunities for

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

new residents considering a move to the area. The couple met on a blind date in 1966 and married in 1968, beginning this team collaboration. In 1969, the same year the United States put a man on the moon, their son, Russell, was born. Daughter Jodi arrived in 1972, when the Steelers were on their Super Bowl winning streak. By then, the Goldsteins had many hopes and dreams for their young family and found it in 1976 in a township called Upper St. Clair, which offered all the amenities they were looking for—a safe neighborhood and good schools. In 1979, a good friend of theirs told them about a new shopping center slated to open in the community. After much discussion and quite a bit of planning, Sandy and Marshall became co-owners of the Upper St. Clair pharmacy, Pinebridge Apothecary. It was also this good friend, Aileen Pierce,

Spring 2003

who gave them the idea to name it an apothecary. Sandy worked closely with her husband learning the pharmacy business, buying front merchandise, and helping to fill prescriptions. Later, they decided to expand their business by adding a café to the pharmacy, which also became a huge success. By then, Sandy was managing the café, helping with the pharmacy and also doing real estate. With the sale of the business, their team effort continues exclusively now as realtors. Being business proprietors, The Gold Team’s knowledge of the area coupled with Sandy’s 15 years experience as a realtor, truly complemented each other. The Goldsteins know firsthand what it means to live in this safe, comfortable area and raising their two children here. Russell is a local sales consultant for Red Square Systems, and Jodi is an elementary school teacher in Raleigh, North Carolina. Spending quality time with their family has even more special meaning now because grandson, Jordan, 15 months, visits frequently. Sandy and Marshall are limited partners at Keller Williams Realty, located at 3515 Washington Road in McMurray, but they also maintain an office in their home, making it convenient to work more closely with their clients. The Gold Team are specializes in relocation, being consistent multi-million dollar producers working well with buyers and sellers. They listen to what the client wants and needs while searching for just the right house. When it comes to selling a home, they know sellers want the best price for their house in the shortest possible timeframe. Homebuyers and sellers can feel comfortable putting their real estate needs into The Gold Team’s hands. They have the necessary experience, knowledge and contacts but more importantly, the Goldsteins are a client’s biggest wish—they are strong negotiators, area experts with extensive knowledge of the market and to put it simply, they love what they do and will go to all lengths to achieve the perfect sale!

Here are just a few testimonials from some of their satisfied customers: “Dear Sandy and Marshall, We want to thank you for the special gift that you both gave us for our brand new home which would not have been possible without you! Thank you for the countless hours you spent showing us homes, and all the time and effort you gave us.” —Ray and Alex

In addition to their alliance in the pharmacy business, they possess a plethora of complementary credentials. Marshall is a current member and past president of the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary and is also a member of the board of trustees for Beth El Synagogue, and was a member of the Youth Steering Committee of Upper St. Clair. Sandy was a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection and served as its president. They are involved in networking organizations, with Sandy being a long-time member of the Women’s Business Network. Both belong to a local South Hills chapter of The Small Business Network. Sandy is a member of the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, a member of Andron Epiphanon Fraternity, and for the past 28 years, a member of Beth El Synagogue. Before becoming a real estate agent, Sandy was a teacher in the Penn Hills School District, a substitute teacher for the Upper St. Clair and Carlynton School Districts, and a Sunday school teacher at the Beth El Synagogue. She even finds time to volunteer for the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. Most rewarding to Sandy was her involvement with the Project Development Committee that helped plan the Environmental Education Center on the Boyce Mayview property in Upper St. Clair. Sandy and Marshall have two different websites for their client’s convenience. Check out The Gold Team at: www.realtor.com and www.sandysellspittsburgh.com, or email them at sgold215@aol.com or goldsteinmarsh@aol.com, or call them at 412-854-SOLD, extension 215 or 724-941-9400, extension 215 or on their cell phone 412-721-0306.

“Dear Sandy and Marshall, Now that our life has settled somewhat, we wanted to send you a little note to say thank you for all of your help during our homebuying experience. You helped to make the process go as smoothly as possible and as first-time homebuyers, we are truly grateful. We are also growing to love our neighborhood here in Upper St. Clair. You are wonderful agents and great friends.”—Julie, Jesse and Samuel “Thanks to Sandy we were able to get settled in our new rental home in Florida earlier than we imagined. We got what we wanted for our home in Pittsburgh and it sold in three days! Sandy’s service is remarkable!”—Brad and Marilyn “Sandy Goldstein was an exceptional realtor. She rates the highest on a scale of one to ten. I would recommend her to anyone!” —Mona

“We know the Upper St. Clair area very well. It is a great community, with a fantastic municipal government and a blueribbon school district. We want all of our customers to be as happy and content in their new homes as we have been all these years,” says Sandy. “Sandy and I will put in our greatest effort to sell your home to just the right buyer,” concludes Marshall. There’s one thing for sure, The Gold Team has the Real Estate Prescription for You! Thanks to: Jonathan and Heather Bonime for use of their home, Dianne Adrian, the photographer and Cindy Simm, the technical writer. Cover photograph, inside photographs and information provided by Sandy and Marshall Goldstein. Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Waiguoren at the Peking Opera Laura Palmer

During the last week of our stay in

China, we left Beijing and traveled by train to Xi’an and Ping Yao, two smaller cities located south and west of Beijing. Xi’an is known as the home of the terracotta warriors. We arrived in the morning after an overnight train ride. The day was spent seeing the warriors and other tourist attractions located outside of the city proper. Our only night in Xi’an, a few of us went out to explore the town. Not knowing the city at all, we followed our usual guide and walked to wherever the lights were shining the brightest. This path led us to a street full of outdoor cafes, vendors and musicians. Matt, Julie, Aaron and I were extremely conspicuous and we felt many eyes following us as we walked down the street. One place where I felt we could stop unnoticed was a street opera performance. We slipped into the back of the crowd and tried to blend in. A Chou or clown character performed the first act we saw. His role was immediately obvious because of his exaggerated gestures and facial expressions. It was a hilarious performance. His voice was high22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

pitched in the style of the Peking Opera, but was so smooth and clear that he was a pleasure to listen to. All of the performers were excellent and obviously well trained and rehearsed. The audience was extremely diverse. It consisted of old women and men, young workers and girls my age. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the show, which ran contrary to what I had learned about Peking Opera. I had heard that only the elderly still enjoy the opera; most young people hate it. Perhaps the performance I saw was a slightly different regional variety, but I think that the reason that the audience enjoyed the show is that they were close to the performers. Even at the back of the crowd, you could see the performers clearly and feel as if you were a part of the event. After we had been watching the performance for a half an hour, the announcer noticed Aaron towering above the rest of the audience. Aaron had inadvertently stepped

into the path of a spotlight and his entire face was illuminated. The announcer gestured toward Aaron and said something that included the phrase “waiguoren,” or foreigner. We all smiled awkwardly as the entire audience turned around to look at us—so much for our efforts to remain inconspicuous. I think that this facet of the trip, visiting a society where I am an obvious outsider, is both the best and the worst part. In some ways it is helpful to stick out. People will try to help you and immediately understand why you can’t speak the language. It also makes you very accessible to anyone who is interested in talking with a foreigner. Many times throughout the trip, people I didn’t know came up to me and asked to have a conversation. Talking to people is probably the best way to get to know a new country. For example, on the train to Xi’an a young middle school girl came up to me

and said “Hello. Can we make friends?” We talked for a few minutes and then exchanged addresses before she left to get her other friends. Sometimes, however, being the eternal outsider can wear thin. In China, even if I spoke the language flawlessly I would still be the waiguoren. And that is extremely frustrating. If I were to live in China, I could find a job, make friends, and create a life for myself, but I could never be part of the crowd or slip by unnoticed. That fact is simultaneously attractive and repulsive, exciting and frightening.

Spring 2003

Laura Palmer (USCHS 2001) traveled with Pitt in China. She is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Political Science and pursuing an Asian Studies Certificate. Laura hopes to continue her study of the Chinese language in Beijing during the 2004-2005 school year.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Holocaust Observance Focuses on the Survival of Bulgaria’s Jews

1830 Log House General Store

24th Annual South Hills Event May 4 Their homeland was allied with

Nazi Germany during World War II, yet all of Bulgaria’s 50,000 Jews survived the Holocaust. The miraculous story of the only Jewish community in Europe to survive the Holocaust intact without leaving their country is the focus of “Saving a Defenseless Minority: The Survival of Bulgaria’s Jews,” the South Hills Interfaith Ministries’ 24th Annual Interfaith Holocaust Observance. This year’s program is 7:30 p.m., May 4, at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 310 Kane Blvd., Scott Township. Speakers will include The Most Reverend Kyrill, Archbishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania and the Bulgarian Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, who helped protect the lives of Jews during the war, and Albert Farhy of Squirrel Hill, a Holocaust survivor from Bulgaria. In the spring of 1943, the Bulgarian government made plans to comply with the Nazis’ demands to deport Bulgaria’s Jews. Non-Bulgarian Jews from Macedonia and Thrace, territories occupied by Germany but under Bulgarian administration, had already been sent to the Nazi death camps. In addition, all Bulgarian Jewish men ages 20-40 were drafted into forced labor after 1941. Farhy was just 13 and already living under anti-Jewish laws when the German army, as an ally, invaded Bulgaria in 1942. He was among the 30,000 Jews from the capital of Sofia to be expelled to ghettos in the country’s provinces—and among those who watched in horror as railway cars packed full of Jews crossed through the countryside. “I knew that something was happening. I was afraid all the time,” he says. “But in my heart I knew that somehow I would survive.” The date for his deportation to the concentration camps had been set for March 10, 1943. With just four hours to spare, the plan was aborted. Bulgaria’s political and religious leaders, as well as its non-Jewish residents, are credited with saving the lives of the country’s

Kimberly Guzzi

Jews through speeches, petitions, protests and demonstrations. “It was the Bulgarian people—It was their character and their nature. Even the pro-Nazi people would not let their citizens go to their death,” Farhy recalls. “I remember the speeches and how nice I felt that somebody was telling the truth and defending us.” Farhy sees his story as a positive one. “So many stories are negative—people didn’t care that Jews were being killed. But in Bulgaria, it was different,” he says. Archbishop Kyrill was a young abbot in Bulgaria during the war. He was able to protect the lives of many Jewish men, woman and children by hiding them in the monastery. At this year’s Holocaust Observance, he will light a candle for all the “Righteous Gentiles” who risked their lives to save others. South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) has been hosting an annual Holocaust observance since 1979, commemorating the more than six million Jewish lives that were lost. About 900 people of various faiths attend each year. It is one of the few interdenominational Holocaust observances in the country. This year’s event will also include lighting of memorial candles by survivors and recognition of survivors in attendance; readings by area clergy who are representative of diverse faiths and denominations; and musical selections. SHIM is a community of more than 70 churches and synagogues committed to demonstrating their faith by attending to the needs of those less fortunate. For 34 years, SHIM has been reaching out to South Hills residents through education, family assistance, counseling and youth programs. Alva Daffner chairs the 2003 Holocaust Observance Committee. Those seeking additional information can contact the SHIM office at 412-854-9120.

Spring 2003

Many years ago, for fund-

raising purposes, the 1830 Log House and Historic Landmark Association started selling note cards. Everyone loved the cards with a drawing of the 1830 Log House on the front. Well, they are back, along with some other new and exciting items. The note cards feature a drawing done by local artist Susan Castriota and sell for $5.95 per package. Another great item from the general store is a salt glazed crock made by Westerwald Pottery of Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania. The crock also features a drawing of the 1830 Log House by artist Dave Pander, an 1830 Log House and Historic Landmark Association member. There are three different types of crocks to choose from, all done in cobalt blue, and they are available for $19.95 each. The general store is also selling handmade soap and notepads. All proceeds from the sales in the general store cover the cost of programs at the 1830 Log House. The items make great gifts for you, family and friends. The 1830 Log House and Historic Landmark Association is a wonderful way to learn more about the history of Upper St. Clair, and a fun way to give back to the community. Stop by and visit us on Community Day from noon until 3. For information on membership or to purchase any of the above items, please call 412-851-0570 or 412-831-1172.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

The International Baccalaureate Program at Upper St. Clair Clark H. Remington, Ed.D.

Mark G. Trombetta, MD President 412-831-8543 2003*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2003*

David E. Bluey Vice President 412-835-6145 2005*

Albert E. Ferrara, Jr. 412-835-2709 2005*

“Developing learned and responsible citizens for a global society is the mission of the nationally recognized Upper St. Clair School District....” reads the Upper St. Clair School District Mission Statement. All three of the International Baccalaureate Organization’s pro-

grams are currently available to students in the Upper St. Clair School District. In 2001, the IB diploma was made available to highly motivated eleventh and twelfth grade students wishing to be measured against world class standards. At the same time, the School District began phasing in the IB Middle Years Program for grades five to ten and a Primary Years Program pilot at Streams School for grades K through four. This past July, the School District’s Middle Years Program was internationally recognized and granted full authorization from the IBO to offer an accredited certificate to students who successfully completed the requirements of that program. Currently, there are 480 USC students participating in one of the Upper St. Clair IB programs.

What is the IBO?

Dina J. Fulmer 412-831-8664 2003*

Jeffrey W. Joyce 412-257-1704 2003*

Clark R. Nicklas 412-831-1027 2005*

Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2003*

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a nonprofit educational foundation based in Switzerland. The IBO was incorporated in 1967 with grants from the International School Association, UNESCO, Twentieth Century Fund and the Ford Foundation. Its mission was to create a rigorous course of study with an international standard. Since then, the IBO developed two more distinct programs, the Middle Years Program (MYP) and the Primary Years Program (PYP). The IBO supports programs in more than one thousand participating schools and nearly one hundred nations with curriculum and assessment development, teacher training, information seminars, electronic networking and other educational services. All three IB programs were developed by combining the best research and practice from a range of national systems, including the U.S., with the wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to provide a relevant and engaging educational program.

What are the IBO’s aims?

William M. Sulkowski, DMD 412-221-9516 2003* *Date indicates expiration of term. 28

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Spring 2003

The educational aims of the organization are to offer students a comprehensive balanced curriculum with challenging assessments and an approach that enables youngsters to develop their individual talents. All three IB programs teach students to relate the experiences of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Further, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship. Additionally, IB students are taught to become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs.

Interestingly, Roger M. Peel, former Director General of IBO writes, “...the honesty of the IB stems from the fact that we require all students to relate first to their own national identity, their own language, literature, history and cultural heritage, no matter where in the world this may be. Then, students will be able to identify with the corresponding traditions of others.” It is not expected that IB students adopt other points of view, merely that they be exposed to them and encouraged to respond intelligently. The IBO recommends various strategies to help teachers highlight internationalism in the classroom. Teachers in all disciplines should frequently ask, “Where else in the world has this happened?” This question is a particularly rich discussion starter in history, literature, science, art and music classes. It helps students see connections between school subjects and the world. IB teachers in all disciplines are encouraged to bring up current events in their particular field whenever possible. All IB teachers should look for opportunities to reinforce world geography when appropriate. Interestingly, the US Department of Education recently offered the following suggestions to U.S. teachers for delivering an international educational experience to students: • Incorporate information on another country or culture into your regular lesson plan. • Trade questions and answers with students from another country through the Internet. • Invite foreign-born students to share the language, culture, food and customs of their homeland. These are excellent IB strategies as well. To begin developing the habit of responsible citizenship, IB students should be exposed to current events in all classrooms. IB students at all levels should know what is happening in their community, country and the world. Moreover, they should be interested; they should care. These habits of thought are developed in the MYP with a community service component and further reinforced in the Diploma Program with its theme of creativity, action and service (CAS). In addition to highlighting internationalism and citizenship, the process of learning is emphasized in all three programs. In the Diploma Program, a required course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK), is intended to stimulate critical reflection

Ms. Weniger’s IB class at Boyce

Why IB? upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. In the words of IB, “TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on the ability to analyze evidence.” At the core of the MYP is a theme called Approaches to Learning, which emphasizes study skills and learning processes across all disciplines. The PYP emphasizes student reflection by teaching youngsters to ask, “How best will we learn? What do we need to learn? What do we want to learn? How will we know what we have learned?” Ideally, IB students will develop the interest and skills to be outstanding learners in school and, perhaps more importantly, in their futures beyond school.

“The focus which I found as an international student has never failed me.... Perhaps it was that experience that set me on the road to where I am now.” —Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General

Another component of IB that makes it unique is that participating in the IB programs involves an actual ongoing commitment to a worldwide partnership of schools and teachers. Students and teachers can experience the value of international cooperation because they’ve become part of a working international community.

The need to broaden our international understanding can hardly be argued. How to examine foreign policy, approach lesson planning covering 9/11, determine the appropriateness of studying the Koran or cover the topic of terrorism, etc., are issues educators can hardly ignore. In the words of current Director General of IBO George Walker, “...international education is an idea whose time has come. The value of an international perspective should be clear.” An international education is possibly the most effective long-term remedy for racial and ethnic hatred, and the IBO stands at the forefront of the international education movement. An education that highlights knowledge and understanding of other cultures is a great opportunity. The need for our twenty-first century students to master the subtleties of learning how to learn cannot be overstated. The sheer volume of knowledge is growing exponentially. Since students cannot learn everything or even close to everything that is important, the ability to personally acquire and process information is critical. It is likely a great many students in school today will be working in careers that have not yet been invented. How do educators prepare students for such a world? The IBO would answer that by teaching primary school students to ask themselves Guiding Questions, teaching eleven to fifteen-year-olds to apply the Approaches to Learning, and exploring the Theory of Knowledge with junior and seniors. You are preparing students to be lifelong learners. The traditional college-prep lecture-style curriculum is not connected to the world from which many students come; nor does it align with the world for which they must be prepared.

Spring 2003

Continued on page 55 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

What They Think About the Construction Elementary Students Show and Tell Our fourth level elementary students got a chance to tell us what they

think about the elementary schools renovation project. They told us what they liked and didn’t like about the construction project and also drew pictures and wrote poems. Thanks to the participating teachers and a special thanks to all the students who gave their very creative, personal and enlightening responses. “What has been most challenging (about the construction) has been the daily, weekly, and monthly coordination that allows us to keep school functioning as smoothly as possible and maintain program opportunities for all the children,” said Dr. Patricia Dunkis, Director of Education K6, when asked what she enjoyed the least. “The principals and their staffs are commended for their level of effort during this time.” But the temporary inconvenience will be overshadowed by the construction’s completion. “These facilities will support and enhance the instructional program at the elementary level,” she continued. Phase 1 of the project concluded prior to the completion of winter break. Students came back to find that many of their teachers accomplished decorating the new classrooms during winter recess, readying them for the first day back. At Streams the new gym was completed and ready to use.

At Eisenhower the new library and administrative offices were up and running.

Construction Construction, construction I like it a lot, But I like it much better when the hammering stops. The drilling keeps going while I’m trying to think. A worker passes by and gives us a wink. When I walk out to recess I look at the school And I think… Cool! by Michael Segerdahl

Construction at Eisenhower by Garrett Kennell

Phase 2 of the construction project, continuing through mid-April, will concentrate on the renovation to the recently vacated instructional classrooms, continued work and completion of the gyms at Streams and Baker and other auxiliary rooms at the three schools. Over all, the students are taking the construction project in stride and looking forward to the new and improved model at their schools. Here are a few of the students’ responses for your enjoyment. What have you liked most about the construction project at your school? • Laura Wallace—I really like knowing that we will have a bigger, better school and knowing that my little brother will have a better school too. • Madeline Kushner—Since we have construction, we have this game called Construction Player and we get a sneak peek about what’s going on. We also got new desks and chairs. It’s fun to see what’s going on outside too! From my room’s window I can see part of the building being built. • Michael Mackowick—It’s strange, but it’s also very fun doing things differently than we used to do. • Evan Pearson—The thing I like most is that it’s all worth it! • Meghan Pokorski—We are getting a new classroom in the new pod after winter break. We will have a new carpet and ceiling so it won’t be so loud. • Julianne Tarullo—The construction workers are working very hard to make our school the best it can be. When they are finished we will have a totally new and improved school with air conditioning. • Bruce Franz—We got new water fountains!

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

School Noisy, Hot Demolish, Re-Insulate, Rebuild Annoying, Fun and Dirty Construction by Luke Barr

• Nichole Petito—I will like the new library because we can fit more books in it. • Elle Lohman—The construction workers are a little bit neat and our new school is going to look great! What have you liked least about the construction project at your school? • Molly Tavoletti—My school will not be done in time for the fourth graders to use it when it’s completely done. • Geetha Reddy—We only get to pick out one book in the library each week. • Jason Wassel—It’s too noisy and we don’t have any carpets or ceilings. We’ll have a short summer vacation too! • Naomi Smith—They’re tearing down school memories, like the old crab apple tree out in front of Streams. It’s been there ever since the school was built! • Sam DeGregorio—One thing I don’t like is the cement floor because if you fall… it hurts a lot! I also don’t like having only one hot meal to pick from at lunch. Continued on page 32

Construction On the way In our way Seems to take longer everyday Turn into a good school Coming on its way Now it’s all done… Hurray! by Kate Serdy

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

What They Think About the Construction Elementary Students Show and Tell Continued from page 31

Baker School by Kyle Dudzinski

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• Sterling Cahn—We’ve had a lot of fire drills and once we had to go to the High School because of a gas smell.

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Construct

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• Hannah Diehl—I don’t like the dust and the noise. The dust makes me sneeze and the noise makes it hard to concentrate. • Drew English—We have to put tennis balls on the chairs because of the noise from the cement floors and it makes them hard to pull. • Stephen Krolczyk—If you walk outside our school on a rainy day, it’s so muddy! Stay tuned for an elementary schools project update in the Summer issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine.

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www.hendersonbrothers.com Streams New Gym by Kirstin Rockenstein 32

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Spring 2003

Michele Scureman An Outstanding Elementary Art Educator Maybe you’ve seen Michele

Scureman in the art room at Eisenhower Elementary, or at Upper St. Clair’s Celebrating the Arts, a community-wide art event that she chaired for many years, or at one of the many other benefits she’s helped coordinate. Regardless of where you’ve seen her, the important thing is how you’ve seen her always helping out “the cause.” That’s just part of the reason why Michele was chosen for the prestigious Pennsylvania State Elementary Art Educator of the Year Award in 2002. She was chosen for this statewide award for her whole package. An Upper St. Clair resident, Michele is an Art Specialist at Eisenhower Elementary School. She teaches the Reggio concept of arts-based curriculum involving all students, including the special needs children as well as the multi-aged groups. Michele received a B.A. in Elementary Education and a B.F.A. in Art from Mercyhurst College in 1972. She completed her Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973. Michele is typical of many outstanding educators. She doesn’t know how to say “no.” She has given much of her life to support the arts and the Pennsylvania Art Educators Association (PAEA). She

co-chaired the PAEA 2001 State Conference held in Pittsburgh. She has presented at many conferences—recently the P. Buckely Moss “Creative Minds” conference, juried Scholastic Art shows and presented in-service workshops in Upper St. Clair and surrounding community districts. Congratulations, Michele, on an award well deserved! Below is an excerpt from the speech given by presenter Lainee Specter that introduced Michele at the awards event: I ran into Michele at a PAEA conference. She was giving a presentation on how to stage a community art show. Her art show included artwork by local artists, teachers, and students. She had artisans demonstrating. She had top-notch entertainment all day long. There was an abundance of ethnic foods to choose from and a wide variety of art activities for families. The most amazing part of it was that she’d done it all on a shoestring. This arts festival was Michele’s dream. She somehow made her vision a reality. The art show exemplifies Michele. No matter what she’s already got on her plate, she welcomes a new challenge. She works full-time, runs Celebrating the Arts, works with her PTA, does special projects for the District and is an exemplary mother. With everything she’s constantly juggling, she rarely misses one of her daughter’s basketball games. When asked to work on a sample elementary art curriculum guide for the Hillman Foundation, she jumped at the chance. Somehow she even finds time to get her students’ artwork on display in Arts and Activities magazine. Michele exemplifies what you hope all art teachers will be.

Kathryn (Katie) Scureman, daughter of Michele

Scureman, accepted membership in The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and was honored during a campus ceremony this past fall at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The NSCS is a highly selective, national, non-profit honors organization. Founded in 1994, NSCS recognizes first and second year undergraduate students who excel academically. The Society was established on the principle that with scholarship comes a responsibility to develop leadership and a duty to perform service. “NSCS provides the opportunity for students, like Kathryn, to be recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments early in their college experience,” said Steve Loflin, NSCS Executive Director. Katie, a USCHS graduate, is presently a resident assistant and on the Dean’s List at IU. Spring 2003

412-833-7700

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Cats for Adoption USCHS Student Helps the Cause The Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania (ARL) and

PETCO have teamed up to reduce the number of homeless cats. ARL is one of the Pittsburgh area’s busiest shelters as they receive all strays picked up by the City of Pittsburgh and do not turn away animals found or unwanted by the public. Spay and neuter programs have helped reduce the number of animals received in the past few years but there are still thousands of animals brought to area shelters that do not get adopted. For a variety of reasons, unwanted cats vastly outnumber unwanted dogs. According to Peter Casella, ARL Executive Director, “It’s clear to us that the best way to get these wonderful animals homes is to make them more accessible to a larger number of people. PETCO was a logical partner to approach with the idea of satellite adoption centers in their stores. The PETCO Foundation has supported many animal welfare groups and PETCO employees truly care about the well-being of pets.”

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

PETCO agreed that ARL could establish adoption centers for cats in selected stores. PETCO provides the space and the supplies. ARL provides the cages, the manpower to care for the cats and, of course, the adoptable cats. All the cats, including kittens, are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, tested negative for feline leukemia and feline AIDS and micro-chipped for permanent identification. The first PETCO store to open a satellite adoption center was the Bethel Park store on Fort Couch Road. Since its opening in April 2002, over 175 cats have found new homes. Sally Lamond, who coordinates the volunteers at the Bethel Park PETCO, has nothing but praise for the program. “Without exception the PETCO staff has been great to work with and a huge help in getting these cats homes. Some of the store groomers have volunteered to groom selected cats to make them more attractive to potential adopters. The PETCO employees know the personalities of our cats and keep me informed about their health and behavior. We are extremely grateful to PETCO

Spring 2003

Molly—just what the doctor ordered.

for this opportunity and to all our volunteers who make this program possible.” Thanks to the success at the first store, ARL recently opened a second center at the PETCO on McKnight Road in the North Hills. The center is staffed daily with ARL volunteers and employees who maintain the cats and process the adoptions. One of the ARL volunteers in Bethel Park is Molly Beaver, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School enrolled in the Life Skills program. Four days a week Molly cleans the cat cages and replenishes food, water and litter. Of course there is also time for some cat cuddling. As an owner of five cats, Molly needs no training in that area. Mrs. Kim

High School Life Skills students and F.R.I.E.N.D.S. prepare the annual holiday dinner for administration, faculty and friends. Molly is front row, second from right.

Robbins accompanies Molly each day to coach her in job skills. Molly’s classroom teacher, Mrs. Michelle Zirngibl, monitors Molly’s progress on a weekly basis. Through this experience, Molly will have the opportunity to gain the skills needed to obtain and be successful in a competitive job in the community. Stop by the PETCO on Fort Couch Road and consider saving a life by adopting a cat of your own. Cats are available to be seen during regular store hours. ARL representatives process adoptions at this store as follows: Monday, Thursday and Friday: 6–9 p.m. Tuesday: 6:30–8 p.m. Wednesday: 3–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 12–4:30 p.m. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older who are interested in volunteering may call Marilyn Stevens at the ARL Shelter at 412-661-6452, extension 231.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Forensics—Is It What You Think It Is?

Keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Kathryn Swann, USCHS Senior

Forensics could be interpreted as

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

the research of unloving things but to many people it is all about speech and debate. It’s a way of speaking in front of groups of people, and a way of using acting skills and discussing different topics. Forensics has found its way into schools across the country. It is a fun way for teenagers to express themselves. Forensics has many different events. Categories are separated into speech and debate. Debate comprises groups such as: cross-x, Lincoln Douglas Debate, and extemporaneous speaking. Debate is what it sounds like—students discuss different important points in today’s world and in the history of nations and other important issues. Speaking in front of people and expressing original ideas can improve a young person’s confidence and ideas. Speech is mostly acting skills. Examples are humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, duo, impromptu and prose. Other events in speech are poetry, original oratory and persuasive speaking. To further explain the process in these different areas, I will use humorous interpretation, or HI, to explain what goes into competing. First, a student picks a topic for his or her speech, normally a humorous literary text such as one of Shakespeare’s comedies. After selecting a text the student must then cut it to ten minutes, the time permitted for a speech in competition. After condensing the piece, the competitor uses various gestures, facial expressions, and voices to represent different characters in the play. He then practices the piece for hours in front of coaches and teammates.

Spring 2003

The student then goes to local and regional competitions presenting his prepared speech for other students and judges. If the student earns enough points in local tournaments, he has a chance to go to state championships, which many Upper St. Clair students have attended. Upper St. Clair High School is a school of high standards and its forensics after school club is one of those areas in which it excels. Our talented coaches, University of Pittsburgh students Ben Edwards (speech) and Jordan Mazur (debate) help club members become better in their events. USC also has a fantastic sponsor, intern High School teacher Jennifer Scott, who helps us find topics and conducts mock judging—she is one of a kind! Forensics is fun for everyone, and even though everyone is having a good time, we are working hard. Senior speech competitor Sarah Guthrie says, “Forensics is the greatest, and if you have a bad day you go to forensics and our coach Ben tells you you’re crazy and you laugh at Manoj (another forensics member) and if it’s a really good practice people run into walls.” “Indeed this group seems like a bunch of not-so-sane rebel teenagers but really we are a tight-knit group and laugh with each other, and that’s what makes practice fun,” says Manoj Nair, also a senior this year. To get a group of teens and put them in the same room seems like a bad idea but we pull together very well and help each other with our projects. Not only does forensics offer a way of expressing oneself and is good clean fun for students, but it also helps students get into prestigious Ivy League colleges. Colleges value forensics because forensics focuses on improving people skills and public speaking. This is just one of the potential benefits to working with a wonderful group of people like the ones on the forensics team at USCHS. You should think about joining this great club! Kathryn, a senior at the High School, is a forensics team member and competes in humorous interpretation.

Upper St. Clair High School

2003 Spring Musical What:

Les Misérables® School Edition

When: March 28, 29, April 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m. March 30 matinee at 2 p.m. April 2, 3 at 6:30 p.m. Where: USCHS Theatre (All seats reserved) How:

For ticket information, call 412-851-2060.

Calling All Walkers The Upper St. Clair Wellness Committee is calling all walkers! Enter the 15th annual MS Walk in Pittsburgh, sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on Sunday, April 6, 2003. Check-in begins promptly at 8 a.m. at the I.C. Light Amphitheater with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. Come join the School District’s “St. Clair Super Team,” co-chaired by Tom Labanc and Fran McElroy, by calling School District receptionist Cheryl Ellison at 412-833-1600, extension 2202, for details.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Race for the Cure® On Sunday, May 11, 2003, the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure® is on at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Mother’s Day is the perfect day to walk and show your support for breast cancer research. The race begins at 9 a.m. Call School District receptionist Cheryl Ellison at 412-833-1600, extension 2202, for more information.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Las Vegas—A Traveled Education in Basketball Jim Render Many people believe than an educa-

tion is not complete unless you’ve traveled the country and the world to learn about other people and other cultures. It’s important to understand that there are more ways of existence than what we know in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania. For instance, the USC marching band has traveled from Toronto to Orlando. Our High School German Club members have gone to Germany and our art students have visited Italy and France. For the past several years, the USC boys’ basketball team has been invited to Las Vegas for a holiday basketball tournament. It is like an Olympics of high school basketball with teams from all over the country representing their respective states and regions. This year there were 90 teams entered in this holiday extravaganza. Our team and traveling party left Pittsburgh International Airport at noon on Wednesday, December 18. The group included 14 players and four coaches plus

an assortment of parents, fans and friends. The total party numbered 37 strong. Also on the flight was the Chartiers Valley basketball team and boosters. Ironically we’d defeated them the night before in a match-up on their home court. It was a smooth and happy flight for our side. Three and one half hours later we touched down in chilly Las Vegas. Las Vegas is a sparkling city in the middle of the Nevada desert. Forget about the old tales of Sin City. The hotels are unbelievable, the restaurants magnificent, the city vibrant, and the schools are constantly gaining in superiority and excellence. Our team was headquartered at Bally’s, which is in the same complex as the recently built Paris Hotel, complete with a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Head basketball coach, Danny Holzer, was given some upgraded considerations for our team because we were defending champions in our division and because he has brought our well-coached and disciplined team back to this tournament for several years.

Dr. Parnell Hoffman, Jim Render and Paul Pryor enjoy the game.

Coach Holzer feels the benefits of the trip are invaluable. The group’s unity and harmony, plus the player bonding that develops through the travel, living together, and eating meals together cannot be learned on the court. The team also sees different styles of basketball as played by kids from all over the United States. Game one was played at 8 p.m. on Thursday, the second day of the trip. With the three-hour time zone change our players felt like it was 11 p.m. Fortunately, we had an easy game against the Meadows School of Las Vegas, and all of our players got into the action. Game two was on Friday night at 8 against Smokey Hill

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Spring 2003

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High School from Denver, Colorado, and we pulled away at the end and won 74-51. Everyone saw action in this game as well. Before the Friday night game, the entire travel group enjoyed a mid-afternoon luncheon at the ESPN Zone, which is a part of the New York, New York, hotel complex. It was one of the highlights of the trip. On Saturday morning, we played our third game against Daniel Murphy High School, located near Hollywood, California. Quite frankly, they were very good and could run and play great defense. They held us to 54 points—they scored 62. You might want to remember the name Chukuma Awaiji. He scored 23 points in the second half that secured their victory. He is a 6’3” junior who can do a lot of things on the basketball floor. We then moved on to a consolation game later that afternoon and again were beaten by a good team from Los Angeles. Our guys were a little tired as they prepared for the “red-eye” flight home later that night. It was a quiet trip, especially since the flamboyant coach Darelle Porter made arrangements for Coach Holzer and him to recline in first class while the rest of the party enjoyed “closeness” in the rear of the plane.

USCHS boy’s basketball team, coaches and USC cheering section in Las Vegas.

This was a successful learning adventure that was funded by the USC Rebounders, the team’s booster club, and supported by enthusiastic parents. Coach Holzer is very pleased with both the players and parents who made this trip a positive experience for everyone. It was a good basketball competition that should help prepare our team for the grueling WPIAL tournament in March. The coach has been

invited to bring his boys back for the 2003 Holiday Prep Classic and tentative plans are underway. By the way, former High School principal Dr. Parnell Hoffman was our lone fan from Las Vegas—where he now makes his home. Of course, he was dressed in his USC shirt and Penn State hat.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Paw Prints Welcome to Paw Prints—a school news column provided by the USC PTA Council.

fe harmon supplied film dawn says use film 1/15/03

Our Schools Odyssey of the Mind This year all of our schools are participating in the Odyssey of the Mind program. There are 14 teams that represented USC in the regional competition held on March 1st at Moon area schools. Each team solved a “long term problem” presented in an eight-minute play that comes with its own set of challenges to be incorporated in the presentation. The second part of the competition centered on solving a “short term problem.” Results of the competition will be announced in the Summer issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. Baker Bakerland—At “Bakerland” the children stay informed about the renovation of their school. With regularity, one student from each class meets in a group with the construction “boss”. Returning to their classrooms, they update fellow students on the latest construction progress. It has been a safe and fun way for the children to stay involved. Music to Their Ears is an opportunity for a parent or grandparent to share their love of music with children in the classroom. Fall/Winter 2002 Review—Open House is an evening program for parents to learn about the academic year, meet their children’s teachers and visit their children’s classrooms. It is held each fall. The Harvest Parade, Winter Assembly and New Year Celebration were all big successes for our students! Eisenhower Outreach Project—In November the Outreach Project provided 40 complete Thanksgiving dinners that were distributed to needy families in the immediate area. In December many pairs of mittens were collected and distributed to local kids in need. Family Reading Night took place in February. Anyone in the community interested in reading stories contact Tammy Murray at 412-220-9380. This is a first for Eisenhower. Be part of its success!

Boyce Authors’ Day—Author Dan Gutman writes children’s books that carry a sports theme. He was the highlighted speaker on Authors’ Day. He spoke on his writing career, his inspirations and encouraged the kids to read and write. The kids loved it! Gift Wrap Sale—The Sally Foster Gift Wrap sale was a success! This is the only fundraiser the PTA does and members would like to thank the community for supporting this event every year. The money raised helps support all programs sponsored by the Boyce PTA and lessens the cost for the sixth level students’ Deer Valley trip. The Mosaic team was busy working to presents its musical performance and the sixth level International Baccalaureate (IB) students will present their annual “Time Line.” As always the community is invited to come and experience this walk through time. See related article on page 46. Fort Couch There were door decorating contests, outreach projects, field trips and a social… and that was just in December! Reach Out Collections—The Reach Out Collections in December totaled $6356. The money was distributed to the Vietnam Fund, the MS Society, the USC Police, and needy USC students and provided for Thanksgiving and winter food baskets. Other Activities—The Challenge Team spent a day at Asbury Heights. Team 4 visited the Pitt Nationality Rooms and the Carnegie Museum. The chorus entertained the patients at Mayview State Hospital, and the German students held a fun and informative assembly at the High School. The choral concert and the band and orchestra concert for the community were held in February.

Streams Look in the next issue of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY for a year in review. Fort Couch orchestra members 40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

High School As a part of PTSO’s communication initiative a well-received email list was started last year and continues this year, providing for informative weekly email updates. Currently about 850 parents are part of this mailing list. To subscribe, send an email to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ USC_HS_PTSO/. Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC)—Principal Dr. Terry Kushner extends an invitation to all parents to join the PAC. This committee provides a forum to discuss relevant issues and topics facing high school students today. In the October meeting Dr. Kushner spoke with parents on various topics including security at school sporting events and dances. The remaining PAC meeting for the 2002-03 school year, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 30 in USCHS library rooms 148-149. College Fair—USC High School, Mt. Lebanon High School and Peters Township High School co-sponsored a college fair this past fall at Peters Township High School. The fair provided an excellent opportunity for parents and students to talk with college admissions representatives. PTSO sponsored senior physical education field trip—The senior class had the opportunity to go on a PTSO funded field trip to the Carnegie Science Center’s Sports Works and Omnimax Theater. The Sports Works offers over 40 exhibits offering 70+ interactive experiences designed to test skill in virtual games and sporting events.

This trip was both fun and educational, enhancing many curriculum concepts studied in the classroom. PTSO Volunteers for the Counseling Resource Center—PTSO volunteers worked in the counseling department to staff the Counseling Resource Center for parents. Information about scholarships and money available for college is on file in the High School counseling office and is accessible to all students and parents of USCHS. Copies of applications and qualifications are updated on a regular basis. Stop by the counseling office and check out the information that’s available. The counseling department’s newsletter is available on the web at http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/uschs/ pages/academic/guidance/ as a pdf file. Youth Steering Committee—USCHS and PTSO supported the Youth Steering Committee of USC’s initiative to mail a letter to all High School parents regarding underage drinking. This letter was emailed during Homecoming Week. Basic computer training—PTSO planned a basic computer training class in February for interested parents. This is part of PTSO’s initiative to provide programs of interest to students and their parents. Presentation on bullying—The School District and Youth Steering Committee sponsored a presentation for parents on bullying prevention by Randy Wiler, Director of Kansas Bullying Prevention Program. Officer Wiler talked about how to recognize bullying and offered suggestions on how to combat it.

Experience you can trust . . .

Continued on page 42

Fall Sports Results: USCHS Team

SUSAN HIGHLEY

Section

Season

Standing

Cross Country—Boys

9-3

Season Complete

Cross Country—Girls

8-4

Season Complete

Field Hockey

7-6-1

Season Complete

8-1

Western Conference Champions

Football Golf—Boys

18-0

Section Winner WPIAL Runner Up

Golf—Girls

18-0

Section Winner WPIAL Champion

Soccer—Boys

16-1

Section Winner WPIAL Runner Up

Soccer—Girls

11-2-3

Section Winner WPIAL Champion

Tennis—Girls

14-0

Section Winner WPIAL Runner Up

Volleyball—Girls

11-4

Season Complete

service you can

COUNT ON! Over 13 years in the South Hills Area

412.833.3600 ext. 268

For details, call Athletic Director Ted Petersen at 412-833-1600, extension 2261. Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Paw Prints Continued from page 41

High School fall play—USCHS students presented the 2002 fall play The Crucible directed by J.R. Hall. Commendations and Recommendations: Pat Palazzolo, High School teacher, was recognized for receiving the Anne Morrow Lindbergh K-12 Aerospace Educator Award from NASA for her outstanding leadership in support of NASA’s goal to inspire our next generation of space explorers as well as her personal initiative, ability and accomplishments as a NASA “Space Ambassador.” Congratulations to Melissa Tungate, High School teacher sponsor of the Clairvoyant, and the student Clairvoyant staff for receiving a Keystone rating in the Pennsylvania School Press Association’s annual evaluation service and the Herff Jones Showcase award for the 2001-02 school year. Congratulations to Christopher Hauge (Troop 4) and Timothy Wagner (Troop 366) for being awarded the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor of Eagle Scout for leadership, achievement and community service. Congratulations to Army Reserve Colonel Thomas Smedley, High School physics teacher, for being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding meritorious service as the commander of the 4th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 80 Division and for demonstrating leadership, technical skill and selfless devotion to the mission of training soldiers. Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)—USC students did quite well in this year’s PSSA tests. Now their achievements are also being rewarded through the Improvement Awards. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Report of 2002 School Performance Funding, Upper St. Clair schools will receive $102,886 of the $21 million recently awarded to Pennsylvania public schools. The award recognizes two USC schools for improvement in student performance on the PSSA as well as attendance rates. The High School and Fort Couch Middle School both qualified for improvement awards. Criteria for the awards include a minimum 50-point improvement on the PSSA scores and at least a .75% increase in attendance rates. The High School will receive $67,056 for improving the Grade 11 PSSA scaled scores by 110 points to 3020. It will receive an additional $19,558 for a .85% improvement in attendance rates. 42

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Congratulations to the students, staff and administration! Visit the website at http://www.pde.state.pa.us/k12_initiatives/ lib/k12_initiatives/rptSSA.pdf.

PTA Council Upper St. Clair PTA Council serves to support and inform the leaders of our School District’s PTA/PTSO units as well as coordinate efforts when appropriate. In addition to our board of officers, our membership includes the president and first vice president from each of our member units as well as additional parent volunteers from our schools who chair various committees. All PTA/PTSO members are welcome to attend any of our meetings, which are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Contact your PTA representative for each month’s location. USC PTA Council works to support the youth in the schools of our community and to speak on their behalf. Our mission is to seek better education, more resources and safer schools for our children. Our council serves to inspire and instruct the leaders of our member units. In doing so, we hope to encourage the development of skills, promote membership and give service to our community. By pooling our resources, we can provide better quality programming that addresses issues in parenting, education and special need through our Together In Parenting, Topics In Education and Partners in Education programs. Another area where we minimize the duplication of services is through the publication of the District-wide school directory. Through various chairmen, we keep the local units apprised of legislative action and current issues related to the health, safety and education of our children. Complete monthly copies of Paw Prints can be obtained at your child’s school or by calling your school building’s PTA representative.

2002-03 PTA Council Executive Board, left to right: Joanne Prorok, Board Advisor; Cheryl Delany, Treasurer; Beth Hornak, President; Amy Billerbeck, Secretary and Dr. William Pope, Second Vice President. Missing from the photo is First Vice President, Lori Feldman.

Thank you to PTA Council Publicity Chairperson Mrs. Darenda Lease for providing Paw Prints information.

South Hills Village

The Sweetest Place in Upper St. Clair

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Pediatric Alliance Common Ground Café Pediatric Dentistry South Design Image Piccolina Restaurant DeWalt Enterprises Pinebridge Commons Associates Raymond James Financial Services Questa Petroleum Co. Henderson Investment Corp. Primary Physicians Research Hickory Heights Land Co. REFCO Jimcor Associates, Inc. Eric J. Reitz DMD & Timothy Kerr, DMD & Gary J. Yanniello, DMD Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD South Hills Financial Group Larry E. Manalo, DMD State Farm Insurance William McVay Suburban Dry Cleaners Joan Dugan Miller, CPA Weidmann Technical Services

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for leasing information, please call Pinebridge Commons Associates (412) 220-9288

A Memory to Last a Lifetime—

Meeting the President On Labor Day 2002, Lauren Smith met President Bush at the Carpenters Training Facility in Neville Island while attending the event with her father. They were very impressed with the President. Lauren attends Boyce Middle School and is a Student Council Representative for her fifth level class. Her parents are Colleen and Wade Smith.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The “Boyce Experience” It Lasts a Lifetime After the elementary school years

have left our children—or should we say, our children have left the elementary school years—they join together, student population from our three elementary schools, and form the fifth and sixth level student population of the Upper St. Clair school system located on Boyce Road, known as Boyce Middle School. The educational structure abounds with academic choices of MOSAIC, Flight, and International Baccalaureate (IB), as well as the traditional teaching approach. In addition to the rigorous academic requirements, our children enjoy the “Boyce Experience.” It’s this experience that sets Boyce apart from all other schools in our District helping over 600 children to mature and develop into young men and women ready to continue their education at Fort Couch and eventually at the High School. An integral part of the two-year “Boyce Experience” is the student activities, which are above and beyond academia, thus elevating the experience. The old adage “You get out what you put in” aptly applies to the Boyce teaching staff, who put in much effort to enrich the experience for the students. Sometimes they receive no more than the gratification of a job well done. But, because of this, our children take away much more than academic knowledge—they take away, and carry with them the whole “Boyce Experience.” Below are some of the activities that enhance student life at Boyce. Boyce Pride Caring Award Once a month, teachers and peers nominate two students from each teaching team for the Boyce Pride Caring Award. Students are recognized for something kind and caring that that they have done for a friend or teacher. The PTA honors the students at a monthly ceremony where the winners are treated to cookies and juice and receive a Boyce Pride pin and certificate. Student Council’s Community Service Projects Each year four students from each fifth and sixth level team are elected by their peers to serve as student council representatives. Under

Student council holds its 2002 Halloween Pumpkin Raffle. 46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Student council members preparing flowerbeds for winter at the I-79 Bridgeville rest stop.

the leadership of student council sponsors, Mrs. Amy Antonio, Mrs. Vicki Cayuela, and Mrs. Debbie Obrosky, representatives participate in many school and community service projects. For the past six years the student council has been involved with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in a project to beautify the local highways. Each spring members of the council plant all the flowerbeds at the Bridgeville rest stop of I-79, returning in the fall to prepare the beds for winter. Student council makes holiday decorations for residents of Friendship Village, and then visits the home to display their decorations and entertain the residents with songs and music. Members of student council serve as hosts and hostesses for guests and events held at Boyce. Student council members are also responsible for preparing for assemblies, encouraging school pride, and serving as role models for their peers. Every two or three years student council holds a major fund raising event to support its projects and programs. This year student council will be selling Human-i-Tees products and shirts to finance its projects for the next several years. Student council executive board for the 2002-03 school year is President Alyssa Simon, Vice President Alex Shogry and Secretary Christine Prorok. Holiday and Service Projects Random Acts of Kindness Week—Students participate in a weeklong celebration that focuses on performing kind acts for others. Some of the planned activities include: decorating placemats for the residents at Friendship Village, doing “favors” for Boyce staff members, and pledging to do at least one act of kindness for another classmate each day of the week. Thanksgiving Food Drive—The PTA Outreach Committee and the guidance department annually coordinate a Thanksgiving Food Drive. Each team of students donates specific food items for local needy families. Complete Thanksgiving meals (including certificates for free turkeys) are packed in boxes that are decorated by the students. The meals are distributed

Students decorating placemats for Random Acts of Kindness.

by SHIM one week before Thanksgiving. Friendship Shoeboxes—Students and the Red Cross join together annually in a collaborative effort to help needy children during the winter holiday season. Participating students fill a shoebox with gifts that are both fun and practical. The gifts are distributed to homeless and needy children in the surrounding communities. Six hundred and forty boxes were filled and distributed this past holiday season. Pennies for Patients—Every winter students participate in a fund raising activity called “Pennies for Patients” for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Last year, Boyce students and staff donated $6000 to this cause and were recognized as the top fundraising school in Western Pennsylvania and Virginia. Historical Events Students participate in realistic historical events throughout the school year. While studying the American Revolutionary period, fifth level teams prepare activities to present to their peers. Slide shows, songs, games, skits, and projects are shared on “Revolutionary War Day” each January. History truly comes to life for two days in the spring when the fifth level students participate in “Civil War Days.” During these two days, students have the opportunity to meet Civil War re-enactors “up close and personal,” sing songs of the era, eat soldiers’ food, and actively participate in a Civil War encampment. ACE Reader Book Club Boyce librarian, Florine Masciantonio, and Boyce reading specialist, Dave Silvers, launched a volunteer and independent reading program called “The ACE Reader Book Club.” Students select a book from the ACE Reader

booklist and upon completion of the book, take a ten-point quiz and complete a book review. The students are then recognized for their participation with a certificate. After reading several books within a twomonth period and scoring 90% or 100% on the quizzes, the students are invited to an ACE Reader activity. The theme of the activity varies throughout the year. In conjunction with the ACE Reader program, students earn “library book bucks,” which they redeem in June at the annual ACE Reader book buck fair. All students are encouraged to participate in several reading related after-school activities such as the popular Harry Potter or Newberry taped readings. Quite successful and enjoyable for Boyce students and their families this past fall was the Boyce Night at the Movies, which premiered Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the Destinta Theater. Multiple Sclerosis Read-a-Thon Students participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Read-a-Thon every year. After a kick-off assembly in January with a Read-a-Thon coordinator, the stage is set to invite students to listen to how they can make a difference for the many people in Allegheny County who are afflicted by this disease. School Superintendent Dr. William Pope visits and speaks with the students about the search for the cause, cure and treatments of MS. He recently relayed exciting scientific information regarding the new drug Betaseron, which helps assist in treatments for MS victims. Each year students pledge to read as many books as they can for the duration of the twomonth Read-a-Thon, which ends in March. Along with their pledge to read is a monetary pledge made by their families and other community sponsors who are honoring the reading efforts with their donations. The proceeds of the Read-a-Thon are turned in to the Allegheny District Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Read-a-Thon documents the participants and the individual school districts’ efforts, culminating in awards for schools and individual students. During the past few years Boyce received both first and second place titles consecutively from the list of participating schools. Many of our students have been top-ranking readers in the region while contributing thousands of dollars to the search for the cure of MS. Calcu-Solve Competition Every November since 1988, Boyce has hosted a highly competitive mathematics problem solving competition for fifth and sixth level students in Allegheny and Washington Counties. Students compete for individual recognition and prizes, as well as team awards and recognition. The Calcu-Solve competition was originally

ACE Reader Book Club participants

Continued on page 48 Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The “Boyce Experience” Continued from page 47

Members of the 2002 Calcu-Solve team. Missing from photo is Aditya Kumar.

hosted at Boyce, but soon outgrew the facilities and with the help and support of then Boyce principal Dr. Robert Furman the competition was moved to the ballroom of Duquesne University’s student union. For the past six years, more than 50 teams of four students each have entered the competition. Student council members serve as hosts and hostesses for the competition and members of the High School gifted program serve as scorekeepers and proctors for the day’s events. The competition is organized and run by several teacher volunteers from Boyce and the High School. Student team members of the 2002 Calcu-Solve team were Drew Gallagher, Steve Garbin, Andrey Grinshpun, Zach Joyce, Aditya Kumar, Matt Myron, John Subosits, Nikhil Venkatesh, Mathi Rengasamy, Joey Rubino and Chapin Wright. Science Extravaganza Day Every other year in June the Boyce PTA and science department sponsor a Science Extravaganza Day. This day is intended to focus on the inquiry process and problem solving strategies and relate these skills to real-world challenges. This event, which began in 1993, and will again be held in June, involves all fifth and sixth level students. During the fun-filled day, students will have a chance to listen to real scientists from the community talk about their careers in the field of science, attend two or three assemblies with science themes, play science trivia with a game show format and do group inquiry-based activities with their own teachers and team. The Courtyard Some of you may not be aware of the outdoor Boyce courtyard at all, and those of you who are may not have taken a look at it lately. You may be surprised to see the many changes that have occurred. The outdoor courtyard has potential as a wonderful place for students and teachers to do a variety of educational activities. Over the past several years there have been a number of improvements made as part of a general renovation. Those improvements have included the removal of deteriorated wooden benches, replacement of some of the walkways and the addition of a Koi and goldfish pond. 48

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Bayer Corporation and the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair have supported the project with generous gifts that have allowed for the addition of three park benches, several picnic tables and a storage shed in the courtyard. Over the summer a landscape service company cut down and removed old shrubs and finished the pond by surrounding it with landscaping stones. With the help of volunteer teachers and parents, the students have formed a garden club to make improvements and maintain the courtyard. The club is open to all fifth and sixth level students, parents, and community members who are interested in gardening and landscaping. Many students have joined the club and stay after school to work. Members of the club have done an amazing job at digging out stumps and root systems of old shrubs, allowing new beds to be prepared. The largest bed in the courtyard has been completely cleared so that it can be replanted this spring with annual flowers. A small herb and vegetable garden is also being considered for this area. In another large bed, perennials are being replanted to allow the flowerbeds to bloom each season. This project will develop into a unique outdoor garden courtyard, a place where students can read, study, investigate, and gain an appreciation of nature and the world around them.

Boyce Courtyard Garden Club

If you would like to help with this project, please contact Mr. Steve Nicklas at Boyce Middle School at 412-833-1600, extension 5000 or Mrs. Nancie Gallagher, Boyce parent. If you are interested in making a donation of time, money, or supplies, we will gladly accept all offers. Thanks to Mrs. Debbie Obrosky, Boyce math resource teacher, for compiling the information for this article. Direct questions concerning Boyce Middle School to Principal Karen Brown at 412-8331600, extension 5000. Related Boyce articles appearing in the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine: Spring 2003, page 28: “The International Baccalaureate Program at Upper St. Clair” Fall 2002, page 37: “The Deer Valley Experience” Fall 2001, page 70: “Boyce 2001 Science Extravaganza”

Values—Parents and Children National Survey Results Parents don’t believe they are do-

ing a very good job teaching their children essential values, according to a new national survey released this past November. Across the board, parents give themselves very low grades, according to the study from Public Agenda, a nonprofit research organization. The unexpected findings provide a snapshot of where parents think they are falling short. Although 82% of adults believe it is essential to teach their children to do their best in school, only 50% say they have gotten that message across. And 83% say it is vital to teach kids selfcontrol, but only about one-third say they have succeeded. The study—titled A Lot Easier Said than Done—takes a close look at the impact of TV, the experience of raising teens and the unique challenges faced by single parents and low-income families. It is a follow-up to Public Agenda’s acclaimed Kids These Days studies conducted in 1997 and 1999. In the survey, parents were asked how essential it was to teach their children a series on 11 character values and then to rate their success in imparting those values to their kids. (See Chart 1, which shows the resulting “gap” between goal and performance.)

Among the key findings: • A consumerist mentality appears to start early, with 59% of parents of children aged ten or older saying brand names are at least somewhat important to their children when shopping for clothing. • More than one-third of parents (37%) worry they overindulge their child. The survey of 1067 parents of children ages 5-17 also found that: • By a 49%-23% margin, parents say they worry more about raising a child who is well behaved and has good values than they do about providing for their physical needs, while 25% say they worry about both equally. • The rocky economy notwithstanding, parents say they worry more about protecting their child from negative social influences (47%) than about paying bills (23%) or finding enough family time together (27%). Low-income parents, although by closer margins, also say they worry more about negative societal influences (42%) than household finances (29%) or finding enough family time (25%). Continued on page 54

Chart 1

To have self-control and self-discipline To save money and spend it carefully To be honest and truthful To be independent and do for themselves To always do their very best in school To have good nutrition and eating habits To be courteous and polite To have strong religious faith To help those who are less fortunate To exercise and to be physically fit To enjoy art and literature

Absolutely essential

Have succeeded

Gap

83% 70% 91% 74% 82% 68% 84% 61% 62% 51% 33%

34% 28% 55% 38% 50% 40% 62% 53% 55% 53% 51%

49 42 36 36 32 28 22 8 7 -2 -18

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Paul Fink—Patience and Persistence Pays Off Jim Render We often feature stories about our

successful School District, the national awards we’ve won, and the hall of fametype people who have graduated from Upper St. Clair High School. We boast about our scholars, our artists and our athletes and the many success stories of the people who received their education from Upper St. Clair. This, however, is a story about a high school graduate that you’ve probably never heard of before. His story needs to be told and is just as successful. Please meet Paul Fink, class of 1989. Paul began helping our (USC football) cameraman, Rick Christian, during his freshman year in high school in 1985. He has been with us ever since and has not missed a week of filming assignments in all those years. He even convinced his parents that he needed to take his old car to college so that he could get to his assigned games. He has video scouted most of our opponents all over the WPIAL, from Erie to Uniontown and from Hershey to Cincinnati. Eventually he sold his schoolbooks from Robert Morris University and bought his own video camera. Paul’s real story is about passion, preparation, patience and persistence. The passion began in the early 80s when he’d follow his father to hockey games at the Civic Arena. His dad was a beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and since, in those days, they did not publish a Sunday paper, Paul could tag along on Saturday nights because there were no deadlines to meet. He liked the game, the equipment guys and the coaches. He introduced himself to everybody he could meet. Not bad for a ten-year-old. As he got older, he realized that he would not be a football or hockey player, but he realized he liked the atmosphere of the sports world. Paul became “hooked” on scouting and the possibilities that existed for a man and his camera, which today includes digital analyzers and computers. During his college years, he used to come to our Sunday night football meetings and watch films and tapes with us so that he could learn what it was that we were trying to accomplish with our video preparation. In truth, it was Paul Fink who was also preparing. He coached summer youth hockey, so that he could 50

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Paul Fink displays some video equipment.

learn more about the game. He did a summer internship through Robert Morris with the Pittsburgh Penguins. An association was fostered in a merchandising warehouse. About this time (1992-93) Eddie Johnson, a coach and scout returned to the Penguins and to his home in Upper St. Clair. Paul asked a question of the administration and the coaches, “Do you use game films and scouting tapes like football coaches?” Howard Baldwin now owned the Pittsburgh Penguins as well as a roller hockey team (Pittsburgh Phantoms) and a soccer team (Pittsburgh Stingers). While visiting relatives in Texas, Paul decided to video scout a soccer opponent of the Stingers. People in the organization were impressed. In January 1995, the Penguins finally called and asked Paul to help in the press box for $17.50 a night. He filmed games, enabling the statisticians to check the replays for assists and whatever other information they could glean. Coaches became interested in his video talents, especially when Kevin Constantine took over as head coach in 1997. He was a big preparation guy who wanted to show players video breakdowns of power plays and penalty situations. The coaches gave Paul notes of what they wanted created on film. He learned and worked long hours for no pay other than the game night stipend. Paul delivered pizzas and pumped gas so that he could volunteer his talents to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sometimes he worked all night making videotapes for the coaches. This included one December night in 1999 when Constantine and his assistant coaches were

fired. Patient Paul went to work and volunteered the next day. The new coach of the Penguins was Herb Brooks, the man who led our 1980 USA Olympic Team to a gold medal with the thrilling victory over the great Russian professional team. Brooks used videotape as a part of his preparation, but not to the extent of Kevin Constantine. Coach Brooks preferred to watch the games with Paul and even asked his volunteer video photographer his opinion about the action appearing on the screen. This brought strange looks from general manager, Craig Patrick, who said he did not have money in the budget for a video coordinator. Eventually, however, they did hire Paul as a video consultant at $15,000 over a 10-month period. The persistent Mr. Fink continued to be an asset to the Penguins doing whatever he could to help the team win. It should be noted that virtually every other NHL team had a full time video coordinator by the year 2000. In 2001, Rick Kehoe became the new coach of the Penguins and the video process started all over again for Paul. Coach Kehoe urged Craig Patrick to begin thinking about a video position to be included in the budget and for Paul to meet with Mr. Patrick. Finally, in August 2002, things started to happen. It began when Paul’s car broke down. It became necessary to tell Craig Patrick he could no

Stay Safe!

Pennsylvania requires children

age four through seven to be restrained in a child safety seat or a booster seat as of February 21, 2003. Previous state law required only children from birth to age four to be secured in a child passenger restraint system. “More than 30% of our State’s youngsters are not buckled up when riding in a car, and of those who are, four out of five are restrained in

longer travel between the practice facility at South Pointe and the Mellon Arena, downtown. He could no longer volunteer to work all night with the small stipend and no health benefits. Video scouting was his passion, but it was now necessary for him to earn a living. Paul’s persistence paid off and the Pittsburgh Penguins now have “Coach Fink” as their video coordinator. The players and particularly Ian Moran gave the “coach” label to him. By the way, Coach Fink only missed one USCHS football assignment during this past season because of a conflicting Penguins exhibition game. One of Paul’s great thrills during this long journey was for him to film his owner, the incomparable Mario Lemieux, when he resumed his career in December 2000. Another highlight was the 1999 playoffs, when the bankrupt Penguins were down three games to two against the New Jersey Devils. They took Paul on the road trip where he worked nonstop for three days to help in the preparation. The Pens eventually won the series, coming from behind. Mario assumed ownership of the team. Paul Fink’s story is certainly one of patience and persistence. He is one of the unsung background people that make organizations like the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins successful in more ways than one.

improperly installed child safety seats,” said State Representative Kathy Watson. “This legislation seeks to correct this false sense of security, but the goal is education and compliance, not punishment. We just want to keep our children safe,” she added. “Regular seat belts were designed to protect adults, not children,” State Senator Robert Mellow said. “If we want to provide children with the greatest level of safety, we have to use devices designed specifically for them.” Violators of the child safety seat/booster seat provision, which is part of a work zone and truck safety measure, face a maximum fine of $100. Drivers cannot be pulled over for failing to comply; they can only be ticketed if they are pulled over for another violation. The new law also requires that all children age eight through 17 wear a safety belt regardless of where they sit in a vehicle. Currently, only children in the front seat must wear safety belts. Govenor Mark Schweiker signed the bill in late December. This provision of the bill became effective February 21, 2003. Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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?

d of r 16 , 20 02 , Bo ar At th e D ec em be eetm re-organizational School Directors d as te betta was re-elec ing Dr. Mark Trom vid Da hool Board and president of the Sc ce vi d d as School Boar Bluey was re-electe . 03 calendar year president for the 20

School Report Card Bill Becomes Law Students, parents and taxpayers will be able to see how their school district is performing compared to similar districts, resulting from a new law authored by Representative Jess Stairs (R-59). The legislation creates School Report Cards, which will be a regular offering on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website at www.pde.state.pa.us and linking to paprofiles. The report card is a school profile for each school entity. The Department will also be responsible for publicizing the existence of this information as a resource for all Pennsylvanians.

Tim Steinhauer discusses the Strategic Plan.

The Upper St. Clair School District six-year Strategic Plan for school years 2002-03 to 2008-09 was adopted by the Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors on September 22, 2002, and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The strategic plan highlights important objectives the School District will undertake over the next several years. This plan allows the District to focus resources on these important tasks. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Chapter 4 Regulations, the strategic plan is available for public inspection and can be accessed online at the School District website www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and linking onto “District Information.” Hard copies may be viewed at the School District Central Office on McLaughlin Run Road or at any school building. Many thanks to parents, teachers, community members and administrators for their dedicated work during this developmental process. Direct questions to Dr. Timothy Steinhauer at 412-833-1600, extension 3000.

At the reg ula r De cem be r 20 02 sch oo l board meeting, the Uppe r St. Clair Board of School Directors voted unanimously to appoint Dr. James D. Lo mbardo as Upper St. Clair School District ’s superintendentdesignate. Dr. Lombardo, a 17-year school superintendent from Ve rmont, will begin his five-year contract on July 1, 2003. Current USC school sup erintendent Dr. William A. Pope will ret ire in June 2003.

Denny Snyder teaching students proper technique.

Long time High School faculty member Dr. Dennis Snyder was named the High School’s head rifle coach. Denny assisted cofaculty member Ed Callahan for 12 years before taking over this past November as coach for this winter sport. Tracey Olkowski, High School science teacher, was named assistant coach. USCHS is one of only ten schools in Western Pennsylvania to maintain and sponsor a co-ed rifle team.

Beth Vance was named the High School’s dance team head coach, replacing Sandy Thorsen. Beth, the captain of the dance team during her senior year, is a 1995 graduate of USCHS, and currently works as a regional sales representative for Varsity Spirit Fashions. Her mom, Joyce Vance, a long time resident of USC and a RN in the emergency department at St. Clair Hospital, is the dance team assistant coach and the head cheerleading coach. Joyce Vance

Beth Vance

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did

Did You Know?

This past fall Fort Couch Middle School faculty, students, family members and the community celebrated the receipt of the 2001-02 National Blue Ribbon of Educational Excellence award. The afternoon picnic-style celebration was marked by special recognition from then Pennsylvania State Senator Tim Murphy and Pennsylvania State Representative John Maher. Words from Upper St. Clair school board president Dr. Mark Trombetta; retired USC Deputy Superintendent Dr. Catherine Luke; USC School District Director of Education 7-12 Dr. John Bornyas, and Fort Couch principal Dr. Timothy Steinhauer acknowledged the efforts of all who helped make this tenth award for the School District a reality. See also UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Fall 2002, page 24, for a related article on the Fort Couch Blue Ribbon award.

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Values—Parents and Children Continued from page 49

No Safe Haven Television got mixed reviews from parents in the survey overall, with 90% saying TV gets worse by the year in terms of bad language and adult themes. Parents no longer find the early evening hours a safe haven for family viewing. Yet, 82% say they have seen a TV program that did impart a good message to their child. More than nine of ten (93%) say TV is all right for their child as long as they watch the right shows and in moderation; 85% say they have no problem with their child relaxing for a while in front of a TV. The survey also found: • Parents are evenly divided on viewing habits, with 48% saying they worry their child watches too much TV and 52% saying it is not a problem in their house. • While 71% of parents say they had been shocked in the past year by something they saw on TV, just 13% of that group say they contacted the station or network to complain. • Just 22% of parents say they have seriously considered taking the ultimate step of getting rid of their TV.

Parenting America Style As part of the study, Public Agenda built a series of questions into the survey regarding parents’ experiences and philosophies in raising children, and identified four archetype-parenting styles—The Overwhelmed, The Softies, Parents in Chief and Best Buddies (See Chart 2). Chart 2 The Overwhelmed (17% of the sample)100% of these parents say: • I can see how my child has picked up some bad habits from me. • Children are born with their own personality— as a parent, there’s only so much I can do. • There’s so much stress in my life that being a parent can be overwhelming. The Softies (17% of the sample) 100% of these parents say: • I’m sometimes too tired to be firm with my child, even when I know I should. • I sometimes let too many things go. • I sometimes give in too quickly. Parents in Chief (18% of the sample) 100% of these parents say: • When I say something, I expect my child to listen— not to question me. • I can sometimes be too over-protective. Best Buddies (8% of sample) 100% of these parents say: • I try very hardto be a different kind of parent than my own parents were. • I sometimes feel more like my child’s best friend than a parent. • I sometimes do too much explaining. 54

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Several “universal truths of parenting” were identified in the survey based on large majorities who say they either “strongly” or “somewhat” agree with various philosophies, such as: • Sometimes you have to let kids make mistakes and deal with the consequences on their own (95%). • Children do best when parents set limits and enforce them (94%). • Parents have to pick their battles— you can’t fight your child over everything (85%). • Being too strict can backfire, because kids will do things behind you back (82%). • It’s much harder for families to do a good job raising kids when both parents have to work (77%). Chart 3 Scary Out There—Parents have long expressed high levels of concern for the safety of their children. In the survey, they were asked to assess their concern with the following: Worry

‘A lot’

Some

Protecting their child from drugs and alcohol

55%

24%

Someone physically harming or kidnapping their child

50%

26%

The negative influence of other kids on their child

47%

29%

Low quality public schools

41%

25%

Negative messages in the media

39%

34%

Paying bills and making ends meet

36%

32%

Juggling the demands of work and family

35%

31%

Lack of time to spend together as a family

28%

30%

Getting health insurance and good medical care for their child

33%

17%

A lack of organized activities for their child

22%

This article appeared in the Information Legislative Service publication issued by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association on November 8, 2002. Public Agenda is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit opinion research organization, located in New York City. Direct inquiries to: Public Agenda, 6 East 39th St., 9th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Tel: 212-686-6610; Fax: 212-889-3461.

The International Baccalaureate Program at Upper St. Clair Continued from page 29

Steve Jackson showing the display case he made at the USC Library.

Valuing citizenship is not unique to the IBO. President Bush wrote in January 2001, “Education should prepare children for jobs, and it also should prepare our children for life. Teaching character and citizenship to our children is a high calling.” The president further proposed that our schools become places where our students can acquire the habits of civic participation, responsibility and service that are essential to democratic life. In so saying, he called on all Americans to perform the equivalent of four thousand hours of community service in their lives. However, research shows that the two main reasons individuals give for not volunteering are, that they are never asked or that they did not know where to start. IB is unique, because it both asks and shows how to start the habit of community service.

The IB at USC Currently, twenty eleventh and twelfth grade students are participating in the Diploma Program at the High School. These students take special IB classes taught by IB trained teachers. They must take IB exams, which are scored outside the District by an international panel. Like Advanced Placement tests, high scores on IB exams translate into college credit. Most universities in the U.S. and Europe have arrangements with the IBO for favorable admissions status and granting of college credit. Diploma students without the requisite exam scores are nevertheless still much valued by universities. The IB grading system is criterion-referenced, which means students are not compared to each other, nor are traditional “curves” used in scoring. All IB Diploma students are measured against a common standard or criteria. Therefore, an exam score of three in Upper St. Clair means exactly the same thing as a score of three in New York, London, Paris or Munich.

“If we expect students to navigate international waters, we need to give them an international education that meets the highest standards.” —Rod Paige, US Secretary of Education

Tenth grader Andrew Guzzi researched the USC Log House for his required Personal Project.

For USC students in grades five through ten, an IB MYP is available. It is housed in three buildings, Boyce, Fort Couch and the High School. This program was designed to meet the educational needs of students of all ability levels. Most MYP teachers have received specialized training to implement the program. Recently, three USC faculty members, Miss Joanne Szymanski, Mrs. Eileen Sakoian and Mrs. Caren Falascino were selected by the International Baccalaureate to be North American IB Teacher Trainers and Site Evaluators. Granted the status of an IB World School in July 2002, the USC program attempts to show connections among the disciplines, highlight internationalism, introduce community service and emphasize Approaches to Learning.

The MYP culminates in a Personal Project completed by the student, which can also meet the compulsory USC High School graduation project requirements. A few examples of tenth grade Personal Projects done this year at USC are Robotics, Cubism, Classical Indian Music, A Study of the Social Effects of Internet Music, Using Music to Teach Reading, Attention Deficit, and An Elementary School Curriculum Guide to the USC Log House. Currently, 365 students participate in the MYP. An IB PYP is being implemented at Streams Elementary School for any elementary student who wishes to participate. This requires some students to take a bus out of their normal elementary school neighborhood. Currently, one hundred students participate in the IB PYP at Streams. The PYP teachers have received specialized training to implement this program. The following six organizing themes help teachers and children explore knowledge in the broadest sense of the word: Sharing the planet Who we are Where we are in place and time How we express ourselves How the world works How we organize ourselves

Direct questions concerning the three IB programs in Upper St. Clair to: Grades 11 and 12 Mrs. Barbara Andrews, Diploma Coordinator, USCHS, 412-833-1600, extension 2243 Grades 5-10 Dr. Clark Remington, MYP Coordinator, Fort Couch Middle School, 412-833-1600, extension 3208 Grades K-4 Mrs. Nancy Trau, PYP Coordinator, Streams Elementary School, 412-833-1600, extension 6015

While the three programs are designed to stand alone, they provide excellent preparation for each other. With a few restrictions it is possible for students to move in and out of the program annually. The IB is a choice in USC because we believe our students are not only entitled to have the best possible education, they are entitled to be prepared to embrace and comprehend the greater outside world.

Spring 2003

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.

Robert W. Orchowski

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.

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

September 3, 2002

October 7, 2002

Approximately 31 people attended.

Approximately 20 people attended.

• Commissioner Long presented Proclamations to Daniel B. Doan and Terence Patrick Heffernan recognizing their attainment of Eagle Scout rank. The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 15-02 granting preliminary and final subdivision approval for PLC02-0012– Deerfield Manor Plan No. 9, subject to certain conditions. • Adopted Bill No. 16-02 to grant site plan approval to the Boyce Mayview Park EEC, Phase I. • Authorized the Township Manager and Township Attorney to execute an agreement between the Township of Upper St. Clair, Peters Township and the Peters Township Sanitary Authority for sewage conveyance along Hays Road. • Approved contracts with: Day Chevrolet Monroeville 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Response and Transport Vehicle for Tri-Community South EMS .................... $34,409 Five Star International Harrisburg 2003 International Cab and Chassis for the Department of Public Works ................. $84,164 • Adopted Resolution No. 1425 to enter into a Five-Year Winter Maintenance Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for snow and ice control within the Township for the period from September 2002 through August 2007.

Recognitions • Commissioner Bates presented a Proclamation recognizing the week of October 6-12, 2002, as Fire Prevention Week. Russell Rauch, President of the Volunteer Fire Department, accepted the Proclamation. • Several members of the Volunteer Fire Department were honored for their years of service: Michael Thomas .......................... 5 Years Dennis Herisko ............................ 5 Years David Ickes ................................ 10 Years Steven Moore ............................. 20 Years • Commissioner Bates stated that the Township has the highest ranking from the insurance underwriters due to the professionalism of the Volunteer Fire Department. This excellent rating provides a large discount on homeowners insurance. • A check in the amount of $139,976.08 was presented to the Volunteer Fire Department. The check represents the 2002 state allocation to the Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association.

Meeting Dates

Bill Bates At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-8115

Ernest T. Harris At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1119

The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 17-02, amending Chapter 130 of the Code of the Township, entitled “Zoning,” to provide for two-family and multifamily dwellings as a use by planned development within the RM-P, planned restricted light industrial district, and to provide express standards for two-family and multifamily dwellings within the RM-P, planned

• 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. • 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

Spring 2003

restricted light industrial district (formerly 2500 Boyce Plaza rezoning). • Adopted Resolution No. 1426, establishing Monday, December 2, 2002, as the public hearing date on PLC02-0007, former railroad rezoning. • Adopted Bill No. 18-02, granting a modification to the public improvements in the Orchard Hills Plan No. 1. • Authorized a letter from the Township Manager to the Executive Director of the South Hills YMCA regarding the relocation of the swimming pool and offices. • Approved the following contracts: Orris Fuel, Inc. Creighton Gasoline and Diesel Fuel OPIS Daily Pittsburgh Average Index Plus Fixed Margin of $.0794/Gallon Recreation Resource, Inc. Kennett Square Recreation Equipment for Johnston Park ....................................... $18,136 • Adopted Bill No. 19-02, amending the ICMA Employee Pension Plan to eliminate the loan provision. • Adopted Bill No. 20-02, amending Chapter 125 to prohibit parking in other than approved parking areas. • Adopted Resolution No. 1427, allowing the Township to participate in the joint bid for a contract for solid waste collection coordinated through SHACOG.

November 4, 2002 Approximately 26 people attended.

• Commissioner Long presented Proclamations to Robert Disantis and Peter Blank, recognizing their attainment of Eagle Scout rank. The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 21-02, granting preliminary and final subdivision approval to the Woeber Plan of Lots. • Adopted Bill No. 22-02, amending Chapter 57 of the Code of the Township entitled “Fees.” • Approved contract with: Wheeled Coach Orlando, FL Four New 2002 Ambulances ...............$347,600 • Mr. Watkins updated the Board on the current deer statistics: Cars: 32 Whitetail: 13

November 13, 2002

December 2, 2002 Approximately 77 people attended the regular meeting.

Recognitions • Commissioner Harris presented a Proclamation recognizing the attainment of Eagle Scout rank by Timothy M. Wagner. • Commissioner Orchowski presented Proclamations to the members of the 13-Year-Old USC Athletic Association Youth Football Team, for capturing the Greater Route 19 Football League Championship in the 2002 season. The Board: • Granted tentative approval to Friendship Village of South Hills Consolidation Plan, Lot 401, Second Revision, subject to conditions set forth in Decision USC-PRD 1-02. • Adopted Bill No. 23-02, accepting dedication of the public improvements in the Orient Plan of Lots No. 2. Approved: Two contracts for the Environmental Education Center (EEC) and answered several questions from the Board regarding the contracts: Resun Leasing, Inc. Ambridge EEC Modular Classrooms......................$97,228

TEDCO Construction Corp. Carnegie EEC Phase I Construction ........... $1,199,469.25 Approved a contract with: A&H Equipment Bridgeville Sewer Jetting Unit ............................. $76,638.30 • Moved that the Township participate in the Hazard Mitigation program. • Adopted Bill No. 24-02, amending Chapter 11 of the Township Code entitled “Administrative General Provisions Section 11.6, ‘Citizen’s Right to Examine and Copy Township Records.’” • Adopted the 2003 Preliminary Budget as amended on December 2, 2002, and authorized the Township Manager and Township Attorney to prepare and advertise the necessary Bills and notices to implement the same in final form on December 23, 2002. • Adopted the by-laws and impanel a Board of Directors no later than January 6, 2003. • Adopted the modified Cooperative Agreement.

Approved the following reappointments to the various boards and commissions: Name/Address

Board/Commission

Term

Expiration Date

Robert M. Unetich

Cable TV Board

3-Year

12/31/05

Gene Musial

Civil Service Board

3-Year

12/31/05

Michael P. Bova

Library Board

3-Year

12/31/05

Karen M. McElhinney

Parks and Recreation Board

3-Year

12/31/05

William O. Barnard

Parks and Recreation Board

3-Year

12/31/05

Thomas Browand

Parks and Recreation Board

3-Year

12/31/05

David Wade

Planning Commission

4-Year

12/31/06

Robert J. Ridge

Planning Commission

4-Year

12/31/06

Robert L. Allman, II

Zoning Hearing Board

3-Year

12/31/05

December 23, 2002 Approximately 8 people attended the special budget meeting.

The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 25-02—adopting the 2003 Budget. • Adopted Bill No. 26-02, amending Chapter 118 of the Township Code, Article 4, which would provide additional tax on Earned Income and Net Profits.

Approximately 9 people attended the special budget meeting.

• The Board authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for the swimming pool/ recreational facilities at Boyce Mayview Park.

November 25, 2002 Approximately 7 people attended the special budget meeting.

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www.twpusc.org

• Commissioner Marsh explained that the special meeting and public hearing on the Township’s 2003 Budget had been adjourned to this meeting from the Special Meeting of November 13, 2002.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Department of Finance

August G. Stache, Jr., Director of Finance

For more information see www.twpusc.org.

Budget Highlights The 2003 Annual Operating Budget maintains all 2002 mu-

nicipal service levels. To accomplish this, the real estate tax rate was increased from 2.44 mills in 2002 to 2.60 mills in 2003 or a 6.5% rate increase, and the earned income tax rate was increased from .70% in 2002 to .75% in 2003 or a rate increase of 7%. General Fund revenues are expected to increase to 8.15% over 2002 to $11,976,674; while operating expenses will increase 5.68% to $10,471,945. The remaining difference of projected revenues over operation expenses of $1,504,729 will be used to fund the Debt Service Costs for 2003 of $38,000 and the transfer to Capital Projects Fund of $1,465,000 with $1729 remaining in the General Fund Balance. Real Estate Taxes represent 34.7% of the revenues needed for the 2003 General Fund Budget. An increase of $370,700 is projected from this revenue source and is based on anticipated assessments for 2003. Earned Income Taxes represent 42.5% of the revenues needed for the 2003 General Fund Budget. The projected increase of $467,855 is based upon actual collection patterns for 2002 and projected economic conditions for 2003.

Sanitary Sewer Fund Revenues for this fund are derived from user fees calculated as a percentage of each resident’s ALCOSAN charge. Major Expenses for this fund consist of the following items: 1. Personnel services represents 6.38% of this budget and increased by $61,805 due to a revised allocation of human resources to this fund and related fringe benefit cost. 2. Sewage processing fees from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) represent 61% of the annual Budget. The multiplier used to calculate the fee will be increased from 1.60 to 1.67. Increases are required for continuing major corrective action work in the McLaughlin Run and Painters Run watersheds. Since the Township should maintain a Fund Balance of approximately $500,000 in the Sanitary Sewer Fund to keep its superior bond rating, it is anticipated that the excess of revenues over expenditures of $23,361 forecasted for 2003 will be kept in

2002 Budget

Real Estate Tax $3,785,150 Earned Income Tax 4,625,000 Occupational Privilege Tax 70,000 Real Estate Transfer Tax 775,000 Public Utilities Tax 25,000 Local Option Sales & Use Tax 270,000 Licenses and Permits 99,950 Fees and Fines 324,700 Rental Income 62,400 Investment Earnings 95,000 Service Agreements 211,750 Other Non-Tax Revenue 409,000 Recreation Fees 321,063 Fund Reserve Totals

Capital Projects Funds Revenues—The bulk of revenues for 2003 come from an appropriation from the General Fund of $1,465,000. Interest earned for 2003 is budgeted at $10,000. Proposed Bond funds amounting to $5,000,000 are recommended to be used to finance the Route 19/Abbeyville Road project ($600,000), a new building for the Volunteer Fire Department ($2,100,000), the addition to the Public Works building ($1,200,000), and a new storage building ($500,000). Major Expenses for this fund consist of the annual street improvement program $700,000, McLaughlin Run Trail $170,000, Police Department Vehicles $86,000, purchase of Data Processing Equipment and Software $77,500, and Growing Greener Grant Costs $189,300. The 2003 Budget represents a sound but conservative spending plan for Township operations. Given the ongoing economic conditions, we have strived to maintain quality service levels while living within the financial means of our tax base. For more information see www.twpusc.org. General Fund Appropriations by Major Programs

Major Revenue Sources

Total Revenues

the Fund Balance. The Fund Balance is projected to be $494,168 from $470,807 in 2002. 3. Corrective Action Plan—$600,000 has been allocated to carry on the DEP and EPA mandated repair and reconstruction of sewer lines. 4. The Township is currently reviewing sewage flow stabilization with Bethel Park and ALCOSAN in the McLaughlin Run watershed, and corrective action with Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, and Scott in the Painters Run watershed. These projects that are required by DEP and EPA will become budget matters once the plans are further developed. The recent legal action by the Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Fund (PEDF) may impact future programming.

2003 Budget

Increase Percentage (Decrease) Change

$4,155,850 5,092,855 70,000 775,000 20,000 270,000 102,850 321,250 62,400 60,000 218,750 478,500 349,219

$370,700 467,855 (5,000) 2,900 (3,450) (35,000) 7,000 69,500 28,156

9.79 10.12 0.00 0.00 -20.00 0.00 2.90 -1.06 0.00 -36.84 3.31 16.99 8.77

$11,074,013 $11,976,674 $902,661

8.15%

48,423

$11,122,436

11,976,674

(48,423) -100.00% 854,238

7.68%

2002 Budget Budget

General Government $1,196,082 Public Safety 3,486,833 Community Development 455,646 Public Works 2,876,302 Refuse Collection 745,500 Recreation Services 533,324 Library 595,374 Unallocated Insurance Costs 20,320 Total Operating Expenditures

Capital Improvements Debt Service Payments Sub Total

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Increase Percentage (Decrease) Change

$1,261,507 3,675,410 503,078 3,027,488 811,250 554,012 616,420 22,780

$ 65,425 188,577 47,432 151,186 65,750 20,688 21,046 2,460

5.47 5.41 10.41 5.26 8.82 3.88 3.53 12.11

$9,909,381

$10,471,945

$562,564

5.68%

340,000 873,055

1,465,000 38,000

1,125,000 (835,055)

330.88% -95.65%

$1,213,055

$1,503,000

$289,945

23.90%

Total Appropriations $11,122,436

$11,974,945

$ 852,509

7.66%

Fund Reserve Totals

2003 Budget Budget

1,729

100.00%

11,122,436

11,976,674

854,238

7.68%

2003 Township of Upper St. Clair Sewer User Multiplier Rate

2003 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate Notice and Payment Schedule

The Township of Upper St. Clair hereby gives public notice to all Township sewer users that the 2003 Sewer User Multiplier rate has increased from 1.60 for 2002 to 1.67 for 2003. The increase was required for continuing major corrective action work in the McLaughlin Run, Brush Run and Painters Run watersheds. This notice reminds all property owners that they are responsible to see that all sewage charges for their property are properly assessed and paid timely to avoid penalty and interest charges. If a property owner does not receive a sewer bill by mail, they should contact the Township Tax Office for a new sewer bill. No appeals will be granted due to a property owner not receiving a sewer bill. Only payments received in the tax office or postmarked by the due date will avoid penalty and interest charges.

The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all earned income and net profits taxpayers of the Township of the rate and payment schedule for each taxing body for the year 2003.

2003 Real Estate Tax Notice and Payment Schedule The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all real estate taxpayers of the Township of the payment schedule of each taxing body for the year 2003.

Township Real Estate Tax Schedule for 2003 Date Tax Period May 1 ...................................................Tax bills mailed May 1 – June 30 ...................................2% discount July 1 – September 2 ............................Face Amount September 3 – December 1 ..................10% penalty December 2 ..........................................Lien date For 2003 the Township mileage rate is 2.60 mills of the assessed valuation of your property.

School District Real Estate Tax Schedule for 2003 Date Tax Period July 1....................................................Tax bills mailed July 1 – September 2 ............................2% discount September 3 – October 31 ...................Face amount November 1 – December 2 ..................10% penalty December 3 ..........................................Lien date The School District will adopt its real estate tax mileage rate for the fiscal year 2003-2004 at the June 2003 School Board Meeting. This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible to see that their property is properly assessed and taxed and to ask for appropriate tax bills if they have not received them by mail. No appeals will be granted due to a taxpayer not receiving a real estate tax bill. Only payments received in the tax office or postmarked by the tax period due date will be given the two percent discount or avoid the ten percent penalty.

Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate for 2003 For 2003, the Earned Income and Net Profits tax rates of the Township and the School District are .75% and .50%, respectively, of taxable income as defined by Act 166 of 2002. Thus, the total USC taxpayer’s rate for 2003 has increased to 1.25% from 1.20% in 2002.

Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Payment Schedule for 2003 Date Tax Period January 31, 2003.................. 4th Quarter, 2002 Tax Estimate Due April 15, 2003...................... 2002 USC-40 Due April 30, 2003...................... 1st Quarter, 2003 Tax Estimate Due July 31, 2003........................ 2nd Quarter, 2003 Tax Estimate Due October 31, 2003 ................. 3rd Quarter, 2003 Tax Estimate Due This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible for filing all estimates and final returns in a timely manner. If a taxpayer does not receive quarterly tax estimates for 2003 or a 2002 USC-40 form by mail, they should contact the Township Tax Office at 412-831-9000. No appeals will be granted to a taxpayer for not receiving these forms by mail. Only quarterly tax estimates received in the tax office or postmarked by the appropriate tax period due date will avoid penalty and interest assessments. Also, in accordance with section 3.2.1.5 of the Upper St. Clair Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Ordinance, 90% of a taxpayer’s liability for 2003 must be paid by January 31, 2004, or a taxpayer will be subject to underpayment penalties and interest. This notice also reminds all taxpayers that all 2003 USC-40s will be audited by the Township’s Tax Office through a comparison of data shared by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. This information is usually shared with the Tax office approximately two to three years after a return has been filed. Tax notices assessing the additional tax and underpayment penalties and interest will be sent to any taxpayers that have understated their income.

Recent Legislation-Act 166 of 2002 House Bill 1700, legislation initiated by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants to amend Act 511 (the Local Tax Enabling Act), recently became Act 166 as Governor Mark Schweiker signed it into law. This law is an attempt by the State Legislature to standardize the definition of earned income and net profits among Pennsylvania’s more than 3000 taxing jurisdictions. The definitions of earned income and net profits found in Act 511 have been amended to the definitions found in Pennsylvania’s state personal income tax law for compensation and net income from the operation of a business, profession, or other activity, respectively. Act 166 is effective for 2003, and more information regarding this Act will be highlighted in future editions. Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Development Flood Protection Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river, lake or ocean. When you are looking at a property, it is always a good idea to check possible flood hazards. Be aware: The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building. Slow moving floodwaters are forceful enough to knock people off their feet or to float a car. Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, upholstered furniture and mattresses often suffer irreparable damage and may have to be disposed of after a flood. Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original conditions. Floodwaters are not clean; they carry mud, disease, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances that cause serious health hazards. The impact of a flood (cleaning up, making repairs, and suffering personal losses) causes great stress to you, your family and your finances.

Township Flood Services Upper St. Clair participates in the Community Rating System, which is a program of providing flood hazard information and services. The first step to protect your home from flood damage is to assess the flood hazard. A complete Flood Protection Library, including flood maps and flood protection references, is available at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. The Department of Planning and Community Development located in the Municipal Building can provide more information, such as depth of flooding above a building’s first floor, location of floodplains, and past flood problems in the area. For your safety, Upper St. Clair regulates all construction and development in floodplains to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage.

What You Can Do The Township’s efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how you can help: Do not dump debris of any kind into creeks, ditches, ravines, or streams. Dumping is a violation of Chapter 83 of the Township Code. Even grass clippings and 60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

branches accumulate and plug channels, causing danger during rains. If your property is next to a creek or ditch, please keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The Township has a response program to help remove major blockage such as downed trees. If you see evidence of dumping of debris in creeks or ditches, contact the Public Works Department or the Department of Planning and Community Development. Always check with the Department of Planning and Community Development before you build, alter, grade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. If you are in a floodplain, special building codes may apply. The Community Development Department personnel will walk you through any application and answer your questions. If you see building or filling without a Township permit posted, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 412-831-9000.

Flood Insurance If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover damage from floods. However, because the Township of Upper St. Clair participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, local residents can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. The Township’s current rating is a nine out of ten, which provides for a 5% reduction in insurance. It is backed by the federal government and is available to all residents, even for property outside of a floodplain.

Spring 2003

Any property is subject to flooding. Surface water can accumulate from heavy rain, melting snow, a broken water main or a ruptured swimming pool. Insurance agents may require photographs of the front and back of your house, an elevation certificate (if you are in a floodplain), a completed and signed application, and a check for the first year’s premium. For sample flood insurance applications, visit the Flood Protection Library in the Township Library.

Stormwater Information The Township is in the process of submitting an application for a permit to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Stormwater Phase II program as mandated by the federal government. This program places requirements on stormwater discharges associated with construction activities and discharges for municipal storm sewers. There are projects that the Township has currently undertaken to protect our streams and waterways from hazardous discharge. Be sure to check our website on a regular basis for updates on Stormwater Management and Flood Protection and the steps the Township is taking to meet the federal requirements in order to keep Upper St. Clair a safer place to reside. This information is published annually as a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System recertification and is also available on the Township website at www.twpusc.org.

ATTORNEYS

Banking and Finance Business and Estates Litigation Administrative Law and Government Relations

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Dr. William Braun, Whitehall (412) 881-5989 Dr. Lynne Haubelt, Brentwood (412) 881-5580 Dr. John Snyder, Bethel Park (412) 831-1515

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Recreation and Leisure Services Visit with the Easter Bunny

Community Day 2003 Saturday, May 17 Mark your calendars and plan to bring your family to the 2003 Community Day. Representatives from the Township, School District, PTA’s and community volunteers have been busy over these winter months planning and organizing activities designed for all ages. There are fair booths featuring a great variety of games and food. Watch for the grand parade down McLaughlin Run Road featuring many of your favorite community groups and our local dignitaries. Our smallest residents can even get into the action by competing in a crawling race called the Diaper Derby. Show off your dog in the Hottest Dog Contest or display your cat in the Finest Feline Contest. Watch for the special summer edition of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine for specific details and times of the many activities that are being planned. The Recreation Department is still accepting applications for the Community Day Parade. All community groups are welcome and encouraged to participate. Please contact the Recreation Department, prior to April 4, 2003, at 412-831-9000, extension 255, for a form.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Celebrate spring by spending a morning with the Easter Bunny! The Recreation Department is sponsoring a special craft party with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 5, from 10-11:15 a.m. at the Recreation Center. Bring the family and join us in making a craft while visiting with everyone’s favorite rabbit— the Easter Bunny. Each child will receive a special take-home photo with the Easter Bunny. Registration fee is $6 per child. Adults, please register also, so we can save you a seat! Register in person or by mail at the USC Recreation Department. Space is limited, so register early and guarantee yourself a space. Also see page 19.

Watch for Spring and Summer Activities Those cold, snowy days of winter are almost a thing of the past, so that means it’s time to start thinking about spring and summer recreation activities for your family. Watch for the new Recreation Program Brochure to be delivered to your home in early April. We have programs available for all ages and interests. Register early and guarantee yourself a space in one of the many program offerings. Thank you to the Halloween and Santa Stop Here Party Volunteers Community Volunteer: Mrs. Barbara Wharton

Spring 2003

Student Volunteers: Matthew Sullivan Kate Lester Madeline Hrabik Justin Budash Rahul Goel Emma Diehl David Small Cassandra Pilch Shaina Kumar Nitin Kumar Surya Ravindran

Help Wanted! Do you really want to work at the mall this summer? Why not have a summer job where you can make a difference in a child’s life. The Recreation Department is accepting applications for part-time summer positions. If you’re not afraid of hard work and you love working with children, then we want to talk to you about employment this summer. We are accepting applications for summer program directors, camp counselors and lifeguards. Camp Counselors and Directors— Those interested in applying for summer camp positions must be willing to celebrate Halloween in July, explore the jungle in the wilds of Upper St. Clair and travel to imaginary lands. Children have big imaginations and the right candidate must be able to explore all of these places and more. Employment will consist of assisting and implementing daily activities for children. Ability to lead activities and supervise young camp participants required. Minimum age for counselors is 16. Attention teachers, adults, retirees or college students with previous experience working with children—why not consider one of our Camp Director positions? Camp Directors are instrumental in planning and implementing daily activities, supervision of staff and participants and direct the dayto-day activities of the program. Lifeguards—Lifeguard positions are available for our Family Swim Program this summer. Monday through Friday daytime hours at the High School pool make this a great part-time job. Proper certifications required. Applications are available at the Recreation Department for all summer positions.

Library

We guarantee you will leave our Library with a good read if you use these lists and check our Browsers.

Maureen Case and Susan Latshaw review their new listings of books and audio visual materials to guide our patrons to the “Hot Books.”

• • • • • • • • • • •

Our Most Requested Titles New York Times Best Sellers New Books New Large Print Books New Audio Visual Materials Library Journal Best Books of 2002 Booklist Editors’ Choice 2002 New York Times Notable Books Thrillers and Technothrillers Lawyer Mysteries and Thrillers Police Procedurals and Medical Thrillers

Read • Listen • Win Prizes • Adult Reading Program • Through April 11 Incentive Prizes Provided by Friends of the Library • $500 in Cash and Gift Certificates

Children’s Library Listening Library The Library has a great collection of books on tape

for children and teens. Audiobooks bring stories to life. Listening to stories enhances a child’s comprehension, vocabulary, and listening skills. It’s also a great way to encourage the love of reading and books. This format can be an effective reading resource for struggling and reluctant readers or a useful tool for students learning English as a second language. They are great for long car trips, providing hours of family entertainment. Picture book audios come as a set, with a copy of the book and the tape in a cloth bag. Kids can listen to the stories and turn the pages as the story progresses. Popular titles include Madeline, The Polar Express, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Tigress, Corduroy, and the Hairy MacClairy series. We have a growing collection of audios for school-age kids. Audios are often published simultaneously with the print edition. The collection contains unabridged editions of popular titles and titles used for classroom reading assignments. Slow readers can listen to the tapes and read along with a print edition. Reading along as you listen enhances reading comprehension. Popular series for the primary grades include the Junie B. Jones, Magic Treehouse, American Girl, Pinky and Rex, Horrible

Catherine DeLo and Caitlin Conwell enjoy listening to stories on audiobooks.

Harry, The Time Warp Trio, and Cam Jansen. Older kids like the Harry Potter, Lemony Snickett, Dark Materials and Redwall series. Favorite individual titles include Tuck Everlasting, Dealing With Dragons, The Hobbit, Holes, The Princess Diaries, The Best School Year Ever, Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little. Audiobooks circulate for three weeks and can be renewed. Be sure to check out audiobooks the next time you have a long car trip.

National Library Week April 6-12, 2003 Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Upper St. Clair Police Department

Police Officer Wellness Winners

Upper St. Clair Police Say Yes to Wellness Lt. John Sakoian Chief Ronald J. Pardini recognized Upper St. Clair Police

Officers with “Wellness Excellence” in November 2002. The 27 Township Police Officers participated in an annual Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) Test, which measures each officer’s cardiovascular endurance by a one mile run, strength, flexibility, agility and body fat composition. The four top scoring officers were Douglas Burkholder, Edward Horgas, Kevin Kubala and Daniel Milan. Deputy Chief Burkholder and Officer Edward Horgas were specially recognized for scoring a perfect 100% in all categories. Based on Federal Law Enforcement fitness standards, 50% of the Upper St. Clair Officers are ranked in the top ten percent nationally and 80% of our Officers ranked in the top 20% of U.S. Law Enforcement. Chief Pardini recognizes that having physically fit officers builds morale, increases productivity, lowers absenteeism, reduces injury rates and provides numerous other benefits. He began a mandatory Wellness Program for the Department in 1995. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center certified three Upper St. Clair Police Officers as physical fitness program coordinators. Instruction is provided in personal fitness, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, stress management, nutrition, rest and medical risk factors. Implementing a fitness program sent a strong message that the Chief is committed to his officers and will do all that he can to improve their health and welfare. In the interest of the community and the officer, the wellness program stresses the necessity

2002 Police Officer wellness winners from left to right: Daniel Milan, Kevin Kubala, Chief Ronald Pardini, Brian McGuire and Deputy Chief Douglas Burkholder.

to maintain a healthy lifestyle which guards against illness factors such as tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse, improper nutrition, stress, improper rest, and lack of exercise. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to health management.

Wellness Tips from the Coordinators • Eat balanced and regular meals with your family. • Stay within three percent of your target weight based on age and sex. • Get plenty of rest. • Get a physical and consult with your doctor before beginning a fitness program. • Begin your exercise program with 10-20 minutes of warm up and stretching. Vary your workouts, three days a week for at least 30 minutes in duration. Finish with a ten-minute cool down and stretching. • Reduce stress by communicating, listening to good music, laughter, massage, positive attitude, prayer, meditation and controlling emotions. • Lifestyle changes should exclude tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. • As in fighting crime, prevention is better than a cure. • Take a positive leadership role in your family. Call the Upper St. Clair Police, 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500, when you need help. We are here to protect and serve you.

Bicycle Registration and Safety Program

Sgt. Ronald Fleischer

The Upper St. Clair Police Department will sponsor

a Bicycle Registration and Safety Program for Upper St. Clair residents on Saturday, May 10, 2003, at the Municipal Building rear lot. Registration will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a bicycle inspection, driver skill course and safety videos. Participants will receive a bicycle license plate, an adhesive reflector strip and safety pamphlets. The license number will also be stamped into the frame of the bicycle. Each participant will have a chance to win a new Dick’s Sporting Goods bicycle and safety helmets. McDonald’s restaurant will provide complimentary beverages. A third sponsor is Lorenzato Automotive. Parents are urged to bring their children to the Bicycle Registration and Safety Program. For additional information, contact the Police Department Administrative Office at 412-833-1113. Continued on page 66 Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Volunteer Fire Department Spring-Cleaning Vital for Fire Safety Russell Rauch, Deputy Chief Spring-cleaning is an annual ritual for

many people. Just as the first crocus of spring ushers in a new beginning for nature, our spring-cleaning habits signify a fresh start for us after the long winter months. Spring-cleaning can take on another meaning. It’s the ideal time to check our homes and yards for dangerous materials and unsafe conditions and to spend the time to protect our families and our properties. Start by taking a few minutes to plan your safety clean up day. You will want to check each room in your house, including the attic and basement. Also, don’t forget the garage, yard and storage shed. Plan to do several different things: First, Remove All Hazards. Check and correct things like: • Frayed or damaged appliance cords, wiring, fuses or breakers. • Remove piles of rubbish, trash and yard debris. • Remove stacks of paper and magazines— take them to recycling centers. • Check for water leaks, especially near electrical appliances. • Check for good clearance between heating appliances and combustibles.

• Check fire extinguishers for proper type and placement. • Make sure all doors and windows open easily for fast escapes. • Make sure your street numbers are posted properly and are visible. • Check and make sure you have a working flashlight and battery-powered radio for the approaching storm season.

Second, Properly Store Flammable Liquids and Home Chemicals. Make sure that: • Gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and out of reach of children and pets. Store in a cool, dry place outside the house. • Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches or other work items away and out of any child’s reach. • Inventory all home and yard chemicals, paints and poisons. Store them according to their label. Properly dispose of any that are expired or leaking or that look bad, but don’t throw them in the trash or down the drain. • Make sure that all your chemicals are kept under lock and key and out of reach of children and pets.

And last, Plan Your Escape Now • Sit down with your family and make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. • Make sure you have two ways out of every room and that you have a meeting place outside the house for the whole family. • Practice the plan. Even the best plan is no good if you don’t practice it!

Third, Check Fire Protection and Safety Equipment. This is important! • Check your smoke detector. Do it now while you’re thinking about it. If you need one and can’t afford to buy one, call the USC VFD. We’ll help you. If you need help checking or replacing a battery, call us. But most importantly, make sure your smoke detector works.

You can do a lot to protect yourself, your family and your property. In fact, you are the key to your safety. A little time spent on simple common sense prevention will do a lot to make your house a safer place. We are here to help you! Please call us at 412-835-0660 and we will show you more ways that you can protect yourself all year long.

2003 Upper St. Clair Citizen’s Police Academy Upper St. Clair Police Department Citizens’ Police Academy Application

2002 Graduating Class

I would like to participate in the Citizens’ Police Academy. I am willing to assume the responsibilities of the Academy and to permit the required police background investigation. Applicants must be residents of the Township of Upper St. Clair, at least 21 years of age and in good health. Name: (last, first, middle) ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Home Phone: _____________________________________________________ Employer(s): ______________________________________________________ Social Security #: __________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:____________________________________________________ Business Phone: __________________________________________________ Previous Address(es): (for the last 10 years) ________________________________________________________________ Have you ever been arrested? ________________________________________ If yes, please explain: _______________________________________________ The final decision on class participants is up to the sole discretion of the Upper St. Clair Police Department. Signature: ________________________________________________________ Please mail or deliver to: Upper St. Clair Police Department • 1820 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Emergency 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 • Administration 412-833-1113

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Seated in the front, left to right: Alice Langtry, Diane Lane, Nancy Rees, Lisa Morganti, Heather Lucas, Lori Long, Mary Ann Sakoian, Lt. John Sakoian Second row: Denise Schmidt, James Nogar, Naomi Herman, Bonnie Baxter, Beverly Ontolchik, Susan Miele, James Miele, Veronica Bluey, Mitchell Cipullo, Ernest Gabbard, Officer Jon Wharton, Sergeant Curt Gallatin Back row: Chief Ronald Pardini, Leila Bishop, Richard Barbarita, James Shanahan, Officer Tom Fahey, Robert Ontolchik, Officer James Murphy, William Lewis, Art Leavens, Lt. James Englert

Fire Proofing Your Home Fireproofing your home is a simple and

worthwhile process that every family should perform. These simple procedures will increase your family’s chance of survival if fire strikes. Smoke detectors are your first warning against fire. Install smoke detectors on every level of the house with special attention to areas like the kitchen, hallways near bedrooms and staircases. Most fire victims die of smoke and fume inhalation, not burns. Check the operation of the detector every month. Replace batteries twice a year—every April and October when the time changes. Never remove the battery for use somewhere else! Keep fire extinguishers handy, especially in the kitchen. Extinguishers are easy to operate, make sure everyone learns how to use them. Set a home evacuation plan, your children should all remember E.D.I.T.H.—Exit Drills In The Home—from school. Each room should have a minimum of two ways to escape in case of fire. The primary escape can be a door. If fire or smoke blocks the primary path, you should have an alternate route. This could be either another door or a suitable window. Windows should open easily without breaking them. Jagged glass is razor sharp! Fire escape ladders are available for around $30 for second story windows. These ladders store under a bed or in a closet. Select a place outside the home where all family members will meet. Practice your evacuation plan! Sleep with your bedroom door closed. A closed door will temporarily block the passage of smoke, fire gasses and heat, allowing you extra precious moments to escape. Practice touching the door. Feel it with the back of your hand, from bottom to top. If the door is hot, leave it closed and use your alternate escape route. You should use the backside of your hand to feel for heat. If you get a burn, only the backside of your hand is injured and you can still crawl and use your hand and fingers. If the door feels cool, open it a crack to check for smoke. If the path is clear, stay low to the floor as you exit the home, to reduce breathing toxic fumes and smoke. Heat and smoke rise and collect at the ceiling. The toxic fire gasses and smoke can reach temperatures at the ceiling of 1000 degrees. Crawling on the floor will give you better visibility and cooler air. Practice the “stop, drop and roll.” Teach each family member that if their clothes catch fire, they should never run. Instead they should stop, drop to the floor, cover faces with their hands and roll over and over to put out the flames. Keep matches, lighters and candles out of reach of children. Teach your children never to play with matches. Set a good example. Extinguish all smoking materials! These few simple tasks could mean the difference between being a victim and a survivor. Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Friendship Village

Tums

AARP

Preparation H

Lawrence Welk

Medicare

Fasteeth

The Golden Years

Senior Soapbox When Birds Do Sing Spring is always welcome even if we have had an easy winter with only a few light snowfalls and some gray drizzly days. After listening to boring weather-casters babbling about warm fronts, cold fronts, high pressures, low pressures, jet streams, snow—maybe a dusting, maybe light, maybe heavy, I say, “Please! Give me a break. Tell me what the weather is going to be. NOW, not coming up, or later in the broadcast.” And I really don’t care to hear someone claim proprietary rights as “Tom’s weather” or “Dick or Harry’s weather.” I’d rather hear about the weather that is controlled by the Operator of the Universe. If it has been a really tough winter with deep snow, ice and freezing temps, then what a pleasure it is when, finally, we hear the forecaster say: “Sunny and mild. Mid 60s.” It’s that first day of spring, usually in April, “proud-pied April,” with her meadows of color. Love that day.

That’s the day when we can go outside, face the morning sun, take a deep breath and “find a spirit of youth in everything.” That’s the day when we can see and feel and hear those first signs: the sight of fresh green stems reaching up to light and life, the delicate brush of a warm breeze, the sound of sweet birdsong melodies. That’s the day when we can reject one poet’s words: “Life’s but a walking shadow… a tale told by an idiot… full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Instead, we can affirm another poet’s words: “Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal. Dust thou art, to dust returnest was not spoken of the soul.” That’s the day of renewal and rejuvenation. It’s a resurrection from the dreary, plodding days of winter. It is “the springtime, the only pretty ringtime. When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding. Sweet lovers love the spring.”

Annual Banquet—United Senior Citizens at Nevillewood Golf Club

Silver 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 re stric tions is eligible for the Silver Card Pro gram. Applications are available at the Recreation Department, so stop in and ask for your Silver Card!

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003 Spring 2003

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come. —The Song of Solomon II

Prunes

Depends

Viagra

Miracle Ear

Bi-Focals

Access

Geritol

Whoop-DeDo @92

Shakespeak, or How I Stopped Stewing and Learned Strategy “A hit, a very palpable hit! Run, run Orlando, run into

it as to a lover’s bed.” “Bill, try not to get too excited. Remember your blood pressure. We’re down two in the last of the ninth. What chance do we have? Orlando’s so slow he’s probably going to be the start of a double play and then it’s all over.” “Oh, he hath kept an evil diet long and overmuch consumed his royal person.” “Royal, schmoyal. He’s just another overpaid, overweight, over the hill ballplayer. And by the way, didn’t I ask you to stuff the Shakespeak? I think I’m getting tired of it. Can’t we just talk and forget the Bard? Why do I have to try to interpret everything you say? Shakespeare, Shakespeak, Shakeschmake, enough already! Don’t make me lose my religion.” “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” “Yes I do protest too much and I’ve seen enough of this game. I’m going to start dinner and methinks you ought to give me a hand and peel the potatoes.” She stomped off into the kitchen and started banging pots and pans around. “I’m tired of being stuck in the kitchen all the time,” she thought. “I’m going to have to get him to learn some cooking.” From the family room TV she heard the announcer’s voice, “ground ball to the shortstop, to second, to first and that’s it. Party’s over.” “All right, Bill. Come in here and get to work on these potatoes. And after you finish them, you can learn how to do the veggies and then, who knows, I might let you prepare the roast.” “But my Lady Anne, I am too far in years to be a pupil now.” “Sir William, you’re never too old to learn and if you like to eat, you’d better get your mind on foodspeak not Shakespeak.” “Alas, why would you heap this care on me,” he whimpered as he began peeling the potatoes and looking at the carrots and turnips that had to be washed, peeled and chopped. “Bill, you’ll have to work faster than that. At the rate you’re going this meat will be done before the vegetables are.” He watched as she prepared a beautiful rib roast for the oven and his mind jumped ahead to when it would be on the table.

When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim, Hath put a spirit of youth in everything. —Shakespeare

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

It would be perfectly done, a bit crispy around the edges, slightly rare, succulent slices, golden brown gravy over the fluffy mashed potatoes. It was his favorite meal. “Bill, you better go set the table and open the wine. I’ll finish up in here or else it’ll be midnight before we eat. You can clean up. I don’t care how long you take to do that job.” “Lady, you know no rules of charity,” he replied as he put down the paring knife and dried his hands. He set the table, got out the wine glasses and put the wine into the refrigerator. Then he mixed up a martini and sank into his chair. The aroma of roast beef was drifting into the room. He sipped his drink. Life is beautiful he thought. He watched Anne as she stirred the gravy. Anne is beautiful he thought. She looked over her shoulder and laid down the spoon. “Why am I in here slaving away while you sit there like a lord enjoying your drink?” “Such duty as the subject owes the prince, even such, a woman oweth her husband.” He ducked as the spoon came flying at him. “Oh, oh,” he thought. “I went too far with that one. Better stifle Shakespeak.” Anne took off her apron and threw it on the floor. “I’m done,” she said. “You do the rest.” She marched to the table and sat down. Bill got out the dinner plates. He carved slices of beef, thin for Anne, the way she liked it and thick for himself. He added mounds of potatoes and vegetables and carried the plates to the table. He filled the gravy boat, opened the wine and filled the glasses. Their eyes met across the table and he was full of love and happiness and hunger. “What should I do but tend upon the hours and times of your desire?” he said. “For where thou art, there is the world itself with every several pleasure in the world. And where thou art not, desolation.” They ate the meal quietly. When it was finished, the last drop of gravy cleaned up, the wine finished, Bill leaned back with a sigh of contentment. “You know what, honey. I think I’ll switch to foodspeak.”

Gold 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 stop by the School District receptionist desk and ask for your Gold Card!

Spring 2003 Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Around the Township

Medallion Ball 2002

Congratulations to the twenty-two Medallion Ball honorees

Left to right are: Norma Swaney, Patty Villanova, Peggy Snavely, Rev. Donald Wuerl, Lynn Carlini, Mary Lynne Spazok and Jessica Spazok.

Nicole Barley

Allison Bates

Amie Beaver

Taryn Bird

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

of Upper St. Clair! The thirty-ninth Medallion Ball, under the patronage of His Excellency Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh, was held at the Hilton Ballroom on November 29, 2002. St. Lucy’s Auxiliary to the Blind acknowledged 114 enthusiastic young women. The inspiring Mission of St. Lucy’s is to raise funds for the visually impaired while encouraging a lifetime commitment of volunteer service—a praiseworthy tradition of loving care. Ball co-chairperson Peggy Snavely feels that “the Medallion Ball is a great experience for young people.” Chairperson Lynn Carlini is very happy to have the opportunity to work with and honor volunteers for their dedication. “Volunteerism is very valuable and worthwhile to our communities,” states Lynn. St. Lucy’s Auxiliary, founded in 1957, engages in and sponsors projects and activities that ultimately benefit and give assistance to Pittsburgh Vision Services. Since 1964, they have taken great pride in recognizing high school seniors and graduates who have made significant contributions to their community and shown an unselfish willingness to share. Having performed at least 100 hours of volunteer service, young women of all faiths have been awarded the celebrated Joan of Arc Medallion. Upper St. Clair families are very involved in the year-long planning of the ball. Escort committee members are Patty Villanova, Peggy Snavely and Sue Gleason. Gathering data for the ever-popular Grandchild Listing is Terri Hastings. Sheryl Whalen, Debbi Hays and former honorees Kylie Whalen, Niclole Carlini, Laura Snavely and Laura Villanova are members of the Floor Committee. Diane Vater heads up the Invitation Committee whose members are Darlene Colelli, Debra Hays, Peggy Snavely, Colleen Wehner and Sheryl Whalen. Mary Lynne Spazok and daughter Jessica, a 1997 recipient of the Joan of Arc Medal, created the 2002 Medallion Ball Program, a keepsake remembrance. Rocky Raco, of Rocky Raco Photography, is the official photographer.

Lindsay Blazek

Joanne Bourlogianis

Mary Jane Clarke

Carrie Gillespie

Lindsay Glaid

Lucy Harris

Rebecca Hayes

Kristy Huysman

Laura Kropp

Rachel Lentz

Kelly MacWhinnie

Samantha Reefer

Kathryn Rosner

Stephanie Sheppard

Lisa Swaney

Julia Villanova

Elizabeth Williams

Mary Wehner

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair is filled with things to do! There is no time for television or sitting around being bored this summer. Get out and play in a park.

Want a challenge? Visit and enjoy all of your parks, take a photo of your favorite park and write a paragraph telling us why it is your favorite. Send the paragraph and photo with your name, address and phone number to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. We will publish some of the responses in upcoming issues. î Ž Fields/Courts

Township Baker Park 13.82 Acres

1 small baseball field 1 large baseball field 2 lighted basketball courts 1 lighted shuffleboard court 1 lighted sand surface volleyball court 2 tennis courts

Beadling Soccer Field 3.36 Acres

soccer field

Boyce Field 1 Acre

baseball field

Playground Equipment Renovations scheduled for 2003-2004.

Bike rack, 2 concrete four square games, small shelter, water fountain, picnic tables, grass play area

Dugouts, batting cage and bleachers

Boyce Park 248 Acres

Natural area and wetlands Mulched walking trails

Brookside Park 3.7 Acres

Natural area

Byrnwick Park 7.05 Acres

1 lighted basketball court 1 tennis court

Play unit and swing set

Walking track, Handicapped accessible, water fountain, walkway lighting

Clair Park 2.2 Acres

1 basketball court

Play unit with slide and 2 swing sets

Large grass play area, water fountain, small shelter, walkway lighting, spray pool

Gilfillan Park 59.57 Acres

Natural area and 1.25 mile mulched trail

Hays Park 4.21 Acres

1 basketball court 1 tennis court

Play unit and swing set

Asphalt walking trail, spray pool, small shelter, water fountain, grass multi-purpose area, perimeter lighting, barbecue grill

Johnston Park 2.48 Acres

1 lighted basketball court (1 full court and 6 baskets) 1 tennis court 1 lighted hockey court

Play unit and swing set (Spring 2003)

Walking path Water fountain Walkway lighting Watch for renovations

Marmion Field 11.32 Acres

1 soccer field 1 lighted baseball field

Mayview Farm Property 210 Acres 72

Miscellaneous

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Shelter and bleachers

Open spaceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;former working farm with buildings Spring 2003

Township

Fields/Courts

Morton Complex 7.5 Acres

3 soccer fields 2 lighted baseball fields

Municipal Park 29.75 Acres

10 lighted tennis courts with 6 courts under air structures for winter season 2 lighted paddle courts 1 lighted little league baseball field with dugouts, concession stand, picnic shelter 2 lighted basketball courts 1 volleyball court

Playground Equipment

Miscellaneous 2 batting cages, concession building, shelter, storage building, (projectedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;storage, dugouts and announcerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booth)

Swingset 4 buck-a-bouts

Recreation Center building with meeting facilities, kitchen, pool table, ping pong table and restrooms Outdoor horseshoe pits Large picnic shelter 3-hole golf course Water fountain Batting cages

Central play structure that is handicapped accessible.

Ravine Park 10.51 Acres

Natural area

Trotwood Park 8 Acres

1 basketball court 1 tennis court 1 lighted multi-purpose field

Swing set 1 play unit

2 water fountains A small shelter A spraypool (ladybug) Walkway lighting

Tustin Park 6.52 Acres

1 basketball court

Play unit and swing set

Walking trail around park

Wiltshire Park 11.2 Acres

2 lighted basketball courts 1 lighted street hockey court

1 4-man totter 1 wooden play structure with chain ladder, steering wheel, climber and posts 1 swing set with 2 infant swings 1 large play structure

1 track ride 1 merry-go-round 1 shelter Dolphin spray pool Water fountain Amphitheater Walkway lighting

Park shelters are available to residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please call the Recreation Department at 412-831-9000, extension 256 for Township field application procedures. School District

Fields/Courts

Playground Equipment

Miscellaneous

Baker Elementary

Renovations in progress

Eisenhower Elementary

Renovations in progress

Streams Elementary

Renovations in progress

Boyce Middle School

2 baseball fields 1 football field 2 basketball courts and gym

Fort Couch Middle School

baseball fields football field 2 basketball courts and gym

Pavilion with picnic tables and lights Walking fitness trail

High School

football field/stadium track/may be rented for competition gyms and swimming pool

Lights

Call 412-833-1600, extension 2202, for school park or field availability.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Skies Above Us Dennis Fisher For those of us who have already embraced astronomy as an active hobby, the winters

in this part of the country are the most spectacular. Unfortunately, the winters around here are also the coldest times of the year. It does take a certain degree of stamina (and lack of common sense) to brave these cold nights. However, the results can be very rewarding with a minimal amount of effort. Since this column will appear quarterly, there is a bit of catching up to do. By the time this article is published, most of the winter will be over, but the best of the winter sights will still be visible on a good clear night in Upper St. Clair. In order to get the most out of this activity, let’s get a little further into some of the basics.

Where is Everything? OK, so you go outside and it’s a chilly 15 degrees and you look up and you think to yourself: Where are all these wonderful things I’m supposed to be able to see? This is nuts... I’m going back in.” In order to be somewhat effective in this activity, it helps if you have a road map to help you get around. A road map to the stars is called a star chart. Since the earth revolves around the sun once every year, our perspective of the sky is constantly changing. Most of the stars you see in the spring will not be the same ones that are visible in the winter. There are some constellations and stars that are visible year round in the northern sky because they move around what is known as the Celestial Pole. Through the use of a basic star chart, with a little practice, you will be able to find your way around in no time. The following chart is effective for mid March and shows the locations of the major constellations and planets:

The chart can be read by holding it overhead with the top of the page pointing to the north. If you are not sure where north is for your area, either get a simple compass or note where the sun rises in the morning. That will, of course, be east. When facing east, north is to your left. Make sure your eyes are adjusted to the darkness and try to avoid looking at any stray street or porch lights. For the time period of this chart, the moon will be up and very bright, so its reflected light may wash out many objects. However, the basic constellations will be easy to find. Almost directly to the south will be the constellation Orion: 74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

As you are looking at Orion, off to the upper right is a large cluster of stars known as the Pleiades Cluster. This cluster is in the constellation Taurus. It is a grouping of many stars with seven main ones being the most prominent:

Constellation Orion

This constellation is identified most readily by the three stars in the center, which make up Orion’s belt. If you hold your hand out at arm’s length, you will find that the constellation is roughly four spread fingers wide. Below the belt on the left side of the constellation is a formation known as the Great Orion Nebula:

Pleaides Cluster

By now, you have found at least three major sights in the current sky. With these items as reference points and with a star chart in hand, you should be able to find most any constellation or deep sky object in the sky.

From the Big Picture to the Little Picture

Great Orion Nebula

Let’s say that by now, you have been standing outside on this 15-degree night for an hour or so. Your toes are numb, your nose is red as a cherry and you decide that for the most part, all you have seen is a bunch of dots in the sky. You decide that enough is enough and you go back inside. What you may not realize, however, is that you have not seen just a bunch of dots but light coming from distant stars and galaxies that are almost as old as the universe itself. It’s time to get a better look at some of these objects and really see what is out there. How do you go about doing this? Any optical instrument can enhance the pleasures of astronomy. The simplest instrument is a set of binoculars. Once you have learned your way around the sky, it is a simple matter to get a pair of binoculars and focus in on some of these objects for a better look. Binoculars are very useful in that they are easy to carry around, simple to use and generally are not too expensive (although some of the better sets of binoculars can cost into the hundreds of dollars). If, however, you want to get really into the deepest parts of space, a telescope is the route to go. Telescopes are more cumbersome to use than binoculars and take some time and effort to set up properly. But once it is set up and ready to go, you will be in for the ride of your life. Various types of common telescopes will appear in upcoming articles. Comments can be sent to Dennis Fisher at the following email address: darkskyfish@hotmail.com. Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

New Location for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) The VITA Site 141 has moved to the South Hills Bible Chapel in room 002, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray. Free tax service will be offered through April 15, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The doors do not open prior to 8 a.m. There will be no Saturday hours. No appointments are necessary—walk-ins only! Please do not call the Chapel regarding VITA. VITA volunteers will also assist taxpayers in the preparation of Pennsylvania tax returns, Real Estate/Rent Rebate forms, PACE forms and local wage taxes. Individuals seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents such as: W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, pension information, social security and/or railroad retirement statements, total amounts of itemized deductions (medical, interest, taxes, charity and miscellaneous deductions), copies of Federal and Pennsylvania returns for the tax year 2002, and the tax packages received in the mail.

PITTSBURGH CIVIC ORCHESTRA UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 8 P.M. MEN OF MELODY FEATURING

RON QUINN

SATURDAY, MAY 10 AT 8 P.M. BREATH-TAKING BEETHOVEN FEATURING HARRY COLEMAN TICKETS AT THE DOOR GENERAL ADMISSION $10 SENIORS $7 YOUTH/CHILDREN FREE

Using Horse Sense to Improve Teamwork in the Workplace

While the idea of receiving corporate

training from a horse may seem strange, two South Hills based companies just may change your mind. Shared Vision Alliance (SVA), a Bridgeville-based network of consultants focused on high-growth industries, and KEYGroup, a training and consulting company based in Upper St. Clair and founded in 1980, have partnered to develop an accelerated learning tool for business—the Equine Business Experience. Organizations can send teams of employees to the Equine Business Experience where they are challenged to lead a horse through a variety of challenges and obstacles.

SPECIAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAM AT 7:30 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL

412-278-2826. Spring Craft Fair A Spring Craft Fair featuring 80 tables of crafts for home decorating will take place Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Castle Shannon Memorial Fire Hall. The fundraiser, sponsored by Southwinds, benefits 50 developmentally challenged individuals. A bake sale, auction and lunch will be part of the day. Call 724-941-7600 for more information. 76

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

So, why use horses? Much of the equine portion of the program is based on the art of “horse whispering,” a training technique that works with a horse through trust, clear communication and bonding with the animal. In the Equine Business Experience, the horse acts as a third element, which gives unbiased feedback to how well the team members are doing. This is because the horse only responds based on the communication and reaction it receives from the program participants. Therefore, the participants must give clear, concise direction to the horse if they want to achieve each session’s goals. So what can a team of employees learn from each other through this experience? Everything! Communication, empathy, leadership, teamwork and a sense of allegiance to the group, are all characteristics that a team develops through the equine classes. The program also includes identification of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, team skills development and how to use these new-found skills in the workplace. And no one is exempt from learning how to work better with their employees. Several CEOs and leaders in the local area have significantly enhanced their leadership and communication skills through the program.

Welcome the Return of Celebrating the Arts! Celebrating the Arts, a one-day music and art festival celebrating the artist in all of us, is back! Celebrating the Arts will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2003, at Upper St. Clair High School. Call for Volunteers Celebrating the Arts is seeking volunteers to help organize and assist with this year’s festival. For more information, please call Mary Pam Kilgore at 412-854-4827 or by email— marypam@adelphia.net. Call for Artists Celebrating the Arts seeks entries for both the juried and non-juried art exhibit that will be a part of the one day music and art festival on Saturday, May 10. Celebrating the Arts is also seeking artists to demonstrate their talents. Celebrating the Arts is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your talents. Artists of all mediums are encouraged to participate. To obtain an entry form or for more information, please contact Mary Pam Kilgore at 412-854-4827 or email— marypam@adelphia.net. The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District sponsor Celebrating the Arts.

Montessori Internationale— A Celebration of People, Places, and Perspectives

Saturday May 3, 2003 Noon to 3 p.m The celebration includes the Internationale Marketplace, featuring: a buffet, Montessori Internationale Cookbooks, our beautiful gift basket raffle, and our extensive Mother’s Day plant sale. The children will be able to enjoy a moon walk, pony rides, a petting zoo, numerous carnival games, and a tour of a Mt. Lebanon Fire Department fire truck. We have many students from the Upper St. Clair area and we would love to celebrate this event with other members of your community as well. For tickets, please call the school office at 412-563-2858.

Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s Groups and Events

Joe Negri’s “Jazz for Juniors” at JCC South Hills

• Family Hospice and Paliative Care offers two bereavement groups. Afternoon 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 412-572-8829. Pre-registration is not required. • Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s annual Golf Benefit will be held on May 19 at Valley Brook Country Club. Proceeds benefit services for hospice patients and their families. Call 412-572-8812 to register. • An Interfaith Memorial Service in April will honor the memory of those who were patients of Family Hospice and Palliative Care. Please call 412-572-8800, for more information.

Handyman Joe Negri, from “Mister Rogers Neighborhood,” is teaching “Jazz for Juniors” a special musical program for children. “Jazz for Juniors,” led by Negri, takes elements of his talent and combines them into one unique experience mixed with music, songs and movement. “Jazz for Juniors” takes place at the JCC in South Hills, 345 Kane Blvd., on the second Thursday of each month through June 12, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Classes are $10 per family for JCC members and $18 per family for nonmembers. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Lauren Briner, Director of Children, Youth and family Programming at 412-278-1975, extension 204.

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair COMING EVENTS

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concert Westminster Presbyterian Church April 30, 2003 7 p.m. “Symphony Seven” Plus Doug Brown of Westminster performing selections on the organ

Community Foundation Celebrates First Ten Years!

A cold and snowy night in January set the stage for a warm and festive evening at the home of Steve and Peggy Snavely, as over sixty friends of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair gathered to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. Attendees included current and former board members, loyal supporters and steadfast friends. The “Women of Wednesday,” who recently published the Upper St. Clair cookbook Flavours, delighted the crowd with hors d’oeuvres, salads, entrees and desserts prepared from the recipes. “Random Choice,” a Pittsburgh area Barbershop Quartet, provided entertainment. Jim Bennett, current chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, served as the host for the evening. In his toast for the celebration, he pointed out that during the past ten years the Foundation has grossed one and a quarter million dollars; $300,000 of which came from grants outside the community—money that USC would not have obtained were it not for the Foundation. CF has given grants to local community groups totaling over $360,000, for projects that meet its grant criteria. Thousands of dollars have also been spent to provide new programs and events in our community, such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Techno-Expo, Celebrating the Arts and www.mainstreetusc.com The Foundation pledges to continue to raise money for our community, to work hard to make Upper St. Clair a better place for our residents, and to create a sense of community for all who live here!

Flavours

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair 2585 Washington Road, Suite 131A Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

The latest Upper St. Clair Cookbook is now available for purchase!

May 10, 2003

Phone: 412-831-1107 • FAX: 412-257-4160 www.mainstreetusc.com

Upper St. Clair High School Name

Community Foundation Fall Fundraiser

Street Address

Saturday, September 20, 2003

City

State

Telephone

E-mail (optional) Your Order

St. Clair Country Club

Quantity

Flavours at $20.05 including tax, shipping and handling per book

Watch this space for further details! For additional information on any of these items, visit the community's website at www.mainstreetusc.com or contact the Community Foundation office at 412-831-1107.

 MasterCard

 Check payable to the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Account Number Cardholder Name Signature Photocopies accepted

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Total

Method of Payment  VISA

Zip Code

Spring 2003

Expiration Date

Profiles Joseph A. Bonasso, III, designed and crafted the first place

entry in the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association’s Seventh Annual Jewelry Design Competition—Professional Category last fall. This was Joseph’s first entry in the PJA’s design competition. For eighteen years, Joseph has been perfecting his skills in the jewelry industry. His interest in jewelry started while attending Upper St. Clair High School. After graduating, he began as an apprentice with Maeno Jewelers in Pittsburgh and worked and learned there for five years. In 1989, Bonasso opened his own store, J.A.B. Jewelry, specializing in custom work. Bonasso has earned the title of Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and is close to completing the coursework for the prestigious Graduate Gemologist diploma. In addition, he has earned the status of Candidate Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

Sang B. Park, MD

Kyung Park, MD

Sang Park, MD, Director of Park Cardiothoracic and

Vascular Institute, and his associates, are playing a key role in providing optimal heart care at Jefferson Regional Medical Center’s Heart Institute. Along with Dr. Sang Park, The Park Cardiothoracic and Vascular Institute’s surgeons include, Chong Park, MD, William Kokotos, MD, Ray Crouch, MD and Kyung Park, MD. All four doctors reside in Upper St. Clair.

Michael Daniel has been included in the

2003-2004 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. As one of Cohen & Cohen’s attorneys, he concentrates his practice in family business planning, income tax planning, estate planning, charitable planning and estate administration, including administration of highly complicated estates. His practice also involves valuation of diverse holdings of closely held interests, lifetime and testamentary distribution to family members and the resulting tax treatments, establishing private foundations and organizing family charitable offices, and federal and state level tax audits. A retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, he is a past chair of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and a past president of the Greater Pittsburgh Council, Boy Scouts of America. Mike earned an A.B. in 1968 and a J.D. in 1971 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Chong Park, MD

William Kokotos, MD

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Help Build A New Generation of Entrepreneurs Join a team of 12,400 Business Experts

Become a SCORE Volunteer Business Counselor John, Carolyn, Kaye with Trevor, Mike with Georgia and Jay Daniel

SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration

www.scorepittsburgh.com

412-395-6560 Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Junior Woman’s Club Lori Long Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in a quiet section

An Invitation for Membership

of Upper St. Clair is the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair. The 35 year old clubhouse has been open since January 28, 1968. The first organizational meeting for the Woman’s Club was held on March 8, 1948. The Woman’s Club started the Upper St. Clair Library, and club members have served on the Library Board and as volunteer desk workers. Today, the Woman’s Club offers six departments: Home and Garden, Book Club, Today’s Living, Drama, Music and the newest department—the Junior Woman’s Club. The Junior Woman’s Club is a social, cultural and philanthropic organization for residents of Upper St. Clair and surrounding communities. The Club is a wonderful way for women to broaden and strengthen their educational interests in a peaceful setting and to develop lasting friendships. For nearly a year, six women planned the formation of the Junior Woman’s Club which was officially formed on June 1, 2002, as a Department of the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair.

Women from the Township and surrounding communities are invited to join the Junior Woman’s Club for upcoming functions including a March Game Night for Couples, March Style and Fitting Consultation, an April Fashion Show, a May Gardening Workshop and an Attic Sale. In addition, you can join the women for Game Night, the Gourmet Cooking Luncheons, Chick Flicks, an Escape Weekend and a Book Club. Most events are held at the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair’s Clubhouse at 2541 Edgewood Drive in Upper St. Clair.

Community Service

Board Members of the Junior Woman’s Club Lori Long, Chairman; Teres Lucot, Vice Chairman and Membership Chairman; Carol Jenifer, Secretary and Game Night Coordinator; Pat Conlon, Treasurer; Laurie Lowe, Community Service Chairman; Joann Sullivan, Newsletter Chairman; Teresa Chockran, Publicity Chairman; Cathy Davin, Book Club Coordinator; Alberta Furlong, Chick Flicks’ Coordinator; Terri Dunn and Kathryn Lambeth, Couples’ Event Coordinators; Laurie Buker and Julia Zaitz, Day Trip Coordinators; Laurie Finn, Escape Weekend Coordinator; Terri Dunn and Joann Sullivan, Gourmet Cooking Group Coordinators and Linda Carpenter, Membership Coordinator

Contact Information Junior Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair 2541 Edgewood Drive, P.O. Box 12601 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-835-9607 Website: www.mainstreetusc.com

The Junior Woman’s Club provides assistance to a variety of charities including the South Hills Interfaith Ministries, the Toys for Tots Foundation, the Woman’s Shelter, and a scholarship for Upper St. Clair High School seniors.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Dog Owners Please purchase a County license for dogs three months or older by January 1 every year. Applications are available at the Township reception desk. The fines can be up to $300 a day for each unlicensed dog.

Join the Boyce Road Gardeners and Eat Healthy in 2003!

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St. Clair Hospital Medical Suites If you respect wildlife and enjoy

gardening without chemicals, join the Boyce Road Gardeners for fun and recreation. There’s no better way to get fresh air and exercise and it’s a wonderful experience for children. Gardens are located at the entrance to Boyce Mayview Park. Plots rent for $10 and membership is $5. For further information, or to register for a 2003 garden, call Phyllis Kender, Registrar, at 412-221-3118.

Comprehensive health care services for your family and business: Family Practice Medical Associates South (Southpointe) Fatigati-Nalin Associates (Bridgeville) LabLink Laboratory services Medical Diagnostics X-rays, EKGs, Bone Density testing, Ultrasound SHORE Physical, Occupational, Speech and Massage Therapies St. Clair OB-GYN Associates, Inc. (Southpointe) Occupational Medicine Work injury, pre-employment physicals and drug screening Travel Medicine Pre-travel medical consultation, vaccinations

St. Clair Hospital Medical Suites An affiliate of St. Clair Hospital

St. Clair Hospital Medical Suite at Bethel Park (across from South Hills Village) 2000 Oxford Drive Bethel Park, PA 15102 (412) 344-6388 or (412) 835-7100 Jerry Render

Three convenient locations Services vary by location

St. Clair Hospital Medical Suite at Bridgeville (in the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center) 1025 Washington Pike Route 50 Bridgeville, PA 15107 (412) 344-6600, x4050

St. Clair Hospital Medical Suite at Southpointe (Route 79S, Exit 48) 501 Corporate Drive Canonsburg, PA 15317 (724) 746-3369

w w w. s t c l a i r. o r g No appointment for general x-ray or lab services. Spring 2003

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

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

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

Nursery Schools Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-5132

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

Beth-El Nursery School 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1168

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

Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road—412-854-4310

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

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

Little Lambs Of Hope Preschool 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441

Bethel Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-0405

South Hills Assembly of God 2725 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-8900

Mushroom Family Nursery 1240 Washington Road—412-531-1225

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

South Hills Church of the Nazarene 5601 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-831-6333

Noah’s Ark Preschool-Our Redeemer Lutheran Rt. 19, McMurray—724-942-6699

Center Presbyterian Church 255 Center Church Road, McMurray 724-941-9050

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

St. Agatha Montessori Preschool Bridgeville—412-221-4720

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

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

St. David’s Episcopal Nursery McMurray and Hays—724-941-4060

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

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

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

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

Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-5132

Full Gospel Church of Carnegie 1050 Campbells Run Road, Carnegie—412-279-2996 Good Shepherd Church USC High School, LGI Room—724-746-0224

The Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-6277 Westminister Presbyterian Church 2040 Washington Road—412-835-6630

Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-833-3355 Hope Lutheran Church 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441 Mt. Lebanon Christian Church Cedar Blvd., at Hollycrest Dr.—412-531-8554

YMCA 79 McMurray Road—412-833-5600

Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-1043 Brookwood Center 250 Brookwood, Peters Twp.—724-942-4511 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

Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church 250 Brookwood Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-6210

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Westminster Nursery School 2040 Washington Road—412-854-2906

Alphabet Land Day Care Center 3918 Washington Road, McMurray 724-941-4011

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) Rt. 19, McMurray 724-941-7467

Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road—412-279-7687

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

New Song Church 3755 Library Road, Castle Shannon 412-341-1293

St. George Orthodox Church 610 Dewey Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-2277

St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair—412-531-2644

Day Care (Children)

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

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

St. Louise de Marillac Nursery School 310 McMurrary Road—412-833-4330

Day Care (Adult)

Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church 255 Washington Road—412-531-3387

Ruthfred Lutheran Church Patterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park 412-835-7140

Montessori Nursery School 957 Connor Road—412-833-2439

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 Thank you! Spring 2003

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

Good Shepherd Church “Holding Forth the Message of God’s Love” Good Shepherd Church is a recent

addition to the Upper St. Clair community. Established in 1998 by Rev. and Mrs. Richard E. Wiater the congregation held its first public worship service on Palm Sunday in rented space at Summerfield Commons. One and a half years later after outgrowing the space, Good Shepherd moved their Sunday morning worship service to the Upper St. Clair High School LGI room where they continue to meet. Good Shepherd Church is a non-denominational Christian church established under Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, where Bishop Joseph I. Garlington is Senior Pastor. Good Shepherd Church’s mission is simple: to reach, teach, and release individuals to extend the message of God’s love. Worship services include a mixture of contemporary and traditional music, relevant and practical teaching from the

scriptures and classes for children and teens. The church also provides a staffed nursery for infants and toddlers. Good Shepherd Church supports foreign missions efforts in Romania, Albania, Indonesia and Africa. This spring a number of people from the congregation will be traveling to Guatemala to work with children and help build educational facilities. This past year Good Shepherd Church hosted a September 11 Remembrance Service to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on America and to recognize the police, fire and medical emergency personnel who serve the community on a daily basis. This past October the church sponsored an evening of Jazz/Dessert, featuring Joe Negri and the Trio, to benefit the Washington City Mission’s shelter for homeless women and children. This event raised more than $6500 for the mission.

Good Shepherd Church desires to be an integral part of Upper St. Clair and the greater South Hills community. Sunday worship services begin at 10 a.m. For more information, please call 724-746-0224 or vist the Good Shepherd Church weblink at www.mainstreetusc.com and click on churches.

Want To Be a Star? Try Public Access TV Andy Halliwell Most Upper St. Clair residents are aware of Cable 7, our

local public access channel, but many do not know the purpose of Cable 7. Long time USC resident Glenn Ward heads up Cable 7 and its outreach to the community. With a hefty program lineup dedicated to the community, events such as local sports, school functions, public forums, documentaries and news are accessible to residents. With a multi-functional video newspaper, Cable 7 provides an essential source for community news and events. Located in the municipal building, Cable 7 boasts an efficient studio. With a variety of equipment ranging from cameras, monitors and lights to microphones, tripods and location equipment, Cable 7 can produce a number of program formats. In addition to actual production devices, Cable 7 also has various types of editing capabilities. With the combination of quality digital editing software and graphics, Cable 7 is able to produce quality reality driven programs. With a limited staff and budget, community volunteers are responsible for Cable 7’s programs giving USC residents the opportunity to volunteer as well as produce TV programs. With a brief training session, any resident can become an active part of Cable 7’s programming. You can be a community producer, director or even a star!

Glenn Ward

According to the website www.publicaccesstv.net, “Public Access Television allows anyone to have their own TV show, regardless of race, age, gender, handicap, religion, background, gender preference, party affiliation, residency, history, beliefs, status, class, or income.” If you have an interest in television production, look into Cable 7 and what it can offer you and what you can offer Cable 7. For more information, call 412-831-1030. Be a star!

Spring 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

East Liberty Quarter—A Day Trip

Mary Lynne Spazok

Cabin fever prevails. The threat of a

spring snow lingers. What is the ideal “spur of the moment” day trip? No reservations required, the ELQ or East Liberty Quarter includes book shops, antiquaries, art galleries and a variety of cuisine to please your discriminating palate. To ensure a stress free day, check your favorite newspaper for PennDOT’s list of closures and openings. You know the routine! Your goal is Bigelow Boulevard, 380 east, toward Oakland. Turn left at Baum Boulevard. Look for Morewood and turn right. The adventure begins at 4951 Centre Avenue, the location of Mark Evers Antiques and Fine Art. On street parking is abundant. It seems that every day trip is

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

about antiques, but Mark Evers is different. Within this five-room gallery, you feel “at home.” Mark’s twenty years in business combined with degrees in Music and Fine Art indicate his impeccable taste. He is recognized throughout the United States for his keen interest in and the restoration of Steinway and Sons grand pianos. The avant-garde is mixed with traditional items establishing the eclectic decorating trends of 2003. Exit Mark Evers, go around the block to Baum, turn right, and just past Boston Market is Café Sam. For fifteen years, Samantha, the “Number One Barfly” in Pittsburgh, greets you at the bar. (It seems that every day trip has one or two mannequins who make their debut). Competent service, spacious seating and an artsy environment enhance this pleasurable dining experience. Culinary Institute Graduate Chef Andrew Zins creates scrumptious delights at a nominal charge. The recipe “Turkey a la Friday” was featured in WHIRL magazine for his creative use of Thanksgiving leftovers! Homemade desserts are a must. Do not worry about calories—your next stop includes plenty of walking. Exit right from Café Sam. Follow Liberty, (Shadyside Hospital will be on your right) then a quick left onto Ellsworth Avenue. Continue to the 5800 block, park, and begin a fascinating tour of advertising symbols. Whimsical sculptures and artistic signs are intriguing. They reflect what the day-tripper might find inside. Kozloff-Meaders affords exploration of a lower level that is contemporary in nature while the upper level showcases silver, fine art nouveau, deco, porcelain and glass orientalia. Breathtaking jewelry includes gold, silver, pearls, turquoise and stylish cuff links for the discerning male. Estate signature pieces by well-known designers such as Tiffany are offered. Kozloff–Meaders is featured at the prestigious Triple Pier Antique Show held several times a year in New York City. David, a lawyer, and Mark, an accountant, agree “our move to Ellsworth in 1986 was the smartest thing we ever did.”

Spring 2003

Just across the street is Hey Betty. Here, the Retro Renaissance is thriving and very European in atmosphere. You are welcomed at the door by a most friendly pup, Filbert the Chihuahua. Filbert adores anyone who will play and doesn’t hesitate to introduce his favorite toy of the day. Immediately ask for a Hey Betty calling card, a clever matchbook cover. For fifteen years, Hey Betty has showcased 50s merchandise such as housewares, lamps, hand-tooled leather and classic clothing. Bark cloth and fine all cottons are featured. Available at a fraction of their original price, impeccably tailored silk evening jackets from Pittsburgh’s finest haberdashery can be found in the men’s section. A frequent shopper is children’s author and actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Samantha

In case you didn’t know, Pittsburgh is a vast resource for sensational movie attire and ornamental properties. Why pay New York prices when Hey Betty offers you the best for less! Check your parking meter, add coins as needed, then continue around the corner and several short blocks to Lily’s at 244 South Highland Avenue. Lily wrote her own background and I would like to share it with you. “I have been interested in picture frames, mosaics, cameos, perfume bottles and general antiques since 1963. I remember that year since it was the year that President Kennedy was shot and I went back to work. Mrs. Ethel Kochin, my mentor and one of Pittsburgh’s bestknown jewelry dealers, was my partner. We traveled the tri-state area for forty years doing a show a month! When Ethel moved to Florida, my son William and I

Lily

moved here. William manages the Internet while I am the ‘hands-on’ shop gal. I truly enjoy people and have a shop where there is something interesting for everyone. Please come see Lily!” Two doors away is Riverhouse Antiques. The genteel Lillian H. Goldsmith offers a gallery that is enlightening! If you desire that perfect table lamp, wall sconce or chandelier, this is the place. Lillian travels to London, frequents auctions, and procures “old money” estates. A smiling Soapstone Buddha, who guarantees the buyer tranquility along with good

luck, smugly shares space with a mixture of French influenced china, mirrors and furniture. The staff welcomes privileged consultations during non-business hours at your convenience. Well, this day trip must come to an end. We want to make it over the bridge and through the tunnel before the evening crush! Needless to say, this neighborhood proposes many more excursions. Recommended days for visits are Wednesday through Saturday. As you visit each establishment, look for printed material that showcases the East End. Contact the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce at 5907 Penn Avenue, to obtain a map and directory or telephone 412-661-9660 with inquiries.

Spring 2003

Photos by Mary Lynne Spazok

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Ward Redistricting within the Township On January 6, 2003, the Board of

Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 1881, thereby revising the ward boundary lines in four of the five wards within the Township. As set forth within the Charter, the Township is required to re-evaluate the ward population every ten years, utilizing the updated population figures as provided by the Census Bureau. The Township currently has a population of 20,053 residents, up from 19,692 calculated ten years ago. Under this program the total population is divided by the five existing wards, which are then aligned so that they are contiguous and nearly equal in population as practical. It was found that over the last ten years the 4th Ward has witnessed substantial growth in comparison to the other wards within the Township. This was attributed to the various expansion projects that have occurred at Friendship Village. In reconfiguring the ward boundaries in accordance with the state and local mandates many items were taken

into account. Consideration was given in keeping neighborhoods together whenever possible as well as maintaining current polling locations as permitted by current restrictions. The Allegheny County Department of Elections has reviewed the redesigned wards and will make the appropriate changes to the voting district boundaries over which they have jurisdiction. Listed below are the streets affected by the ward boundary changes as approved. Additional information, such as an address list by street, can be obtained by contacting the Department of Planning and Community Development or by visiting the Township’s website: www.twpusc.org. Also see map on page 88.

Streets within Area 1

Streets within Area 2

Lesnett Road Old Lesnett Road Aster Circle Rose Circle Old Meadow Road Mayview Road Morrow Road Oak Park Court

Hastings Mill Road Morton Road Ridgewood Road Glenwood Road Manor Drive Giant Oaks Drive Scenery Ridge Drive Woodsdale Drive Golfview Drive

A Family Easter Bunny Craft Party Saturday, April 5 10-11:15 a.m. $6 per child Register in person or by mail at the Recreation and Leisure Services Department 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Also see page 62. 86

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2003

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 12 Rain date—Saturday, April 19

At the three-hole municipal golf course

10 a.m.—Games, Crafts and Face Painting 11 a.m.—Egg Hunt Sponsored by the Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary in coorperation with the Recreation and Leisure Services Department and St. Clair Country Club. For more information call, 412-831-9000, extension 256. Also see page 19.

Terry Abbott

Lisa DeBartolo

Barbara Baker/ Bob Main

Bob Dini

Lynn Banbury

Sharon Capan/ Bill Holden

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Spring 2003

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COLDWELL BANKER www.pittsburghmoves.com

Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes! We’ll Beat Any Lender’s Price Or Pay You $500.* No Lender Fees Mortgage Galleria • 1-888-791-9079 Peters Township • 1-888-791-9080 South Hills • 1-888-791-9082 Upper St. Clair • 1-888-400-7965 1 year young Provincial, dramatic open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, 6 BR, 6+2 BA, FR, den, GR, 4 FP, 4 car garage! Ethel Levine 412-833-8000 $1,700,000

*A customer must provide a complete, system generated Good Faith estimate, listing a specific lender’s name that is dated the same day as the rate quoted by us. If such Good Faith Estimate indicates an equivalent or lower interest rate and closing costs package, for the same loan program that is offered by us, and we have verified the accuracy of the rate and fees listed then we will have the option of beating that lender’s total loan costs by $100 or paying the customer $500 when they close with that lender and provide us with a copy of the sighned Note and Final HUD-1 Settlement Statement.